Friday, January 31, 2020

Holy Conduct and Godliness



2 Peter 3:11-12 “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

When I was asked to give my testimony at our church’s monthly Men’s Fellowship breakfast, I spent almost four days of honest soul searching and prayerful reflection of a Spirit-led life, which landed on a revelation that, whether speaking of your earthly family or your heavenly family, “whose you are has a direct bearing on who you are”. What is really important in life and living is built upon a foundation (solid, stable and strong or weak, shifting and unreliable). Over the years, I’ve seen, heard and experienced many issues, situations, teachings that cut through the distractions and rabbit trails to build godly wisdom and create peace. Know the difference between “right” and “wrong”, then choose to do what is “right” in the eyes of the Lord. Secular humanists, by nature, do what is right in the eyes of themselves. “If it feels good, do it” was the maxim of the godless existentialist, living for today and disregarding the past or the future. Yet, this life philosophy is aligned with the devil and in direct opposition to the sovereign Creator God. Which foundation are you standing and building upon? You cannot have both and the one you choose determines your bent towards life and direction of your walk.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 “ For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Hedonism is defined as the doctrine that personal pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good and pursuit in life. This ungodly belief system based upon pride is epidemic in society and easily manipulated to sway and/or control the masses. Love of “self” is a given. The commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” assumes that you already love and care for yourself. God created mankind, so there is a healthy love and care for that is natural, but excess of anything is unhealthy and has a negative affect. The commandment to “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me” by Jesus is to regulate the overindulgence and restore the balance that God intended for a joyful and fruitful life. The recognition and elimination of sinful vices returns us to a “right” relationship with God and man. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Start by standing on the “right” foundation. The Word of God is our Owner’s Manual with basic instruction on “How I Should Live” as a child of God, saved by grace through faith … faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And the “born again” Christian is given the Counselor (the indwelling Holy Spirit) to guide our hearts, minds and steps with love, joy and peace today.

Galatians 5:25-26 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

As sinners forgiven and saved, let us give praise, honor, glory and adoration to God by our unselfish lives, our righteous living and our holy attitude in both.

In Christ, Brian

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Angels for Higher – Part 2



Michael continues that Trevor's friends at high school nominated him for Homecoming King. When the votes were tallied, Trevor won the honor with the greatest landslide in school history.

Trevor had been bullied in high school, but thanks to the accusation and the hearing, the school was able to put a stop to it. He was honored to serve as Homecoming King and to kiss the Homecoming Queen.

After graduation, Robert looked for a job that his son could do. He decided to bring Trevor to an audition for a job as greeter for the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. Trevor had worked at Trader Joe's and Walmart as a shelf stocker.  The interviewer told Trevor, "I can teach anyone to stock shelves.  What I can't teach is an outgoing personality, genuine friendliness, and a beautiful smile. You have all these qualities. When can you start?" 

The president of the Angels after a few months gave Trevor a bonus of $500.  The Anaheim Ducks hockey team also decided that they needed a greeter. The Ducks' president said to the HR Manager, "There's a guy coming in for an interview tomorrow. I think you'll want to hire him." Trevor's been working for both the Angels and the Ducks ever since.

At a retreat in Malibu, the speaker challenged Robert, "Ask God what breaks your heart." Robert remembered that 90% of Down Syndrome babies are aborted. In some countries terrorists send Down Syndrome children into public places with bombs strapped under their coats. They are then blown up by remote control. Some countries vow to abort all Down syndrome fetuses in the womb to become 100% Down Syndrome free. God broke Robert's heart with these statistics and facts about how cultures devalue the lives of Down Syndrome children. He decided to form a charitable organization to promote the benefits of Down Syndrome children. Once Trevor asked. His dad, "Are you proud of me daddy?" Robert's response was, "I'm proud of you son.  More importantly, God is proud of you."

Trevor reminds us that Psalm 41:2 says, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” May our prayer be that we, like Trevor could worship and serve God unashamedly with reckless abandon.  Serve the Lord with a heart of gladness. Robert is thankful that God has graciously and mercifully blessed him to raise a son like Trevor.

May God richly bless you,
Your brother in Christ, Michael

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Angels for Higher – Part 1



This week, Michael write to us about the story of how Robert Hendershot grew up in a "dysfunctional Christian home." His father was an alcoholic. Robert's prayer was that he wouldn't follow in his father's footsteps.  Unfortunately, he became a heavy drinker. In high school and college he would often black out and not remember anything of the night before. He finally stopped drinking and met and married his wife Melissa. She helped him overcome his drinking problems and alcohol addiction.

Robert's second fear was that he wouldn't be a good father. When his wife delivered their first baby, the doctor came into the room and said, "You have a son." That was Robert's greatest moment of joy. The doctor's next sentence was, "He has Down Syndrome." He went from sheer joy to instant depression. From that moment, God has been teaching Robert what a gift of God his son Trevor is. Robert learned to love Trevor with all his heart. 

Once Robert received a call from his son's elementary school. The principal said that Trevor was caught cursing. Robert asked the principle, "what did he do?" The principle said, "He said "f### you. My daddy loves me!" The principal said that even though Trevor had been bullied, we have zero tolerance for that kind of language. Trevor said, "I'm sorry daddy."  Robert took his son for ice cream for standing up for himself. 

Trevor wanted to go to a Christian men's retreat but Robert didn't want to take him for fear that Trevor would do something inappropriate. At the retreat, Trevor asked his dad to share his testimony. Robert shared about his struggle with alcoholism and then sat down. Trevor came up to the microphone and started singing "Be Thou My Vision" out of key and dancing in front of the crowd. Robert grabbed his son, embarrassed, and sat down. The next day Robert was so embarrassed that he wanted to leave early. Men came up to him and asked, "where are you going?  Why are you leaving early?" Robert tried to explain how embarrassed he was about the night before. One guy said, "Are you kidding?  That was the greatest moment of the retreat. I wish I could sing like that with reckless abandon. Everyone in the audience was in tears."

Once while Trevor was in high school, the principle called Robert and Melissa to her office. Some bullies had been tormenting Trevor. They reported him to the principle for cursing at them. The bullies didn't think that Trevor would say anything against them. At the meeting were a police officer, the principal and the vice principal. Robert and Melissa brought Trevor as their witness. His mom had Trevor write down what the bullies had done to him to make him say a curse word. He wrote, "They called me 'stupid, they said I was 'retarded. They pushed me down on the ground and poured water on my head."  When they left the principal's office, the cheerleaders and the football team had made a banner that read "Go Trevor." The football captain told the bullies, "if you ever say or do anything to Trevor, we'll kick you all the way to Riverside, California."

Let's continue Michael "feel good" success story about Robert & Trevor in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Disciples & Servants


Mount Moran is a mountain in Grand Teton National Park of western Wyoming, USA

Matthew 10:24 “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”

During my testimonial message at our church Men’s Fellowship breakfast this last Sunday, I touched on a current live issue of discipleship being discussed by the membership and the pastoral staff. An article on the subject asks us to note the twofold relation of the believer to the Lord Jesus Christ expressed in this Bible verse above. It states that we are His disciples and servants; He is our Master and Lord. Each of the two relationships is vital. The word for “disciple” (mathētēs) means “pupil or student.” The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “disciple” as: a learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of a Rabbi. But, also a follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.

John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The word “master” (didaskalos) is the same as “teacher or instructor.” The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “master” as: A man who rules, governs or directs either men or business. A man who owns slaves is their master; he who has servants is their master; he who has apprentices is their master; he who has apprentices is their master, as he has the government and direction of them. The man who superintends and directs any business, is master, or master workman. The director of a school; a teacher; an instructor.  

Matthew 10:25 “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.”

The article concludes that the Lord Jesus, therefore, is our teacher, and He teaches us through His Word—the Holy Scriptures. It is our function to learn His teachings and, of course, to believe them. No Christian (one under the authority of Christ) has the right to reject or even to question one of the teachings of His Word. The lord-servant relationship goes even further. The word for “servant” (doulos) is actually “bond slave” and the focus is in the relationship, not the service. The “lord” (kyrios) of a slave was his owner; the word itself means “supreme ruler” and is the title commonly assigned to God Himself in the New Testament. Thus, if a disciple is to believe the word of his master without question, the servant is to obey the word of his lord without hesitation.

Luke 6:46-49 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

But the world scoffs at the teachings of God’s Word, and will try to persecute those who seek to follow them. The unbelieving world of Christ’s visitation—even the so-called religious world—responded to the teachings of the Master by ridiculing Him, then torturing Him, and finally hanging Him on a tree to die. John 17:18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” Yet we are to go to the same world with the same teachings? You bet! A disciple is a disciplined student/follower of Jesus Christ, and the three D's to a disciple's success are dedication, devotion and a heart-felt desire to obediently learn from and live for the Lord of lords and the King of kings.

Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Statement of Purpose



John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

It is universally accepted Schools, businesses, and institutions are all well-advised to develop and live by a “statement of purpose” if they are to be successful, evaluating each activity by its effectiveness in fulfilling that purpose. I remember setting purpose statements during my years working at the phone company.

One article stated that Christians, we should also have a well-defined purpose. IT pointed out that each individual’s specific purpose will vary somewhat, depending on that person’s giftedness, background, personality, experiences and circumstances; but since Christ is our example, each Christian’s statement of purpose should reflect His priorities and values.

In many ways, Mark’s gospel provides the most vivid and explicit insight into the work of Jesus, and in this book we see Jesus often repeating His statement of purpose. “Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying repent, and believe the gospel”. Jesus Christ had come with the specific purpose of saving the lost, and everything He did pointed to that end.

Mark 2:17 “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”.

The article points out that Christ not only preached to sinners, but He trained and sent out His followers to see that His mission was effectively carried out, even after He was gone. “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth and they went out, and preached that men should repent”. Regarding His approaching death, He explained: “The Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many”. As He left them, He commanded, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”.

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

 Our priorities should be the same as His. If everything we do points toward this end, His mission will thereby be accomplished. 

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Family Values


Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

This morning at our church’s monthly Men’s “Fella-Ship” Breakfast, I was asked to be the guest speaker for the event. In the talk, I told the group of 40+ gentlemen that I am a Baby Boomer, born in 1956 to “Depression Era” parents. You can not help when and where the good Lord places you in this world, but I loved my upbringing. My father, at 18 years old, came to California from Missouri to join the US Navy to defend our nation in World War 2 and remained until the end of the Korean War. My mother came to California from Oklahoma with her parents as a child during the “Dust Bowl” period to look for work. My parent met on a blind date at a dance club in Long beach, California, while he was on “shore leave” out of the San Diego Navel base. He actual was set up with another young lady, but another sailor asked if they could change dance partner because his girl was too tall.

They ended up marrying and had three children; all boys, which I am the youngest. After the war, my father hired on with AT&T as a Lineman in Orange County, California, parents settled into a new house in Anaheim, California, where I was reared and raised. Being that both of my parents came from family that were poor during the Depression Era of the United States, they respected the value of a dollar and taught essential core family values of morals, ethical behavior, manners, truthfulness and a strong work ethic. Solid family ties helped form our identity of who we were, based upon “whose” we were.

John 1:12-13 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

I explained at the Men’s event that the same is true for our relation with our Heavenly Father. Those who accept the free gift of Salvation through the atoning and redeeming death of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (aka Believers), are grafted into the family of God. The Word of God communicates and teaches us the core values of godly morality, saintly ethical behavior, devout manners, pious truthfulness and a holy work ethic. Solid family ties helped form our identity of who we are, based upon “whose” we are.

May we live out our strong family values.

In Christ, Brian 

Saturday, January 25, 2020

A Successful Plan



Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

This last Sunday, Pastor Obie returned to the pulpit to give us a new message in the “2020 Vision” sermon series. He reminded us of the iconic line from the old TV series “The ‘A’ Team”, when team leader John “Hannibal” Smith said: “I love it when a plan comes together”. Actually, statistics show that only about 8% of people succeed in reaching their goals; 92% fail. Those who managed to reach their goals did so by having a plan. What we fail to realize though, is that God is actually directing our steps. So, have a plan, but hold it loosely to go where the Lord leads. Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

The Hebrew word here for “plan” is “machashabah” translated as “contrivance, plans” and conveys the idea of design, purpose, intention and thought. Psalm 139:13-17 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” We were designed and created with plan, purpose and a well-thought out end goal.

Pastor Obie gave us the three “D”s of a successful plan. (1) Define an accurate starting line, a clear finish line, and a hard deadline. We should always have a goal of improving our relationship with the Lord. Understand where you are now to begin with for reality, in order to find a course of action towards reaching the goal. Write down that goal and the plan to achieve it. Are you going to get there? How and when? The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline. (2) Discover the main discipline that will lead to the most progress. Proverbs 13:6 says, “Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.” Seek out the best route to complete the task at hand. Repeat the main discipline or habit over and over. What is the main discipline (the one lead measure) to get to the goal? Discover it and solicit help and advise. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

1 Kings 2:3 “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.”

(3) Diligently implement systems over strategies. Have an idea on how to get from point “A” to point “B”, and a steady process to get there. Consistency plus time equals results. Every reasonable goals is reachable with a plan. Eliminate distractions and delegate responsibilities. You have to “clean house” by eliminating distractions in order to stream line your path to success in life. Delegate tasks will keep the responsibility on you, Delegating responsibility gives them away. Old, bad habits are hard to die, but they must. God has something new that He wants to do in your life. The Christians overarching plan should be : “Seek first the kingdom of God”. Are your plans in line with God’s plans?

God, reign and my life, reveal and change any of my plans not aligned with your perfect Word, Will and Way.
In Christ, Brian

Friday, January 24, 2020

Mercy and Not Sacrifice



Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

A devotion pointed out that the Lord Jesus called all who would be His disciples to "learn from me, and we must learn when we become Christians. The Lord stressed that God cared nothing about the ritualistic offering of animal sacrifices, as such, but rather desired understanding of the meaning of those sacrifices, accompanied by the motivating love and faith of a repentant heart. He referred them back to their own Scripture: "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6). This is the most difficult but most basic lesson to learn by one seeking forgiveness and salvation.


Thursday, January 23, 2020

Godly Sorrow


New landscape photography woods winter scenes ideas #photography #landscape 
 
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

I read that in one of the most important passages in the New Testament regarding repentance, Paul uses essentially the same phrase three times to express what he means by repentance: He rejoices that the Corinthian believers were made “sorry after a godly manner”, calls it a “godly sorrow”, claiming that they “sorrowed after a godly sort”. This phrase could literally be translated “sorrow according to God,” which leads to repentance. Such sorrow is contrasted to the “sorrow of the world that worketh death” (v. 10), which is a mere regret of consequences or remorse of conscience, which does not yield repentance (sorrow that I got cauht), but only despair. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation” (v. 10).

Luke 5:31-32 “And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “repentance” as: 1. Sorrow for any thing done or said; the pain or grief which a person experiences in consequence of the injury or inconvenience produced by his own conduct. 2. In theology, the pain, regret or affliction which a person feels on account of his past conduct, because it exposes him to punishment. This sorrow proceeding merely from the fear of punishment, is called legal repentance, as being excited by the terrors of legal penalties, and it may exist without an amendment of life. 3. Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence. This is called evangelical repentance, and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life. Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.

Just as godly sorrow leads to repentance, so should the blessings of God. Romans 2:4 New asks, “do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” God desires repentance on the part of the sinning one and is free to use whatever vehicle He chooses to bring it about. Real repentance involves a recognition of sin as a crime against God and a violation of His holy nature. Our recognition of this fact brings godly sorrow that leads inevitably to a change of mindset toward the sin and a heart-felt confession of it as sin, and this brings forgiveness from God.

Christ taught that this “sorrow according to God” brings great joy Heaven: “Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10).

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The Heart of the Matter – Part 2


Picture perfect snowy wonderlands around the world to get you into the festive spirit. #russia #Siberia #happynewyear

Michael continues that it's easy to be consumed by so-called "righteous indignation."  However, righteousness is only in Jesus Christ. To make progress in our salvation we must work out the spirit of Christ in us. Working out the spirit means to walk according to the Word of truth found in the Bible. Work means that we must make a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional effort to walk in proximity with our Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessing those who persecute you" is working out our salvation.

There's a lesson from the scene in the movie, "The Pink Panther." Inspector Crusoe asked the man at the hotel, "Does your dog bite?" The man answered, "no." When Crusoe reached down to pet the dog, the dog growled and bit his hand. "I thought you said your dog didn't bite," said Crusoe.  The man replied, "He's not my dog." The adversary (the devil) uses this same ploy. He says, "go ahead and find pleasure in sin." He won't tell you that Sin always bites back. The devil will promise the world and everything in it. However, what doth it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.

God loves to help us to be patient, kind, and merciful. Our heart will be restless until we find our rest in Him. We cannot begin to seek the Lord until He's already found us. He's the hound of heaven who will pursue us until we're ready to turn to Him. He will cultivate in our heart a hunger for the fruit of the Spirit. The beginning of working it out is "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me and the life that I now live I live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."

Jesus said, there is none good, no not one. However, Jesus Christ himself, who was without sin, became the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf that we may become the righteousness of God in him. Do all things without grumbling and complaining. The language of Heaven is encouragement. According to Ephesians 4, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 

An attitude of gratitude is the secret to living the abundant life. All God requires is that we fill our hearts with awe and gratitude. That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.  May our prayer be according to Psalm 19:  "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto thee O Lord my strength and my redeemer."

May God richly bless you!
Your brother in Christ, Michael

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The Heart of the Matter – Part 1


Outdoor Travel ideas Beautiful winter morning and I dont like winter

This week, Michael writes that the matters of the heart are the heart of the matter. Joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God. The bible says, "in everything give thanks." Nine out of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed were ungrateful. Most people don't think about being thankful. It's difficult to maintain a heart of awe and gratitude unless we focus on God's goodness, grace and mercy. It's only hard when we harden our hearts. Grumbling and complaining is the language of the World. However, it's not the language of heaven. Sarcasm and complaining will kill a heart of awe and gratitude. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What's the condition of your heart? 

It's easy to remember words that hurt us; when we're scolded, reprimanded and humiliated.  However, God expects extreme obedience with no complaining or questioning on our part and no explanation on His. Our challenge is to "keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of the heart are the issues of life." It's not how we endure hard times that matters, but rather how we react to the trials of life. When we're wronged, forgiveness means to forgive the unforgivable. Love means to love the unlovable. This is the example of Jesus Christ himself, for in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.

Whenever we sin, God will give the world permission to rebuke us. These are difficult lessons to learn in life. According to Philippians 2:12-15 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

As men and women of God, through the journey of life we need "adjustments."  This is why we go to church and fellowship with like-minded believers.  In the presence of other men and women of God, "if the reproof fits, wear it." In order to be blessed, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. How do we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling?  First we must humble ourselves under the Lord. We were not designed to fight the troubles of this world and the spiritual power of the adversary. Our strength is only in Him. According to Isaiah 40, they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up on wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.


Let's continue Michael's message on the heart of the matter  in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Monday, January 20, 2020

Redeemed from Rebellion



Psalm 107:2-3 “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.”

A short devotional today points to a cycle of God’s mercy and love for us. It unpacked this Psalm of praise for God’s providence centers around God’s deliverance from particular problems. In each case, the individuals prayed for deliverance that resulted in God’s miraculous rescue and a response of praise. This cycle reminds us of the pattern during the time of the Judges when “every man did what was right in his own eyes”. Due to their rebelliousness, God brought the people of Israel into captivity over and over again. Each time, in the midst of their oppression, they cried unto the Lord, who raised up a judge and empowered him to vanquish the enemy and free the people.

The devotional brings to our attention that the exact same pattern can be found in Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the temple. He recognized man’s tendency to rebel and forget the Lord’s provision when things are going well, thus eliciting God’s judgment. But God has always used times of trouble to bring men and women back to Himself. He is a God of grace and mercy and love, desiring to forgive and restore those who repent and call to Him for deliverance.

Bringing this reality into our current application, the same truth applies today. We still tend to rebel, and He remains long-suffering, willing to forgive and restore upon repentance. “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). Thanks be to God.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

What is your WHY? – Part 2

When you get first tracks on the slope as the sun rises.  It’s the closest thing to Heaven on Earth there is.

Proverbs 3:5-8 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”

Continuing, Pastor Kyle explains that the only true obedience comes from the heart; where you don’t think, speak and act out of strict following of commands and rules, but from willfully desiring to do them from the heart with loving joy. The heart can turn or turn back. The natural man from sinful fallen humanity has a natural tendency to be distracted from the things of God. The same 1828 Webster’s dictionary further states that “Religion”, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law. Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Trust turns to God. The storms of life will come, and God carries us through the storm, but comfort comes after the storm.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Sometimes trusting and obeying God means doing the opposite of what feels natural. You may not feel like you are winning and may even feel that it is getting worse. But, the dividends and yields of obedience to God and His Holy Word are like long-term investing, which increases over time. Invest your life in the ways of the Lord.

Proverbs 3:9-12 “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Investing your life in the Lord includes honoring the Lord with the first-fruits of your wealth; giving back a portion of what He has first given us. Never withhold good from God or mankind when it is in your control to do so. Be a relational bridge builder rather than a bridge burner. It all comes down to this: What is your “Why?” If you don’t know where you are going, then your “what” will break down. Is it what God wants? Trust God.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

In Christ, Brian



Saturday, January 18, 2020

What is your "Why"?


Proverbs 3:1-4 “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”

This last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued in our 2020 Vision sermon series. There is an old saying that the only thing that never changes is the fact that everything changes. Though we know from verses like Malachi 3:6a “For I the Lord do not change.” that God never changes, our lives experience many changes over time. In our striving for consistency and growth in life, we need to ask “Why?” things happen, are the standards and are important. Knowing the “whys” in life and living gives us faithful purpose and positive direction that when the changes in life happen, we make smooth transitions. Everyone would say that they would want a better life and better relationships in it.

Religion as defined in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion. So, religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. I heard the religion is mankind’s attempt to reach God by godly living. Others have stated that religion says to “do more” and “try to be better”. But, these simplified lack the godly belief and heart dedication, devotion and desire that drive the righteous and holy actions. Everyone would say they want the favorable results that come from keeping a “right” relationship with God, but few embrace the responsibility it takes to get there.


Deuteronomy 6:4-7 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Let's continue Pastor Kyle's message on our "WHY" in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Friday, January 17, 2020

The Sinner's Prayer



Luke 18:13 “The tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”

This issue of ultimate important for salvation was explained in an old article that I came across today. It explained that the Sinner's Prayer (also called the Consecration Prayer  and Salvation Prayer) is an evangelical non-Christian term referring to any prayer of repentance, prayed by individuals who feel convicted of the presence of sin in their lives and have the desire to receive redeeming forgiveness, salvation and form or renew a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Evangelists and pastors have often urged lost men and women to pray this "sinner's prayer" if they desired to be saved. The account does say that this publican, after praying thus, "went down to his house justified".

But there is more here than appears on the surface. It is not merely God's mercy that is needed for He has already been merciful to let sinners continue to live at all. The word “hilaskomai” translated "merciful" is used only one other time in the New Testament and is there translated "to conciliate, to atone for, make reconciliation for." Speaking of the saving work of Christ, it says that He came "to make reconciliation for the sins of the people". It is also closely related to the words for "propitiation" and "mercy seat."

This parable of the Pharisee and the publican is set in the context of the Jewish temple worship, where sinners would bring their sacrificial offerings to cover their sins, knowing from Leviticus 17:11 that "it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul". Such sacrifices were completely worthless, however, if offered in a spirit of religious pride and/or self-righteousness, like those of the Pharisee. There must be repentance (real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life) and faith in God's promise of forgiveness through the death of an innocent substitute, pre-figuring the true Lamb of God whose coming death would truly make eternal reconciliation for the sins of the people. The publican prayed in this vein, and he was saved.

In our day, on the other side of the cross, a sinner's saving prayer must say, in effect: "God, be propitiated to me on the basis of the death of Christ for my sins." Such a prayer, offered in sincere repentance and faith in God's promise, brings justification before God.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Change of Mind




1 Samuel 15:29 [God[, “the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for He is not a man, that He should repent."

I read that there are a number of Scriptures that speak of God repenting. For example, in the days before the great Flood, "it repented the Lord God that he had made man on the earth" (Genesis 6:6). In the same chapter containing our text, God said: "It repents me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments" (1 Samuel 15:11). Yet the Scriptures plainly teach that God changes not. "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent" (Numbers 23:19). Bible critics have made much of this apparent "contradiction" in the Bible.

The article stated that there is no contradiction, of course. The words translated "repent" in both Old and New Testaments are used of actions which indicate outwardly that a "change of mind" has occurred inwardly. It is precisely because God does not repent concerning evil that His actions will change toward man when man truly repents (this human "repentance" can go either way, changing from good to evil, or vice versa), and God will respond accordingly, since He cannot change His own mind toward evil.

Thus, He said concerning national repentance: "If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them" (Jeremiah 18:8). Good news! That is, if the nation truly repents, then God will change His own projected course of action. He seems outwardly to "repent," specifically because He cannot repent in His inward attitude toward good and evil.

God has greatly blessed America in the past, but are America's people blessing God?" Will America, whose National Motto is “In God We Trust”, faithful honor and respect the Creator of Heaven and Earth, their Maker, or compromise to the darkness of sin and unbelief found in atheistic secular humanism? May we repent of such prideful arrogance and remain faithful and true to the Almighty’s Word, Will and Way in a fallen world, shinning like a light on a hills for all to see and find their way to life and the kingdom of God. Change of mind towards and for the Lord.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Gospel is Good News and Bad News - Part 2

‘christmas comes but once a year’ - Jessica Lim - Medium

In the Bible, after King David sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed, David lived in sin for a season. God gave the prophet Nathan a story to tell David. Nathan told King David about a man in his kingdom who had only one possession ... a little ewe lamb whom he raised and loved like his own daughter. Then a rich man who had flocks of sheep entered the poor man's house, stole his little lamb, killed it and served it to his rich guests. David had been a Shepherd, so this story enraged the king. He said, "The rich man deserves to die." Then Nathan stuck his finger in David's chest and said, "You are the man." This story broke David's heart.  It brought David to the point of repentance.

There are times in every man and woman's life when God will allow someone to come along side and stick a finger in our chest for godly correction of something “wrong” in their life (wrong in the eyes of the Lord). This is the prerequisite for true repentance (Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence.) This is called evangelical repentance, and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life. In Psalm 51, David recorded his prayer of repentance ... be gracious unto me O Lord, according to your loving kindness and tender mercies.  Blot out my transgressions and create in me a new heart O Lord." When we repent we understand that the Lord, our God loves us not because of what we've done, but because His nature is grace, mercy, and love. 

The unforgiven heart is an unforgiving heart. Jesus Christ has given us something that we did not deserve – grace; the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him combined with Divine influence or the influence of the Spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ, who was without sin, became the perfect sin sacrifice on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him. Because we have been forgiven, we can give grace to others towards renewing their heart and restraining from sin. We can give to others from a heart of love because God has created within us a new and godly heart. The good news of the gospel is that we've been called as His living epistles (letters from God) known and read of all men and women. They may not hear what you say but they'll read what you do in thought, word and action.

An old hymn was written by John Wesley to teach his biblically illiterate congregation the Christian doctrine. He wrote "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" to celebrate God's salvation. This is the song of a heart on fire for the Lord as his living epistles:

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace! My gracious master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, to spread to all the earth abroad, The honors of thy name!

May this be our prayer and our anthem to ignite our hearts to share the God’s gospel of the grace in a lost and dying world that so desperately needs it. 
May God richly bless you!

Your brother in Christ, Michael

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Gospel is Good News and Bad News - Part 1


#snow #winter #forest #nature #pinecones #winterlandscape #snow #winter #forest #nature #pinecones

This week, Michael writes that after Jesus sent out seventy disciples to prepare the cities before him, they reported back excited and “on fire” emotionally that they had performed miracles and cast out demons in His name. Jesus said, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning ... however rejoice not because the demons are subject to you through my name, but because your names are written in the book of life.

What are you excited about?  What sets your soul on fire? If you're working on works to ignite your soul, then the fire will burn out quickly. According to the Christian writer Oswald Chambers, the ultimate reality is the "rugged reality" of redemption. Most men and women do things out of duty to live the Christian life.  They don't eagerly run to their Lord Jesus Christ from a heart of love. The most difficult thing for a missionary is to keep their heart right with the Lord ... to say, "here am I Lord, send me.  My heart's desire is to do thy will."

If you come to the Word of God from duty and obligation, then you're under law and not under grace. Under the law of obligation everything is a burden.  However, Jesus said, "come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Ninety percent of evangelism and ministry is serving from a heart of love. According to Oswald Chambers in his devotional for February 1, the life of a Christian is on display for his Lord Jesus Christ. There is no running and hiding from the spirit of the Lord. God intended us to be living epistles known and read of all men and women. For ye are the salt of the earth, ye shine as lights in a world of darkness.

The world will turn its back on righteousness. For that which is of the world is contrary to the spirit of life in Christ. For those who want to be like the God-rejecting world, there is a "Christ-less Christianity." If the Word of God is not the center of the message in church, then it's not about Him, it's about entertainment.  In the church of the living God, we're living for an audience of one ...our worship is for Him alone. The gospel message is about good news and bad news. The bad news is that we're sinners and that the wages of sin is eternal death. For it is appointed for all men once to die and then comes the judgment. To come to the Lord, we must come to the point that we know that without God we're hopeless and helpless in a world of darkness.

Let's continue Michael's message on the Gospel in the next post.
In Christ, Brian

Monday, January 13, 2020

The Repentant Thief



Luke 23:42-43 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Many times, we read the account of the two thieves on the crosses on each side of Jesus and miss the point. One commentary on this passage states that one of the two thieves on the cross continued in unbelief right up until the time he died, but the second repented and believed unto salvation. The one assures us that no one need despair, since it is always possible to accept Christ at any time before death. The other warns us, on the other hand, that no one should presume. Long-continued rebellion against God is likely to become so fixed in one’s character that sincere repentance may become impossible.

Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

The key point for us is that the repentant thief, beholding Christ and hearing the first of the seven so-called “words from the cross”, came to believe that Jesus truly was Lord and that He could, indeed, grant forgiveness and salvation. The penitent thief had no opportunity to be baptized, to change his lifestyle, or to do anything whatever except repent, believe on Christ, and confess his faith. And that was sufficient!  Both thieves would die that day, and the soul of the unrepentant thief would soon descend into Hades, there to await condemnation at the future judgment day. The other, because of his trust in Christ, would go with Him to paradise.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

The commentator explains that the tragedy communicated here is that far too many people, assuring themselves that it is never too late, keep waiting until it becomes forever too late! The overwhelming majority of people who come to trust in Christ for salvation do so when they are young. Very few come to the Lord when they are old or about to die. Like the repentant thief, be a repentant Sinner that trusts in the Savior of the world as the blessed Redeemer and Lord of your life, having your whole life transformed by accepting the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Discipleship 101


Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

This week, our Small Group Bible Study started back up from a holiday break. The video presented that night was one on the Lord’s Prayer and remembered when we used to recite it daily in Elementary school (before the US Supreme Court banded the practice in the 1960’s). In our group discussion after the video presentation, talk focused to the systematic removal of all mention of Christianity within the Public School system and the steady degeneration of moral values, ethical behavior and courteous manners since, when the worse problems in school were running in the halls, talking in class and chewing bubble gum. Compare that to today’s problems of drug use, weapons and shootings, sexual promiscuity, and bullying. What was the root cause of the changed? Sin.

Our discussion then migrated to role of the Christian church in our society to influence and affect our culture for Jesus Christian. Being politically correct in a God-rejecting world system is not the mission of the Great Commission by Christ. Our Associate Pastor voiced earlier his concern about the biblical illiteracy within the church today to another small group gathering. The question arose: What is our church doing today to make disciple of all nations, starting within our own church campus discipleship. Bore baptisms, are there a class explaining what the sacrament of Baptism truly means and does? It ain’t just a dip to get wet! Also, what is the follow-up discipleship of this newly baptized Christian, who just began their walk with the Lord? What is the plan, the program and the process of making disciples and guiding them on paths of righteous growth and maturity?

It starts by defining the terms. The word “Disciple” is defined in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary as: 1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Jesus Christ. 2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called His disciples, as they profess to learn and receive His doctrines and precepts. “Discipleship” is the state of a disciple or follower in Christian doctrine and precepts.


A couple days later, I had a lunch meeting with that Associate Pastor to discuss the questions raised at our Small Group Bible Study and he told me that it was a Divine coincidence that he had brought up the exact same issue at this week’s church staff meeting. The re-institution of the “discovering Church” seminars for new members, introducing pre-Baptism sessions and post-Baptism follow-up lessons, and establishing discipleship classes, along with Bible Study courses are now in the planning process for mapping, organizing and implementation this first quarter of the year. It is not about getting head-knowledge and following rules, the ministry of transforming lives a heart filled with the Holy Spirit, overflowing in holiness and righteousness in the love of God and the love of our fellow man. The goal is to glorify God and advance the kingdom of Heaven in our culture by discipleship that brings others to a "saving" knowledge of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission. Be a disciple that makes a disciple for Christ's sake.

In Christ, Brian



Saturday, January 11, 2020

Worriless



Proverbs 1:2-7 “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Last Sunday, Pastor Kyle preached a New Year’s sermon on our 2020 vision. A new year and a new decade has began, yet do you realize how remarkable it is that the Earth rotates in an understandable and predicable pattern, that we can track time and determine one year. But strangely, the older we get, “time flies” and the shorter days seem to become. We know that in the Bible account of creation in Genesis, death was not in the original design by Creator God. Sin entered with the original sin of Adam and Eve, which ushered in death as the penalty for sin. Similarly, life’s problems follow predicable and understandable patterns … life patterns.

Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”

Many of our “presenting” problems are based on unresolved conflicts. There is a pattern underneath the conflict. Life’s riddles confuse and confound us, which causes us to struggle. We experience difficult problems, which we struggle to see clearly. Yet, we need to strive to live “worry-free” lives and worry less in the process, understanding and living out life issues with applied godly wisdom. We can live secure and at ease as we tune into God’s voice. Know that God has wisdom to help solve our life problems.

Proverbs 1:7-32 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The “fear” spoken of here is reverence. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “Reverence” saying: The fear acceptable to God, is a filial fear, an awful reverence of the divine nature, proceeding from a just esteem of his perfections, which produces in us an inclination to His service and an unwillingness to offend him. This produces a reverential fear of “letting God down”. The reverent fear of the Lord is the foundation and that reverent fear is respect. Jesus said in Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23 “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” dread and indifference are the opposite on reverence and mock God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and there is no love in it. .

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”

We hear of and may experience the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, or the fear of harm by others, which are associated with alarm, fright, apprehension, horror, panic, terror, and trepidation. But, godly fear is healthy because it drives us to do the “right” things in the eyes of the Lord and produces love, joy and peace in true security within our heart, mind and soul. If the foundation of our faith and life is wrong, than what is built upon it will not stand long in the storms of life in this fallen, sinful world. But, the life built upon the Lord stands the tests and tempests in this age and eternally to make us worriless.

In Christ, Brian



Friday, January 10, 2020

The Proof




1 John 2:3 "And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

Jesus once asked this poignant question, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" I read that a familiar complaint of those who despise Christian teaching is that "Christians" don't act like the definition of Christians: “A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.”! It is a sad commentary on the condition of the Lord's family when the ungodly are more aware of the expected behavior of God's people than the Christians are.

Deuteronomy 12:28 “Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.”

Of course, the issue is not unique to the New Testament times. Israel's historical saga is replete with seasons of rebellion and repentance—so much so that the psalmist in Psalm 78:6-8 prayed that the generation to come ,,, “might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments: and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.”

Deuteronomy 26:17 “Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice.”

The articles stated that the emphasis by the Apostle John in his first epistle, however, is not on the reasons for willful disobedience, but on the results of willing obedience. Walking in the "light" ensures fellowship. Constant and willing obedience produces an effective prayer life. A lifestyle of obedience brings an awareness of the Holy Spirit's indwelling. Loving God produces obedience, which in turn brings joy in that obedience. Our deeds show whom we serve. Our righteous deeds prove whom we serve. Obedience is the proof.

John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”



Wednesday, January 8, 2020

His Mission: Our Commission



This week, Michael write that Mama always said, "Be careful who your friends are, because whatever they're like you'll be like." According to Scripture, "bad company corrupts good morals." In our Christian "brotherhood & sisterhood," I'm here because you're here.  You make others want to be a better man or woman. The Christian ministry is a Journey for men and women who want to abide with Christ.  The Prophet Isaiah received revelation about Jesus' mission.

Isaiah 61:1-3 says, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

Jesus Christ came to fulfill this prophecy. He defined His mission by opening His ministry with a quote from this passage in Luke 4: 17-19. At His first coming He came "to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."  He will fulfill the rest of this prophecy at His second coming. Jesus' mission was to "Proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound...to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." As we grow in our vertical relationship with Christ, our intimate relationship with Christ allows us to live graciously and lovingly with the ones we love. 

According to Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission is, "Go ye therefore into all the world and make disciples of all men, baptizing them ....and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world."  In Acts. 1:8, the disciples asked Jesus when he would return. Jesus said, "that's in God's timing, but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and unto the uttermost part of the world."  The witness is in the new life in Christ when He is the object of our faith. We've been sanctified, and set apart for His purpose when we enter into His presence. Oswald Chambers said the "rugged reality" is redemption in Christ.  For we've been bought with a price. We're no longer our own, but Christ lives in us and through us when He calls us according to His purpose. After Jesus said that you'll be my witnesses, He was lifted up out of their sight. 

We're witnesses by how we react to the difficult times in our lives. Through our trials others will see that He is our peace through the storm ... that He's the healer of broken hearts. Continuing in Acts 1, As the disciples were looking up, two men in white asked them, "Why are you looking intently into the sky?  He will come again in like manner."  Our hope is in looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, He's called us to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. If our commitment is to the Great Commission, things that used to bother us no longer matter. Hurts and disappointments no longer turn into bitterness and resentment. We take on the new nature of our Resurrected Lord. His nature is grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Our witness is to walk in the newness of life. Upon this journey to abide with Him and to walk with Him, He will change our hearts to be witnesses of the gospel of Christ.

May God richly bless you!
Your brother in Christ, Michael