“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”John 10:10 NIVhttp://bible.com/111/jhn.10.10.
What does it mean to live a life to the fullest? I have always looked at this to mean an abundance of things. To live life in America means to have stuff. That is not the meaning of John 10:10. Living life to its fullest only comes when we focus on Jesus and the life he has designed. Yes, that could mean some "things". We don't have those things for our glory, but for his. There is a huge difference.
I have been blessed with an abundant life with more than enough to provide joy. Most of that joy does not come from the things I have joy because of the people in my life. I have joy because I know the presence of Jesus every single day of my life. The ultimate promise comes in eternity. Life abundance does not end here on this planet. It ends in paradise with Jesus. My stuff will mean nothing when I get to heaven. I praise God he has a higher plan than just gaining material blessings here in the present. His way is perfect!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
I was blind.....
“A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I donʼt know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?””
John 9:24-27 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.9.24-27.niv
Are you critical of the people in the Bible? I certainly have been tough on them over the years. They seem so stubborn. The Pharisees are skeptical of everything and are blinded by there own stubbornness. They completely missed the savior of the world as he stood amongst them. They rejected his miracles and dismissed his ministry. They claimed to follow God and yet their lives were focused on themselves. Now that I think about it, they are exactly like me. I am stubborn. I am single minded and just don't trust the Lord's plans like I should. I hope I would recognize Jesus on our planet, but I'm just not sure. Lord forgive me!
Lord, help me open my eyes to your plan. Take the arrogance out of my heart. Fill me with your spirit and help me recognize you in every moment of my daily life. Help me recognize your voice and then to listen, really listen to your calls of action. May I be a blessing and not a hinderance to spreading the gospel. I love you Lord and praise you for your patience with me. Amen!
John 9:24-27 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.9.24-27.niv
Are you critical of the people in the Bible? I certainly have been tough on them over the years. They seem so stubborn. The Pharisees are skeptical of everything and are blinded by there own stubbornness. They completely missed the savior of the world as he stood amongst them. They rejected his miracles and dismissed his ministry. They claimed to follow God and yet their lives were focused on themselves. Now that I think about it, they are exactly like me. I am stubborn. I am single minded and just don't trust the Lord's plans like I should. I hope I would recognize Jesus on our planet, but I'm just not sure. Lord forgive me!
Lord, help me open my eyes to your plan. Take the arrogance out of my heart. Fill me with your spirit and help me recognize you in every moment of my daily life. Help me recognize your voice and then to listen, really listen to your calls of action. May I be a blessing and not a hinderance to spreading the gospel. I love you Lord and praise you for your patience with me. Amen!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Freedom!
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abrahamʼs descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.”
John 8:31-35 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.8.31-35.niv
Freedom
It sounds so peaceful, tranquil, complete. Are you truly free? Many people are slaves to their jobs, their daily routines, or their lifestyles. Much our society are slaves to debt, bad relationship, or illness. Our sinfulness with drugs, sex, and alcohol trap us deep into slavery.
Our freedom is won on the battlefield. In our country countless soldiers have died for our freedom and eternally Jesus has also given of himself to save us, to set us free. Both sacrifices are genuine and are treasured by me. Jesus sacrifice guides me everyday. I am no longer a slave to anything because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Do you want to be free? Do you want to feel the peace and tranquillity that you feel with freedom from the burdens of life. Jesus is that answer. Ask him to take over your life. Ask him to forgive you of your sins! Confess that he is Lord. Do it today!
John 8:31-35 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.8.31-35.niv
Freedom
It sounds so peaceful, tranquil, complete. Are you truly free? Many people are slaves to their jobs, their daily routines, or their lifestyles. Much our society are slaves to debt, bad relationship, or illness. Our sinfulness with drugs, sex, and alcohol trap us deep into slavery.
Our freedom is won on the battlefield. In our country countless soldiers have died for our freedom and eternally Jesus has also given of himself to save us, to set us free. Both sacrifices are genuine and are treasured by me. Jesus sacrifice guides me everyday. I am no longer a slave to anything because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Do you want to be free? Do you want to feel the peace and tranquillity that you feel with freedom from the burdens of life. Jesus is that answer. Ask him to take over your life. Ask him to forgive you of your sins! Confess that he is Lord. Do it today!
Monday, March 13, 2017
Connect and Share
“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” —1 Peter 3:15 NKJV
I don't know about you, but I have great hope for this world. I see young people every day of my life. I see my students have a passion for life, they like a good laugh, they like to better themselves, and they have a heart for others. That's quite a contrast to what you see on TV. For some reason the media focuses on the evil, violence sells. People love to read or watch stories of chaos.
We need to look past the differences that surround our lives. We need to see the good in people and use that goodness to share the Lord. We need to connect and share. I know God has given my life's experiences so I could relate to the lost. I have hope in mankind because of one thing, Jesus and he is coming back to rescue us. If Jesus loves everyone and the Bible says he does, why shouldn't I. I can't wait to head to paradise with as many people as I can. No more crying, no more failure, no more violence, no more chaos. We must be ready. Reach out, connect personally, look for opportunities, share from your own knowledge and experience. Share the gospel message!
The world needs to hear! Jesus is my savior and he can be yours too!
I don't know about you, but I have great hope for this world. I see young people every day of my life. I see my students have a passion for life, they like a good laugh, they like to better themselves, and they have a heart for others. That's quite a contrast to what you see on TV. For some reason the media focuses on the evil, violence sells. People love to read or watch stories of chaos.
We need to look past the differences that surround our lives. We need to see the good in people and use that goodness to share the Lord. We need to connect and share. I know God has given my life's experiences so I could relate to the lost. I have hope in mankind because of one thing, Jesus and he is coming back to rescue us. If Jesus loves everyone and the Bible says he does, why shouldn't I. I can't wait to head to paradise with as many people as I can. No more crying, no more failure, no more violence, no more chaos. We must be ready. Reach out, connect personally, look for opportunities, share from your own knowledge and experience. Share the gospel message!
The world needs to hear! Jesus is my savior and he can be yours too!
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Heal the Division!
“When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.”
John 7:40-44 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.7.40-44.
It saddens me that so many people don't know Jesus. It is even more sadden how many are militantly against Christ and his followers. We are all sinners. I don't know too many Christians that do not understand their own sinfulness. I have been to many churches in my life and no one preaches that sinners who do know Jesus are any better than sinners that don't. The pride that we have about being saved by Jesus does make us confident in our futures, but we know it has not changed our past. Our confidence might make us appear aloof, but I can assure you we know GRACE.
The world is spiraling away from Jesus. In part, our problem as believers is we are fighting the sin of the world. We are concentrating on eliminating the sins which greatly divides us from the non-believers. We are all deeply affected by the sin in this world. But, we are more deeply affected by those that do not know Jesus. As Christians we need to stop focusing on the SIN and focus on the SINNER. How can we help them know and have faith in the REAL SAVIOR? How can we share REAL LOVE with them? We need to bring people together under Christ! Dividing people by their level of sin is not going to help bring people to know Jesus. Speak the truth in Love. Share the message with Love. Be patient, kind, and demonstrate the GRACE of Jesus.
John 7:40-44 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.7.40-44.
It saddens me that so many people don't know Jesus. It is even more sadden how many are militantly against Christ and his followers. We are all sinners. I don't know too many Christians that do not understand their own sinfulness. I have been to many churches in my life and no one preaches that sinners who do know Jesus are any better than sinners that don't. The pride that we have about being saved by Jesus does make us confident in our futures, but we know it has not changed our past. Our confidence might make us appear aloof, but I can assure you we know GRACE.
The world is spiraling away from Jesus. In part, our problem as believers is we are fighting the sin of the world. We are concentrating on eliminating the sins which greatly divides us from the non-believers. We are all deeply affected by the sin in this world. But, we are more deeply affected by those that do not know Jesus. As Christians we need to stop focusing on the SIN and focus on the SINNER. How can we help them know and have faith in the REAL SAVIOR? How can we share REAL LOVE with them? We need to bring people together under Christ! Dividing people by their level of sin is not going to help bring people to know Jesus. Speak the truth in Love. Share the message with Love. Be patient, kind, and demonstrate the GRACE of Jesus.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Serving in the background
“Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view.”
John 7:6-10 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.7.6-10.
Ministry is about Jesus, not about you!
I have to admit there is personal gain when you are in ministry. The great feeling of joy when you are serving can be very addictive. That addiction can overshadow the real purpose. Jesus was asked to go to a festival to show off his ability to do miracles. He refused to go and be a circus sideshow act. He was sensitive to making sure his ministry was not used outside a Gods will. The funny thing is, he went privately. I love this visual. He wanted to do his ministry, but even Jesus wanted to serve in the background. We need to do the same.
I need to serve quietly and within the will of the Lord. It's not about me! I really need to work on this.
John 7:6-10 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.7.6-10.
Ministry is about Jesus, not about you!
I have to admit there is personal gain when you are in ministry. The great feeling of joy when you are serving can be very addictive. That addiction can overshadow the real purpose. Jesus was asked to go to a festival to show off his ability to do miracles. He refused to go and be a circus sideshow act. He was sensitive to making sure his ministry was not used outside a Gods will. The funny thing is, he went privately. I love this visual. He wanted to do his ministry, but even Jesus wanted to serve in the background. We need to do the same.
I need to serve quietly and within the will of the Lord. It's not about me! I really need to work on this.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
True Leadership
“When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.” John 6:14-15 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.6.14-15.
Leadership in our society is a lost art. So many people want to be leaders without having the skills of leadership. Just because you're popular or have a well known name doesn't make you a great leader. Sometimes it's more valuable NOT to be a leader but to work quietly in the background. Jesus gives us the perfect example of true leadership. He could have been King. He could have ruled the world, but chose not to. He led by serving. He did not make himself greater at the expense of others. He became our greatest leader of all time by denying his power and sacrificing his life on the cross for us. He is my king by turning down that job while he walked this planet. True leadership!
Praise God for his example!
Leadership in our society is a lost art. So many people want to be leaders without having the skills of leadership. Just because you're popular or have a well known name doesn't make you a great leader. Sometimes it's more valuable NOT to be a leader but to work quietly in the background. Jesus gives us the perfect example of true leadership. He could have been King. He could have ruled the world, but chose not to. He led by serving. He did not make himself greater at the expense of others. He became our greatest leader of all time by denying his power and sacrificing his life on the cross for us. He is my king by turning down that job while he walked this planet. True leadership!
Praise God for his example!
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
I don't need rules
“Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!””
John 5:9-10 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.5.9-10.nlt
I have always viewed the sabbath as a day of rest. That's not exactly correct. Really, the intent of this day is to worship the Lord. It is a day we should set aside to focus on the Lord. The Jewish leaders turned it into a legalistic trap. Unfortunately many view my Christian faith as nothing but a list of legalistic rules. They miss the love, the grace, and the forgiveness.
When I look back at my life with Jesus, no one needs to make a rule to set aside time with my savior. I just want to do it. I miss corporate worship when I don't get to. I miss time learning and studying the word and I miss time speaking with the God of the universe. I don't need rules to guide my faith.
John 5:9-10 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.5.9-10.nlt
I have always viewed the sabbath as a day of rest. That's not exactly correct. Really, the intent of this day is to worship the Lord. It is a day we should set aside to focus on the Lord. The Jewish leaders turned it into a legalistic trap. Unfortunately many view my Christian faith as nothing but a list of legalistic rules. They miss the love, the grace, and the forgiveness.
When I look back at my life with Jesus, no one needs to make a rule to set aside time with my savior. I just want to do it. I miss corporate worship when I don't get to. I miss time learning and studying the word and I miss time speaking with the God of the universe. I don't need rules to guide my faith.
Monday, March 6, 2017
My biggest problem is.......
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” —Romans 1:16 NKJV
I had a wonderful weekend. Saturday, my Christian Motorcyclist Association Chapter went around to the area motorcycle shops and prayed for them. We prayed with the owners / managers and really were blessed. I love this event because we are publicly praying. Not that I'm praying for show, but I am proud of the gospel and am not ashamed to share so all can see my God in action. In my 57 years of life I have seen that power first hand . I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I have been delivered from evil, but mostly I've been delivered from own dumb, sinful mistakes.
We always talk about Jesus saving us, but there is no more threat in my life than the sin that lives within me. I don't know of anyone that hasn't made some poor choices in life. God covers mine with his son. Come to the feet of Jesus. Dedicate your life to him, admit your sins, beg forgiveness, acknowledge Jesus is Lord, then feel the peace that your past is gone, your life will begin brand new!
I need to get rid of my biggest problem.........ME! God destroys the old me and begins to create a new ME ! Praise God!
I had a wonderful weekend. Saturday, my Christian Motorcyclist Association Chapter went around to the area motorcycle shops and prayed for them. We prayed with the owners / managers and really were blessed. I love this event because we are publicly praying. Not that I'm praying for show, but I am proud of the gospel and am not ashamed to share so all can see my God in action. In my 57 years of life I have seen that power first hand . I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I have been delivered from evil, but mostly I've been delivered from own dumb, sinful mistakes.
We always talk about Jesus saving us, but there is no more threat in my life than the sin that lives within me. I don't know of anyone that hasn't made some poor choices in life. God covers mine with his son. Come to the feet of Jesus. Dedicate your life to him, admit your sins, beg forgiveness, acknowledge Jesus is Lord, then feel the peace that your past is gone, your life will begin brand new!
I need to get rid of my biggest problem.........ME! God destroys the old me and begins to create a new ME ! Praise God!
Friday, March 3, 2017
How am I different?
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” —Mark 16:15 NKJV
Evangelism is about bringing others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It seems so obvious to me. Why would anyone want to follow Jesus? Specifically, if I profess to be a follower of Christ, how am I different? Can people tell, without words, that I am a follower of Christ?
We can not hope to bring others to Christ unless they see him active in our lives. They aren't going to see Jesus while we quietly sit in the back of a church. They will never ask! They will never say, "Man, I want what you have!". Yes, we need to share with words. We also need to share with our actions and maybe that is more important than any words we can use.
Dear Lord, help me to show the world what you have done in my life. You have changed me. My that change be so obvious that I will be a light for changing others. It's only by your grace and mercy that I am here today. I love you Lord. I praise you for this wonderful life I have. Amen!
Evangelism is about bringing others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It seems so obvious to me. Why would anyone want to follow Jesus? Specifically, if I profess to be a follower of Christ, how am I different? Can people tell, without words, that I am a follower of Christ?
We can not hope to bring others to Christ unless they see him active in our lives. They aren't going to see Jesus while we quietly sit in the back of a church. They will never ask! They will never say, "Man, I want what you have!". Yes, we need to share with words. We also need to share with our actions and maybe that is more important than any words we can use.
Dear Lord, help me to show the world what you have done in my life. You have changed me. My that change be so obvious that I will be a light for changing others. It's only by your grace and mercy that I am here today. I love you Lord. I praise you for this wonderful life I have. Amen!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Its ok to finish last!
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
John 3:30 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.3.30.nlt
This is a great goal for all of us. We need to make God greater in our lives and we must become less and less. I also think this needs to happen in many areas of our lives. Just because we CAN post comments on social media about politics or emotionally charged topics, doesn't mean we should. We don't need to be the star on the stage all the time. Our society is always about "me". We are known worldwide for our selfishness. Our leadership doesn't mean we need to be the center of attention. There is nothing more impressive to me than a leader that does so quietly and leads from the background. The louder you are does not equate to greater leadership. Life is not about us. It's about the Lord. It's okay for us to finish last.
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to realize I need to step back and let you be in charge of all areas of my life. You need to be more and I need to be less. Help me to serve as a quiet leader. Help me to put other second in my life after you. I need your help in moving my priorities on others instead of me. I love you Lord. I need you Lord. I praise you Lord! Amen!
John 3:30 NLT. http://bible.com/116/jhn.3.30.nlt
This is a great goal for all of us. We need to make God greater in our lives and we must become less and less. I also think this needs to happen in many areas of our lives. Just because we CAN post comments on social media about politics or emotionally charged topics, doesn't mean we should. We don't need to be the star on the stage all the time. Our society is always about "me". We are known worldwide for our selfishness. Our leadership doesn't mean we need to be the center of attention. There is nothing more impressive to me than a leader that does so quietly and leads from the background. The louder you are does not equate to greater leadership. Life is not about us. It's about the Lord. It's okay for us to finish last.
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to realize I need to step back and let you be in charge of all areas of my life. You need to be more and I need to be less. Help me to serve as a quiet leader. Help me to put other second in my life after you. I need your help in moving my priorities on others instead of me. I love you Lord. I need you Lord. I praise you Lord! Amen!
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