Roseville Church of the Nazarene

Greetings in Christ,

  I can see why many people think the Bible is a fairy tale story.  It is hard sometimes to comprehend the details of the stories in the Bible.  The details can be so farfetched in belief it is hard to believe a God would intervene in people’s lives the way He does. 

  Take for example King Hezekiah was told by Isaiah he was going to die.  King Hezekiah was saddened by the news and began to pray to God.  God heard his prayer and told Isaiah to tell King Hezekiah he would live for another fifteen years.  King Hezekiah did not accept Isaiah’s word alone, but rather wanted a sign from God it would happen.  King Hezekiah wanted a shadow on a stairway to turn back ten steps, and the shadow moved back ten steps along with his extended years.  We read that story and are amazed at just how things turned out, but it can be hard to imagine it happening today.

  Another example of a story told in Acts.  Peter had been held in jail so Herod could make an example of him to the Jews.  Peter was in the jail chained between two guards, with many guards standing at the jail cell door, and the entrance to the jail making sure no one entered to free Peter.  In walks an angel.  He walked past all the guards and taps Peter on the shoulder.  Then suddenly the chains fall off Peter freeing him from the guards.  Peter gets dressed and the angel walks him past all the guards to a safe place within the city and then just disappears.  Even Peter thinks he is seeing a vision.  We read that story and are amazed at just how things turned out, but it can be hard to imagine it happening today.

  Another example of a story told in Luke describing Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead.  Jesus has just started His ministry in a new area, and He was not well known.  As Jesus was entering the city of Nain, He witnessed a funeral procession heading out of town.  He stopped and heard the widow crying and asked the procession to stop.  He commanded the young man to rise from the coffin, and he sat up in the coffin.  Jesus had raised the son from the dead and gave him back to his mother.    We read that story and are amazed at just how things turned out, but it can be hard to imagine it happening today.

  I can see why it is hard for some people to believe God can work in people’s lives the way He does.  It takes a belief which must go beyond ourselves into the supernatural and beyond the science of things we can put our finger on physically.  It takes a belief in something omniscient which does not rely on the things of this earth to work.  It takes a belief in God who is creator of life and has the ability to command anything to happen.

  It is hard to believe God would work in a manner just as described in the Bible today.  We take for granted the miracles which happen before us every day in medical advances and technology.  We forget it is God who gave mankind the intelligence to think and to rationalize, to build and create material goods, and to have freedom of choice, but it is this freedom of choice which gets us into trouble.  It is our choice to accept God for Who He is, or to not to accept Him at all.

  God is still God, and He is still in command.  The only difference between yesterday and today is the people in the Bible believed in God who could do anything He wanted, and they believed it to the point they prayed for God to work in their lives as they asked for it to happen. 

  God can only work in our lives to the point we believe He can work.  If we do not accept God for Who He is, we will never see Him work today.  We will never see just how God intervenes in the lives of people who believe in Him.  Jesus said all it took was faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain.  How big is our faith?  All it takes is a mustard seed size to believe.  

  “I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever.  Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.  Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.  On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.  The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.  The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.  All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, and Your godly ones shall bless You.  They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; to make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”  Psalm 145:1-13

  Lord may we have the faith to believe You will work in our lives just as You have for those in the Bible.  May we rejoice in Your mighty acts You will do for us.  Amen

  Blessings,

Greetings in Christ,

  In the English language we have many ways of describing the composition of a sentence.  We have nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, predicate, direct and indirect subjects just to name of few portions which make up a sentence.  If you are good at English, you can define all the portions of a sentence and label the appropriate sections of the sentence.  This is not an English lesson, but rather just a way to lead into the subject of the devotional.

  Love is a verb.  Many want to put it into the category of being a noun, but the true meaning of love is always in a verb state.  A verb is the action portion of the sentence, and love is a verb since it is an action and not a subject.  True love is always in motion and always doing things for people which receive the benefits of the action of love.  True love is proactive and not reactive.  Many want to put love as reactive which creates the confusion of it being a noun.  Many people think love is something which depends on the surroundings, mood, or situation before it becomes love, but true love does not let things or situations determine how it acts.  True love is unconditional.  This Sunday’s scripture lends to both sides of love being displayed in the readings. 

  The noun application is being applied in 2 Kings.  King Hoshea has become king and he has done many bad things.  He has sided with the king of Assyria and is willing to adapt to their customs of worship of idols.  The king of Assyria does not trust Hoshea and overtakes Israel and disperses the people into other areas.  The people of Israel are not innocent.  They have gone along with the idol worship and have built many altars to the idols they worshipped.  They have become self-serving and are only concerned with their own desires and had not thought about what kind of impact it would have on future generations.  They have turned love into a noun, for they felt it depended on their surroundings to find love.  They were reacting to stimuli which they felt would bring them love.

  The verb side is applied in Acts and Luke.  Acts describes a woman called Dorcas who was a very giving woman.  She made clothing for people and gave it to those who needed something to wear.  She was well liked by all the people, but then she suddenly died.  The people mourned her death, but they knew Peter was close by in another city, and they called for him to respond to her death.  Peter arrived and prayed for Dorcas, and his prayers were answered.  Dorcas was brought back to life, and Peter presented her to the people alive and well. 

  Dorcas was a good example of love in action.  She gave from her heart to those who were in need.  It did not matter to her what the surroundings were like for her to love other people.  She inspired many people to do the right thing by showing love in action serving others.  With Dorcas being raised from the dead and her actions many people came to know Jesus.  Dorcas was being proactive in her approach to love because it flowed from within her.

  Luke depicts the picture of Jesus teaching and preaching to the crowds.  He is the beginning stage of His ministry on earth, and He is looking for His twelve companions as He embarks on His ministry journey.  Jesus is being pressed on by the crowds and He is looking for some room and finds two boats which belong to his future disciples.  He steps into one of the boats which belongs to Simon and finishes His teaching.  He calls for Simon to cast out his nets into the water.  Simon hesitates, but he casts out his nets only to find more fish than he can handle, and his nets are breaking.  He calls for help and his partners arrive to help bring in the catch.  Simon realizes he is not worthy to be near Jesus and asks Him to depart from him.  Jesus responds to Simon stating he will be catching men from now on and to follow Him.

  Jesus is reaching out the men who were considered lowly men in the area.  Men who were not worthy to associate with the likes of Jesus, but Jesus reached out to them from within His heart and His willingness to make them disciples.  Jesus was showing them compassion and making them feel like they had some value in this world.  Jesus was putting love into action as He was willing to accept them for who they were, and He was willing to make them His disciples.  Jesus was being proactive by accepting men who considered to be unworthy.

  Many people get caught up in the wrong definition of love.  We see love being displayed as an object or feeling which is obtained by a means, surroundings, or circumstances.  When we look at love as an object or feeling it is illusive and it will never be attained no matter how people think it should arrive or be sought.  True love can only come from within a person which does not depend on outside influences to exist.

  Love is action that flows from within a person.  It is always on the move, genuine, non-stop, serving, helping, giving, unselfish, unconditional, not looking for something in return, generated from the idea of compassion for others.  Love is proactive not looking for something which brings a warm fuzzy feeling and having to be stimulated from outside sources to be genuine.  It is action on the part of the one who wants to show love in its true meaning.  It flows from the inner spirit of a person, and it becomes more effective when it has the Spirit of God living within them as well.

  True love is the willingness to be a servant desiring to serve others by being the example for them to follow.  True love is an action verb and not a noun. 

  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.  Selah.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High.  God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.  The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.  Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolation in the earth.  He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.  Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.  Selah”  Psalm 46

  Lord may we be willing to be an example of true love by serving others.  Amen

  Blessings,

Greetings in Christ,

  How often do we think about how God works in our lives?  It is hard sometimes to contemplate just how God interacts with our lives even daily let alone a minute-by-minute time frame.  We have the tendency to think He is too busy and does not have time to even think about us, but we are wrong.  God does care about us even down to the last detail of our minute-by-minute life.  The scripture gives us a look at some examples of how God has interacted with the people as they have lived their lives. 

  Elisha had been going by a Shunammite woman’s house quite frequently in his travels and she offered to feed Elisha while he was on his journeys.  She fed Elisha many times and even told her husband to build an upper room for him so he could sleep and rest after his traveling.  Elisha was so impressed with her willingness to care for him he asked her if she needed anything.  She wanted a son.  Elisha told her she would bear a son.  She had her son, but he died when he was older.  She sent for Elisha, and he came to her house to see what he could do.  Elisha prayed for her son, and after much prayer the son was alive again.  God was at work in the Shunammite woman’s life.

  Saul had been struck down on his way to Damascus, and he became blind.  Ananias was in another town close by.  God had spoken to Ananias to go to Saul to speak to him and to pray for him.  Ananias had some reservation in going but listened to God as He was firm in Ananias going to Saul.  Ananias arrived and began talking to Saul.  Saul had been praying to God, and God told Saul Ananias would visit him.  Ananias laid his hands on Saul’s eyes, prayed, and scales fell off his eyes.  God was at work in Saul’s life.

  John the Baptist had been living in the desert preparing for his time of ministry.  One day while he was out in the desert God spoke to him and told him it was time to prepare the people for Jesus.  John began his ministry in the Jordan area and began preaching and baptizing people telling them the time had come for them to prepare for the salvation of mankind.  Many people began to believe John was the Messiah, but he quickly told them he was not worthy to even loosen the straps of Jesus’ sandals.  Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit while he was only baptizing with water.  God was at work in John the Baptist’s life.

  We do not know just how God will interact with us in our lives, but there is one thing for certain, if we do not pray to Him He will not work in our lives.  In the scriptures, the key element for God to be working in those people’s lives was prayer.  The scripture does not indicate John was praying when he heard God speak, but more than likely he was in conversation with God.  The others had been in prayer and used prayer as the means for an answer to their situation.  They wanted God to work in their lives in many ways.

  I came across a commentator’s comments on prayer the other day.  He had made the statement, “…prayer which brings a constant renewal of the Holy Spirit.”  This made my mind think a little deeper on the thought and it made more sense the more I thought on it.  It is the willingness on our part to submit to God all our troubles, concerns, and desires, but what it does for us when we pray has more of an impact than we realize.  God does really care about our lives, and He wants to be at work in our lives in many ways.

  The key element for any Christian to live a life here on earth is to pray to God.  We cannot do anything beyond our capabilities or even accomplish what we would like to do without God working in our lives.  Prayer helps us trust, take a stand, and to move forward in faith to accomplish more than we could imagine.  Without prayer Elisha, Saul, Ananias, and John the Baptist would have not been able to accomplish anything.  We would not have these examples of prayer and dependence on God in the Bible if they did not pray to God on a regular basis.  Every time they prayed, they were renewed with the Holy Spirit.

  God does want to work in our lives in many ways, and prayer can make it happen!

   “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.   My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice.  O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.  I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.  They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed.  This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.   O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!  O fear the Lord, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want.  The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.  Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.  Who is the man who desires life
and loves length of days that he may see good?  Keep your tongue from evil ad your lips from speaking deceit.  Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”  Psalm 34:1-14

  Lord may we be able to reach heaven as we kneel to pray.  May our prayers draw us closer to You as are renewed with the Holy Spirit.  Amen

  Blessings,

Greetings in Christ,

  The selected scriptures below gives us a look at three different time periods where those who took a stand for God were confronted with death as a solution for their silence by those who opposed them.  Elijah in 1 Kings has been threatened by Jezebel for killing all her priests that honored Baal, and now he faces the possibility his life will be taken.  Jesus has been preaching in the temples and it has given the Pharisees something to worry about.  They feel they will lose their power given by the Romans because the people will be following Jesus instead of them, so they plot to kill Jesus, and Jesus now must retreat to out laying areas to preach until it is time for His death.  Peter and the apostles are being cast into jail and told not to preach in the name of Jesus.  Again, the Pharisees take a stand to eliminate the apostles by proposing their death to keep them silent.

  These are just three of the many times those who followed God faced death as their alternative because others did not like what they had to say.  They chose to take a stand because they knew they had God on their side.  They were willing to be bold in their speech and actions knowing God would either protect them from those who opposed them, or they would see God in heaven.  They placed all their trust in God no matter the situation or the outcome.  They were willing to take a stand.

  Our times are not much better here in the now.  Granted it is harder to have someone killed for their belief, but jail time is real.  We have been so used to having freedom of religion here in the USA, but that is all changing.  Christianity is becoming the minority, and it has taken the back seat in many people’s lives.  Many say they believe in God, but do not have the intention to take a stand for what they say and believe.  It is better to get along then to take a stand.  Many call them peacekeepers which go with the flow rather than with the truth. 

  The Bible is full of many stories where people took a stand for God.  They trusted in God to the point they could face anything without fear.  They built their foundation on the truth which gave them the foot hold they needed to take a stand.  They were willing to stand on that foundation even if God decided they were to come home (heaven).  No doubts, no reservations just a stand for God and His truth. 

  When we look at their willingness to take a stand, it must be an inspiration to us.  It has to give us the hope that they did not give up anything but gained everything.  They saw God for Who He really was and were willing to believe and trust He would be there no matter what may take place.  They faced their future with optimism knowing God had their back.  Nothing was going to deter them from changing their mind.

  How far are we willing to go in this time and age?  I heard a recently retired pastor say, “I am glad to get out now, so I do not have to deal with the same sex marriage thing”.  Rather than to take a stand the option of retiring became the better answer.  I wondered did he believe what he had been preaching for so long.  I do not want to sound critical, but did he read the same Bible I did?

  We all have choices to make, but are we making those choices for ourselves or for God?  Have we really studied the Bible and fully understand God wins in the end?  Do we really think we have it any easier than those who took a stand for God?  If we think we will not face reality we are fooling ourselves.

  It is never easy to take a stand for the truth.  Someone will oppose it and find a reason to silence it, but it takes those who are willing to believe in a God who will be by their side no matter the situation.  They know they will be gaining everything and losing nothing.

   How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!  My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.  The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.  How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!  T ever praising You.  Selah.  How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion!  Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings.  They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.  O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.   Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed.  For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.  I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.   For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.  O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!”  Psalm 84

  Lord may we take a stand on Your truth, and trust in You when we stand upon Your truth.  Amen

  Blessings,

  Greetings in Christ,

  Truth.  It has the power to penetrate the most stubborn, and it divides fact from fiction along the way.  We have heard people getting sworn to testify with the courtroom clerk stating these words, “Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God.”  Some courts may have dropped the so help you God part, but you get the idea.  The words which are spoken should be centered on facts involving the case before the court.  Truth brings out the whole facts and dismisses the fiction or false claims surrounding the case.

  We all have a different perspective on things, and we look at things in a different light, but truth goes beyond our perspective and brings forth reality.  At times we may not want to see the truth and we are blind to it.  We choose to focus on what we think we need to understand, and we do not let anything else change our perspective.  In our narrow focus truth works against us, but there are times when we are aware of the truth, and we uphold our limited focus with all we have and stand fast in our belief.    Jesus, Peter, and John experienced both sides of truth in action.

  Jesus was being condemned by the Jews for blasphemy.  Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, and the Jews were blind to the truth about Jesus.  The Jews only wanted to see the truth they wanted to see, and they could not get past the idea they could be wrong.  They believed Jesus was claiming to be something He was not, and they feared Him, and they wanted to stone Him to death.  Jesus had taken His stand on the truth, and it was causing a great division between Him and the Jews.

  Peter and John had been preaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and the Sanhedrin did not like what they were hearing.  They had confronted Peter and John and commanded them not to speak of Jesus again, but Peter and John told them they could not stop telling the truth they knew about Jesus.  The Sanhedrin were trying to hold them on charges of blasphemy, but they did not have much to hold them for any trial, so they released them.  Peter and John returned to their group rejoicing in all that had happened.  They responded amongst the group by praying for more boldness to speak the truth.  Their prayers were answered as the Holy Spirit filled them empowering them with the boldness they asked to receive.

  The truth, God’s truth will be offensive to many people.  It has a way of dividing people, but it has a way of molding people.  It has a way of dividing people because many do not want to see the truth.  They have their own perspective, and they only want to focus on what they can understand, but when the truth is realized it molds them to take a stand for the truth.  When truth molds it divides fact from fiction.  It creates a place where only the truth can reside, and it infills people with a presence worth taking a stand to support and declare.

  Truth is the rock for a solid foundation.  Truth is like the great oak tree which has roots growing deep into the soil.  Truth has a way of keeping those who believe standing firm and declare the truth they know.  It will bring division when it is declared, and it will mold those who receive it.  When the truth is declared with the help of God it will go beyond any imagination can comprehend.  When people are standing on the rock and rooted in the truth it will mold them into the image of God just as He created them to reflect.  Truth, Gods’ truth brings about a change in all people.

  “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.  So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.  My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.  When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.  But those who seek my life to destroy it, will go into the depths of the earth.  They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; they will be a prey for foxes.
But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.”  Psalm 63

  Lord may we be grounded in the truth and speak with boldness.  Amen

  Blessings,

  Greetings in Christ,

  When we read in the Bible about the life of Jesus, the one thing which stands out is His conflict with all of those who claimed to be an authority on the scripture and law.  Jesus gets the most feedback from the authorities when He speaks in first person about His relationship with God.  The so claimed authorities could not get past the thought of anyone having a close relationship with God to the point they spoke of God in the first person.  The prophets spoke of God in the second person prophesying so to speak in a way that it was a secondhand story of God’s word.  Jesus spoke with definitive authority about His firsthand experience and relationship with God.

  This is not to say the past prophets did not have a relationship with God, but their manor of speech about God was delivered more in a messenger method rather than I was there in person with God.  Jesus was with God in person so when He spoke it carried with it more authority and power in His deliverance of His words.  The prophets were chosen to speak on behalf of God because they had a relationship with Him.

  The so-called authorities presumed they had all the knowledge they needed to determine spiritual matters, after all, they had studied the word and law backwards and forwards from youth to adulthood, and they were on top of their game.  No one could out do them, and no one could fool them, but they forgot one thing.  It was not about knowledge, but a relationship with God.

  The so-called authorities studied the word and laws, but they did not hear God speak to them through the word as they read and studied it.  They let the word be a physical discipline for them to follow instead of a spiritual discipline to guide them.  They were more concerned with outward appearance rather than inward desire.  The more they studied the word and law it became more of an effort to achieve their own righteousness and not developing a relationship with God..  When the time came for them to speak on their knowledge, they were blind to the truth of the word and law they studied, thus their resistance to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.   The so-called authorities considered Jesus to be demon possessed and He was deceiving people taking them to their doom.

  The so-called authorities read and studied, but they missed out on a relationship.  They applied their knowledge to build self-righteousness instead of God’s righteousness.  They wanted to be recognized for their ability to clean themselves up rather than letting God do the cleaning for them.  They were caught up in the doing rather letting it be done.

  The Bible has so much depth it is hard to understand the true meaning at times, and it makes it even worse if we just try to read it just to be reading it.  It requires asking God to open our spiritual eyes as we study and hear what it has to say to us.  The truth will be revealed to us if we are truly seeking to be in a relationship with Him.  It is a matter of allowing God to work in us rather than us working for God.  It is when it penetrates our heart and not just our mind the truth will be revealed.  It will help us with that first person experience with God as God knows us and we know Him.

   “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.  Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?”  But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man’s hands.  They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but they cannot feel; they have feet, but they cannot walk; they cannot make a sound with their throat.  Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them. The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.  The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence; but as for us, we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forever.  Praise the Lord!”  Psalm 115:1-8, 16-18

  Lord may we read Your word so we can see the truth and draw closer to You.  Amen

  Blessings,

  Greetings in Christ,

  Paul writes an analogy as he communicates with the Galatians regarding the law and faith.  He compares the law to being a slave, and faith as an heir of the owner.  He writes to the Galatians and is concerned for their reluctance to accept the fact the law was designed to lead people to faith in God.  The laws were not to be something which had to be received as a rigid approach to living a righteous life.  The many laws bound people to following a rigid routine which became obsession for most to follow, and for the most part the law was hard to fulfill in every detail.  Following the law to its completeness was impossible and it took the focus off God for sustenance and directed it towards mankind’s efforts and accomplishments in fulfilling the laws.  They became bound to the law and were not able to enjoy the freedom of being an heir of the owner.

  2 Samuel records the action of David as he approached his last years on earth.  He began to look to what he had accomplished in his lifetime, and he wanted to account for all the people in the kingdom of Israel and Judah.  He ordered a census to be taken and sent out his chosen men to travel across the kingdom and number the people.  He realized this angered God and knew he had to repent, but it came with a high price.  David was looking at what he had accomplished rather than looking to God for what He had provided.  David was dependent on his own measure of success rather than depend on God to lead him.

  John records the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees.  Jesus is telling the people He is the light of the world while the Pharisees are telling Jesus His words are false.  The Pharisees did not accept what Jesus was saying because they felt His witness was not true.  There was no one to collaborate with Jesus’ words according to their belief and to the law.  Jesus told them if they knew Him, they would know the Father who sent Him, and the Father is the one collaborating with Jesus as a witness.  The Pharisees were too caught up in observing the law they could not see Jesus was fulfilling the law.

  We live our lives here on earth with many laws imposed on us.  We sometimes impose those laws upon ourselves by our own expectations of what we should be doing.  We find ourselves looking at what we have done and our great accomplishments according to the laws we live by in our daily routines.  We pat ourselves on the back and say look what I have done, or we step back and say I did not get done what I wanted to do.  We become bound to the routine of doing what is expected of us by our volition or by what others may think we need to do.

  Instead of looking at what was accomplished on our part, think about how God has blessed us with the ability to do the things we have accomplished.  Think about what God has provided for us as we live here on earth.  Think about what God can do for us if we just simply ask for His help.

  It comes down to the fact are we living as slaves or heirs?  Do we feel we are doing it on our own or are we giving God the praise for blessing us?  Give God the thanks for all He has done.  It takes the focus off us and puts it on Him.

  “Praise the Lord!  I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, in the company of the upright and in the assembly.  Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.  Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness endures forever.  He has made His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.  He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.  He has made known to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.  The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure.
They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness.  He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.”  Psalm 111

  Lord may we give You the praise for all You have done, and may we live as heirs in Your kingdom.  Amen

  Blessings,

  Greetings in Christ,

  We have all seen those news stories where someone is caught up in the water’s current struggling to get to land.  They are helpless and they are giving everything they have just to keep their head above the water.   They grasp onto anything they can find to keep them from going any further in the torrent.  They finally get a hold of something so they can rest and hang on so someone can rescue them from the raging water.

  We gasp at the sight of someone who finds themselves in that situation thinking we do want to be caught up in the same scenario.  We wonder how they fell into the water to be overcome by the current, and think they are fortunate not to drown.  We rejoice someone was close to hear their cries for help, and for the rescuers who put themselves in a situation they also may be succumbing to the raging water.  We have sympathy for those who fell into the water and for those who are doing the rescuing knowing a tragedy was averted.

  We on the other hand have a different approach to our thinking when we see someone or a group of people floating down the river in a boat, canoe, or rafting.  We think of how much fun they are enjoying being on the water letting it take them downstream.  We think it is relaxing to enjoy the boat keeping them afloat keeping them afloat as it goes with the flow of the river.

  We do not see danger, but rather excitement and relaxation.  The boat, canoe, or raft is doing the work of keeping the individuals afloat, and they are not struggling to maintain buoyancy.  They for most part, are staying dry except for the occasional splash of water coming over the edge of the boat, and they are enjoying the time in the water.  There are the thoughts we might enjoy it ourselves.

  When we compare both scenarios, we chose to have the more enjoyable float down the river.  We do not want to find ourselves fighting to stay afloat in a raging river, but sometimes we find ourselves in similar situation spiritually.  We find ourselves struggling to stay afloat wanting to be able to enjoy the ride.  We are not the first ones to experience this problem.  Paul writes to the Galatians expressing his concern about their spiritual journey.  He is comparing the law to faith and the experiences of both.

  Paul expresses his concern for the Galatians holding onto the law for their righteousness.  They want to hold onto the fact they are descendants of Abraham, but they do not take into consideration Abraham did not live by the law.  The law did not exist in Abraham’s time on earth, and he was not trying to live by something he could not do, but rather he lived by faith believing God would do what He said He would do.

  The Galatians wanted to hold onto the law which did not have any good resolve for righteousness.  No one could ever abide by all the laws and keep them in accordance with what God had intended.  It was impossible.  It was like getting caught up in the river’s current trying to hang onto something hoping anyone heard your cries for help.  The intent of the law was to point to righteousness hoping mankind would realize it was faith in God which made all the difference.  The law was trying to point to the condition of heart rather than the condition of the physical person.  That is why God sent Jesus.

  Jesus was to be the one who showed the people it was the condition of the heart, and not the condition of the person.  It was to be one of faith rather than blindly follow the law.  Faith was to be the go-to thing for the people to attain so they can see the truth.  Jesus was trying to show them it was faith that was the boat which was going to keep them afloat as they went down the river.

  We want to hang onto our rituals and disciplines which we feel help us in our spiritual journey, and there is nothing wrong with spiritual discipline, but when it overbears faith, it is not good for us to practice.  Routines and disciplines are to point us to righteousness, not be our righteousness.  We must allow faith to be our boat so we can stay afloat in the spiritual river. 

  When we allow faith to be our boat, we enjoy the flow of the river much better.  We will still get wet from time to time by the water splashing over the side, but we are not struggling to hang onto something hoping we can find rest. 

  “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.  Oh let Israel say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”  Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”  Oh let those who fear the Lord say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”  From my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.  The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?  The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.  The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.  The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.  I will not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.  The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.”  Psalm 118:1-9, 15-18

  Lord may we allow faith to be our boat which keeps us afloat on the spiritual river.  Amen

  Blessings,

Greetings in Christ,

  We have all seen it on the news and heard it on the radio.  A race is taking place and the runners are neck and neck, but then suddenly one of the runners fall.  One by one the other runners in the race stop and go back to help the one who has fallen to get back up and encourage the fallen runner to finish the race alongside the other runners.  The whole group of runners crosses the finish line together in triumph with the crowd cheering them as well.

  Many of you may have already figured it out.  The reference is to the Special Olympics which take place.  We see the effort of those individual runners and excitement as they run the race, but we see the other side of them as they stop to help a fellow runner when they fall.  They have figured out they are not it for their own gain, but rather as a team even though they entered the race as individuals.  It may seem as a counter diction to what they should be doing as they run the race individually, but they cannot help but have that innocent love for the other individual runners in the race.  They do not look at it as an individual effort, but rather as a collective of the whole.

  This effort to bring the whole to a win brings down the house by sparking the emotions of the onlookers in the stands to bring them to their feet giving applause to the runner’s desire to see all who entered the race complete it.  This is why the news captures the event to bring it to the attention of the world to share the actions of a few to remind us of how we should act towards each other.  It is to remind us of the innocent love which should drive us to help each other.

  The love displayed by those runners in the race is not something that happens just occasionally.  Those who enter the race have that love for each other as a part of the daily lives.  They do not know how to act otherwise.  We see it displayed in the headlines when it grabs the attention of the news media, but they live it every day.

  Paul writes to the Romans giving them some guidelines on living their lives so they can help others along in Christianity.  Paul tells them not to be in just for themselves, but to think about others who may not be as strong spiritually.  Paul is asking them to be aware of others who may have fallen, extend a hand to help them stand back up and encouraged them to finish the race.  It is not just about individual effort, but rather the whole must win.  The intention is for the whole to win the race which is why Jesus came to earth.

  John the Baptist is being asked by his disciples why Jesus seems to be getting more attention than him, and if it is fair to John for this to happen?  John responds by saying Jesus must increase while he must decrease.  Jesus was sent by the Father in heaven, and He gives the Spirit without measure.  John is trying to tell his disciples they must believe in Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

  It is easy to go through life and get caught up in our own activity.  We sometimes find ourselves looking inward at our lives rather looking outward to others.  We may have it rough, but others may be having a tougher time and are struggling to get back up.  When we take the time to take the focus off ourselves and focus on others, we may see things in a different light.   We may see the way it should be for us to live life.

  To believe in Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit we must be willing to accept of all they have to give.  When we are full of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have all the distinguishing characteristics of both.  In essence we are full of the innocent love for others and wanting to see them finish the race.  Jesus came to earth for all to win, not just for a few.

  “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.  Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:7-14

  Lord help us to see those who may need help.  Let us ; encourage each other as we walk together on this earth.  Amen

  Blessings,

Greetings in Christ,

  The court television shows with the judges as the main character have been quite the rage for many years.  People love to watch as the judge bangs the gavel bringing down the justice on the bad person or having to decide just what is fair and just for the people standing before them.  People wait to see just what kind of words the judge may say, and they may consider them to be witty, but the final decision will be one the judge will have to enforce as the gavel makes it final crack on the bench.  It has been made and there usually is no going back to change the outcome.  The judge’s decision is final.

  It is fun to watch as the drama unfolds and the stage is set for the judge to sweep in and make those final decisions, but what if the judge makes the wrong decision?  What if all the facts are not given?  How does the television show gather all the facts for the judge to make that final strike of the gavel to make the show alluring, so it has viewers to watch the show?  What if all the information has not been provided for the judge to determine the correct outcome for the people standing before him or her?  We presuppose people are doing their job, so no mistakes are made, and real justice is served.

  It is easy to get wrapped up in the drama of the show, and many people relate to being the judge.  The part of the job many people forget is the judge must be fair and impartial and eliminate any personal prejudice they may have and to only make decisions based upon the law.  Many want to be judge so they have the power over others, but when they make decisions based upon unreliable facts and emotions, they do not let true justice be served.   A judge is one who needs to set themselves apart from the situation so they can see all the facts and render the correct decision.  It is a heavy burden to carry for those who are judges, and they are held to a higher standard than others to maintain that standard of being a judge.

  The Bible has many references regarding being a judge or to judge others.  It is a task that carries with it a burden many cannot carry, and it tends to lead people astray in their decisions.

  Michal has judged David in his worship of God as the Ark of the Covenant enters Jerusalem.  2 Samuel indicates David just has a linen ephod covering his body and he is dancing as the ark makes it way to the temple.  Michal has determined David has made a fool of himself before all the people, especially the young maidens, and she has spoken her mind to David.  David responds by saying God has chosen him over her father Saul to be king, and how he worships God is between him and God. 

  Michal’s judgement of David did not let her view the scenario of what David was doing objectively.  She overlooked many things and based her decision on emotion and prejudice.  With this decision she carried the burden of not being able to bear any children for David.

  Paul writes to the Romans telling them they should not judge others for it is not their responsibility.  No one lives alone and are separate from the Lord, for all were created by the Lord.  All live and die in the Lord.  In the end all will knee and bow and give praise to God, and then He will judge all which He has created.  Paul goes on to say not to judge anyone for it will put a stumbling block for someone else.

  John records Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael as disciples.  Philip speaks to Nathanael about Jesus telling him Jesus in the one true Messiah from Nazareth.  Nathanael answers back to Philip can anything good come from Nazareth.  As Nathanael approaches Jesus for the first time Jesus calls out to him as if He knew Nathanael for a long time.  Nathanael questions Jesus as to how He seems to know him, and Jesus answers I saw you coming before you arrived.  Nathanael then realizes Jesus is the true Son of God.  Nathanael judged Jesus by the reputation of a city, and he had to reverse his thinking once he met Jesus.

  O to be a judge or to judge, but what a burden to carry.  It is hard to be above reproach, so no guilt is found of any wrongdoing by the judge or those who judge.  It can lead to a burden which separates us from God because we take ourselves to the level of God, and it leaves us so empty and lonely inside.  It becomes so hard to be fair and impartial because the love of God is not present in our hearts.  We become blind to the facts and render our decisions based on emotions.  We separate ourselves from others even though they are created by God.  We forget Jesus had to be our defense lawyer and plead to the judge-God-for our forgiveness.  What a burden we carry when we want to be a judge or judge others.

  “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”  So, then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.  Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”  Romans 14:10-13

  What account will we give as we stand before God on that judgment day?

  “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.  The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.  The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.  He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken.  Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.  The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.”  Psalm 34:15-22

  Lord may we not judge each other, but rather love each other just as you love us.  Amen

  Blessings,