IT’S A MATTER OF BIRTH

Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians15:45-49

 

As I read this passage over and over, it remained a mystery to me. Finally, a pattern began to emerge that helps answer the question, “Where have we come from, and where are we going?”  It clarified for me who we are as humans and who we are in Christ. It’s a matter of birth and inheritance in both cases.

Our origin is from Adam, the first human being. We inherited from him our physical bodies, by

 

             means of which we live our earthly lives. We were born into this world and, therefore,

share life here with every other human being.

Our end is in Christ, the second Adam. We were given spiritual life when we were born again.

            We inherited from Him our spiritual being as we are born of the Spirit.

Sin was born in Eden through the first Adam. We inherited our sin nature from him.

Our sin was borne by Christ. We inherited His Spirit that we may bear His likeness and,

therefore, enter into His kingdom.

 

In John 3:1-9, Nicodemus was puzzled by this notion or being born again. He was told by Jesus (vs 3), “…no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus asks (vs 4), “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

 

Perhaps our passage in 1 Corinthians sheds some light on Nicodemus’ dilemma. Because we are born into this physical world, we have borne the image of the earthly; likewise, because we have been born again (ie born of the Spirit), we shall bear Christ’s likeness and, therefore, enter into His Kingdom.

 

Adam became a living being from dust (Gen 2:7). Through him, we were given a natural body and earthly life. But being related to the first Adam is not nearly enough for us who want to be connected to God – we need relationship with the last Adam (Christ) who became a life-giving spirit (Jn 5:26) to His redeemed people!

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us an inheritance with you in your kingdom when we were born again by Your Spirit. Amen.

Remember His Great Love

Acts 20:22-24, 32

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

32“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Paul was a determined man. Once he had his encounter with Christ, on the road to Demascus, there was no stopping him.  In today’s passage we see him following the leading of the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, knowing that hardships and prison are a reality.  But he is determined. Determined to finish the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.  

You see, he experienced that grace first hand when God spared him is life. Once a man persecuting the church, hunting down Christians to be stoned to death, he now relentlessly shares the good news of Christ, counting his own life as nothing in comparison.

How passionate are you for Christ?  We, like Paul, have been given the same task.  Take some time today to consider how the grace of God covers you.  How in his mercy he has called you to him.  He does not see your flaws, your failures, your foolish decisions.  He sees someone with hope and a future.  He sees someone worth dying for.  

Do not fall weary. Finish the task set before you, go where the Spirit leads and testify to someone TODAY the good news of the grace of God.

Do I Smell?

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.     -2 Corinthians 2:14-17

I can’t believe it is September.  Fall is approaching and soon the leaves will be changing.  I know some of you may not understand my excitement, but you see, Fall is my favorite season and for the last two years I have lived in Florida where the leaves don’t change and you don’t get to experience the wonderful fresh smell of Fall.

When I would tell my friends in Florida that Fall has a smell, they would look at me as if I had something strange growing from my head.  Fall does have a smell.  It’s dried leaves, and smoke from bonfires.  It’s pumpkin spice candles, and apple cinnamon.  The smell of gives me comfort.  Now, I know for others, the smell of Fall is just a reminder that winter is coming and along with it, ice and cold.  

Our scripture today is similar.  2 Corinthians 2 says that we are the aroma of Christ.  To some we will be the scent of death, to others the aroma of life.  What this is saying is that we should be so different from the world that it will be a comfort to some and a conviction to others.  

Just like Fall can’t control how it smells, it is not our job to smell good to the world.  It is our job to smell like Christ.

To Live Is Christ!

I can’t believe it has almost been six years since my dad passed away.  This February is approaching fast and my memories of his death are as strong as ever.

One of the best memories I have was taking communion together as a family.  Pastor John came over and led my father, mother, sister and I in the sacrament.  It was a touching moment.  We knew this was going to be the last time we shared the Lord’s Supper together.

After we received the elements we spent some time in prayer.  We confessed our love for each other and thanked God for the time we had together.  We made sure that all past sins were forgiven.  As our prayer ended my father looked at us and with all seriousness, spoke some of the most profound words I have ever heard.

He said, “This was great.  Praying together and loving each other, but I want you to remember one thing.  It means nothing without Jesus.”  Wow! Not what I was expecting.  I was having a moment with my dying father and he was busy pointing us all back to Christ.

This was not typical of my father.  Yes, he loved God and had a relationship with Christ, but his mind was not always on Christ.  He was human like all of us, so I knew this moment came directly from the throne of God.

This story was the first thing that came to my mind when I read today’s scripture.  Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

We were worried about my dad and our relationship with him.  We wanted to make sure everything was good before he was gone.  None of that is bad, but it was motivated by the flesh.  I love that my dad’s last life lesson for me was, “Focus on Christ and him alone.” 

That is what the Spirit desires isn’t it? Even our most pure intentions mean nothing if Christ is not at the center of it.

Read today's entire scripture here. Romans 8:5-12

Life on Mission – Grow

Romans 12:1-13 (Transformed)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

---Learn what God’s will is, and following through with it. You will change. You will grow.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and those members do not have all the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5)

---When all of us in Christ work toward the same goal of bringing others to the Lord, each using our own gifts according to the grace given us, we grow together.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:9-10)

---Be selfless in word and deed. Live genuinely, displaying love toward all others.

This “Life on Mission” journey we are on has thus far focused on connecting, serving, sharing, and now growing. It is important that we as Christ followers remain focused on growing our own understanding of the word, and deepening our relationship with the Father. As we mentor others through their own journey however, there are things we need to do to help them grow as well.

We would never leave the side of a child just as they were beginning to balance on a two wheeled bicycle. In the same way, we must not lead someone to our God and then leave them on their own. It is essential to help them learn how to continue to grow by feeding themselves with the fruit of the vine. Time, patience, materials, groups and prayer are all important to offer them on a regular basis, yet walking along side of them and being a model, a friend and an encourager is truly what they will need.

(Romans 12:12-13) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

We all have needs of some sort, yet helping others to grow and fulfill their spiritual need has far greater impact than any other need ........indeed!

Romans 12:1-13

Next Step: Share Your Hope

1 Peter 3: 13-16

You don't have to be a biblical scholar or even good at memorizing scripture in order to talk with others about your journey in this world. Just be yourself. Having a heart for the Lord will be evident in your actions and interactions. But go ahead, pray for Him to use you as a vehicle for His words.

Provided you can be patient and don't put the cart before the horse, your Life on Mission will likely be a natural progression. Remember though, that with some, the process will be somewhat swift and with others, painfully slow, but take heart, our God is near.

Just as with any friendship, the process of connecting and getting to know one another to the point of trust is not simple. It requires sincere interest, time and love. Once connected, serving can be anything your friend needs like offering transportation, childcare, food, money, time, etc.

Upon feeling connected and having settled into a comfortable service for each of you, a time will come for you to share your story. That doesn't mean you talk all about your church and try to convince them to go with you, but conversation about YOU. The story of how you came to be so at peace. Genuine dialogue about where you came from and how you got to be where you are now. Generally when people see something they like, they want to know how to get it for themselves.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect... 1 Peter 3:15

If you have a testimony, go ahead and share it, but be cautious to proceed with gentleness and respect. Nothing worse than an over-the-top Christian. Be sure to meet them where they are. If you don't really have a specific event or experience to share, or you feel that general and low key is best, how about something like; Well, I don't know a lot about the specifics of things like which king did what when, and there's books in the Bible I can't even pronounce, but one thing I do know is that my life has never been better since I made the decision to be a Christ follower. From there conversation will continue, perhaps not that day, but it will. You will have opportunities to expand on that if you watch for them.

What will your response be when you are asked to give a reason for the hope people see in you?

Read/Listen to 1 Peter 3:13-16 

Colossians 3:1-17

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

The school year has just ended. I am a special education teacher. Sometimes I take student teachers into my classroom and work with them on honing their skills to prepare them for managing their own classroom. I finished this school year with a lovely young lady named Morgan.

Morgan entered my classroom well prepared for a regular education classroom, but not one such as mine. These students, though beautiful, have many challenges cognitively as well as behaviorally and physically. She was hesitant and uncertain at the beginning. As our time together continued, she experienced a change. Through observation, study and trial and error she evolved into a confident and passionate teacher ready to take on new challenges. I could see the love in her eyes as she worked with my students. I had the opportunity to observe an awesome transformation. She left at peace with herself and her abilities.

In a thank you card she gave me on our last day together she wrote: “In the short nine weeks we were together I learned more about myself and my faith than I would have imagined.”

As I modeled my instruction and interactions with both students and staff, I was hopeful I was instilling the importance of some of the things noted in Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

Times when the adults we were dealing with did not follow through as I hoped they would I attempted to demonstrate the importance of Colossians 3:13-15 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

I was extremely happy and humbled that she took away much more than teaching strategies and classroom management approaches. She got it!

I thank God for those opportunities. The occasions to make a difference in the lives of others are ever present. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another...”  

Read/Listen to Colossians 3:1-7

1Timothy 1: 12-16

The Lord’s Grace to Paul and Us

Does not the Lord make example of people and situations in our lives in order to reveal himself or draw us closer to Him? Would you agree there have been times when you have felt or said; “That was a God thing?”

Paul was definitely “A God Thing” and he knew it. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 Paul wrote something worth remembering; “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe on him and receive eternal life.” Yes, believe “on” him.

As we travel this journey of life and make ourselves aware of the trials and struggles others face, we can learn from their mistakes as well as triumphs. We can gain wisdom from their tears and their anger. Just as God is a relational God, we too are relational human beings in need of others.

 At times we may be the example, support or love needed by another, yet other times we are the one in need of a rock to lean on, a Paul in our life who can help us make sense of our situation.

Paul’s heart grew into one of passion and compassion for God and people. He is such an incredible example of transformation there are 13 books in the bible written by him.

Romans 
1 Corinthians 
2 Corinthians 
Galatians 
Ephesians 
Philippians 
Colossians 
1 Thessalonians 
2 Thessalonians 
1 Timothy 
2 Timothy 
Titus 
Philemon

No one knows for sure who wrote Hebrews, but if it was Paul, then his total is at 14.

Paul had to tell his story, through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing for us!

Dear God,

We thank you for your gracious and unending love. You shower us with blessings we do not even acknowledge and offer us new mercies every day regardless of our gratefulness. Your forgiveness for Paul and for us goes far beyond reasonable in our limited minds, but we are so very humbled and honored to call ourselves your children. We will focus on you Lord, and though we too are the worst of sinners, we will use Paul as our example and you Christ, as our Rock.

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 1: 12-16

How do we talk about Jesus in a world that does not know him?

John 3: 13-21

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the bible, even to those who do not claim to be Christ followers. The true meaning and impact of this incredible proclamation however is missed by most, and written off as just a bunch of words. OMG! Just the most significant words ever communicated, EVER!

The “Journey” (Bible for seeking God and understanding life), describes John 3:16; “This one sentence contains the greatest message, from the greatest source, describing the greatest love, demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice ever given. It contains important words for everyone, especially those who think they have to “be religious” go get God’s approval.

How do we get through to the world? In what way do we approach those who do not understand the heart of our God? What can we say or do to make an impact?

         LIVE              LOVE                REACH

Many look to accomplishments to lead them to fulfillment or spiritual security. Jesus says to us, just as he did to Nicodemus in John 6-7; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again.”

When those not of Christ hear the term “born again” it scares them off. They feel as though they must suddenly submit to something foreign and scary, abruptly transforming into some sort of saintly being far beyond their capability. The truth is, it is a journey not a moment. Learning about the Lord, and submitting to His word can take a lifetime. Our faith, love, and trust in God evolves over time. We can help that truth be known through the way we approach our own life and relationships with others.

God looks to His people to be a model of Jesus, to LIVE honestly with passion, and thrive to be all we can be for his kingdom. He directs us to LOVE sincerely as He loves. Patiently walking alongside of and taking baby steps with those in this world who do not know Jesus is how we REACH others, never abandoning or giving up on them just as God has promised never to leave us.

Read/Listen to John 3:13-21

The Holy Spirit Gives Us the Mind of Jesus

In the 1974 movie Young Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) is trying to create life. He asks Igor (Marty Feldman) to get a brain for his “monster.” Igor returns and Dr. Frankenstein places it in his monster. Later, when his monster is not up to par intellectually, the doctor goes berserk. He learns that Igor gave him the brain from “Abby Normal.”  The monster knows a world different than the one he lives in.

Igor Selecting an Incorrect Mind

 

The monster has to be retrained. Fire scares him. He frustrates easily. He has to be taught to walk. His words are mere monosyllabic grunts. It is quite evident that the monster has the mind of “Abby Normal.”

 

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

 

St. Paul has written to the Christians at Corinth. Corinth was a very rich port city, and, given its proximity to Athens, its citizens held a wealth of knowledge. Paul tells them that the wisdom he is preaching is far more valuable than the worldly knowledge they have. That wisdom, Paul continues, comes to them because they are filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

We too, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and it benefits us in many ways.

 

We can understand God’s Word. We can understand who Jesus was (and is). We can understand that his death forgives our sins. We can also understand that his resurrection gives us eternal life in a world  superior to, and far richer than, the world that we currently inhabit.

 

While we may have some knowledge of this world, the Holy Spirit enables us to know a world different than the one we live in. That world is the spiritual world and it ultimately leads to Heaven.

 

In a sense, the Holy Spirit retrains us. The fire from Satan does not scare us. We have patience and do not frustrate easily. We are taught to walk in the light. And we are able to speak words to others that testify that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Unlike the monster, we have a functioning earthly mind. However, it is quite evident that the Holy Spirit gives us the mind of Christ as well.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reproofing and Correction

The Sunday Scripture Reading for September remains the same: 

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Consider the phrase

“He doesn't know what he doesn't know.”

I've used that line myself when referring to new employees at my workplace, I was responsible for mentoring. It takes a while for the fog to clear when people are put into new situations. Everyone else has an understanding of the common goal. Those who surround the newbie are in the know about the importance of the details that need to be addressed. While the rookie thinks he is working hard and doing what is expected, the others are picking up the slack.

As the numbers on the desk calendar are peeled away, his co-workers correct, redirect, explain, and allow mistakes in order to provide understanding and clarity. Through this process of correction, reproofing, experience, and guidance, the new guy settles into a place within the ranks because he now “gets it.”

Perhaps there was a business manual available to assist with understanding the common practices involved with the job. Maybe the new employee was referred to the internet to view a web cam or provided video training CD’s to get an overview of his role and responsibilities. Though valuable tools, the importance of the personal relationships accompanying those training opportunities cannot be overstated.

If we are true Christ followers, we are also spiritual mentors. We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word. We can provide this tool to others, but must also model, guide, correct, and reproof in order to bring our brothers and sisters to a place of understanding their responsibilities as Christians. To help them know what they don't know. 

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.”

Strength in Weakness

Samuel 23:15-29

David was an unlikely candidate for kingship in the eyes of many. He was young, naive, sincere, and inexperienced. All the things a strong and controlling man like Saul despises, yet just what the Lord desires.

David fled to avoid conflict and follow God’s will. Saul hunted him like prey. Does that sound familiar? 

Often as we attempt to do as our Lord commands, we feel scrutiny, attack, and disapproval from others in our life. At times we may even be attacked by our loved ones. Is this opposition truly coming from the hearts of our attackers, or is it perhaps instigated by satan and they have no defense against him? Does their lack of connection with Christ perhaps facilitate their need to lash out? These times require us to be strong in the Lord regardless of what others think or how weak we are perceived to be.

The bible says there is strength in weakness, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Those who demonstrate a quiet, reserved nature are often perceived as weak, yet in reality they may possess a quiet strength and confidence that comes from deep within and they feel no need to put their solid personality on display. Their power needs no audience or attention. The Lord’s grace is enough.

So who would you rather stand with, the one with a robust personality who roars like a lion gaining personal attention and perhaps soliciting fear, or one who approaches life like a lamb, thoughtfully addressing each day as it comes and reaching out to others?

As we are sometimes “driven into the desert” let us remember that God may use challenging situations to grow and strengthen us for His purpose. We are shaped and molded like clay in God’s hands through our experiences.

Today is a great day to stand before the Lord and recommit to His purpose for us. Even when we feel weak, we are strong in Him.

Read/Listen to: 1 Samuel 23: 15-29

Acts 14: 18-28

Witness, Persecution, and Encouragement

In this passage Paul and Barnabas were together. Paul cured a cripple man, and the crowd that witnessed this miracle began to worship Paul and Barnabas. Knowing that not they, but God was responsible for the healing, they rejected the praise and redirected it to the Lord. Paul also advised them to turn from their worthless things to the living God who created all things. Paul and Barnabas attempted to minister to them, and appeal to their sinful nature, however were persecuted in return. The crowd stoned Paul, dragged him outside of the town, and left him for dead. 

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of heaven,” was Paul’s message to the disciples. He picked himself up, and returned to the city! This was not about to stop Paul from preaching the good news. There are people in this world today who risk physical mistreatment similar to Paul’s, and possibly death for the sake of Christianity. Please pray for them.

Though stoning is not the type of treatment we endure, at times we may feel pretty beat up. Christ followers in this country are ignored, ridiculed, put town, verbally assaulted, and at times physically attacked for their beliefs. Many struggle within their own families to hold tightly to the word, when in the midst of relatives resistant to a lifestyle we are called to through the bible. Please pray for them.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and lift our hands and hearts to you for all the goodness you provide. Your loving ways are beyond our comprehension, yet we attempt to understand and minister to others your message of forgiveness, grace, and hope. Please remain with us as we carry on through this journey, and bring us strength to persist as Paul did, to bring your message to those who so desperately need it. Amen.

Listen to/Read Acts 14:8-28

Using Our Gifts

Acts 6: 1-7

We are all gifted. Some of us seem to have gotten in the right line and received many more gifts than others, but the fact is, we have all been blessed with the talents God intended for us. At what point we discover, and put these talents to use is our choice.

1 Peter 10:4 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In today’s passage, seven men were chosen because they were known to be “full of the spirit and wisdom.” They combined their energy and together caused the number of disciples in Jerusalem to increase rapidly.

We do not have to be “full of the spirit and wisdom” to be a warrior for Christ (though it might help).  We simply need to make ourselves aware of the grace of God, and what vehicle he has given us to use as a means to serve Him, serve others, and bring honor and glory to Him.

In order to live a life of service, we are not required to be missionaries, pastors, or elders. We must be who we are, growing where we have been planted, and sharing the good news with a sincere heart. 

“Let The Glory Of the Lord Shine Among Us!”

Read/Listen to Acts 6:1-7

Matthew 2: 1-12

                                                      Epiphany Sunday

                                            God in the Flesh                                   

Epiphany comes from two Greek words basically meaning to shine upon, to reveal, or to appear or manifest. At this place in scripture, the Epiphany celebrates God’s revealing or manifesting of Jesus’ identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world.

From The Journey (A bible for seeking God and understanding life)

Reasons to Believe:

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah wrote that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5: 2) When the Maji and King Herod wanted to know where the new king would be born, the Jewish leaders who knew the passage well were able to tell them. Detailed predictions like these, show that the Bible is unlike any other religious book in the world. Jesus is the only holy founder of a major world religion whose birthplace was prophesied hundreds of years in advance of his birth.

Today “wise” men and women continue to seek the word of God, and strive to live as Jesus lived. The Maji (wise men) who followed the star and found the Christ child, were a great example of ignoring worldly directions to protect the sanctity of the Lord. Herod told them to find the child and report back to him so he too could go and worship the child. Knowing that the intentions of the king were not to worship but to harm the baby, they did not comply with his command.

Each day of our lives we are faced with worldly choices that can result in dishonoring the word of God. We can choose to ignore the negative forces in this world for the honor and glory of His name, or we can weaken and comply. Though we may falter along the way, and it is difficult to remain strong, it is “wise.”

Read/Listen to Matthew 2:1-12 

John, More Than A Prophet

                                                                 Matthew 11: 2-11

Have you noticed that when Jesus was asked questions He seemed to indirectly respond as to make the listener dig deep within himself to understand His response? Jesus often used parables and figurative language to illustrate his point, and at times answered a question with a question.

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist was in prison and heard what Jesus was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who has come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Before Jesus’ appearance, in John 1, John the Baptist was approached by priests and Levites from Jerusalem sent by the Jews to inquire about who he was. When asked directly, John stated that he was neither the Christ nor Elijah, but then he proceeded to tell them, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Elijah said.”

How could John have understood and been so comfortable in his role? Surely he was not born with the name John the Baptist. It is unlikely that as he was growing up his parents told him he would be cleansing the sins of man in the Jordan River. He followed the spirit of God to the place he felt he belonged.

Jesus said of John in Matthew 11:11 “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist….” 

As we grow and develop our interests and talents, we too must seek our purpose in the Lord. For some it seems easy, and they fall into their niche quite early in life. Others of us either ignore the nudging of the Lord or amidst the noise and commotion of this world do not make ourselves still to listen for our calling. No matter when we wake ourselves up to our purpose though, it is not too late. The arms of the Lord are always open to a “good and faithful servant.” 

Read/Listen to Matthew 11: 2-11

The Story – Chapter 23 – Jesus’ Ministry Begins

Watch  "Who Am I" and this will make Amazing sense.

John Chapters 3 and 4

John chapters 3 and 4 hold many significant messages! The first section in Chapter 3 is titled “Jesus Teaches Nicodemus.” This Nicodemus fellow reminds me of me in ways. He went to Jesus at night when no one else was around. Nicodemus acknowledged Jesus as a teacher who had come from God. He inquired about how a grown man could be born again. His question seems surface and even quite silly. Nicodemus said, “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

When I began my true and sincere walk with the Lord and started spending time in the bible, I too had many questions that likely sounded immature and unaware, but that’s exactly what I was. We all began there, no matter what our age. Nicodemus was an important member of the religious ruling class yet understood very little. We all have much to learn, and if we pay attention we will find that the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. Perhaps that’s why we are called “children of God,” and the reason He says we must be like children in our beliefs. Mark 10:15 "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." The Lord knows we will never be able to fully understand because of our limited human mind within this earthly realm. Seeking His heavenly world in awe and wonder as a child however, is what God wants of us.

John 3 is the place in the bible where one of the most famous verses appears. The Journey (A Bible for Seeking God and Understanding Life) states: This one sentence contains the greatest message from the greatest source, describing the greatest love, demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice ever given. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son; that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3 concludes with John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus. Because he was there before Jesus, and baptizing, when Jesus arrived on the scene, many went to John asking about Jesus. John reminded them; “You yourselves can testify that I said, I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him………He must become greater, I must become less.” As John the Baptist, we are here to acknowledge the Lord, and as we help to spread His word, give all the honor and glory to Him as we become less. It is not about us, but about He who sent us. We are but a vapor in the wind. It has nothing to do with what we've done,  and everything to do with who He is. 

Listen and watch “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns

Read or Listen to John 3 and 4 

1Corinthians 15:12, 16-28, 51-58 New Life

Sometimes the words in the bible are so deep and confusing I find myself re-reading again and again so I can get it through my thick skull. It often doesn’t work, but then if I read on, I find clarity. That’s kind of what happened today, as I read our passage in 1 Corinthians. I got it, then I didn’t, then I did again for a while, but then I didn’t. Whew! Please read it in its entirety below and see if the same thing happens to you.

Though as human beings we do not have the ability to grasp the "realm of the unknown where Jesus is," here is my attempt:
As Christ followers, we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, to save us from the sin we all incurred due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. (Eve wasn’t mentioned, but she was surely in on it.) This sin means death, unless we overcome and walk away from the things of this world toward the truth of God’s word. We must stand firm, and give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. The end will come and in Christ we will be made alive. We will be changed. There will be no real death, but instead new life. Labor for the Lord is never in vain.

Though I fully understand there is more substance and meaning weaved within the letters and words upon the pages of this tremendous book, we all still come to it from our own place. What other wisdom, direction, or peace do you find within these passages? Seek and you will find.

Read the texts for today here.

Tunnel Vision- 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

My dad gave me a business card one day that read. “If you meet me and forget who I am, you have lost nothing. If you meet Jesus Christ and forget who He is, you have lost everything.” I found that card, the other day, tucked away in a keepsakes box. I remember, as a child, feeling the weight of that truthful declaration as I read it over and over.

My father lived his life believing that statement. Many who knew him would agree that he didn’t care what their opinion of him was, but he would tell everyone he met about God and challenge them to serve him more.

Thinking back on that reminds me of our passage today. In 1 Corinthians 4 Paul says, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”

Paul did not regard himself as anything special; he did not care what others thought of him, or what his opinion of himself was. All Paul concerned himself with was preaching Jesus Christ to the lost world.

That statement is terrifying and freeing. I want so badly desire to live my life caring only what God thinks of me. That requires that I not only stop caring what others think of me, but that I get out of my own head and focus totally on Christ.

Let's pray today that God will show us how to live a totally Christ focused life.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

Fire Proof- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Do you have a fire proof safe in your house? We don’t but we want to get one. There are important documents that we want to keep protected incase a fire destroys our home. Many of us prepare for unforeseen disasters, we buy insurance for our homes, our cars, and even ourselves so that those we leave behind will be okay. But have we made sure our next destination is secured?

Our scripture passage today talks about a builder who needs to build on a sure foundation. Paul explains that the only foundation that can hold up is Jesus Christ. He then explains that we need to choose wisely the building material we use when building.

If Christ is our foundation that is great, next we need to take a look at how we are building on him. Do our actions each day mix well with the foundation of Christ or are we trying to pour a concrete roof on a house made of straw?

When I get to heaven I know that some of my building material will probably burn up through the fire of God’s judgment, but I hope I have served Christ well in this life. I pray that with Christ as my foundation I have been able, through God’s grace, to bless others through my time and love.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 3:10-15