The Seed of Life

It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:44-45

Have you ever thought about what Adam looked like? Envision him.

Now think about the last baby you met. Did he or she look like the parents?

Probably so, at least in a broad sense. Boil it down and we all look the same - nose in the center of the face, two eyes above, a mouth below, legs at our waist and arms at our shoulders. We all act alike too. We eat, we sleep, we sin, we hate, we love.

The reality is universally observable: Produced life is remarkably similar to the producer(s). Fish produce fish, birds produce birds, and humans produce humans. There’s no mistaking one for the other.

So we understand how we are born in a natural sense, but how are people born in a spiritual sense?

Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:5-6) 

This Spirit that gives birth to our spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Therefore, just as we are like our parents (and by derivation Adam) in a physical sense, we are like Jesus Christ in a spiritual sense. Our spiritual lives reflect his character as defined in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And more than that, just as our natural bodies are mortal like Adam’s, our spiritual bodies are immortal like Christ’s!

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

You are alive in a natural sense, but are you born again of the Spirit of Jesus Christ? And has this second birth into immortality changed the way you live your mortal life?

Christ-Centered Suffering

READ: Colossians 1:24-29

Everyone suffers. We fail ourselves and suffer internally. Then come the attacks of the world. We work hard, but our bosses don’t appreciate us. Friends and family return our affection with negligence, betrayal, and animosity. Even God torments us with disease or the premature deaths of people we dearly love.

Yet, bound up by all this suffering, we’re expected to proclaim Christ to the world by embodying the fruits of his Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). How is this even possible?

If we are focused on ourselves, it’s not, but if we, like the apostle Paul, are focused on Christ it’s actually quite easy.

Paul writes his letter to the Colossians from a prison cell where he is awaiting execution. For him, this is a natural consequence of the purpose God gave him: to proclaim the Gospel. His life’s suffering is probably far greater than what you and I have endured, yet he rejoices because he’s focused not on himself, but on Christ, whose mission is being fulfilled in him.

I can be incredibly self-centered at times, which causes me to wallow in sufferings when they come and lose sight of the purpose God gave me, namely to proclaim his love and grace to the world through my words and actions. I pray that soon the words Paul spoke in Acts 20:24 will echo in my heart as well: “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.”

I Once Was Lost, but Now Am Found

READ: Ezekiel 34:11-16

I spent seven years as a lost sheep. Separated from the flock of the Lord’s people and from the Good Shepherd himself, I wandered through life alone. I was very self-reliant then. Proud too. I pushed people away, refused help, and tried to make it on my own. I failed miserably.

When my Shepherd found me, I was deeply broken. I had no friends. I had wounded my family through years of rebellion and separation. I was dissatisfied with every worldly treasure. My life felt meaningless, and I had little hope for the future.

“I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,” promises the Lord. (Ezekiel 34:16)

I used to think I was sleek and strong -- I was doomed to destruction. But when I encountered the Good Shepherd, I realized that I was weak and injured and that he wanted to heal me. All he needed was my submission.

The Good Shepherd changed my life. I have friends now. Real friends. Friends that accept me for who I am and genuinely care about me. My relationship with my family is being restored. I am filled with hope and satisfied with the provisions the Good Shepherd makes for me each day.

Sometimes I still wander … drift away on the path of pride or self-reliance or solitude. But the Good Shepherd chases me, catches me, and carries me back home, to the good pasture of life with his people, life in his care. He is true to who he says he is and what he says he will do. As it is written in Proverbs (and quoted in 1 Peter and James), “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Holiness

READ: 1 Peter 1:13-16

BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.

The command seems so lofty. 

Me, holy? No one is righteous, not even one. I confess I am a sinner. I live by grace. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. I am unholy, sold as a slave to sin, but his grace abounds.

Now that sounds a little more like the Christians I know. 

But let us consider what the Bible says about this lofty holiness. 

The prophecy: “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

Christ’s promise: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)

Prophecy and promise fulfilled: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” (Romans 8:9)

Result: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Therefore, we are not a defeated people, powerless against our base and sinful desires, but we who have received the Holy Spirit are a redeemed and victorious people fully capable of fulfilling the command to be holy as God is holy.

Yes, we are saved by grace, but saved for a purpose: to replicate his holiness.

Who Is Your Master?

READ: John 8:31-39

America is the land of the free. We believe what we want; we say what we want; we do what we want. We are all independent, bound to no master! Or so we think.

2 Peter 2:19 says that all people are slaves to whatever has mastered them. The truth is easy to see in the life of a drug addict or a youth madly in love. Everything must be given to obtain that which has captured the fascination of the mind and the passion of the heart. We just can’t control ourselves. We have to have it.

So what is your it? What has mastered you?

Wealth? Personal accomplishment? Love of spouse, child, or parent? Your reputation for holiness built upon the sins you hide? Escapism through alcohol, through television, through work that doesn’t even need to be done?

Are you a slave unto sin?

We all used to be. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3) 

Some of us still are. “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:14-15)

And some of us aren’t anymore. “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Feel like you’re caught in between? Remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

“Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Lost Treasure

READ: Isaiah 33:2-6

Few things were more devastating to the ancient Israelites than a swarm of locusts. Farmers who had invested months of labor and spent many evenings gazing upon their fields at what was certain to be an abundant harvest were in moments brought to tears as they watched their toil come to nothing, their families reduced to poverty and probable starvation. 

This is what will become of the treasures of the kingdoms of this world when the God of justice makes his power known.

Will you be among those suffering great loss on that day?

Seriously, consider it. 1 Corinthians 3 says that those who build on the foundation of Christ will have their work tested by fire. Build wisely, receive a reward; build foolishly, suffer great loss. Yes, all in Christ will pass into life, but some as ones escaping through the flames.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He goes on to tell a parable about a rich man who stored up his wealth thinking he would have many years of leisure to enjoy it only for God to prematurely take his life, separating him forever from the fruit of his labors.

I too once lived like this man, working hard to earn more and more money, saving and investing, only to see much of my wealth wiped out by a sudden reverse in the stock market. My efforts felt so futile then, but I learned the wisdom in Christ’s instruction: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Do You Love Me?

READ: John 14:15-27

If you love me, keep my commands.

There’s a love language I don’t speak well. You probably don’t either. “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12)

Jesus, we break your commands daily. We don’t love you. Do you still love us?

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

Back up to 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” Think about that. God must love because God is love. What great irony, then, that love itself is unrequited!

Ever felt that pain? Ever been driven by an obsessive desire to bless someone in any way you are able only to see your efforts come to nothing? Your gifts not received; your warmth met with coldness; your love met with apathy or spite?

Multiply the pain by seven billion and you’ve got God’s relationship with this world. Big problem, but God has a big solution: He’s going to teach us how to love him by dwelling within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.

The night I put my faith in Christ, I received this Spirit. He does what Christ promised he would do. He teaches me. He reminds me. He advocates for me. He never leaves me. 

As it is written, “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory,” (Ephesians 1:13-14) and, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Glory to God! By the Spirit’s presence I see a miracle at work within me. I am learning to obey Christ’s commands, and in so doing I am learning to love my God.

Our Glorious Future

READ: Romans 8:18-25

Anticipation. How often something wonderful is preceded by a long wait!

It began with childhood Christmases and the month-long excitement over all the toys I wanted. I was certain I would get them. And I did. (Yes, I was a spoiled child.)

Then it was entertainment - WrestleMania was my favorite annual spectacular and each year I counted down its coming by watching the complete anthology of past events. The 34th edition is this Sunday, and it’s going to be awesome!

Then there’s the events we can’t countdown on a calendar - achieving our dreams, meeting our spouses, conceiving our children. We work and strive and seek and chase and try, the whole time trusting that our efforts will be rewarded, that someday God will bless us.

But sometimes he doesn’t. Some people never achieve their dreams. Some never get married. Some are never able to conceive. And we begin to doubt. The wait is so long and so uncertain, we begin to wonder: Will it ever happen?

How wonderful is hope and anticipation! How soul-crushing is doubt and despair!

Remember the doll at the end of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Disappointed yet again, she whimpers, “I haven’t any dreams left to dream.” (Not familiar? Picture a Cleveland Browns fan.)

Yes, my friends, sometimes the disappointments are so frequent and so many we cease to hope. We lose faith, become jaded, and go through life doubting that it will ever get any better. 

To this Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

WHEN!!! Not if, WHEN!!!

Anticipation. How often something wonderful is preceded by a long wait!

The Suffering Servant

READ: Isaiah 53:3-6

Isaiah 53 paints the sad picture of one who took upon himself rejection, suffering, and the punishment that brought peace. The temptation is to look upon Calvary; say, “Thanks, Jesus;” and then settle into a quiet life of comfort and complacency. 

Jesus instructs us otherwise. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

And be rejected?

“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23)

And suffer?

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29)

And take upon ourselves the punishments that bring peace?

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back. (Philemon 18-19)

Really, Paul?

I speak the truth in Christ -- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit … For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people … (Romans 9:1,3)

More than a scapegoat, Christ is a prototype. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29)

From Fear to Faith

READ: Matthew 8:23-27

If the disciples thought following Jesus meant smooth sailing, they got a rude awakening on this night, for following Jesus meant jeopardizing their lives in a furious storm! 

Many of us face life’s trials with a similar sense of betrayal and panic. “It isn’t supposed to be like this!” we cry. “Don’t you care about me, Jesus?”

He wakes. “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”

Pause. Right here. In the midst of the storm. 

Do you not see what Jesus offers you?

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich. (Rev 3:18) 

These trials have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold … may be proved genuine. (1 Pet 1:7) 

If anyone builds on the foundation of Christ using gold … their work will be shown for what it is … Fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. (1 Cor 3:12-14)

Your faith in times of trial is gold, my friends! Trust him in the storms of life. You will earn eternal rewards, and the result will be praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed, for in the end he is who he says he is. As it was written long ago,

The seas have lifted up, Lord,

   The seas have lifted up their voice;

   The seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

   Mightier than the breakers of the sea—

   The Lord on high is mighty. (Ps 93:3-4)

Childhood Obsessions

READ: Luke 2:41-52

WWE Owners Vince & Shane McMahon
Visit the House of the Lord in a 2006 Storyline

Were you obsessed with anything as a child?

I was obsessed with WWE. I watched it six nights a week. They didn’t have programming on Tuesday, so I went to my archives and popped in a VHS. I had every action figure. I went to the events. I wore the t-shirts. I talked about it at school; I whispered about it in church.

I was a lot like Jesus.

He was obsessed too. Only his obsession was with his Father.

Not surprising. He came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and said the greatest commandment in the law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37) - an Old Testament quote which continues, “These commands I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Sounds like obsession to me.

2011 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Shawn Michaels

Now grown, I go to church every Sunday. I listen to praise and worship music every day. I regularly attend three Bible studies a week and am in the Word every day. I pray every morning and before every meal. God’s name is never far from my lips; He is always in my thoughts. 

Do these things make me any more loved by God? No, but how can I not love Him with an obsessive love? His amazing grace saved a wretch like me.

What Happens When We Pray?

READ: Esther 4:15-17

Is divine petition through prayer and fasting powerful enough to change the course of human events or does God merely use these things to align our hearts with His unalterable will?

Consider the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8). The unjust judge does not grant her request on her first petition, but after many appeals he gives her what she asks. How much more so our Father in Heaven!

Consider also what God says to Jeremiah:

If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. (Jeremiah 18:7-8)

And what Jesus says in Matthew:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

"Why don't I get what I pray for?"

Is scripture then suggesting that God is like a magic genie, eager to grant our every wish if we will just humble ourselves in divine petition? Not exactly …

You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:2b-3)

The God who requires our obedience and wills our sanctification will not be granting our sinful desires or prematurely ending the trials that strengthen our faith, but He will grant us the desires of our heart that rest within His permissive will -- if we ask.

A Lesson in Confession

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

This verse is a stumbling block to me. 

Isn’t it enough that I confess my sins to God? I’m not Catholic, after all. I believe in salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, for as Romans 10:13 proclaims, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Why then need I confess my sins to others?

Consider that other alone: Scripture alone. The Bible - the whole Bible! - is the inspired word of God and the sole infallible rule of faith and practice. That includes James 5:16. Further, this is not about justification; it’s about sanctification. We do not confess our sins to each other so that we may be forgiven or justified; we confess our sins to each other so that we may be healed.

So why don’t I do it?

Because people would think less of me. Confident though I may be in God’s amazing grace and unconditional love, I don’t fully trust His church to mirror His character. I fear their haughty eyes and self-righteous condemnation. I desire their approval, their admiration even, so under a veil of righteousness I hide my sinful heart.

Who then do I aim to please - God or man? Who do I glorify - God or self?

I must confess I have sought to please man that I might be glorified. This verse is a stumbling block to me because I have a pride problem. Pray for me so that I may be healed.

Asset Management

READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Stewardship is not synonymous with giving money. Why would it be? We have a veritable holy trinity of assets we can use to glorify God and love others: our time, our talent, and our treasure.

Time. I have twenty-four hours today; how about you? Same? I thought so. Though, according to Peter, it’s quickly running out. Be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. Practice hospitality to one another without grumbling. Remember that your time is a gift from God, given that you may glorify Him and love others.

Talent. Use whatever gift you have received to serve others. If you speak, speak as one who speaks the very words of God. Your actions and your words are who you are to the world. Be who God designed you to be: We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Cor 6:19)? What a gift!

Treasure. It’s more than money: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21). The one who spoke the world into being does not need your money; He needs your love, for Himself and for His children. So, above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Let us render unto God what is God’s - our time, our talent, and our treasure, which all came from Him!

Missed Opportunity

I enjoy listening to audio books. I will often get into one while walking and become so engrossed that I hate to stop. I have found these types of books motivate me to walk more often and for longer periods.  A win-win all the way around.  Usually, I prefer books authored by Christian writers, but I do enjoy searching for the secular writer who can communicate without offending my ears or my spirit. My latest selection happened to be one such book.

I must admit, it took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I found the storyline enthralling. As the tale developed I became drawn to the characters and discovered I liked them. This doesn't happen with every book I read or listen to.

Midway through, I began to regret that no Christian slant accompanied this piece. I could see where it was heading and felt I would be denied a great teaching moment. The main character, Joe, an outstanding human being, had impeccable values. He made a few wonderful friends along the way and his impact on their lives would not be forgotten.

But, as it became obvious to me this wasn't going to end well for our hero, I felt robbed. There was sure to be a memorial service before the end of the book and friends would give testimony to Joe's amazing personality.

John 10:16 (NIV)
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

But, because this was not a Christian title, there would be no hope to share with those he left behind; no framing this tragedy through the eyes of a believer. As a writer, who one day longs to complete that piece of Christian fiction which might challenge someone who doesn't yet know Jesus, I mourned this missed opportunity and longed to rewrite the ending.

All readers and listeners deserve to know there is meaning to this life and it isn't all about us, but The One who leads us, His sheep, just by speaking.

John 10:11-18

Ephesians 6:10-20 Life on Mission – Pray

The Armor of God

As we envision the Knights in Shining Armor of the past, we might be reminded of how courageous they appeared as the swordsmen raced toward one another upon the backs of  bold and determined steads. They were relentless until one or the other had fallen to his death.

There was a living, breathing human being inside each set of armor. Focusing on one in particular, let's speculate how this jousting match came to be: 

Likely as a young man, the knight began preparing for the day his competition would take place long before it happened. When the helmet was first placed upon his head, it strained his neck and put pressure on his temple. The breastplate made him uncomfortable as it dug into his ribs and made it difficult to breathe. As his belt was tightened, he groaned and wondered how he was going to manage. Placed in one hand was a gold plated shield he could barely lift, and in the other an ornate silver sword that made his arm and wrist ache as he raised it pridefully into the air. He was told that his feet should be at the ready at all times. Though excited about the challenge, he doubted himself and had no idea how he was going to find the strength to do the will of the king.

As time went on, the young knight to be was gaining strength. He listened to the other knights. He read up on the laws and rules of knighthood. He hung out with others who were in the same situation as he was, as well as those with more experience and asked questions that helped him grow as a knight. When he was alone, he worked with each piece of armor individually until he was comfortable with it and then added one after another until he was in full armor. Day after day the heart and soul of this knight grew stronger until he knew he was ready. Did he have a few twinges of doubt from time to time, sure, but overall he had the faith he needed to do the job . 

As we forge ahead with God's promise in hand, we too will be protected by armor, but this armor of the Lord is all housed within us.  

"Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,.....Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the work of God. And PRAY in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...." Ephesians 6:10-18

Our armor will feel heavy and awkward at first as well, yet continued prayer and faith will lighten the burden and make this "Life on Mission" well worth the challenge. How are you doing on your checklist?

Ephesians 6:10-20

Acts 9: 10-15

The Story of Ananias

Who? The Journey Bible (NIV) describes him this way; Ananias: 1. The husband of Sapphira; he was struck dead for lying to God  2. disciple who baptized Saul  3. The high priest before whom Paul was tried in Jerusalem

So Ananias was in good standing with God, and then he wasn't, and then he was, and then he wasn't. That sounds familiar doesn't it!

At one point in his life, Ananias was used by God in one of the most significant transformations recorded in the bible-Saul converting from God hater and Christian killer to a Christ following disciple willing to speak out and suffer intensely in the name of the Lord. (Paul)

We all fall in and out of God’s favor, as we allow our human desires and tendencies to control our thoughts and actions.  His grace however, always remains and regardless of our sin, we can be used by God.

Ananias was instructed by God to go to Saul. He did not want to go. Ananias had heard about all the terrible things Saul had done and of his murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He did as God called him to do though, and through him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and was changed.

It is difficult to imagine the Lord using us to deliver the Holy Spirit to others in this way, but it happens. Regular God loving folks like you and I are used as vehicles for God’s purpose all the time.  We may need to approach scary and uncomfortable people or situations for His purpose. We might be stretched far beyond our comfort zone only to feel our actions are futile, but often we are not meant to see the difference we make. The result of our actions may not surface for years, and perhaps we will never know one way or the other, but it doesn't matter. We are to simply  follow Jesus' example, and let the Holy Spirit guide us to where God wants us to be.

Live, Love, Reach out. Our actions may change the life of another,....... for eternity!

Read/Listen to Acts 9:10-15

Commitment - Not Neglect

Nehemiah 9:1-3, 32-38, 10:28-32, 39b

Neglect:

1. Fail to take care of someone. To fail to take care of someone when you are responsible for them

1b. Fail to take care of a place. To fail to take care of a place, for example a house or garden

 2. Fail to do something you should do.

 3. Fail to pay attention to something. To fail to pay attention to something such as an idea or a work of art

                             “We will not neglect the house of our God.”

                                              Nehemiah 10:39b

Fail is not a word or feeling any of us like, particularly when it refers to our own actions…… or lack of. Why then do we so often neglect our responsibilities as Christ followers to do what our God asks of us? Do we use the excuse that we are human, or place blame on others due to their lack of Christian behavior or a personality conflict? Perhaps because we know our Lord will forgive us, we get somewhat sloppy in our approach to life and then confess, reconcile, focus for a while, and eventually fall back again only to start the process over? How exhausting!

We beat ourselves and each other up when we forget how to focus our lives on God just as when the “chosen people” turned away from Him. There was sin, conflict and unrest.

Though our God is a righteous and forgiving God, we know that He will be more than delighted if we remain in his will rather than fading in and out. Why then do we do that? Well it’s hard! 

Maintaining relationships is very challenging, yet our God is a relational God, and we are here to serve one another. Within marriages, families, communities, and far beyond, “to the ends of the earth” actually, we are given the responsibility to spread the Word and Love of our Savior. Let’s not fail to keep Him in the middle of all our relationships. Trust God with your heart and “He Will Restore.” 

Listen to: He Will Restore by Chris August

                                                                                             

Read/Listen to: Nehemiah 9:1-3

                           Nehemiah 9:32-38

                           Nehemiah 10:28-32

                           Nehemiah  10:39

Saul’s Conversion

 Acts 9: 1-20

I have a few observations and questions I’d like to share:

I have  noticed that some people have to be hit up along side the head with a brick before they get it!

Many are hit up along side the head with a brick and still don’t get it!

How often do some people have to get hit up along side the head with a brick before they do get it? And finally, why is it that some people get hit up along side the head with a brick time and time again and never get it?!

Receiving a devastating blow can be the greatest blessing of our life, though at the time it is impossible to see.

Saul was known to be a mean, cold hearted opponent of the Christian faith. He “was still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples,” in Acts 9:1. While in the process of seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus from the high priest, granting him permission to capture and imprison anyone Saul found to be Christ followers, was literally blindsided. A sudden light from heaven flashed around him. Saul fell to the ground and heard, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The Lord directed him to get up, go into the city, and he would be told what he must do there. Upon standing and opening his eyes, Saul found he was blind. Now that’s being hit up along side the head!

Saul was guided to Damascus by the hand, and for three days he was blind. In the mean time, a disciple named Ananias was called upon by the Lord to go to Saul, place his hands on him and restore his sight. Ananias was reluctant because he knew of Saul’s history. The Lord said to Ananias in Acts 9:15, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer in my name.” This was done, and Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. Most of us know the rest of the story of Saul, otherwise known as Paul.

The message to Saul was very clear. Today not many people have the privilege of such an obvious and undeniable communication direct from God. We must quiet ourselves, feed ourselves from His Word, and P. R. A. Y.  

P-Persevere

R-Repent

A-Act

Y-Yield

Read/Listen to Acts 9:1-20

First "Christians" - Acts 11:19-26

Have you ever had a good news/bad news day?  The lesson in Acts 11 seems like one of those times.  First we learn that Christians are being persecuted and forced to go into hiding or run away.  We all know that God can take something bad and use it for good; for His glory.  Because Christians fled to other Cities and countries, the Gospel spread more quickly.

"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." (Acts 11:19-21)

Have you suffered or struggled with life and found yourself reaching out to God?  A few years after moving across county I found myself feeling alone.  I felt if something didn't change, if I couldn't find happiness I didn't know where my hopelessness would lead.  I attended a church for the first time in ten years and then the following Sunday my husband came with me; the rest is history.  God moved my family far from home and then used my desperation to open my eyes to what was missing.  Our family became Christian.

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (Acts 11:26b)

Read the Acts 11:19-26 text here.    Listen to the Word here.