Who Is Jesus?

READ: Matthew 16:13-18

Who is Jesus?

Some say he is a fictional character. Others, that he existed but very little written about him is true. Some think his sayings are true; he was a wise teacher, but not a miracle worker. Still others, that he was a prophet, a way to relationship with God—one of many valid paths.

I say he is who he says he is: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) And who Peter says he is: “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:16)

Ever wonder how so many of Jesus’s followers could hear his words, see his miracles, and still get it wrong?

Ever wonder how so many people in your own life could see the Spirit’s work in you, hear your teaching about Jesus, receive the love you give them from the Father, and still not believe?

Maybe if I studied more apologetics, phrased things in a more culturally relevant way, we think to ourselves. Maybe if I loved better or tricked them into church with a bait-and-switch promise of free food, fun games, or great prizes!

And then we hear the words of Christ and realize that even we still have it wrong. As Jesus said to Peter, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (Matt 16:17)

Have a friend or family member who doesn’t know who Jesus is? Pray for them. Your logic and love cannot save them; only God can save them.

John 21:1-4

Seven Disciples Fishing

Today’s reading is brief. It is about seven of Jesus’ disciples going out fishing and catching nothing. It ends with; John 21:4

“Early in the morning Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.”

How could they not know it was him? Did he take on a different human form? Were they so convinced he was dead they never considered it could be him?

Is it feasible to think Jesus is watching us as we fish, work, shop, engage with others, or choose not to engage? Might Jesus be that young man who looks rough and un-kept? Could he perchance be the unwed mother or misbehaving child we shun?

Perhaps we should keep that in mind as we live our daily lives. The Bible tells us of the gift of the Holy Spirit being with us; to guide and support us in the way of the Lord. We are urged to live our lives in reverence to God as well as being kind, generous, patient, humble, moral, etc.

Once again I suggest we think about living our lives as though Jesus were in our midst observing the approach we take with our family, friends, and strangers, because He is!

Immanuel means “God with us.”

Read/Listen to John 21:1-4

More of You and Less of Me

Acts 3: 11-16

May we echo the testimony of John the Baptist in John 3 when he says; “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Let us defer to what Peter proclaimed in Acts 3 regarding his healing of the cripple man; “It is Jesus’ name and faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him…”

As the years so quickly race by we learn many things. We grow through pain and adversity. The experiences we have, both positive and negative develop our character.

 John Ortberg, an author, speaker and senior pastor in Menlo Park, California shares great insights about life and obedience to God. As I listened to him speak on the radio the other day, many times he stated: “The main thing God and you get out of life is the person you become.”

It doesn’t necessarily matter if you are in a position of power or quietly doing your job in the back kitchen of a tiny restaurant. It is about obedience to God and putting Him first. Life may be trying and downright impossible some days, but remembering IT IS NOT ABOUT US will lighten our load.

Acknowledge Him in all you do as Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “He will direct your path.”

Colton Dixon, a young contestant on American Idol has reached many young people through his music. Singing with kind of a rock feel and what some might say a wild look, Dixon incorporates true, honest life and scripture into is lyrics. I am in my late 50’s and truly enjoy his music from my heart. Some of the lyrics to More of You:

"I want you and no one else. Empty me of myself.

Until the only thing that's left is...

More of you and less of me, Make me who I’m meant to be.You’re all I want, all I need you're everything. Take it all, I surrender be my king. 

God I choose more of you and less of me."

When we look away from the mirror and gaze upward, we discover great meaning for our lives.

Lord, I pray that as we absorb your will into our beings we become the blessings for others you intend us to be. May we always remember the beauty that lies in letting go of ourselves and focusing on YOU.  

Read/Listen to Acts 3:11-16

1 John 4:7-21

God’s Love and Ours

Where would you prefer to be?

Scenario 1: You walk in the door, receive a few superficial hugs and immediately tense up as you spy that big old elephant still sitting on the living room floor big as life, but everyone pretends it’s not there.  The conversation is shallow as you remain in the kitchen because the living room is still filled with things no one wants to talk about.

Scenario 2: You walk in the door, share several long, sincere hugs, walk into the empty living room together, settle into your favorite comfortable spot, and together fill the air with genuine conversation and laughter.

When we feel we are loved and love in return, we are connected. It is a comfortable place to be. We feel at home. The atmosphere is one of belonging. Peace and contentment consume us.

I love feeling that way!

This love is not romantic in nature; it is simply acceptance as is. It is unconditional, non-judgmental, genuine care and concern for another, with no motive to change or manipulate, only to love.

Loving unconditionally is a challenge we all face, and especially difficult when dealing with the "unlovable," yet the Bible is overflowing with verses on love; God’s type of love.

1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him.

Jesus loved and reached out in love regardless of the individual’s status or behavior. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen, and He has given us this command: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (John 4:19-21)

In the book of Ephesians Chapters 1, 2 and 3, Paul speaks of who we are as God’s Children. In 4, 5 and 6 he writes on the way we are to conduct ourselves:

In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. (Ephesians 4:26)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Amen! 

Read/Listen to 1 John 4:7-21

1 John 2:15-28

Fight the Good Fight!

We have been told not to fight, or at least not to throw the first punch, but self-defense is acceptable and condoned in most circles. The announcers of a boxing match can be heard using the term “good fight.”  That seems to mean strategic moves are utilized, and the participants are somewhat evenly matched in order to prolong the competition to entertain the audience.

As I read today's words about not loving the world and warning of the antichrists, I heard the words in my head from a song by the group Unspoken. 

The title is “Good Fight” and speaks directly to us from God’s perspective. The lyrics encourage  us to keep fighting and letting God's light shine. The message is that although the world is hard on us and we are under attack, God will never leave us. This fight is one worth fighting and though it is sometimes too much to bear it is a fight God wants us to take part in and win!

In 1 John 2:15-28, John's letter includes words of warning about the world, but also encouragement, support, reassurance, inspiration and hope, just as the lyrics of "Good Fight."

Please listen to the song “Good Fight”

Please read/listen to 1 John 2:15-28

1 John 2:3-14

We know God by Obeying His Commands

  

Stay out of the road!   Say please and thank you.    Use your manners!     Sit up straight.                                    Use your napkin.   Don’t hit!   Stay in bed.   Don’t play with your food!    Stop fighting!

Adults spew these and many other commands to kids constantly. Not only do they speak the words, but generally use direct and sometimes fierce intonation to get the child’s attention, to no avail. Over and over the reminders are communicated, and the results are the same. The kids continue doing exactly what they were told not to, or don’t do what they were asked to do.

Do all young people have bad memories? Are all kids testing? Are they so focused on themselves that they disregard the wishes of the adults in their lives? What is it?

In today’s passage John wrote to encourage believers, and remind them of God’s commands;

1 John2:7  “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.”

What is John referring to? He notes a few examples, but it is all about following God’s word and knowing God by living as He calls us to. He doesn’t change his message. He never has.

Verse 4 The man who says “I know him” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Verse 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.

Verse 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness.

Colossians 2:12-14 Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may 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.

Last Sunday the message was about what God has given us-New Life.

Today let’s examine our own hearts and honestly look at the pages of our daily lives. Not the life of anyone else, just our own. Are we giving God what he has asked of us in return or are we still in need of constant reminders? If so, that's alright, we are all in various places in our faith walk.

  

1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Developing your faith is a lifelong process. What is your next step? Is God calling you to cross the threshold of faith and enter into His family? Is God calling you to grow in your understanding of who He is, or change the way you live your life? Is God calling you to step up and be a model for others?

      Read/listen to 1 John 2:3-14

1 John 1:1-2:2

               The Word of Life

With great anticipation and excitement we await the birth of our new grandson. He will be born somewhere around the 4^th of July. Another grandchild is expected to be born in December. Because I have experienced the miracle of birth first hand, and have seen the beauty of our God in those tiny hands and feet, I KNOW what joy this new infant will bring.

I also understand the challenges and heartache that accompany the commitment of being a parent yet would not discourage our children from the experience because the pleasure and love far outweigh the pain. The promise of what is to come as the baby grows and changes each day brings constant eagerness for what is next.

In the same way, Christ Followers go through periods of joy, excitement, transformation, peace, etc. as well as pain and heartbreak. 

Having never gone through child rearing before, it is impossible for new parents to wrap their head and heart around what is to come, but get them together with a another couple with their newborn and watch as the smiles grow, eyes widen, and questions flow. This impending new life has them consumed.

John's love for the Lord drove him to tell all who would listen of Jesus' life on earth and the promise of eternal life. Like a couple with a newborn sharing the sweet, innocent growth and changes in their baby, the experiences John had with Jesus were so awesome and consuming he had to share. His wish for others to feel the same joy and excitement drove John to reach out, write this book, and invite us all into fellowship with him, others, the Father and his son Jesus Christ. John knew along with this joy there would be suffering, but that is part of this meaningful journey.

Speaking of Jesus, in John 1:2-4 John writes; The life appeared; we have seen it 

and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father 

and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you

 also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his 

Son Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”

As the new life of an infant becomes more precious when shared, John’s joy was not complete without sharing the message of God's Love and the promise of new life....eternal life. Amen!

Read/Listen to 1 John1:1-2:2

Jesus-is-us

When my kids were young, we often went to toy stores. My kid’s favorite was “Toys-R-Us.”

 

In my usual nit-picking way, I would think to myself, “Toys-R-Us is not toys; they are a store that sells toys.” This does not make sense!

 

Of course, it is a great toy store. They usually had something for my kids. Failing that, they always had something for me!

 

Today’s reading, Acts 4:1-13. Peter and John, two of Jesus “go to” apostles, are before the Sanhedrin. They have just healed a crippled beggar. The Sanhedrin, concerned that a greater power is in their midst, wants to know on what authority they healed the beggar.

 

Peter replies it is Jesus, and in fact, adds that salvation is found in no one other than Jesus.

 

This is the first recorded miracle that the apostles did after Jesus died. It is the first recorded miracle that the church performed after Jesus died.

 

Jesus delegated his mission to Peter and John. He gave some of his powers to Peter and John. More profoundly, however, Jesus delegated his mission and gave some of his powers to his church!

 

Jesus is counting on his church – and that includes you and I!

 

I feel inadequate, to do Jesus work. Fortunately, there are others who can help me and point me in the right direction. However, Jesus is here, right in front of me, in the form of a Bible.

 

More importantly, Jesus is within me.

 

Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not powers external to me, that work on me. St. Paul tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are within me!

 

I may feel inadequate to do Jesus work, but God has given me everything I need in preparation. Better than that, Jesus is within me. I do not have to “go it alone.”

 

Like the toy store, it does not make sense.

 

Nonetheless, Jesus-is-us.

 

Know God

John 17:1-5

Someone drops a name and you say, “Oh sure, I know him.” I’ve done that many times, but what I really mean is “I know of him,” or “I know who he is.”

The Encarta Dictionary has a multitude of definitions for the word know, including words and phrases like; acquainted, become aware of, familiar with, recognize and have information in the mind. The one closest to what knowing God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit means is: to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study

Though we cannot experience our Lord in the flesh, we can absorb His spirit and become what he wants us to be through consistently striving to grow in Him.

We have been offered the framework for doing just that, through His Word;

 “Be still, and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8:17

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep an my sheep know me." John 10:14

Getting to truly know and understand someone can be life changing. For example, if you

keep your distance from your superior in the workplace, speculate about his character, 

and talk with others who do the same it leads to distance and mistrust. On the contrary, if 

you pursue a relationship with him, take time to talk with him and try to understand who he 

really is and why he does what he does, you may become a key employee, instrumental in 

carrying out the company’s mission.

With God as well, the key is understanding. It’s all GRACE, yet we cannot understand Him 

unless we consistently attempt to understand just what Grace is and learn God’s nature and 

character as revealed in His works and word.

When we make time to listen to what the Bible has to tell us and humbly open our hearts to 

receive it, the Holy Spirit will assist us with applying it to our lives, offering us peace and 

wisdom to carry on. And one day be glorified in His presence.

Read/Listen to John 17:1-5

John 14:1—10

Jesus the Way to the Father

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God, trust also in me.

I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the father except through me.

John 14

It is possible to be sad, disappointed even angry, yet without a troubled heart.

Do not be anxious about anything

But in everything by prayer and supplication

With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Loosening our grip on power and control, paves the way for a peaceful heart.

Just as Jesus was comforting his disciples and attempting to explain how letting go and allowing their hearts to trust and live in faith would enable them to dwell in the peace of his promise, he speaks to us today. 

        The challenges of this world seem endless. God’s people, like everyone else, will experience the hills and valleys of this life. Some days may be very difficult to carry on. A heart and soul that trusts in the promise of our Lord however, will view their valleys from more of a heavenly perspective.Through a lens of  contentment regardless of the circumstances. I choose to have such a heart.

        Father, your ways are indeed beyond our comprehension. We cannot thank you enough for your great love and mercy. Though our minds are not capable of understanding, our hearts are able to feel. Please continue to mold them into free and faithful hearts ready and willing to do all you ask and live each day in a way that will please and honor you. Amen.

Read/Listen to John 14:1-10

He Is Risen!

John 20:1-18

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke’s gospel readings on Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on the angelic appearance of the angels and Jesus, John approached the story of the empty tomb from the human response.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark and found the stone removed from the entrance. She went immediately to the disciples to tell them.

John and Peter raced to the tomb. John arrived first, stopped, peered inside but did not go in. Peter flew right past John and entered the tomb.  Perhaps Peter was anxious about what Jesus would think of him after his betrayal and wanted to make things right. John responded quite differently. He paused outside of the tomb, possibly reflecting on all that had happened and just what it might mean. John 20:9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Mary Magdalene, though she was the first one there before sunrise and remained after the disciples had gone, did not grasp the meaning of the empty tomb. Though told by two angels and Jesus himself she did not comprehend. Finally when Jesus called her by name she believed, listened to Him, and left to deliver His message to the disciples.

We have many like Peter in our churches, anxious about being there because of past wrongs, or fearful of judgment from others and the Lord. There are others similar to John, keeping their emotions to themselves. Those not so anxious who have a good relationship with God and know they are beloved by Him. Then there are those like Mary, stuck in their faith, though they hear the Good News, are unable to internalize it because of bad things that have happened in their lives.

All of us have been lost no matter where we are now in our faith journey. Think back to when you began a serious walk with the Lord. Was there someone beside you, or in the background cheering you on and praying for you? Do you know someone who is hiding from God or has so much baggage from their past they are unable to feel his love?

Consider this Easter a new beginning for them. With your love and guidance they may finally be able to realize the promise that awaits them in Jesus’ death and resurrection!  Help another come alive in Christ. What an amazing gift!

Read/Listen to John 20:1-18

Genesis 3:1-11

We all know the story of Adam and Eve with the serpent. It’s difficult to imagine how Eve could possibly have found credibility in a slithering snake.  The Lord had offered them the most beautiful gift they could ever receive, but they didn't know what they didn't know.

God is our ultimate source of life and fulfillment. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, they demonstrated a lack of trust that brought separation from God and therefore, death.

Verse 4-5: “You will surely not die,” the serpent said to the woman.” 

         For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Though the couple did not physically die, they lost the blessing of paradise, recognized their nakedness in shame, and ultimately hid from the Source of Life, who sustained them. This is the spiritual death that sin brings.

Verses 9-10: Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord

God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid

          from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Though Adam and Eve disobeyed and mistrusted the Lord, He wasn't content to let them be lost to Him forever. He sought them out, calling Adam’s name. “Where are you?” God knew, of course. But Adam and his wife were being held accountable. How had it come to this? Where did they stand with the Lord? What would happen next?

We too, must ask the question. Where do we stand in the eyes of The Great I AM?

In the book of John, Jesus reminds us:

John 6:35  I AM the bread of life…    
John 8:12  I AM the light of the world… 
John 10:7  I AM the gate for the sheep…   
John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd…  
John 11:25 I AM the resurrection and the life…      
John 14:6   I AM the way and the truth and the life...
John 15:5   I AM the vine; you are the branches...                                                                                                                                                                        

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has made a way for our relationship with Him to be reconciled and restored. Are you going to work on that? I AM!

Read/Listen to Genesis 3:1-11

Together we Worship

John 4:19-24

                                      “I who speak to you am he.”

Can you imagine floundering through life, (as we do) experiencing one failed relationship after another, and being outcast by your community yet still having the ultimate privilege of meeting Jesus in person?

We have heard the story of the woman at the well, how Jesus acknowledged her lifestyle, and likely blew her away with his tender compassion and supernatural insight. He shared with this nameless woman what he wants us all to understand.

John 4:23-24 “Yet the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.”

What is worshiping in spirit and truth? View this website for an explanation:

In Spirit and Truth

We are called by God to gather and worship him, for there is strength in numbers, and the relational God he is, knows that being in community is what bonds our hearts to his and to each other.

As the song taken from Matthew 18 goes: "For wherever two or more of you are gathered in his name, there is love."  God is the spirit of love and truth.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)  “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Love One Another

John 13: 1-3, 12-17, 34-35 

What does it REALLY mean to Love one Another?

Before Jesus was betrayed and taken away he confided in is disciples; "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." I believe this means if we are true Christ followers, we must look and act differently , so that all men will know........

Is it possible to REALLY love everyone?

Jesus did, and his new command was just that. We may think, but He is God, and I am a mere human, weak and dependent on the Lord. I cannot possibly love as He loves. We may have to dig REALLY deep, but "With God, all things are possible." This message to us can be found in the books of both Luke and Matthew. 

Must I REALLY love those who make my life miserable?

There is no one who makes your life miserable but you.  Holding tightly to His word and offering your heart to Christ each and every day will offer you his peace despite worldly challenges. Each life on this earth was created by God. Loving others does not mean agreeing with their ways. It is a different kind of love. It takes an open heart and a willingness to empathize, which has nothing to do with justifying or agreeing with the actions of others.

Empathy: the ability to identify with and understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties

We cannot possibly know what makes each individual behave as he does unless we are inside of their heads and hearts and have experienced the life they have lived. We can however, trust God when he tells us to have faith and to love. This command contains no qualifiers. It simply says "To Love."

John 13;“As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know 

that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34b-35

Revelation 7: 9-12

 Go to People Nothing Like You

Chapter 7 tells of two groups of believers; First the 144,000 representatives of the Godly remnant of Israel. Second, the great multitude of martyred people from every nation who died rather than deny their faith. Saints who knew the power and glory of our God. These saints are people who walked his earth like you and I.

As we make our way through Revelation, and attempt to wrap our heads around what will be, I am brought back to today. There are those who boldly and confidently profess the word of God, and their value is priceless. There are others who quietly believe but also make an impact, by living the gospel, supporting those in need, and gently nudging others toward the Lord. Their lives are challenging, difficult, and often painful as was Jesus' life on this planet. Despite their struggles, they forge ahead in the name of the Lord. 

Verse 9: After this I, John, looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. 

On that final day, it will not matter what color we are or from where we came. As we embrace the vastness and welcome of God's open door for us, we are to offer the same to others, even if it pushes us beyond comfort. The Lord is pleased as he views our struggle to go where he leads us. 

No matter where we are on the belief spectrum, we are called to go..... across the room, the street, the office, the world. Though it may feel safe to stay within our own little Christian bubble, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone grows us. As we grow, so do the lives of those we reach, and God's family is greater than before! 

Read/Listen to Revelation 7: 9-12

Repent. Remember. React.

Repentance is a major sub-theme in the Bible. Peter told people that to be saved they needed to, “Repent and be baptized.” John the Baptist told people to, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Peter and John were speaking to unbelievers. Believers, too, have a need to repent. We confess and ask for (and get) forgiveness in our church services, and many Christians repent of their sins on a regular, if not daily, basis.

My Webster’s Dictionary says repentance is, “Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.” I suppose that is accurate, but today’s reading, Zechariah 12:10-14, adds much depth to that definition.

The Bible is a story of Man disobeying God. No person can do what God demands. We are sinners because of our actions, and because we descended from sinners. God demands a sacrifice for our sin. In fact, we deserve death. Yet, because God loves us, Jesus was that sacrifice, so that we might live.

Zechariah prophesies the impact of Jesus' death on the Christian Church (Jerusalem). The entire church will mourn. It will mourn like parents mourn the death of an only child. It will mourn like Israel mourned the death of King Josiah (who died in the plain of Megiddo).  Everyone will mourn, and the mourning  will be deep.

Jesus, a man with the same human emotions as you and I, died for our sins. One could even say that Jesus died because of our sins. Realizing that should make us mourn deeply, as Zechariah suggested.

Yet repentance yields fruit. We are given Jesus’ Spirit and asked to carry out his mission. We live with Jesus here on Earth and we will live with him after our earthly death.

Repent of our sins. Remember our savior. React and do his work.

Acts 3: 3-10

Healing and Preaching the Name

A crippled beggar saw Peter and John about to enter the temple. Knowing only what his worldly need was, the beggar asked them for money. Peter responded by telling the man he had no silver or gold, but would give him what he had. "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk." Peter brought God to the situation, and the beggar was healed with words.

Peter had no power to heal, but in deep faithful trust in the Lord, he knew he could be used as a vehicle for healing. With his whole heart and being Peter believed God would be with him and had such deep faith that he allowed the words of healing to come forth. The Father was with Peter, and offered this cripple a gift far greater than what he asked for.

Often those hurting ask for things that do not reflect their true need. A few pieces of silver would not have helped this man in the long run, and Peter recognized this. Though having his physical ailment cured was a true blessing and relief, being able to walk did not offer the man what he truly needed.

Peter offered him the gift of eternal life through the presence of God. Once he could walk the beggar went to the temple courts "walking and jumping, and praising God." He began to enter into a relationship with Jesus, that is what he really needed, and what true healing is.

Our world is filled with suffering individuals who require a relationship with God in order to heal. They may be depressed, bitter, physically compromised, or have mental illness. Many have been through momentary tragedies and others, heartbreaking situations for many years. No matter what the apparent cause of their difficulties, only the peace that comes from a relationship with our Lord will heal them.

As we live our Christian faith, we are called to pray and create a place for others to be in God's presence so they can feel His love, and experience His healing touch. We are commissioned to "Speak Life" in order to save the lives of those who so desperately need it.

Hear the words of Toby Mack "Speak Life"
Read/Listen to Acts 3: 3-10

Matthew 3: 1-12

John The Baptist Prepares The Way

“John’s clothes were made of camel hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

The picture this paints for us is so sincere. Can’t you just envision the men, women and children journeying to this place of peace and hope? Not in a hurry like we are today, as they walked through the desert or rode on the backs of camels and donkeys. Not filled with anxiety about getting to work on time or earning enough money to cover the bills or purchase unnecessary toys. Filled only with the urgency of their hearts, to be forgiven and filled with the grace of God,……..they traveled.

Matthew uses thought provoking symbolism to paint us a picture of this scene. As John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he had a message for them. It began with the phrase; “You brood of vipers!” He went on to inform them that; “One must produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” It is not just one act of dipping in the water that will make us sons of God, but true repentance and living a fruit bearing life. “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

John then promises Jesus’ coming, as he speaks of one who is more powerful than he, one whose sandals he is not fit to carry. His words illustrate Jesus’ baptizing style as far more intense than his, as Jesus uses the Holy Spirit and fire to baptize. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The term winnowing is defined as: examine something in order to remove the bad, the unusable or undesirable parts.

The message is clear. Seeking forgiveness and repenting is necessary, yet it is not the end, but the beginning. From this place, maintaining a sincere heart and bearing fruit for the Lord, we will be spared from the winnowing fork. Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 3: 1-12 

Psalm 22

Prayer is Crying

The amazing Bible is set apart from any other book for many reasons, one of them being fulfilled prophecy. In this psalm alone, hundreds of years before the Romans came to power, David prophesied that the Jewish Messiah would be crucified. The details he included are incredible. Check this out for yourself:

Prophecy                                                                     Fulfillment

Messiah would be forsaken (verse 1)                           Matthew 27:46

Messiah would cry out in darkness (verse 6-8)             Matthew 27:45-46

Messiah would be mocked (verse 6-8)                         Matthew 27:39-40, 43-44

Messiah would be “poured out like water”                    John 19:34

(verse 14)

Messiah would be thirsty (verse 15)                            John 19:28

Messiah would be crucified by non-Jews                     Matthew 27:27-31, 35-36

“dogs” (verse 16)

Messiah’s executioners would gamble for                    Matthew 27:35

His robe (verse 18)

Jesus cried out to the Father, just as we do. His pain was real as ours is. God allowed him to go through intense agony for a far greater cause, as he does with us. The difference is that the pain of Jesus was to save us…......wait, isn’t that the reason for ours as well? Are not the burdens and struggles we face similar to those of our savior? God waits for us to cry out to Him as Jesus did. He longs for us to seek his love and mercy through all our trials, so go ahead and cry out to Jesus! He's "been there, done that." He understands.

Read/Listen to Psalm 22

Listen to Cry Out To Jesus by Third Day

John 1:1-17

Jesus is God’s Word
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John begins this book echoing the same words used to begin the Bible. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning,……”

Jesus was with God in the beginning. He came to this earth not as just a good man, but as the God-Man. The second in the trinity, temporarily disconnected from the other two in order to bring true light and life to us all. “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” He was here! “”He was in the world and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.” How could that happen? How could we be so blind as not to see God when he was right here on this earth? So often Jesus revealed His true identity, but was questioned and denied time and time again.

In John 8:23-24 Jesus again reveals his origin. “You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world….” The true basis for our Christian faith is not just the moral teachings of Jesus, but Jesus himself. When asked, “Who do you say I am?” will we have the correct answer? In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked Simon Peter, that question. “Christ, the son of the living God,” was his response. We can memorize those words in case that question comes to us, but what is truly in our hearts will ultimately determine our forever.

Read John 1:1-7 here
Listen to John 1:1-7 here