October 1, 2012 Jesus' Loving Whip

Jesus’ Loving Whip John 2:13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. & John 3:16-18 “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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” DO THESE two scripture passages mesh? In the first, Jesus makes a whip to cleanse wrong activity from temple. In the second you see John express God’s loving salvation through Jesus. Does Jesus’ whip to cleanse demonstrate God’s love to save? What happens in a household where the parents say, “I don’t care what you do.” to their children? That statement tells their children, “I don’t care enough about you to guide you and correct you to live the right way.” Such language is the parent negating their authority over their children. Jesus’ whip demonstrates both his authority to remove sin from his people and his love to save them. Note in John 3:18 that those who do not believe are condemned. Salvation comes only in obeying God’s authority. Jesus’ whip is a sign of his passion to save you. It’s True! Jesus passionately acts to remove sin and save you.

September 30, 2012 Jesus the Word

Jesus the Word John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. THE WORD “Word” is John’s title for Jesus. Why do you think he refers to Jesus as the Word? Wouldn’t it have been better to say, “In the beginning was the King?” In truth, Word to the Jewish reader spoke more directly to the power of God than did any other word. See in Psalms 33:6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. And in Genesis, the creation occurs as Genesis 1:14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. The Word of God existed before anything. When God “said”, Jesus, the Word, formed the substance of God’s voice. In addition, it was common for Jewish teachers to emphasize that God had created all things through his wisdom, which is his word, and God’s wores, the Law, laid the foundation of his people to worship him and know his true ways. God’s Word sustained them and prospered them as they obeyed. Thus, John uses “Word” to designate the Christ, the Messiah, to his Jewish readers. To read this at the beginning of his Gospel, John is stating, “What you read in the following pages is about the eternal God, who always was and is and is to come.” When you speak of the Word of God, it is good to remember you speak of Jesus, who saves you. It’s True! The Word was made flesh, and now the Word is Spirit within you.

September 29, 2012 Only Jesus

Only Jesus is Worthy Philippians 3:8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ A FEW years ago, I was in a local high school, and I had a conversation with a student. Just she and I were in the room. I hadn’t talked to her before. So I asked her name. “Hannah,” she said. I said, “That’s a great name.” Then I related the story in 1 Samuel of Hannah’s desire for a son and her promise to God that if he would give to her a son, she would dedicate her son back to him. And I told her how Hannah kept her promise, that she gave her only son, the most precious thing in her life, completely to God. Why did I tell her that story? Essentially, I wanted this young girl to see herself in God’s eyes, to see herself as a person whom God has honored with the most precious gift he has—His son. I wanted her to take the first step to know Christ Jesus as Lord, to put aside all other things in her life to count them worthless against the greatest treasure of all. That’s what was in Paul’s heart when he wrote this letter. That’s what must be in all of our hearts. You must hold Jesus as most precious. You must put all other things under him and tell the world who your precious our Savior is. Be grateful for your wondrous gift. It is a treasure above all else. Hold onto it for dear life because it is your dear life – forever. It’s True! God gave his Son to you that you would dedicate your life to Him.

September 28, 2012 Be An Encourager

Be an Encourager Philippians 1:4-6 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. EVERY DAY I write to encourage you. Today is a little different. I’d like you to encourage others. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a letter of encouragement. He begins with a most positive attitude. In essence, he’s saying, “I know your ministry or church may not be where you want it to be, but be patient. Be true to God. He has begun his work in you, and he will complete his work in you if you stay with him.” Who do you know in ministry? Could it be your neighbor, a friend, your pastor or a passionate volunteer in the church? Could it be someone you work with who loves to minister to those around him/her? Whoever it is, please take a moment to send them an encouraging note or give them a phone call to thank them. Pray for them and let them know you are praying for them. This is a powerful thing, my friends. Ministry can be difficult. It can seem hopeless and directionless when things don’t go as planned. It can seem a curse rather than a blessing if the “minister” looks to the world for results. But encourage your “minister” friend to look to God. Assure them that he has called them. Surround them with words of gratitude and love. You will be God’s voice to them. You will be His care and encouragement to complete the good work He has begun in them. It’s True! Encouragement is a powerful tool to God’s ministers.

September 27, 2012 Hypocrites Die

Hypocrites Die Zephaniah 1:5 “I will cut off them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham.” DO YOU ever want to be on both sides at once? You know, sometimes you want to please both sides at once so you’re always on the “winners” side. But in actuality you always lose, don’t you? Yes, you lose because you fail to take a stand. You lack courage and conviction, preferring to stay in the middle because you’re afraid of committing to anyone, even to the God, who has fully committed himself to you. Zephaniah is speaking God’s words here to people who claimed they worshiped God, and then at the same time they worshiped the idol Malcham. Clearly this violates God’s commands and character. Duplicity is abominable in God’s sight as it really is hypocrisy. Jesus often passionately condemned the hypocrites of his day and spoke against the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm (Rev 3:16). Hypocrisy greatly angers your Lord. You don’t like hypocrites, either do you? A double- minded person is despised by all, cut off from all as people despise disloyalty and unfaithfulness. You can’t trust them. You don’t know what they think or what they will say. They seem to be full of evil, even a mirror of Satan, the Liar. Yes, God is very clear about hypocrisy. It will cut you off from worship of your Lord. Cut off from worship, you are cut from a loving relationship with him. Cut from a loving relationship, you are cut off from life with God. God is truth, and he can never accommodate anything false. He warns you, teaches you and compels you to the truth. Focus only on Him. Worship the Truth. It’s True! Hypocrisy is a deadly lie. Commit to God and live.

September 26, 2012 Destroy the Idols

Destroy the Idols Habakkuk 2:18 “Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.” THE BIBLE is full of accounts of people worshiping false gods they have created out of their minds and with their hands. These would be gods created in the image of man. God’s commands were to prevent his people from connecting with those who worshiped idols. In the New Testament, you see Paul debating the Greeks regarding idol worship. Sadly, the clash still exists today, and you must take Habakkuk’s warning to heart as you consider God’s role in your life, your home, your community and your culture. What kinds of idols are in your life? What idols have our culture “carved” that teach lies? Turn on your television, and you’ll see a commercial selling something “you deserve” or is “priceless”. Listen to the news, and you’ll hear stories of people robbing and killing because they worship someone else’s clothing or they bow down to drugs. You hear that life should be easy and exciting, and it will be if you buy this new car or take this great vacation. Worse, women are sold the idolatry of “choice” as they kill their unborn child. The idols of greed, self-satisfaction, and me-first cause you to easily turn from God to worship yourself. And then one day you wonder why your life is sad, you are disappointed and you feel purposeless. What is in your life that turns your attention from God? What keeps you from a full relationship with your Savior? Are you listening to false ideas or listening to God’s truth? It’s True! Idols are everywhere. Destroy them and worship only God.

September 25, 2012 God's Glory

God’s Glory Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. HABAKKUK is one of the prophets who spoke to Israel in the years before their exile to Babylon. Reading his message, you will see, as you do with the other prophets, many words of warning to his people. These are words that come from God, and God’s people must heed them. God wants his people to change before the day when God will fill the earth with “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord”. What does that mean? Habakkuk was God’s intercessor. He was a go-between, and he told Israel God was holding back from demonstrating his full power of judgment on his people as he gave them an opportunity to turn to him in faith. But there would come a day when God’s glory would become known through his judgment power as he could no longer tolerate his people’s sin. On that day, the glory of the Lord would bring God’s judgment and wrath upon his people. And they would begin to understand that God’s glory, his perfection and holiness, could not tolerate their evil. As God’s people were filled with this knowledge, they would clearly see their sin before him. In their guilt, they would seek forgiveness. As God forgave them one day, they would see even more the evidence of God’s glory in his salvation. God’s glory is clear to you when you see your wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and adjust your life to obey him. When the knowledge of God’s glorious perfection and his unending love is in your heart, mind and soul, you will turn to worship him, to experience the fullness of his glory as the waters cover the sea. It’s True! Know God, and you will receive his glory in your heart.

September 24, 2012 Hell Is Horrible

Hell is Horrible Nahum 2:1 An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, and marshal all your strength! THE PROPHET was warning the people of Nineveh that God’s destruction would come to them in an enemy army. He then directs them to prepare for the enemy that would attack them. The Bible gives you the same warning. Yes, you do have an enemy at your door preparing to attack you, and if you are not right with God, one day the enemy—his name is Satan—will destroy you forever. God’s judgment was on Ninevah for their evil ways. God used a physical army to destroy them because they did not listen to the prophet’s warnings. Through his Holy Word, prophets, teachers, pastors, elders and the church, God has warned you, (Luke 13:3) But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Yes, God directs you to what you must do. I know. You’ve heard that before, but please, please listen. The Ninevites were warned. They had “heard it before”. But they ignored the warnings, and they died into God’s judgment. You, too, will die an eternal death if you do not listen. See here in Luke 16:23 In hell, where the rich man was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” Horrible isn’t it? It is unbearable to imagine. It would be unbearable to be there. How could you not listen to the warnings? Do you not believe in God? He believes in Hell. He has come to rescue you from destruction. In the name of Jesus, grab onto him. It’s True! Believe it.

September 23, 2012

A Good Fear Nahum 1:5-7 The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. WHEN YOU read the Bible, you will often see a phrase that equates fear with knowing God. For example, Proverbs 1:7 the Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. “Fear” and God don’t seem to go together, do they? Someone once asked me if “fear” was too strong a word. But, yes, God is one you should fear. Why? It is because he has the final say on your eternal life. He has the final authority on whether you will live in the torments of hell or the joys of heaven. Note the question, “Who can endure his fierce anger?” Indeed, no one can endure it. It is good for you to understand this. For if you do not fear God, you do not believe he has authority over your life. Without a sense of fear, you form God into your image. You then create him to be someone who will accept you on your terms. You will have the attitude, “If I live a good life, I’ll go to heaven.” The Ninevites likely thought they were living a good life. They were powerful and rich. They subjected Judah to their ways, and life was good for them. But then God stepped in to destroy Ninevah because they had no fear of God. Yes, fear the LORD’s judgment. Then know he is your refuge. He will save you from trouble forever. It’s True! A proper fear of God points you to a proper love for God.

September 22, 2012 Best Worship

Best Worship Malachi 1:7-8 “You place defiled food on my altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’” “By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. 8 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty. WHAT are you willing to offer God? Are you in the habit of giving to God if you have something left over at the end of the month? Or are you committed to giving him your best, the top of your possessions? God has always required that his people worship him with the best they have. You honor God as you sacrifice to God. You make no sacrifice offering God what is left over or what is easy to do. That’s convenience. After all, when you give someone a job, you want their best effort don’t you? You won’t accept their convenient help. God has formed you into life, and he has given you a job. He has given you the task of caring for the earth. Genesis 1:28: God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” See how he has gifted you to work in the world. Everything you have comes from him. He simply desires you return to him a very small portion of his gift. Focus on his blessings to you. Worship God. Offer to him the best of what he has given to you. It’s True! We think it’s ours, but it’s his.

September 20, 2012 The King Comes

The King Comes Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. VIEWING the visions and prophecies God gives to Zechariah, it is vital to include this one—perhaps his most famous prophecy. Of course, this is the vision that draws a precise picture of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem about 400 years before it happens. You clearly see here the hope of salvation rising up out of a broken nation. God promises a Savior. What does a Savior mean to God’s people? The Savior, the Christ, will be one who offers Gods’ righteousness the Jews. The king will come in humility and be righteous—perfect in all ways. In other words, the Christ will declare what is true to the people. He will establish a true Kingdom to rule his people with justice and mercy. Physical and spiritual healing will occur. He will come out of them, and the Christ will be one to trust, honor and worship. You can see here how completely God kept his promise to Israel in Jesus, the Savior of the world. God is a truth-teller. He fulfills his promises. You can count on him to bring life to his words. That’s a great lesson of the Bible. You will see God the Father’s wonderful promises of salvation from the Old Testament come to life in the New Testament. Then you will see God the Son’s promises for you as you live today and as you look to your future life with him. You can trust God’s Word. It is real and true for your life. It’s True! God has written his Word in the past for you to know your future.

September 18, 2012 You're Clean

You’re Clean Zechariah 3:3-4 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” DO YOU feel guilty for a sin you’ve done, even though you’ve asked God to forgive you? Then be encouraged. This scripture shows how you are free from sin and new in Jesus forgiveness. In God’s vision to Zechariah, Joshua’s rich garments are a picture of how completely God cleanses you from sin’s dirt. You can wear “dirt-free soul clothes”. Joshua is Israel’s high priest as the Jews come back from a 70-year exile. The filthy rags represent the Jew’s sin. As the angel says, “Take off his filthy clothes.” God is saying, “I forgive you.” What, though, might cause them to feel unforgiven? Get your Bible and read the verses before this passage, and you will see Satan accusing Joshua in the vision. Satan, the Accuser, wants God’s people to reject God’s mercy. If they stay mired in their sin, their hearts will remain exiled from God. But God’s way is to clothe his own, that’s you, in his right ways. These are his “rich garments” of salvation. He longs to fill your life with his cleansing, filth-removing love. That’s why he sent Jesus. Satan, the Accuser, will work on your mind, point to your filthy clothes and say, “Jesus can’t forgive that!” But Jesus does forgive “that”. Every last sin is gone when you put on the rich garments of repentance and wash in the forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. Yes, reject Satan’s accusations. They mean nothing. Accept God’s forgiveness. He means everything. It’s True! Jesus’ blood is the eternal clothes whitener.

September 17, 2012 The Meal is Ready

Return to God Zechariah 1:3 Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. SEE HERE God’s impassioned plea, “Return to me.” You must know that this is not a casual invitation to his people, but God’s love pours forth from these words as he calls the Jews to come home to him. Think of this. The mighty God of the universe calls his people Israel to come out of their exile to love him and to receive his love. They have been living in exile in Babylon because God had sent them there in their sin to live away from home for 70 years. Some Jews had stayed in Jerusalem. But except for a remnant, the Jews did not worship their Lord. Now the “time out” is done, and it’s time for God to forgive his people. Do you think they believed his invitation? Sometimes it’s hard to believe that someone you’ve hurt really wants you back, isn’t it? You hear their words, “Come on over for dinner.” But you’re still feeling guilty, or you doubt their forgiveness. You think, “Oh, he’s just saying that.” You refuse the invitation, and you miss the meal. As the Israelites returned to Jerusalem, they had to trust God had forgiven them and truly wanted them to return to him. They had to have faith God was serious in his desire for them. They needed to know he still loved them. How about you? Are you, perhaps, feeling exiled from God because of some sin in your life? You must let it go, and go back to God. Return your heart to him, and you will know his love for you. It’s True! God’s invitation has been sent. Enjoy the meal.

September 16, 2012 Learn It. Do It.

Learn It, Do It 2 Thess 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. CHURCH life is a picture of your physical life. Consider how you were born, you grew up, you learned things along the way, and you have come to a particular point of physical size, strength, and knowledge. Some of these attributes have developed because you’ve lived a certain kind of life and learned particular things in school and self study. You are essentially a product of your environment, but you certainly have plenty of opportunity to add to your life or subtract from it by the way you exercise, eat, and learn. Paul is celebrating a growing faith and love in the church in Thessalonica. How do faith and love grow in a church? They do so in the same way you grow in knowledge and your life experiences. When you learn things, you put them to the test to see if they are true. As you understand the truth, you have faith that 2+2=4. As a Christian you can learn the truth of God’s Word. Then you can go and “test” it to see if it works in your life. When you do, you will find God’s Word is true, and your faith and love in him will grow. One of the big questions you get as a Christian is, “How do you know the Bible is true?” One of the best ways you can answer that is to say, “When I live the way it teaches me to live, life works. When I try to live on my own ideas, life doesn’t work.” God birthed the church long ago. He births you as a Christian. Now learn the truth and do the truth. Your faith and love, too, will grow. It’s True! “Doing” the Bible is the best way to grow into God.

September 14, 2012 True Delight

True Delight 1 Thess 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. WHAT are your relationships with people in your church and with people you interact with during the week? Do you love them? “Well,” you reply, “I’m nice to people. I ask them how they are and listen for a bit when they answer. Sometimes I’ll see someone who is sad and ask if I can help.” That’s good. But do you love them? “What do you mean?” you ask. I mean, “Do you love them with a delight in your heart? Do you love them enough to show them you are glad to see them? When they walk into a room or call your name, do you turn to them with joy and find a delight in their presence?” One day a few years ago, I was walking by a building where a lady in the church I was pasturing was working. As I was almost past the building I heard a voice call my name. I turned to see her come out the door and ran over to me just to say hi—and to give me a hug. Wow! Did I ever feel loved in the way Jesus’ loves! In her voice and her attitude was a delight to acknowledge me. Just as you were walking by “his place”, Jesus came out the door and called your name. He put his arms around you. He held you a moment, and said, “I delight in you.” You knew then you had strength to get through the next day as your worries melted into his embrace. It’s True! Jesus delights in you. He wants you to show others you delight in them.

September 13, 2012 Spirit's Leading

Spirit’s Leading Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. IN THE New Testament letters and the account of the early church in the book of Acts, there is one dominant message that you may often overlook. The message is this: the Holy Spirit is powerful and active. Through the Spirit’s power, Christ’s Church is begun. The Spirit empowers the Apostles to speak of Jesus in the marketplace, to heal the sick and to even rejoice when they are beaten for their testimony! The Spirit changes people from non-believers into passionate followers of Jesus. The Spirit sends the Apostles into new countries and frees them from imprisonment. Yes, the Spirit acted then to lead God’s people forward into Kingdom living, and he certainly acts now. Jesus’ church needs an earthly authority who can take the people of God toward a deeper, richer relationship with God the Father, Son and Spirit. And who better to do this than the Holy Spirit, the one who displays the evident power of God? Yes, he leads you to open your heart to the Father and Son, and he gives you God’s gifts and abilities to know God’s wondrous love for you. The Spirit is the reality of grace. He transmits God’s power and Jesus’ salvation to you, so you can love God back, act for him and respond to his call on your life. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence, and he will lovingly lead you to a greater place with God. I pray you will pray that for your life. I pray you are ready to follow God, the Spirit. When you do, you will know the meaning of a Spirit-filled life. It’s True! The Holy Spirit leads you into God’s presence.

September 12, 2012 Eternal Protector

Eternal Protector Galatians 3:23-25 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. WHEN you were young, I hope your parents told you, “Be safe and be home early.” Likely your response was “Ah, can’t I stay out an hour longer?” But your parents held firm, and you were safe. But did you get more freedom as you matured? Certainly today you have the freedom to safely determine your own hours. You have matured in your decision making. You were safe in growing up. Your parents guided you to good decisions, and you are free now as a mature adult. That’s a bit of the picture Paul draws as he relates God’s “law to faith” process to bring you freedom in Jesus Christ. God introduced his law to protect his people in their new life out of Egypt. They needed protection from their sin, so he defined sin to them. He set their limits. He “imprisoned them” in the sense your parents imprisoned you with a curfew. He wanted to keep them safe as he taught them right from wrong. The law pointed to their sin, and to mankind’s need for a Savior. No one was perfect in the law. Now Jesus has fulfilled the law, releasing you to the freedom of faith. As you believe in Jesus, he is your “supervisor” and protector. By your faith in Jesus, you can “go out at night”. But you probably don’t want to. You like being at home with Jesus. It’s True! God is your eternal protector.

September 11, 2012 Christ Called

Christ Called Galatians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle — sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers with me & Gal 2:20-21 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” THERE is a problem in Galatia, where Paul has helped start a church. He had left there, and other teachers had come into the church to tell them, “Paul isn’t as good as we are.” The new teachers cast doubt into a new church. Doubt is an effective dividing weapon Satan uses to destroy Jesus’ church. Paul writes to reaffirm his qualifications. He begins with a clear statement that his authority to serve the Gospel has come from Jesus. Please take time to read chapters 1 and 2 to see how Paul gives some detail to his calling and early ministry years. Paul is issuing a defense of his apostleship to defend the church from Satan’s attacks. This is critical to know here. Paul is only concerned for his reputation as it relates to the church. The church must know it is founded in Jesus’ teaching through Paul. They must know Paul is Jesus’ teacher. As Paul concludes his defense in chapter 2:20-21, he defines his life in Christ. He has died to his old self. He is alive in a new life Jesus has created for him. All he lives for is for Christ Jesus. That new life in Christ is for you, too. Whatever is going on in your life that takes you from Jesus’ teachings, you must stop those things and know his true words for you. Jesus turned Paul’s life around. He will do the same for you when you die to yourself and live in him. It’s True! Crucified in Christ, you will be new in your living Savior.

Swptember 10, 2012 Working Together

Working Together Romans 16:1-16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. It’s True! A church is a community of men and women serving the Lord in their gifts from the Lord. Is that your church? Are you serving?

September 9, 2012 Encourage

Encourage Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. THE other day someone came into a meeting I was at, and before she sat down, she wanted to make sure that everyone knew about some surprisingly excellent service she had received on her car. The repair was done within a matter of minutes on her arrival, and it was so simple, the repair shop did not charge her for the service! She wanted everyone to know. And as you can tell, it certainly impressed me. Do you live in a way that looks for faults in people or for the good in people? Often it’s easy to find yourself at odds with those around you because they don’t do things exactly as you do. The power of the Gospel is that it stands above all things—even judgmental attitudes. When you look to others and see them as different, it’s necessary to consider what Christ has done for you and for them. You must take time to recognize that God has created them as he created you. He formed them and you for his purposes. He has brought you all together under one faith to demonstrate that purpose. Be of an attitude that celebrates others. Focus on the positive things they do. Jesus did this. He knew his disciples’ and others’ faults, but he gave up absolutely everything for them and for you that you might become “perfect” in him. Be an encourager. Be a unifying person. When you are this way, you will bring Jesus’ love into people’s lives. It’s True! Speak encouragement, and people will see Jesus.

September 8, 2012 Show God

Show God Romans 11:36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. ARE YOU wondering, “What is my life’s purpose?” Then dwell on this verse. You are among the “everything” that “comes from him”. And you “exist by his power”. And you exist because you are “intended for his glory”. Life in Jesus is glorifying the One who made you new in him. God desires you live the type of life that shows those around you how good and gracious he is. He wants you in your activities, your attitude and your words to let people know of his power to change lives and his grace to save all to eternal life. How do you show God to people? The key thing is this: live as closely as you humanly can to God’s ways as found in the Bible. There are many, many resources today that tell you how to have happiness, peace, money, a better job and more friends. But nothing is as true and lasting as the Word of God. When God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” he means to actually do this—not to think about it. He means to help, forgive, listen to, care for people, to act as Jesus acted for people. When you live as Jesus lived, you bring him into the reality of the culture. People around you will see that he is indeed real and alive. People who don’t know God, begin to see him in how you talk and walk. And when they see your life formed in God’s truth, they will see God. Then you have reached your purpose. Then God’s name will be praised and glorified. That’s what life is about. It’s True! Living with God shows God.

September 7, 2012 Heart to Mouth

Heart to Mouth Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ONE of Jesus’ “bottom-line” statements in his teachings was, “I tell you the truth.” When he spoke, he emphasized that his words were the truth of God directly from God. There was no intermediary of the truth as the prophets had been. Jesus had come to “Tell you the truth.” Jesus demands, through Paul’s words here, that you confess him with your mouth as the truth of your heart. As one might ask you, “Have you received Jesus into your heart?” the question really is, “Is Jesus’ truth in your heart?” Do you really believe Jesus’ truth? Do you really believe with your heart that Jesus is your Savior? What do you do when your heart believes something? When you really believe you love your spouse, you tell others. When you really believe your kids are great kids, you tell others. When you really believe your candidate is the best choice, you tell others. When you really believe you are blessed, you tell others. You speak what your heart truly believes. You “speak your heart.” Having Jesus “in your heart” should mean you will easily tell others, “I love Jesus. Jesus is my Savior. Jesus died on a cross to save me to eternal life. Jesus did that for you, too.” Confessing Jesus comes easily to your mouth when Jesus’ truth fills your heart. It’s True! A true heart for Jesus is easy to talk about.

September 6, 2012 Know Peace

Know Peace Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace LIFE and peace are gifts from God’s Holy Spirit. God is so good, isn’t he? When you walk through life, there are many days when conflict seems to rule in your workplace, in your home, in your relationships, and in your church. Conflict small and big seems to easily reign over peace. People in any kind of “group” have their own ideas, their own desires their own goals and their own dreams. Most of the time, they seek after these things without thought or submission to others’ needs and desires. Thinking “Me first.” means conflict is too often first. How do you get past this conflict, this competition for who “wins” as you battle to be victorious over each other? The answer is in listening to the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is your guide, your Counselor, your Comforter, and your Strengthener. He is the Spirit of Truth, and he tells you what you must do. The Spirit’s presence in you is the true value in your life—for you have nothing if you have not life in Jesus. And when you face conflict, you must know Jesus’ life way is to humbly serve, to give value to others and to lovingly respond to others’ first. Jesus demonstrated your peace path in his servant life. He gave up everything to serve life to you, and then he sent to you the Holy Spirit to help you live in your life gift. Are conflict and arguments getting the best of you? Then call on the power of the Holy Spirit. See his love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Know his faith, joy, hope in your mind. Receive his peace and live in his peace. It’s True! The Holy Spirit is God’s peace offering to you.

September 4, 2012 New Life For You

New Life For You Romans 6:4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. DO YOU know you really do have a new life in Jesus Christ? When you speak of or hear the words of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, you of course say the words of resurrection. You rejoice in his triumph over death, and you celebrate that he is alive. But do you truly relate Jesus’ resurrection to your own life? Jesus’ death has given each one who calls Jesus “Lord and Savior of my life.” a brand-new life. Think of how the word “new” means completely different. “New” means the old is gone and no longer exists. “New” means something vital and life-changing has happened to you. So I ask you, “Do you live that way?” Are you willing to cast away old doubts and old fears? Are you willing to live in a way that is truly opened to new life? Are you willing to allow the Lordship of Jesus Christ to spiritually cleanse your sins and remove your fears and your doubts? Are you willing to think differently about your neighbor—to see him as God sees him? Are you open to hearing God speak to you? And, are you willing to say, “Yes, Lord. Here I am.” when he calls you to go somewhere new to tell others of his resurrection? Newness means change. A life truly lived in the newness of Christ’s resurrection power is a changed life of passion for Him. I pray you will experience this new life in all its power and blessings God has planned for you. It’s True! You can confidently live new in Jesus.

September 3, 2012 Believe It!

Believe It! Romans 3:22-24 There is no difference 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.   DO YOU believe this? In one remarkable sentence the Apostle Paul summarizes the entire Bible. Mankind has sinned. The sin keeps you short of God’s glory—you can’t get to God. But believe it or not, God fixed it for you! You are justified, found “Not guilty.” at God’s judgment seat because Jesus’ death has canceled your sin. The charges are dismissed. The jury has gone home. You are free to go to God. But there’s something you must do. That’s why I ask, “Do you believe this?” To receive God’s freedom, you must believe you have sinned. You might think, “God will take me as I am.” But he won’t. You need to change. The truth is, because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, you are born into Adam’s sin nature just as surely as you are born with human genetics. You can’t change your sin nature, but God can. Yes, you must believe this scripture of life to get to God. Belief in your sin will cause you to know, “I’m short of God’s glory.” Belief in your sin will cause you to confess, “I have sinned.” Belief in Jesus’ redemption will cause you to receive his forgiveness. Belief in his forgiveness will cause you to confess him as Lord and Savior. God has made it possible through Jesus for you to be declared “Not guilty.” in Heaven’s court. Confess your sins. Confess Jesus as Lord, and you will reach God’s glory. It’s True! Believe Romans 3:22-24, and you will be saved. Go ahead. Believe it.

September 2, 2012 Why Act?

Why Act? Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think you do what you do for the same reasons. Hopefully, your activities are based on God’s grace to respond to what he has given you. Paul defines God’s grace by referring to its purpose—“to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” God has given to you his love and grace for your salvation. And he has given you salvation for the purpose of telling others about God. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if you took home the salary you made at work, put it under a mattress and never used it. Your money would do no one any good. Your family would suffer because you would not use it for food or shelter. Keeping your cash, you would not help others in need. Keeping the Gospel to yourself is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace upon your life if you do not share in your words, your actions and your giving. God’s desire is for people to know his message and to experience his love and peace. He calls on you to responsibly use the gift of eternal life he has given to you to bring him glory and honor. God offers himself to you—will you offer him to others? It’s Ture! God’s gifts expand when you give them.

September 1, 2012 Big Things

Big Things Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” THIS is a remarkable scene. It’s called the “Great Commission” or “Great Commandment”. Jesus is commissioning, empowering, his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations”. If they are true disciples of the Living Lord Jesus Christ, they must become disciple makers. I’m wondering what they thought. “Make disciples of all the world.” is an enormous command. These are 11 young men. Some are likely still in their teens. They’re only 3 years removed from fishing, tax collecting, and hanging out. How are they going to do this? Will they get financial support from the local church? Nope—the only church around is the one that killed Jesus. Can they get prayer support from friends? Probably, although quite a few of their friends are probably afraid to associate with the “Jesus guys”. Do they start their own church and reach the world from there? That could work. They could worship, teach each other and invite others in—build relationships in Jesus’ name. But what’s the thing that will really work for them? It’s obeying Jesus’ command in the name of the Holy Trinity. Jesus has committed the power of God to be with them. The thing they have to do is go tell the world about Jesus. When they do, Jesus’ power commitment will change the world. It’s True! Obeying Jesus brings his power to you and the world.