In the Beginningagain

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebrating with family and
friends the birth of Jesus Christ. Now it is onward and forward getting
ready for the New Year. One of those great New Years goals/resolutions many
of us make is to read through the Bible. So with this topic in mind let me
share Bible reading and paraphrasing of this time honored venture.
Hmmm.. so where should I start? How about in the Beginning.

In the Beginningagain?

A while back our pastor gave a sermon on getting to know God by reading our
Bibles regularly and systematically.

During this very good sermon our pastor joked that the most read books of
the Bible are Genesis and Matthew, because our inspired intentions in
January to read through our Bibles fades once we are through Genesis, and
Matthew. (Leviticus has killed many a Bible study )

I must be honest and say I have followed this failed study plan many times
and not until 2003 did I completely read my Bible from cover to cover.

So this brings me to the title of today’s thought. I am in the
Beginning-Again (Beginningagain) in Genesis where it all.. BEGAN.


So in the Beginning God created the world. To summarize, it took 6 days to
complete this daunting project, there was DAY and NIGHT and finally on the
7th day he rested. During those first 6 days, the sun and stars, the land
and all the creatures of the sea and the land were created, and .. man…
then … WOMAN cuz it was not good for man to be alone else he would just
watch tv all day, and never learn teh blessing of a honey-do list. Now
after each of the 6 days of creation, God declared it was good, and when
Eve was created from a spare rib he was not using anyways.. Adam declared..
HELLLO BEAUTIFUL!! With this God commanded "be fruitful and multiply".. in
response to this command.. Adam quickly started working on his times
tables.



Next, God delegated the naming of animals to the Senior Garden Engineer...
Adam. I must imagine this process had more than a few moments that could
only be described as strange.

Other strange moments as seen through the mind of this strange cartoonist
happened (maybe) when the 'NEWNESS' of this new world made no sense. For
example, Adam agonizes to others over his missing childhood memories, and
what's a mother and what's a father? The scriptures have always held many
mysteries that man can only pray to grasp with God’s help.. AND this was
true when the Bible’s first manuscripts were read.

Then there was the Beautiful Garden of Eden created for man, and in the
center of the Garden was theTree of Knowledge of Good and Evil which Adam
and Eve were forbidden to eat of its fruit.. So next enters ‘ The Snake’
aka Satan, and the snake tempts Eve that eating fruit is a good thing, she
does, and offers it Adam and he eats too. In my defense of Adam, though he
did disobey God (being a married man myself) I am sure that refusing food
from his wife would have only resulted in marital thin ice. Of course being
on thin ice with your wife NO MATTER HOW THIS SCARES US MEN.. pales in
comparison to going down in history as the man who first sinned.




So they both eat the apple, and all of a sudden they feel a draft, and
realize they are naked. They felt more uncomfortable in the draft than a
1960s hippy at Woodstock. Now this is a different draft of course, but
neither the 1960s hippy, or Adam & Eve enjoyed facing that awkward dilemma
of what to do next. The hippy headed for Canada Eh!, and Adam & Eve
realized they were naked with no visible means of support, and no one to
blame but themselves..

I will leave this story for today with this message.. Toon in the coming
days for more stories of how the World Turns and other great feats of God.

May you have a great day, blessed by God in great ways.

WOMEN.. the fairer sex?

Women, the fairer sex? I don't think they are always so fair. I mean that
whole honey-do list thing to me seems UNFAIR!.. but.. don't tell my wife I
said so.

I was writing this email on a quiet Sunday morning a while back after
talking with my wife about life while sipping coffee. It was a good time
where we solve the world’s problems in less than 3 cups of coffee. While
enjoying this moment I say to my wife.. “I think some muffins would make
this a perfect morning.” Without hesitating Mary says.. “Then make some.” I
reply.. “You are missing the point, I want YOU to make muffins.” While this
is just playful banter the end result is.. I DID NOT GET NO MUFFINS.

I like to share often about marriage, and this mystery called love from my
first hand ‘survivor’s island’ perspective. From the husbands deer (or
dear)in the head lights look when he is in trouble but honestly does not
know why, to the emotional rollercoaster world of wives.



Guys like action movies, while Gals like tear jerking chick flicks where
love is in the air and all live happily ever after.
Gals want men to be sweet and romantic lavishing gifts of flowers and cards
of heartfelt love .. while Guys want pizza, chips, beverage with a clear
view of the TV while watching the game of the week with their honey loving
every minute of this ‘quality’ time together.
Gals are looking for their prince charming, and Guys want swim suit models
that love Jesus.



So from this complex picture I am painting it becomes painfully obvious a
compromise is in order.

My wife is one of the best people I know and I love her to death… but while
she tells me she grew up in the town of Columbia Heights.. I wonder if that
is Columbia Heights Minnesota, or VENUS.

On the other hand, my wife knows I grew up in the little town of Cable
Wisconsin, but wonders if I lived most of my formative years in a cave near
the city dump raised by bears... and … that my mom only had a couple of
years of influence on me after rescuing me from the above mentioned
bears. To this.. I have no comment except that I am a Packer fan and would
not be seen with either Chicago or city dump bears… since they are one and
the same..

BUT I DIGRESS!

This of course is shared again to celebrate the point that men and women
are different and VIVA LA DIFFERENCE!

Besides the obvious truth that women are easier to look at than gruff old
hairy men, woman bring balance to our lives where else life would be.. a
men’s dormitory. And.. in return men offer to the fairer sex someone
readily available to open jars making us feel manly men powerful and
semi-useful in the kitchen.

Ok, so far I have shared only paragraphs of silly ‘but painfully true’
stereotypes celebrating men and women existing in marriage. The truth is
the differences are what make marriage great.

There is that beautiful middle ground where we need each other, and when a
man cherishes his wife, and a woman loves and respects her husband it is a
beautiful union where life can flourish.





The best years of my life have been my married years to Mary. Her mother’s
heart for our kids, and her support of me is a treasure.. and life would
NOT be the same without her. I believe the same holds true in Mary's loving
apprection of me though we will always have our moments of exasperation
with each other over the above exaggerated stereotypes.

My prayer today is that those of us who are married celebrate this great
gift in life even when her loving glances turn to stares, and his warm
smile is out of place.





Blessings

Ant Farms and Worker Bees!

All for one, and one for all! The ants go marching one by one hooray!
hooray! The marching of the little people is what makes this world
work. You see there are presidents, kings, superstar athletes, CEOs of
major corporations, and then there is me. There are men of great strength,
Hollywood celebrities, super models, great authors, and there is me.

So where do you fit into this world? Are you a superstar or just an worker
bee? Do you run a major corporation or are you just part of life's ant
farm? Truth is I like it here on the farm. Just another face in the sea of
faces.. and you know what they say.. all ants look alike. The Ant Farm of
Christ.. all one farm of many ants.

I have not polled any ants or bees, but I think the message they have is
being about the business that needs to be done, and not being jealous of
the queen bees or other foreman of your ant farm staff.

So how does that fit in with the body of Christ? Selfless service and
simply doing what needs to be done no matter if you are the next Billy
Graham, the next church janitor, or a mechanic! Whether you are the head
of a corporation, work in the mail room, or waiter at the local pie
shop. What if you are a mom buried with the responsibilities of caring for
your preschool children, or a teacher of 4th graders, or a senior widow
woman slowed by old age? All one body of many parts, and all parts
important.

The list of possibilities go on and on.. and so do I, BUT what if each of
us were this selfless? What if we really believed this life was only a
stepping stone to eternity in Heaven then what would it matter the
recognition, what would it matter our bank account balance? What if we were
each faithful in the moment to our neighbors in need, and not worried about
our status and recognition in this life? What a life this could be if we
were all happy living in God's ant farms or being His little worker bees.

Ok you can stop cringing. GOD'S BUGS? what a high calling! LOL! Maybe the
bar should set a bit higher. I mean, the classic Hymns if we were bugs may
be The Ants Go Marching One By One, Hoorah! or the Flight of the Bumblebee.

Reality is to be true to who God made you. This makes God smile, and leads
you to be happy and where you can then get the most out of this life from
this day forward. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in
Heaven.

Got Grace ?

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the right place. After all, I couldn’t possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and had finally decided to see what this place was all about.
But, this just couldn’t be the right place. Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, “Come as you are. No jacket required, ” and found the location.
Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.
Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn’t shake the grime that clung to my body. As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me………”Come as you are. No jacket required.”
I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. “Your name, sir?” he asked me with a smile. “Richard W. Causey,” I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains. He didn’t seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, “Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?”
I couldn’t believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, “Yes, of course!” He led me to a table and, sure enough, there was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red.
As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like, “peace,” “joy,” “blessings,” “confidence,” “assurance,” “hope,” “love,” “faith,” and “mercy.” I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant!
I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at…. “God’s Grace,” was the name of the place! The man returned and said, “I recommend the ‘Special of the Day.’ With it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu.”
You’ve got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this! “What is the ‘Special of the Day’ I asked with excitement ringing in my voice.
“Salvation,” was his reply. ” I’ll take it,” I practically cried out. Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body. A sick painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said…”Mister, look at me. I’m dirty and nasty.
I’m unclean and unworthy of such things. I’d love to have all of this, but, but, I just can’t afford it.” Undaunted, the man smiled again. “Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there,” he said pointing to the front of the room. “His Name is Jesus.”
Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at.
I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice, I whispered, “Sir, I’ll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I’ll do anything I can do to repay you for all of this.”
He opened His arms and said with a smile, “Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to take away the stains and it is done. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat.
Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you.”
Astonished, I fell at His feet and said, “Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life.” Immediately, I heard the words, “It is finished.”
I looked down and white robes adorned my squeaky clean body. Something strange and wonderful had happened. I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself seated at His table.
“The ‘Special of the Day’ has been served,” the Lord said to me. “Salvation is yours.” We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God’s Grace.
He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible. As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the “Real World, ” He whispered to me softly, “And Lo, I am with you always.” And then, He said something to me that I will never forget.
He said…”My child, do you see these empty tables throughout this room?” “Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?” I replied. “These are reserved tables… but the individuals whose names are on each placard have not accepted their invitations to dine.
Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us yet?” Jesus asked. “Of course, ” I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations. “Go ye therefore into all nations.”
He said as I turned to leave. I walked into God’s Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man…robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I’ll keep my promise to my Lord. I’ll go. I’ll spread the Word. I’ll share the Gospel… I’ll hand out the invitations. And I’ll start with you. Have you been to God’s Grace? There’s a table reserved in your name, and here’s your invitation….
“Come as you are. No jacket required.” “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
So if you’re feeling like no one loves you, you’re not worthy, no one wants to be your friend or you don’t want to live any more. Take heart because there is someone who wants you know you, REALLY know YOU. HIS name??? Jesus Christ. Jesus has been with you every day of your life, only you didn’t know it. I’m here today to tell you that there’s a table with your name on it and Jesus wants to share dinner with you. All you have to do is accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Ask HIM to forgive all your sins and believe that HE died for your sins and the Door Will be Opened to you. Join us because we love you. Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. Your choice, your destiny. Where will you spend eternity? Smoking or Non-Smoking?

Author Unknown

The Bell

Someone took a lot of time setting up this message.
If you have trusted Jesus as your saviour, this is what you are.

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?


Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

Can I make it to Heaven ?

One of the greatest gifts of God to each of us is the placing of a divine plan for our lives deep within us. God has his generalized plan for humanity and a personal plan or mission for each of us. You, me, the butcher, baker, and even the candlestick maker have a divine purpose scripted on our hearts by the Creator and it is a plan just for us. More incredible is the fact that God has equipped us to carry that plan out and in so doing, help establish his kingdom right here on earth and bring great glory to his being. What a wonder! What a blessing! What a responsibility!




It doesn’t matter who you are, where you have been, and what you have done. That divine purpose still exists inside you and with a little effort and a lot of faith, you can discover it. Start with prayer, asking God through the Holy Spirit to reveal his divine plan for your life. Be persistent in your asking; be vigilant in waiting for an answer; and be confident that the answer will come.



Also, keep in mind that it is never too late to get started on the dreams God has for you. God created you to accomplish extraordinary things and no matter how old you are, how sinful you have been, or whatever afflictions you may suffer from, God can and will use you because that is one of the primary purposes you were created in the first place. Listen as Jim Graff speaks clearly to this issue:



God uses ordinary people – with all their flaws and problems – to accomplish extraordinary dreams. You and I don’t have to wait until we have it all together, achieve a certain degree of fame, earn a specified amount of money, get a better job, or meet the right person. Instead, we can start today to embrace who we are and how God made us, knowing that he will use us. From this knowledge, wellsprings of confidence water our hearts. That confidence allows us to see our dreams and visions as God’s road maps to significant lives.



A significant life – that is what God created you for. Make a consecrated commitment right now to lead a life of excellence in cooperation and divine partnership with the Holy Spirit. The life of excellence is what Jesus demonstrated for us and it is that same kind of life to which each of us is called. Sure, we may foul up things from time to time, but God is right there with us offering a hand to pick us up, dust us off, and send us on our divinely appointed way.



As said earlier, it matters not where you have been. In fact, your past failures and problems may be part of your qualification for the task God has for you to perform. I worked for many years in the field of addiction prevention and treatment. The most effective professionals ministering to those suffering from addiction were those people who were former addicts themselves. It is this foundational philosophy upon which Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are built.



If you think your past sin(s) prevents you from carrying out your purpose for God, you have been lied to by the Master of Deceit himself. Satan would like nothing more than for you to continue walking around half-alive, depressed, despondent, and spiritually paralyzed. That’s why that little voice tells you time and time again that there is no way God will ever use you. Granted, he may use others but you, you’re a lost cause.



Listen my friend – God saved you and God will use you. The God Christians worship is not a God of wasted effort. God never does anything without a reason, a plan and a purpose. If you are saved, you are to be used. You are destined to be God’s instrument for something special. If you doubt what I am saying, go to Scripture and conduct a detailed study of Paul’s life.



Paul, formerly known as Saul, was there when Stephen was stoned to death. He even held the coats for the men who pelted the first Christian martyr. Saul was the most persistent and ardent persecutor of the early church. By the world’s way of reasoning, you would never expect that God would use Saul to spread the faith across the Mediterranean World. But that’s exactly what God did. God, thankfully, doesn’t necessarily think as the world thinks.



If God can use Paul, he can surely use you.



In China I knew a wonderful believer named Mr. Zhou (not his real name.) Now in his 60’s, Mr. Zhou was a successful businessman and used much of his income to support the efforts of the house churches in his Province and also to support young pastors in training. He also spent most of his free time training Chinese missionaries to live and work in Muslim countries. Mr. Zhou had many business interests in the Middle East and often used his stores for employing young Chinese missionaries.



What makes Mr. Zhou’s story so fascinating is how it is similar to that of Paul. Back in the chaotic years of the Cultural Revolution Mr. Zhou was a young man and a leader in the Red Guards. His specialty, as he put it, was ferreting out Christians and torturing them. He often beat them horribly, put dunce caps on their heads and signs on their backs, and then marched them through the city streets while a gathering mob hurled insults, bricks, and bottles at them.



Later, when in his late 30’s, Mr. Zhou found Christ through the efforts of a pastor he had once tortured. Now Mr. Zhou does God’s work out of a sense of love and service. God used Paul and God used Mr. Zhou.



If God can use Mr. Zhou, He can use you.



Once you finally accept the fact that God can use you, wants to use you, and will use you, it is then time to get to work. Many times sincere believers put themselves in a holding pattern, waiting for specific directions from God as to what their ultimate purpose is. Yes, we do need to discern what our ultimate purpose is and with prayer and patience we will do just that. Yet in the meantime there is plenty that we can do. No matter where you live I am certain of one thing: there are people living there who are in need of something and who are suffering. More than likely there are already groups of Christian servants working to meet some of those needs. Find out about these groups and find a way to get involved. The real question is not so much what you should do. The real question once you know in your heart that God wants to use you as his compassionate servant to a hurting world is, “Are you available?”



Only you can answer that question.



Hopefully, you are, indeed, available. You are gifted for service my friend. And no matter what form that service may take, you can rest assured of one absolute certainty: the Holy Spirit will empower you not only proceed, but succeed. He will make sure you not only survive, you will thrive.



My primary purpose in writing this article is to encourage you to understand and accept the reality that God put a potential and purpose in you before you were born and, further, he still wants that purpose to be realized. Stop looking back at the past and instead, step forward into the service that God has for you. You cannot change the past but know this: whatever happened is history in God’s eyes and in God’s heart. As a Christian you have been forgiven so turn your eyes forward instead of keeping them riveted in your rear view mirror.



Do all that you can to let this truth sink deep into the depths of your heart: where you are going, what is in your future is far more important that what’s behind you. Scripture tells us that with God, all things are possible. So if it seems your dreams have died, let the Lord resurrect those dormant dreams and allow those dreams to drive you and motivate you to be all that you can be for the glory of God and the sake of others. Joel Osteen, on of God’s gifted encouragers, speaks clearly about this:



You may feel that you are at an empty place in life today. Not much is going your way. You’ve been through severe difficulties. But God wants to restore you, to encourage you, to fill you with His hope. He wants to resurrect your dreams. He wants to do a new thing.



Continually remind yourself that you have a gift on the inside. You are talented. You are creative. That’s exactly why the enemy is trying to push you down, to keep your gifts, your creativity, your joy, your smile, your personality, and your dreams from ever seeing the light of day. He would love for them to lie dormant your whole lifetime. Thank God, it’s not up to your enemy: it’s up to you.

As mentioned earlier, it may well be that your past mistakes – the places in life where you erred the most – that will qualify you for a particular service in God’s kingdom. During my years working in ministry and social service in Dade County, Florida I witnessed this spiritual truth played out time and time again. Brad, a former homeless crack addict found the Master, found sobriety, and then founded a crisis intervention center for street addicts who had overdosed on drugs. Many lives were saved through the efforts of Brad and the outreach workers he trained.



Marsha, a one-time prostitute and talented pick-pocket wound up in the Emergency Room, severely beaten and strung out on heroin. Through the efforts of a hospital chaplain she obtained treatment for her addiction, became involved in a local congregation, and after several years of sobriety, helped start a program that provided business clothing and interview skills training to women who desired to leave her former profession.



Scripture reveals that God is a master of the art of reclamation. In today’s popular television vernacular, he is a maestro of the “total makeover.” If you doubt my word, read it for yourself. Scripture reads like a regular rogue’s gallery of offenders. John and Paula Sandford describe this aspect of God’s character:



God’s children, in whom He has done mighty things, have come from checkered careers. Moses was a murderer. Look what Jacob did with Esau and Laban. Abraham tricked King Abimelech. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had Uriah killed. Peter denied Jesus three times. John and James fought to be the highest. Paul went to Damascus breathing murder and threats. Our checkered careers, our utter sinfulness and degradation, our falling into all manner of vain seeking, become by the grace of God on the cross and in the resurrection the inevitable writing of wisdom on our hearts. Our hurts and sins have become our schooling and preparation. Would that we could learn purity the easy way. Praise God that His mercy is such that He turns the depth of our sin into the strength of ministry. We are not proud of our wrongdoing, but the sweet grace of God is such that in the end we thank Him for it. Our sins have become our training for high calling rather than our disqualification.



As the years have passed, my journey of faith has grown simpler in many ways and one of those ways involves having both awe and reverence for how God chooses to do things. As the above quotation from the Sandfords implies, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Further, no matter what our past indiscretions might have been, none of us are so damaged that he cannot use us in some way in carrying out his will here on earth. Coupled with the aforementioned sense of awe and reverence , this awareness leads me to a profound sense of gratitude.



Think about it.

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.



4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.



8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.



13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Quit being such a BIG BABY!

When we first enter this world we all get a free pass for acting like

babies because we are .. babies. Afraid, fussy, confused, messy, tired, and

cranky is all part of our baby resume.



Toddler and Preschool years are filled with so much change (no diaper pun

intended) where we want to both independent ( "but i don't want a nap!" ) ,

and dependent ( "mommy mommy where are you?" ) all in the same little body.



In Elementary School being immature is still a given,.. and will get you

into certain careless trouble.



A Teenager is actually a 'provisional adult' where saggy fashion choices

and road warrior indiscretions leave the adult world scratching their

collective heads over what the future holds.





From ages 18 to 969 or so, we are now classified Adults. So crying ,

pouting , and fits of anger are frowned upon but obviously still present!





Next let's shift over to our Faith Walk where Paul compares new believers

to babies.



New Believers are like a babies in need of the basics (the milk) and not

ready for solid food.. but we need to grow as believers and mature to men

or women of God.



We can grow our faith by faithfully and daily reading our bibles (the meat)

and follow it’s teachings. Starting with the ‘deep simplicity’ in the two

greatest commands to love God, and love others as we love ourselves. This

needs to become our first line of obedience making way for maturing in

Christ.



The power in His Word is the unchanging uncompromising and loving truths of

God’s and are sharper than any 2 edged sword able to cut through any issue

this life presents.



In the end it is a choice .. We can stay babies afraid of a little PAPER

CUT or learn and grow with God’s truths that taps into a life that is

satisfying and complete no matter our circumstances.



May God bless each of you in your love and service to God and others. May

His peace and love give you perspective like never before. May we become

mature men and women after God's own heart!



important note: For those times where I stumble as a believer and my

behavior is less than mature, I know God's grace is always there for me

with the love of a perfect parent.

Bit Players and Power Brokers of the First Church

Today let me present Bit Players and Power Brokers of the First Church. So

far I have covered the Old Testament, followed by the Gospels.. so why not

The First Church written about in the Book of Acts.



As soon as Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven the bit players and power

brokers were all busy in their roles in and around the First Church.



- At Jesus Ascension into Heaven there was a few bit player who bubbled

over with nervous chatter.

- Just a few weeks earlier waaayyy SOUTH of Jeruselum there could be found

doubting bit players.

- Matthias, a bit player is chosen to become a power broker (aka disciple)

to replace the recently departed Judas.

- Peter and John were imprisoned after inciting a revival. Rumor was they

set up a Nativity Set in the town square.







- Stephen was stoned by the religous right of their day fearing Stephen

would rise from Christian bit player to power broker.

- Influenced by all the public persecutions, jailings, and stonings Roger,

Tim, and Bobemeus enter the very first Witness Protection Program .. as bit

players.

NEXT.. enters Saul the Pharisee Powerbroker until he SAW THE LIGHT along

the Damascus Road reducing him to blind bit player.

- Simon was a bit player in the new Christian movement, but was a power

broker in the emerging tanning industry with his very successful chain of

tanning salons Simons Tanners









- Waaayyy before Simon on American Idol there was a bit player jailer/

music critic who did not believe Paul had what it took to rise from a life

behind bars to become a first century pop star / power broker

- Waaayyy before I ever dosed in Church, bit player Eutychus nodded off,

fell to his death DURING CHURCH, then.. IT'S A MIRACLE.. he is alive again.

Long live the patron saint for those who sleep in church!

- Snake Handlers are misguided bit players in some churches today.. and to

think they were inspired by snake bit power broker Paul.



AND FINALLY..



Besides the life of Jesus Christ on Earth where bit player carpenter was

actually the son of God and true power broker of our Salvation, there has

in my opinion NEVER been a bit player used by God to be a power broker for

His will that all should know Him like the Apostle Paul.



From power broker Pharisee, then blinded by Jesus on that Damascus Road, to

living out his life where all that mattered was telling a lost world the

truth of Jesus Christ. Blinded, beaten, snake biten, persecuted, and

imprisoned..BUT he was too busy serving God to realize it.











I want to be a man like Paul, but I have a ways to go where NOTHING MATTERS

in my life except serving God. I go to church, I am a good guy, BUT.. Paul

raised the bar where few follow.



May God inspire us to love, serve, and be used by Him in ways that are

beyond any bit player status we may believe you carry.



Back pew Guy

Travellers guide to heaven

ACCOMMODATION - Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance. “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2



PASSPORTS - Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority. “There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth… but they which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:27



DEPARTURE TIMES - The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travellers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice. “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Acts 1:7



TICKETS - Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in hand. “He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24



CUSTOMS - Only one declaration is required while going through customs. “I declare unto you the gospel… that Christ died for our sins… and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.” I Corinthians 15:1,3,4



IMMIGRATION - All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited. “They desire a better country, that is, an heavenly… for He hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:16



LUGGAGE - No luggage whatsoever can be taken. “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” I Timothy 6:7



AIR PASSAGE - Travellers going directly by air are advised to watch for daily indications of imminent departure. “We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4:17



VACCINATION AND INOCULATION - Injections are not needed, as diseases are unknown at the destination. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Revelation 21:4



CURRENCY - Supplies of currency may be forwarded ahead to await the passenger’s arrival. Deposits should be as large as possible. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:20



CLOTHING - A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveller. “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10



TIME CHANGES - Resetting of watches will not be necessary, nor will the watches. “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. There shall be no night there.” Revelation 21:23,25



RESERVATIONS - Booking is now open. Apply at once. “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” II Corinthians 6:2.



CORONATION CEREMONY - The highlight of the journey is the welcoming reception and coronation which await each new arrival. “There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:8

May I ask you a question? Am I saved ?

"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)

May I ask you a question?


If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven to be with God?


Hopefully, you have answered yes, but if not, please read on as we would like to show you that you can know.

People feel that they will go to Heaven for many different reasons. For example, some think they will go to Heaven because they go to church every Sunday while some think that they are a good person and that good people go to Heaven. We''ll, let''s see what God has to say.


In the Bible you can find both bad news and good news. The bad news is something about you and the good news is something about what God did for you.


Let''s take a look at the bad news first....

Bad News #1


The Bible says, you are a sinner.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23)


Even if you are a pretty good person overall, in God''s eyes you are still a sinner. In fact, God says there is no good person who does not sin.

"For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin." (Ecc. 7:20)


Being that God is Holy and perfect, He cannot allow sin in His presence in Heaven. So, therefore sin is what keeps you from getting to Heaven.

The bad news gets even worse...

Bad News #2


The penalty for sin is death.

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)

Because of sin, death has been earned. Not just physical death but a spiritual death. In this spiritual death a person will suffer eternal punishment and torment and be eternally separated from God.

God is a just God and sin must be punished. We can do nothing about it on our own...so the good news is that God provides a solution for our sin.

Good News #1

God loves us and sent His Son Jesus Christ to take all of our sin upon Himself and die in our place. His death paid the penalty for ALL of our sins.


"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us." (2 Corinthians 5:21)


"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace..." (Ephesians 1:7)

Then on the third day, Jesus rose again [came back to life] and defeated death. He is alive today!

That sure is good news, isn''t it?

The good news gets even better...


Good News #2


You can be saved from having to pay the penalty of your sin through faith in Jesus Christ.


"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31)



"To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)



So, as you can see from this good news, God made a way out for us. He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins and take the penalty for us. If we believe in Him as our Savior, He washes us clean from all our sin and gives us eternal life.



"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)


So, after hearing God''s Word here today...Do you believe?


Eternal life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who put their faith in Him.



If you have now put your faith in Jesus to save you, let us help you word a prayer you can pray right now (realize it''s not the prayer that saves you, it''s your faith in Jesus Christ).


"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me of my sins. I am trusting you, and you alone, to take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen."


If you have come to know the Lord after reading God''s Word here today please email us and let us know. We would like to pray for you and send you some more information.


"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Little Boy's Explanation of God

It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well? [ .... and he had such an assignment, in California , and someone published it -- I guess miracles do happen! .. ]


THE EXPLANATION OF GOD:



"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.



"God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.



"God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.



"Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.



"Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him, but he was good and kind, like His father, and He told His father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.



"His dad (God) appreciated everything that He had done and all His hard work on earth so He told Him He didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. Now He helps His dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones He can take care of Himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.



"You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.



"You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!



"Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.



"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'



"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases. And...that's why I believe in God.

21 Day Fast

We ended our 21 day fast last night and it was AWSOME !!!! The church was packed as full as I have ever seen. There was at least 6 that gave their live's to Jesus and lots of healings  (Body and Soul). So that brings me to ask "Why did we fast 21 days? I was ask at the start of the fast why we did it for 21 days and I didnt know so that was a big question that was on my mind from the start. While I was fasting i was reading the Bible and went to Daniel 10:2 and my question was answered. "Daniel 10:2 In those days I, Daniel was mourning three whole weeks. 3. I ate no pleasant bread, neithercame flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."

This Passage is a source for the Idea of a 21 day fast. As you  set apart these three weeks to seek God, know that God has already heard your prayer. He is already at work on your behalf. What specific clarity of vision are you seeking from God during this time? Write down your prayer so you can reflect on it at the end of the 21 days. Spend time praying for God to speak to you and give you strength.

PRAYER it does a body good

Like the old milk commercial ‘Prayer.. it does a body good.’ Prayer is not

a hocus pocus moment for snake handler types. It is not using the right

words of “Presto-chango” or shouting “Abracadabra”.. and much more than 3

wishes allowed to your average Genie in Lampville. Of course in our finite

believer brains cluttered with infinite impatience (oxymoron?) we as

believers often reduce prayer to.. MAGIC.



In fact this morning as I type I have a specific very real worry on my mind

that I am praying about for someone I care about. What I am impressed on

regarding this need for prayer is that I need to share my heart to God

regarding this matter than.. LET GO.



PEACE BE STILL.. are the words Jesus used to calm the sea, and PEACE BE

STILL is the challenge for all of us when life is raging like a stormy sea.



Everyone of us have challenges, stress, loneliness, sadness, tragedy,

sickness, and/or death that greet us daily. This is a fallen world and I

know for myself I make this worse as like Peter I take my eyes off Jesus

and focus on the problems (the raging sea) of my day.



So no matter your circumstance, know that our prayers are heard by a God

who loves us, and wants what is best for us. The challenge is that this

scriptural truth of a loving God becomes cluttered in an imperfect world

that feels anything but loving.



So my prayer today if for God’s answers in my life and for a world that

needs Him. May there be peace in my mind even when I have circumstances

that challenge this peace. May I learn to trust God and lean not in my own

understanding.



One last reminder.. let’s be as the Bible teaches in an attitude of

prayer. Pray without ceasing.. meaning we communicate with God throughout

our day. This type of prayer should be the natural communication of

thanksgiving & praise, repentance, for protection & guidance, and the

desires of my heart. Flowery lofty language is not needed, but instead

honest ongoing communication about our worries and dreams with our loving

God. THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE, then PEACE BE STILL is possible in all

circumstances.

The Gift of Insults

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.



One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.



Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.



Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"



"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"

"Unknown"

MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER

Christians pride themselves on being people of the Book. By this we mean that we love the Bible and we strive to follow what’s written in the Word of God as closely as possible.



However, in practice we quite often fall very short of that mark. Strangely, one of the areas where we stray from the clearly written instructions of the New Testament is the practice of gathering as a Church.



Hear me out.



If we read the letters of Paul, Peter and James we'll see what they considered to be essential for the life and growth of the Church. Therefore, there's no reason for us to do anything other than exactly what the Apostles say when it comes to gathering together. In fact, the very word for "church" in the New Testament is "ekklesia" which means "sent ones" or "a gathering together".



In other words, it should go without saying that if Paul were to enter one of our Church buildings today he should expect to see us participating in the ways that he and the other Apostles commanded.



Let's look at what the Apostles considered normative ekklesia:



“What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:26



According to this verse, Paul considers the following things to be essential to the health of every Church:



Coming together (“When you come together”)

Open participation (“Everyone”)

People-led worship (“Everyone has a hymn”)

People-led teaching (“Everyone has...a word of instruction”)

People exercising their spiritual gifts freely(“Everyone has...a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation”)



How do we know that Paul considers these activities to be important and essential? Because he tells us: “ALL of these MUST BE DONE for the STRENGTHENING of the Church.”



If we ask Paul's opinion about church growth, he would tell us that it's vital that every believe participate in the leading of worship, the teaching of God's Word, and the sharing of the gifts of the spirit. Do we care what Paul's opinion is on this subject? Is it up to us to just decide for ourselves to dismiss Paul's instruction as mere suggestion and go with what we prefer?



Notice also that Paul's concern is for the Church to be "strengthened". His priority is for the believers to grow deeper, not larger in number. It's quality, not quantity that he is concerned with here.



But this isn't the only place where we find the Apostle's instruction regarding the activities of the Church.



According to the New Testament:



We should confess our sins to one another and pray for one another when we gather together: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16



We should instruct one another when we gather together: “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14



We should teach and admonish (gently correct and encourage) one another and sing together: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16



We should comfort and build up one another: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11



We should urgently warn one another to follow Christ: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13



“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25



We should encourage good works in one another: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" Hebrews 10:24



We should use our spiritual gifts to bless others: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10



Notice all the "one another's" here? The ongoing ministry of the members to one another was one of the fundamental elements of church in the New Testament.



There are 58 "one another's" in the New Testament. Twenty one of these verses (the vast majority) command us to love one another. Four of them command us to encourage one another. Three of them command us to serve one another and two of them remind us to forgive one another. The rest speak of instructing one another, being patient and kind to one another, submitting to one another, singing to one another, or putting the needs of others above our own.



Taken all together, these "one another's" remind us that we are responsible for one another spiritually. Helping our brothers and sisters move towards greater Christ-likeness is dependent upon our active participation as contributing members of the Body of Christ.



This means we cannot do it alone. We need one another. And that also means that you are an important part of this process. You are necessary. You matter. We cannot grow as the Lord Jesus intends us to grow without your willing obedience to God's command to love, serve, and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ.



My prayer has been that the Lord would help me to invest more of myself in the community of believers I find myself in today. Honestly, I've been holding back a little too much lately, and I know that I can only get out of the experience what I pour into it.



We are given as a gift to the Body and the Body is God's gift to us. Let us practice these "one another's" with all that is within us and trust Jesus to build His Church, just as He promised He would.



"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." (1 Corinthians 12:18)



"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25)

JESUS loves me !!!

The Old Testament is chalked full of great miracles like Creation (aka Big


Bang), Noah’s Ark (aka the Big Boat), the defeat of Goliath (aka the Big

Boy) where Vegas had David as a 2000 to 1 underdog, Jonah in the belly of

the Big Fish (aka Jaws.. the prequel ), there was the parting of the Red

Sea (the Big Crossing), Daniel (uneaten) in the Lion’s (Big Cats) Den. In

the Gospels are loaded with the miracles of Jesus including making water

into wine, healing the blind, the sick, and even raising Lazarus from the

dead. Jesus walked on water, calmed the seas, and after being crucified on

the Cross for our sins rose from the dead as a sacrafice of love for our

sins.



These were all jaw dropping miracles BUT all these and more are wrapped in

the great truth that Jesus loves me! Jesus loves me, this is know.. cute

Sunday School song, but.. why would the creator of this world love? It’s a

miracle.



It is nearly impossible to get to know the preacher (no knock against them)

in any modern day big church but here we have the perfect heart of our

omniscient, omnipresent creator involved with His creation to the point

where all the above mentioned miracles occur. God is NOT indifferent to His

creation, though mankind often walks the other way, God is always there.



In this 24/7 world of distractions from our creator, let’s return to the

two greatest commandments. Love the Lord your God will all your heart,

soul, and mind and others as yourself.





Obeying these commands must be heart behavior and not following them as a

to-do list for good people. To love and serve someone, to put them first

and others ahead of our own needs for me is motivated by the perfect love

of God. It is not corny to have a life motivated and inspired by love of

God. It is the starting point of life with real purpose.



While the Bible is full of the begats, and tedious Leviticus O.T. rules,

and includes but is not limited to the very real history of the world..

from the BEGINNING.. it is much more.. it is a love story from God to

mankind.



These writings in the Bible shout the truth of a personal God who loves us

enough to send His us his son. From the Old Testament stories of

providence, to the gospels of Jesus Christ, to the Acts of the first

church, to the Revelations to John of what is to come... these are all LOVE

STORIES from a loving God... an indifferent God would not be so involved or

patient with mankind and it's often displaced actions of free will.



Jesus love me this I know! Peace be Still! Jesus love me this I know! The

rest is details.