Power Outage	Who Do You Call?
At Jesus' Feet	Where the Race Ends - At The Finish Line
You Are The Light Of The World	Give Thanks!
More Than A Babe	What Lies Ahead
For God so Loved.. (Insert Your Name)	When Faced With the Impossible
Seeing the Way You See, Lord	Thirsting No Longer
Trust and Depend on the Lord	Change That Brings Maturity
Be Imitators of God	The Pebble In My Shoe
HELP	Be Thankful
"Live It"	The Right Man In The Right Place At The Right Time
"I Want A Do-Over!"	R U An A La Carte Christian?
"In the Driver’s Seat? Scoot Over!"	"Behave"
Weeping may endure for a night......	“Love came down at Christmas”
The Future of Worry	Face to Face
Life in Christ - copied, reproduced, multiplied!	"Are You Listening?"
Dying to Bring Glory

“Dying to Bring Glory”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” (John 12:24 NKJV)

A brilliant field of flowers begins with a single flower, and that one flower begins with a seed. The seed must die before it can sprout into a seedling and mature into a beautiful blossom. The blossom then sends out many seeds, the wind carries them and they come to rest in the ground. The cycle repeats itself over and over until the field is ablaze with color and beauty.

Life is brought forth through death.

Jesus Christ was, for us, that first Seed Who died and then sprang to life so that from Him a harvest of believers would grow. His death paid for the sins of the world, and the seeds of the gospel were implanted in the hearts of all who believed. Each of us who believes in Him now stands in spiritual splendor as a bloom in a field of witnesses to glorify the precious Name of Jesus.

We also have the opportunity to live or die. We stand with a choice to either live for ourselves or die to ourselves. If we give up our lives to then live for Christ we are able to fully mature in Him and fulfill God’s purpose: to glorify Him.

Our desire will then be to spread the gospel, sending out seeds of prayer and love and joy and good works so that as the Wind of the Holy Spirit carries our seeds, new believers will grow, adding to the brilliant beauty of His prized and beloved field of followers.

“Are You Listening?”

“I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him)” Psalm 85:8 Amplified Bible

Do you feel like people really listen to you when you are speaking to them? Maybe you are sharing a funny story that happened to you that day at work; or maybe you are pouring your heart out to them about a struggle you are enduring; or maybe you are simply sharing your day with them and just chatting about nothing of importance. You just want someone to listen to you. Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend and they are sharing something of importance with you and mid-sentence you already have a response to what they are saying, or your tongue is “waiting in the wings” to share something entirely off the subject they are talking about? Or maybe your friends words are going in your ears but your mind is racing about a million other things and you simply respond “mm-hmm” without even a thought to how that friend might feel.

In today’s world I wonder just how many people are listening to each other. It is hard to imagine that they are with the fast paced communication of texting, short emails, and voice messaging. Are people really taking the time to communicate much less listen to each other? Words have been reduced from several letters to one or two such as “thank you” to “ty”. Communication is getting faster and shorter at the same time – if you get my drift. It sure is a funny world we are living in today!

Consider these thoughts about listening. If we, as people, are not listening to each other – I mean really listening:

• We don't have the time to allow our friends or family members to finish their thoughts.
• We are unable to stay focused for even the briefest time on what someone is saying.
• We are too focused on what we want to say that we miss the heart of the person speaking.
• Are we even really hearing what someone is saying on the other end of that cell phone message or behind that computer screen?

If you have trouble listening to others and especially to God then ask the Lord for that ability to listen intently. Listening takes effort, practice and patience. In ourselves we don’t have the ability to do this on our own but with the Holy Spirits help we can because He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

“Life in Christ - copied, reproduced, multiplied!”

Please Read & Consider:
I Thessalonians 1: 4-10

It has been written “What a great shame it is that while the saints actually followed in the footsteps of the Lord, servants of God today expect glory and honor simply because we can recite what they did.” (Saint Francis)

It has also been written that history is merely a quest to memorialize the facts of the past before they become forgotten and neglected.

Even for myself, I am amazed at how often I look to the past.   Historic facts like when I asked my wife to be my bride, the dates of each birth of our four children, when my parents died, and who was President when I enlisted in the Navy.   We are always examining and turning over in our heads how things used to be.  We are always comparing the way it was, to the way it is now.  Our children spend years in school studying history and rarely, if ever, are asked by the teacher, “What does the Civil War mean to us today about life?”  

Surprisingly, I thought of all this last night when I came home from Gailley Eye Clinic with my new glasses. They are more powerful and my eyes are more comfortable now when reading. For whatever reason, today I see things more clearly. For today’s saints we need to look ahead, into the future, more often than looking into the past. The past has plenty to offer to learn from, but it’s the future that holds our mission as Christians. Verse 7 in the above passage says, “And so you became a model to all believers…”. I interpret this passage as a future goal. If we are the model, then people today and tomorrow, and next year will be looking to us to learn what a Christian is like and who is God and does He love us.

Today, and tomorrow, I want to spend more time looking ahead, than dwelling on what God did through me years ago. It benefits our OIKOS makes us on mission with God.

By: Jack Moody   Back to Top

“Face to Face”

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’
He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’
He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’
He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’
He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’
He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’
And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”  John 21:15-19

I read this portion of scripture a while back, looking to glean something new from it. I knew that this was the post-resurrection, pre-ascension Jesus revealing Himself to the apostles (for the third time) by the sea after they had fished all night.

And the third time Jesus acquiesced and then asked him,“Do you phileo Me?” Do you even love me as a friend? Peter confessed that he knew that Jesus knew all things, and that yes, he did love Him as a friend.

As I peered once again into this intimate moment of conversation, I knew that they both had in mind the day of Christ’s crucifixion and the three times that Peter denied Him. But I wondered at all the thoughts and emotions that each carried as they spoke to one another. Did Peter look Jesus in the eye, or did his shame cause him to look down at the ground, mindlessly doodling in the sand with a stick?

And more importantly, what was Jesus thinking? How was He feeling at that moment in time toward this man - this friend with whom He had walked, conversed and lived, night and day, for 3 years; this man who had promised would never deny Him? Was He angry? Was He disgusted? Was He disappointed?

And the thought popped into my head that it would sure help sometimes if the Bible used emoticons. I chuckled at the thought. I use emoticons quite often in my online communication. I don’t want anybody getting the wrong idea about something I’m saying, thinking I’m being serious when I’m just joking, or vice versa. And yet, I thought, those who know me best know when I’m joking or being sarcastic, and they know when I’m being serious.

And I think the same holds true in our understanding of Christ’s heart as we read His words. The more we become intimately acquainted with Him, the more we’ll understand His incredible patience, His amazing grace, His all-encompassing love.

As we intentionally spend time with the Lord every day, adopting a consistent, ongoing prayer life with Him, we will come to know Him as our closest Friend. We’ll be able to hear His voice among all the others that are clamoring for our attention, and when He speaks to us we won’t have to be afraid that He’s angry or disappointed in us.

We’ll know that His character is true, kind, faithful, merciful, gracious, honest, benevolent, patient and abounding in love towards His children. We’ll know that His intentions for us are nothing but good and that He desires more than anything to bless us and teach us and purify our hearts as we look forward to the day when all mystery is gone and we see each other face to face.

Dorci Harris© - February 2010  Back to Top

“The Future of Worry”

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?....But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." Matthew 6:27; 33-34

Does worry have a future in my life? What a silly question of course it doesn't. Or does it? Worry is a choice, one that I make too often.

I do not know what the future holds except for this exact moment, this stoke of the pen and not even those, for only God knows my future, my thoughts, my words and yes the choices I will make "in" or "out" of His will. I can wring my hands, if I so choose, and worry if there will be:

• Bread on our table
• If our bills will be paid
• If our son will make it into grad school
• If our prodigal daughter will return fully to the Lord
• If our eldest daughter will remain mentally stable
• If my mothers health will decline
• If my husband will remain in good health
• If my relationship with my husband will grow deeper and blossom into what I have always dreamed it would be
• If my husband and I will stay focused on what is important instead of being distracted by "shinny objects"
• If our businesses will flourish and provide us an income
• If I will become more physically fit again
• If our nation, as a whole, will return to our founding principles
• Or will I be faced with the same ole same old

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines worry as "mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated" If you look at Matthew 6:27 and you reflect on the question being asked "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his (or her) life?" You come to the conclusion and must answer the question that none of us can add a single hour to our lives. Actually worrying has the opposite affect it removes our attention from the moment we do have, to a time we don't have. When I think about it worry is an absurd choice.

God asks us, instead of worrying, to seek Him and His righteousness and to trust that He will take care of all our needs for the day we have. Should we pray for those concerns we may have? Most certainly we should! 1 Peter 5:7 says "Cast all your anxiety (cares) on Him, because He cares for you."

Let us agree that this year we will choose not to worry about tomorrow but instead:
We will choose to seek the Lord and His righteousness
We will choose to place our cares in His tender and loving hands
We will choose to live fully, for His sake, the moments He gives to us

Each day has enough trouble of its own but if we are walking side by side with the Lord He will help carry our daily troubles. What an Awesome Lord, God, Father, Savior, Redeemer..we have. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

By: Cindy Mrva - January 01, 2010  Back to Top

“Love came down at Christmas”

“Love came down at Christmas.”

These words have made their way to the forefront of my mind more than a few times in the last couple of weeks

The eternal God, the great I Am, Who had no beginning and has no end, Who is all-sufficient unto Himself, Who created all things great and small, sent to us His only Son, Whom He loves with an inconceivable love, in the form of a tiny, soft, cuddly baby boy.

Love was encased in a manger that morning.

As his mother and step-father stared breathlessly into the face of their brand new, precious little gift as all parents do, they were privileged to look into eyes swimming with love. They held love, wrapped in a blanket, and waited for him to demonstrate to them, and to all of us, the true meaning of love.

And right away, he taught us that love is not synonymous with riches. God chose not to provide for the baby boy king a castle in which to be born, or even a room in the inn, but rather a stable filled with animals and dirty hay, and a feeding trough for a bed.

Love transformed the crude dwelling into one of more beauty than any other.

And He taught us that love is life-changing. When the shepherds had heard from a multitude of worshipping angels that the Christ had been born, they left their flocks and ran to see him. And when they caught a glimpse of him, their hearts were so filled with his love that they were powerless to remain quiet and they spread the marvelous news that the Savior was born!

And as the baby boy grew into a man, he taught us that love lays down its life for another as He willingly hung on the cross and died to pay for your sins and for mine.

The power of His love takes us from death to life. He changes our hearts from stone to flesh, from dark to light, from blind to seeing, from lost to found. He stills our troubled minds and gives us peace. He lifts our downcast souls and brings us joy.

When Love came down, the world was given its first Christmas gift wrapped in a tiny, unassuming, yet very powerful package. And when the love we’ve received from Him is graciously given to others, no matter how seemingly small the offering – a smile, a hug, a prayer in Jesus’ Name, the life-transforming power continues.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God. The one who does not love has not known God. For God is love. In this the love of God was revealed in us, because God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:7-9)

Dorci Harris© - December 2009  Back to Top

Weeping may endure for a night......

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5

When you're sick and cannot sleep do your nights seem to be endless and miserable? Nighttime seems to be when fevers elevate, a persistent cough worsens, aches and pains of the body increase and the nose has no shut off valve. No one is around to share in our physical misery, at least most of the time. We are alone (so we think) but not really - for God is always with us (Hebrews 13:5b and Deuteronomy 31:6; 8). Then dawn breaks and we may drift off to sleep for a bit. When we awake from our early morning rest we feel a little better although still weary from the night. While we are in the middle of an illness "night" often feels like a decade and the dawn of a new morning seems so distant.

Most of the time, unless we are stricken by a terminal illness, the "night" ends, the morning comes and we are well again. For a follower and believer of Christ, with a terminal illness, morning still comes - not in this temporal world but in eternity - with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (2 Corinthians 5:6) and the 21:25).

We can also think of the trials of this life in the same way. When we are in the middle of a trial it may seem like the darkest time of our lives. Our trials may feel just like the "night" when we are physically sick. At times the trials may seem endless and we may feel downright miserable. Our emotions and reactions to everyday situations may be heightened; we may find ourselves actually becoming physically ill with body aches and pains. We may feel like we are all alone but we are not - for God is with us.

I believe that, it is how we look at a trial that makes all the difference. (Please note this is an ongoing lesson this writer is learning). As a child of God we have no reason to fear the terror of the "night" in a trial. Rather we have great reason to wait expectantly for the joy that comes in the morning as our Lord walks with us through our trial. Our suffering is neither wasted time nor is it meant to do us harm but it is achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs any trial (Please read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

If you currently find yourself in the middle of a trial read Psalm 91 and remember that "joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5b.hope of no more "nights" (Revelation 21:25).

We can also think of the trials of this life in the same way. When we are in the middle of a trial it may seem like the darkest time of our lives. Our trials may feel just like the "night" when we are physically sick. At times the trials may seem endless and we may feel downright miserable. Our emotions and reactions to everyday situations may be heightened; we may find ourselves actually becoming physically ill with body aches and pains. We may feel like we are all alone but we are not - for God is with us.

Cindy Mrva - November 2009  Back to Top

Behave

The word behave according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary means - to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way; to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner.

When our daughters were very young and they misbehaved we would say to them "behave" and they would respond back "but I'm being hAAve". Inside we would chuckle and, to this day, we still chuckle when we think about their response. At the time we were serious about their behavior and they knew we expected them to behave in a manner that reflected respectful manners and age appropriate behaviors. We tried our very best to teach them and to be examples, through our behaviors, how they should behave and treat others and most importantly how they should walk with God. (Note: we were not always successful because we were NOT perfect by any means!)

I think God expects the same of us: to behave in a manner that that reflects His Son. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15 that we are to "Be very careful, then, how you live". This verse should prompt each one of us to ask this of ourselves "Am I very careful how I live?" The verse goes on to say "not as unwise but as wise." NIV.

The NKJV phrases it this way "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." The word circumspect(ly) is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: careful to consider all circumstances and consequences. I have to ask myself - How often do I consider all circumstances and consequences of my actions and behaviors? Sadly I have to answer not often and enough. How would you answer that question?

Paul starts Ephesians 5 saying "Be imitators of God" and he goes on in this chapter to tell us how we should live. Here are some concepts that I underlined in my bible:

1.  "not be even a hint of sexual immorality"
2.  "….any kind of impurity"
3.  "…. of greed"
4.  "nor should there be obscenity"
5.  "foolish talk"
6.  "or coarse joking which are out of place"
7.  "but rather thanksgiving"
8.  "Let no one deceive you with empty words"……."do not be partners with them."
9.  "Live as children of light (the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.") For more on fruit please read Galatians 5:22-23
10.  "find out what pleases the Lord" - that is another whole subject, in fact each one of these is a whole other subject that I could go on about each one but not this time around. (See number 13)
11.  "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness - rather expose them"
12.  "make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" - Make every opportunity to serve and honor the Lord.
13.  "do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." To know His will - Read His Book - Spend some time and talk with Him.
14.  "do not get drunk on wine" or any other drink that causes you to loose control.
15.  "Instead, be filled with the Spirit" - see number 13
16.  "Speak to one another (your brothers and sisters in Christ - be in fellowship) with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." Encourage each other in the faith of Christ
17.  "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord" - You will live longer and your spirit will soar.
18.  "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
19.  "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ"

Cindy Mrva - October 2009  Back to Top

In the Driver’s Seat? Scoot Over!

A while back I was driving with my 17-year-old son in the front passenger seat of the car when we came to an intersection. My goal was to turn right after a car or two had passed. Apparently, I was taking entirely too much time for my son’s taste as he thought it was safe to move into traffic, and he, in no uncertain terms, let me know of his wisdom on this subject.

Now, I can’t tell you what a talented young man he is. From a very young age he has been our family clown who has entertained us all with his goofy faces, spot-on impressions and always more-mature-than-his-age dry sense of humor. He is caring and compassionate, he reads his Bible unprompted, and for the most part, keeps his room rather neat and tidy. There is one thing, however, that he doesn’t have: a driver’s permit. I, on the other hand, have been driving for 28 years without ever having caused an accident.

So, as we sat there at the intersection and I waited for the oncoming traffic to pass so that I could safely merge, with my son vehemently telling me how much it annoyed him to no end when people wait for a vehicle to pass even though, in his eyes, it was safe to move forward, I had to chuckle.

How many times do we do that with God? We counsel Him with our wisdom on a subject, letting Him know that it would be better if the situation were different and why it would be more prudent for Him to do it that way. We rely on our finite minds and limited understanding to either debate with Him about a situation in hopes of changing His mind, or we move Him out of the driver’s seat altogether, seating ourselves in the place of control so that we can speed things up just a little bit. And how many times do we then find ourselves crashing with the circumstances that we couldn’t see coming, all because we didn’t understand that our heavenly Father’s wisdom infinitely surpasses our own?

God has blessed us with spiritual gifts, but we can never let the successful use of those God-given talents delude us into believing that we have, at some point, arrived at a place in our spiritual walk where we are self-sufficient. God always has been and always will be the only One Who fits in the driver’s seat of our lives.

He has a wisdom and eternal sight that we will never have, and we need to commit ourselves to letting Him lead and to waiting on His perfect timing. The wisdom that we can have is in not grumbling or complaining while we wait or when He makes a turn that we didn’t expect. You can trust in His wisdom and unfailing love for the trial you are facing right now.

“Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support. In all your ways give ear to him, and he will make straight your footsteps. Put no high value on your wisdom: let the fear of the Lord be before you, and keep yourself from evil: This will give strength to your flesh, and new life to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8 BBE)

- Dorci Harris ©September 8, 2009  Back to Top

R U An A La Carte Christian?

“What are you talking about?” you may ask. I am talking about the society and culture that we live in today and how this culture affects the church body as a whole. Many want to label themselves “Christian” but they don’t want to adhere to the doctrines of the Christian faith. Many are picking and choosing what they will believe. I call that “a la carte” Christianity or “smorgasbord” Christianity. It is like walking up to a buffet line and picking and choosing foods you will eat – it does not necessarily mean you are getting a balanced or healthy diet - most of the time you are not.

Paul predicted today’s culture and warns of this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (ESV)

Godlessness in the Last Days
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men." (ESV)

This sort of thinking is rampant throughout the Christian community and church today. It is a "pick-and-choose belief system" which seems to have the mindset of “pick out what you want to believe from the Bible and if you disagree with what the Word of God says it is okay. It is kind of like the attitude from the mid to late 70’s “If it feels good – do it!” I ask myself “Why would someone want to be called a Christian if they don’t want to believe the author of the faith?”

Hebrews 12:2: "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (ESV)

I personally have seen this “A La Carte” way of thinking in my own family. It is dangerous thinking and it not only hurts the person, but it hurts the entire church. More importantly it hurts our Lord.

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”(ESV).

Some questions to consider:

1. Do you call yourself a Christian?
2. Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired Words of God?
3. Do you believe that the Bible is relevant in today’s culture?
4. Are you picking and choosing which Bible verses fit your life/lifestyle and throwing out all the others?
5. Are you honoring the Lord by obedience to His word?

- Cindy Mrva, August 17th, 2009  Back to Top

“I Want A Do-Over!”

Nothing underscores the concept of “needing a do-over” more than recent events in the U.S. political world and some all-too-public guffaws on the international stage. The drama of life is acted out in front of news cameras, camera phones, surveillance cameras and still cameras, which represent an unforgiving memory that cannot ever be erased. As soon as someone, whether in the public eye or even in private life, makes a misstep these days it is instantly displayed on YouTube®, posted on blogs, twittered about and spread worldwide via FaceBook™, MySpace™ and any number of other social networking sites.

How many of us have done or said something, instantly realizing it was either inappropriate (stuck my foot in my mouth) or downright sinful? Well, to those saints who have acted in a manner that is not in keeping with our calling to be servants of Christ, I say that there is good news and there is bad news.

The bad news is this: you are right up there with the aforementioned public figures, and all other private citizens, in that nothing is done in a vacuum. Your every action and word affects not only you but everyone you know and love, and many whom you have not ever met. Nothing illustrates that concept better then the feeling one gets immediately after doing something stupid then realizing you have on your Christian T-shirt or are driving your car with the “Jesus Saves” bumper sticker or fish (Ichthus or IXOYE) emblem on the back.

The good news is this: While God does not allow a “do-over”, He does allow U-Turns! Those who count themselves Christians, who are born-again, have a recourse, which takes into consideration our sinful nature! It involves turning around and going in the other direction; in essence repenting from our error and confessing. The Greek word for our English word Repent basically means to change one's mind:

1. to change one's mind, i.e. to repent
2. to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 NKJV.

But does this mean that we can just do whatever we want and as long as we ask God to forgive us, we can continue on living as we are? By no means!

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 NKJV

We are expected to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of the Lord Jesus. There are many verses in the Word which present this concept. Here are but a few:

• Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” (KJV)
• Colossians 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..." (KJV)
• 1 Thessalonians 2:12 "...That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." (KJV)

SO WHAT? What’s the bottom line? It’s this: We are not perfect, nor can we be. We will do something stupid, wrong or sinful. Whatever you want to call it, It is still “missing the mark”. The world WILL criticize you and shout “SEE! Those so-called Christians are not any better than us!” to which I answer, “they are right”.

"What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: 'There is none righteous, no, not one...'" Romans 3:9-10 NKJV

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
1 John 2:1-2 ESV

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

Blessings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

- Tim Mrva June 05, 2009  Back to Top

THE RIGHT MAN
IN THE RIGHT PLACE
AT THE RIGHT TIME © 2009 by Cheryl N. Reardon

They called it a miracle on the Hudson. On Thursday, January 15, 2009, 155 passengers and crew of a crowded jetliner embarked on the trip of a life time. Each person on board had their own agenda, their own destination, and their own past. Each person unique, each person special in their own way. Undoubtedly, every person on US Airways Airbus A320 bound for Charlotte, NC had a plan and little did they realize it depended on the competency of one man.

When the flight from New York City took off all seemed well, until something went terribly wrong. Something as unassuming as a flock of birds could and would change not just their destination, but the way they looked at life, at family, at goals, at priorities and perhaps for some the way they viewed life and death.

We've all read the story over and over again, watched the video footage, and listened to the interviews of thankful passengers. Why was tragedy averted, and all lives saved? Because, the right man, was in the right place at the right time! Flight pilot "Sully" Sullengerger was at the controls, he knew what he was doing. He had trained for just such a crisis as the one he faced on that day. He was an airline safety expert who had consulted with NASA. He had 40 years of experience, 29 with US Airways. With a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Industrial Psychology, he was educated. A U.S. Air Force Academy grad, he flew F-4 fighter planes while in the Air Force. His wife was quoted as saying, "He is about performing that airplane to the exact precision to which it is made" .... an interesting thought!

We may never face landing on the water in an aircraft and depend on the expertise of one man to save our lives. We do face something much more frightening, much more challenging, and much more dependent upon a man even greater than "Sully".

O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the utter-most parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it............ Psalms 139:1, 2, 5, 7, 8-10

The Right Man, In the Right Place, At the Right Time!!! People need the Lord.

Cheryl N. Reardon
Copyright 2009
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"Live It"


When Cindy and I started Halas & Phos, it was our desire to encourage people to share Christ with others through Christian apparel (witnesswear, message apparel, whatever you want to call it). It became immediately apparent, however, that wearing a Christian t-shirt is NOT enough. You must live the message that is on it. We developed the saying "Don't just wear your Christian apparel, LIVE IT!". Today's message in Charles Stanley's wonderful devotional stirred me to think more about this concept. It begins with the question: "Did you realize that everyone's life makes a statement?" I had to think about what kind of statement my life is making and I was humbled, and not a little ashamed. I am not always a good witness to others regarding the Lord. Granted, I am better than I used to be, but I am not supposed to compare myself to myself or others. I am to compare myself to Christ to get a really accurate estimation of where I am today and what I should strive for, that being ever increasing Christ-likeness. We all have a "life message", In Touch states, and the strength of that message is communicated to others in our Character, Action and Words, being directly related to the depth of our relationship with God. "But we can't be PERFECT, just as God is perfect," you might say. True! In Philippians Paul, through the Holy Spirit, states:

^{Philippians 3:12-14} "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."(NKJV)

I'm reminded of the Keith Green song, "If You Love the Lord", which to me communicates the spirit of the message in Ephesians Chapter 2 and draws elements from the books of Psalms and Proverbs. Please take time to think about your life, how it reflects Christ and ask yourself "What changes can I make in my life to be more like Christ?" Let me suggest that it's not about "doing" but it's all about "being".
Blessings,
Tim

P.S. If you click on the title of this message you will be taken to Charles Stanley's "In Touch" devotional online archive where you can view other devotionals. To find the particular devotional that inspired this post, just click the link here: Communicating Through Our Life - April 24, 2009 Back to Top



Be Thankful

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

C. Mrva Back to Top



HELP

In 1965 John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the song HELP. It was the #1 single both in the UK and US for three weeks. HELP was the title for the Beatles 5th album and the title for the motion picture HELP starring the Beatles.[1] The song starts out:
Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone, help.

Do you ever feel like that? I know I do sometimes but where should I go for HELP? Psalm 121: 1-2 has the answer to this question.

Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."

As believers in Christ we always have somebody to help us but we do not always lift our eyes heavenward. Oft times we look outward or inward for the help we need. When stress, trouble, trial, heartache, harm or pain finds its way into our lives we tend to call out to our friends and family, first, to comfort us and help us.

Our help comes from the LORD (Yahweh, the great "I Am"), the ever present, the all knowing, the all powerful, the Maker (Creator) of heaven and earth. There is no stress, trouble, trial, heartache, harm or pain that is too large for Him to help us with. He is as close as a whispered prayer. He has promised. "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say:
' The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:5

We have no need to wait for Him to be home or wait for Him to listen to His voice mail or read His email. He is always there ready to listen to our cries for help always desiring to run to give us aid and assistance. So next time you need HELP - CALL OUT TO THE LORD!

"Corrie Ten Boom would say to us...
Look around and be distressed.
Look inside and be depressed.
Look at Jesus and be at rest."[2]

[1] Wikipedia
[2] Corry Ten Boom Quote

By: C. Mrva Back To Top



The Pebble In My Shoe

Today while on my walk the Lord used a physical element to remind me of a spiritual principle. I put my walking shoes on and as I started to walk I felt a little irritant under my right heel. I figured it was probably a little pebble and that it might work its way to some place in my shoe that wouldn’t bother me. As I walked, the little bugaboo did not budge. I kept walking, shaking my shoe, tapping it on the ground, all to no avail. Finally I gave up and stopped, took off my shoe, looked in the shoe but saw nothing, shook the shoe, adjusted my sock and then put my shoe back on and started walking again. To my relief the irritant was gone and I was able to enjoy my walk.

Now you might be saying to yourself “What in the world could an irritant under ones heel have to do with anything spiritual?” Let me explain. God created man to have fellowship with Him and to “walk” with Him “what does the Lord your God require of you but [reverently] to fear the Lord your God, [that is] to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being” Deut. 10:12 Amplified Bible (See Micah 6:8; 1 John 1:6-8)

Then sin entered the picture and man/woman choose to become like God instead of “walking” with Him – read Genesis 3. Sin separated man from fellowship with God. God had a plan, though, to reconcile man/woman back to Himself – that plan was redemption through His Son Jesus "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13 ( See Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 1:7). Once we have called on the name of the Lord we are saved and man/woman can again “walk” with God.

Although we have been reconciled with God, we still live in these earthly bodies and in a sinful world. Sin is all around us and sin oft times comes easy for man/woman. Who has ever had to teach a child to lie? When we sin it affects our “walk” with God. We can draw a parallel between sin and that pebble. Sins such as unforgiveness, lies, cheating, gossip, etc are like that pebble. In the same way that the unseen pebble in the bottom of my shoe rubbed and irritated my heel, taking the joy out of my walk, sin will likewise affect ones “walk” with God. There you have it! We can find all sorts of ways to justify our sin or try to hide it. Sin is never hidden from God. Until we deal with our sin irritant our “walk” with God is not as it should be. Had I continued my walk without dealing with the irritant I could have done myself more harm. If we do not deal with our sin(s) we do ourselves more harm as well as others. Just as simple as it was to take the time to take my shoe off and deal with the irritant so is it in dealing with sin “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

So take the time, if need be, to take off your walking shoes and deal with the “sin irritant” that is throwing off your “walk” with God and return to the joy of fellowship with Him. By: C Mrva Back To Top

Be Imitators of God

“Be imitators of God” Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)

To imitate: to make a likeness of; to follow as a model or pattern; to mimic.

Do you remember, as you were growing up, imitating your parents or someone you looked up to? You may have imitated the way they carried themselves, their actions, their activities, their sense of humor, attitudes, attire – the list is almost endless. Sometimes we even imitate behaviors that are not good or flattering towards those we are imitating. When a child imitates those unflattering behaviors of a parent, embarrassment often follows. Those are the times parents are not pleased with what their children see in them.

Our earthly parents or those we have chosen to look up to, whom we might imitate, are flawed by the sin nature that resides in all of us. Although they may have very wonderful traits and attributes for us to mimic they will still have those areas that are not good for us to follow.

As believers we have been adopted into God’s family, through Jesus Christ. Because we are a part of God’s family God has become our Father (Ephesians 1: 3-6; Galatians 4: 6-7). Our heavenly Father, who is a perfect parent, is the perfect one to imitate. Let’s look at some ways that we can “be imitators of God” this Christmas Season and from this time forward.

God is giving – He gave us His one and only Son, Jesus – John 3:16. Be willing to give not only material things (gifts), but also give of your time. Go out of your way to give someone help if help is needed.
God is loving – He loves the unlovable. After all He loved us even when we were still sinners. – 1 John 4:7-21; Romans 5:8. Be loving to those who are unruly, unpleasant, and impatient or those who seek negative attention.
God is kind – God shows us loving-kindness though we don’t deserve it. - Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 2:4. Showing kindness towards someone when we are rushed for time and stressed is not easy. But we have no idea what impact showing kindness toward someone might have in their life. Remember during this time of the year everyone is rushed for time and stressed. Smile and say a pleasant word or two to the cashier or someone waiting in line.
God is patient – When we mess up and sin God doesn’t raise His voice nor does He strike us dead. – Psalm 103:8-10; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Galatians 5:22-23. Paul tells us “as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12. Be patient in those long checkout lines, be patient with the person in the car in front of you. If there is a small child making a fuss don’t lose your patience and pass judgment on the child or his parent(s) – remember you were a child once and maybe you weren’t the best behaved child in the world either! Children get tired, bored or who knows what else – adults get cranky too.
God is forgiving – God forgave us our trespasses – Numbers 14:18a; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 4:32. Many times we feel as though we shouldn’t need to forgive someone who has wronged us – but we do need to forgive. Forgive that person in your life that you haven’t been able to forgive. That may be the best thing you could give that person this Christmas – Forgiveness. Actually you will be giving yourself a wonderful gift if you forgive.

There are many more ways we can imitate God this Christmas but I leave that to you to find them. In order to imitate God we need to spend time with Him so we can see His wonderful characteristics, traits and attributes that we might follow His example. Share God’s goodness with others this Christmas. Christmas isn’t about us, but Christ and others. Back To Top



Change That Brings Maturity

For most of us the thought of change can be difficult. It brings fear, confusion and wringing of hands - it is the unknown that causes us to fear. Not all change brings fear, especially if we know what to expect or if it is change we invite into our lives. Both kinds of change can bring the opportunity to mature in our faith. Let's take a look at what the book James says about encountering change that comes along with a trial.

James writes in chapter 1: 2-4

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (The Message)

Allow me to relate a story. Years ago, when I was first married I encountered a lot of changes in my life in a very short period of time. First off I had been single ‘till the age of 25. Then I got married to Tim who had been married before and had two little girls, so I became a step-mom. Less than six months into our marriage we were having both of the girls most of the time and then the custody change happened and I became a full time mother. So I went from the single life, to married life, to part-time motherhood to full time motherhood in six months time. Wow, talk about change! It did not end there. Before we were married a year Tim was laid off from his job with little chance of being called back. Tim wanted to go back to school and so we decided to move - not just to a nearby college but to Arizona - 2,000 miles away from family, friends, my job and everything I was familiar with. At this time I had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let me tell you, I had many non-stated fears regarding all the fast changes in my life. Some time after I had received Christ I was relating my story of change, and how hard it was, to a sister in the Lord. She said to me "Get used to it - that is what happens in a Christian's life". In my immaturity, I just felt those words were harsh and not very understanding. When I look back at that time, while I believe her statement could have been given with care and compassion, I now believe there was truth in those words. Change, like in a trial, will either make you bitter and resentful or it will spur you on to maturity.

Since that time I have had many a change in my life; some that were trials and some that were not. No matter the change I have learned, even when the change comes with great pressure, to hold on to the Lord and allow Him to work in and through the change. I have grown and matured but I still have much growing and maturing to do.

How are you handling the difficult changes in life? Are you allowing God to use this change in your life to bring about maturity? It does not happen overnight but it is a process. If you trust God in and through each change of your life He will bring you to the next level of maturity. Back To Top



Trust and Depend on the Lord

"You, LORD, give true peace
to those who depend on you,
because they trust you." Isaiah 26:3 (NCV)

You get up in the morning and go to make your breakfast you trust that your refrigerator has kept your milk and other perishable items cold. You depend on your refrigerator to do its job.
When you step in the shower you trust that the water coming out of the shower head will be nice and hot. You depend on your hot water heater to supply you with a nice hot soothing shower.
When you are going somewhere you trust that you car will start and keep running to get you to your destination and back again. You depend on your car to get you where you are going.
When you go through an intersection and the light is green you trust that the light going the opposite direction is red and not green. You depend on those who maintain the traffic lights.
When you go on a trip and you are flying you trust that the pilot and co-pilot have been trained to fly a jet aircraft and that the ground crew has completed all their safety checks. You depend on the airlines to hire trained and competent employees.
Here is one more. You trust that when you go to cash your pay check that you will receive money back from the teller. You depend on your employer to have enough money in their bank account to cover your pay check. (Recently there was a business here in the Bloomington/Normal area that closed down and left the employees with bad checks.)
What a let down it is when you cannot trust or depend on something or someone that you have always put your trust in. Could it be that you have experienced one of the above situations - maybe even as recently as this morning?

I often forget when something goes awry, kaput, haywire or just breaks down, that I have a God who is bigger than any situation that I find myself in and that I can trust and depend on Him to get me through whatever it is. Have you ever heard this question asked? "You trusted Jesus for your salvation but do you trust Him to provide for your everyday needs?" I know I certainly can relate to that question - maybe you can too.

There is really nothing here on earth that we can totally trust and depend on 100%. Many people found this out when Enron went belly up. But you can trust and depend on the Lord 100% - every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every year after year. Here are some scripture verses to meditate upon to encourage you to Trust and Depend on the Lord.

Psalm 9:10, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 32:10, Psalm 56:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:20, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 26:4, Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Nahum 1:7. Back To Top



Seeing the Way You See, Lord

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34 (NIV)

Our church recently started a new series on evangelism. For twelve weeks our pastor's (Pastor Ed) sermons, Bible Study Groups, Jr/Sr High, Adult and Children's Sunday School Classes are focused on evangelism. Most people think of evangelizing as someone standing on the street corner yelling out "Repent" or a Billy Graham or Harvest Crusade coming to town to share The Good News. Evangelism is much more than street corner preachers and crusades - passion for the unsaved must be of the utmost importance. I have so much to learn and I am looking forward to how the Lord will use this evangelism series in my life. It is not just a matter of learning some new techniques, approaches, or having the four spiritual laws memorized verbatim - it is much more - it is having a heart, love, compassion and a willingness to get up close and personal for/with those who do not know Jesus.

I got to thinking about this and thought of how God saw me before I came to know Him personally and how this is the way I should see those who have not come to know Him. God looked at my heart; He did not look at my wardrobe, my hair color, my abilities or whether my hands and finger nails were clean or dirty. No, He looked and saw my sin, He had compassion for me - He saw my need for Him and He offered His one and only Son up for me.

Dear Lord, help me to see the way You see - looking at the hearts of those needing a shepherd. Lord, I ask for love and compassion in increasing measure for them, willing to get up close and personal just as your Son Jesus did. Amen Back To Top



Thirsting No Longer

Have you ever had a thirst that you just could not quench? Just as the body thirsts for water to replenish all the organs, tissues and cells so does the soul's thirst need to be quenched.

Several weeks ago our pastor, Pastor Ed, spoke about the conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well in John 4: 7-15

"When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

As the congregation read together, through the verses, it took me back to where I was before I gave my heart and life to Jesus Christ. Even though I grew up going to church, which I am very grateful to my Mom for making sure I went, I still knew that something was missing. I couldn't figure it out so I searched in many different directions. One direction I searched was through psychology; thinking that there was something wrong with me and if I could just figure it out then I would no longer feel the emptiness. Another direction I took was to head down the path of New Age. I read books like "Me, Myself and I" and Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's books. I knew there would be something in those books that would help me fill the void. All the psychology and the New Age path did for me was to make me extremely self-centered and I still had the same void in my heart.

One evening, when I was dating Tim, we were talking about Jesus dying on the cross. Tim's description of Christ's suffering and crucifixion brought me to tears. I had heard the story of Jesus' death many times in the past but it had never impacted me as it did that evening. It was not that evening that I gave my heart to Jesus; that wouldn't happen for a few more years. But God used that evening to start my re-direction to the right path - His path.

During those few years I kept thirsting for that something to fill my thirsty soul - to fill that void - to replace the emptiness I felt. I did not realize that sin was separating me from the Only One who could satisfy my thirst. Without realizing and understanding it I was just like that Samaritan woman by the well. I started reading the Bible, going to church and seeking to learn about God and His Son. Then the evening came that I confessed I was a sinner and that I need Jesus in my life. That night I surrendered my life to Christ and I drank of His living water. Ever since that evening I have not thirsted for any other person or thing to fill my void and empty soul. Jesus did indeed give me Living Water.

I personally think it is very important to remember how we were before we were saved. If you look back and reflect on what Jesus has done for you, where He has brought you out of, what He has saved you from, you will be overwhelmed with thankfulness. It is very humbling, for me, when I look back and realize where I was then - THIRSTY and where I am now - THIRSTING NO LONGER. Back To Top



When Faced With the Impossible

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Have you ever been up against a trial or circumstance that seemed impossible? From every angle you look at your trial and there just seems to be no way that any thing good could come from it. It is like being on a steep, narrow, winding mountain road that you need to go back down but there seems to be no place to turn around. It is too dangerous to back up. All that is on your left side is rock and on your right is the edge of the cliff. It seems hopeless. You are desperate - in your eyes it is all an impossible situation. But I want to tell you that, even when all looks impossible, with our God nothing is impossible. I can personally testify that God can move mountains, clear the path, widen the roads and make the impossible possible. As the verse above says, God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not ours. Let me give you a few examples of how God made the impossible possible.

Abraham was 99 and Sarah at 90, past age of childbearing, yet God blessed them with a child. Read: Genesis 21:1-7
Moses and the Israelites were being pursued by Pharaoh and his army. God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could pass through but when Pharaoh and his army tried to cross they were swallowed up by the sea. Read: Exodus 13:17 - 14:31
This is one of these stories about God that is the ultimate "My Dad is greater and stronger than your dad": On Mount Carmel, when Elijah asked the people of Israel to choose between God or Baal, Elijah was the only one left of the LORD's prophets. Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal by saying: "Call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire - he is God" Guess what? Baal didn't answer with fire. He didn't answer at all, but the LORD God answered by consuming not only the sacrifice by fire but also the wood, the stones, the soil and all the water that Elijah had poured over the sacrifice. The people of Israel fell prostrate and cried out the LORD is God! Read: 1 Kings 18:16-39
David slew Goliath with a sling and a stone because he knew that the LORD God would be with him. Read: 1 Samuel 17
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down and worship King Nebuchnezzar's golden image, even though they knew that they would be thrown into a fiery furnace for disobeying the kings order. King Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego bound and thrown into the furnace. The King was amazed to see that there were four men walking in the flames and not one of them was being consumed by the fire. When King Nebuchadnezzar called the three out their bodies were not injured, their hair was not singed, their clothes were not scorched and they did not even smell of smoke. Read: Daniel 3
There are so many more amazing examples of the impossible being made possible with God in the Old Testament, but what about the New Testament?

The birth of John the Baptist is a wonderful example of an aged man and a barren women giving birth to a son: Luke 1. In Luke 1 we also read about the miraculous birth of Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Jesus fed 5,000 even though the disciples only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Read: Matthew 14:13-21
The woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed by touching Jesus' garment. Read: Luke 8:43-48
Saul's conversion when he had been persecuting the church: Acts 9:1-19. Praise God for Paul who, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote several books of the New Testament.
As you can see all things are possible with God (Read: Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27). You see it really does not matter what you know or see about your trial/circumstance. It does not matter what the world thinks they know or sees about your trial/circumstance. What does matter is what God knows, what God sees, and what God can do in and through your trial! It is important to stay close to the Lord, bring your trial/circumstance to Him in prayer, remain steadfast in your faith and be patient and wait and watch what God will do. He has a purpose and plan in every circumstance and as we read in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." NKJV

Back to the steep, narrow, winding mountain road - just around the next bend is a flat, wide and long turn around. Back To Top



For God so loved ( Insert Your Name )

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

I would guess to say that 97 - 99% of all Christians, especially if they have been a Christian for any length of time, can quote John 3:16 with great ease. I know I can. Often this is the first Bible verse that children learn in Sunday school, VBS or camp. John 3:16 is the Gospel all rolled up in one verse. Wikipedia states that John 3:16 has been said to be called the “Bible in a nutshell"1 . “John 3:16 has long been celebrated as a powerful, succinct, declaration of the gospel. Of the 31,373 verses in the Bible, it may be the most popular single verse used in evangelism.”2

You see this verse on cardboard signs at various events, imprinted on t-shirts, bumper stickers, hats, necklaces, bookmarks and posters; the list is endless. According to Answers.com the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant has John 3:16 quoted on the bottom inside rim of their drinking cups.3 Forever 21 clothing retailers “trademark yellow shopping bags have the word John 3:16 printed on the bottom, a reflection of the owners' Christian faith.”4
Sometimes I think John 3:16 is verbally quoted and rolled off of many Christian’s tongues without really giving much thought to what this verse is saying. Yes, we know that it is a verse of salvation through God’s Son Jesus Christ and it is a verse of promised eternal life. All who don’t know Jesus as their Savior are in need to hear this wonderful message.

But aren’t we missing so much if we mindlessly blurt out John 3:16 and don’t really think of the depth of this verse? We are missing the depth of God’s love to all mankind. A love that He was under no obligation to give, a love that He knew would be rejected by many, a love He gave freely to a world that did not deserve it, a love that would offer His Son up for sacrifice for us (the world) and a love that cost Him separation from His Son. If you replace your name with the words “ the world” and “whoever” it reads like this -
"For God so loved (your name) that he gave his one and only Son, that (if) (your name) believes in him (he/she) shall not perish but have eternal life.” It makes it so much more personal.
God gave us, undeserving us, a gift so great and precious – His Son Jesus Christ. Even though God knew what His Son would go through - persecution, whipping, being spat upon, rejection, being ridiculed and falsely accused, getting slapped in the face, suffering denial, having nails driven into his wrists and feet and being mock by the same world that He loved - God still chose to offer up His Son on our behalf.

God did this so we might have fellowship again with Him with one condition – believe in His Son Jesus Christ. To trust, rely and cling to His Son – to know that Jesus is God’s Son and that He is the only way to have fellowship with God. God longs to have fellowship with all mankind (see: 1 Timothy 2:3-4) even though all mankind does not want to have fellowship with Him (see: John 3:36 and Acts 4:10- 12). God does not want to see the world perish from this temporal place into eternal punishment but rather He wants to see all who believe in His Son have eternal life and fellowship with Him.
I have only made a minute scratch at the surface of the depth of John 3:16. There is so much more; and I dare to say that it would be hard for anyone to do justice in examining this verse. My encouragement to you (myself included) is to really meditate on the depth of this verse and before you go to quote it next time think of how this verse has affected you in your life and how it will affect the person’s life who you are quoting it to. Remember that it is God’s desire that all men will come to know Him no matter who they are or what they have done – we are all sinners and we all need His saving grace (see Romans 3:22-24). One more thing - if you do quote John 3:16, the “Bible in a nutshell”5 , make sure you are living a life that illustrates God’s love and His word.

Resources:
Wikipedia.com
Blue Letter Bible Commentary David Guzik Study Guide for John
Answers.com: In-Out-Burger and Forever 21
Blue Letter Bible Commentary Chuck Smith Sermon Notes for John 3:16
Bible Gateway
Blue Letter Bible Back To Top



What Lies Ahead

As the old year came to a close and the new one began, I wondered what lies ahead. Do you ever sit down and contemplate what the New Year will bring with it?

Will I be thinner?
Will I be healthier?
Will I get the promotion and raise I want/need?
Will I lose my spouse, a parent, a sibling, my child or a friend?
Will I really get through reading the entire Bible, this time?
Will I be accepted into college?
Will this be the year I overcome a habit or habitual sin?
Will the people I am praying for come to know Jesus as their Savior?
Will that loved one comeback to the Lord?
Will we finally get a home of our own?
Will I meet my future spouse?

The list is almost endless; so many questions with no ability to answer them. Only God knows the answer.
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” Ecclesiastes 7:14

So what do we have, as believers that we can be certain about? What we have and know for sure is that God keeps all of His promises "The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." Psalm 145:13b.


His Word is trustworthy "O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and You have promised these good things to Your servant.". 2 Samuel 7:28
His Statutes are right "The statutes You have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.." Psalm 119:138.


His Law is perfect "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7


"the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25

So as the year develops, hang on to His word and His promises and know that, no matter what lies ahead, He has it all under control and He knows all the answers.

Scriptures from www.biblegateway.com - New International Version Back To Top



More Than A Babe

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

More than a babe came into this world the day Jesus was born. As Mary cradled and swaddled Jesus in her arms she was holding more than her new born babe, more than just her son; she was cradling the Savior of the world – 1 John 4:14. Mary looked down into the eyes of her babe and, as she looked in those eyes, the eyes of our Hope looked back at her - 1 Timothy 1:1. As Mary soothed her son she was soothing the one who would offer Peace to all mankind – Ephesians 2:14. Mary, speaking words of love to her babe, spoke them to the One who would Love more than any other man – John 3:16.

Jesus was more than a babe born in a stable that the shepherds came to see. He is the good Shepherd – Psalm 23:1, John 10:11-15. A bright star in the East shined brightly over the town where this babe was born, and he would be known as The Bright and Morning Star – Revelation 22:16. The babe that was visited by Magi who gave gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh would some day offer even a greater Gift to all mankind – Romans 6:23.

There is so much more that I could write about this babe but I thought it best to offer you all a challenge this Christmas Season. Take time during the hectic rush, get away to a quiet place and look deep into the scriptures to find all you can learn about Jesus, His character, His titles and His names. For He is more than a babe.

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Give Thanks!

Psalm 100 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
"Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."

So often, as people, we get off track of what Thanksgiving Day is all about. The women are busily making preparations for the day, making up a menu, inviting guests for the big feast, shopping for ingredients, picking out just the right turkey to serve, planning the decorations for the table, baking rolls and pies and seeing to all the other details that must be done for the special day. The children can't wait to see the Macys Thanksgiving Parade on the television and wonder who will get the wishbone this year. The guys look forward to the big meal, the big game and the after the dinner nap. My family normally plays games or watch a movie or two after the meal on Thanksgiving Day.

If you look up “Thanksgiving Day” in Merriam-Webster Dictionary & Thesaurus (on-line) this is what you will find: “a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness - the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the United States” As you can see my first paragraph has nothing to do with “giving thanks for divine goodness”. Oh sure as Christians we might reflect a little on what we are thankful for but I am not certain how much time we really give in counting our blessings and being thankful for them. If you look up “thankful” in the same dictionary you will find: conscious of benefit received. Are we always conscious of the benefits that we receive from God?

The pilgrims had much to celebrate that first Thanksgiving Day. Those who survived the long deadly winter were taught in the spring how to plant new crops by the Iroquois Indians. By harvest time they had an abundance of food to make it through the next winter. They also had made good friends with the Indians and shared their bounty, meal and friendship with them. The pilgrims were thankful for what God blessed them with: new home, crops, new friends, new knowledge that the Indians had taught them. Although I am sure they were grieved over the loss of life they suffered over the previous winter – they still gave thanks for all of the divine goodness that God had shown them in their new home. They may have even read or sung Psalm 100.

This Thanksgiving enjoy your meal, your family and friends time, the game, the parade, your nap (if you get one) but I pray that you will take time before the big day arrives to reflect and mediate on all the benefits we receive from our Heavenly Father. On that day make sure you share your thankfulness to God, with all those you share the day with.

Make thanksgiving a daily thing – we have so much to be thankful for. Back To Top



You Are The Light Of The World

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 .

Jesus said that “you are the light of the world”. There’s a qualification for the “you” in that statement. In order for “you” to be that source of light you must be qualified to do so. Jesus said about himself in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world.” (Here comes the qualification for the “you” in Matthew 5:14.) “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” So if you are a follower of Christ – have put your faith and trust in Jesus – and are born again, then you have been commissioned by the Lord to shine the light that He has given you to those around you.


Let’s imagine you are lost at night somewhere in the desert of Arizona, and there is no moon or any other light source to guide your way. You are thirsty, you cannot see a thing, and there are creeping things on the ground all around you. You have no idea what direction you are going, you have no idea where you are, except that you are in the middle of the desert and you have no way of knowing if you will ever be safe again. Then in the far off distance you spot a glimmer of light on one of the mountainsides. Would you run towards that light or would you turn and go the other way? Duh! I think most of us would run as fast as we could toward the light on the mountainside. You would be so excited that the light was burning, you would have a sense of hope that your salvation was near. The closer you came to the light the brighter it became and the world around you was more illuminated. Your fears would diminish the closer you drew to the light.


This, my, friend is the commission the Lord has given us. We are to be the light to those around us by our actions, words and by our daily lives. Our lives should reflect the light of Jesus. We are to be the opposite of the dark world around us. Our lives should draw those who are lost towards the light of Jesus Christ. We can lead them toward the light, hope and salvation we have in Him.


Don’t hide your light when at work, out shopping, at school, playing sports, at home or anyplace that you find yourself each day. Don’t just bring out your light on Sunday morning or at Bible Study – hopefully the people we encounter in those settings already have seen the light on the hill and know Jesus personally. Lift your light high so many can see the way to safety. Why do we want to shine our light brightly? All for the praises of His Glory – the One who lit the way for us! Back To Top



Where the Race Ends – At the Finish Line

It gets very busy here in Normal, Illinois come mid August when our population grows by the thousands. New and returning students come back to begin and resume classes at Illinois State University and Wesleyan University (not to mention Lincoln College and Heartland Community College). This past week there was a sort of "race" going on down our street, directly in front of our home. It was the beginning of three days of move in for 7,000 Illinois State University freshmen and sophomores, moving into five campus dormitories. Actually, rather than a “race” it resembled a line of tortoises creeping along and then coming to a dead stop. This line stretched probably more than a mile and kept people waiting in line over an hour before they reached their final destination (“finish line”) at their dorms. People actually had time, while waiting for the “race” to get moving, to get out of their vehicles and chat with each other or make cell phone calls. This “race” tied up normal everyday traffic into the mid afternoon. You could see all the preparation that the students and their parents had made for this “race” – cars, vans and trucks filled with as much of the student's belongings as possible. Once they reached their dorm buildings (“finish line”) there was more waiting for each one's turn at loading up their belongings onto carts; then more waiting for each one's turn taking the elevators to their assigned floor and room. After that there was much work to be done setting up, unpacking and then running out to purchase those items that were not brought from home. One thing about this “race” is that it is only just one of the “races” that these young people will prepare for and face in their lifetime.

As Christians we too are in a “race”, but the “race” set before us has a glorious final destination (“finish line”). The “race” before us has been run before by many a believer. Although each “race” has been unique and placed before them by our Father in heaven they all have had the same destination. I am sure that many of the occupants of the vehicles that passed by our home this past week, headed for the dorms, were weary –tired – frustrated – thirsty – and longed for a rest from their race. But they needed to finish their temporal race of getting to their temporary domicile so that they could get on to their next race.

We too as believers become weary – tired – frustrated – thirsty – bumped – bruised – and long for a rest from the “race” set before us. We must keep our eyes clearly fixed upon Jesus who stands before us at the “finish line”. He is our example. In Hebrews 12:1-3 we are given instructions on how we are to stay in the “race” and make it to the “finish line”.

As I was working on this devotional I looked up a few different versions for Hebrews 12:1-3 and I really like the way The Message translation puts it:

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Hebrews 12:1- 3 Back To Top



At Jesus' Feet

In the Gospels of Luke and John there are three beautiful examples of being at Jesus’ feet. All three were that of Mary, Lazarus’ sister. All three were surrounded by different circumstances. All three reveal to us ways that we can come to be at Jesus’ feet.

In Luke 10:38- 42 we find that Jesus and his disciples came to a village “where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.” v:38 Martha was very busy preparing the meal and making all the preparations so that all her quests were comfortable. On the other hand her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to all that He had to say. Martha found the fact that her sister, Mary, was sitting and listening very annoying so she complained to the Lord about her sister’s lack of consideration for her and the guests. Jesus responded to Martha by saying "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." v:41-42


I don’t believe that Jesus was discounting all that Martha was doing in serving her quests for that is a very honorable thing to do - to be hospitable. Jesus wanted Martha to see the need to come and sit at His feet, like her sister Mary, and listen and to learn from Him. Like Martha, it is important for us not to let the distractions of the day take us away from one of the most important things we can do in a day – to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him.


In John 11:1- 37 we find that Lazarus had become sick and that word was sent to Jesus about his sickness. By the time Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus, Martha and Mary lived, Lazarus had already died and had been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming she ran out to meet Him and to tell Him about Lazarus’ death. After their conversation Martha went back and told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. Mary got up quickly and ran out of the house to meet Jesus. In verse 32 it says “When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him,she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Both Martha and Mary believed that Jesus could have healed Lazarus. They both had great faith in Jesus but they did not understand that He not only had the power to heal but also to raise the dead. Again we find Mary at Jesus’ feet. She humbly came needing comfort and assurance from her Lord. She ran and fell at Jesus’ feet. We too should run and humbly fall at Jesus’ feet bringing Him all of our cares, concerns, needs, requests and even our questions.


In John 12:1- 11 we find Jesus in Bethany, again at Lazarus house. A dinner was being held in Jesus’ honor. Martha again is very hospitable and serving the meal. Again we see Mary at Jesus’ feet, this time she came serving Him in a very important way. “Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” v:3 What a beautiful picture of love, worship, adoration and service unto the Lord. Mary took a humbled position at His feet. Her act of worship is a great example of what our attitude should be when we show our Lord our love for Him through our worship, adoration and service unto to Him.

Let us all remember to be at the feet of Jesus so we can learn from Him, lift up our prayers and concerns to Him and to worship Him. Back To Top



Who Do You Call?

One of the most natural instincts that we have as humans is the need to reach out for help when we find ourselves in trouble. We want someone to care, to lend a hand, to give us advice, to rescue us, to receive encouragement from or just to have a listening ear to hear our woes. We might write a letter or pick up the phone to call our spouses, our parents, a sibling, a good friend, our pastor, a radio help line or even drop Dr. Phil a line.
The question that challenges me, as a Christian, is who do I call out to first and foremost when trouble finds its way to my door step? The word trouble according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Online defines it this way: to agitate mentally or spiritually; to produce physical disorder; to put to exertion or inconvenience; to put into confused motion. I certainly have found myself in each of those places and I don’t always make my first plea for help to the Lord.

God’s word says “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7. I read this verse and say Amen!
The Lord is good and the right one to call upon and run to in times of trouble. He always cares (1 Peter 5:7); He is always there to lend us a hand (Psalm 17:7, Psalm 63:8); He always gives us the very best advice in His Word (Psalm 119:24); He rescues (Psalm 91:14, Daniel 6:27) ; He gives us encouragement (Psalm 10:17); He listens and hears us (Psalm 4:3, Psalm 17:6).


We can trust God, we can feel safe in His refuge, and we can know that He cares. All we need to do, on our part, is call on Him. When trouble comes “Who ya gonna call? Back To Top



Power Outage
Yesterday our electric power went out, which also included 7,999 other customers. I am not sure what the cause of the outage was but by the sound of the friendly recording the power would be back on by evening, which it was. Our power outage got me to thinking “How many times, as a Christian, do I have a “power outage”? I am speaking about the reliance, or rather lack of reliance, on the Holy Spirit.

When we experience a power outage in the modern physical world we quickly make a call to the local power company to report our outage and to find out how long we will be without power. We depend on them to find and fix the problem as soon as they can so that we can go on with our lives. We tend to forget how much we rely on that power and how we are held hostage without it in our daily lives.

• Our portable home phones don’t work.
• Our lights go off and when we enter a room we automatically switch on the light switch – and of course, nothing happens.
• Our refrigerators become silent and are dark inside.
• Our televisions and computer monitors become useless gray screens.
• Our electric clocks go blank and no longer help us mark the passage of time.
• Our microwaves become useless boxes.
• Our stoves - both electric and even gas (because of electric starters) - won’t heat up our leftovers.
• Our electric garage doors won’t open.
• This list could go on and on because we are accustomed to having this electric power for all of our many conveniences.


When we received Jesus Christ as our Savior the Holy Spirit entered our lives. He gave us new lives (John 3:3- 8); He washed and renewed us (Titus 3:4- 7); He came in and dwells within us (John 14:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19); He gave us living water that flows through us (John 7:37- 39) and He sealed and guaranteed us our inheritance of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

The Holy Spirit is our “power source” (Acts 1:8). The word power in the Greek is dunamis which means dynamite. That is a powerful source of power! He wants to flow through us and flow over to others. The Holy Spirit empowers us to witness to others about Jesus Christ; to resist temptation and sin; to understand God’s Word; to serve others; to live godly lives and He gives us gifts for us to use for the glory of God.

What would happen if you built a brand new house, and the local power company had power lines running to your home and attached to your home, but you never called to have the power turned on? Or let’s say you did have the power turned on but you never plugged anything into the outlets. You wouldn’t be able to use any of the modern conveniences that we have today. There would be no toast or coffee in the morning, your furnace or air conditioner would not keep you warm or cool, you could not check your e-mail or watch the morning news, etc. You would be lost. You would have to do everything the old fashion way make your toast and coffee over a fire, sit in front of the fire place to keep warm or hope that the day is not a scorcher. You would have to wait for the mail to be delivered by pony and the news from other places to be brought to you by travelers.

So why are there times - more than I can count sad to say - that I don’t call upon the Holy Spirit (the power that is already hooked up to my life)? I would guess that I am not the only believer who goes about my day without first calling upon the Holy Spirit to empower me for the day. Anything we do apart from His power is done in the flesh and will not have the same results as if we had included Him in our witness, our reading of the Word, our serving others, our living pure lives and our struggles with sin.

The Holy Spirit is always with us. He wants for us to depend on Him so that we can live lives that glorify and honor God, and so that while we are here on this earth we won’t need to do things in our own power and strength - but in His.

We cannot be good sources of light for those around us unless we are plugged into the Holy Spirit.

Having a “power outage”? Call on the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill you to overflowing. Back To Top