Amazed

There were occasions Christ was amazed by the faith of some people he met.  Some not even of the Children of Israel.

In the book of Mark, He had done many great miracles and taught the crowds.  They were amazed at His power and authority.  In Mark six they had little faith.  He could do only a few miracles. They were even offended by the message.

It says He was amazed by their unbelief. Amazed by the faith of some. Amazed by the lack of it in others.

With what group, do you and I stand?

ABC's

A mother and father speak proudly about how smart there twin son and daughter are. The are young and still in elementary school.   They can read well and do math, above expected level.  Both will most likely graduate high school early and enter college while friends are still thinking about Winter formal dances and proms.

"We let them be creative and make his own decisions even express themselves. That's why we never tell them no."
 ..You're impressed.

"Before we eat," The Mother proudly says;  "Show us all your math tests from school"
 "No!  I don't want to!"
She whispers to you;  " All A's."

"Okay, show Pastor how you can read."
" NOOOOOOO!!!"
 (they don't say no,  the kids do. Hmm).
 "Do you want to go on the computer?"
 "Yes."

They say: "Well, that went well."
You say: "Yes it did.  They really enjoy that computer."

My word for children, as well as parents, is don't just hope for great grades. Get a great education.

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Wherever you are in this world;

 God’s plan of salvation is God’s loving invitation for every person, in every nation, to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. Sin separates us from God, but because of His great love, God sent His Son, Jesus, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. The gospel calls us to respond by believing in Jesus Christ, turning away from sin in repentance, confessing our faith in Him, and being baptized into Christ. Through this response of faith and obedience, we receive forgiveness, new life, and the hope of eternal life. Salvation is God’s gift, offered to everyone regardless of nationality, culture, background, or past. The question is not whether God has made a way of salvation, but how will you respond to His invitation?

The heart of Nehemiah.

Just a note:
Did you make those New Year resolutions, or goals?  New year's or not; We've a couple months left...It's always a good idea to stand back, regroup, plan, then go for it.

That may include a plan for your vocation.  It could also mean a plan for the vacation!  Let's plan and go! With that said, it might be time to be still and discover the plan of God. 

See what's needed, get the vision, pray, plan, then catapult into God's action.  Now you're looking like Nehemiah of the Bible!

The Babel Catastrophe

 Just when you think someone is on the same page, or you and your church buddies are in unity, someone shares some heretical statement, and you ask where that came from.

More and more, the doctrinal waters are being muddied, and there is no black and white but dingy gray. Some churches are using the same words but have a different dictionary.

This Babel catastrophe is confusing and hard to detect. We must pray for discernment asking for red flags and many other alarms to alert us when someone unknowingly (or willingly) repeat some doctrine that causes many young and old, in the church to be tossed to and fro.

Again, we must be in the Word or truth in order to recognize the lie. Satan, his sneaky self, is out to put his spin or twist, where it will sound right but be wrong enough, having even believers spinning their wheels in the mud of heresy. 

Read, study, memorize the Word, spending time in prayer as an individual, and with the church.

Let us join TOGETHER and be a part of what the Lord is doing to His Glory and not our own!

Seasons Change

   

We see the consistency and authority of God when we see the changing of seasons since time began. Like "clock work" seasons in order, come and go. 

  You and I are guilty of taking changing seasons for granted. Not only seasons but the location of the planets and stars as well. God most likely sits back in amazement that many are not amazed.

  Maybe the reason is, we think the solar system and its' weather revolves around us.  Why, even God died for ME, He even answers MY prayers. We complain when He doesn't answer quick enough.

  Let's not forget it wasn't long after creation, humans given a choice, chose self, and how is that working out for us. They say we're even ruining the events of seasons with climate change.

  I know that in spite of us, God is in control! Anyone with any discernment can see that.  We have many questions but reading His Word, we have many answers. 

 Read throughout the Psalms and you'll find those questions and the answers. The book of Genesis tells the how and why this world is as it is.

  Your personal life goes through seasons. We experience the Fall, Winter, Spring and summer of life.  Emotions that are high and low, Seasons of joy and those of sadness.

  Look to the Seasons once again to see the love and control of God.  See the God that deserves our worship. This is all simple but yes, it's not easy. 

  I  pray that God would open the eyes of your heart, that you might see His love and wisdom. That He might incline forward to the season you might find yourself and divinely meet you there and comfort you.

Check out; 

Genesis 1-11

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Psalm 37: 1-7

  

The Way

Now is the time to start, maybe restart our reading God's word.  Peter said to (like a baby) desire the pure milk of the word, that we can grow spiritually.  The alternative is to walk this journey led by my emotions.  Many do not grow in maturity; we merely grow taller.  You and I are selfish, throwing tantrums. I want it my way, could it be I desire all the attention.

Whether you know someone like this or you are the one.  We can begin a methodical. discipline of love reading the Word of God and applying it to our lives. "I don't understand Revelation."  Well then go back to Mathew or the letter to Ephesians.  In Ephesians there are three chapter of doctrine and the next three tells us then how then, shall we live.

When the divorce comes or doctor report, or maybe the washing machine breaks down.
we can stand on the Biblical principles that lead us to the shadow of the most high God. Let's follow the guiding light and react to what God suggests or even commands.

The Bible declares the Gospel of eternity spent with God through faith in Christ.  Also, God's will for the here and now!  

Let's disciples now go and make disciples.
                                                                                                                         Tim.