The great Prison Break !

They seem to be going against the grain. They were breaking the law, while accumulating quite a record and a string of court appearances.   They had to represent themselves, not to many lawyers in their right mind would take their cases.

The crimes (to the area leaders), were unheard of.  These people were speaking publicly, to crowds and small groups while also taking their message house to house.  Their rap sheet was long and disturbing. Such things as :  Healing the sick, raising the dead, sharing their goods and telling people about trusting in Christ's life, death on the cross and resurrection.  They were warned not to speak or teach the name of Jesus.

After people falling dead from telling lies, and others healed from sickness and even demons.  Many believed in Christ and began to follow Him. The powers that be were filled with indignation, (ticked) and arrested them and locked them up in the common prison.

But an angel of God showed up and opened the prison doors.  "Go, stand and speak to the people all the Word of this life."

GO:  We are to move out in all directions toward all people.  We are to show and tell the gospel  of Christ and Him Crucified.  Jesus said "Go and make disciples....."Filled with the power and authority they went, not paralyzed by their fear but mobilized by God's peace.

STAND:  When they persecute you or health issues come your way, stand. We are not to be wishy washy and not compromising your message. Stand on the promises of God's word, and to those who are faithful? Go and stand.

SPEAK:  Many are going,  some standing,  but there are those who are  not  telling or sharing the message God wants told.  Have we watered down or as Paul said; "Preaching another gospel which is no gospel at all."  We are giving the bread (wonder bread) for life but not the Bread (Christ) of Life!

After the Divine prison break  they went and stood and spoke and were arrested again "Didn't we tell you not speak about or teach in His Name?"  Peter then correctly  said:  "We ought to obey God, rather than men"

Following all this mess and a beating (something we may know not of), they let them Go.  I like then,  ACTS 5: 41,42-   "So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."

Let us Go and do likewise!

Only two things people have to do.

It was not to long ago someone said "A person has to live you know" which was followed by the famous reply; "No a person has to die!" Actually it is said there are only two things people HAVE TO DO;  pay taxes and die.

I've completed my taxes, nothing else left to do but the other.  To be honest I hope dieing doesn't have to be done by April 15th.  We know without a doubt, you and I don't have to wonder or ask someone;

"Should I pay my taxes?" You know you do.

 There are many things in the Bible we do not have to ask about.  "Should I tell someone about God loving this world and Christ dieing for them?"  Jesus commissioned us to do just that. It is the very mission we have been given and what Christians have been doing since the first century. If I love God, I wonder why we would even ask.  We are to love God with all of our heart, mind and soul and love others as I love myself.  More so than, paying taxes!  Yet have we even given God a thought all week?

You always hear about someone who refuses to pay taxes or desires to keep that money for themselves. Always trying to fool the government.  You may fool the numbers people and not pay, but you will die. 

Actually three things are certain; 1. taxes. 2. wages of sin? death. 3.  Gift of God is eternal life.  At the right time Jesus came to pay your price and provide power over sin and death.  The idea is to trust in the life, death and resurrection of Christ as your only hope for covering sin and eternity spent with God.

So....give Caesar what is Caesars and Give God what is His.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Once you become a follower of Christ and trusting in Him as your only hope to spend eternity with God, it will make a difference in your life!  So much so that it overflows into the believer making a difference in the life of others.  Apostle Peter wrote that God has given us all things that pertain to life.  This Biblical Christianity has nothing to do with religious exercise.  Peter writes elsewhere that we are born into a living hope!  All this doesn't have to be boring.  The Bible doesn't say to be an arm chair quaterback.  We have been called to go and make a difference as the body of Christ.

The Bible says; Moses, Joshua, David, Peter, John, Paul, Timothy, of course Jesus made an eternal impact as they  (intentionally), made a difference, giving God honor and glory.  You and I can do the same, as we walk in His Purpose, Power, and presence and provision!

What  does all that look like?
1.  Loving God.  Psalm 18:1 says "I will love you oh Lord my strength.
2.  Growing together.  Ephesians  4:11-16
3.  Serving Others.  Jesus said I came not to be served, but to serve.  we are to be Christlike.

There is a time of peace and rest but whether it is making or sending food, helping seniors, providing clothes and sharing the message of Peace with God through faith in Christ  we are to seize every opportunity to make a difference for now and eternity.

"But you beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire...."  Jude 20-22.

 

THE UNTOUCHABLES.

There was a warm breeze accompanied by the sound of birds and the slapping of  waves against the shore.  Just then a head rises up looking over tall grass because there was another sound, now of wooden oars, being laid inside a boat as men stepped into the water to drag there boat inland.  Looking down on the visitors coming ashore, The man on the hill sniffed the air, rage and fear filled his mind,  pain pierced his head like a two edged sword. His body shook with tremors of an earthquake and he released a growl from miles down in his spirit. This man had a reputation of demonic destruction of himself  and others, most likely their livestock as well.  Due to his above normal strength and hellish rage, they could not arrest or secure him.  He was considered a public enemy, an untouchable and undesirable maniac...  He knew the man getting out of the boat.

His inward demons were spiritual,  created and knew the  name and identity of this person.  His fleshly body inhabited by frightened evil spirits ran down the hill, surprisingly stopped, worshiped and cried with a loud voice!

"What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the most High God?!"  " I beg you not to torment me"
Jesus  said:"Come out of him. What is your name"
"Legion,  for we are many, please do not send us away. Send us into the pigs"
And He sent them. After entering the swine, the herd went mad and ran down the opposite hill and drowned in the sea.

The towns people having heard of the pigs, came to see this Jesus and were most likely afraid,  looking with disgust as they saw the crazy, maniac not desiring to get near enough to touch him.  They saw the man who had been demon-possessed, not squatting or in a crouching ready to attack position but sitting, clothed and in his right mind.  His life had been touched, healed and delivered.  One would wonder... if his mother or family had long been praying for him . When others had given up hope, Jesus sails into shore, touching his life, giving him heart and life transformation.

This man, once untouchable, received the heart of an evangelist, compelled by the love of Christ to touch the lives of others. He desired to come aboard the boat of Jesus and tell the world!  Jesus did not allow it but said:  "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."

Do you see all that happens here?  The maniac filled with demons; 1. Worshiped Jesus.  2.  Jesus delivered and changed him. 3.  The man wanted to follow Jesus.  4. Jesus commissioned him to go into the city, maybe back into the wilderness and tell others what Jesus had undeniably, done for him.

Has He done that for you? Is that the testimony you need to be sharing? Do you know someone, you or others have lost hope over?  Do not stop praying for them. Maybe you are that one; the undesirable, untouchable others have given up hope on.  Allow Jesus to meet you where you are and touch you. You can have that same heart and life transformation and peace with God followed by the peace of God.

ABC's of true Community Development

All about others.
Better yourself
Consideration
Develop your community
Engage
Future vision
God
Have a dream
Invest time and effort
Just do it
Keep learning
Listen
Make it happen
No fear
Observe direction
Pray
Quit quitting
Resources
Study
Think positively.
Unity
Vision
Work
X ray your heart
Zest

Country Snow !

The snow is so high in the meadow.
It's piled so high,
I bet up to grand dad's eye.

The snow is so high in the meadow.
It's smooth and shines like white glass.
Not to be walked on, just blow.
We pray it won't melt or pass.

Because it is pretty we accept the cold.
It lights up the night.. " 'cause it's from God", we are told.

The snow is so high in the meadow
Heaven sent it down to earth.
The snow is so high in the meadow
It gives joy like the second birth!

THE ABUNDANT LIFE !

According to John 10:10, the thief (ol' devil) comes to steal, kill and destroy.  What about that don't I understand?  I've seen it happen in the lives of relatives, friends and celebrities and pastors and those in the pew.  We all in small or large ways, gamble that it won't happen to us, know one will know, or the idea that I'm not hurting anyone.  Yet our reputation, relationships and possible rewards may be stolen or destroyed. We lose our joy and peace because we've lost our careers and families, sold for a bowl of temporary poor judgement, resulting in a ruined life stolen by that con man/ thief; the devil himself.

We also observe the purpose as well as result of the alternative decision of  becoming a believer, trusting in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   The result is the abundant life experienced now, and for eternity!


Many believe abundant living is only found in ares of good health, finances and number of friends.  We know it is not found in your condition but in your awesome spiritual position or  place as a disciple or believer, as you are seen by God;  in Christ.

The person experiencing abundant life sees Him as:

1. FOR US.- We know the Bible says that all have sinned and the wages of sin is death.  We then have a problem!  But Paul wrote that  He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin. that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  He has died in our place for us.  John wrote; "By this we know love because He laid down His life for us.-1John 3:16  you can look up or may know John 3:16.
2. We are IN HIM..- Jesus sits at the right hand of God; as you trust in Him God sees you-In Him.  Please look at the first and second chapters of Ephesians  to again see that no matter our condition in this world, our position is the true abundant life, "In Christ".
3. He is WITH US.- Jesus said "I am with you always."  Psalm 39 asks; "Where can I go from your presence? If I ascend into Heaven you are there;if I make my bed in Hell you are there!  and else where in Psalm 23:" If I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

Are you letting the thief in to steal from you, destroy you?  Or  are you SECURE in peace with God, through faith in Christ which is the abundant life!

"How precious is your steadfast love O God!  The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of your wings.  They relish and feast on the abundance of your house, and you cause them to drink of the stream of your pleasures.  For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light." Psalm 36: 7-9.

NOW THAT'S LIVING!

Kingdom Etiquette

There is a way (so I've heard) to properly eat in public.  Perhaps dining at a special restaurant or someone's home.  There are correct knives and forks to use, while eating slowly (so I've heard) and talking at an appropriate volume.  I suppose it would be wise as well, not to sit in the hosts place at the table.

Social etiquette has demands.  Kingdom etiquette has it's demands as well.

First.  Humility-  We arrive at a point where we realize we are a sinner and my righteousness is like filthy rags. As one book says; I find out it's not about me but living a lifestyle of worship. after trusting in Christ as Saviour I must decrease and He must increase.  I don't ask God for help and forgiveness while demanding my rights.  Humility also speaks of turning my cheek, walking the extra mile and living well with others even dimming my pride and loving my enemies as I love myself.

Second.  We are to invite and include- This gospel is not for my eyes only. John wrote: "and He Himself is the propitiation of our sins, and not for our sins only but also for the whole world."  It is who ever will, and who ever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! Your message is to important and the hour is late. It is time to go out to the highways and byways and invite them to be a part of this family of God.

Third.  Acceptance- No one should ever hear because of status :"You are not welcome here."-  We are to include them once they become a part of God's Kingdom, remember they are not always looking for a friendly church but friends as well. They can be included as they are trained for the work of the ministry as they themselves, invite and include others!

I suppose there are some Kingdom people reading this who use proper Kingdom etiquette;

1.  Humilty
2. Inviting and Including
3. Accepting

Relationship. With God?!

We hear many say or ask; "Isn't God kind of out there? distant? Angry?  Some, even Christian people, live and do everything out of fear frightened of a thumb squishing from God.  A God who is just waiting for an opportunity and the right excuse to turn you into a pillar of salt. Because of that view they exist, trying to win God's mercy by being good enough or suffer enough.

We do revere God and know He is a loving God and a just God.  I believe the Bible tells us He is a personal God desiring relationship. After all a relationship with God would be to our best interest. We read that all things work together for good to those that love Him.  The Bible says that we love Him because He first loved us.

As result of the fall of man and sin entering into the world,  that relationship has been broken. Sin breaks the heart of God, yet instead of us going to Him to reconcile.  He came to us.  Adam and Eve sinned  and He comes into the world saying  "Adam, where are you?"  He still  today, is calling those who are not followers or not believers following Christ.  He knows very well where we are.  He wants  us to realize where we ourselves are.

The writer in the Bible asked: "What is man, that you are mindful of him?"  It is very awesome that "God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died fore us."  This relationship did not get the apostles out of harms way, matter of fact it's the reason they were in court and jail.  The big picture was that others came to believe and follow Christ.. Further more the Sanhedrin knew these unlearned men and women had been with Jesus.  Because of who He is I'd rather go through my problems with Jesus than the good times alone!

We than realize true happiness and peace, as well as heart and life transformation knowing we will spend and be in relationship with God for eternity. Amen!

YACHT OR RESCUE BOAT?

Off the the coast of Florida, two guys were fishing in a small boat a great distance from shore.  They were just about to call it a day when they could see a capsized boat and a man thrashing about , yelling for help!  It seemed forever trying to get the large man in their boat without rolling over themselves.  Coming into the marina they floated passed many boats.  One huge boat was having a party.  On board, music and laughter could be heard. The two still sweating fishermen said:  "Wouldn't have been nice to have that ship out there to easily rescue this guy!"

Whether they know it or not, people are drowning and need rescue.  Some are deep in a lifestyle that breaks the heart of God.  While others are attending a church service, just in case there is a God.  The reality is good person or evil, God's word indicates that all need rescue and even spiritually dead while either enjoying a relaxing swim or enduring the stormy waves of life.

Looking back , we the Church can remember when we needed to be rescued.  Now that we have been rescued from a violent eternity, some have  become indifferent to the plight of others thrashing about?  While lounging on our spiritual cruise ships, we sing and feel the warm fuzzy breezes.  living in our prosperity and enjoying the luxury and becoming fat off the buffets that we think comes from "Victory in Jesus."

The titanic was sinking, and as you know many half filled life boats safely rowed away.  When the ships arrived, they sadly saw many victims wearing lifejackets that had frozen to death in the bitterly cold water.
It was sad that the unsinkable Titanic had sunk and lives taken.  Just as terrifying?  After hearing the screams for help, the individuals saved did not go back for those who were not.

Yacht or rescue boat?

I/all believers have been commissioned to be crew members on a rescue boat. Though the waters are dangerous and the way sometimes foggy, let's man the rescue boat, heading out to the deep to men and women, boys and girls and sound the call:  "come aboard! Come aboard! we are headed to the safe harbor of God!"

" "That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned  already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."-JESUS. John 3:15-18.

The Bible says:  "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Prior to that statement Paul wrote:  "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  If you have never called on the Lord , you may now.  He will save/rescue you and you the will realize peace with God through faith in Christ.  "Come aboard."

Community Development.

Times are hard,  money and jobs difficult to find that have the benefit of security.  It is a reality to many of us. Many will drop out, give in and say the future seems hopeless.  It looks bleak for the children of the world to see any of the American dream off in the distance.

We have a great opportunity to rise above these circumstances.  A new paradigm about methods and  values and ethics will be required.  Business as usual can't be part of the solution.  The saying goes keep doing what you're doing and keep getting what you're getting.

No matter the job or career we hold, there are great people willing to learn, change and be the best they can be.  CEO and waitress alike, willing to be unique or take responsibility for recovery. The economy may not change but attitudes,effort and affirmation may improve any situation.

Change and adaptations may be the words of the day. Whether we are in business, non profit or a Church ministry all is not over or ruined or beyond hope.  This is again a great opportunity to provide help, education and prayer.

We as Christians, and employers and employees; have a high calling for community development. Development is not only in infrastructure, but also Mentally, physically and spiritual!  It is time for us to make an investment in lives for today and eternity.

Jesus said: "The Spirit of the lord is upon me, Because He has appointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;  He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Seeing the direction of his nation, the prophet Jeremiah hit the street asking the community  "Is it nothing to you. You all that pass by?" We have been given a commission to offer food, clothing and the good news of Jesus Christ.  We as the Church can turn the lights on during the week providing any help and be a "lighthouse" as we hold out the Word of Truth!

We can be a people that through Christ see development in ourselves and others that need rebuilding:
Marriages,  relationships,  family, lives damaged by drug and other abuses.  What a great thing if there was a new construction of hope and  faith in God.

I'm looking forward to what God is going to do and as we will pray to be a part of what He is doing in our communities. We are to be building His Kingdom by spreading the good news of  Christ.

Let's start building!

"Who is this Jesus?"

MANY MAGAZINES AND  T.V.  SHOWS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO DISCREDIT  THE NAME AND INFLUENCE OF CHRIST. NO SURPRISE THERE. IT'S THE SAME OL' SONG AND DANCE.

The letter to the Ephesians spoke of the Church being the Body and the letter to the Colossian church emphasizes, Christ being the Head of the Church.  They asked when He was with them and are asking today; "Who is this Jesus?"  He supernaturally calmed the storm, and His disciples asked "What manner of man is this?"  He was not just another created being or angel!

1.  HE IS SUPREME:     False teachers came knocking on the door of the Colossian Church saying that Jesus isn't "all that."  They said he might be a good teacher, speaker, even a prophet.  Jesus, God and the prophets hundreds of years previous said He was God incarnate the image of the invisible. Many before Christ had died on a cross.  Because of who He is and His supremacy ,  made That death and cross terrible, and Holy.  Apostle Paul wrote to them about Christ:    "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  And He is the head of the body, the Church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from the among the dead, so that in everything He might have the Supremacy!"  Colossians chapter one.

2.  HE IS IN CONTROL:   Paul wrote "All things were created by Him and for Him.....Things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, rulers (presidents).  He is Lord!  That is how you can have peace in the storm and trouble...knowing He is in control. When you know He is in control you can live in Psalm 37 where you can;  Trust in the Lord
                          Delight in the Lord
                         Commit to the Lord.
Whether we own a new car or just had an accident, new job or laid off, there are so much we don't understand but we can know concerning the big picture;  He is in Control. Remember He calmed that storm and his followers said "What manner of man is this that the wind and the waves obey Him?"

3.  HE IS OUR HOPE:   Yet religious leaders have pointed in many other directions or other leaders to follow:  The Koran sends to Mohammed,  Buddhists invite you to meditate, Palm readers want your hand , T.V. evangelist want your money, one neighbor studies the stars, Agnostics believe no one can know, and atheist believe there is nothing to know!  In Luke, God the father says:  "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him."  Many have no hope in this world, kids to the senior adult say they don't want to go on; there is no hope.  David wrote in Psalms twenty three;  "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Also Paul wrote to the Ephesus Church:  " you were without hope and without God in the world....BUT NOW in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Have you? Would you become a follower of Christ?  believing ,trusting, forgiven, and free!
"Why would I do that?"  Because Jesus is; SUPREME, IN CONTROL AND HE IS OUR HOPE!

Lake Effect

When cold winds blow over a warmer lake, they pick up moisture and energy and creates, narrow but intense band of snow on the land.

Perhaps you have been in or have seen the result or the effect of a lake effect snow. A seemingly focused yet possibly blinding snow impacting visibility and travel.

Trusting in the work of Jesus Christ is a liberating, game changer that creates a new person and positions the believer in the Heavenlies. How?  In Christ! One realization is it isn't religion or turning over a new leaf or even knowing about Christ. It is effective and transforms the believer/follower of Christ as they have their trust in Christ as their only hope to spend eternity with God. Have you become a believer;trusting in Christ alone?

The result is peace beyond understanding as you obtain God's mercy and find grace.  It is the greatest of all. God's word is living and effective sharper than a two edged knife. It is efficient as well as effective.

As the believers are effected they should be effective, being focused, telling and showing the Good News of Christ seeing heart transformation followed by life transformations.  True Christianity, effects the community around them for now and eternity. Bible says "We are not ashamed of the gospel or good news of Christ"

Apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  He also said: " There is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus." WOW!  Paul wrote about what God did: "He did it to demonstrate justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies (Court terms) those who have faith in Christ.  Quite effective!

By the powerful loving and effective Holy Spirit, the effected body of believers lovingly, focused, intentionally and effectively enter the  neighborhood and as it says in the book of Acts:  "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Act 5:42.