Casual Christianity

  In the face of economy and persecution, first century Christianity was led, empowered and compelled, by the Holy Spirit.

The preaching of the Cross and heart transformation resulted in life transformation, as they sang on their way to the lions' mouths and being torn asunder.

  There were those people mentioned in God's Word, that weren't perfect and often failed or slipped up, followed by repenting, then returning to the journey they were called to. This gives me hope!

Many of today's believers appear to be not so committed or connected with Christ and power.  There is hope, there is also much to be shared and accomplished for the cause of Christ.  This includes the souls that are lost, plus those that are physically and spiritually hungry. I would suppose they will have to wait until we get over our buzz, laziness and church hurt.  

They and I must stand on the word of God and power of His Spirit. We in unity, caring not only for our own interests but also the interests of others.  If not us who? If not now when? The truth is Casual Christians soon become casualties!

There is love.  There is mercy.  There is also duty. What if we all just didn't feel like it?  Didn't feel called?  I'm glad the others before me had the love and fortitude, while in their mess, told me about the good news of faith in the Cross and blood of Christ!

Look into Ephesians, Acts, Thessalonians.

Connect, Celebrate, Community!

In that famous scripture, about the Church in Act 2: 40-47, we see connection, celebration and community. I believe, that should be the description and heart of the Church today!

We can connect to God through prayer and His Word.  "Seek me and you will find me, when you seek me with all of your heart."  We also connect with other believers during worship, dinners and care.

We celebrate what God has done and who He is.  It says they praised God.  We are to do the same with our lips, heart and actions!

They of course went to the community to evangelize and service.  In there persecution, though they lived  in the culture, they were not of the culture, rather they (like Christ) lived for the culture.  Jesus said:  "When you have done it to the least of these you have done it to me."

We can be all about;  Connection, Celebration and Community!

⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” ⁴¹ Then those who gladly^[a] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. ⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church^[b] daily those who were being saved.

When I Was a Kid...

You have heard about the good old days.  That's the time of life that things were good, tougher and  work ethic was the rule of the day.  "We didn't have video games when I was a kid." It's true we were outside playing all the known sports of the world.  Back in our day we also played Army, ("Combat" was on T.V. then). We also put many miles on our bicycles. Mom would have been very upset, if she knew how far off we had gone. Back then was the best of times!  Or was it?

When I was a kid..we had bullies. True they didn't shoot you in a drive by, nor did we have computers where they could use face book saying, someone was weird (Thank goodness), they just beat people up face to face.

There was that Asian war. It was not only fought before our eyes on television and  soldiers crying for help with an IV bottle in there arm, You might have had a brother or cousin fighting in the jungle not knowing who the enemy was for sure.

When I was a kid Kennedy was assassinated.  When I was kid Martin Luther King was assassinated. When I was a kid Bobby Kennedy was assassinated.

Detroit was on fire with riots and nearby Chicago and Gary were smoking hot with violence. The revolution was televised and rated V for violence!

When I was a kid, we had Students for a Democratic Society holding sit ins and maybe throwing a few bombs at the University.  Hippies, Draft Dodgers, Black Panthers, KKK, LSD, and Woodstock ("Don't take the brown acid"). The Chicago Democratic Convention and the National Guard shooting four dead at Kent State.

When I was a kid we heard about War Hawks, Love ins and Napalm.  It was confusing.  And yet "The Beat Goes On." Beatles new record's a gas!  Somewhere in all this we had "The Summer of love."

When I was a kid, we had Blues Mcgoos, The Association, Boxtops, Hendricks, The Doors, Yardbirds, The Byrds, Cream, Joplin, Shadows of night, The Animals, Dylan,
Aretha, Creedence Clearwater, Temptations, the seeds, Cocker, Steppenwolf, James Brown, The Who, The Stones, The zombies, Ten years after, Jefferson Airplane, The Gaithers? (maybe they were later), and of course; John Paul George and Ringo.

So... When I was a kid things were good. We still had "revivals".... "Well anyway... we didn't have cable and video games." (or seatbelts and more died on the roads than in the Viet Nam War).  It's true we were outside playing all the known sports of the world. Back in our day we played Army. We put many miles on our bicycles, my mom would have been very upset, if she knew how far we had gone. Back then was the best of times!  Wasn't it?  We wouldn't have missed it for the world.

DO OVER!?

When you play a game or sport and if their was a mistake foul or miss, and a decision can't be made, we breathe a sigh of relief when we hear "Okay, DO OVER!"  Especially when we know we've messed up. Life happens.

We NOW head toward a new year giving ourselves a clean slate, a fresh start.  "This is going to be my year!" That usually means to me "Do Over." 

 In reality there are no do overs we cannot go back to the 6th grade or as a 12-yr old and start over.  We are at our present age and growing as we speak, with all the debt, joys, marriages, failures, etc. Life happens!

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I'm already praying and educating myself to accomplish more, hitting the ground running January first! I can't "do over" life, but on the First day of next year, if I wake up.... I'm going to focus on consistently reading more books, maybe even write one. I plan to be a good follower in some arenas, as well as a good leader in others.  It's not to late for us to discover a few principles. We can't allow life to live us; we must live life! 

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There was the fall of man, and sin entered the world and mankind broke the relationship and heart of God.  "Do Over" can't be accomplished on our own.  You're not able to turn over a new leaf and act like things are all right.  We do not have that authority.

The Apostle Paul wrote "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through faith in Christ Jesus." That is how the slate is clean and we become justified, even guilt feeling erased.  We then have our faith in Jesus as our only hope to spend eternity with God.   "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM shall not perish but have eternal life."   It is simply ; By Grace alone, thru Faith alone in Christ alone.  The Bible says:  Old thing are passed away, all things made new.  Then pertaining to our relationship with God it's like a ..."Do Over."

Fear: Kill the spread.

Many times Christians are guided by fear.  The consequences can be long lasting and damaging.  We can experience the appropriate fear of snakes, lions, tigers and bears.  These fears may resemble wisdom, when facing a snake... it might be time for flight rather than fight.

Fear is a God given emotion. I believe God understands when we experience the rise of physical reaction inside our bodies. It's natural to be there. I believe God does not desire we park there.

We might recognize a snake or bear when we see one, but it's the wolves in sheep clothing that capitalize on times of separation. They talk peace and safety as not to stir up the appropriate fear the sheep should have. This results in the division of the flock and the wolves devouring them.

The actual idea is; Though this is a difficult time, It is a great time for ministry and coming to the aid of others, building and encouraging each one, informing them we are praying for/with them! We must not take a step back but lean in.

We must seize the day! This is not the time to be paralyzed by fear but rather mobilized by HIS peace.  We have entered a "New normal."  Today we can call, text, tweet, Facebook, e-mail etc, etc.  Even if situations are short-lived, there are many things we have realized, as the need for and doing the great commandment and of course the great commission, as well as the "golden rule."

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.

2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112: 1-7

While it is natural to fear, let the church walk in Supernatural courage.

Stand fast. Be of good courage!

                                                                             -Tim 

What have you done for me lately?

                     

We are drawing close to Thanksgiving, and a secular mindset and a humanistic worldview has blown into town. 

May I remind you of Bedford Falls turning into a Potterville.   I didn't demand they put the ten commandments in a courtroom, or Godly references all over Washington D.C. yet they did, while some have had a "change of heart."

We were we so red hot in love with Christ, celebrating His birthday.  Now it's about ...us?    How about the meaning for Christmas on a Charlie Brown Christmas, but now......?    How did the big choir numbers shouting "Hallelujah!" during high school cantata turn into; "If you sing Silent night, we'll sue!?"

 At one time we had our eye on the bigger picture.  We were at one time thankful.  We think we have moved forward.  We didn't have a blow out. It was more like a slow leak.

  There was evolution alright.  We have evolved into people who feel entitled and a generation that asks;  "What have you done for me lately?" I thought evolution was supposed to advance.  We are headed back to the animal stage.

  

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! -2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

"When you pray..."- Jesus. (not if..)

We wonder why Christians are so anemic and powerless...We don't pray as we should.  Children, teenagers, are not introduced to prayer as a lifestyle.  Resulting in a selfish lifestyle that shorts out like a wire with a break in it.  Jesus instructed us to pray and not quit.  Luke 18:1.

"Pray this way...":  Praying to our father.  Are you a part of the family of God?  (John 3:15-18).  Praying like you know God is in control.  Submitting to His will.  Pray, giving Him the honor and glory not only to receive; bread, milk, and a cool spouse.  Rather the result being God receiving the applause, glory and honor!

Jesus said; while asking, seeking and knocking,  pray like a citizen of His kingdom under His Divine authority and government.  We are to ask for forgiveness- Our spiritual position is much more important than our physical one.

So it's a conversation with God, not a wish list to Santa Clause.   Do not worry He understands;  Swahili, Norwegian, German and Dutch, Spanish, Asian, English. 

You can have confidence in prayer:  Hebrews 4:12-16.
You can have fellowship through prayer.  John 15:1-8.

Paul said for us to be praying always, being watchful (expecting), with all perseverance. That's exciting!

Read: Matthew6:9-13, Psalm 27:7-14.

"HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT?!"

You begin to have that sinking feeling when you drive by the price sign for a gas station. The masses around the world are fighting their government because of it's economy, with each one threatening to shut down. The globe is on fire as usual with wars and rumors of wars. People stay home, locked away from the burglaries and attacks on streets of major cities.  Then the scam artist knocks on your locked door, while the hacker unlocks your website.

The future could be fantastic or scary as we face the unknown doom and gloom.  It could very well be the greatest opportunity for ministry and revival in our churches and community. I suppose it is natural for our cultures to ask in fear; "HOW ARE WE EVER GOING TO MAKE IT?!"

We as the church and followers of Christ answer; "God!"  We who believe and trust in Christ can inform the world the correct question is; "What must I do to be saved?"  Instead of shrugging our shoulders we share; "Repent and believe, trust in the birth, life, death, blood and resurrection of Christ"

That conversation progresses into answering the question: "How are we ever going to make it?"
Three ideas:  1.  Contentment in God's presence. 2.  Contentment in Gods protection and 3.  Contentment in God's provision.

You can imagine the blessing in your life as these intertwine, as we run into the new warm seasons ahead with great expectation!

Please take some quiet time today reading the 23rd Psalm.

1.  His Presence- Jesus said; "I am with you always."  The song says; "He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way."  Whether you are in a worship service or washing the dishes or ready for sleep. He comes to you in your fears and says; "It is I. Do not be afraid."  God is involved in your life working all circumstances for your good and His ultimate purposes. You don't have to go alone. The Bible says: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

2.  His Protection- Bible assures us:  "The angels of the Lord encamps all around those that fear Him."  When I/we realize the reality of His presence and protection We don't have to be paralyzed by our fear but mobilized by our peace.  Plainly stated; "If God be for us who could be against us."

3.  His Provision-  I get a little anxious sometime. But when I remember what He has done in the past and in the Bible, I begin to "wait on the Lord."  The Hebrew name, Jehovah-Jireh is the "God that provides" I then rest in "Be still and know that I Am God!"

Church, you have a message of HOPE.  In our society you can shine as lights, seize opportunities and challenges,

to help others in trusting Christ as their only hope to spend eternity with God!

"You don't trust me!"

I have told lies, stolen and cheated on tests while in high school.  If someone were to say: "I don't believe you or , trust you." I would have to say  "I understand."  Even though I am not that person anymore ( I have matured and have developed into a more reliable human),  I am not perfect.

I have to snicker when I hear a young person say "I don't believe you don't trust me!" We would support, encourage, mentor them but the keys to the car every night?  "No. The reason is not the trust factor that you mean....." and so you explain for a number of hours until it's to late for them to go anyway.

You had better not trust every chair that comes along.  I speak from experience, sitting in some weak lawn chairs that have bent or snapped.

You can be sincere about believing the boat will get you across the lake, but you had better first look for holes and cracks.

When it comes to heaven or hell, living for eternity with God or not, there will will be many ideals and person,  asking for your trust.  Be sure to check for leaks.

Through life experiences and God's word and following Christ, being taught, comforted, and convicted by God's Holy spirit, we believers know it is trustworthy and reliable.  Jesus said: " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

 Psalms of the Bible tells us to;  "Trust God and do good."

Today's Choice is Huge.

Joshua 24:15

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Ex. 32: 26

then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!”

Deut. 30: 15

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

Ephesians 2:13,14.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

CHOOSE:  The Gospel, True Worship, Biblical preaching, prayer. 

John 3: 16

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 “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.

TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!

Stay the course

I believe God's Word encourages/commands us to remain faithful or stay the course.  With the Bible being our map, we might have to do more than glance at it. Some of us should ask ourselves are we on the RIGHT course.  Many times, we say we are sincere in the direction we are headed. We know we can be sincerely wrong as well. Confession and repentance will change our mind as well as our direction.

If you and I are guided by emotions or culture's behavior, we will soon discover, we have slowly gone off course.  The Word of God, prayer and depending on empowerment from His Holy Spirit is what the true Christian will need in order to navigate the "seas of life."

Truth will lead us where we NEED to go. Truth is not what we always want to hear. Paul writes to Timothy that in the last days we'll desire to hear only what we want to hear, having our ears tickled.

It is no secret that this culture and its paradigms are headed for the "rocks of life."  The church in general, is joining the convoy as we veer off course away from God and his Truth.

We have been obsessed about painting the cruise ship, swabbing the deck (mopping?) Some are even down below sleeping in our bunks. We have lost sight of the mission and destination

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

We have been sent (rough waters and all) into all the world with the Gospel. We have chosen rather to dock in safe harbors on every street corner.  We are singing the songs of the sailor while actually being land lovers.  We have counted the cost and we're staying in safe waters. Ships are safer there but are built to handle the stormy seas.

Then there is joy and rest from a job well done.

We have been cruise ships far too long. We must also be rescue boats in the fog shouting "come aboard, come aboard!"  We need all hands-on deck and full speed ahead.

Let's get the map out and read it. In these uncertain waters, we have to get back to the truth and stay the course!

 

A Well Amongst the Flowers.

Sitting still with memories.
A well amongst the flowers,
containing thoughts of a family drawing
life giving water,

Containing cold drink
for a passing stranger.
Children dropping stones
to hear the echo,
while they picnic nearby.

When the family moved on,
Ol' well cried 'til it was dry.
Farmhouse is gone now,
once in a while the children visit,
speaking, while the well.. echoes
their hello and goodbyes.

To you and I,
it's just a well amongst the flowers.
To some it's buckets full of memories.

Perhaps you and I have been useful
to provide God's comfort even gave others...
memories and will leave a legacy.
Allow the Lord to develop you
into a well amongst the flowers.

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.

A Thunderous Voice!

 It's a great idea to check out Psalm 29.

While we grow older, we hear many voices;

Parents, teachers, pastors, doctors, friends, even our own doubts, or egos, whispering to us.

Psalm 29 intentionally reminds us that there is one voice we need to listen to above all the others.

The chapter repeats the phrase; "The voice of the Lord." the author DAVID WANTS US TO KNOW THAT GOD IS NOT SILENT!

Verse four of Psalm 29 shows us that His voice is powerful. The lords voice can cause a storm and give courage when we feel weak.

The Lord's voice is not only POWERFUL, but also PERSONAL. 

God speaks not only to the world around us, but also to...you. sometimes He speaks through the Bible, or through prayer, a song, a sermon, a friend. He often let's us know; "I am with you."

God's voice give peace and strength.  vs 11 says;

"The lord will give strength to his people. the lord will bless His people with peace."

We never stop having the need to hear the Lords' voice and He is always faithful to speak. 

You might want to ask yourself; "Am I listening, or am I always distracted?"

He says my sheep know my voice. Are you in the family or flock of God? and are you listening?

Re-read Psalm 29.

Read John 10: 22-28.

Listen up!

community building boom!

   "Go into all the world"! That's what Jesus commissioned His followers to do! They jumped all over it in the first century and here we are still telling others who Jesus was and what He did.  There is still a small window of engagement that have never heard.

     People all over the world from Russia and Indochina, France and the United States, that believe in and are trusting in Christ's work, as their only hope to spend eternity with God, make up His church. The church is growing in number. The writer in Revelation said he saw a number of people you couldn't count, there were so many!

     Many do not believe, indicating our work is not done.  Christians all over the world still must make Christ known.  There are many doors now open for missionaries as well as local churches that are the avenue God can use.  Let's go and tell the good news of Jesus Christ. Opportunities today range from Family, Art shows, concerts, and service to the neighbors.

      I Talk about building the church while there are those that would tear down or even injure other members of the body of Christ for whatever reason.  In our ranks it is true, many have fallen and sinned etc. It is often said of us, instead of helping them we shoot our wounded and say, "they got what they deserved".  The Apostle Paul writes we have received spiritual gifts for the the building and good of the body of Christ. We are to build one another up.

     Let's: Pray for one another
             Give to one another
             Encourage one another
             Die for one another
             Live for one another

     The Christian community is growing globally.  The call is now to equip with God's word, love and power and then engage our local community giving God the glory!

Develop your community to the glory of God.  Hello to my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

Confusion and Chaos

 We have read They call good evil, and evil good.  That's not just an old saying from the Bible. It's a modern description of your culture today.

That verse is not just describing the culture around us, but also within the so-called church today. 

It is time we stop going through the motions and talking the talk.  It is time for finding out who God is and who we are and what we have in Him!

Read the Word, pray and converse with Him, continue in community with the other believers and love one another and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit to those around us.

The Apostle Paul wrote to us saying, as you have received Christ, walk in Him, rooted, established built up.  Let's answer that challenge.

It's time to be prayer warriors, that also invest time being a light in the circle the Lord has placed us in.

God is a God of order, not confusion, it is time to say not my will but yours be done!

Love God, Love Others!

May the Holy Spirit speak in this simple writing.

Rooted in community

 During trials, disasters, even everyday life, we discover how much we need others. the one saying says; "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Healthy churches are built by rooted Christians that:

 *Encourage

*Serve

*Forgive

*Bear burdens

*Speak the Truth in Love!

But even the church community gets messy. We read about a farmer that if he is going to have a productive farm business is going to have messy stalls, bulls, goats, horses.  He on the other hand might have spotless stalls, because he has no hay, bulls, goats or horses etc. But he will also have no crops or profits without the animals making a mess.

We can have a spotless church, no broken hearts, no agendas, no tears, but you will not have ministry or community. 

If there is a messy community, you will have a great need and evidence of service and ministry.

If our roots dig deep in Christ, The Word, Prayer...the fruit will soon be seen. The healthy rooted church might be messy but knit together in love.

It's not time to tear apart but be a part!

Check out:

Proverbs 14:4. 

 John 13:34,35.

Acts 2: 42-47

Romans 12,13 .

Let's not just grow up. Let's grow up together!

Deep roots and standing tall

 

We have seen great damage during and after storms. Plants in the front yard washed away, even flowing down the street. Huge trees have been toppled by strong winds, while doing great damage on homes and power lines.

When the trees fall and expose what was underground, plants being washed away indicate a shallow or unhealthy root system. 

When I have seen these exposed roots, many times there are thin stringy type roots. Thin roots obviously make for poor stability, for a tree that looks large and firm.

Even in a sunny climate free environment, there will be no fruit because of the root or no deep roots.

Many people appear to be strong and firm but when the first strong wind of life blows, they topple over, exposing a poor root system and they are washed away by emotion rather than a stable root digging for nourishment and footing.

What are you/we rooted in?  Ideas like education, and family come to mind. Even those in life's hurricane type winds are inadequate to keep us healthy and planted, rooted deep.

We live in a fallen world (have you noticed?). You can go to those early chapters of the book of Genesis and discover the reason for all of damage. 

Check out Psalm 1:

"But his delight is in the Law of the lord,

and in His law, he meditates day and night'

he shall be like a tree

planted by the water, that brings forth it's fruit in it's season.

whose leaf also shall not wither, 

and whatever he does shall prosper."

Let's not be guided by shallow thoughts or rooted in weak emotions. but we can be planted and growing healthy roots of good biblical principles.

Even though the storms of life arrive we can say:

"I shall not be moved!"

What's your power source?

 

They warned us it was coming, but when I could not see out the window and heard the wind, I knew this was the worst weather conditions I had met "face to face."

The power to our neighborhood said; "I've had enough" and moved out. The power moved away from miles and miles away, leaving us in the dark.

We drove from the neighborhood and saw why. There was devastation of nearby woods and trees fallen into yards and into homes. It was enough to make your heart and hope drop.

We had lost power; it was to be out for a number of days. We had wisely bought a generator for the refrigerator etc. from the last storm we had. Gas prices to run the generators made this storm expensive.

But it was beginning to be depressing, it was dark and very warm. I almost forgot what I looked like, looking in the mirror. (that might have been a good thing).

Last night our power was restored. Joy, and hope returned. The porch light returned as well, making all feel safer, because the freaks come out at night.

But... there are some nearby that are still without power. they still have those huge trees down, around and in their houses. Not far away the storms brought major flooding!

They need our prayers, this is not the Caribbean, or someone else, this has now happened to us and our friends, neighbors and relatives. 

May we now have compassion on those around the world that have had storms and lost homes and power (some have never had power). 

My prayers go out on the behalf of those nearby that still are living in the consequences of a storm.

**************************************

Many of us quiet people in a quiet neighborhood, talked and waved more than ever.  I don't believe we'll have a block party. But I can guarantee, we will be talking and waving a lot more. 

A storm often brings a disconnect with power and there is great joy and relief, when the reconnection is made. 

Make the connection with the Lord and others around you, there's great power in it!

To the Uttermost!

 

We have a few viewers; the great thing is that they are from around the world. 

They could consist of missionaries, Christians or seekers, even hackers and spies.  

Either way God's Word or His Biblical principles are being sent and received; the hope is that the seed may land on good soil and grow into a good Word of love, encouragement and salvation!

That we might know and live in the depth, height, width of God's love.  Spreading out to the uttermost.

That's what happen with Jesus giving them the great commission to go local as well as the uttermost, and here we are today, answering the call.

Let's all continue to share the same divine love and comfort we have received to those across the street and around the world.

I will give you rest

 

"What Do These Stones Mean?"

Do you remember the historical writing in the Bible, reporting the Children of Israel crossing the Jordon River on dry ground?  God had told Joshua to have twelve men take stones from the middle and make a monument.  "When your children ask, what do these stones represent? You tell them it's when you crossed over on dry ground because your God pushed it to the side."

I can imagine in my so called mind, many years later after conquering Canaan;  Memorial Day Weekend and the summer vacations at the "Jordan River National Park."   The children would run up to the grandparents or great grandparents, sitting under a shade tree, that had seen or heard about the crossing and ask:  "What do those stones over there mean?"

"They are a monument for us to remember when God dried up that part of the Jordan, and our people walked safely across.  We are here to remember and worship our God!"

I can see an elderly man say:  "Thinking back these stones mean many things to us...."
"Yes sir?"

"These stones mean;  God hears your cries. Like He did, when His people were in slavery."
"These stones mean;  God delivers.  Like he did His people."
"These stones mean; God saves by the Blood.  Like He did His people when they applied the blood."
"These stones mean;  God can trouble those that trouble you. Just as He did, drowning Pharaoh and his army in the sea."
"These stones mean;  God leads you in your wilderness. Like He did our people."
"These stones mean;  God can make a way where there is no way. As He did at the Red Sea and this river."

So now you can remember; God is in control and with God, all things are possible. What do you need today?  deliverance? salvation? trusting God/faith?  Let God meet you where you are. He can move in the miraculous for you, and then He can move in the miraculous through you.  Love God Love Others!

Thy Word is a lamp...

Before I closed my eyes for sleep last night, I read the last part of Psalm 118 and some of 119... I found my self desiring God the way David did.

He loved Gods Word.  He read, memorized, applied etc, etc. He made me envious for that passion. We can be realistic and know we are on different rungs of the ladder or level of maturity. While David had this divine friendship with God. He was like you and I.  He sinned.

Take away;
 1.  Endure like a good soldier
 2.  Faithful like a farmer
 3.  Disciplined as an athlete

Desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow by it.  When we sin we can quickly repent and continue to run the race. Quiet time with God in the morning is huge, enabling you to go live out loud and demonstrate the love you have for the Lord!

Invisible people

 

Being lonely in a crowd is a thing.  Standing alone in the middle of the room, surrounded by the buzz of people talking and laughing, focused on catching up and making plans to meet again.

So many in the room that might even know everyone, yet invisible, as in a dream or as if you had experienced death and as some spirit, walked into a group of friends, the church, or the place you worked.

Can you imagine walking through the groups and joining in, but being ignored or treated as if you interrupted.

Let us be intentional about seeing everyone in the room. Let's be focused on others need to communicate and socialize. We can purposely meet and greet many at the event, church, school or break room.

What if everyone had that mindset? There would be less lonely and invisible people. 

Don't let it happen. Not on your watch!

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

Step Up to the Plate

Bud Hillerich wanted to help a player in a slump and made a bat for him. He came out of the slump and players including the Babe and Lou Gerhig, came to have one made. Soon Bud had a thriving business. Bud Hillerich took over his father's company, and the name "Louisville Slugger" was registered with the U.S. Patent Office. It all started because one person wanted to help one person. Now millions are helped to be better.  Be A PART of a great team!

Romans 12:9-12.
Philippians 2:1-4.
2 Corinthians 1: 3,4

THE TOP THREE PLACES TO LIVE.

I know you have heard the saying: "Money can by you a house, but it can't buy you a home." or "You may have a king size bed, but it doesn't mean you be able to sleep at night."

That's no way or place to live. A few of the people we often admire, even idolize, live life;  mentally, physically and spiritually in sadness, loneliness and hopeless.  In our nations, cities, and families  we see those that are merely existing.  Paul the Apostle wrote to the readers in Ephesus informing them they were at one time lost, without God, without hope.  It's a dead, undesirable hellish place to be.

                                                             ******************

 We would love to live in a penthouse or a large flat or apartment in downtown Chicago or New York. We become thirsty when we see the mansion by the beach. We see the: "Great places to retire" stories on the internet. I worry about those that live on a mountain side in fear of mudslides.  I personally do not want to live that way.

Whatever your career path or economics or education, ask yourself where do I live?  Do my neighbors live in a different place than I do?

                                                                   "What?"

Three great places to live:  In Faith.
                                              In Hope.
                                              In Love.

Faith:  In Christ
Hope: because of Christ
Love:  Moved by His Love

Paul was speaking to a group and said: " For in God we live, move and have our being."

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and not of yourself it is the gift from God. Not of works lest anyone should boast."

Peter said that we have been called to a lively hope! Paul told us that we do not grieve as those without hope.

"There are three things that remain-Faith, hope and love- and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Those are three great places to live!