I've added a new post on Spirit and Truth blog that could have been appropriate for This Believer's Journey too. It's worth sharing here as well. Check it out!
Spirit and Truth: The Art of Losing Myself: "One of my favorite worship songs has a line in the second verse that always makes me sing a little louder with more passion, my eyes closed,..."
Showing posts with label Believer's Journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Believer's Journey. Show all posts
5.19.2010
The Only Thing That Matters...
Lately I've been drawn to really dive in and study Philippians. I've read it over and over. I've read it starting at Chapter 4 then working back to Chapter 1 then all the way back through it again. There is such easy, good teaching in this book!
Today, I dug into Chapter 1 and came across a very familiar passage but God has opened my eyes to see these words as I never have before. Most teachers believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Believers at Philippi. In jail! For preaching about Jesus! And he's not wallowing in self-pity, he is still mentoring / pastoring a church a great distance away. His prayer is not that he would be released from prison, but that the Believers' love would grow and be abundant! I fear that I would not be so unselfish!
He goes on to talk about how the things he had suffered and was still going through were actually a benefit to the Gospel. Here's what caught my attention: he said that because of his current trouble, other Believers were becoming more bold in their preaching about Jesus. Some were doing so with questionable motives and others were preaching in goodwill, but then he wrote something most curious to me. He said, regardless of their motives, "What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."
Now I've spent considerable time in churches that I dare say would take self-righteous issues with Paul's statement. I immediately recall preachers talking down about other churches or other denominations or other groups that didn't measure up to their standards for such organizations. I've heard some say that they pray for these other groups to close down so they would stop "leading people astray". Paul didn't say that sound doctrine doesn't matter, but he did say that no matter what other criticism can be aimed at others, the single most important thing is that Jesus is preached! I hear local Pastors talk down televangelists and mega-churches but never acknowledge that, at the very least, they are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have even done this myself. Today, I repented and received a new way to look at those who do things within the Kingdom of God a little differently than I do.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those "everything goes" kind of guys, but I think it is far better to acknowledge the good that others are doing for Jesus rather than focus so much energy, time and emotion, gossip and slander on what their "doing wrong".
You see, I think we focus on differences between Believers' practices because of Satan's influence in our way of thinking. Others are wrong and I'm right. We become very self-centered and the self-centered life is no longer Christ-centered. That simple migration of thought is what Satan wants. Anything that takes our eyes off Jesus impedes the spreading of the Gospel.
But then, Paul goes a lot further by saying that what has happened to him will turn out for his deliverance. No matter how his life turns out, whether he is freed from prison or is put to death, Jesus will be exalted! Then he wrote those famous words, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." While this verse has inspired countless great sermons, this mindset is extremely difficult to grasp.
Paul is saying that he is not going to think about his suffering or any other trouble that may come his way. The only thing that matters is Jesus!!! Life or Death; Riches or Poverty; Sickness or Health; Blessing or Begging; Freedom or Imprisonment; Pain or Pleasure; Life or Death - NONE OF THESE THINGS MATTER!!! Telling the story of Jesus and the Salvation that comes with Him is the single, most important thing to Paul.
So, the big take away for me is to get over myself! My role in the Kingdom of God is not to judge or belittle or be 'right' but to Love and encourage others who are preaching Jesus, and to preach Him in my everyday life so that others my come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
Holy Spirit, help me to live this mindset daily.
Today, I dug into Chapter 1 and came across a very familiar passage but God has opened my eyes to see these words as I never have before. Most teachers believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Believers at Philippi. In jail! For preaching about Jesus! And he's not wallowing in self-pity, he is still mentoring / pastoring a church a great distance away. His prayer is not that he would be released from prison, but that the Believers' love would grow and be abundant! I fear that I would not be so unselfish!
He goes on to talk about how the things he had suffered and was still going through were actually a benefit to the Gospel. Here's what caught my attention: he said that because of his current trouble, other Believers were becoming more bold in their preaching about Jesus. Some were doing so with questionable motives and others were preaching in goodwill, but then he wrote something most curious to me. He said, regardless of their motives, "What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."
Now I've spent considerable time in churches that I dare say would take self-righteous issues with Paul's statement. I immediately recall preachers talking down about other churches or other denominations or other groups that didn't measure up to their standards for such organizations. I've heard some say that they pray for these other groups to close down so they would stop "leading people astray". Paul didn't say that sound doctrine doesn't matter, but he did say that no matter what other criticism can be aimed at others, the single most important thing is that Jesus is preached! I hear local Pastors talk down televangelists and mega-churches but never acknowledge that, at the very least, they are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have even done this myself. Today, I repented and received a new way to look at those who do things within the Kingdom of God a little differently than I do.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those "everything goes" kind of guys, but I think it is far better to acknowledge the good that others are doing for Jesus rather than focus so much energy, time and emotion, gossip and slander on what their "doing wrong".
You see, I think we focus on differences between Believers' practices because of Satan's influence in our way of thinking. Others are wrong and I'm right. We become very self-centered and the self-centered life is no longer Christ-centered. That simple migration of thought is what Satan wants. Anything that takes our eyes off Jesus impedes the spreading of the Gospel.
But then, Paul goes a lot further by saying that what has happened to him will turn out for his deliverance. No matter how his life turns out, whether he is freed from prison or is put to death, Jesus will be exalted! Then he wrote those famous words, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." While this verse has inspired countless great sermons, this mindset is extremely difficult to grasp.
Paul is saying that he is not going to think about his suffering or any other trouble that may come his way. The only thing that matters is Jesus!!! Life or Death; Riches or Poverty; Sickness or Health; Blessing or Begging; Freedom or Imprisonment; Pain or Pleasure; Life or Death - NONE OF THESE THINGS MATTER!!! Telling the story of Jesus and the Salvation that comes with Him is the single, most important thing to Paul.
So, the big take away for me is to get over myself! My role in the Kingdom of God is not to judge or belittle or be 'right' but to Love and encourage others who are preaching Jesus, and to preach Him in my everyday life so that others my come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
Holy Spirit, help me to live this mindset daily.
1.23.2010
The Ends of the Ham
I heard this story a few months ago and although I might not get every detail correct, I think you can appreciate the lesson that can be learned from it.
One day a mother was teaching her daughter how to cook and it just happened to be Christmas so they were preparing to make a Christmas ham. Now the mother got out the roaster pan and all the ingredients to put in with the ham. She started the oven to get it to the proper temperature. Then she took the ham out of the refrigerator and began to prepare it for cooking. She unwrapped it and washed it and then she did a most curious thing. She took out a sharp knife and cut about an inch off each end of the ham and threw the ends away! The mother then proceeded to put the ham into the roaster pan and finish seasoning or basting or whatever else the recipe called for.
But at that time, the daughter asked her mother, "Why did you cut those pieces off the end of the ham?" The mother thought for a few minutes and said, "Well, I don't really know, I've never thought much about it because that's the way my mother taught me to do it." Then the daughter asked, "Why do you think Grandma does it that way?" Mother thought about it some more, "I don't think I know, but now I am curious, so let's call her and ask."
So the two of them called Grandma and asked the same question, "Grandma, why do you cut the ends off a ham before putting it in the oven?" Grandma thought intensely for a while then said, "You know, I've done it that way so long that I can't remember why. But I am certain that is the way my mother taught me to prepare a ham. Maybe when we pick her up and bring her to Christmas dinner tonight we can ask her."
The day went on and guests arrived for dinner, among them was Great-Grandmother. So now Great-Grandmother, Grandma, Mother and Daughter were all together in a room and the daughter recounted the day's curiosity about preparing the ham. Then the big finale, "Great-Grandmother, what's the purpose of cutting the ends off the ham before putting it into the oven?"
Now, Great-Grandmother pondered this with a thoughtful look and finally said, "Well, I don't know why you girls do it, but when I was younger, I had a small oven and only one roaster pan that would fit into it so to make the ham fit into the pan, I had to trim the ends a bit. But later on, I got a new cook stove with a larger oven, like the ones you all have. I bought a larger pan and there was no need to trim the ham anymore.
At that, they all shared a laugh and enjoyed a great Christmas dinner (now knowing the secret of the shortened ham).
I think this story is funny and we may all have similar stories of traditions passed from generation to generation. Many of those practices, over time, lose their meaning because we teach the "what" but not the "why". And it only takes one teaching generation to lose the "why" and all future generations have forever lost the understanding.
Our kids are watching and learning from us daily and if we don't take the time to teach them properly, we may transfer practices but not the reasoning. I think in most cases, the reasoning or meaning behind the practice is more important than the practice itself.
Kids don't just learn from us, they are conditioned to think certain ways by their teachers. They are trained to desire specific things by commercials and their friends. Behaviors are influenced by characters on TV. I guess you could say this learning is not limited to kids even as adults we often find our behaviors changing in reaction to our surroundings, experiences, friends, etc.
I have to wonder, if we know that people are shaped by the things they see in others or on TV or from any number of sources, why don't we let our kids see us praying, reading the Bible, serving others in need, or doing things that draw us closer to God? I mean, really, we think nothing of letting our kids see us get angry or play a game. Sometimes we don't consider the content of movies or shows we let our kids watch. What about the times we are talking negatively about someone else and our kids are in the next room hearing every word we say?
What are we teaching our kids? What are we conditioning others to do by our actions? Are we living the love of Jesus? Are we teaching the importance of having a personal relationship with Him? Are we being an example to those around us? What legacies are we passing on to our kids? Must we wait for a curious generation to ask us why we do what we do before we rediscover the meanings behind our actions?
One day a mother was teaching her daughter how to cook and it just happened to be Christmas so they were preparing to make a Christmas ham. Now the mother got out the roaster pan and all the ingredients to put in with the ham. She started the oven to get it to the proper temperature. Then she took the ham out of the refrigerator and began to prepare it for cooking. She unwrapped it and washed it and then she did a most curious thing. She took out a sharp knife and cut about an inch off each end of the ham and threw the ends away! The mother then proceeded to put the ham into the roaster pan and finish seasoning or basting or whatever else the recipe called for.
But at that time, the daughter asked her mother, "Why did you cut those pieces off the end of the ham?" The mother thought for a few minutes and said, "Well, I don't really know, I've never thought much about it because that's the way my mother taught me to do it." Then the daughter asked, "Why do you think Grandma does it that way?" Mother thought about it some more, "I don't think I know, but now I am curious, so let's call her and ask."
So the two of them called Grandma and asked the same question, "Grandma, why do you cut the ends off a ham before putting it in the oven?" Grandma thought intensely for a while then said, "You know, I've done it that way so long that I can't remember why. But I am certain that is the way my mother taught me to prepare a ham. Maybe when we pick her up and bring her to Christmas dinner tonight we can ask her."
The day went on and guests arrived for dinner, among them was Great-Grandmother. So now Great-Grandmother, Grandma, Mother and Daughter were all together in a room and the daughter recounted the day's curiosity about preparing the ham. Then the big finale, "Great-Grandmother, what's the purpose of cutting the ends off the ham before putting it into the oven?"
Now, Great-Grandmother pondered this with a thoughtful look and finally said, "Well, I don't know why you girls do it, but when I was younger, I had a small oven and only one roaster pan that would fit into it so to make the ham fit into the pan, I had to trim the ends a bit. But later on, I got a new cook stove with a larger oven, like the ones you all have. I bought a larger pan and there was no need to trim the ham anymore.
At that, they all shared a laugh and enjoyed a great Christmas dinner (now knowing the secret of the shortened ham).
I think this story is funny and we may all have similar stories of traditions passed from generation to generation. Many of those practices, over time, lose their meaning because we teach the "what" but not the "why". And it only takes one teaching generation to lose the "why" and all future generations have forever lost the understanding.
Our kids are watching and learning from us daily and if we don't take the time to teach them properly, we may transfer practices but not the reasoning. I think in most cases, the reasoning or meaning behind the practice is more important than the practice itself.
Kids don't just learn from us, they are conditioned to think certain ways by their teachers. They are trained to desire specific things by commercials and their friends. Behaviors are influenced by characters on TV. I guess you could say this learning is not limited to kids even as adults we often find our behaviors changing in reaction to our surroundings, experiences, friends, etc.
I have to wonder, if we know that people are shaped by the things they see in others or on TV or from any number of sources, why don't we let our kids see us praying, reading the Bible, serving others in need, or doing things that draw us closer to God? I mean, really, we think nothing of letting our kids see us get angry or play a game. Sometimes we don't consider the content of movies or shows we let our kids watch. What about the times we are talking negatively about someone else and our kids are in the next room hearing every word we say?
What are we teaching our kids? What are we conditioning others to do by our actions? Are we living the love of Jesus? Are we teaching the importance of having a personal relationship with Him? Are we being an example to those around us? What legacies are we passing on to our kids? Must we wait for a curious generation to ask us why we do what we do before we rediscover the meanings behind our actions?
1.22.2010
New Year; New Direction??
As I start this new year (2010) I look back at the blessings of 2009. My family and I were trult blessed last year! There were times of financial challenges (read that as too many bills and too little money) and times of great opportunities to serve God. Through them all He never let us down!
After such an amazing year, I am now faced with the delima of what to expect from 2010. I know our family is becoming very busy with the existing commitments we have. Don't get me wrong, we are not trying to do "everything the Jones' are". But, with home schooling 3 kids and keeping a 2 year old occupied, plus one lovely daughter cheerleading and her twin brother and our oldest daughter playing basketball time is a precious thing. To recap: school, cheer leading practice and games, basketball practice and games, church, family time, household duties and an innumerable list of other stuff...whew! Not much time to sleep or relax or anything else.
On the other hand, we have a huge desire to serve God, love on people who need the love only God can give, to live in the Presence of the Holy Spirit and see the Fruit of the Spirit abound in our life.
So as we start this year with Fasting and Praying, I am seeking direction for me, my family, our area of service, and a whole host of other things. Certainly, the lost and healing are on my prayer list as well.
God, we need You in 2010! Be near us Lord!
After such an amazing year, I am now faced with the delima of what to expect from 2010. I know our family is becoming very busy with the existing commitments we have. Don't get me wrong, we are not trying to do "everything the Jones' are". But, with home schooling 3 kids and keeping a 2 year old occupied, plus one lovely daughter cheerleading and her twin brother and our oldest daughter playing basketball time is a precious thing. To recap: school, cheer leading practice and games, basketball practice and games, church, family time, household duties and an innumerable list of other stuff...whew! Not much time to sleep or relax or anything else.
On the other hand, we have a huge desire to serve God, love on people who need the love only God can give, to live in the Presence of the Holy Spirit and see the Fruit of the Spirit abound in our life.
So as we start this year with Fasting and Praying, I am seeking direction for me, my family, our area of service, and a whole host of other things. Certainly, the lost and healing are on my prayer list as well.
God, we need You in 2010! Be near us Lord!
10.15.2009
Just Keep Praying
I believe that praying is a fundamental discipline of being a fully devoted follower of Jesus. But, for many believers, praying is not easy nor does it always seem worth the time investment.
Speaking for myself, I've allowed my weekly schedule to become so full (with work, church, family activities, sleep, etc.) that it is tough to make time to pray. Without being ready for prayer, sometimes my prayers are rushed and / or incomplete with few noticable results.
Now, I know that God hears our prayers and He is always in control of the circumstances surrounding us. So even when I don't have time for it or don't feel like it will accomplish much, my challenge is to just keep praying!
To help refocus on the need and benefits of regular prayer time I remind myself of the times God has answered my prayers in mighty ways. I review my journal entries about His miracles I've been allowed to experience.
There was the time when the doctor told me that one or both of our premie twins might not survive being born at 26 weeks and that my wife's life was also in danger. I prayed a broken prayer of repentence and petition. The twins are healthy 7 years old now and my wife is fine (in every way). Then there was the time when my Mother passed away and I didn't know how I would survive without her in my life. While I still miss her after 8 years, like only God can, He put the pieces of my heart together and helped me heal. I know l'll see her again some day! God held my hand while my Dad went through cancer treatments. It's been 7 years now. Dad is 75 and still riding his motorcycle and doing pretty much anything he wants to. I held on to God's promises when my wife experienced massive complications with our last pregnancy. By all doctor accounts, she should have (at best) been severely brain damaged due to lack of oxygen and suffered fatal liver damage. This was one of those "but then God..." events. Less then 36 hours after the doctor told me he didn't think she would survive long enough to get a transplant, the Healer showed up and my wife walked out of the hospital in perfect health. Our baby survived being born 2 months early and double collapsed lungs to become the poster child for the terrible two's. Recently, we formed a charity aimed at showing God's love by caring for families in crisis (Food, Clothes, Utilities, etc.). In troubled economic times like 2009, when businesses are failing, we received thousands of donated items and quadrupled our expected financial budget! While the world struggled, God provided abundance for our team and the families we serve! Finally, after working to increase our giving, we reached a milestone percentage and the very next week received some very good news about our financial future! Once again, against all odds, God brings the increase! Praise Him and Just Keep PRAYING!!!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
8.04.2009
Amazed Today by Him!
I am not surprised by God's ability to bless us. I mean, let's face it, He spoke and the universe blinked into existence. He spoke again and our planet was prepared for us. He spoke yet again and we were created. So there is no doubt in me about His ability. Paul reminds us that God is ABLE to do more than we can ask or even imagine!
What amazes me (lately) is His willingness to bless us. He continues to give us things we take for granted (air to breathe, sunshine to warm us, family to love, etc.) even when many of us give Him very little in return. He pours out Grace when we turn our back's on Him. He uses us, ordinary people, to do extraordinary things in the lives of others. We can make someone's day just by smiling at them (and we may not even realize we smiled)! We can feed families on the coins we find in the cushions of our furniture when we combine our efforts!
Lastly, what overwhelms me the most is that He allows me to be a part of His plan to reach those who are lost with the Good News of Jesus, with food for their souls (and their bellies), with healing for their sicknesses, and compassion for their broken hearts. Me? Broken, imperfect, often lazy, ME!?!? And you...and you...and you, too!
Have a blessed day in His Presence!
What amazes me (lately) is His willingness to bless us. He continues to give us things we take for granted (air to breathe, sunshine to warm us, family to love, etc.) even when many of us give Him very little in return. He pours out Grace when we turn our back's on Him. He uses us, ordinary people, to do extraordinary things in the lives of others. We can make someone's day just by smiling at them (and we may not even realize we smiled)! We can feed families on the coins we find in the cushions of our furniture when we combine our efforts!
Lastly, what overwhelms me the most is that He allows me to be a part of His plan to reach those who are lost with the Good News of Jesus, with food for their souls (and their bellies), with healing for their sicknesses, and compassion for their broken hearts. Me? Broken, imperfect, often lazy, ME!?!? And you...and you...and you, too!
Have a blessed day in His Presence!
7.17.2008
No Other gods...
“You shall have no other gods before me." - GOD (Yahweh) Ex 20:3
Sometimes the 'other gods' in our life are blatantly idolatrous golden cows (see more in Exodus), but sometimes they are originally intended for good purposes. My family and I had allowed some very good things to control our life.
Some examples include: living to the schedule of the public school system, regular church attendance, etc.
While this is not an advertisement for homeschooling, we have noticed some very disturbing problems with the public school system, but equally frustrating was the annoyance that we must get up at specified time and do certain things in order for our kids to be there 'on time'. We were allowing someone other than God to direct our paths. While this may seem petty to some, it (combined with the increase in violence, drug presence, child pregnancy, immoral teaching aka 'alternate life choices', etc.) became a major family issue for us. Our solution: homeschooling! We now homeschool the three school age kids and will start Savanna when she is ready.
Again, church attendance is not a bad thing, but when it becomes the dominating factor in one's life, I have to question whether my relationship with Christ is the driver behind my life or is it simply showing up at a specific place 3 times a week (i.e. going through the motions of the 'Christian lifestyle')? It is increasingly frustrating to see Satan use churches / church activities for his purpose and steal time away from our relationship with Jesus. Let me try to explain this a little more. If you are a new Believer, you should surround yourself with other Believers. The intent is that you will learn from them and grow spiritually. However, if you are immediately caught up in the busy-ness of doing church (teaching Sunday School?, singing in the choir, cleaning, working in the nursery, playing in the band, mowing the grass, visitation, etc.) is there really time for learning? Is there time for development? Growth? While I agree that service is integral to God's plan for each Believer, shouldn't there be some teaching along with serving? If 'doing church things' comes with the price of not learning or being burned out, then what is its eternal value? I'm not sure there is any.
Some Believers may balance the development with the work and attendance, but allow a Doctrinal Statement to become so important that we forget to do what the Doctrines teach. I've seen heated arguements erupt over doctrinal points to the point that both sides stop showing love for each other. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love God and the second was to love others. Is God really honored in a doctrinal fight? Can we really love each other while we are red-faced, experiencing high blood pressure, and foaming at the mouth while defending a piece of paper with some doctrinal statements written by men? Maybe, but man it's hard to recognize the love sometimes... Could it be that sometimes our Doctrinal stances, or more likely, being 'right' about them has become more important to us than living the truths taught by them? More important than living in the Spirit? More important than loving others? Than reaching others with God's love? Reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus? Could it be that Doctrinal Statements have, for some, become gods?
On the other side, I and my family now run the risk of allowing our freedom in Christ to become over-dominant (predominant) in our life. We have become quite mobile (I like to call it 'portable'). We can teach our kids anywhere. We can worship anywhere. We can also become lazy anywhere. We must remember to guard against allowing our mobility to become more important than our Faith Journey and our relationship with Jesus.
Pray for us that we 'have no other gods before' Him!!!
Some examples include: living to the schedule of the public school system, regular church attendance, etc.
While this is not an advertisement for homeschooling, we have noticed some very disturbing problems with the public school system, but equally frustrating was the annoyance that we must get up at specified time and do certain things in order for our kids to be there 'on time'. We were allowing someone other than God to direct our paths. While this may seem petty to some, it (combined with the increase in violence, drug presence, child pregnancy, immoral teaching aka 'alternate life choices', etc.) became a major family issue for us. Our solution: homeschooling! We now homeschool the three school age kids and will start Savanna when she is ready.
Again, church attendance is not a bad thing, but when it becomes the dominating factor in one's life, I have to question whether my relationship with Christ is the driver behind my life or is it simply showing up at a specific place 3 times a week (i.e. going through the motions of the 'Christian lifestyle')? It is increasingly frustrating to see Satan use churches / church activities for his purpose and steal time away from our relationship with Jesus. Let me try to explain this a little more. If you are a new Believer, you should surround yourself with other Believers. The intent is that you will learn from them and grow spiritually. However, if you are immediately caught up in the busy-ness of doing church (teaching Sunday School?, singing in the choir, cleaning, working in the nursery, playing in the band, mowing the grass, visitation, etc.) is there really time for learning? Is there time for development? Growth? While I agree that service is integral to God's plan for each Believer, shouldn't there be some teaching along with serving? If 'doing church things' comes with the price of not learning or being burned out, then what is its eternal value? I'm not sure there is any.
Some Believers may balance the development with the work and attendance, but allow a Doctrinal Statement to become so important that we forget to do what the Doctrines teach. I've seen heated arguements erupt over doctrinal points to the point that both sides stop showing love for each other. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love God and the second was to love others. Is God really honored in a doctrinal fight? Can we really love each other while we are red-faced, experiencing high blood pressure, and foaming at the mouth while defending a piece of paper with some doctrinal statements written by men? Maybe, but man it's hard to recognize the love sometimes... Could it be that sometimes our Doctrinal stances, or more likely, being 'right' about them has become more important to us than living the truths taught by them? More important than living in the Spirit? More important than loving others? Than reaching others with God's love? Reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus? Could it be that Doctrinal Statements have, for some, become gods?
On the other side, I and my family now run the risk of allowing our freedom in Christ to become over-dominant (predominant) in our life. We have become quite mobile (I like to call it 'portable'). We can teach our kids anywhere. We can worship anywhere. We can also become lazy anywhere. We must remember to guard against allowing our mobility to become more important than our Faith Journey and our relationship with Jesus.
Pray for us that we 'have no other gods before' Him!!!
7.09.2008
I Can Do...What??
I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
This verse is so powerful to me!!! It doesn't say "I can do some things", "I can do a few things", it says "ALL THINGS". Sometimes I have to read this to remind myself to do something, anything.
When we couple this with Romans 8:37 (we are more than conquerors). We shouldn't merely survive life, we should triumph over it. We may endure rough times, but we can and will prevail!!! God is on our side and we already know that we are on the winning side of this spiritual battle. We know the Bible is full of His promises for blessings that are available right now (in the physical battles too)! We CAN do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord who strengthens us. He promised us power after the Holy Spirit has come upon us. If we feel powerless, then maybe we need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit.
Wow!!! Three simple verses that should give us a fresh, uplifted attitude. We can do all things through Jesus. We are victorious (more than conquerors). We have the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us when our physical strength comes up short!!!
So, don't be afraid, whatever it is that God is leading you to do, lift your head up, look to the Source of our power. Get recharged, get your thinking in line with the Word, then go "do all things"!!!
When we couple this with Romans 8:37 (we are more than conquerors). We shouldn't merely survive life, we should triumph over it. We may endure rough times, but we can and will prevail!!! God is on our side and we already know that we are on the winning side of this spiritual battle. We know the Bible is full of His promises for blessings that are available right now (in the physical battles too)! We CAN do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord who strengthens us. He promised us power after the Holy Spirit has come upon us. If we feel powerless, then maybe we need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit.
Wow!!! Three simple verses that should give us a fresh, uplifted attitude. We can do all things through Jesus. We are victorious (more than conquerors). We have the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us when our physical strength comes up short!!!
So, don't be afraid, whatever it is that God is leading you to do, lift your head up, look to the Source of our power. Get recharged, get your thinking in line with the Word, then go "do all things"!!!
I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
6.16.2008
Samantha's Baptism
There is nothing like seeing your child make a confession of faith in Jesus, but seeing her (or him) get baptized is a pretty close second. Take a look at Samantha's baptism. She was very shy about being baptized in the church baptistery, but Bro. Tim worked with her and was glad to dunk her in our pool. Then, after that, all the church kids jumped in for a swim. Enjoy (I sure do)...
6.06.2008
Isn't That Just Like Satan?
I have tried recently to look for the good in all situations. I have spent time praising God for trying times as well as the good times. I have seen my spiritual mood change and experience growth in recent months. My family and I have seen solutions to our problems appear (even if they were not the solutions we had planned). We have become more "of one mind" about important issues in our life. My wife and I are looking forward to our 14th wedding anniversary this week (Wednesday).
Then Tuesday happened! I left the house early to leave for work. But, as I was getting into my truck, I noticed that something was not right...the glove box was open and some of the contents were messed up. I then noticed that my satellite radio receiver was missing from the dash and the front of my stereo was gone! To top that off, my CD case was missing from the seat as well!! A few years of my favorite music was just gone!!! I had been robbed...
I purposefully did not touch anything so as to not disturb the "crime scene", went back in and told my wife about it and then called the police. The local LEO showed up and asked several questions, took my information, then left to deal with the other vandalism and burglaries reported the same morning. Turns out someone went on a crime spree in our little village. One other vehicle was broken into and a local auto parts store was robbed as well. As it turns out, no finger prints were taken and no further investigation is to be conducted. The model and serial numbers of my equipment were loaded into the county Sheriff's database, but that's as far as things went. I expect I will never see my stuff again.
On Wednesday morning, I felt a bit sick, but as the morning progressed, I got horribly worse. Initially, I thought it was food poisoning, but now I don't know. It took two days to recover from that.
As you might imagine, I have not been in the praising mood for the past few days. I guess that's just like Satan. Just when someone starts to get it, starts to praise God for every bit of life, the devil tries to do what he does best (steal, kill, and destroy).
But then, my loving wife brought me back to a place of Divine perspective. She offered prayer for our thief! She prayed that the 45 or so Contemporary Christian CDs would serve to share the Gospel of Jesus with him (or her). She asked God to use the items stolen from us to change the lives of others for His Glory.
So now I sit here completely humbled by her sincere desire to help others and her Godly love for others (even those who take advantage of us). And, I'll start again by saying again, Thank You Lord for sending her to me. Thank you Father for creating the two of us for each other. Thank you for using this difficult week for Your Glory and Honor.
Let our lives honor You...
Then Tuesday happened! I left the house early to leave for work. But, as I was getting into my truck, I noticed that something was not right...the glove box was open and some of the contents were messed up. I then noticed that my satellite radio receiver was missing from the dash and the front of my stereo was gone! To top that off, my CD case was missing from the seat as well!! A few years of my favorite music was just gone!!! I had been robbed...
I purposefully did not touch anything so as to not disturb the "crime scene", went back in and told my wife about it and then called the police. The local LEO showed up and asked several questions, took my information, then left to deal with the other vandalism and burglaries reported the same morning. Turns out someone went on a crime spree in our little village. One other vehicle was broken into and a local auto parts store was robbed as well. As it turns out, no finger prints were taken and no further investigation is to be conducted. The model and serial numbers of my equipment were loaded into the county Sheriff's database, but that's as far as things went. I expect I will never see my stuff again.
On Wednesday morning, I felt a bit sick, but as the morning progressed, I got horribly worse. Initially, I thought it was food poisoning, but now I don't know. It took two days to recover from that.
As you might imagine, I have not been in the praising mood for the past few days. I guess that's just like Satan. Just when someone starts to get it, starts to praise God for every bit of life, the devil tries to do what he does best (steal, kill, and destroy).
But then, my loving wife brought me back to a place of Divine perspective. She offered prayer for our thief! She prayed that the 45 or so Contemporary Christian CDs would serve to share the Gospel of Jesus with him (or her). She asked God to use the items stolen from us to change the lives of others for His Glory.
So now I sit here completely humbled by her sincere desire to help others and her Godly love for others (even those who take advantage of us). And, I'll start again by saying again, Thank You Lord for sending her to me. Thank you Father for creating the two of us for each other. Thank you for using this difficult week for Your Glory and Honor.
Let our lives honor You...
6.02.2008
The Life God Gives
Hey, just a quick note about this blog and a new one I launched this week. S&T is about worship and the experiences Believers encounter along their journey. I kicked off a new site called The Life God Gives that focuses on some thoughts about managing a career, family, finances, etc. Check it out.
5.29.2008
Feel The Pain...Know The Love
Strange title, I know. Today has found me in an even more strange mood. In the past weeks, two of my best friends in life have suffered, or are still struggling with some dramatic life situations. One has just lost a second baby early in the second trimester. Another has recently had complications during a triplet pregnancy. Two of the three are home and doing well, while the third is still in the NICU at UAMS in Little Rock. Both situations are emotionally challenging. One might lead us to question God's plan in allowing a pregnancy only to take the child before it can even take its first breath. The other could lead us to challenge God's providence. Two young people who love the Lord and wanted to start a family with one child but later found they were expecting triplets. Triplets! Effectively putting one parent out of work to care for the kids and the other trying to sustain the family on half the income. But my God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory???
To round out the complaining today, I am again suffering back pain and nerve damage in my right leg. I have trouble standing and walking. My leg alternates from numbness to extreme burning down the outer side of my thigh, shin, and foot. I cannot see my doctor until June 10!!! The ortho specialist is 30 miles away, sometime next week!!!
So, where does the rest of the title come in? In all this, I know that God loves us all and even in the rough times, He is working things in our favor. He blesses us without end. We (I) just have to look past the pain and know His Love...
To round out the complaining today, I am again suffering back pain and nerve damage in my right leg. I have trouble standing and walking. My leg alternates from numbness to extreme burning down the outer side of my thigh, shin, and foot. I cannot see my doctor until June 10!!! The ortho specialist is 30 miles away, sometime next week!!!
So, where does the rest of the title come in? In all this, I know that God loves us all and even in the rough times, He is working things in our favor. He blesses us without end. We (I) just have to look past the pain and know His Love...
4.04.2008
Crazy Week!!!
Finally, it's Friday!! (And you might have guessed it, I am hangin' at Kennedy Coffee.)
This week has been absolutely insane. I've had a very challenging week at work that has included countless conference calls and dozens of hours spent trying to solve a problem (long distance). We have avoided any real sickness in the family but our friends have struggled this week. And just when we thought we have nothing planned for this weekend, some of our best friends (family) gave birth to their triplets! We have certainly burned up a few cell phone minutes trying to stay up to date with them and then forwarding what we learned out to other friends. Somewhere in the middle, we had 3 (count'em 3) parent / teacher conferences.
With all this activity (and much more undocumented stuff) our family is doing great! God has truly blessed us in the midst of all the busy-ness. We are enjoying close relationships within the family and with our friends from Church. It would be easy to let our emotions get out of control, but we have been reminded to focus on the most important things in life: Loving God and Loving Others.
Sometimes when loving others, it seems that we are taken advantage of or otherwise mistreated. We are reminded that the Word teaches us to think of others as higher than ourself. Even Jesus washed his friends' feet. I am sure that, in the natural, that was degrading, but spiritually, it is a great vision of how we Believers should serve others in love.
I had to remember that loving others is unconditional. To me that means that we shouldn't expect anything in return for showing love to others or serving them. In fact, Jesus encouraged us to do the things we do in secret so it is not seen by others and possibly lead to pride or other divisions. So the take away today is to serve others and love them like Jesus does. Just love them...
This week has been absolutely insane. I've had a very challenging week at work that has included countless conference calls and dozens of hours spent trying to solve a problem (long distance). We have avoided any real sickness in the family but our friends have struggled this week. And just when we thought we have nothing planned for this weekend, some of our best friends (family) gave birth to their triplets! We have certainly burned up a few cell phone minutes trying to stay up to date with them and then forwarding what we learned out to other friends. Somewhere in the middle, we had 3 (count'em 3) parent / teacher conferences.
With all this activity (and much more undocumented stuff) our family is doing great! God has truly blessed us in the midst of all the busy-ness. We are enjoying close relationships within the family and with our friends from Church. It would be easy to let our emotions get out of control, but we have been reminded to focus on the most important things in life: Loving God and Loving Others.
Sometimes when loving others, it seems that we are taken advantage of or otherwise mistreated. We are reminded that the Word teaches us to think of others as higher than ourself. Even Jesus washed his friends' feet. I am sure that, in the natural, that was degrading, but spiritually, it is a great vision of how we Believers should serve others in love.
I had to remember that loving others is unconditional. To me that means that we shouldn't expect anything in return for showing love to others or serving them. In fact, Jesus encouraged us to do the things we do in secret so it is not seen by others and possibly lead to pride or other divisions. So the take away today is to serve others and love them like Jesus does. Just love them...
3.24.2008
More Coffee...
Today starts a new week for me so I am again at Kennedy Coffee just hanging out with God. As I began, I noticed an angry woman in a minivan who was chasing down a guy on a cell phone who apparently wronged her somehow related to traffic, parking, or something. I realize how easily people lose control of their emotions about something so small. I think the better description for what we do is "loose" our emotions. We can all choose to control our emotions in stressful situations, or we can choose to relinquish our control and allow our emotions to rule us. Today's parking lot situation involved harsh language and hand gestures, but what an opportunity missed to share the love of Christ!
Speaking of a missed opportunity, I visited Chris and Desiree in Little Rock at UAMS this weekend and had very good intentions of visiting Chris and Ryan Mondy in Arkansas Children's Hospital. I ultimately waited too late on Friday to visit Ryan, and was preoccupied with getting home for other responsibilities on Saturday. Although we spent some quality time with our kids at the zoo and thoroughly enjoyed the day, I didn't drive over to Children's. I thought that since we will be back in the area next weekend for a band event, I would try to go see him then. Unfortunately, I checked my email last night and learned that Ryan lost his battle with cancer early yesterday morning. His dad and I were childhood friends and classmates in Sunday School at Black River GBC, and haven't been in touch for many years, but I felt for their family as they went through this time in their life. I have prayed for them daily and rejoiced with the early news that Ryan's tumor had disappeared. This had to be God's work!!! Then I was saddened to hear that there was another tumor and that treatments were being ineffective. How could this be??? Why one miracle then a couple weeks later find out that Ryan was still in danger? Now, I am sorrowful that I never made the effort to comfort the family as they fought this battle. I am ashamed that I did not make the effort to share Christ's love with them, even if it was just a friendly visit. Father, forgive me for another missed opportunity.
Have another drink of coffee...
Speaking of a missed opportunity, I visited Chris and Desiree in Little Rock at UAMS this weekend and had very good intentions of visiting Chris and Ryan Mondy in Arkansas Children's Hospital. I ultimately waited too late on Friday to visit Ryan, and was preoccupied with getting home for other responsibilities on Saturday. Although we spent some quality time with our kids at the zoo and thoroughly enjoyed the day, I didn't drive over to Children's. I thought that since we will be back in the area next weekend for a band event, I would try to go see him then. Unfortunately, I checked my email last night and learned that Ryan lost his battle with cancer early yesterday morning. His dad and I were childhood friends and classmates in Sunday School at Black River GBC, and haven't been in touch for many years, but I felt for their family as they went through this time in their life. I have prayed for them daily and rejoiced with the early news that Ryan's tumor had disappeared. This had to be God's work!!! Then I was saddened to hear that there was another tumor and that treatments were being ineffective. How could this be??? Why one miracle then a couple weeks later find out that Ryan was still in danger? Now, I am sorrowful that I never made the effort to comfort the family as they fought this battle. I am ashamed that I did not make the effort to share Christ's love with them, even if it was just a friendly visit. Father, forgive me for another missed opportunity.
Have another drink of coffee...
3.20.2008
Hanging Out At Kennedy Coffee!
Took a lunch break to hang out at what has become my favorite coffee shop (Kennedy Coffee, Bentonville AR) and just bask in God's presence. As I sit here, I am pounded by the sounds and sights of people getting to know each other better, interviewing for a job, looking for and reading the local newspaper, etc. The business of it all seems to attract me away from the main reason I'm here: watching God's creation / creatures at work. But as I write this, I am reminded that God is here with me. He is watching my actions and He knows my thoughts. He is right here with all these people too! He is likely at work in their lives. He could be working on their behalf to get that new job, make a new friend, grow a relationship. As life happens around me, sitting in a local coffee shop, I am again awed by His ability to orchestrate all this and then I remember that "all things work for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose." What a God!!!
2.15.2007
FAITH in Action!!!
I heard this story from one of the two Sunday School Teachers mentioned below during a half-time devotional at an Upward basketball game. It inspired me so much that I felt I had to share it with as many people as possible. I contacted the man who gave the devotional and asked him to email me the story. I have posted it here so you can read it just as I heard it. Enjoy...God Bless...
FAITH in Action
Two Sunday School Teachers from Northwest Arkansas went to Daytona Beach, Florida for an evangelism training conference. To save money, they took taxis to and from the airport and shared a ride during the week with a friend from Tennessee. On the last evening in Daytona Beach, they were grabbing a late night snack from a convenience store when they spotted a taxi driver waiting for her next call at the same store. One of the Sunday School Teachers saw that she was reading a book by a Christian author that he recognized. Knowing that they would need a very early ride to the airport the next morning, he asked the taxi driver what she thought of the book. Her description of the book and what it meant to her spiritually quickly let him know that she was a fellow believer in Jesus. He asked her if she would help them arrange their morning taxi ride. She seemed to take great joy in calling in the reservation. She even expressed her disappointment that she would not be on duty to handle it herself BUT was sure the Lord would take care of them.
The next morning, the taxi arrived early. A lady was already in the front seat with a man driving. After the men were in the taxi and headed for the airport, the male driver introduced the lady in the front seat as his wife. She told the passengers that it would be her first morning back driving a cab in six years. She had been raising their two daughters who seemed to be doing well enough in school for her to resume driving to supplement the family income. She was about to start driving so her husband could go home, get the girls off to school, and get some sleep. Their 19-year-old daughter was at home with the younger girls.
They asked the men why they were in town. One of the men, from Arkansas, explained that they were attending a FAITH Institute at the First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. He asked if they had ever heard of FAITH or the First Baptist Church. They said they had not but that they had been talking about taking their children to church because they had been asking questions about God. The Sunday School Teacher explained that they were being trained by the First Baptist Church to take back ideas for strengthening their FAITH program back in Arkansas. He quickly told the couple, "it works like this." Then he asked them what they understood it took for a person to go to Heaven. When they both said they did not know for sure, he proceeded to explain to them how the Bible answered the question using the FAITH method and eight Bible verses he had committed to memory.
By the time they were pulling into the drop-off lane at the airport, the driver and his wife both said they wanted to have forgiveness of their sins and assurance of a home in Heaven when they die. The two Arkansans and the couple from Florida then joined hands as one of the Sunday School Teachers led them in a prayer in which they asked Jesus Christ to come into their hearts.
Now before you wonder whether the couple meant it, whether they changed, whether any follow up took place, or whatever questions you may have about this encounter, know that this is an extreme oversimplification of the whole process that unfolded over 12 hours. The First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach has been in touch with the family. So, there will be more to the story. But from what you have read here, there is already a lesson to consider in this story.
What is the probability that THESE two Arkansans, trained in how to explain the Gospel of salvation in a natural and conversational process, would have a Christian taxi driver pray for them as she arranged their ride the next morning? What is the probability that they would be picked up by a husband and wife team who had not worked together before because the woman had not driven a cab in six years? What is the probability that the length of the ride would be roughly the length of time it takes for the men to explain the Gospel? What is the probability that these parents had been thinking about doing SOMETHING spiritual – like going to church because their children had been asking them questions about God that they could not answer? Forget the math involved because in God's math it was a sure thing. He arranged this divine appointment for the sake of a family; for three daughters; for the encouragement of two sleepy, early-morning travelers; and perhaps for YOUR encouragement. Are you looking for divine appointments God has out there for you.
Yours/His,
Minister of Education and Family Life
First Baptist Church of Centerton, Arkansas
HE IS ABLE
Ephesians 3:20-21
1.10.2007
Be Joyful!
[My Comments are in brackets like these.]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1Thess 5:16 Be joyful always;
1Thess 5:17 pray continually;
1Thess 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
[From this short verse, I see clear direction in finding and living in God's will for our life. Be joyful, pray and give thanks in every situation you find your self.]
[I know, there are times when we don't feel like being joyful or thankful. There are days that we just can't bring ourselves to pray. But the Word says to do it regardless of how we feel.]
[So, let's work together to not focus on how we feel, but on the Word of God. When we think of God's provision, patience, love, sacrifice, salvation, and glory, it becomes easy to be joyful. It then seems natural to pray. How can we be anything but thankful???]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1Thess 5:16 Be joyful always;
1Thess 5:17 pray continually;
1Thess 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
[From this short verse, I see clear direction in finding and living in God's will for our life. Be joyful, pray and give thanks in every situation you find your self.]
[I know, there are times when we don't feel like being joyful or thankful. There are days that we just can't bring ourselves to pray. But the Word says to do it regardless of how we feel.]
[So, let's work together to not focus on how we feel, but on the Word of God. When we think of God's provision, patience, love, sacrifice, salvation, and glory, it becomes easy to be joyful. It then seems natural to pray. How can we be anything but thankful???]
The Man They Call Jesus
[My comments are in brackets like these.]
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
Jn 9:1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Jn 9:2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jn 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
Jn 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Jn 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jn 9:6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.
Jn 9:7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
[Jesus gave two clear instructions.
The man followed those instructions and received a miracle!! When we follow God’s leading, blessings follow!!]
Jn 9:8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”
[People around us may not understand or may not believe our transformation. Some may ask “Hey! Isn’t that the guy who used to …” in genuine curiosity, but others may ask that same question in an accusatory manner.]
Jn 9:9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
[In either case, the man stepped up and said, “I am that man!” The man who used to … be blind, be an alcoholic, be abusive, be angry, be vulgar, etc.]
Jn 9:10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded.
Jn 9:11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
[The next question is logical: “What happened to you to bring about this change?” “The man they call Jesus…!!!” When Jesus happens to a person, there is a noticeable change that sparks more interest (Where can we find Jesus?)]
Jn 9:12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
Jn 9:15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”
[The world will probably be skeptical, but we must continue to truly give Jesus the credit and glory for our salvation, transformation, blessings, etc.]
Jn 9:24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,’” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
Jn 9:25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
[Probably the greatest come back in the Bible, “I don’t know about all those other accusations regarding Jesus, but what I do know is that I was blind but now I see!!!”]
[I may not know much, but I know what happened to me!
I was a sinner, now I’m a saint.
I was a beggar, now I sit at the King’s table.
I was poor, but now I’m rich.
I was broken, but now I’m whole.
I was on the outside, now I’m on the inside.
I was sick, but now I’m healed.
I was alone, but now I have a friend in Jesus.
I was dieing, but now I’ll live forever.
I was disconnected, but now I’m plugged in.]
[How did all this happen? The man they call Jesus!!! That’s what happened!!!]
Spiritual Blindness
Jn 9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
Jn 9:36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jn 9:37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
Jn 9:38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
[When Christ reveals Himself to us, we have little choice but to believe and worship Him.]
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
Jn 9:1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Jn 9:2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jn 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
Jn 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Jn 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jn 9:6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.
Jn 9:7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
[Jesus gave two clear instructions.
The man followed those instructions and received a miracle!! When we follow God’s leading, blessings follow!!]
Jn 9:8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”
[People around us may not understand or may not believe our transformation. Some may ask “Hey! Isn’t that the guy who used to …” in genuine curiosity, but others may ask that same question in an accusatory manner.]
Jn 9:9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
[In either case, the man stepped up and said, “I am that man!” The man who used to … be blind, be an alcoholic, be abusive, be angry, be vulgar, etc.]
Jn 9:10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they demanded.
Jn 9:11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
[The next question is logical: “What happened to you to bring about this change?” “The man they call Jesus…!!!” When Jesus happens to a person, there is a noticeable change that sparks more interest (Where can we find Jesus?)]
Jn 9:12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
Jn 9:15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”
[The world will probably be skeptical, but we must continue to truly give Jesus the credit and glory for our salvation, transformation, blessings, etc.]
Jn 9:24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,’” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
Jn 9:25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
[Probably the greatest come back in the Bible, “I don’t know about all those other accusations regarding Jesus, but what I do know is that I was blind but now I see!!!”]
[I may not know much, but I know what happened to me!
I was a sinner, now I’m a saint.
I was a beggar, now I sit at the King’s table.
I was poor, but now I’m rich.
I was broken, but now I’m whole.
I was on the outside, now I’m on the inside.
I was sick, but now I’m healed.
I was alone, but now I have a friend in Jesus.
I was dieing, but now I’ll live forever.
I was disconnected, but now I’m plugged in.]
[How did all this happen? The man they call Jesus!!! That’s what happened!!!]
Spiritual Blindness
Jn 9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
Jn 9:36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jn 9:37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
Jn 9:38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
[When Christ reveals Himself to us, we have little choice but to believe and worship Him.]
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