Category: Faithfulness - Jethro TOOLS

Ministry of Character

10/13/2024

1 Timothy 5:17-25
I have a very quiet old dog. She can be a real character at times. For example when she wants a treat she walks over to me, puts her nose on my hand and just stares at me. Her funny little quirks just make me laugh. However, character goes beyond the external actions to the motivations of the heart. Our character is much like the foundation of a house. It is silently below the surface supporting all that is seen above ground. Character can be described as the individual qualities of a person that are formed deep within the moral fabric of ones life. Our character can be good or bad and that can lead to a good or bad reputation based on our actions. As we open the letter of 1 Timothy, again we hear the wise words of the spiritual elder Paul, instructing Timothy on how to form a ministry based on character. First, Paul notes that dedicated servants of God build dedicated people for God (17-18). Timothy is reminded that the teaching elder is dedicated to serving God and building people for God. Second, the reputation of Godly character is highly treasured otherwise it’s hastily tarnished (19-20). Godly leaders in the church are essential examples of faith and practice for the church. Third, Godly character formed by being faithful to God is a continual practice not an irregular event (21-25). Timothy needed to select and develop faithful Godly leaders who would provide stability for the church. We can be characters or live a life of God honoring character. Are we dedicated to God’s way, building a reputation for living God’s way, and continuing in God’s way? There is an old saying that says, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, God can reshape our character no matter how old we are using His Word, His Spirit and His church if we let Him.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Ministry of the Word

9/29/2024

1 Timothy 4
Do you remember the children’s story about The Little Engine That Could who had to work extra hard to keep up with the big trains? One day he had to pull a heavy load up a big mountain. The little train tried to remember all that he had learned from the old wise trains and then put it into practice. As he worked hard and strained to pull the load he kept saying to himself “I think I can, I think I can.” In 1 Timothy 4 Paul is challenging, Timothy, the young pastor, to remember what he has learned and continue practicing his faith in God by being a spiritual example for others by. Paul and Timothy realize that it is only faith in God and His salvation that will save them and the people of the church. Paul encourages Timothy to do three things. First, he is to preach God’s Word because spiritual life is found in Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture (1-5). Others have wandered from the faith, but Timothy is to remain faithful. Second, lead in the practice of the Word because spiritual life is found in the truths of God’s Word (6-10). Timothy was given a check list in a way to keep the practice of his faith focused. Finally, Paul challenged Timothy to grow in the Word because the church needs a Godly example to follow (11-16). The young pastor was to be the example for all in the church to follow. How is your faith? Have you wandered from the truth or are you practicing the truth? What you believe about God and His Word, the Bible, will affect your life and the life of others. Unlike The Little Engine That Could, faith is not what we can do or think we can do on our own. The practice of our faith is God at work through us as we faithfully follow Him and His Word.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Present The Truth

8/18/2024

1 Timothy 1:1-11
In the winter of 1924 - 1925, the growing diphtheria epidemic descended on the city of Nome, Alaska. Isolation and quarantines became the standard operating procedure as officials desperately tried to figure out how to combat the growing problem that infected one and then another and another. Finally, by the end of January plans were finalized and a life saving serum was carefully placed in a dogsled to be carried to Nome. Over the course of five and a half days, a series of dog sled teams were entrusted with transporting the life saving diphtheria antitoxin to the isolated community. Racing through terrible cold and treacherous conditions 20 mushers and about 150 dogs relayed the special package of serum safely to Nome on February 2, 1925. The delivery saved lives. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes his young ministry partner, Timothy, who is now in the city of Ephesus (3). His instruction to Timothy was to deal with the false teachers that were infecting the church (4-5). The apostle Paul was one who had been commissioned to carry the life saving message of the gospel to those who did not know Jesus (1). His concern was that the message of salvation through Jesus alone be clearly communicated to transform lives (9-10) and build the church (5). He had been entrusted with this life giving message and he did not want to see it distorted in any way (11). Paul challenged the young pastor, Timothy, to be faithful and discerning in his ministry. Even today, false teachers and their ideas will seek to distort the gospel message. Like Paul, those who have trusted Christ for salvation, are entrusted with the truth that Jesus alone saves. Do we truly understand that we have a life saving message that others are dying to receive? Are we delivering it faithfully and accurately? May God guide us as we depend on Him and carry His life saving message of Jesus to others.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Learning the Word

6/30/2024

2 Timothy 3:14-17
Our days can be busy, seemingly impossible, and at times we might even be disoriented and in need of direction. Through all of life directions are given to us in order to guide us. Drivers follow road signs and road maps. Carpenters follow blueprints for building a house. Pilots are trained to follow the instruments in their plane. Even if we are lost in the woods we know that moss grows on the North side of trees in the northern hemisphere, water always flows down hill, and the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. In life we have resources that provide direction and keep us from being disoriented. In much the same way God has given us His word to keep us from being spiritually disoriented. As Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3, he reminds this young pastor that his life has been influenced by Scripture (14). Previously he reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother faithfully instilled Scriptural truth through their teaching and example (2 Timothy 1:5) leading him to salvation in Christ (15). Like Timothy, we can see that God has given His word to equip us with a spiritual roadmap. It comes down to believing that God is God and His word carries His authority. He, as the true supreme authority, inspired and directed the Biblical authors in their writing (16) to write His exact words. When we value God and His word we will allow it to teach us and equip us for His service (17). Our life and service will only have substance and direction when we base our lives on God and His word. Reading the word of God daily, pondering its truth and doing what it says will strengthen our faith and keep us from being disoriented as we focus on Christ.

For More See 2 TIMOTHY

Living the Word

6/23/2024

2 Timothy 2:14-18
Have you tried walking on mud? The other day I was walking on mud while trying to prepare a garden. It was a slippery mess. I did not have a good stable base on which to stand. Beside sliding my shoes gradually picked up more and more mud. Now along with lacking proper footing my walking became uneven, almost stumbling from the uneven mud built up on my shoes. Just as mud on the shoes lead to instability in walking, so also does false teaching and adopting of its falsehood lead to a spiritual life that is not stable. As Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he seeks to communicate how he can be a leader who faithfully follows the truth found in God’s word the Bible. However, in chapter 2, there were some men who turned from the truth and ruined their faith (16-17). Paul writes to challenge Timothy to warn and thus protect his audience from false teaching (14) by promoting spiritual health in the church through his teaching of God’s truth. Timothy was to be a man who sought his approval from God and taught what God approved from the word of God (15). He was to be like a workman who labors in his study to understand the Bible and then labors in his persistent teaching of accurate truth to his audience. Timothy was to avoid what is not true and teach only what is true. For us today we need to look for ways to bring God’s truth and the message of salvation through Jesus into every conversation. Like Timothy, we need to be diligent in the truth by spending time reading and absorbing the truth of Scripture to bring spiritual stability to our lives and spiritual help to others who have lost their way.

For More See 2 TIMOTHY

What do others say about us?

6/16/2024

Ephesians 6:21-24
Over the years people have sought to memorialize themselves or others through witty phrases etched on their tombstone. One of those sayings that has been used by several is, “I told you I was sick.” What would you think if you saw that on a tombstone? You might think the person had a sense of humor, or perhaps someone else was doing their best to describe this character. When a person passes away it is a serious time for remembrance and reflection. This should cause us to pause, with some sober thought, and ask “What will others say of us when we are gone?” I believe that question is the challenge behind the closing verses in the book Ephesians. In closing out this letter Paul begins his conclusion to Ephesians 6 by describing a faithful brother, Tychicus (21-22). This man was noted as a dear brother and faithful servant. One who is deeply appreciated and loved as a brother, and one who dutifully and consistently meets the needs of others through his service. Tychicus was the one who carried this letter to the church and Paul used him as an illustration of unity and service in the body of Christ. This beloved servant of the church had been changed through his belief in Jesus as savior and sought to continue to show his love for his savior through his dedicated service. In our world today, the temptation is to make our efforts about ourselves and for our benefit. Paul noted just the opposite about Tychicus. His faith in Jesus transformed his life and his love for others. Tychicus served because the grace of God, and Jesus as his savior made all the difference in his life. Just like Tychicus, may others remember our love and service for our savior.

For more see EPHESIANS

Future Hope

3/3/2024

Ruth 4
The other evening I walked outside and glanced at the clear, dark evening sky. There, illuminated against the backdrop of the stars and rising moon was a long ribbon like cloud. We had just felt the furry of colliding weather fronts and their strong winds. Now that the storm had mostly subsided, it left this ribbon of cloud stretched across the sky from west to east. As clouds do, it changed as it was carried along with the breezes aloft. The weather pattern must have trapped the moisture forming the cloud between two unseen air currents. I was mesmerized. I had never seen anything like that. In fact, it lasted through the night and into the next morning, dissipating as the sun came up. Through the simple beauty captured in the sky I was reminded of God’s faithful loyal love toward us. We may not recognize all that He is doing, but His faithfulness like a beautiful ribbon flows through our world. We just need to stop and recognize His handiwork. That is exactly what happened in Ruth chapter 4. Naomi and Ruth waited as Boaz went to the city gate to discuss with a closer relative the plight of Naomi’s family and land (1-6). That man was unwilling, so Boaz stepped in to redeem the family through the purchase of the property and marrying Ruth (7-12). A son was born and the women of the town reminded Naomi that God has not left them helpless and hopeless, instead He has provided a redeemer. Where ever we turn we can see the work of God who loves us and sent His son to be our saving redeemer. Like the women said to Naomi, David also says to us, “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2).”

For more see RUTH

Hope Under Pressure

2/18/2024

Ruth 2
Have you ever heard the whisper of wind through the branches of a pine tree? The other day I was out for a walk and felt a slight breeze on my face and heard its whistling whisper as it moved through the needles of a large pine tree positioned right by the road. I could not see the wind but I could see its effect on the pine tree as it gently swayed its branches. The result of the wind passing through the pine branches with their long needles was a soothing, almost musical song. I stood in the middle of the road transfixed, watching and listening to the tree dance and sing. It reminded me of how God works in our lives. You see we may not see Him, but if we pay attention we can see His action that provides motion and music all around us. A tree that does not bend with the wind will be broken under its pressure. In Ruth chapter two we see Ruth in a place of acceptance and submission in her situation. She does not remain bitter like Naomi, instead she takes the step of faith, seeking God’s provision of food (1-3). Ruth finds herself in a field belonging to a close relative and begins to see God provision (4-13) and blessing (14-16). Up to this point, Naomi, Ruth’s mother in law, has been in a bitter fight with God resisting His movement and work in her life. However, as Naomi hears of Ruth’s day and sees the abundance of her effort she credits God and for the first time begins to express hope (19-22). God will faithfully provide and give hope even in the pressures of perplexing problems. Like Naomi, the music of hope in our lives is best played as we submit to God and bend under His direction. When we do, we are able to sing a song of praise in the midst of pressure… just like a pine tree on a windy day.

For More see RUTH

Hopeless

2/11/2024

Ruth 1
Have you ever faced the fear of uncertainty and the pain of loss? We all have to one degree or another. There is the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one or the loss of health. Each one of these carry with them their own complications, uncertainties and fears. A while ago I was talking with a friend who had lost his job. It was pretty easy to see his pain and hear his frustration. The answers of why and what next were not clear. However, through the present hopelessness he did not waver in his confident belief that God was in control and that somehow God would provide either where he was or some place new. At that juncture in time he was not willing to move unless God made it absolutely clear. Would you be able to display that same confident faith in God alone and His provision? As we pick up the story of Ruth, we see in chapter one that Naomi has faced the loss of her homeland and her family (1-5) and now she plans to make the transition home empty handed with nothing but personal hopelessness (6-14). In the midst of her pain God provides the blessing of a faithful and loyal daughter in law, Ruth, who even though she is grieving the loss of her own husband is led to be a blessing to her bitter mother in law (15-18). Ruth trusts God and seeks to display her faith by following Him, serving Naomi, even if that takes her away from her own homeland. We all face painful, heart wrenching situations in life. Let me encourage you to be used by God, even when you lack hope, to be a blessing to others like Ruth. In contrast, Naomi turned bitter toward God (19-21). Remember, God is at work redeeming even the worst of our life situations. Don’t go to another place or seek another position unless God makes it clear. Trust in God alone.

For more see RUTH

Song of Celebration

12/24/2023

Luke 2:29-32
Puzzle games, you know the ones… they are intriguing wood or wire shapes that are intertwined as one and yet can be taken apart and reassembled. You have probably seen them or perhaps bought them for the inquisitive minds in your family. I remember one Christmas as a kid sitting on the floor after being given a set of heavy wire ones, and eventually figuring them out. It took quite a while, but when I solved the puzzle, I remember thinking, “Wow, so that is how it is done.” Fast forward a number of years and I was given a small wood block with only one hole in it. Inside, apparently, there were several passage ways for a small ball to roll. The goal is simple, just remove the ball from the hidden maze using nothing but your sense of sound and imagination of where the ball is rolling. Again, after a bit of time, I was able to solve it. I remember thinking, “Wow, so that is how it is done.” In a similar way in Luke 2 we see a similar unsolved puzzle. This puzzle is different as it does not require human effort to solve, only careful observation of God’s action. We pick up the story of an old man named Simeon in verse 25 where he is described as a faithful godly man. He had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the savior that God had promised (26). Simeon had been looking, but the savior had not been revealed to him until Joseph and Mary walked into the temple with the baby Jesus (27). When Simeon sees Jesus he bursts forth in a song of celebration (29-32) for God’s faithfulness and His perfect plan of salvation. It is almost as if he says, “Wow, so that it how it is done.” Like Simeon, we can have the same response as we see that Jesus is the promised savior and believe that He is our savior.

For more see LUKE or SONGS OF CHRISTMAS or SALVATION

God's Character - Sovereignty

4/30/2023

Job 1:6-11
Have you noticed how much the automobile industry has changed lately? Just stop and compare the very first car that you can remember with the one that you use today. When I grew up there was no air conditioning, no power steering, no power windows, and the heater only worked for the front seat. Now we have all kinds of creature comforts and amenities to enjoy while driving. In spite of all the cameras and gizmos, we still have to drive the car. The driver, even though they do not understand all the technology, is the one that uses all the benefits of technology and engineering to direct the car down the road. To carry this analogy even further, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty He controls the vehicle of our life and every life in the world. He does this out of His grace. In the book of Job we see God use His sovereignty to display His grace and power. God rules over the angels (6) establishing His purpose and will. In these verses we also see that God rules over Satan (6-11). Even today, we see and feel the influence of Satan, and forget the sovereign power of God over Satan. This passage reminds us, that God is sovereign in all of life, including even today. Like Job, we may not see or understand God’s power and work. However, God in His sovereignty is at work to bring about his purposes in and through our life, just as He was in Job’s life. You may feel like you are stuck with a broken down vehicle on the side of life’s highway. Remember that God is in control. In His sovereignty He knows what is going on. He will work to bring His blessing, if not now, then in the next life. Our job is to trust Him, rest in His grace, and follow Him faithfully like Job.

For more see JOB

Job's Character

4/23/2023

Job 1:1-5
A police officer was making his rounds in the city. As he approached one intersection he noticed a commotion in the traffic ahead. As he puled his patrol car closer he saw an irate woman screaming at the top of her lungs, throwing stuff at other cars, and honking her horn for no reason at all. After observing this for a bit the officer turned on his lights and pulled the woman over. The woman angrily questioned why she was being stopped. The officer replied that he noticed the bumper sticker on the back that said, “Follow Me To Church.” He continued, “I looked at the bumper sticker, and I looked at your actions, and I thought that the car must be stolen.” Saying one thing and doing another is the definition of hypocritical character and a life that is spiritually out of balance. Character matters because it is the moral resolve in life that leads to a life lived with integrity, resulting in a good reputation. We see this in the life of Job. Even though Job was very wealthy (3), he still lived out his faith in front of his community (1), and family (2). There are three things that we can learn from Job in these verses. First, our character will display our relationship to God (1). How we live will authenticate what we claim about our relationship to God. If we talk about God but do not live for Him, then God is not followed. Second, our character will impact our view of money and possessions (3). How we treat our possessions will authenticate our relationship with God. If money and possessions are more important, then God is less important. Third, our character will impact our spiritual relationship with others (4-5). How we treat others spiritually will authenticate our relationship with God. If we say nothing about Jesus and do not point others to Jesus, then is He our God?

For more see JOB

Opportunity for the Faithful

3/27/2022

Revelation 3:7-13
As I walked out of the store I reached in my pocket for my car keys. I froze in fear as I realized the keys were gone. What did I do with them? Then at that moment I looked through the window and saw them dangling from the ignition. Have you ever done that? It may not be car keys, but it may have been house keys that are locked or lost. Fortunately, I had learned a simple trick from my father of carrying a spare key in my wallet. I was able to open the car door and go about the rest of my day. If you hold the keys you have the power and authority to open certain doors and also shut certain doors. In Revelation 3 Jesus presents Himself as the God of all authority to the church of Philadelphia. He alone holds the key and has the ability to open and shut (7). The problem is that in the city of Philadelphia there was a Jewish temple and people who opposed the Christians. They asserted that they had the approval and acceptance of God. What they promoted was false religion that opposes true faith in Christ as savior. This false group asserted their practice over the truth that Christ alone provides salvation. Jesus tells the church of Philadelphia that because of their faithfulness they have an opportunity to be a witness to those that oppose them and teach falsehood (8). God will bring those from the false teaching in the synagogue to the point of repentance from sin and worship of Jesus as the only savior (9). Like the church of Philadelphia we have the opportunity to present the truth of Jesus to those who do not know the truth that Jesus. He is the only savior who provides the only way to gain forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. Who have you told about Jesus recently?

For more see REVELATION

Tolerating Corruption in the Church

3/13/2022

Revelation 2:18-29
When it was built the old shed was fine, but over the years it gradually fell into decay because it lacked a solid foundation. Having been built right on the ground the floor supports began to rot. I needed a shed, and this building was on the property. I would save a lot of time if I could salvage the foundation. So I went to work and jacked up the building and placed concrete blocks on the ground and good wood on top of the concrete to support the shed. The end result was a revitalized building that is still in use today all because it has a solid foundation. In many ways, I believe that our life can be illustrated by that shed. We need to understand the solid foundation of God’s word so the corruption of the world will not cause our spiritual life to slowly rot away. This was the problem of the church in Thaytira. They did not practice spiritual discernment and slowly fell into decay. Simply put, they tolerated the moral compromise of a sinful woman as leader in the church (20-23). Jesus encouraged those who were faithful (19) to persuade them to continue being faithful (25). Like Thyatira, we need to be discerning about spiritual authority. We need to discern that what is taught follows the authority of scripture. We need to be discerning in our own lives and follow God’s authority. Finally, we need to discern that God is the sole authority in the church. A title and a position that lack the support of God and His word will not provide an example of God’s transformative power or teaching for spiritual change. A church that lacks discernment and discerning people will be a place ripe for the rottenness of sin and decay. Our foundation must be based on Christ and nothing else.

For more see REVELATION

Be Faithful

2/27/2022

Revelation 2:8-11
I had noticed the small but also big footprints that are distinct of a rabbit in the snow around my house. I was not surprised knowing that we have a family of rabbits that have made our garden their home. However, I was surprised to see a rabbit come racing out from under the steps as I was cleaning up the most recent snowfall. With typical wide eyed fear the little guy stopped for just a moment to see if I was a friend, foe, or just the obnoxious landlord. Having determined I was the latter he raced off without giving me a second glance. A rabbit naturally wants to stay out of sight or run away from what sees them. The pressure of survival easily raises their fears and places them in a state of stress. Funny; are we not like rabbits in many ways? In Revelation 2 we see John record the words of Jesus to the second church, the church of Smyrna. Jesus knew they had already suffered much which led to their poverty (9), and that their suffering was going to increase (10). For the church in Smyrna there is not much hope. However, Jesus tells them not to be afraid and to be faithful (10). Why? He does not criticize or correct Smyrna, instead Jesus reminds this persecuted and fearful church that He is sovereign and has overcome death (9). Like the church in Smyrna it is easy for us to be so preoccupied with survival that we neglect seeing Jesus as the one who has the solution even if we do die. Our tendency is to be like the rabbit and run to survive on our own. We are reminded not to be afraid, even of death. Jesus offers life to those that remain faithful even to the point of death. That is hope for those in distress.

For more see REVELATION

The Vision of Jesus Christ

2/6/2022

Revelation 1:9-20
With the Winter Olympics just around the corner we wait, hoping our favorite athletes overcome the obstacles and opponents and win. Yet this one moment and victory in time is not just by chance. If it was by chance then every one of us would be in the Olympics looking for our chance. In fact the athletes that we cheer for have been preparing, practicing and persevering in their sporting event for years. They have restricted their diet and refused certain activities all to focus on their development and training. In Revelation 1:9-11 John recounts how he arrived on the island of Patmos. Very simply he was exiled to the island because of his teaching and preaching about Jesus. In the midst of his persecution and banishment he was able to be an encouragement to the people and churches addressed in this letter. John was a spiritual brother and fellow partaker in the tribulations and spiritual blessings that the audience was experiencing (vs. 9). Then in verse 10 John mentions being in the Spirit in fellowship and worship of God. In these verses we see that John does not allow his circumstance to change his relationship with other believers; neither does he allow his circumstance to change his worship. It was through his exile on Patmos that God spoke and told him to write (vs. 11) what became the book of Revelation. It is often easy for us to allow our circumstances to impact our spiritual perspective and even our spiritual life. Note that John’s life was not easy and yet it is out of the trials which he was in that God called him and used him. Perhaps God is preparing you through your present circumstances for something He has not yet revealed. Practice faithfulness to Christ in the present.

For more see REVELATION

Hope - Encouragement to Live by Faith

1/30/2022

Revelation 1:1-8
Do you remember the Merry Go Round from a school playground in your child hood. I remember one where several of us boys would get on while the others remained off. The task was very simple. If you were on the Merry Go Round you tried with all your might to stay on. If you were off the Merry Go Round your job was to spin it as fast as possible to make those that were on the Merry Go Round fall off. I remember being on the Merry Go Round and spinning so fast and so long that I thought it would never stop while my brothers and friends were just laughing at me. Have you ever wanted something to end, but had no power to stop it? The spinning problem just seemed to go on and on without an end in sight. Perhaps you feel like that now. Perhaps you see this year is a repeat of the previous year, or you feel like this month will never end. Your thoughts are sort of like being on the Merry Go Round as you scream, “Stop the world and let me off!” The book of Revelation is a reminder to remain faithful even when the world and our life seems to be spinning out of control. Revelation reminds us that in the end Jesus wins and controls everything. That was an encouragement to the churches and individuals John was writing to who were struggling to hang on amid pressures and persecution of their faith. Today we may read the book of Revelation looking for answers about the future. However, the emphasis throughout this book is to remain faithful to Jesus by obeying what is written (Rev. 1:3) and hang on to our faith. Make Jesus your focus and not the problem that is spinning out of control.

For more see REVELATION

Simeon & Anna: Praise for God's Grace

12/19/2021

Luke 2:21-38
Waiting is not an easy thing to do. Lately I have been irritated with other drivers. For example, at a traffic light that just turned green, someone three cars back starts honking their horn because everyone else is not moving fast enough to suit them. Perhaps you have experienced what I am talking about. We do not like to wait in line in traffic, or really anytime at all. We are in an instant society that relies on high speed internet, fast cell phones, microwaves and drive through coffee shops. We don’t like to wait. Very simply, we do not live patiently while waiting. In Luke 2:21-38 we see that Simeon lived a righteous life while he waited to see the Savior as God had promised him. He faithfully followed God’s direction by going to the temple where he saw Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. He then spoke with perception and wisdom about this baby as the Savior for all people. As if on cue, Anna steps in and begins to praise God for the redeemer that God has sent. Both of these people were elderly and had spent many years waiting for this moment. God worked through the patient devotion of Simeon and Anna to spread and affirm His message of the Savior. God’s desire is to develop our devoted faith in Him and our persistent and consistent practice of righteousness. This kind of righteousness is not instant or intermittent devotion that lacks the refinement of persistent faith in God. Simeon and Anna were known as righteous people who lived by faith while they patiently waited for the Savior to arrive. God desires that we persistently follow Him in faith, patiently wait for His return and tell others of our Savior. That is what Simeon and Anna did.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Joseph: Serve to Display Grace

11/28/2021

Matthew 1:18-25
Years ago a movie was produced about three singing chipmunks named Simon, Theodore, and Alvin. One of the songs begins as a peaceful Christmas song… “Christmas time is here again.” In the middle of the song, the constant troublemaker, Alvin, changes the words and sings, “me I want a hula hoop.” The funny thing is that I remember listening to that song on a vinyl record when I was just a wee lad. We can laugh at the self-centeredness of Alvin, but that attitude is prevalent at Christmas and in some of the Christmas characters in the Bible. However, that is not an accurate description of Joseph. In Matthew chapter 1 we see that Joseph was known as a righteous man who sought to live a righteous life that was upright and pleasing to God. He is one of the least known people in the Bible, yet he acts in a way that is unselfish toward Mary by going against his culture and community in order to carry out what God has revealed to him. A righteous and upright life is an important character quality yet it often lacks proper emphasis in the news today. It is easy to do many things and be an important person but it is the quality and character of our life that will be noted and remembered. As we enter the Christmas season we are reminded again of Joseph and the importance of a righteous life. He was noted as an ordinary man who God used, a righteous man that God could use, and a righteous man who lived by faith for God to use. Joseph believed God and his beliefs directed the way he lived and served to display God’s grace. May our lives be ones that are noted for righteousness, usefulness, and faith in God alone.

For more see CHRISTMAS

The Life of the Believer

10/31/2021

Galatians 5:22-23
Lately I have been trying to paint two unfinished exterior walls of my house. If painting was all that I had to do, the job would be done in a day or two. However, there are other things that require my time and attention. Because other situations arise and normal responsibilities take longer than expected the painting project takes more time to complete. Currently, I am nearing the end of the painting project. All that I need to do is one more coat of white paint on the trim and then some touch ups where I slopped trim paint on the blue wall. It is interesting, when you stand on the street and look at the house you can’t see the small unfinished areas or the spots that need touching up. But the closer you get the more the flaws and the unfinished painting stand out. In Galatians 5:22-23 we see that God works in the life of the believer to produce certain specific character qualities described as fruit. These fruits are the results of spiritual growth and maturity that become more and more common in our lives. Just as my house could not paint itself so we can’t produce these spiritual results in our lives without the work of God’s Spirit. God’s work, like my painting job, will take time. For example, we are not instantly loving or continually filled with joy, but God is continually at work shaping our character to become more complete. So, as you consider these Christ like character qualities stop and ask, Which one do I need right now? Ask God to develop this area of your life. God will pick up His paint brush called grace and continue His process of making you a better reflection of Himself to our world.

For more see MATTHEW 28:19-20 or WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

Worship in Faith

9/26/2021

Exodus 12
Quite a while ago I had to get my vehicle worked on and the mechanic noticed the parking permit on my windshield and asked, “Are you a preacher?” I responded affirming his observation. At that point he became a bit embarrassed about his poor choice of words at times. I assured him that I was not offended. A short while later I went to pay the bill by providing a debit card. Unknown to us there was a problem with the machine that day. As he scanned my card the machine responded with the message “Redemption.” He looked at me in shock and said, “You must really be a preacher even the machine says so.” The first card did not work so I produced a second, and the same message of “Redemption” appeared. He looked at me with a smile and said, “Well I can’t believe it, I have had redemption twice in one day.” He was amazed that I forgave him and I praised God for the past conversations and His present work in the life of this man. That is worship. However, often we think that worship only happens at church. Worship is much more than what happens one day a week for one hour at church. Worship involves all of life (see Romans 12:1-2). In Exodus 12 God institutes a special feast so the people would continue to remember His powerful action of deliverance from Egypt (1-11). It was to be a joy filled celebration remembering God’s power and faithfulness (14-28). Like the nation of Israel we are called to worship by remembering God’s action of redemption through Christ. In doing so we reaffirm our belief and help others renew their faith in the God of redemption. Let us worship in faith and live to proclaim God’s redemption.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

What is the Church?

7/11/2021

Matthew 16:13-20
A while ago I was in church setting up for Sunday morning. As I walked into the kitchen a squirrel raced across the counter to the window, down to the floor and under a cabinet. The remainder of the day was spent trying to find him, catch him or at least contain him. The last time that I saw him was when he ran out from under a bench, jumped up on the piano and then raced under the organ. From my perspective and analysis I think he is very interested in music. You see, some churches may have a church mouse, some may have bats in the attic, but we seem to have upgraded to a squirrel in the sanctuary. When we think of church we often define the church by where the church building is located and what happens inside the building. Buildings are a place for the church to meet, but the people are the ones who make up the church. In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus questions His followers regarding who He is. They responded with the common answers that they heard in society. As we read verse 15 we see that Jesus pushed back and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered by stating his belief that Jesus is God sent to be the promised one sent to be the Savior (16). That belief, Jesus says, forms the foundation of the church (18). The church is not a building, though buildings are helpful as places to meet. The church is a place where people are taught and encouraged to live their faith in Christ as they look forward to the day when Christ will return (Hebrews 10:20).

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How to Live Faithfully for God

4/28/2021

Psalm 119:121-128
The Word and Opposition

How to Live Faithfully for God When Facing Opposition
1. Be Actively Faithful to God (121)
   Maintain the purity of Godly actions by practicing justice and righteousness

2. Trust God More Than You Fear Oppressors (121-122)
   Seek God’s Presence
Seek God’s Power
Seek God’s Preservation

3. Actively Look for God’s Solution (123)
   Look for how God will save
   Look for God’s fulfilled promise

4. Continue to Serve God (124-125)
   Do not doubt - God is faithful in love
   Be a learner in difficulty
   Be committed to God
   Be committed to God’s ways

5. Request God to Act According to His Word (126)
   God is faithful to His word and His character
   Remain faithful to God even in opposition and continue to communicate with Him

6. Value God’s Word over Compromise (127-128)
   Love God’s word more than treasure
   Practice God’s word - it is a personal treasure

For more see PSALM 119

Thankfulness and Faithfulness

11/22/2020

Psalm 107:1-9
As a child I fondly remember receiving birthday presents. As I unwrapped the gifts I became more excited as I realized how useful this gift was or how much fun I could have with this new toy. The problem was that my Mom kept a list of who the presents were from and I was expected to write a short thank you note to each of the people who gave me a gift. I dreaded doing this. I would often put it off as long as possible until my Mom made me sit down and write two or three sentences expressing my thanks. I believe that my parents saw the value of instilling in me, from an early age, the habit of thankfulness. When we are thankful for what we do have we appreciate the blessing of new gifts and the graciousness of the giver. In Psalm 107 the author gives an invitation to give thanks to the Lord. The reason to give thanks is found in God’s faithful display of His love for His people. This Psalm was written about the people of Israel returning to the land after God had punished their continual disobedience. They were wandering (4), in need of food and water (5) and discouraged or faint in their spirit (6). Are you wandering and in need of direction for life? Are you in need of daily provisions? Are you in need of encouragement to replace discouragement? The Lord is good and faithful in showing His unfailing love. Trust Him and praise Him. When we thank God for His past faithfulness we will be able to rest in the present because our faith sees a good, faithful and loving God at work.

For more see Thankfulness

The LORD is Forever Faithful

6/25/2020

Psalm 23:6
How many places have you lived? More than likely we all have moved to a new residence at least once in our lifetime. Moving can be a hassle. There are boxes to pack and things to sort through. The simple guideline is to make three plies, one pile to keep, one pile to give away and one pile to throw away. But in all this we are just changing where we live and some of the things that we live with. We are only changing where we live not who we live with. We can never change the family relationships that we have. Sure we may create physical distance or not live in the same city but we are still related. As David closes Psalm 23 we see him repeat the main idea that he started this Psalm with. In this verse he talks about dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. On the surface this may not seem connected but as we think about it we see a link. A sheep will find goodness and and loyal faithfulness of the shepherd only in the presence of the shepherd. Sheep live with the shepherd under the shepherd’s care, protection and provision. Sheep make their home with their shepherd and there they find rest. David knows the limited span of life for a sheep or himself yet he understands that with the LORD as his shepherd he is able to rest forever in the relationship that he has with His shepherd. Like David we can rest eternally because of an intimate personal relationship with the LORD if we know Him as our shepherd and savior. You see salvation is not based on your perspective of your life, but on your relationship with the LORD as your shepherd.

For more see Psalms 23