Category: God's Honor - Jethro TOOLS

Ministry of Care

10/6/2024

1 Timothy 5:1-16
Care is an interesting word. For example, I have an old dog that was literally dumped in my neighborhood on a cold rainy day. I felt concern and care for her which led to catching her, feeding her and helping her overcome health and trust problems. I cared about the dog and stepped in to help her. However on the other hand, the phrase I could not care less means that I have no interest in the subject at hand and have no level of connection or concern that could influence my position. In other words, on the caring meter that measures how much one cares, I am at a zero. Simply put, the level of feeling concern could not go any lower. You see, on one hand we can be moved deeply to reach out and show care or we can be ambivalent and distant by not being involved with any care. In 1 Timothy 5 Paul instructs Timothy to be one that offers care, instructs in care and guides in care. Timothy is to offer correction with care by coming alongside to help reorient the individual to God’s way of living (1-2). Second, Timothy is to be one that instructs others how to care, particularly families as they care for their elder members (3-8). Finally, Paul provides Timothy with guidelines for the church in providing care to those within the church (9-16). All this involves the practice of grace because those in need of care may be truly unlovely. The church needs to correct problems with grace and caution, but also be a place where people find value belonging to a gracious family. Are we ones who willingly step toward the problems and the people with problems? As we think about the ministry of caring for people we need to be ones that display the grace of Christ within the body of Christ to bring honor to Christ and make a difference for Christ.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Walk in Marriage

5/19/2024

Ephesians 5:22-33
A mirage is an optical illusion that appears to be real. However, in reality it is not there. For example, on a hot day, the right conditions in the atmosphere can create an optical illusion or mirage. The surface of a road may look like water. It shimmers and appears to be real, but the farther you drive the more the illusion seems to shift and disappear. In Ephesians 5 Paul provides practical teaching on what the marriage of a believer in Jesus is to be like. This is not to be an illusion that just tricks the eyes of everyone else. In the book of Ephesians Paul is emphasizing the grace of God and how that changes our life. In the first three chapters Paul highlights the theological truths that change us at salvation. Now, in the final three chapters Paul emphasizes how the reality of God’s grace should change the way we live. Our belief in the good news and message of salvation through Jesus changes our heart, while His example provides the model of how we are to live. Paul relates that truth to marriage by illustrating the fact that a marriage relationship is not based on rights, expectations and privileges. Instead, a believers marriage relationship finds its substance in submitting, serving and sacrificing. Those words are hard for self centered people. Yet, when those actions are given with grace and believed by faith, that God will use our actions for His honor, a healthy marriage becomes a reality and not a mirage. Is the message and model of Jesus sacrifice and service reflected in your marriage, or is your marriage just a mirage of what it could be? As Paul illustrates in Ephesian 5:22-33, your marriage is to be a living relational model of a new spiritual reality that displays your relationship with Jesus.

For more see EPHESIANS

Service: What Must I Do?

3/10/2024

Matthew 26:6-16
The other day my yard was invaded by a bunch of kids, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We started with games like tug of war, and ended with a big fire. The definition of a fire is a spark that ignites oxygen and fuel. On a cold day the warmth of a fire is nice. But, have you noticed that a fire on a warm day also draws you in? Why? What is it about a fire that attracts us? The movement of the flame is intriguing; the light from the flame is illuminating; the warmth of the flame is inviting. Is that not also true about Jesus? What He does in our world is intriguing. The truth of His words illuminate the darkness of our lives, and His presence invites us into the warmth of a relationship with Him. Like a fire we see that Mary was repeatedly drawn into a relationship with Jesus her Savior. She sat at Jesus feet, listening to Jesus, while Martha made the meal (Luke 10:38-42). She bowed down at Jesus feet, grieving the death of her brother Lazarus (John 11:28-32). Now, at the meal with the disciples, she worships at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). Mary willingly gave her most valued possession in service to Christ. She had a passion to be with, to worship and to serve Jesus, her Savior. In much the same way our love and worship for Jesus should fill the air around us like Mary’s perfume. Do we have that same passion to be with Jesus and sit at His feet and serve Him? We can sit at Jesus feet by spending time listening to His word, responding in prayer and doing what honors Him. Mary’s love for Jesus, and faith in Him, filled the room. Like a fire, may our faith in our Savior draw others into the warmth of His love for them.

Fore more see MATTHEW or EASTER

Invitation to Worship

6/18/2023

Psalm 95
Do you remember the school song from your high school or college days? Most schools will have some sort of theme song that is used on various occasions to emphasize the school and its values. I vividly recall one song from one of my previous schools. The song All Hail the Power of Jesus Name was written by Edward Perronet and it captures, in words and music, the picture of honor and submission given to Jesus as the King above all kings. The words of the first verse begin,
All hail the pow’r of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall, Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
I still remember sitting in chapel and hearing the words of the chorus echo through the auditorium. Crown Him, crown Him, crown Him rolled like thunder through the student body each time we lifted our voices in praise. The worship of God is an expression of praise from our lips, but it is also the submission of our heart, our attitude, and ultimately our life to the King of all. For us as people the concept of submission is often difficult. We as people, at the core, are rebellious and prideful, as we seek our own way apart from God. Our worship of God is not looking for what we can get from God. Instead, the worship of our life and our words is to seek the glory of God by declaring His greatness and submitting to His way in our life. May the constant worship of our great God and savior Jesus Christ continuously roll through our lives each day with thunderous reverberation as we crown Him Lord of all. So, like Psalm 95, I invite you to join me in worship. It is a simple invitation that you can pass on to others as well. Come let us worship and bow down.

For more see PSALMS or INVITATION SERIES

God's Sovereign Persistence

5/21/2023

Job 2:1-6
What do you do when you need fresh produce for a meal at home? Well, the answer is one of two things. The first option is that you may start a garden or plant some fruit trees. However, the results are not instantaneous. The second option is to go to the local grocery store. Upon entering the store you walk to the fresh produce case and examine the fruit and vegetables. You will look for bruises, bad spots, and unappealing bumps. Fruit that is shipped to our local grocery store will often arrive bruised from harvest and transportation. However, regardless of the lumps, bumps, and bruises a banana is still a banana. God made our fruits and vegetables to be consistent on the outside with what is on the inside. If you cut an apple open you do not expect to find a peach. The same consistency is true in the life of Job. As we move into chapter two we again see God’s rule over Satan (1-2). He is the defeated foe as God rules in the life of Job, His servant (3). However, Satan is not done, because he desires another chance to destroy Job (4-5). Yet, God in His sovereignty, allows Satan another chance to turn Job against Him (6). The sovereign persistence of God controlled Satan and kept Job. God, in His sovereignty, acts to preserve His servant. God is persistent in bringing about His plan in Job’s life and ours. We need to trust that only God can save us. Our effort to save ourselves is futile. Our enemy, Satan, is determined. However, God is all powerful, displaying His sovereign persistence. He knows the past, present, and future. His desire is that we submit to His rule and purpose in order to display His honor and glory through us. Like fruit that is squeezed and bruised, the servant of God under pressure displays God’s greatness to sustain and preserve.

For more see JOB

Jesus Role as King

12/22/2022

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. Jesus came as King to do what was necessary, and make it possible, that all who believe in Him as Savior will be made right with God. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek the King and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see MATTHEW or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Conformity to God's Standard

11/27/2022

Romans 8:28
William Payne Stewart was an American professional golfer who lived from 1957-1999. He was at the peak of his career, having won eleven PGA events and three major championships, when he tragically died. At the age of 42 he was killed in an airplane accident because the plane cabin did not pressurize resulting in a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. The plane traveled for hours on auto pilot until it finally ran out of fuel and crash landed. People around the world grieved the loss of this flamboyant golfer who was in his prime. Yet, in the pain, God was at work. You see, Stewart and several others on board that doomed flight were believers in Jesus Christ. Through the sorrow of their passing God brought about His good. Others came to faith in Christ through their death. Often we define good as being what is pleasant to us. However, in Romans 8:28 good is defined in the context of the following verse as being conformed to Jesus Christ. Our conformity is based on confidence in the ultimate goodness of God’s work and His shaping of our character in the process. God works in the lives of those who believe Him to bring about His purposes displayed through their lives. Some of those life events may be peaceful from a human perspective while others may be painful. Ultimately, however long or short, our lives are to be lived to honor God. Though the span of years that God allows us we are to consistently display God’s power at work transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Like pottery in the hands of the potter we are molded and shaped under the watchful eye of our loving Father for the purpose of displaying His greatness. Who is shaping your life? Remember, God’s plans are to bring about His good in your life and display you as His masterpiece.

For more see ROMANS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Control of Speech

9/4/2022

James 3:1-12
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? One of the great social problems of our technological age is that anyone can make a comment online and be completely anonymous. It is all so convenient to hide behind a computer or smart phone screen and spill vile hate filled words toward some other person or even a local business. It is statistically proven that we are a very lonely people who long for connection, but we are failing at the basic element of relationships… communication. We all want good relations with the people around us. None of us really likes having an enemy. Yet in our twisted human minds we sometimes think that if we speak evil of someone that somehow it will make us even with them and change the situation. However, speaking evil pushes us farther apart while speaking good will draw us together. With evil words there is a wall of hurt and insult between people. With the good there is a bridge of trust and truth that is built. In chapter three, we see James begin to address the issue of speech as it relates to our faith. He notes that our speech may be such a small part of our overall being, yet it is very powerful in directing the course of our lives or others (1-4). James becomes even more pointed with his words as he addresses the common problems of our speech that are present even today (5-12). He sees that our speech is easily filled with the pride of self promotion. It can become the source of destruction, and easily be corrupted with impurities that do not honor God. The problem is that we are numb and perhaps unaware because our faith has been separated from what we say. So, who are you talking to and what are you saying? Is your speech clearly reflecting your faith in Christ?

For more see JAMES

Love Mercy: Deliverance for Sinful People

6/19/2022

Micah 4:1-5:15
When we think of Father’s Day our mind goes back to Dad and what he was like. Men are often known as being able to work with their hands. For me, the memories are fond. I remember my father as the one who was able to fix most anything. My fathers hands were used to build our house and make it a home. However, I remember my Dad often working on the family car to keep it running. In the process of trying to keep the car on the road and road worthy he ran into repairs that he knew nothing about. Instead of giving up on the repair Dad went out and bought a repair manual that was designed specifically for that car. I remember him studying the words and absorbing the pictures in order to restore the car to a useful condition. My father sought help from an authoritative source, he did the repair work, and the car became a testimony of what he could do. In Micah 4-5 the prophet offers a message of help and hope to the people. Micah communicates that God is the authoritative source and in the future the people will turn to Him alone for instruction (4:1-5). Micah tells the people that God will accomplish this work through a new king that is yet to be born (5:2-3). The result is that in the future the people will be enabled to live a transformed life because of God’s mercy (5:4-15). The same is true of our relationship with God. He is the authority that does the work and we are to be the living testimony of how He has renewed and restored us to operate as vessels to bring Him honor. Do we love God’s mercy? He alone offers a message of hope that brings transformation.

For more see MICAH

Wisemen: Worship the God of Grace

12/26/2021

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek Him and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Deliverance for God's Honor

10/24/2021

Exodus 14:15-22
At one point in time we lived in a remote community that was accessible only by small planes. Sure, in the summer you could travel in by boat, but the most efficient form of travel was by plane. There is one problem with travel by airplane and that is weather. Pilots must know the flight routes and often rely on visual landmarks. When the clouds are thick and low the pilot can’t see and it is unsafe to fly. When the planes did not fly, supplies, groceries, and mail did not arrive. When the weather was good the planes roared right over our house on the way in or out of the airfield. The plane was our lifeline delivering food, mail and providing the way out. The problem was the weather. In Exodus 14:15-22 we see that the physical surroundings do not limit God’s capability to deliver His people. He directs the people to move (15-18) and protects them in the process (19-20). God faithfully acts to deliver His people by doing what is humanly impossible (21-22). There are three very clear lessons from this passage. First, God makes His directions clear when the situation seems impossible. Second, God protects from what seems most probable. Third, God makes a way in the impossible possible. God’s purpose was to gain His honor. Likewise, we need to constantly remember that God will work in the situations of life to not only deliver His people but also to gain His honor. However, often because of fear, our focus is only on the deliverance. God desires that we follow Him in faith, believing that He will deliver, and seek to honor Him in the process. Let me encourage you to follow God and seek His honor. He will deliver.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Danger When Following God

10/17/2021

Exodus 14:1-14
Paralyzed with fear… Have you ever been there? One time I climbed a pole on an obstacle course and had to stand on the swaying top which was about the size of a dinner plate. Once on top, and 20 to 30 feet in the air, I had to jump to another similar pole about 8 feet away. I knew I had a safety line that would catch me, but as I stood on top of the swaying pole I could not make my body jump. Eventually, I threw myself off my perilous perch, missed the other pole, but was caught by the safety line. It is amazing how quickly I forgot the confidence and security that the safety line provided. Likewise, in Exodus 14:1-14 we see the nation of Israel forget the strength and protection of God. They had just seen God humble Pharaoh, the most powerful king at that time. Now they look up to see that Pharaoh has changed his mind about releasing them (5-9) and is now racing after them with horses and chariots. They responded in fear (10-12) seeing only their coming destruction not the power and protection of God. Moses then stepped in and delivered God’s message to the people (13-14) saying three things. First, do not fear; second, stand firm; and third, see God’s salvation because He will fight for you. Like the nation of Israel, fear will often paralyze us and blind us from seeing the power of God. We struggle to control danger and fix it before it hurts us. Fear calls us into action to protect ourselves from danger, but faith tells us to be still and let God fight. Our response to danger and fear is a chance to honor God and let Him display His greatness in our situation and through us.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Power for a Purpose

3/29/2020

Romans 12:1-8
There was a man who had lived in the woods for many years and did not understand all the changes that had taken place in the world. His friend who had kept up with the changes brought him into town so they could do some business. The friend tried to tell the man about all the new inventions and ways of doing things but the man just could not understand. They arrived at the hotel where they had rooms reserved for the night and the friend tried to explain how the electricity works with power from a generator, to the hotel, to the light switch and then to the light. The man still did not understand. Getting a bit frustrated the friend took off his boots, climbed on the bed and unscrewed the light bulb. He got down and told the man to stand on the bed and stick his thumb in the socket while he turned on the switch. With a quick ZAP the electricity jolted his arm. Hollering and screaming he fell to the bed. His friend turned off the light switch and screwed the light bulb back in. The poor guy on the bed looked at his thumb, then he looked at the light and said, “You will be delighted to know that I now understand electricity! It is powerful and it is very useful in helping me get into bed at night!”

We all have been raised to understand the power and usefulness of electricity. We enjoy the benefits of electricity that come right into our homes. There is real power in those lines that feed into your light switches and outlet plugs. But, if you never use the power you will never experience the benefits of having that power in your house. The same is true spiritually. God has has shown His power by making a way to save us. God has given us His power that will transform our lives. We need to plug into Him and humbly use His power to serve and transform the lives of others around us for God’s honor.