分类: God's Purpose - Jethro TOOLS

Christmas Time: Past

12/7/2025

Micah 5:2
The popular Christmas song, Over the River and Through the Woods, was originally written as a Thanksgiving poem by Lydia Maria Child who published it in 1844. Through the years the words have been slightly adjusted to reflect a Christmas theme. Included in the words of the song is the purpose, a holiday trip to see grandparents. There is a joy and expectation as the travelers await the promise of being with loved ones and enjoying time with them. Promises; we like it when they are kept and we become frustrated when they are broken. On a human level some will say promises are made to be broken. However, God always keeps His promises. Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus the prophet Micah foretells the coming birth of a baby who will rule as king. As Micah records God’s words, under God’s inspired direction in chapter five, he predicts a specific place, Bethlehem, and a specific person who will rule (2). This child yet to be born will have a permanent rule as king who has been sent from God for a specific purpose. Micah 5:2 is one of the prophetic references that points to Jesus. Yet, it was years between the time of this writing and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem; still, God kept His promise and brought about the incarnation through the birth of Jesus. As we enter the Christmas season, I hope that you experience joy as you reflect on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. We are called to believe God’s Word, trust that He will fulfill His promises and bring us to a joyous reunion in His home. That is only possible by believing that Jesus came to save us (Luke 19:10). The rule of Jesus as King in our hearts and lives will bring true peace. Are you trusting the King and His timing to bring you to His home?

For More See MICAH

Suffering

11/2/2025

1 Peter 3:13-4:6
It has been said we are either in a trial, coming out of a trial or about to go into a trial. That is true of each of us. Trials are the events in our life that introduce pain into our life. Pain is the hurt that is felt, while suffering is the continued condition of feeling the pain. Some years back I was diagnosed with cancer. That was a trial that I had never experienced before. I had a serious condition that required immediate attention and surgery. Enter pain. The testing and surgery introduced pain into my life that I had never before experienced. For months I continued to suffer with the lingering side effects and pain as I recovered from surgery. Eventually the hardship of suffering decreased, the pain subsided and the trial ended. Was there any benefit to the suffering? Good health was the outcome, but is that the only outcome? In God’s eyes pain and suffering does have a purpose and a good outcome. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that that the death of Christ was for the purpose of bringing us to God. Through the pain and suffering God brought good. 1 Peter 4 reminds us that we are to live in imitation of Christ having the same attitude (1). The message of the gospel is proclaimed through the pain of suffering. We can only know restoration to God through Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. That is good news. In much the same way God redeems our suffering as we submit to Him using our pain for His purpose. On a human level that is hard. We want life to be pain free. However, I can personally say that God allowed me to tell others of His love and grace through the suffering caused by cancer. God wants to redeem your pain for His good. Will you let him?

For More See 1 PETER

Member with Others

8/10/2025

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Arm wrestling is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years through one of its main participants, Devon Larratt. It may not seem like it, but arm wrestling is a very technical sport, and Devon Larratt has taken on the task of fine tuning and developing every part of his body to make it more powerful than that of his opponents. On a quick look one might think the best arm wrestler to be a big person with bulging biceps. However, Larratt has studied and developed even his smallest muscles by growing them in strength and endurance. The result is an impressive world recognition as one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all time, and he has the championships to prove it. His success is founded on very part, even the little parts doing their job. The same is true of the church. Every part of the church body is called on to serve at their maximum capacity for the benefit of the whole body and the honor of God. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church, God’s body, is like a physical body that is made up of many parts (12-14). A body that is divided leads to discord and dysfunction (15-17). Every part of the body is designed and placed by God to perform a specific purpose for the benefit of the whole body (18-20). The individual functions with in the body of Christ to bring honor to Him (21-26). Each individual member is committed to the others because they are connected through Christ (27). Christ is the unifying factor that changes our relationships with everyone, and particularly those within the church. The problem is that we live in a world that is individually centered. This thinking is counter to Pauls teaching. How can God use you and your relationship with Him to strengthen other believers to make His body, the church, stronger?

For More See 1 CORINTHIANS

Rescued

3/2/2025

Luke 15
In 1878 Margaret Wolfe Hungerford first penned the phrase, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This old saying describes how each person will see things differently. Thus, what one person finds beautiful another may find bland. I was reminded of that fact this week during a walk where I saw a small table placed on the side of the road. Alongside the table was a sign that read “FREE.” Who does not like free things? Yet free often means that the item no longer has any value to the owner. After years of use and perhaps abuse the table was discarded because it lacked beauty and value. In Luke 15 Jesus, confronts the criticism of the religious leaders who questioned the value of His time spent with sinners. In response, Jesus told three parables that outlined His clear value of the sinner who is lost and in need of rescue. He uses the story of a lost sheep that is returned (4-7), a lost coin that is recovered (8-10) and a lost son who is restored (11-32). Each portrays their helplessness and need for grace from the savior who steps in and does what only the savior can do. In the end there is a celebration as the lost has been found and the sinner rescued. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Over the years I have fixed old tables, worn out chairs and beat up cabinets using glue and screws. I then cleaned, sanded and painted or varnished them and the piece again displays its beauty. All because the rescuer saw value and beauty in what others viewed as trash. God does the same for us. He calls us to Himself, rescues us from ourselves and sin, then cleans us up and makes us useful for His purposes. Jesus sees the rescue of sinners as a valuable thing of beauty that is worth doing and celebrating.

For More See LUKE or SHEBA

The Disciple's Mission

1/19/2025

Matthew 4:18-22
As a boy, I had always enjoyed dogs, but never had a chance to have one. Perhaps we never had a dog because Mom and Dad had moved frequently. Eventually, when I was about ten, we settled into a home that I would consider home. Arriving home from school one fall day, I noticed a dog tied up in front of the house. It turns out that some friends needed to find a new home for their dog and my parents approved. Well, that began the process of getting to know the dog and trying to train the dog. There is an old saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” That was definitely true of this character. He should have been a good candidate to pull a sled. He was broad and muscular, but he lacked the motivation. He would pull for a bit and only when he wanted to. When he realized I was on the sled the ride was over. I was on a mission to develop him into a sled pulling dog and he wanted nothing to do with my trick. My plans and dreams for him could never compare to his desire for his enjoyment fulfilled his way. You could say it was a training disaster. However, when it comes to reshaping our lives and retraining us God has a plan, but it takes our submission. In Matthew 4 Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him (18) and promises to make them into something different (19). Change is not easy because we become comfortable with our way. Like these disciples we are called to follow Jesus and allow Him to change us, reshape us and use us for His purposes and honor. Like my old dog; Are we willing to submit to our savior and His new direction for our life? When we do we will find that our life has an exciting new meaning and purpose.

Foe More See MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Preserve Solid Faith

9/1/2024

1 Timothy 1:18-20
Broken windows, holes in the hull, plus a tilting deck. That is a simple description of various boats I have seen abandoned on the beach. I often wonder what they were like before they were left to rot in the sun and surf. What did they do or not do that led to their undesirable defeated demise? I can recall one boat that is a faded green and a dirty white laying unmoved, at an angle, in the tidal mud for years. A boat that was once valuable and useful is now nothing but wasted junk that clutters the beach. Lighthouses, maps and guides are all available to prevent shipwrecks. The same is true in our spiritual life. We need direction and guidance to navigate the often treacherous waters in our daily life. In 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Paul addresses Timothy regarding the issue of spiritual shipwrecks. He closes out this chapter by naming two men who wrecked their faith because they focused on other things rather than the Biblical truth of the gospel message (20). They rejected personal faith in God and thus blasphemed God through their life. These men were removed from positions of teaching and influence to be taught a lesson. The spiritual shipwreck was public and a visible warning for all. The collapse of faith is evident still today. What do we need to do to combat it? First, we need to be servants, like Timothy, who are committed to serving only God’s agenda in our personal life and church life. Second, we need to be like soldiers who fight for the truth of the gospel not personal preferences and legalistic concepts (19). Finally, we need to be like sailors and use the word of God to navigate life correctly, living as helpful examples of faith not harmful misdirectors. Only by faithfully following Jesus can we find purpose, power and direction to combat the treacherous waters of life.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Tools for a Purpose

4/21/2024

Ephesians 4:7-16
We all like a nice gift, don’t we? We like to receive gifts that suit our desires and benefit us personally. On the other hand, we may refuse a gift that is unattractive or that we find unsuitable and therefore unusable. But what about the thoughtful gift? What about the gift that is beneficial for today and many years to come? At one time, my father gave me a gift like that. In fact, I still have it today. The gift was a small tool set that included a hammer, a square, a tape measure, wrenches and a pair of blue pliers. Over the years I used those tools for various projects. In the process of using those simple tools I learned how to use them. For example I learned that its best to pound a nail with a hammer, but a pliers may be a useful tool to remove a bent nail. My father gave me these tools to learn how to use them, with the goal in mind to use them to help him. The same is true with the church. God our Father has given various tools to the church to be used to build the church. In Ephesians 4 we see that God gives gifts as He determines for the ultimate benefit of the body (7-11). The problem for us today is that we want a gift that we think will benefit us. However, God’s purpose of giving each one in the body a gift is that they function in a way that will bring maturity, stability, growth and connection to each other (12-16). The only way that these gifts bring these results is when they are used in serving others. As each gift is used in serving we are to keep in mind that Christ served us. He sacrificially served us for our benefit and we are to serve sacrificially for the benefit of others. Our Heavenly Father has given us a set of tools, let’s put them to use!

Fore more see EPHESIANS

What is the Church?

1/28/2024

Matthew 16:13-20
“Throw the rocks into the woods and listen to the music they make… rock music!” We all groaned at the joke that our gym teacher had just made. It all started as the weather began to warm, the rocks began to show up and our Jr. High teacher who was also the track coach saw a need. The problem that needed to be addressed was that the gravel running track around the school was full of rocks that would cause tripping or twisted ankle hazards for the track team. His simple solution was to get each and every gym glass outside to throw rocks into the woods and thus clean the track for the runners. However, multiple rocks making multiple thuds is not music in any form. Yet, often we think of the church in that way. We look at what the church does and use that to define what the church is. The function of the church can never define the church. Instead the church finds its source in who God is as one who has a passion for people (Luke 19:10) and a desire for true worshipers (John 4:23-34). Out of that passion and purpose God created something new through the new promise given in the blood of Christ to create a new community of worshipers who are connected through belief in Christ and under the direction of the Spirit. A proper understanding of who God is leads to a correct definition of the church. This in turn directs the function of the church, one that has a passion to whole heartedly follow and worship God. In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus states that He will build His church (18). Many people have misapplied this passage to historical or present day people. Notice however that Jesus words are a reference to Himself and His action of building His church. Still today we struggle with the idea that our actions are what build a church. In doing so we define the church by what the church does rather than by who the church is founded on. It is just like saying that rocks make music. When we believe that our actions build the church that is not music to God’s ears… it is just a dull thud, like rocks falling in the woods.

For more see MATTHEW or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

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

God's Will & Our Guidance

4/2/2023

Isaiah 46:8-13
Palm Sunday begins the Biblical record of Jesus entering Jerusalem, with people praising Him and welcoming Him. However, by the end of the week the same people were mocking Him and seeking His death. This is known as the Passion Week. The people are passionate about a new king that is coming to save them, but they only see a political savior. The religious leaders are passionate about killing Jesus, because they only see a spiritual rival. However, Jesus is passionate about people that are lost in sin. He comes as the perfect sacrifice, because He is the only one able to save from sin. From our perspective we might wonder how God could work out His perfect plan of salvation in the midst of misconceptions and misconstrued justice. The trial that Jesus faced was unfair and unjust, yet Jesus offered His life to take our sin and its judgment on Himself. One might wonder if God really knew what was going on. God did, because in eternity past the Godhead knew that sin would corrupt the world and its people. Therefore, it was decided that Jesus would enter the world to provide the payment for sin once and for all. Only God was pure enough to pay for sin, but God is eternal and cannot die. This required that God become man, in order that through the perfect life and death of Jesus we might have new life in Him. That is God’s will ruling the events of time to make His ultimate plan for salvation a reality. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” To know God’s sovereign will for our life we must submit to Jesus and His rule in our life. Have you done that? Are you doing that?

For more see ISAIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Meet Together?

2/12/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
Much preparation has taken place, and now we gather with friends and family to share the joys and sorrows of a win or a loss. We honor and cheer the hero’s of the play by calling them the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). It does not matter if it is Football and the Super Bowl, Baseball and the World Series, Hockey and the Stanley Cup, Soccer and the World Cup, or Tennis and a Grand Slam, we participate with passion, and praise the people with the greatest of plays. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sports as a participant or a passionate observer. But, let’s stop and think for a moment about how this same drive relates to the spiritual life. What if that same preparation, passion and practice were true of our spiritual lives? Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of His family and His body the church (Colossians 1:18). However, unlike sports, the purpose of our gathering is not to praise the ones who are seen, but the One who is unseen. The believer displays the authenticity of their relationship with God through their fellowship with other believers and their worship of God. Much like a sports game, but in a spiritual arena, fellowship is a shared partnership, purpose, and participation. In fellowship the believer connects with other believers in Jesus to strengthen their faith, participate in service for God, and grow in passion for God who saved them. Our purpose of gathering in church and fellowship with other believers is to display the greatness of our Savior through our lives and our words. Everything about us is to scream and shout that God alone is worthy of our total devotion. On earth there may be people that we celebrate, but as believers in Christ we must always worship and celebrate Jesus as the greatest of all time.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

Reproduction of Disciples

1/1/2023

2 Timothy 2:1-2
Spring is just around the corner… well not really. However, now is the time to begin making plans for the garden. We may think of new or better locations to place certain plants based on how much shade or sunlight they need. We may gather the tools and plan a new garden design. But, all of this is useless unless we have seeds to plant in the warm spring soil. Seeds will naturally want to grow with the proper sunlight, soil, and water. Under these conditions the plant will sprout into a seedling, continue to grow as an immature plant, and finally develop as a mature plant that produces a crop. At maturity the plant is able to produce seeds that can be used to reproduce a crop for the following year. There is a life cycle in nature and people that starts with birth and leads to maturity. God has designed all that He has created to grow into maturity. However, do we think the same way about our spiritual life? Often when we think about our spiritual life we only think about the start. We think of the good news of Jesus coming at Christmas to bring us salvation. When we believe in Christ as Savior we gain His gift of salvation. That is only the beginning. That new life and the transformation is to be on going and maturing just as we see in nature. Our spiritual life does not stop at salvation, it is to continue, grow, develop, and mature in us. God has intentionally created all that is around us, including us, for growth and maturity. Stagnation and remaining in one spiritual life stage is not normal. It is unhealthy. God’s purpose in sending Jesus to be our Savior is to save us and mature us so we can spiritually reproduce and be used by God to plant new spiritual seed in the soil of others lives.

For more see 2 TIMOTHY or DISCIPLESHIP

Christmas & Incarnation

12/4/2022

Philippians 2:5-8
I recall late one fall that we added two kittens to our household number. They were young and of course very mischievous. My Dad threatened to call them Fun and Games, but in reality they were more like Trouble and Terrible. Those two would chase each other all over the house. However, their favorite arena to display all their antics was the living room rug. I still remember all of us sitting in the living room and laughing as two kittens raced and jumped all over. Who needs an entertainment center or a TV when you have energetic kittens displaying their skill! The kittens were great, but then came Christmas and the insertion of a tree into their venue of toys. I recall several occasions where the tree ended up horizontal on the floor because of climbing kittens. My Dad, being the wise man that he was, tied a stout string to the top of the tree and the other end to a hook in the ceiling. Problem solved. Likewise, Christmas also reminds us of the problem called sin and God’s solution to send Jesus into our world to be our savior. This is called the incarnation and it highlights the truth that God stepped out of time and space and stepped into our world to be born as a baby. Philippians 2 speaks of the example and incarnation of Christ. The purpose of the incarnation is to make God known to humanity (5-6). The result is that Jesus now gives us a practical example for a new way to live (7). However, the incarnation is also personal in that Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin (8). Our problem of sin finds its solution in Jesus. Problem solved. The kittens still climbed the tree, but Dad’s solution worked. Our sin caused the Christ of Christmas to die on a tree and His solution still works.

For more see PHILIPPIANS or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Also Blog article on Salvation

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

God's Plans - present pain future hope

11/13/2022

Jeremiah 29:1-14
Have you ever had surgery? Some time ago I had to face the reality that cancer and its corruption was growing inside me. The best option was surgery to remove the cancer. In the process of preparation for surgery I asked my doctor many questions. I had to trust him completely for the surgery to remove the cancer and for the outcome that I could not see after surgery. My doctor gave me hope that even though this would be a long process of recovery, I would be better in the end. Like you, I did not like the pain of surgery, but the pain had a purpose of bringing about the restoration of my health. I had a compassionate doctor who sought the best plan for my life. Likewise, the prophet Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet because of his continued compassion for his audience. He wrote a letter to his nation, exiled in a foreign land, to give them hope in God. In his book, Jeremiah records how the people have placed their trust in other things rather than God. This led the people to be discouraged as they were in exile. Jeremiah communicates God’s message that there is hope beyond the pain if they trust in Him. For us today the message is the same. Like the people of Jeremiah’s day we are easily led astray and place our trust any where else but in God. Misplaced trust in unreliable and powerless sources will lead to discouragement. However, hope is found by trusting in God who is all powerful. Through the pain of life God is working out His purpose in our life. At times, pain may be God’s design for our correction and redirection, but ultimately it is for our connection with Him. God will use pain for the purpose of drawing us to Him. God’s desire is to give hope in His future.

For more see JEREMIAH or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Sharing of Resources

10/2/2022

James 5:1-6
Do you know where the monetary coin the penny came from? Originally, the root word itself was used across various European countries to describe a financial coin. Later a powerful Anglo Saxon king named Offa, created the first English penny, around 765-775, that was actually made out of silver. As the years progressed, and pennies were spent in various transactions, the usage of the word eventually spread into literature. In 1522, Sir Thomas More wrote a book titled Four Last Things. In this book ,he is the first one to actually record the famous phrase; “A penny for your thoughts.” The meaning behind this is that one person in a conversation has fallen silent and thoughtful. The other person then gently asks for them to reengage in the conversation by stating, “A penny for your thoughts.” That gentle persuasive tone is not what we see James using as he opens chapter five. Instead James gives a strong warning about the misdirected worldly priorities of possessions and wealth. James calls out to the wealthy in his audience and reminds them that riches have brought misery, which is the result of trusting their wealth and not placing their faith in God (1). James says that their priorities (2-3) and their practice (4) are out of order. They are seeking to save and serve themselves by hoarding what God has given them. The result is that they have missed the purpose of wealth by being Godly stewards (5-6). Instead of sharing the blessings of God with others, they have squandered God’s blessings on themselves. As a result, they are unable to see their coming destruction. For us today a life of faith lives believing that God owns everything, that God provides everything that I own, and that God has called me to manage, not hoard, what He has given. A penny for your thoughts?

For more see JAMES

Empowered

8/21/2022

Acts 1:1-8
The courtroom is packed. Witnesses are called to tell the truth of what is known; while everyone else is there to hear the outcome of the trial. Most of the time when we think of a witness we think in terms of a courtroom setting. However, in the book of Acts, there is a description of witnesses that are to go anywhere and everywhere. Luke, the author of Acts, provides a record of the early church and its growth. Luke simply records how the gospel is communicated in the present culture and cross-culturally in such a way that the message of Jesus Christ is spread around the world. In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus gathers His followers and gives them a promise. He tells them that they will be empowered to be His witnesses (8). The source of power is the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the power is to be witnesses of Jesus. The future task of His disciples is to tell others what they know about Him. The disciples of Jesus are to start witnessing where they are and go to the ends of the earth proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Savior. From the beginning of this book, Luke reports that God’s Spirit works through God’s people to spread God’s message. The same is true for us today. The spreading of the gospel message begins where you are. Some will be called to take the message of Jesus to other cultures in the remotest parts of the earth while others will be witnesses to friends, neighbors, and coworkers at home. The point is that all who claim Jesus as their Savior are to be witnesses of who He is. In a court of law, if witnesses were called, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a committed witnessing follower of Jesus?

For more see ACTS

Purposeful Living in a Messed Up World

8/10/2022

Ecclesiastes
Birthdays are like an antique. After we get to a certain age it really does not make any difference. It is a bit like driving an old car. You know it is old because you have had it a long time and it rattles going down the road. The car is just worn out and falling apart, but all you need to do is replace a part here or there to it keep running. However, the difference between an old car and an antique car is when you try to slam the car door shut, the hubcap falls off. The car is so old and worn out that you can’t find parts to keep it running. That is when you look back through some old photos and reminisce about a time when it was new and created a family memory as you went on vacation. At some point we realize that fixing the old car is a meaningless process. Have you ever felt that way about life? It seems like you pursue the things you want, only to find them lacking in reward, value and longevity. Then you look around and see others chasing after the same things that are empty and unfulfilling. In the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, addresses the value and meaning of life. As the wisest man that ever lived Solomon reflects on his life and the life of others, only to find that that it is empty and meaningless on its own. From chapters 1-2, he notes his own experience of seeking wisdom, pleasure, accomplishment and hard work and finds it meaningless. Then in chapter 3-6 Solomon takes a look at his world and sees life’s unfairness and general emptiness. However, in spite all the gloom and futility, Solomon points out that true joy in life is found understanding that God views life differently than people do. As a result, we can enjoy life as a gift from God who provides purpose and meaning. Solomon concludes this book of wisdom in chapter 12 by challenging its readers to fear God and keep His commands. The other day I read through the book of Ecclesiastes and was reminded to trust God, even though life may seem futile and worthless in a messed up world. Not that not much has changed between Solomon’s day and ours. Our world may seem like a worthless mess, but God is reliable and He provides the purpose for living.

The Problem of Temptation

7/17/2022

James 1:13-18
Earthquakes can be very dangerous because you never expect them. The ground heaves and shakes all because of the seismic shifts happening deep below the earth’s surface. The various tectonic plates that our world sits on shift and ever so slightly the surface that we live on also moves. However violent the initial earthquake, the aftershocks, or following quakes, may be just as deadly. Weakened or damaged buildings can collapse under the continued movement and stress. Just as in an earthquake weakens buildings so the temptation of sin has a way of weakening our resistance and it ultimately leads to death (15). But God desires to work His positive purpose over temptation in our life. James provides a warning that sin deceives us into seeing it as good (16), but God is the only one who gives what is good (17). God does not change and works His will to bring life to a life that was spiritually lifeless (18). His desire is to transform us so we begin to show the resulting fruit of His work in us with the promise of more to come. The problem for us today, like the scattered audience of James, is that we have a tendency to blame God for the temptation we face. That is a big spiritual earthquake that will lead to other continued problems. God is not the source of temptation and sin (13). In blaming God we inaccurately believe that God is faulty and we are shaken again in our weakened position by the evil of temptation (14). What is influencing your life and decisions right now? Is it God and His power to bring His good result out of your life or the lure of temptation to sin? James is reminding us that temptation should never shake us off the stability that our faith has in God who gives what is good.

For more see JAMES

The Purpose of Trials

7/10/2022

James 1:1-12
Do you know what an anagram is? An anagram is when you take a word or phrase and rearrange the letters to make a different word or phrase by using all of the letters only once. For example, some simple ones would be heart that turns into earth, part becomes trap, or secure that becomes rescue. Try it with any word and see what you can come up with. In fact why don’t we try one together! Let’s take the word trial. An anagram of trial could be trail. As we begin a new study in the book of James, we see that the author wants his audience to develop a faith that is lived out in everyday life and displayed through their actions, and attitudes that motivate their actions. James begins the first chapter by noting that faith in Jesus Christ brings stability to life in the midst of trials. A trial is simply God allowing difficulty and or pain to deepen and encourage our confidence in Him. James notes that trials have the purpose of growing an enduring faith in God (2-4). The practice of faith in trials causes us to seek God’s wisdom (5-8) which requires personal humility (9-11). James says that God will reward this life of faith (12). To summarize, James is not interested in his audience simply stating that they have faith. His desire is that they have a faith that impacts their behavior. Perhaps put another way, James wants his audience to view trials as a way to walk the trail of faith that God has for each believer. As we walk by faith down the trail of trial we humbly depend on God for the wisdom and strength to endure. This week may your faith impact your perspective of your trial so you can see that this is God’s way to grow you as you walk His trail.

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Do You Know?

5/22/2022

Job 38-41
Did you know that about 50 percent of people fail their first driving test? A driving test is given to examine what we know and how we can apply it to various situations. It is easy to spout off answers that we assume to be correct, but do they do not work in driving situations. Gaining the head knowledge is important, but equally important is the application of those truths to life. You may be one of those people that failed the drivers test the first time and dreaded going back to retake it. Many people do not do well on tests for various reasons. Imagine if you were Job and God told you to answer His questions. That is the exact situation that is played out in Job 38:4. God begins the exam by asking Job what he knows about creation in chapters 38-39. There is a pause in the test as God gives Job a chance to respond. Job wisely has no answer (40:1-5). God then continues with a second exam that asks Job about God’s power as displayed in the animal kingdom in chapters 40-41. Job could not explain God’s working in his personal life because he did not understand God’s knowledge or power. Creation is a clear display of God’s sovereignty and knowledge. Through the tests God desired that Job see His knowledge and trust His moral purposes worked out in life. Like Job, we need to trust God and allow Him to work out His plan and purpose in our life. Suffering is not necessarily about what is wrong with our life and what God must do for us. Suffering instead teaches us to trust God and His character and not to demand His blessing. The lesson from Job is simple, we can trust God’s knowledge and power because it is based on His trustworthy character.

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Mary: Servant Because of Grace

12/5/2021

Luke 1:26-38
Often at Christmas time you might be involved in a gift exchange. These times of exchanging gifts may be known by various names, but the concept is a simple way to get everyone in a group involved giving and receiving a gift. Most of the time there is a price limit that is placed on the gifts that are purchased. This limitation gives some structure and balance to the giving and receiving. By following this simple rule everyone is able to participate on an equal level. However, I have been involved in several gift exchanges where you could not spend any money on the gift to be given. That means that you must make something or give something that you already have. Some of those gifts were creative and useful, but I do remember one gift that was a rock. Everyone laughed, but it was completely useless as a gift. In Luke 1:26-38 Mary responds positively by giving herself to be used by God to deliver Jesus the Savior into this world who would in turn be her deliverer from sin. The emphasis of this passage is on God’s enabling work of grace through a servant wholly devoted to Him to bring His message of salvation through His Son, Jesus, to the whole world. The emphasis on our lives today should be no different. In a way, like Mary, God transforms us by His grace and enables us to bring the message of Jesus to the whole world. Our role is to be a servant wholly devoted to God’s position of Master in our lives as He carries out His purpose through our lives. His power in our lives makes the seemingly impossible possible out of our lives. God just wants us to give ourselves fully to Him so He can display His grace through 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

Dependence of Faith

10/10/2021

Exodus 13:17-22
Have you ever wondered where you are going? This is a question that involves more than just a road. This question involves a life direction and the purpose of that direction. A number of years ago I sat in Edward’s kitchen drinking coffee and talking with him late into the night. The conversation turned to how God leads us to certain locations at different times of our life for His purposes. I still recall his words, “God places you in muddy waters so you can clean them up.” Those simple yet profound words reminded me of God’s leading presence and my need to depend on Him alone. In my human perspective I may only see certain things, but God is at work not only in the situation but also in me to develop a faith that depends on Him. In Exodus 13:17-22 God leads the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The people needed a faith in God that depended on Him alone. God’s path out of Egypt required faith because it was not the direct route (17-18). God knew the people would turn back to Egypt if they faced conflict, so He led them in a different direction. In life we may want the direct route, but God sees the obstacles and wants to build our faith to depend on Him. We may want the efficient route but God measures efficiency in faith that depends on Him. God’s purpose in all the places that He takes us is to develop our faith to depend on Him at all times. God’s path is one of peace, as we depend fully on Him, even though the water may seem muddy at times. God’s purpose is to work in the situation and in us, to bring us hope and build our dependence on Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING