Category: Savior - Jethro TOOLS

God's Boat Builder

5/3/2026

Genesis 5-6
Have you ever thought about building a boat? I have seen boats made from wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass and even concrete. What ever the boat is made from, the greatest concern is stability and safety in the water. Will the boat stay afloat? Will it remain steady and balanced? Safety and stability are the focus of the boat building process. So, what does it take to build a boat? We might come up with a list of tools, some plans and a list of materials. Technology and electricity will accelerate the process. But what if you were Noah, and God told you to build a boat? Noah did not dream of being a boat builder, but it became his God given job. This was an assigned task and an exercise of faith. In Genesis six we see the sinful corruption of the worldwide population. Yet, in the midst of sin, Noah was living a righteous life that pleased God (1-8). God recognized his character and commanded that he build a boat (9-22). Noah had 120 years (Genesis 6:3) to build a boat that was larger than a football field and he had to do it all by hand without power tools and today’s technology. What does it take to build an unsinkable boat? Noah held to an unsinkable faith in God and unsinkable resolve to complete the task that God had assigned to him. Hebrews 11:7 records that Noah was a man of faith. How is your faith? Noah remained unwavering in his commitment to God in a hostile culture. He continued with an unmovable resolve to complete what God had called him to do. Time can wear on our perseverance and faith. God called Noah to be faithful in a faithless culture. God still calls us to walk with Him and work for Him. What boat has God called you to build in a faithless culture that needs to see our unshakable faith in our faithful Savior?

For More See GENESIS

Presentation of the King

3/29/2026

Matthew 21:1-11
In 2023 England crowned a new king. It was fascinating to observe the coronation, the regalia and ceremonies tied to becoming king. In some ways it seemed like quite a drawn out process. Charles immediately became the king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. However, he had to go through a very formal ceremony where he was officially given the title of king. Then on May 6, 2023, Charles was officially crowned the king in a special coronation ceremony. His whole life led to this moment. The ceremony was the culmination of expectation that ended with the presentation of the king. Matthew 21 records a far less spectacular presentation of a king, yet it is even more important. Matthew records Jesus entering Jerusalem before the Passover and His death. Before He enters the city, he stops outside a small village, and displays His kingly power through His command to His disciples (1-3). He then presents Himself as the King (6-9) by fulfilling the prophetic record of Zechariah chapter nine (4-5). However, the crowds were interested in a political king and a military savior. They could not accurately tell who Jesus was (10-11). Their answer lacked the insight and belief in Jesus as God’s promised savior. They desired a king for their purposes who would do their bidding. In the same way our message of Jesus must include that He is the one sent by God to save us from our sin. Jesus presented Himself as the King who came to sacrifice Himself, to serve us, and to save us. That leaves us with several questions. What do we believe about Jesus? Do we believe Him to be the promised one from God? What will we do for the King? Will we serve Him obediently? What will we say about Jesus? Will we accurately declare Him to be the Son of Gd and savior of the world? The world needs to know about Jesus the greatest King.

For More See MATTHEW

Christmas Time: Explained

12/24/2025

John 1:1-8
We are now into the Christmas season. Your mind and your calendar may be full with all the things that you need to accomplish between now and December 25. In our busyness we often forget or neglect the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus born as Savior of the world. The cradle does not exist without the cross. However, the Christmas story begins before the cradle. As John begins the fourth book in the New Testament he highlights six essential truths about Jesus the savior born in the manger. John opens the first chapter by explaining that Jesus is God’s personal communication to us (1). Second, he explains the preexistence of Jesus in the beginning (1). Thirdly, John explains that Jesus is God (1-2), who fourthly gives life (3-4). Fifth, John explains the opposition of the darkness and evil to the light and truth of God’s communication of Jesus as Savior (5). This finally leads John to explain his role as a messenger who declares that belief in Jesus is essential (6-8). God designed and planned to personally reveal Himself to mankind through Jesus. John writes these things so that we, his audience, may believe that Jesus is the Savior and by believing we may have life in His name (John 20:30-31). This message is true for the audience of John’s day and for us today. Has the power of God displayed to us through Jesus overcome your darkness? Belief in Jesus is essential for life in Him. It is only through belief in Him as savior that we find our true purpose in life. We have been designed to reveal His greatness and light to people lost in a dark world in need of the light and life found only in Jesus. May the joy of Jesus fill you with His message. May the light of Jesus guide you as you daily walk with Him. He came to give His life so we can have true life by believing in Him.

For More See JOHN

Christmas Time: Spoken

12/21/2025

Hebrews 1:1-4
A number of years ago my daughter gave me a short note on a small piece of paper. On it there were nine neatly written items that made up her birthday and Christmas wish list. At the bottom there was a star followed by an explanatory note, “Most Wanted.” Glancing back to the list a star highlighted item number seven which read, “Night Table - made by Dad.” Thus began a journey of cold weather construction in a cramped unheated shed. An individualized night table complete with a drawer was made for each of the kids and quietly placed by each of their beds very late on Christmas Eve. I have saved the note and use it as a book marker in my daily devotional book. It reminds me of the way that I need to come to my heavenly Father and ask for what is needed and that which I desire the most. A gift created by my father’s hands made just for me. Hebrews chapter 1 opens by telling us that God has consistently and repeatedly delivered messages revealing Himself and His plans for salvation (1). His best and most perfect form of communication was personally made through the sending Jesus to be our savior (2). Being God He is the perfect gift that has been communicated, but also provided (3). Jesus, fully God yet in human form (Philippians 2:5-9), is just what humanity needs most. He is far superior to any thing else that could grab our attention (4). Christmas time is often a time of secrets and trying to guess what a gift is. God understood our deepest need. He spoke, promised and delivered the very best gift, Jesus in the form of a baby. The great God who spoke the world into existence now displays the same power to save and transform our life. Jesus, is a gift given directly from the Father. What joy! What hope! God has communicated His love to us.

For More See HEBREWS

New Life New Future

11/16/2025

John 14:1-7
Forever together, this is the thought forms the desire and plan for a wedding. Love motivates a young couple to begin thinking about the future and the celebratory start to that relationship called a wedding. In different cultures the process that moves toward the wedding will look different. When we look at the Bible and see a wedding we must realize that there are differences between now and then. In Jesus day the husband would make a promise to his future bride that he would come back for her. In the mean time he would go and build a house attached to his fathers house. When the house was completed the husband would return for his bride and take her to his fathers house for the wedding and its celebration. In John 14 Jesus speaks with His disciples regarding His departure. They are deeply troubled (1) but He reminds them that He will prepare a place at His fathers house for them (2) so that one day He will come back and bring them to be with Him (3). Jesus is using the cultural example of a wedding to explain the spiritual truth of the future for those who believe in Him. The only way to become part of God’s family is through a relationship with Jesus, His son. While waiting for His return those who believe have the joy of telling others of their wonderful savior. Do you know Jesus as your savior? Have you placed your faith in Him as your only savior? Jesus tells His followers, and us today, that belief in Him is the only way to gain entrance into heaven, His fathers house (6). Belief in His salvation is essential in order to be included in God’s family for all eternity. Each of us must answer the question, What will you do with Jesus? How we answer will determine our future for all eternity. Will you spend life with Him or separate from Him?

For More See JOHN

Living by Faith

9/7/2025

Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
As I walked toward the garden I noticed movement. Further investigation revealed several small green and yellow birds inside the netting that covered the berry plants. With a total length of about four inches they were small enough to wriggle through the mesh that kept larger birds from eating the berries. The problem is that once inside they could not figure out how to get out. Would I step into their world and release them, or would I allow them to continue to suffer? The book of Habakkuk records the on going conversation between God and the prophet Habakkuk. The author, Habakkuk, questions when God will put a stop to the sin, injustice and idolatry (1:12-17). God counters with the challenge to live by faith (2:4). Habakkuk, as one who was righteous, was to take his eyes off others and truly live a life of faith that contrasted the sin of others. He was to live this upright God honoring life because of his faith in God. When all others are being unfaithful to God Habakkuk was to live counter to his culture and display his confident belief in God. Habakkuk saw the problems of sin within his own country of Judah, but he also saw the greater sin of the coming Babylonians. This grieved him and caused him to question God. Do the conditions in our world deepen our dependence on God and commitment to Him? Like Habakkuk, God still calls us to live by faith trusting His sovereign power and plan. God is at work calling us to Himself and cleansing us to live a righteous life through faith in Him. Like the birds that were caught, we need a savior to step into our world and free us to live by faith for Him alone. God has accomplished that through Jesus. This passage reminds us that the righteous will live by faith trusting in the only sovereign savior, Jesus.

For More See HABAKKUK

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 Passion

2/9/2025

Matthew 22:34-40
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With that, our thoughts are drawn to what we love, who we love, and how we might show that love. Love is the root of a passionate expression. We can say that we love ice cream, sports, coffee or someone, but there is always an expression of that love. In its simplest form passion is doing what we love and loving what we do. Being a person of passion is expressing the strong excited response that is based on the deeper sense of love. If there is not a connection that attracts then there will not be the action based on the attraction. The Bible lays out God’s passionate connection for all humanity in John 3:16. God loved the world so much that He gave Jesus, His only Son, to be our savior from sin. Love is the motivation for the extreme action of God’s passion. The passion displayed in the action proves the reality of the love. In Matthew 22 Jesus was asked to identify the greatest command in the law (36). In response He says, love God and people (37-39). Jesus came and displayed God’s love to us so we can display His love to others. The good news of God’s love drove His passionate display of love. Our display of love for others is to be based on our understanding and acceptance of God’s love passionately displayed for all the world to see. That is life changing love, the kind of love that God wants His committed followers to display to others. On our own we do not have the capability to accurately display God’s love. Yet, as disciples of Jesus, we are graciously given the ability to love because we have experienced God’s love (1 John 4:19). Are we actively displaying our love for God and others as God has loved us?

For More See MATTHEW or 1 JOHN or DISCIPLESHIP

Message of Joy

12/29/2024

Isaiah 6:1-3
The Christmas letter… Long or short, it has turned into an annual feat that tests our writing skills and organization. As we attempt to summarize a year in words, or even photos we find ourselves being forced to become even more concise. What is the main idea that we want to communicate? What happened this year? What matters most that others need to hear? How can we communicate those key, life defining highlights of the past year? Have no fear, Christmas cards are here. If you are like me you will notice that many of the Christmas cards carry a theme of peace, hope or joy. Notice that the card companies do not promote happiness. Why is that? Happiness is a short term pleasure, whereas joy is long term sense of satisfaction that all is well. As we turn to Isaiah 61, we find that message of joy. This chapter opens with God’s select servant declaring the message of good news that He will bring (1). This people centered savior will bring joy that is found in God’s favor (2) to those who are broken, and held captive in the darkness of sin (1). That is definitely good news of great joy that is worth celebrating. The people looked forward to the day when this savior would come and deliver them from sin and restore His joy to their life and their land. Fast forward and we see Jesus quote these same words in Luke 4:14-21 as he began His earthly ministry. In His own words He stated that He is the promised one spoken of in Isaiah 61. Jesus brought God’s good news of salvation to all people. For us, that good news should still bring a deep sense of satisfaction. That is joy worth writing about in the annual Christmas letter. The joy that we have in Jesus as our savior needs to be heard from us all year.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Worship the King

12/22/2024

Matthew 2:1-12
The other day as I walked into church I was swarmed by some bubbly bouncing children. Hollering out my name they excitedly asked, “Do you know what day it is?” I was certain that it was Saturday, but decided to play along, “No, I do not know what day it is.” It was then that it all spilled out from various directions, one of them had a birthday that day and another one had a birthday the very next day. With all the excitement and jumping around I was able to join in the celebration by singing Happy Birthday. As Christmas is almost upon us I am getting very excited. Do you know whose birthday it is? In Matthew 2 we pick up the Christmas story of some very excited Magi, commonly known as Wisemen. These men were led by God to come and worship the new king that was born (1-2). Their inquiry of the new king deeply troubled the current king (3-6) because he and the others surrounding him were not interested in another king (7-8). Disregarding the discouraging response the Magi remained intent on following God’s direction to the new born king (9). Arriving at the house they were not somber. Instead they were filled with joy (10) and humbly honored Jesus, the baby born to be our Savior and king (11-12). God graciously invited the foreign dignitaries to come and worship and they did so with honest joyful expectation. Do you know whose birthday it is? At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like the Magi, a true desire to worship will align our heart with God’s in a proper attitude of joy and humility that seeks to serve Him alone with all that we have. This Christmas lets truly celebrate the birth of Jesus as we submit to Him as the king of our life.

For More See MATTHEW or CHRISTMAS

Confidence in Crisis

12/1/2024

Isaiah 7:1-17
The musical honk of geese grabbed my ear and turned my attention to the ice covered lake. On this wind blown cold winter day the lake had just begun to freeze over. Yet there was a distant silver silhouette of steam that marked open water in the otherwise frozen lake. I strained to see if the geese were there. They were not. Then again and again I heard them until finally they appeared over the trees. There were hundreds of them, all in their signature “V” formation, heading to a warmer climate. Just because I did not see them did not mean they were not there. In the same way, just because I do not see God at work does not mean that He is not there and able to do the impossible. In Isaiah 7 we see that the king has just faced the opposition of two neighboring kingdoms (1). In the process of the failed attack, the prophet Isaiah appeared and challenged king Ahaz and his belief in God (1-9). Ahaz had the opportunity to calmly experience God’s peace in the problem (4), yet he did not have the faith to stand firm in the trial (7-9). In the following verses this plays out in his refusal to believe that God can work (12-13). Regardless, God promised an impossible sign that would challenge this stubborn king and encourage us today. The promise is the birth of a baby who would be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (14). Like Ahaz, our belief in God for the impossible is required. The only way to find peace in a conflicted world is to trust in God and His salvation. Fear can control us, but God offers His assurance if we believe in Jesus as Savior. Remember that God’s perspective is completely different from what we can see. Just like geese, when He shows up to save us, it is a beautiful sight.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

The Song of the Church

9/22/2024

1 Timothy 3:14-16
In the days before internet there were mail order catalogs from companies like Sears or JC Penny. It was from these catalogs that you could order almost anything from jackets to jewelry or jeans, they had it all. On those long winter nights my father would pull out the catalog and tell us a story. He was a man of many talents, including an educated imagination. Dad would open the catalog to men’s section and pick a character, then flip through the catalog telling a story about this one man and his escapades. For example, the man would go to town to get a washing machine as a Christmas present for his wife. However, the story would have a problematic plot twist, like lots of snow that caused the man’s car to get stuck. So, he would buy snow boots and sled to pull the washing machine home and have Christmas with the family. Through the turning pages of the catalog, my father would point out different people and items that would visually make his story leap off the pages and into our imaginations. Catalog stories were a household activity that built the relational bonds within our family. In much the same way Paul tells Timothy that the church is to be a place of relationships in a household, and a pillar of strength and foundational support (14-15). Believers in Jesus, and the local church body that they form, need to be intentionally relational in their commitment to each other. Together their lives are built on the truth of scripture. Together they have a story to tell of Jesus who has saved them that will be remembered for generations. Just as my father made our relationship come alive through his stories, believers belonging to the local church also have a story of truth and songs of faith reminding them of their relationship with Jesus. Are you connected to a church family for support and strength?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

That is Good

3/24/2024

Luke 23:26-48
There is an old story, from an unknown author, about an old king and his friend. This friend always had the habit of saying, “This is good,” in response to any and all situations. One day the king and this friend were out hunting and the gun exploded blowing off the king’s thumb. As expected the friend replied, “This is good.” The king became angry and sent his friend to jail. About a year later the king wandered into enemy territory and was captured. However, upon examination the enemies found him to be unacceptable because he was missing his thumb and thus not whole. So, being superstitious, they decided not to kill him and instead released him. On his way home the king thought about his life and his old friend. He immediately went to the jail and apologized to his friend. His friend replied, like normal, “This is good.” The king became upset, “How can being in jail be good?” The friend replied, “If I was not in jail I would have been with you.” Just like that story, the bad of Jesus crucifixion is good. His forgiveness changed people and changes us. In Luke 23 we read of the changed criminal (39-43) as he believed that Jesus was sinless, unlike himself. We also see the change in the hardened centurion (47) as he watched a righteous man die. Finally, we see changes in the crowd (48) as they return home with remorse having witnessed the Savior die. Jesus displayed grace to those in sorrow (28), forgiveness to the soldiers killing Him (34), and pardon to the convicted criminal (43). All this was accomplished in the moments before His death. It was His sacrifice and pain that purchased our pardon from sin. Jesus died for us and that is good. We can be forgiven and find release from the burden of sin through believing that His death was for our good.

For more see LUKE or EASTER

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

Truth That Changes You

12/31/2023

Isaiah 61:1-2
Today, a common statement is, “My truth is my truth and your truth is your truth.” The problem is that does not provide for a consistent standard or measurement of truth. It also does not line up with what we see in nature. For example, we know when water freezes. Water does not freeze at one temperature for you and 20 degrees different for me. Gravity does not hold one person down and push another up. What we know to be true impacts our beliefs and lifestyle. We wear shoes because gravity hurts our feet and we take a canoe to the lake in the summer not ice skates. However, beyond the daily activities of life what we know to be true will impact our faith. How do we know what to base our faith on? Hebrews 11:1-2 tells us that faith believes even if the outcome is not seen. The problem is that we as people have developed a personal view that we know it all and any changes or challenges to that view are rejected as not true or real. That was the problem that Jesus faced from the people in His home town. Luke 4:16 records that it started as Jesus entered the temple and read a passage from Isaiah 61. As he finished he stated that the words He read had been fulfilled that day (21). This passage in Isaiah was understood to look forward to God’s promised coming savior. Yet as Jesus continued to teach, the audience could not accept the truth that He was presenting. In short they became so angry that they tried to kill him (29). Jesus was challenging his home town audience to see Him for who he really is as savior and God. I leave you with this challenge. Do not dismiss Jesus but instead examine His claims. He came as God to be your savior. Faith in Him alone will change your measurement of truth and your life.

For more see ISAIAH or SONGS of CHRISTMAS

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

Questions of Peace

12/17/2023

Luke 2:14
I have four questions for you. First, Have you thought about the word peace recently? The simple word is often used as a greeting or parting wish. The words that we use show the deep desire for what we seek. Our words reflect our heart desire for what is calm and tranquil, without conflict. We desire our relationships and our world to be peaceful. We desire peace, but all too often it is only temporary.

Second, Have you thought about world peace recently? We are surrounded with all that is not peaceful. There is the tension with the family member, the ongoing problem with the neighbor, the clash with others at the worksite followed by what we see on the news with conflicts between nations. We long for peace within and without, but our surroundings and circumstances seem to keep peace at an unreachable distance.

Third, Have you thought about your peace recently? We all strive for peace. Some may seek peace through escaping society and heading out to the wilderness and quiet of nature. Others may seek peace through their opposition and protest of conflict that has erupted. Still, some others seek peace through their own dominance and tightfisted control, while others seek peace through possessions that will insulate and isolate them from the world. None of these will give lasting peace. To be completely fair, these may bring a form of temporary peace but nothing that is permanent.

So, Fourthly, Have you thought about God’s peace recently? Our desire for peace is not born within us and our own conscious desires for self preservation and comfort. So where does the desire for peace come from? We as created beings are a reflection of God who has made us. He is the one who has made us, and created peace. It is through Him that we can know true peace. In Luke 2:14 the angels are sent to the shepherds to announce the birth of the promised savior who will bring peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a peace between God and mankind as God gives His peace through His son Jesus. This is based on God’s gracious display of His favor toward all who believe in His son, born as a baby to be the savior of the world. Do you believe that? Are you experiencing His peace in the midst of chaos in our world?

For more see LUKE or SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

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

Invitation to Discipleship

6/11/2023

John 1:35-51
There is an old joke that talks about two brothers, Pete and RePete. One day they were walking across a bridge and Pete fell off the bridge and into the water. Who was left? Well, the obvious answer is RePete. So the story is told again and again until the hearer finally understands that it is never ending. Repetition is the fastest way to learn, but for some of us it may take a little more than others. Scientific research on repetition backs up what we know to be true from life experience. The more we repeat something accurately the easier it is to remember how do it correctly. A simple test of this is meeting someone for the first time. The more you repeat their name in that initial conversation the easier it will be to remember it. This idea of repetition is not lost on Jesus and His first disciples. In John chapter 1 we see repetition practiced by Andrew and Philip. First of all, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as God’s promised savior and Andrew then turned to follow Jesus. From his time with Jesus, Andrew then went and found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (40-42). Secondly, we see on a separate occasion that Jesus told Philip to follow Him. Philip responded by finding Nathanael and telling him to come and see Jesus (44-46). These men displayed an excitement of personally discovering Jesus, God’s promised savior from sin. They repeated what they knew about Jesus and responded appropriately by bringing others to Jesus. They did not do anything special. You see, a disciple simply repeats what the master has taught and modeled by simply inviting others to follow. For us today, our response should be no different. Yet, often we incorrectly believe that we are not qualified, and thus not capable of telling others of Jesus. However, all it takes is a simple invitation … Come and See.

For more see JOHN or INVITATION SERIES

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.

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The Disciple's Confession

1/22/2023

Mark 8:27-38
The courtroom was packed, and everyone waited for the outcome. The audience absorbed the information of the crimes committed as the prosecutor presented his case. The accused man looked unconcerned and even seemed to fidget about as he sat next to his lawyer. The prosecutor finished the volume of charges against the defendant and sat down. At that point the accused man jumped up and blurted out, “I did it completely different, in fact let me tell you what happened.” We normally think of a confession in a criminal sense where the guilty party confesses committing certain crimes. However, a confession admits wrong or a confession admits beliefs. Either way a confession is based on truth. In Mark 8:29-30 Peter responds to the question Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response is one of certainty, confidence, and clarity that Jesus is the Savior. But, the greatest moment for Peter understanding and declaring who Jesus is followed by the downfall of not wanting Jesus to go through with the divine plan of salvation (31-32). Peter wanted a Savior without the cross. Jesus corrects Peter and then presents a challenge to His audience (34) that involves personal loss and commitment. Jesus levels the challenge that anyone who wants to be known as His follower must not only believe, but also submit and serve His desires and plans as King. In hearing these words it is easy to miss what Jesus taught. We think we have to give up something to follow Jesus when He has already given us everything if we believe in Him as Savior. Our problem is that we just do not comprehend all that we have in Christ. If a trial was held today would there be enough evidence to convict you of your belief in Jesus Christ and your commitment to Him? Would you admit to it?

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Christmas & Illumination

12/18/2022

John 1:4-9
I grew up in an era when the Christmas lights were the size of your thumb. They were the kind that you had to watch carefully because they would get hot and produce enough heat to start a dry Christmas tree on fire. As the years progressed my family replaced those with strings of smaller lights that were less dangerous. It was a real treat when we got the little lights that would flash on and off. It sure added a dimension to the tree that the old big bulbs never could. Still, to this day, I truly enjoy watching the colorful lights dance around the tree and reflect their light off the ornaments hanging on the tree. As I look at the twinkling lights on the tree they remind me of the light that Jesus Christ has brought into the world. Isaiah 8:19-22 speaks of the spiritual darkness and sin of the people. Yet, as we move into the next verses, Isaiah gives hope to the sinful people. A Savior will come for those surrounded by the gloom of sin (Isaiah 9:1-7). This darkness of sin leads to separation from God and others. Even the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20) and the wisemen (Matthew 2:1-12), in the Christmas story, were considered outsiders and not acceptable. Yet Jesus came to show His grace and acceptance of all who turn to Him for salvation. It is His power that transforms our lives. Just as a strand of Christmas lights can never produce light on their own unless plugged in. Likewise we who follow Christ are only able to live a new life through His transforming power that enlightens and enables us (John 8:12). Jesus is the Savior for sinners and the Savior that offers salvation to all. He saves us so we can walk a transformed life by His power and display His light to others.

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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?

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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.

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Act Justly: The Results of Corruption

6/5/2022

Micah 2:3-13
This past year I have noticed an orange spot developing in front of my house. Upon closer inspection I found it to be rust that is dripping from a developing rust spot on the car that is always parked there. Rust is the visible result of weakened metal due to a corrosive process called oxidation. This process is accelerated by the exposure to moisture, salt and the chemicals that are put on the icy roads in the winter. The only way to remove the rust from the vehicle is to remove the car from the corrosive environment and remove the rust. That requires taking the car to an automotive body shop where a technician will cut out the rusted metal and replace it with good new metal. Like the rust on the car Micah 2 records the results of ongoing corrupting sin. In a way Micah describes a courtroom scene where charges are brought against the guilty. The charge of civil corruption is leveled against those who operated out of personal greed and took land that was not allotted to them by God (4-5). Next is the charge of spiritual corruption where the people rejected God and His somber message (6-7). The final charge is one of moral corruption (8-11). The people and the prophets were guilty of using falsehood for their own personal benefit. In view of these serious charges God still offers hope and a cure for sin (12-13). Hope is given, salvation is promised and a savior is coming. That is good news for us even today. God will provide an accurate assessment of our life and the corruption of our sin, but he also offers hope and a cure for sin through Jesus and His gift of salvation. God displays His justice to us and we are to display His justice though our lives to our world.

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