Category: Serve - Jethro TOOLS

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

Members Who Serve

8/24/2025

Romans 12:1-8
What motivates you? We may be motivated by hunger so we begin a search for food. We may be motivated by self protection so we live life fearing many things. We may be motivated by greatness so we live a life focused on our fantasy of self elevation. There are many things that may motivate us. Satan even used hunger, pride and self preservation as motivating factors to tempt Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). But a temptation is only a temporary motivation, because once we yield the temptation we find that it does not satisfy. Even John, one of the disciples, mentions the fleeting nature of our worldly desires (1 John 2:17). So where should we look to find something worth living for, a lasting motivation? In Romans 12, Paul urges his audience to present themselves wholly to God because He is worthy (1-2). In other words, the believer is to be motivated serve God because of what Jesus Christ has done for them. Sin and self are no longer master of the believer. Christ has saved the believer to be conformed to Him and changed by Him. The believer is to be dedicated to God alone (1-2) and serve God’s purposes alone (3-8). Worldly thinking says that our purpose and motivation in living should be found in what we gain for our self. Ion the other hand the believer in Jesus Christ, who has been transformed by Christ, marches to a different drum beat and follows a different master. As a member of Christ body, the church, the believer in Jesus finds their significance in serving others and building the body. Self is removed from the center and Christ now rules the body, mind and action of the believer. Christ has not only saved us from sin, but He has saved us for His purpose of being a blessing that builds others for His kingdom. What motivates you?

For More See ROMANS

Faith and Resting

7/13/2025

Matthew 11:28-30
Musicians and carpenters understand the importance of a rest. In woodworking, a lathe is used to turn rough timber into round cylindrical shapes, perhaps making table legs or bowls. A rest is a steady braced arm on the lathe that allows the carpenter to continue working by using the cutting knives from a position of safety and control. Like wise, musicians also utilize a rest within a piece of music. A musical rest is a symbol that indicates silence and its duration. The utilization of a musical rest helps create the structure, rhythm and the melodic flow of words within a song. A rest for a carpenter and a musician is important for them to continue in their work. A rest for us as people is important to redirect us and reframe our work. In Matthew 11 Jesus addresses the people who have rejected Him and His message (20-24). He then turns and calls to His audience to come to Him and find their rest in Him (28). This kind of rest is spiritual salvation in which God gives rest to the soul (29). This then changes the work focus of the believer from self to serving Christ (30). Rest is found in Christ in the midst of living life for Him and under His leading. Like a carpenter or a musician the disciple of Jesus finds rest in Him alone in the midst of life. It is through this rest that Christ directs His followers in His ways to create His works of beauty through them. For the believer in Jesus, rest is a spiritual process that believes Him and practices dependence on Him at all times. This rest for the soul, that is found in Christ, changes our eternal hope, our view of physical work, and even our perspective of finances. We can find true rest in Jesus, who not only saves us but promises to walk with us and guide us.

For More See MATTHEW

Revealed

2/23/2025

Philippians 2:1-11
One of my favorite types of online videos involves people rescuing lost or abandoned dogs. The story typically plays out in one of two ways. First, someone sees an abandoned dog in a certain location for a number of days and then returns with group of friends and a bag of hamburgers as a mouth watering incentive for the dog. The video ends with the dog being loaded into a car and heading off for a new life. The second, involves an abandoned dog in a shelter that has literally shut down emotionally and cowers in a far corner. Someone decides to make the effort, stepping into the cage and befriends the scared dog. Both scenarios end with the dog going to a new home with a new owner and with a happy look on their face. This all took place because someone was willing to step into the world of a dog that was lost and without hope. The same is true for the human race. We are stuck, and without hope of ever finding spiritual freedom and a new life of victory over sin. Philippians 2 tells us that hopeless situation changed when Jesus, as God, humbled Himself and served humanity by giving Himself to pay for our sin (8). He did this by stepping into our world, and became human like us (7). He stepped away from His position as God (6) to meet our greatest need. In love, Jesus graciously served helpless humanity by not only revealing Himself to us but also rescuing us. Just as the animal lovers seek to restore the lost dog and give it a new life, we need to remember that apart from God we are helpless and hopelessly lost in sin. However, when we experience God’s gracious gift of salvation given through Jesus we can then step into the world of others who are lost, and joyfully point them to Jesus and the new life He gives.

For More See PHILIPPIANS or SHEBA

Walk at Work

6/2/2024

Ephesians 6:5-9
If you are coasting through life that means you have found an easy path with little to no effort. If you are coasting through work it means that you are doing a little work without much effort. The problem is, working with the coaster. Those that actual put effort into their work get frustrated with having to carry the extra burden from an underperforming coworker. Perhaps you have had to do that, I know I have, and it is not a fun. The term coasting has recently been updated to quiet quitting. This new term began to be used during the covid pandemic when many worked from home. Quiet quitting describes a person who does as little as possible without getting fired. They are coasting. The stated reason that many quiet quit is that they do not feel appreciated and valued. This was also an issue as Paul wrote to the Ephesian church. To put it simply, if you have experienced God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ and trusted Him to save you from sin, then you also need to imitate that grace toward others in your work place. Paul first addresses slaves, explaining that obedience to the master is to be done with respect and sincerity thus showing God’s grace (5). The purpose of this obedience is found in doing what God wants (6). Work place difficulties are exaggerated by people who work half heartedly. Paul challenges the believing slaves, in the Ephesian church, to do their work well because, in essence, they are working for the Lord (7) and He is the one that will reward their effort (8). However, Paul does not make this a one sided conversation. He challenges the masters as well to serve and honor their slaves so they understand how God values them (9). As we have seen though out Ephesians, God’s grace brings about a transformation in our life. God’s grace should also change everything about our work.

For more see EPHESIANS

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

God's Permission

5/14/2023

Job 1:12-22
I am sure that you have seen the sign… “NO TRESPASSING.” Those two powerful words speak of ownership, control, and permission. In order to gain access to a property the visitor must get permission from the owner, because the owner is the one who controls the property. Without getting permission to access or use the property the trespasser will face the wrath of the owner who controls the land. In much the same way, that is what we see in the book of Job as Satan approaches God seeking permission to test Job’s faith (12). God granted permission so that He might display His grace and power to save through Job’s life and extinguish Satan’s argument. This was a chance for Job to exercise his faith. Well, Satan removed all of Job’s possessions (13-19) and left him in pain. However, that is not the end. Job responded in grief, but turned his pain into praise and worship of God (20). In the midst of his loss Job was able to express that his faith was in God and not in his possessions (21-22). This leaves us with several questions to ponder. 1) Do we believe that all we possess is truly a gift of God’s grace that we did not deserve? We as people like to believe that we earn our stuff through our effort. 2) Do we believe that God acts in grace to display His greatness through us? We, as people, do not like the idea that God can use our pain for His glory. 3) Do we trust God and His ability, or our abilities and possessions? We need to serve God from a heart of faith that trusts in Him at times. Remember, God is the one who hangs the No Trespassing sign on our life. Nothing happens without His knowledge, control, and permission for His glory.

For more see JOB

Temptation

4/16/2023

Matthew 4:1-11
Temptation, how can we overcome it and how can we prepare for it? It was a very hot day and I was thirsty. In the middle of that day I faced a huge temptation to take a case of juice that was in a shopping cart in the middle of a store parking lot. Someone forgot to put it in their vehicle. No one was around so I picked it up… and then returned it to the customer service desk. I really could have used it, but I chose not to take it because taking it would not have pleased God. In Matthew 4:1-11 Satan tempts Jesus to do his bidding and submit to him, but Jesus rejected each temptation. After each temptation He quotes Scripture to combat the specific temptation placed before him. There are four ways that we can address the temptations that come into our lives. First, we need to be aware of Satan’s temptations by being watchful for our own pride and human weaknesses. Second, we need to prepare for temptations by spending time with God and His Word. Third, we will declare that God alone is worthy of our worship. In contrast, Satan’s desire is for us to submit and follow him rather than God. Finally, we need to care for others who are tempted, and point them to Jesus, our savior, who will help them and give them hope. Finally, our view of God will affect our attitude toward others who are struggling with temptations. When we are under the pressures of temptation we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and follow His solutions for life. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God will give the strength to stand up under the temptations that we face. Do we believe that God is greater than Satan and our temptations? What we believe will affect the way we live.

For more see MATTHEW or TEMPTATION

Why Serve?

2/26/2023

1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Have you looked at your garage or kitchen recently? You can have a garage full of tools, but not be a mechanic. You can also have a kitchen full of spoons and special pans, but not be a cook. Yet what do we see today? People will often go and purchase things for the house or the garage so they will look like a cook or a mechanic. However, in reality, they only look at the various pieces, and rarely or never put them to use. The more we use what we have, the more proficient we will be. The more that physical skills are practiced the better we become at that skill. The same is true spiritually. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to serve and use the gifts and abilities that God has given us. These gifts enable us to serve God in specific ways. In 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, Paul describes each believer as part of a larger body. Like a physical body, the spiritual body is made up of many parts, and each part has a different function. In order for the body to perform, each part must serve the greater body by doing what God designed it to do. The problem is that, when it comes to church, we want to do what we want, and when it comes to service, we want others to serve us. 1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us that God has arranged the parts in the body just as He wants them. That means that God enables each of us to serve with what He has given us for the benefit and growth of the larger body. We can’t say that we are servants of God, unless we actually pick up the tools that He has given us, and serve by helping others become more like Jesus. We serve because Christ first served us.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

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?

For more see MARK or DISCIPLESHIP

How Faith Behaves in Serving

8/28/2022

James 2:14-26
There is an old, often repeated, story that is told about fishermen. The fishermen in this certain town would gather together regularly and talk about fishing. They would pray for days when they could go fishing. Then they would tell each other about all the great tools that they had for fishing. Some would even write books on fish and fishing, and those who wrote the books would often hold large conferences and talk about how to fish. One day a young man decided to go out to the river and fish. He only had a simple pole and line with a simple hook and bait. After a number of attempts he finally landed a fish. As he brought the fish home everyone was asking him how he caught the fish. His reply was simple and to the point. He said, “I just got tired of talking about fishing and decided to give it a try.” In the closing verses of James 2 we see James, the author, illustrate what the activity of real faith looks like. He begins by asking a question about someone who claims to have faith but does not back it up with action (14). He then follows that key question with four examples of faith in action. First, faith displays its reality by serving the needs of others (15-17). Next, James points out that faith serves God because even the demons believe but do not submit and serve Him (18-19). Third, through the example of Abraham we see that faith serves God by not questioning His direction or provision (20-24). Finally, the life of Rahab reminds us that faith in God is displayed by serving others who follow God regardless of the potential personal cost (25-26). Remember a dry line never catches fish. People like fish are only attracted to the lure of our faith that is displayed right in front of them.

For more see JAMES

Love Mercy: Judgment of Powerful People

6/12/2022

Micah 3:1-12
At one time we lived close to several hydroelectric dams. These were simply made by moving mountains of earth to stop the flow of a river and create a huge lake. The water was then funneled through a series of pipes and turbines that would spin enormous generators and produce electricity. I remember being able to take a tour inside of the dam and see its operation. It was fascinating to see the 10 large generators at work providing power for many people. On the other hand, I have seen the power of storms knock out the electric lines and leave our community without electricity for almost a week. Shortly after the storm, various neighbors had their own personal generators started and were powering their own homes. Each of these produced power. One was for the benefit of the individual and one for the benefit of many. The use of power to benefit the group or the individual is what Micah writes about as he begins chapter 3. This is the prophets’s second message of this book which contains the emphasis of loving mercy. God, through the prophet Micah critiques the self centered action of national rulers (1-4), false prophets (5-8), and local leaders (9-12). In bringing judgment on these powerful people Micah highlights the ways in which they incorrectly used their power and position for their benefit. Each did not use their power and position to display mercy to those that they were given to serve. For us today, the lessons are clear. We must love God and the mercy that He has shown to us, even though we are undeserving. We must act by faith, using God’s power, to display His mercy to others. Our words are to be saturated with God’s Word in order to communicate God’s mercy. Do you love God’s mercy that brings change to your life?

For more see MICAH

Joseph: Serve to Display Grace

11/28/2021

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

For more see CHRISTMAS

What is a Disciple?

7/4/2021

Luke 14:25-35
This summer I have been desperately trying to grow some berries in the back yard. The berry patch has been fenced to keep deer from eating the berries, however the other day I saw robins inside the fence having a snack of their own. Well, that just could not be tolerated so I upped my game and placed netting over the fencing and the berries. Now, the angry birds sit on top of the net and unsuccessfully attempt to peck their way through to the berries below. They are obsessed but they soon give up. On the other hand, you could say that I am firmly committed to keeping the berries even though it may cost me. My commitment is to preserve the berries and savor the flavor long after harvest. In a similar way the disciple of Jesus is one who is committed to the message of Jesus and lives to bring His life changing message to others. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives a description of the person who truly follows Him as His disciple. There is a priority of their relationships (25-26). Their commitment to Christ is public (27) and consistent (28-30). Their dependence is on Christ alone and not their power or possessions (31-33). Jesus makes it clear that a true disciple will serve till the end always carrying the message of Christ to others (34-35). Likewise, our commitments in this life may involve many things, but do we have a single minded devotion that makes Christ the priority in all areas of our lives? Now if you will excuse me, I need to go to the store for some berries rather than waste a pile of time chasing angry birds.

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How to Live Faithfully for God

4/28/2021

Psalm 119:121-128
The Word and Opposition

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more see PSALM 119

Swallowed Because of Grace

9/27/2020

Jonah 1
There are two types of fish stories. First there are the exaggerated ones where in the excitement of retelling the story of the great catch of a giant fish some times the facts get stretched. Somehow fish gain size and the battle of pulling the fish in gains time and effort. Then there are the real stories like the one where a fish gobbled my lure and took off down stream. I tried running downstream but he fish was faster. I tried reeling in but the fish was more powerful. The fishing reel screamed and the fish and my lure disappeared. In the book of Jonah we see a true fish story. As we pick up the story in Jonah chapter 1 we see the prophet Jonah disobey the direct command of God and attempt to run from God. Jonah finds that it is impossible to outrun God. In this initial scene we see that God desires to show His grace to a sinful city, a group of pagan sailors and one of His wayward servants. The chapter ends with the fish getting the man, not the man getting the fish. God used His authority to halt Jonah and his running and saved his life by providing a fish to swallow him. God uses His authority to display His grace. Are you running from God and life seems to be falling apart? Stop and allow God to swallow you with His grace.

For more see JONAH

Example of Complaining

7/19/2020

Philippians 2:12-18
A while ago we had to buy a used car. Now if you have recently bought a car you know this can be a tedious and sometimes painful process. So where do you start the car buying process? How do you discern what is a good vehicle and what is not? I started by thinking about the size and type of car that we needed and then we looked at fuel economy and features. Once that was decided I had to get more help. I had to ask others, look at reviews and safety ratings and crash results. Like with many things in life, there is a percentage of people that are always negative and complain about everything. Then there are those who give an honest and helpful review of the car as they analyze the reliability and performance. I had to focus on this group who did not complain and grumble because otherwise I never would have bought a car. Just as we depend on the views of others in buying a car others also depend on our perspective as they consider following Jesus. In Philippians 2:12-18 Paul highlights to his audience that grumbling and arguing are not the correct response to God’s work in our lives. Paul encourages the readers to continue being positive servants of Jesus Christ that pour their life into serving others. Just as the perspective and reviews of others influenced which car I purchased so our attitudes and actions as followers of Jesus will influence others to follow Jesus or push them away from Jesus.