分类: Spiritual Change - Jethro TOOLS

Spiritual Maturity

10/26/2025

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
All grown up. That is a phrase used by grandparents to describe grandchildren who have surpassed them in height, but are they mature? Two years ago I planted several cranberry bushes in the yard. With much water and some fertilizer they are now taller than I am. Are they all grown up? Are they mature cranberry plants? Not yet, they still have to produce cranberries. Even though the plants have flourished and look healthy they have not produced the fruit that marks them as mature. The same is true regarding spiritual maturity. Our spiritual age and general spiritual health make it clear that we are getting enough to eat spiritually. However, if we are only measured by what we take in we still have some growing up to do. In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul commends a group of believers for their spiritual growth and the maturity of their faith, love and hope (3). The work of faith in their lives, by God, looks to the past and guides their present living (4-5). Their labor of love matures them through their personal practice and witness of their faith under pressure (6-9). Their hope remains steadfast and matures through the confident expectation of God’s future regardless of the present reality (10). These believers had a faith in God that changed them. They possessed a love that caused them to serve as active witnesses while possessing a hope in Christ that was exercised under pressure. That is a growing and maturing spiritual life. They did not allow their circumstances to limit their growth. Instead they allowed their hope and faith to direct their life to be lived as a loving witness for Jesus in all circumstances. The problem is that often we allow our circumstances to limit our spiritual growth. We look at the size of the problem rather than the greatness of our God. Ask God to mature your faith, love and hope through your circumstances.

For More See 1 THESSALONIANS

God of Faith

9/14/2025

Habakkuk 3:1-2
Where do you turn when life falls apart? If you have a fire, you would call the fire department. If you have a broken water line, you would call the plumber. In each instance, you have a belief, based on the facts, that this person will provide the solution. Confidence is defined as a firm trust or belief that is founded in something or someone. You could say you have confidence in a chair, but never prove it until you act and sit down. We see this confidence in God in the life of Habakkuk. The first two chapters of this book deal with Habakkuk questioning God’s actions, which are then followed by God’s responses. However, in turning the page to chapter three, Habakkuk models how we should pray in confidence for God’s action. He may not fully understand why God chooses to act the way He does, but he believes God and turns to God in prayer (1). This is the third cycle of conversation between the prophet and God, and it begins with Habakkuk’s emotional prayer. It records a deep cry for God to act in justice against sin while addressing God as the only sovereign LORD who is capable of dealing with national corruption. We often approach prayer with a lack of confidence because we can’t see God and do not see His action. Habakkuk tells us that confidence in God is found in who He is as God and the faithfulness seen in His Word (2). Habakkuk prays, remembering that God is in control and that He alone has provided the answers and hope. In his prayer, Habakkuk seeks God’s desires of revival and spiritual renewal within his country, and he prays for God’s mercy to transform rebellious hearts and lives. We must remember that prayer rarely practiced, is rarely continued, and rarely missed. Habakkuk models how to confidently pray when all seems when all seems hopeless. Are we praying?

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Member with Christ

7/27/2025

Acts 2:37-47
What is the best group to join? As people, we are not created to be alone. To solve that we spend time searching for places that we like and people that like us. We move to neighborhoods and communities we like. We become members of a country, communities, groups, associations, and even members of a family. The Bible refers to those that believe in Jesus as members of His body, a spiritual family called the church. The difficulty is that we view the church as a building. You may be asked, “What church do you belong to?” Our normal response is some form of directions to some building. The person who believes by faith in Jesus as their savior is made a member of God’s family (Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27). The church is not a building, but the believers that gather together in a building are the church. In Acts 2 we see the beginning of the church, and the initial steps of church growth. It begins with Peter’s message encouraging people to believe in Jesus (14-39), and concludes with many people responding (41). These new believers, or new members, of the early church devoted themselves to the teaching of God’s word, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (42). This chapter highlights what God does as He changes people, their beliefs about Jesus, and association with Jesus. You see, the early church was made up of people who had originally been opposed to Jesus. In coming to Christ they were changed by Christ. They now desired to learn of Christ through His word and live out those truths in a spiritual community with others. They were a changed people, who are now members with Christ. They had changed hearts and expressed the transformation through changed lives (46-47). Are you relationally connected to Jesus Christ and His church? Are you growing in Christ with others?

For More See ACTS

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

Guarantee of One

4/20/2025

Luke 24
From my childhood, many years ago, I recall playing with the canned goods in my mother’s kitchen. The metal cans were perfect for hauling in trucks, stacking in pyramids or rolling across the floor. For Mom, the cans filled with food were a good way to keep track of mischievous boys. To this day I clearly remember the dented cans and the fun that was had in that kitchen. The problem was that after several uses the labels on the cans were no longer attached, either intentionally or unintentionally. My brothers and I did not care, but for Mom that made meal preparation interesting. I can still remember Mom shaking the cans to try and guess the contents. Wanting canned corn Mom would open a can to find peaches, or finding baked beans instead of green beans. The menu would then instantly change and the conversation at the dinner table became very interesting. On Easter morning, approximately two thousand years ago, a tomb was opened. In Luke 24 the reality regarding the contents of Jesus empty tomb challenged the disciples, because dead people do not move (1-12). However, in searching the scriptures (13-27), their eyes were opened (28-32). The disciples now faced the reality that God’s work of salvation that had just been completed. They could not keep silent regarding their encounter with Jesus (33-36). My mother did not know the contents of the cans, but her experience upon opening them changed her conversation around the table. The same was true for the disciples of Jesus. But what about us? We live in a world that is governed by human expectation and measure. Like the disciples we struggle with beliefs when God changes the reality. The resurrection of Jesus should challenge our reality, change our beliefs and clarify our conversations. The open tomb and the resurrection point to the guarantee that we can have new life through belief in Jesus.

For More See LUKE

Restored

3/16/2025

Romans 6
The old shed on the back corner of our property seemed like a worthy investment. So in the spring, after thinking and planning repairs all winter, I started. The building had settled and rotted its original support beams, requiring the foundation to be rebuilt. Once the shed was level and stable the roof and the door were replaced to keep the structure dry and free from roaming critters. Since the outside was able to withstand the extremes of weather, I turned my attention to the inside to make the shed functional. A simple shelf and some hooks made a once rundown and deteriorated building useful again. In many ways we are like an old shed. God sees us, and purchases us, to restore us to the functional purpose that He designed us to be. In Romans chapter 6, Paul calls this process sanctification. From the point of salvation, God begins a process of removing the practice of sin from the life of the believer. The control of sin is broken (1-14) through what Christ has accomplished on the cross for us. But God does not just leave us there. He wants to restore us to the true servants that He originally intended us to be. There is a change that takes place as the believer no longer serves sin, but gives the control of their life to God (15-23). Gradually, the practice of sin is replaced with purity and a righteous life that pleases God. Sanctification is God’s life long process that He works in us to restore us to His standard. Speaking of our relationship with Jesus, Peter writes, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You Shall Be Holy, For I Am Holy. (1 Peter 1:15). What we believe will change the way that we live. What we live will prove what we truly believe.

For More See ROMANS 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

Politics and Misplaced Hope

11/10/2024

Recently we have just walked through an election, and survived. Elections are time consuming, trying, and tiresome. The difficulty is that in an election process we have a way of looking at our life and seeing all the things that need to be fixed. In our mind they are things that only a political candidate can fix. We just need to choose the correct one, support the correct one and vote for the correct one. In the process we elevate an individual and place our hope in a candidate as the answer to our problems. So what is the solution? First, we need to remember that all people are broken and do not measure up to God’s standard (Romans 3:23). Second, we need to realign our hope. It is easy to trust in the things of power in this life. However, the psalmist David writes that some may trust in military powers, “but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). Third, we need a consistent message of real hope. If we are a believer in Jesus Christ as our savior, He is to be the source of our hope, and He is to be the source of hope that we declare to others. The winds of cultural change and the ebb and flow of political tides will cause insecurity, questions and even hopelessness. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24-27 that when we build our life on Him and His word we will have a secure foundation. There are many people who have incorrectly placed their hope in politics, ideologies, and the things of this life. Our message must not be one of political hope, but of hope in Jesus. Will we be the ones who faithfully carry the message of hope in Christ to those who have built their hope on the wrong foundation?

For More See DANIEL

Ministry of Care

10/6/2024

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

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Participate as a Witness

8/11/2024

Acts 1:1-8
Just down the street, from my home, a new house is being built. Have you ever paid attention to the process of building a home? Several months ago several large pieces of heavy equipment arrived on the site and began digging the foundation. Then concrete was poured and now the walls and roof are going up. There is a small crew of workers at the new house site each day moving the project toward its designed completion. But what if each of the workers decided to construct what they wanted without regard or communication with the others? The end result would be nothing but disorganization and chaos. There would be wall without doors and stairs going to nowhere. However, each of the workers reads the house plans, listens to the boss, and does what is being communicated. The same is to be true in the church. The early church, in the book of Acts, saw continued growth with many people coming to faith in Jesus. In Acts 2:41 about 3000 people believed and were baptized. Stop and ask yourself why. The answer is found in looking back to the beginning of the book. In His last words to His disciples Jesus promised power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This promised individual spiritual power brought change to each disciple and they spoke of Jesus the savior who is alive and no longer in the grave. God gave His power to His disciples to build His church through their witness. The same is true for us today. The promise of the Spirit’s indwelling and transforming power is true for everyone who believes in Jesus. God desires that we listen to Him, point others to faith in Him and thus see His body, the church, built for Him. As believers we are empowered by God’s Spirit for God’s glory to proclaim God’s message! Let us live each day using His power by participating as His witness.

For More See ACTS

Participate in Service

8/4/2024

Matthew 20:20-28
Have you ever been to a restaurant where the service was poor? One time, we as a family stopped at what appeared to be a good restaurant. We walked in, found a seat and waited, and then waited some more. Our stomachs began to growl. The kids began getting restless and started to complain. If my memory serves me correctly, we were there about 40 minutes and not a single waiter stopped at our table. Needless to say we eventually got up and walked out because the service did not meet the need of our hunger. In Acts 2:42-47 we see that the early church had been changed by placing their faith in Jesus, and now they were intent on serving. Their work was done to benefit others through their sacrifice. They were not concerned about positions or power, instead they were intent on serving. Through their work of service they continually gave testimony to the fact that Jesus changed them. Yet, if we go back in time we find that the disciples previously had been more interested in positions of importance rather than serving. In Matthew 20 we pick up the recorded story when two disciples approached Jesus, along with their mother, asking for a favor (20). In their ambition and pride they desired positions of greatness alongside Jesus (21). Hearing this conversation the other disciples became angry (24). Jesus stops the argument and reminds them that He has come, not seeking a position, but to serve and sacrifice Himself for the benefit of all (28). Jesus, the greatest servant, served to meet our greatest need of salvation from sin. Christ chose service over self in contrast to the disciples. He came and served sacrificially to meet the hunger of our soul. Like the early church, our service is to be a living testimony of the gospel message and how our savior met our greatest need.

For More See MATTHEW

Walk as a Family

5/26/2024

Ephesians 6:1-4
I have an old dog. For those of you who have had old animals, you can relate. This old dog, like others that I have had, has become disinterested in food. I have realized this and have tried to keep her healthy by making her meals more exciting. I am now sprinkling the magical pixie dust of parmesan cheese on her food. Now, every meal is a treat of spaghetti and meatballs. It is funny to watch her apathy at every meal turn into excitement which turns into an appetite, which leads to nutrition and then good health. Similarly, our lives as believers are strengthened by feeding on God’s Word and then excitedly living out the truth through His grace and strength that He provides. That is what Paul wants from the Ephesian believers as he writes to them in Ephesians 6:1-4. Paul first addresses children, challenging them to live obediently toward parents and honor them (1-3). Then he turns his attention to fathers, or more accurately parents by encouraging them in the proper use if their authority within the home (4). Paul desires for his audience to truly be changed by God’s grace so it is displayed in the home and shown as an example to the community. Today, we need to understand that God’s grace changes us at the cross when we believe in Jesus for salvation. God then enables us, through His grace, to live a transformed life with His power by His Spirit. Parents need to understand that the purpose of their parental responsibility is to show God’s transforming grace and not bend children to their will. Children need to understand that their obedience is a sign that God has truly changed them to ultimately honor Him. Like an old dog, our life is renewed by God’s grace and that should excite us, transform us and change our families.

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

Walk of Love and Light

5/5/2024

Ephesians 5:1-14
There is an old saying that states, “A fake is a cheap imitation of the real thing.” Allow me to add to that… A fake is a cheap imitation of the real thing that looks good on the outside, but on the inside it lacks substance. In other words, I could illustrate that concept with a piece of jewelry. A real piece of jewelry will be made with gold or silver through and through. However you can get an imitation jewelry set for children that is not authentic. It may have the shine on the outside but it is lightweight and made of plastic. As we continue in our study of Ephesians, Paul also continues his practical emphasis of the how the believer is to live that he began in chapter 4. As we turn the page to chapter 5, Paul challenges his audience to be imitators of God (1). He first explains that the one who believes in Jesus as savior is to walk or imitate a life of sacrificial love as modeled by Jesus (2). However, people have a tendency to twist and corrupt what God designs as good. Paul warns the Ephesian church against the self centered, sinful perversion of love, and following falsehood instead of God (3-6). Paul then shifts his thinking to talk about living or walking as children of light (7-8). We imitate God by participating in what is spiritually healthy and fruitful, and not the deeds of sin (11). Paul is trying to tell his audience that they need to allow the reality of their salvation to seen by those around them (11-13). Just as a flashlight has no power on its own apart from the battery, so those who believe in Jesus are to utilize His power to live. In doing so, we let His light shine through us, to guide others to Him, as the true source of real life change.

For more see EPHESIANS

New Life New Walk

4/28/2024

Ephesians 4:17-32
In 1979, a new television show aired that was called This Old House. That show has now been produced for 45 seasons. Each half hour show records the process of how a team of workers completely transforms an old house into a new one. While the house will still retain its recognizable historic and architectural lines on the outside, on the inside it is completely different. From cracked foundations to rotten timbers and broken windows, everything is made new because of the master carpenters and their unwavering effort. In much the same way, we have a master carpenter at work in our lives. From the moment we trust Christ as our Savior the transformation process begins. In the book of Ephesians, Paul emphasizes how God’s grace, displayed through Jesus Christ, changes everything and makes us new. What we see in Ephesians 4:17-32 is similar to what we see on This Old House. Paul discussed a practical transformation from old too new, from broken to functional, from decay to delight, all at the hands of the master carpenter, our God and Savior. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers to not be corrupted by, and insensitive to, sin as they were in their previous lives before knowing Christ (17-19). He then calls them to live holy lives that are made new by God in true righteousness and holiness (20-24). Finally, Paul leaves the Ephesian believers with the challenge to live new lives (25-31). The practice of this new life and new walk displays the reality that their relationship with Jesus Christ has truly changed them. Like that church, we are challenged by Paul to live new lives that are modeled after Jesus Christ (32). The final result, like a restored old house, is that we are on display for all to see the greatness of our God, who transforms us from broken too beautiful.

For more see EPHESIANS

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

Reproducing Growth

1/10/2024

2 Timothy 2:1-2
Have you ever replanted trees? A number of years ago I dug up several trees from the woods and planted them along the road in front of the house for shade and privacy. Even though the trees were no taller than myself, the dirt on the roots made them almost too heavy to lift. With a bit of fertilizer and a lot of water the trees took root in their new location and started to thrive. There was noticeable growth each year, and now it is hard to imagine that I moved those trees. They are twenty to thirty feet tall and they look fantastic. Everywhere we look in life there is change because of growth. When there is no growth that shows that there is a problem. If you examine a tree that does not grow you will discover an infestation of disease, rot or predators. The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we are not growing we are plateaued or worse stagnate and in decline. Paul challenges Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 to take what he has learned and pass it on to others. Basically, he is saying, duplicate yourself in the lives of others and help others grow. This is the result of a personal and powerful relationship that Paul had with Timothy as a mentor. Timothy gleaned much from Paul. Now as a result of the changes and growth in his own life he was responsible to intentionally go and reproduce what he has learned and seen in the lives of others who would be able to do the same. This is not something that Timothy does in his own strength. It is a natural process of being connected to Jesus, growing spiritually and producing fruit (John 15:5). We can have a very bad habit of believing that our faith is only our own. However, just like a tree we are planted to grow and reproduce. If we do not grow into maturity and reproduce we have become stagnant and stunted or dead spiritually. Christ’s purpose in saving us is to grow us, mature us, and use us to grow others.

For more see 2 TIMOTHY or DISCIPLESHIP

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

Jesus Role as Priest

12/22/2022

John 17
Have you ever gone to a doctor and felt like they did not listen or care? You probably walked out and looked for another doctor. We expect doctors to have our best interest in mind. They are giving us advice and researched opinions regarding our health. They have the job of making us better. Similarly, Jesus as a priest is deeply concerned about the spiritual health of people. A priest will offer sacrifices for sin, guide in true worship and help restore mankind to God. In John 17 we see Jesus express a passionate interest in His disciples and other future believers in Him. He is requesting that the Father guide, protect and unify His disciples. He desires that His followers accept His gift of salvation and know that they are kept securely in that salvation by the Father. He also seeks their transformation through the revealed word of God so they will share the greatness of Him with others. Jesus, as priest, is the one who seeks God’s best for mankind. This Christmas I hope that you grow in your joy knowing that Jesus came to save us, change us and cure us from the sickness of sin.

For more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Harvest Time

8/14/2022

John 4:1-42
During the cool days of spring I get out and turn over the soil in the garden, add fertilizer, and imagine the crops that will be grown. There are the standard sweet carrots, luscious green lettuce, deep red tomatoes, as well as beans, onions, peppers, herbs, and squash. All of these will add special flavors to the dinner table in the months to come. However, between turning the soil over in the spring, and harvesting in the fall, there is quite a bit of work. Seeds need to be planted, then transplanted and protected. For the plants to flourish and produce a crop weeds must be pulled plus fertilizer and water added at the right time. The beginning of a garden always starts with the end in mind, the harvest. The gardener will always work to see the crops produce. In John 4 Jesus spends time in anticipation of a spiritual harvest and then calls on his disciples to respond. John records that it begins at a well (6) while the disciples went into the city for food. As Jesus waited, a woman came to get water (7). In the process of talking, Jesus turned the conversation from the daily physical need of water to the woman’s deep spiritual need of salvation (13-14). In doing so Jesus was willing to cross cultural barriers in order to communicate the message of salvation. He helped her to see her needs and challenged her spiritually, which she found uncomfortable (17-20). As the disciples returned (27), the woman then left her water jar, to go back to the city and tell others of Jesus (28-29). Jesus challenged the disciples to see the people as a spiritual harvest (34). The end result is that the community was changed (41-42). The same can happen today as we serve our Savior in the spiritual harvest in our communities.

For more see JOHN

Responding to God's Word

7/24/2022

James 1:19-27
Have you ever put dish soap in your dishwasher or washing machine? You may have run out of regular soap and thought that this other which is called soap will do the same job in cleaning. The difficulty is that regular dish soap is concentrated and needs only a small bit to make a sink full of suds that help clean dishes. Dish soap can become over activated and produce a bunch of useless foam. The correct soap will act appropriately and clean without all the mess. Like using the correct soap we also need to correctly use the word of God in the mess of life’s trials and temptations that we face daily. That is what James is trying to help his audience understand and then put into use. In the final portion of chapter 1 James describes how a stable faith will use the word of God. We must willingly receive the message of God’s word without debate (19-21). He challenges his readers to accept the truth of God’s word and allow it to grow. This leads to a personal response to the truth of the word and application of it (22-25). The measurement of true spiritual growth is found in not only accepting, but personally applying the word of God to life. James moves on by stating that the truth of God’s word in us must be seen through us (26-27). In other words, our claim about being saved by Jesus and being spiritually changed is not to be kept to ourselves. The problem that James is addressing here is still in existence today. We must receive the word, respond to the word, and then reveal the truth of God’s word to others. Our lives are like useless foam when we do not allow faith in God and His word to transform our life and action.

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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?

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Tolerating Corruption in the Church

3/13/2022

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

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