Category: Transformation - 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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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

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 Investing

7/20/2025

Matthew 25:14-30
It has been said that a dog is a great investment. If you have a dog you will gain eye and hand coordination from throwing a ball for the dog to chase. Your strength and balance will improve as you try and remain on your feet after your dog excitedly jumps on you. Finally, having a dog will increase your hand and arm strength as you try and wrestle a rope from your dog in a match of tug of war. Investing in a dog will save you money on gym memberships but you may need to see a chiropractor more often if you can get out the door before the dog jumps on you, wanting to play again. We can invest in many things, including a pet, but we need to think about investing in the most important things. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable of three servants who were each given a large sum of money by their master. Two were driven by the importance of using the masters resources wisely and industriously set out to invest what they were given (16-18). Each of these two saw their investment double. However, the third man did nothing with what the master had given. The master returned and called his servants to account for what he had given them (19-30). The master praised the first two servants but punished the third. For those who believe in Jesus as savior, this is more than just a story about good versus evil servants. This parable emphasizes the importance of applying the word of God to our life. God has invested His power and grace in us through Christ’s work on the cross. In turn He desires that we reinvest what He has given us to grow His kingdom for His glory. The joy of being transformed by Christ leads to a joy of serving and investing in God’s kingdom building agenda.

For More See MATTHEW

Faith and Earning

6/22/2025

Colossians 3:22-4:1
Labor Day… We know it as a holiday, a day off work, a time for a vacation and the last weekend to get away before school activities take off. Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor all the workers and their influence on our country and society. It is nice that workers have a day off and are recognized for their efforts, but most only look at the vacation not at the reason for the day off. Work is hard regardless of the job. It may not be physically tasking but a job can be mentally draining. Often you may hear someone stating how hard their job is or how bad the boss is. Did you ever stop to think that your work is one way to display your faith in God? In the book of Colossians, Paul seeks to apply the truth of Christ ruling as supreme in the believers life. Christ has changed the believers relationship to God, therefore all other relationships change because of Christ. Even in the work environment, the believer is to be a true image bearer of God who loves them, made them and saved them. At the time of this letter Paul addressed slaves (3:22-25) and owners (4:1). Each group was part of society, and people from each group were also believing members in the church. God desires that all Christians, who have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, live differently. A worker is often self reliant, trusting in their abilities to perform. An employer is hoping that they can get a lot of work out of a cheap employee. Both are trusting themselves for their security through their abilities and management. However, Paul challenges the church in Colossae to trust God for their future, to work diligently and be fair in compensation. They were to live by faith, even in their work. May we do the same.

For More See COLOSSIANS

Faith and Worship

5/18/2025

Hebrews 11:4
A simple search of a dictionary or on line sources will often define worship by its elements or activities. For example worship is prayer or it is led by a worship leader. These and other elements simply describe parts of worship. So how are we as people to respond to God? How should we respond to all that God has done for us? In the first chapters of Romans, Paul addresses what God has done for sinful humanity to provide salvation through Jesus Christ. Then, in Romans 12 Paul shifts His approach by addressing the believers response. Because of all that has previously been said Paul urges his audience to give themselves fully to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is an act of worship that impacts and directs all of life. Paul uses the wording of living sacrifice to describe the ongoing daily practice of giving ourselves in obedient service to God through a life that is changed (Romans 12:2). This is what is good and acceptable to God. Worship is not a single event one day a week where we go to church to experience a worship service. Worship is a changed life that is directed by faith each and everyday. That is Paul’s message in Romans 12 and that was the practice of Abel in Genesis 4. Able, in faith, offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain (Hebrews 11:4). He lived his life by faith believing that God was worthy of all his work. Therefore, everything that he did was done in worship and honor of God. All his work with his flocks was done in faith, in preparation for the day of sacrifice. Everything was done to present God with his very best as worship. Able’s offering was accepted by God because of his faith in God and desire for a righteous life. His faith changed his life, his work, his service and his worship. May the same faith be found in us.

For More See HEBREWS

The Disciple's Service

2/2/2025

Mark 10:42-45
Service with a smile. That phrase describes a business that is interested in making sure their customers are happy. They do the work to provide the customer with what they want and they do it with a pleasant attitude. Service is a great motto for company employees. If done well, it will draw in many more customers. The attitude along with the action makes all the difference. In Hebrews 12:1-2 the author uses the illustration of running a race to describe our life. There is a course of faith that we are called to run without distraction. That is done as we focus on the finish line and Jesus. He sacrificed and served all humanity through His death on the cross. His death brought us life, and He did it with joy. Christ served us, giving us what we needed most with joy. In Mark 10:45 Jesus states that he did not come to have others serve Him but to serve even to the point of giving his life to buy the release of many from the power of sin. His action of service was intentional, without wavering, and we are challenged to have the same humble attitude and serve (Philippians 2:5-8). Service is the action of doing, but also the proper attitude in doing. Yet we as people struggle with serving. We are very willing to rate a restaurant on the quality of their service, but don’t like it when we are asked to serve. We want others to serve us while we scream about our rights and need for respect. If anyone deserved to be served it was Jesus. Service for the disciple of Jesus takes on the hard task that brings the greatest benefit to others. We willingly humble ourselves in order for God’s message of salvation and the joy of knowing Him to flow through us. That is service with a smile. How is God calling you to serve and build His kingdom?

For More See MARK or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Vision

1/26/2025

Luke 19:1-10
Have you lost something? We have all lost something at some point in time like keys, glasses, or that important paper. But what about the times when we realize that what we have is something we don’t really desire like an old shirt, a broken chair, or out of style shoes. Our focus shifts from the invaluable things of the present, to a desire for some other thing. All too often we assign too much value to power, positions, and possessions, that we miss what is truly valuable. That is the story of Zacchaeus. Luke 19 tells us that he had power, position, and wealth (2), yet above those things he was motivated to see Jesus (3), and nothing was going to stop him (4). He had everything that a man could possibly get in this world, and yet he was an outcast searching for answers to the deep longings of his heart. He desired to be known and accepted. Zacchaeus had come to the point where he knew his life was not right. Yet, regardless of his sin, Jesus sought him out. He knew exactly where Zaccheus was in the tree and noted the change that faith had brought to his life (9). Jesus came to seek and save the lost (10). His focused vision for coming into this world was to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Today, God works in us and through us to seek out the lost around us. We must believe and accept the salvation offered only through Jesus. It is His sacrifice on the cross that makes us right with God. As disciples of Jesus, we are to adopt His vision for the lost. Zacchaeus desired a new way to live with new values and a new vision for life. That drove him to search for answers and seek out Jesus. May we believe in Jesus as Savior, adopt His way of living, and help others do the same. Has Jesus found you and radically changed you?

For More See LUKE or 1 TIMOTHY or DISCIPLESHIP

God's Priorities

9/8/2024

1 Timothy 2:1-15
Priorities, we all have them and live by them. This summer I have had a front row seat to priorities being played out in my garden. This is the first year for the garden and the plants were off to a late start because of cool rainy weather and not getting seeds in the ground sooner. Well, all that has turned around with a little fertilizer, water and lots of sunshine. We now have terrific tomatoes, lovely lettuce, bountiful beans, perfect peas and supersize sunflowers. Yes, I said that correctly… SUPERSIZE! To be exact they are all over ten feet tall and one is sixteen and a half feet tall with over 24 decorative blooms reaching toward the sky. That sunflower has had one priority, growing as large as it could in order to display God’s grand design and order. In 1 Timothy 2 Paul guides Timothy to give specific instructions that will challenge and change the church. First, Timothy is to challenge the men to be holy and prayerful not argumentative (1-8). Secondly, Timothy is to challenge the women to a life of holy service that honors God (9-15). In this chapter, Paul makes general observations about humanity that are still true today. Men seek to draw attention to themselves through their arguments & conquest. Women seek to draw attention to themselves through their adornment & clothing. As believers in Jesus Christ we are to pursue Christ and by His strength model our lives after His perfect example. Today, it is so easy to seek out opportunities to promote ourselves and supersize our lives. Men and women, we have all been called to live holy lives turning away from our self centered tendencies, desires and self promotion. By faith we are called to lives that display our Savior’s grace, sacrifice, love and service. May God transform us and grant us the strength to graciously prioritize being winsome and holy imitators of Him.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Proclaim the Gospel

8/25/2024

1 Timothy 1:12-17
My Grandma was one who made sure that we stayed warm by making various winter garments. I recall one Christmas my brothers and I opened our gifts to find our own matching pair of mittens plus a hat. These were not just any normal hat and gloves, these were double thick. Grandma made them with two layers of yarn that doubled the thickness and the warmth. In fact, that hat was so warm I remember sweating while wearing it in the middle of winter. Different people commented on the hat and asked where I got it. That was my cue to tell them that it was my Christmas gift from Grandma. In much the same way Paul is saying the same thing to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:12-14, Paul proclaims the gospel message because God has given him the gift of salvation and enabled him to serve (12), even though his past sin was great (13). He then turns and challenges Timothy to proclaim the gospel message of salvation (15-17). This is opposite of the false teachers, who had a message that was without substance and value because they did not hold to the truth of the gospel message (1:6). Paul’s exhortation to the young pastor, Timothy, is to keep Christ and His work on the cross central in his beliefs, teaching and practice. The same is true for us today. When we understand the greatness of our sin, and the greatness of God’s work, we will naturally proclaim the greatness of God and worship Him (17). In ministry, our past is to be an opportunity to display God’s grace in the present. Our guilt and shame of past sin do not limit God’s power in transforming the worst of sinners into His greatest servants. True ministers will view sin in light of grace and be an example pointing others to Christ and the gift of salvation He has given.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Present The Truth

8/18/2024

1 Timothy 1:1-11
In the winter of 1924 - 1925, the growing diphtheria epidemic descended on the city of Nome, Alaska. Isolation and quarantines became the standard operating procedure as officials desperately tried to figure out how to combat the growing problem that infected one and then another and another. Finally, by the end of January plans were finalized and a life saving serum was carefully placed in a dogsled to be carried to Nome. Over the course of five and a half days, a series of dog sled teams were entrusted with transporting the life saving diphtheria antitoxin to the isolated community. Racing through terrible cold and treacherous conditions 20 mushers and about 150 dogs relayed the special package of serum safely to Nome on February 2, 1925. The delivery saved lives. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes his young ministry partner, Timothy, who is now in the city of Ephesus (3). His instruction to Timothy was to deal with the false teachers that were infecting the church (4-5). The apostle Paul was one who had been commissioned to carry the life saving message of the gospel to those who did not know Jesus (1). His concern was that the message of salvation through Jesus alone be clearly communicated to transform lives (9-10) and build the church (5). He had been entrusted with this life giving message and he did not want to see it distorted in any way (11). Paul challenged the young pastor, Timothy, to be faithful and discerning in his ministry. Even today, false teachers and their ideas will seek to distort the gospel message. Like Paul, those who have trusted Christ for salvation, are entrusted with the truth that Jesus alone saves. Do we truly understand that we have a life saving message that others are dying to receive? Are we delivering it faithfully and accurately? May God guide us as we depend on Him and carry His life saving message of Jesus to others.

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

Participate in Fellowship

7/28/2024

1 John 1:6-7
Some years ago I borrowed a canoe from a church member and placed it in front of the church as an illustration of fellowship. So how would an old canoe describe fellowship? Well, the best way to travel in a canoe is with two people. However, two people in a boat does not mean that they have fellowship. They merely exist together without participating in any meaningful activity. But if those two people are in a boat and paddling the same direction they share the experience and are able to benefit from each others efforts as they glide through the water. In Acts 2:42 the early church spent time in fellowship. What is fellowship? Biblical fellowship is defined as participation or sharing, as in sharing in and participating in an activity. In the book of 1 John the author confronts false teaching and beliefs that circulated in the early church by addressing true fellowship. In verse 6 and 7 John challenges his audience to a proper conduct and imitation of Christ that walks as He does. In order to do this we need to align our life and participate in fellowship with Christ our savior. In other words, the correct practice of our relationship with Jesus will impact and direct our correct God honoring relationships with others. Our fellowship with one another is to be a living reflection of our relationship with Christ. Like the early church, we are challenged to live the life changing truth of the gospel in our fellowship with one another. By being in fellowship with Christ and following Him we will see the power of the gospel transform us and transform our relationships with others. Just as we benefit from others being in a canoe and paddling in the same direction with us, so we also benefit others by our walk with the Lord and see the reciprocal effects in our relationships.

For More See 1 JOHN

What do others say about us?

6/16/2024

Ephesians 6:21-24
Over the years people have sought to memorialize themselves or others through witty phrases etched on their tombstone. One of those sayings that has been used by several is, “I told you I was sick.” What would you think if you saw that on a tombstone? You might think the person had a sense of humor, or perhaps someone else was doing their best to describe this character. When a person passes away it is a serious time for remembrance and reflection. This should cause us to pause, with some sober thought, and ask “What will others say of us when we are gone?” I believe that question is the challenge behind the closing verses in the book Ephesians. In closing out this letter Paul begins his conclusion to Ephesians 6 by describing a faithful brother, Tychicus (21-22). This man was noted as a dear brother and faithful servant. One who is deeply appreciated and loved as a brother, and one who dutifully and consistently meets the needs of others through his service. Tychicus was the one who carried this letter to the church and Paul used him as an illustration of unity and service in the body of Christ. This beloved servant of the church had been changed through his belief in Jesus as savior and sought to continue to show his love for his savior through his dedicated service. In our world today, the temptation is to make our efforts about ourselves and for our benefit. Paul noted just the opposite about Tychicus. His faith in Jesus transformed his life and his love for others. Tychicus served because the grace of God, and Jesus as his savior made all the difference in his life. Just like Tychicus, may others remember our love and service for our savior.

For more see EPHESIANS

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 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 in Wisdom

5/12/2024

Ephesians 5:15-21
The terms wise guy and wise man are different. A wise guy refers to a person who makes sarcastic responses. However, on the other hand, a wise man is different. In the second term, wisdom is used to describe the person that does wise things. So what is wisdom? How is true wisdom different from someone using a witty comeback? In order to effectively answer that question we must clarify the difference between knowledge, understanding and wisdom. First, knowledge is knowing what is right. This is knowing in your head what is the right response. Second, understanding is discerning what is right. This is understanding the right response to the situation. Third, wisdom is practicing what is right. Wisdom takes the knowing plus the understanding and turns it into doing what is right. As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesian church he address the practice of wisdom as it relates to the life of the believer. Paul challenges his audience to walk in wisdom (15-16). So how do we live a life that is noted for wisdom? Paul provides four pointers designed to help the believers in Ephesus and us today. First, wisdom is learned from God (17). Knowing God and His will for our life is the beginning of wisdom. Next, Paul points out that wisdom in the life of the believer is the result of God’s Spirit having control of the believer (18). What fills us is what controls. Is the Spirit of God in control of your life? Third, wisdom is spoken to others, but it comes from an attitude of joy that displays the spiritual foundation of our words (19-20). Finally, wisdom is lived relationally as we honor God by submitting to others (21). God will transform us by His power as we seek His ways and His wisdom. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for wisdom.

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

Transformation: Can God Change Me?

3/31/2024

Luke 24
If you want to spark a conversation try asking this question… “What would you do if I gave you a million dollars?” The answers are as varied as people and their individual personalities. However, underlying the answer is a root belief that something will change because of this new reality. This gift has the ability to remove concerns and worries. It changes ones perspective. The same is true of Easter. In Luke 24 the followers of Jesus were confronted with the resurrection of Jesus and that changed everything. The disciples who first saw the empty tomb (1-12) were confronted with God’s reality and the choice to believe that Jesus is alive. The troubled men walking on the road were presented the open Scriptures (13-27). The searching of the scriptures changed their perspective. The death of Jesus was necessary for true change to be offered and salvation to be a reality. Jesus opened the eyes of these men to see (28-32) that he died and returned to life. The reality that Jesus is alive and that he accomplished salvation moved these men to excitedly tell others of this new reality (33-36). Not only did they hear about Jesus being alive, they believed because they saw him. They were filled with joy and that changed their communication with others. For us today, it is easy to talk about what brings us joy. However, the joy of these disciples moved them to tell others who doubted about Jesus. The opening of our mouth as a witness naturally occurs because of our joy in Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus should challenge our doubts; change our beliefs about salvation; our understanding of God’s word; and our communication about Him. Jesus is alive and our belief in Him changes everything.

For more see LUKE or EASTER

Acceptance

3/18/2024

John 3:1-21
Have you ever wanted to get to know someone but were afraid to talk to them when others were around? In John 3 we see that Nicodemus was a religious leader with serious questions for Jesus. So, he arranged to met with Jesus at night, asking questions that people still ponder today. He began with a general statement regarding what people in the community were saying about Jesus. He then moved too much deeper questions in response to the truth that Jesus presented. His perspective about Jesus was challenged (2-3). His beliefs about Jesus and salvation were confronted (4-8). Through this, Jesus desired that Nicodemus would believe that He was the promised savior as predicted in the scriptures (9-15). The conversation concludes as Jesus emphasized that a new life is only the result of God’s transforming power (16-21). As we read this conversation we often miss what Jesus was modeling for us. Jesus was willing to take the time to meet with Nicodemus. From there He started with what Nicodemus knew and challenged his understanding of the truth. Jesus made sure that the truth was presented in such a way that it would lead to beliefs being challenged and to salvation. Today, we can do the same in our conversations with others. We can only tell others of the truth of the gospel if we know it by experience. Let us ask God to open the conversations and relationships so we can tell others of Jesus and point them to salvation in Him alone. Like Nicodemus, our acceptance by God is not found through what we know about Him or the things we do. We must come to God on His terms through Jesus our savior. In that, God begins a visible transformative process, moving us from spiritual darkness to spiritual light (21). Like Nicodemus, what we know will affect what we believe, and what we believe will affect the way we live.

For more see JOHN or EASTER

Being vs. Doing

2/29/2024

Luke 10:38-42
Have you ever experienced fog? Fog is caused when warm air makes contact with cooler ground. The cooler ground causes any moisture that is in the air to condense into fine water drops that form a low lying cloud. Fog often settles into a low lying valleys, but can also cover large open areas. The solution to fog is the heat of the sun that warms the air and wind that moves in to break up the low lying cloud. The problem with fog is that it obscures what is important. If you are driving in foggy conditions it limits visibility and hides the corners ahead. In a way we can also have a personal fog in our lives that obscures what is really important. We can become so busy with the things and events of life that we miss what is truly important. In Luke 10:38-42 we see such an event illustrated for us in the home of Mary and Martha. These women, along with their brother Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus. In the process of traveling, Jesus stopped at their home for a meal. Martha became distracted with all the preparations of the meal (40), while Mary sat and listened to Jesus (39). Finally, Martha lost it and told Jesus to tell Mary to get into the kitchen and help (40). Jesus turned, and instead of chiding Mary, corrected Martha. He said that Mary had chosen what is better (42). How often are we like that? How often do we loose our bearings in the midst of all the activities of life that we neglect the important thing of being with Jesus and simply listening to Him? We have been trained to be people who get things done. However, Jesus invites us to be with Him, learn from Him and be the people He wants us to be. Don’t allow the fog of doing the things of life obscure the most important thing of being with Jesus and becoming what He wants you to be.

for more see PRIORITY of PRAYER or PRIORITY of PATIENCE