Attitude Adjustment

My mother in law used to have a large wooden paddle hanging in the door frame between her dining room and kitchen. It had the autographs of her sons written all over it. But also, in big black letters was written the words, “Attitude adjuster.” Hmm, I wonder if it really did adjust attitudes?

This morning I was listening to the radio on my way to work and I heard a man talking about attitude. He described attitude as- a pattern of thoughts.

Your attitude is just a roadway, a pattern, of how your thoughts run.

Do you have a negative attitude? Your thoughts must be running negative.

Do you have a grumpy attitude? Your thoughts must be grumbly.

Do you have a superior attitude? Your thoughts might be a little selfish.

Do you have a care free attitude? Your thoughts, are they avoiding the issues?

Do you have a positive attitude? Are you believing in God’s goodness?

Do you get it? How is your attitude? Where are your thoughts leading you?

Scripture talks about our hearts, it aligns our feelings with our hearts, our attitudes, feelings, emotions, and thoughts are all coming from what is in our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us- “KEEP YOUR HEART with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” How do we “keep our hearts?” What is it that is up to us to do? We have to be aware of our thought patterns. We are in charge of the pathways that our minds and hearts follow. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are TAKING EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE to the obedience of Christ.” By being conscious of what our feelings and thoughts are saying we can, if we are vigilant, get control of thoughts and feelings that are not godly. Remember if it’s not godly, it is devily, satanic. Don’t give yourself permission to think things that are ungodly.

Instead, Phillippians 4:8-9 gives us something to think about.“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, DWELL ON these things.” See, it says to “dwell on” these things. But too often we dwell on the ungodly, unfruitful things. Let’s work hard to change our ways of thinking into what God wants.

So, what’s in your heart? What is your attitude? Does it need adjusted? Luke 6:45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

Pt2

Part 2

Yeah, but...

Let's journey again in the mind's eye back to when Jesus was teaching.

I would've loved hearing Jesus, himself, teach what is written.

I can picture it this day, however, it might not have been exactly just this way. I like to vision it so.

The crowds are big, many sitting in the dirt, some standing. Jesus is sitting on a rock telling them parables, earthly stories with heavenly meanings. 

He isn't preaching. It's not formal, although he has their full attention. Well, maybe not the squirming toddlers. They are fussy, hot and tired. 

Jesus holds out his arms and the mothers bring their kids to him. The disciples are frustrated. They, too, are hot and tired. They just want him to be able to finish his teaching so they can go back into town for a bite to eat. "Don't bother the teacher," they try to tell the young mothers, but Jesus scolds. "Let these little ones come to me. This is how Heaven shall be, full of innocent, loving minds."

When he is done speaking a young man comes to him. He looks well to do. He asks Jesus a question. It goes exactly like this,

“A ruler questioned Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, 'D O NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, D O NOT MURDER, D O NOT STEAL, D O NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, H ONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.'" And he said, "All these things I have kept from my youth." When Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.”

Luke 18:18-23 NASB

Whoa, we saw the proud young man stroll right up to Jesus. He wonders how to obtain eternal life. "What's the fast track?" He seems to want to know. Or maybe it's "How can I be sure?"

Jesus quotes some of the Jewish laws. We see the man's chest puff out. He is pleased with himself. "Yes, I've got this. I've got this!" He seems to say to himself.

He says to Jesus, "Yes, Sir. I've done all of that for years."

But when Jesus tells him to sell all that he has and follow him, the air is knocked right out of him. You could almost hear it, whoosh.And his shoulders slumped and his expression changed dramatically.

Did he really have to sell ALL that he had? Did he really have to leave his home and family to follow Jesus? He wasn't sure that he could do that. He was pretty sure that he could not.

Can I not just give some? Can I not love you from my home? 

No, Jesus said, give it up, follow me.

Shame on him. Did he not understand who Jesus was? Did he not realize that this was his SAVIOR? 

But am I guilty of the same? I want Jesus. I want a Savior. I believe and live by what He has taught. But do I give until it's a true sacrifice to further His kingdom? Do I deny myself to follow Him, to be in His presence? 

If I really love The Lord with all my heart(emotions,) with all my soul (spiritual being,) with all my mind (knowledge,) and with all my strength (my physical self) then what can I withhold? Nothing!

I can't be emotional (grumpy, moody,) and stay away from Him. I, for sure, can't keep my spiritual being apart from God. I have to always be in His presence and growing in my knowledge of Him. And even when my physical body aches and pains, I can't stay away from Him.  Or do I not truly love Him with ALL of me.

When I stand before Jesus will the wind be knocked out of ME? Will MY shoulders slump? Will MY expression change because I was unwilling to give my all?

Lord, help me.

Help us all.

Yeah, but

Yeah, but...  

I want you to go with me back in time. Put on your imagination hat, block out all distractions and get a good picture here, even though the scene probably wasn't just like this. The scripture reference is intact.

Jesus is popular with almost everyone. He walks around the dusty streets and picks up a giggling little girl. Maybe she's the daughter of a young man he healed of leprosy. 

Women run up to him and give him biscuits flavored with honey, enough for all the men traveling with him. They are grateful because he gave them something to eat when they traveled to hear him speak.

But then over there, standing in the shadows of the buildings, are three men. They look important, dignified. They are looking at Jesus, but talking to each other. It is plain to see that they don't like him. 

One breaks away and comes up to Jesus. The little girl hides behind Jesus. The women back away. The disciples stop their eating and look up. The dignified man asks a question.

Let's read it from the scripture,

“And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 

And He (Jesus) said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" 

And he answered, "Y OU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 

And Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."

 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"”

Luke 10:25-29 NASB

Do you see what he's doing? He is saying, "I can love God. Of course I do. I know what The Law says. I am very familiar with God's word. But who is it exactly that I have to love? Is it those who live in the other extravagant houses near mine? Is it my dear family? And those that I work with?"

He looks at the skinny women, the ones with worn out clothes. He looks at the little girl. She's filthy! Her hair is stringy and matted. I'm glad these aren't my neighbors, he thinks as he walks away.

"We got this." He tells the other two men. "We got this."

Have you ever justified yourself against the teachings of Jesus? You know what He means, but, "yeah, but" comes out of your mouth and thoughts. 

I have. I hate to admit it, but I have. 

Jesus says love others.

Jesus says deny yourself.

Jesus says obey My Father.

Jesus says give.

Do we know what He says? Do we know, but don't heed?

Lord, forgive me. I need to be more obedient. I must understand that if I want eternal life, just as this snobby man was seeking, I must have ears that hear and understand. 

 I want/need You as my savior, but I don't always want You as my Lord. By trying to justify myself I am not doing what You truly intend. By trying to make it easier on myself, Am I truly denying myself to follow you?

Help me, Lord.

Help us all.

The Good News

The Good News

Those who DO NOT OBEY the gospel will be dealt eternal destruction.

"when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 NASB

What is the gospel?

The word gospel means good news. It is knowing and believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

We obey the gospel by following God's command to be like Christ. And to be in Christ.

“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,” Romans 6:3-5 NASB

But many argue that baptism is not necessary. They believe that it is just an act carried out after they are saved simply by their belief. They say that salvation is a free gift and we can not "work" for it. They consider baptism a "work" on the part of the believer.

However, baptism is actually a work of God on our behalf as evidenced in Colossians 2:11-13

“and in Him you were also circumcised with a CIRCUMCISION MADE WITHOUT HANDS, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him THROUGH FAITH, IN THE WORKING OF GOD, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,”

Can you see just how very important baptism is?

We cannot just hear a sermon, believe it, ask Jesus into our heart and think we are saved. If that were true, why then did the people after hearing and believing Peter's first sermon about Jesus ask, "What MUST we DO?" They knew there was more then belief.

“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38 NASB

God's plan for our salvation is easy to see and follow:

Hear the gospel, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, confess publicly that Jesus is the Son of God, obey the gospel in baptism by dying to your old self, being buried under the water where God's hand will circumcise you of your sin and indwell you with the Holy Spirit, then raise you up a new creation in the likeness of Christ. 

Then you must continue to be transformed. Your mind must be renewed and expanded as you learn, study and grow. And you must remain steadfast and stand firm daily as your faith is tested over and over by Satan, who is always trying to snatch you from God's hand.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:2

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB

It is my hope and prayer that you have obeyed the gospel and that you are producing fruit by sharing this good news to this lost world.

I love you all, but God loves you more.

Blocks

My 7 year old granddaughter plays with my wooden building blocks every time she visits. She stacks them on top of each other trying to get higher each time. Her record so far is 19 high before toppling over.

However recently she discovered that if she makes the stacks bigger at the bottom and then builds upward she can go higher.

It reminded me of these verses from 2 Peter. You see, FAITH is our base. And we need to be diligent as we build on the faith. Keep in mind that as we build we may have to go back and reinforce our faith at the base, just like Eastyn does with the blocks.

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence,

 in your FAITH supply moral excellence, 

and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

 and in your knowledge, self-control, 

and in your self-control, perseverance, 

and in your perseverance, godliness, 

and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, 

and in your brotherly kindness, love. 

For if these qualities are yours and ARE INCREASING, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It seems simple and it stands to reason that we are to be growing in all of these things. Yet every once in a while we need to be reminded, myself included.

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,”

2 Peter 1:5-8, 12-13 NASB

He's coming

At the end of my work day as a truck dispatcher, I was sitting at my desk talking to several of the drivers about their day. My phone rang and I could see by caller ID that it was my "big boss" from Washington, DC. My first thought was, "Ugh, what does he want?"

I answered the phone and he greets me by saying, "Hey," He then proceeds to tell me that he will be coming up tomorrow, we need to go over some things. Again, "Ugh!"

So hanging up the phone, I go back to talking to my drivers. They guessed by my end of the conversation who I had been talking to. 

One of them told me that he was calling in sick tomorrow. And he began to fake coughing.

The other one was like me, "What's he coming for? I hate when he comes. Something always changes."

Yes, he was right, something does usually change, and it never seems to benefit me or the drivers.

Great, now we all dreaded coming in to work tomorrow.

It's a fact. I am one person that doesn't really like things to change. I like routine, which is already in short supply in the trucking business.

But some of my job duties are pretty routine, the data entry is one example. It is done the same way all the time.

So now, I speculate on what new, bright ideas might be in store. I know that sleep will be difficult as I imagine every scenario. Goodness, is that the same as worry?

Lord, help me.

But there is one Man that will be coming and He will bring incredible change. This is one man and one change that I long for and anticipate. 

When Jesus returns, we will be changed, we will be like Him.

There is no dread in that.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NASB

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

1 John 3:2 NASB

Intimacy

I stopped by the store on January 2 to pick up a few things and the first things I noticed were baked goods from the store's bakery just inside the door. These items were of a certain theme, Valentine's Day. 

Now I may not be the brightest red crayon in the box, but I do know that Valentines Day is SIX WEEKS AWAY!!!

Does anyone really buy these things now and save them that long?

However, it wasn't just baked goods, the flower section carried the theme, the stationary section had their VD cards on the end caps, even the healthy food section was highlighting their "heart" healthy grub.

I realize that this is how the marketing world works. It's always on to the next thing.

Then I thought, well just maybe it takes some people 6 weeks to get the hint to do something nice for their partner.

Really?!? Well, maybe. 

Does getting an item on THAT DAY really prove someone's love of you?

What is love? For years, centuries and eons, people have been trying to define it. Love is:

Most people think of love as intimacy. And true, it is. This one word probably best defines love. But what is intimacy?

I heard a preacher once say, "Remember, intimacy is In to me see." It is really looking INTO another person, really having an understanding of everything about them. Knowing what hurts, what heals, what they need without saying, what they feel without sharing. It means hearing their heart with your heart.

And intimacy isn't just for two people in love. Yes, they definitely must have it, but intimacy is the lifeblood of a true and honest relationship. 

We are to have intimacy with God. We are to have intimacy with Jesus. We are required intimacy with the Spirit that lives in us. And we are to have intimacy one with another.

When we have intimacy with others we have:

1. Anticipation- Are you anxious to be with them, see them, hear from them?

2. We long to be one- Do you want to be as much like the other person as you can?

3. Everlasting love-Do you have love that doesn't fade or shrink away from tough times?

4. Longing- Do you have a deep need to be near that person?

5. Abiding love- Does your love have staying power?

6. Complete love- Do you love with all of yourself, beyond emotions?

7. Joyful praise- Do you sing to Or about the one you love?

It is my prayer that each of us know this love. I hope you love God intimately. I hope you love His Son intimately. I am praying that the Spirit and yourself share this bond. 

I also hope that you now or at one time, have known or will know the intimacy with a loving, caring, kind man. 

But My biggest prayer is to have a friendship that is biblically intimate. A woman to share my deepest self with, one that will love me enough to share her deepest self with me. 

A sister-friend is my desire. And I pray that you all have one too.

God loves us very much and He desires intimacy with us.

Isaiah 65:24- anticipation- “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

John 17:22-23- being one- “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”

Jeremiah 31:3- Everlasting love-  "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Psalm 42:1-2- longing- “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?”

John 15:4-6- Abide together- “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.”

Deuteronomy 6:5- love completely- “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Zephaniah 3:17- Sing over you- “ He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

 

Struggle is real

It sometimes feels like no matter how much I try I can never stop doing some of the bad things I do. Or do the good that I want to do. 

I was talking to a friend the other day and she confessed to me that she lacked discipline in her life. She said that she was having trouble getting motivated to do the things that she knows she should be doing.

I began to think about myself. There are some not so nice behaviors that I participate in sometimes that make me mad because I can't seem to stop doing them. 

And then, too, like my friend, there are some things that I should do more often that I don't do.

Everyday is a constant struggle to battle the sinful human nature inside. 

Even Paul knew this struggle.

He writes this:

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.”

Romans 7:15, 18-19 NASB

My goodness, if Paul faced this challenge and had such a hard time, is there any hope at all for me? 

Jesus warns:

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."”

Matthew 26:41 NASB

I don't want to do bad things. I want to do good. Yet I mess up....often.

 Like Paul, I don't understand it. Sometimes, I just wonder why. Why did I do that? Why did I say that? Why do I act this way? When will I do the right thing?

Most often I know immediately that I made the wrong choice. Within seconds, I realize the decision should have been different. Why do I not seem to know before the action? Surely I am not deliberately choosing bad behaviors, am I? What is wrong with me? Would it be, could it be that I am not "watching and praying?"

How can I be more alert and sober in my actions? 

“one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

James 4:17 NASB

Do any of you struggle like this? 

Tomorrow?

This weekend I have been sicker than I have been for over 30 years. I came down with the flu. Every single cell in my body seems to be crying in pain and I am not ashamed to confess, that this pain has actually literally made me cry.

However, I did not share that with anyone outside my family, until my husband requested prayer for me in several prayer groups.

Now with that being said I have noticed a few similarities to my morning scripture that I would like to share with you.

Even though I was extremely sick (no one knew) I was asked specifically by 3 different people to pray to God on their behalf for their loved ones. And I absolutely did that. I welcome the chance to pray for someone else.

In my reading this morning, from Exodus chapter 8, Pharaoh asked Moses to "Plead with The Lord" on his behalf.

“Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Plead with the Lord to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.””

Exodus 8:8 ESV

He recognized that Moses had "connections" to the Lord. And he asked for prayer. 

When someone asks you for prayer, they are saying that they recognize that you have "connections" with God and they seek access to Him through you.

So I was praying for others that also had the flu. I could definitely relate and knew how to pray for them specifically because I related to their pain and misery.

Later I received word from one of my friends that prayers indeed helped and her household was beginning to feel better.

So I prayed to God for myself. I asked Him that if it be His will to make me better I would appreciate if He could do it by tomorrow so I can go to work. I can't really afford to miss a day due to being sick.

I was willing to be sick on the weekend, just heal me tomorrow.

Wow.

Now back to my morning reading....

“Moses said to Pharaoh, "Have it your way. When should I pray for you and your officials and your people to remove the frogs from your houses, courtyards, and fields? They’ll stay only in the Nile." Pharaoh said, "Tomorrow!" Moses said, "Just as you say! That way you will know that there is no one like the LORD our God.”

Exodus 8:9-10 CEB

Pharaoh, who is in the midst of a PLAGUE (infestation) of frogs, frogs everywhere, when asked when he wanted them gone, said, "Tomorrow!!!"

Why did he say that? 

Why did I ask to be better by tomorrow instead of asking to be better now? 

Why do we say, "Tomorrow I'll diet," or "Tomorrow I'll start saving money." Or "Tomorrow I'll give up my sin." Or "Tomorrow..." whatever?

Why do we want one more night with the frogs?

God said in verse 1 of chapter 8 of Exodus:

“Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

You see, God knows His people. He could tell His people apart from the people under Pharaoh's rule. And even still, God knows His people. He wants His people set free from our bondage so that we can serve Him.

Whatever it is that is holding you, keeping you, entangling you, break free in Christ. Claim your victory and start saying, Today!

Because of Christ- Today I can. Today I will.

PS Pray for to be better- today. 🤗

And how can I pray for you?

Revival

You know that feeling of busy excitement that you have when your congregation is hosting a revival or seminar? It takes so much planning and preparing. Everyone works together to set the dates, works up the flyers, plan the speakers stay and meals, invite friends and family, clean the building, etc.

Then the event comes, busyness and excitement grows even more. The speaker visits your home, and lifts and encourages you and your family. Your revival fires are rekindled and you remember the joy of your salvation. Your busyness turns into earnest working for the Lord again. You begin to do more and more to build the Kingdom of God on earth.

It then becomes a mission for us to continue in that excitement. We continue lifting and encouraging each other, loving each other, and becoming more and more the image of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul was the ultimate evangelist. Can you imagine the joy and excitement that his visit could bring to your congregation? His love for God was never hidden. He was always about serving the Lord. As a matter of fact, Paul states, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

I believe that this statement has two meanings: 

First, a person needs to not be idle. We need to work to earn our physical food.

And second, spiritually. Jesus is the Bread of Life. If we don't work in God's Kingdom, how can we think we can partake in The Bread of Life? 

The Psalmist, David, says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalms 51:12 ESV

We need to always remember the excitement and joy that we knew when we first became Christians. We need a revival fire inside us. Then we need to re-ignite the fire in others and fan the flame. Shouldn't everyone know Christ's love? 

“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 

If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 ESV

Personal?

I am going to write today about what one preacher describes as "a gray area." However, it is a pet peeve that may be deceiving many people right to the doorway of hell.

How many times have you heard a person come forward to make their good confession at the end of the service, and you hear them say, "I accept Him as my personal savior?"

What does this imply? Is this mentioned in the scriptures?

What ever happened to people saying, "I accept Him as my Lord and Savior?"

I am afraid that in our society we are taught early on that we live in a "me" society. Our culture is all about selfie.

It troubles me a bit that people want a personal savior. I am afraid that some may think that by having this special relationship that they will come to think that Jesus "understands" them and their circumstances and will have a compassion on them because of their relationship. In believing this, they are bringing Jesus down to their level of humanity, instead of growing up in grace, being faithfully obedient through trying times, and having a godly sorrow within themselves when they fail.

They use their personal relationship to justify behavior instead of repentance and being obedient to their "Lord" and savior. Really, who wouldn't want a loving friend rather than a Lord?

Now, please don't misunderstand me, I definitely believe that each of us, Christians, must have a relationship with God. We do need to talk to Him (prayer) and listen to Him (meditate) and be committed to Him. That is a relationship. However it is not personal. I am not special (favored) by God because my prayer life is better than someone else's. and just because you can quote the Bible backwards and forwards, you aren't loved better by Him. No, scripture teaches us that God has no favorites. “For God shows no partiality.” Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

God loves everyone. EVERYONE! Even those that do not love Him back.

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 ESV

When we become children of God we begin to grow in Grace and Knowledge. We grow up into Him by learning to trust more fully and by doing our best to continue on with the work that Christ, then the apostles started. Jesus prayed to God for us, you and me, when He said, 

“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

John 17:22-23 ESV

Jesus wants us to be unified, but not just with Him. He wants unity with all believers. We are all one in Him. It is never and was never meant to be an individual journey. We are saved into a body, The Body, of Christ. It is one of the very first things God does for a new convert, He adds them to the church, the body. “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:41, 47 NASB

If God wanted "a personal relationship" why would He add us into the body (church?)

It's because we need each other. We are meant to be side by side, working together, each doing our part, functioning as a body, with Jesus as Head. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV

Let's work toward unity. Let's build each other. Let's love each other instead of trying to do it on our own. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

1 John 4:11 ESV

Let's have a relationship with God. Let's have a relationship with Jesus. Let's have a relationship with each other. Let's' have the kind of relationship that Jesus prayed for, that we are all ONE.

Wait

When I was in the fifth grade, I got my first man teacher. His wife was also a fifth grade teacher and they lived on a small farm. It was in the spring of that year that the teacher brought in an incubator and some chicken eggs. 

Every day we watched those eggs and waited patiently.

After about 3 weeks they began to crack. And then small holes appeared. And one by one little peeps began to appear.

But a few of the eggs never cracked. And after a couple more days the eggs disappeared. There was a solemn sadness in many of us. 

We learned a couple of lessons during that time:

*Sometimes it's exciting to wait for something to happen.

*It's amazing to watch a new beginning.

*Occasionally the outcome isn't what you want.

*Sad disappointment can be overcome.

Last Sunday when we came home from church I had a message on the answering machine. It was from the Maryland State Police. I was being asked to come for a job interview....for a job that I had applied for last April. I remember after submitting that application, waiting hopefully to hear from someone. But much time went by and I had forgotten all about that job. 

When I woke up Monday morning I called the number and set up an interview for Thursday.

The interview would take place over an hours drive away. So Thursday I woke up at my normal time. My husband was going along for the ride. I was pretty anxious. I wanted to check the confirmation email one last time to be sure I was bringing everything that I needed. 

As I was scrolling through the hundreds of emails and spam I noticed an email I hadn't paid attention to before. It was an email about another job working for the State of Maryland. Oh no, why hadn't I seen it? It was from a month ago. It, too, was inviting me to an interview. Oh, I was just sick about missing it. But that job would involve a daily drive of about an hour and a half. 

I quickly replied to the email with an apology for missing the interview and a plea to be remembered for the next opportunity.

Ugh! I just can't believe I blew that chance.

I put aside those feelings and off we went to this interview. It was a long drive. Tension built. Bill and I talked a lot about, what if.

The interview went well. I liked the sound of the job. I feel pretty confident that I am qualified. But there is a process, background checks, reference checks, and interviews of other people. So I now will wait, excitedly, anxiously.

But wait... there's more...

Remember the email that I had overlooked? About the other interview? When I got home I CAREFULLY checked my email. I had gotten a response from the woman that had sent the email!!! It was a one sentence inquiry. A question actually, "Would you be interested in this position in Cumberland?"

What?!? I could not believe it. I just couldn't believe it. 

In less than a week, I am getting the opportunity for not one, but two, very good State jobs, neither of which I had applied for recently. It was like out of the blue.

Of course I'm interested in working in Cumberland. That's where I work now. She then asked me to send her my resume and I did.

So I now wait, excitedly, anxiously to hear about one or the other of two jobs. I remember a lesson I learned in the fifth grade:

*Sometimes it's exciting to wait for something to happen.

*It's amazing to watch a new beginning.

*Occasionally the outcome isn't what you want.

*Sad disappointment can be overcome.

It all brings to mind one of Joseph's experience's in the Old Testament. 

Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous older brothers. Once in Egypt he overcame his trials and excelled to the point that he became a trusted, loyal servant of the hierarchy. 

He resisted the seduction of Potiphar's wife and then she lied about him trying to rape her and he was put into prison. He was there a very long time. 

There were two others there with him. They both had dreams that God allowed Joseph to interpret. Within 3 days the cupbearer was released from prison and re-instated to his job as cupbearer to the King. But he forgot to mention Joseph.

Here are the scriptures.

“Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon."

Thus it came about on the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh's hand;

Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”

Genesis 40:14-15, 20-21, 23 NASB

Joseph's life was chock full of ups and downs. And full of waiting, excitedly and anxiously for God to work in his life. Very often I think of Joseph and what his human emotions went through time and time again. 

I can't imagine his family hating him so much that they plot to kill him,  but then sell him knowing they will never see him again and telling his  father that he  were dead. It must have been a very sad realization for young Joseph. But he faced adversity bravely. And he worked hard and grew using the adversity as stepping stones.

And then to be lied about and put into prison. I wonder how he spent those long days. I wonder what he thought about, what his prayers were, his reflections on his life.

And then to correctly interpret those dreams and have his hopes soar that maybe now he will get out of the cell only to come to understand that he was forgotten. 

 Yet we are given the vantage point of seeing how all along God's hand was with Joseph, building and equipping him for each new chapter of his life.

He will do the same for you and I. When we feel abandoned, when we feel forgotten, when we feel slandered, when we are working extremely hard for people that "are not our people." God is there. God is with us. He is building us and equipping us for the tapestry that will be our lives and our legacy. 

You have a purpose. God has a plan. Hold on, Wait for it. Wait excitedly and anxiously, no matter what.

Judge me

People tend to get real defensive when they feel criticized. And usually their first words will be, "Don't judge."

But I must tell you, we are to rebuke each other. Not in any malicious way, or the sin is within us, but with love and gentleness. Our motive should be, when rebuking, is to restore that person to the straight and narrow path.

If I become defensive, and rebellious toward someone's correction of  my behavior, then my heart becomes hard and harder until a God will just allow me to go, unless and until I become repentant and turn back to him.

 

“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. 

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NASB

“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?”

1 Corinthians 6:3 NASB

Blind Betty

I remember as a child having a neighbor that we called Blind Betty. Not to be mean but because there were two ladies named Betty and we had to differentiate between them and she was blind.

In later years, during my work at a hospital cafeteria we often described patients by their ailments rather than names because it was easier to remember than their names.

Very often we know people by something that has befallen them.

Is that how you want to be known? How do you want others to know you?

I was having a pity party the other night and feeling especially lonely and craving the voice of someone other than my husband. And I said to him, I don't think anyone likes me. And he in his infinite wisdom and compassion said to me, "Go eat worms."

But it helped. It made me chuckle. I don't want to be bitter or down-hearted. I know I have friends and people that care for me.

How does God know us? What is it that He sees when He looks at us?

Well He sees us as we can be. He sees us complete and whole. 

Our circumstances are obstacles or challenges that sometimes get in the way, but we are meant to overcome them. How we deal with these things will shape us and build us or we can be bitter, give up and forever be described by what conquered us.

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem she no longer was a wife and mother of two sons. No, now she can back poor and destitute with a Moabite daughter in law. 

The women of the town asked, "Is this Naomi?" Naomi means pleasant.

"No." She said. "Don't call me Naomi, call me Mara." Mara means bitter. She felt like God had dealt unfairly with her. Self pity. 

Have you ever felt that God had dealt unfairly with you? That just goes to show that we sometimes forget that God has a bigger plan, on a grand scale, that will result in His blessing.

Embrace your challenges. And be a conqueror!

So they both went until they came to Bethlehem. And when they had come to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them, and the women said, "Is this Naomi?" She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?" So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. (Ruth 1:19-22 NASB)

Inspection

Yesterday at work we had a big inspection. It was a very tension filled day. Everyone was on edge as the inspector walked around with his clipboard taking notes.

He examined every area of our building and every piece of equipment. He asked some of us questions and noted our answers.

This inspection took over 3 hours.

And then he gave his report.

He had found some things that were of concern for him and brought those to our attention. We have a limited time period to bring those areas into compliance.

After he left, there were several people that were upset with  the inspection. They are content with how we do things. They didn't even notice the things that were unsafe and said that maybe he was too critical. 

But the leaders (bosses) at our job see the sense in the inspection. They understand that it is best to examine and fix things before they become a bigger problem. 

I wonder how an inspection of our hearts and minds would be? Would we be resistant to the notes and recommendations of the inspector? 

Lord, forgive me when I am content. Help me to see my errors before they callous my heart. I pray that I never become unteachable. 

“Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart.”

Psalms 26:2 NASB

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

Psalms 139:23-24 NASB

The River

Down to the River to pray or 

There once was a Ladies prayer group

Acts 16:13-15 ESV

“And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.”

The "we" in the above scripture is Paul, Silas, and Luke. Up until this time the gospel did not permit them to  go into Europe. The Spirit of God had prevented this. Then Paul saw a vision of a Macedonian  man telling him to come over. So they went. 

When they came to Philippi, there was no minion, 10 men required to be a synagogue. So Paul and his companions went outside the gate, down to the river looking for a place and people with which to worship. 

There they found Lydia and a group of women praying. Lydia was a widow, yet a very successful business woman. She was a seller of a rare purple dye. She was wealthy. She owned a large home. She had servants. She was a believer of God. She was influential in organizing this group of praying women. 

This was an organized Women's prayer group, meeting to pray, on the first day of the week. Were they saved?? No, even though they were believers, they had not followed the complete plan of salvation........Until they heard Paul speak. 

Then scripture says that The Lord opened her heart to pay attention.

She invited these men back to her home. Apparently Paul and Silas spoke and taught more because her household believed, were baptized and become a church. Thus began the church of Phillippi that met at the home of Lydia.

Let's pray for open hearts.

For discussion or your personal time:

Do you know anyone who is a believer and worshipper of God but has not completely followed the Plan for Salvation?

Let's pray for God to open their hearts to being receptive.

Faithful Obedience

This morning I was wondering about people, people who are in the church yet have no visual spiritual growth. It worries me. My heart breaks for those that don't take to heart God's words and commands. I think of the verses,  Matthew 7:21-23

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 

Who are these people that The Lord will turn away?

Apparently these people believed themselves to be "known" by God. They remind God of the works that they performed for Him.

Yet, He says that He never knew them.

If people think and believe themselves to be "right" with God how is anyone to reach them? Very often they become defensive and feel that they are being judged.

People say things like, "God understands." 

And honestly, I believe that He does understand. And He pardons. And He forgives. And another new day, new chance is given.

But there will come the day when we die and all new chances are done away with.

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”

Hebrews 9:27 NASB

Now what? 

Now a person is judged and will be held accountable for every word of God. We will each be held up against the measuring rod of His word and whether or not He "understands" that you believe your circumstances will exempt you, they will not. 

‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Are words that I never want to hear.

If you want to be in The Kingdom, you must obey the King.

A life of faithful obedience no matter what we go through is required by God.

Discussion:

What does faithful obedience look like?

Spur On

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

If you look up the word Encourage in the Greek language it means, Strengthen or be alongside.

I looked this word up because I have recently had someone tell me that I needed to be more encouraging and less "preachy."

I won't apologize for trying earnestly to keep those I care about on the straight and narrow road. If I care about you and recognize potential in you, then I will push you to do your best.

You must understand to strengthen may not always be a pleasant experience. Imagine a body builder in strength training. It is hard. They are pushed beyond what they feel is comfortable.

In the same way, be alongside, make me think of staking up a tall, spindly tree. We pound a stake into the ground and tie the tree to it to help it grow correctly. We train it to go against what seems natural.

To strengthen or be alongside is not pumping sunshine into someone. It's not sugar coating your words or tickling ears. To be encouraging is to push those you care for into being their best selves.

And in the above verse we are to spur one another on. Is that a comfortable term? No.

Horse riders use spurs to get the most from their beloved horse. It is not punishment or meanness. It is to encourage full potential.

I expect my friends to help keep me on the straight and narrow. And I will be spurring you and encouraging you.

Love you always.

Rhonda

Epaphras

The apostle Paul speaks very highly of Epahras.

A. He says that Epaphras is a SERVANT of Christ.

B. Epaphras struggles in his prayers while praying for the Colossians Christians.

C. Epaphras prays for them to be mature Christians.

D. He prays that the Colossians Christians will have assurance in the will of God.

That is a good prayer. 

When is the last time you actually struggled while praying for someone else?

We do need to pray for others to become mature in Christ. We need to be always growing as well.

Do you feel assured that you are living out your purpose of God? Do you pray for others to live out God's will for their lives?

Let's pray on behalf of others.

DIVORCE

After you hear the word, once you've come to believe the truth of God, when you are not ashamed to proclaim that Jesus is the son of God, and have had all your sin washed away and have risen from your dead self into a new life by re-enacting the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through the act of baptism, then comes the hard part. It is the part with which we all need encouraged: Living a life of faithfulness to God and His work.

How would you define faithfulness?

In your marriage if you spoke to your spouse for a minute each day, is that faithfulness.

If you only brought yourself to the presence of your spouse for 1 hour a week, would that be faithfulness?

If you spoke great praise of your spouse in his presence, but lived like a single person the rest of the time, is that faithfulness?

If you dislike being near other people that your spouse dearly loves, how can you say you love him?

Do you feel obligated to take care of your husbands house, his belongings and hate doing the things necessary for upkeep of his household?

Ladies, if we had marriages like that we would not call that faithfulness, we would want out and fast.

Yet that is how so many treat their relationship with God and his family.

I encourage you today to step it up and be faithful if you truly love Him before he gives you an eternal divorce.