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Right Thinking Principles
A Bible passage I really like recaps a day in the life of Jesus. I call it a day in the life of Jesus because a significant interruption occurs. The way He handled it gives us an excellent model to follow. We face interruptions every day and can benefit from this day in Jesus’ life.
It is documented in the book of Mark in the New Testament in the Bible. To lay the groundwork Mark writes about Jesus using parables to teach. He even explains to his disciples the mystery of this teaching method. You can review it in Mark 4:10-12. Then He continues to teach using parables near Capernaum and at the end of the day said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side”. He means the other side of Lake Galilee in a boat to the Gerasenes area. A well known childhood story about Jesus calming a storm on the lake is followed by Him healing a man with a demon.
Then they returned across the lake to Capernaum and the crowds surround Him and one of the leaders of the local synagogue named Jairus implored him earnestly to go with him to his home because his daughter was sick and near death. He was desperate and thought if Jesus would only place His hands on her she would be made well and live. So Jesus went with Jairus.
Here is the interruption. Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus' daughter who was very sick. A woman who had been sick for 12 years was in the crowd and knew He taught and healed people. She figured if she could only touch His garment she would be healed. She did and Jesus realized the power had gone out of Him and told her, “your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Someone came from the house of Jairus and told him his daughter had died. I’m sure he was upset because of the interruption of the woman touching Jesus’ garment. Jesus went to the house and healed the girl. Take time to review this teaching: Mark 5:21-43.
I share this with you because you should be going to a church regularly that focuses on good solid Biblical teaching. It helps us deal with things that happen in our life every day. Here is my take away for the teaching I just recapped. It comprises five “right thinking principles”.
Then they returned across the lake to Capernaum and the crowds surround Him and one of the leaders of the local synagogue named Jairus implored him earnestly to go with him to his home because his daughter was sick and near death. He was desperate and thought if Jesus would only place His hands on her she would be made well and live. So Jesus went with Jairus.
Here is the interruption. Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus' daughter who was very sick. A woman who had been sick for 12 years was in the crowd and knew He taught and healed people. She figured if she could only touch His garment she would be healed. She did and Jesus realized the power had gone out of Him and told her, “your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Someone came from the house of Jairus and told him his daughter had died. I’m sure he was upset because of the interruption of the woman touching Jesus’ garment. Jesus went to the house and healed the girl. Take time to review this teaching: Mark 5:21-43.
I share this with you because you should be going to a church regularly that focuses on good solid Biblical teaching. It helps us deal with things that happen in our life every day. Here is my take away for the teaching I just recapped. It comprises five “right thinking principles”.
- Jesus is our only HOPE
- Get close to Jesus
- Share your story
- Jesus can meet every need, every time
- It is never too late ~ you can accept Jesus today as your Savior.
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When God called Sharon and David Kealy to serve Him full time as missionaries where ever He would lead, it followed a lifetime of serving Him at the local church as active lay people. Continuing worthy of a calling I reflect on what has become a life verse for me, “I thank Christ Jesus our LORD, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into (His) service;” I Timothy 1:12
Life happens is a term a friend shared with me recently when we were discussing the graduation of students from my high school as we were presenting scholarships for them to continue their education in vocational studies.
As Christians we face the same things that all people face. We are not exempt life’s challenges. Yes, life happens. How we respond is what makes the Christian different. We aways need to focus on God for direction and for peace that passes all understanding; especially in challenging times. When life happens seek encouragement from God’s word. It always works for me.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:11-12
In light of challenges all about us our charge is to remain faithful, faithful to our calling. If you have not felt “called” to serve, ask God for direction.
These are exciting times. Reaching People far from God continues to expand our outreach by adding a new ministry in Liberia, VOX Liberia to the wonderful partner ministries we encourage and we help financially as God provides. Check out this ministry on the Global Ministries ~ Liberia site.
And the INTERN SCHOLARSHIP FUND continues as the first INTERN, Jordan Crenshaw has returned from his year in Ghana, West Africa. You can learn more about this amazing program at Global Ministries ~ Internships.
Above all, remain FAITHFUL and God will continue to direct your path. It works for us and it will for you too.
Life happens is a term a friend shared with me recently when we were discussing the graduation of students from my high school as we were presenting scholarships for them to continue their education in vocational studies.
As Christians we face the same things that all people face. We are not exempt life’s challenges. Yes, life happens. How we respond is what makes the Christian different. We aways need to focus on God for direction and for peace that passes all understanding; especially in challenging times. When life happens seek encouragement from God’s word. It always works for me.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:11-12
In light of challenges all about us our charge is to remain faithful, faithful to our calling. If you have not felt “called” to serve, ask God for direction.
These are exciting times. Reaching People far from God continues to expand our outreach by adding a new ministry in Liberia, VOX Liberia to the wonderful partner ministries we encourage and we help financially as God provides. Check out this ministry on the Global Ministries ~ Liberia site.
And the INTERN SCHOLARSHIP FUND continues as the first INTERN, Jordan Crenshaw has returned from his year in Ghana, West Africa. You can learn more about this amazing program at Global Ministries ~ Internships.
Above all, remain FAITHFUL and God will continue to direct your path. It works for us and it will for you too.
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Live Life Honoring God
We have a hobby. Everyone needs a hobby. Our hobby is geocaching. Most people say, “what’s that?” To save time and space and to stay on topic, you can go to geocaching.com and find out all about it.
On May 6th at a Memorial Service honoring Bob Boone, hymns of his choice was the theme. What a better way to focus on God’s word and His plan for us and the ages to come while honoring a dear friend, than to sing. And many of his lifetime friends attended. And some were involved in the hobby we follow as well. Here is a posting on the geocaching internet listed above at this location: GC7579Y should you want to take a peek at all the comments made by his geocaching friends.
Someone Found it
05/09/2017
"It was a misty Tuesday morning at 5:30am on my way to work, so why not stop for a cache? RavRobin and I attended Mr. Doggleboone's memorial service here this past Saturday along with the "usual suspects": the Druids (both of them!), Mojostones (most of them!), LittleDebbie, Smoochersmom & muggle spouse, IWillFindIt!! & her V.P. of Construction, Mrs. Doggleboone, and probably others that I didn't see. We also got a chance to hear DASHON deliver a beautiful eulogy - who would have thought we would ever hear someone mention geocaching and religion in the same sentence?"
Yes, he mentioned my comments about our hobby and religion in the same sentence. And here is my posting about how we enjoy our hobby.
05/09/2017
"Having introduced Mr. and Mrs. Doggleboone to geocaching, it was only natural to introduce everyone at the Mr. Doggleboone Memorial to a serious hobby he embraced so passionately. We share so many incredible memories together enjoying geocaching. They would fill a book, but hey Mrs. Doggleboone is the published author so I will not start the endless list of memories here.
Sharing our geocaching hobby with friends is exactly like sharing my religious beliefs. We think everyone we take to find a geocache will embrace the hobby. Most say, "that is fine for you, but we'll pass." That is what people say to me when they hear about Jesus; "that is fine for you, but we'll pass." So, geocaching and religion do go together. And we will all miss Mr. Doggleboone. And Mr. and Mrs. DASHON will grab this cache the next time we are in Long Beach. We missed the cache and you all missed the DASHON Travel Bug on our car in the parking lot."
We enjoy our hobby and our friends and we introduce people to Jesus all along life’s path. How about you?
Be encouraged and READ II Corinthians 6:1-10
On May 6th at a Memorial Service honoring Bob Boone, hymns of his choice was the theme. What a better way to focus on God’s word and His plan for us and the ages to come while honoring a dear friend, than to sing. And many of his lifetime friends attended. And some were involved in the hobby we follow as well. Here is a posting on the geocaching internet listed above at this location: GC7579Y should you want to take a peek at all the comments made by his geocaching friends.
Someone Found it
05/09/2017
"It was a misty Tuesday morning at 5:30am on my way to work, so why not stop for a cache? RavRobin and I attended Mr. Doggleboone's memorial service here this past Saturday along with the "usual suspects": the Druids (both of them!), Mojostones (most of them!), LittleDebbie, Smoochersmom & muggle spouse, IWillFindIt!! & her V.P. of Construction, Mrs. Doggleboone, and probably others that I didn't see. We also got a chance to hear DASHON deliver a beautiful eulogy - who would have thought we would ever hear someone mention geocaching and religion in the same sentence?"
Yes, he mentioned my comments about our hobby and religion in the same sentence. And here is my posting about how we enjoy our hobby.
05/09/2017
"Having introduced Mr. and Mrs. Doggleboone to geocaching, it was only natural to introduce everyone at the Mr. Doggleboone Memorial to a serious hobby he embraced so passionately. We share so many incredible memories together enjoying geocaching. They would fill a book, but hey Mrs. Doggleboone is the published author so I will not start the endless list of memories here.
Sharing our geocaching hobby with friends is exactly like sharing my religious beliefs. We think everyone we take to find a geocache will embrace the hobby. Most say, "that is fine for you, but we'll pass." That is what people say to me when they hear about Jesus; "that is fine for you, but we'll pass." So, geocaching and religion do go together. And we will all miss Mr. Doggleboone. And Mr. and Mrs. DASHON will grab this cache the next time we are in Long Beach. We missed the cache and you all missed the DASHON Travel Bug on our car in the parking lot."
We enjoy our hobby and our friends and we introduce people to Jesus all along life’s path. How about you?
Be encouraged and READ II Corinthians 6:1-10
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Saying Goodbye
Last month I wrote about communicating. We continue this month with a discussion about specific times in life when saying goodbye is not only important but necessary.
There are times when we need to say goodbye. At times when a job change requires a move, a number of goodbyes are shared. At times financial difficulty demands a move and again goodbyes are necessary. Sometimes a parting of ways happen between friends when differences occur. At times a move is a happy time and other times not so much of a joy.
Last month we paid tribute to a cousin of ours who had a stellar ministry career as preacher, administrator, leader, visionary and encourager and supporter of our ministry. It was a joyful celebration reflecting on his life committed to sharing the good news of our savior, Jesus the Christ. It was a precious time with family and friends of years past. A time to say goodbye.
In the past three weeks we celebrated the 70th wedding anniversary of a cousin. The next week his wife died and a week later he died. We live close and were able to say goodbye to the wife because she suffered a stroke and could respond but not talk. The next week he died overnight, a total shock. We were looking forward to spending time with him, making the news of his death a complete shock. These folks were all heaven bound. It is comforting to know we will reunite someday in heaven for eternity.
The day before his death we attended the memorial of the Brides Maid at our wedding some 54 years ago. Her goodbye was very special. Two weeks before she entered the presence of her creator we visited her. We learned some important things about saying goodbye. We entered her room ~ she brightened up and thanked us for coming to see her. She said, “I want to say goodbye, but of course it is for now; we will spend eternity together in heaven”. We visited for a while and she needed to rest because her brother was coming. She managed her time with distinction until the very end.
Driving home from her memorial we texted and called a dear friend who was with her dying husband. As we talked, he smiled. He said he was ready to go to heaven and he got there 36 hours later. What are the take aways from these goodbyes? First, know where you are going like all of these people did. Pay attention to those closest to you. Love them and tell them you do. Life is short and eternity awaits. Know where you will spend it. Accept Jesus as your savior because he is the path, the only way to heaven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not parish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
There are times when we need to say goodbye. At times when a job change requires a move, a number of goodbyes are shared. At times financial difficulty demands a move and again goodbyes are necessary. Sometimes a parting of ways happen between friends when differences occur. At times a move is a happy time and other times not so much of a joy.
Last month we paid tribute to a cousin of ours who had a stellar ministry career as preacher, administrator, leader, visionary and encourager and supporter of our ministry. It was a joyful celebration reflecting on his life committed to sharing the good news of our savior, Jesus the Christ. It was a precious time with family and friends of years past. A time to say goodbye.
In the past three weeks we celebrated the 70th wedding anniversary of a cousin. The next week his wife died and a week later he died. We live close and were able to say goodbye to the wife because she suffered a stroke and could respond but not talk. The next week he died overnight, a total shock. We were looking forward to spending time with him, making the news of his death a complete shock. These folks were all heaven bound. It is comforting to know we will reunite someday in heaven for eternity.
The day before his death we attended the memorial of the Brides Maid at our wedding some 54 years ago. Her goodbye was very special. Two weeks before she entered the presence of her creator we visited her. We learned some important things about saying goodbye. We entered her room ~ she brightened up and thanked us for coming to see her. She said, “I want to say goodbye, but of course it is for now; we will spend eternity together in heaven”. We visited for a while and she needed to rest because her brother was coming. She managed her time with distinction until the very end.
Driving home from her memorial we texted and called a dear friend who was with her dying husband. As we talked, he smiled. He said he was ready to go to heaven and he got there 36 hours later. What are the take aways from these goodbyes? First, know where you are going like all of these people did. Pay attention to those closest to you. Love them and tell them you do. Life is short and eternity awaits. Know where you will spend it. Accept Jesus as your savior because he is the path, the only way to heaven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not parish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
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How to COMMUNICATE
Some are called to lead, some to follow. Sometimes leaders follow and sometimes followers lead. This is true in a weekly Life Group Bible study I lead. It is not so much teaching but leading a discussion through questions in a text that all have studied. Throughout the year I ask others in the group to lead the discussion. It is rewarding to see someone lead the study that had said no when asked several times before. It was healthy for them and great for the group.
Several months ago when I decided the topics for my monthly BLOG I listed three or four months ahead and this How to COMMUNICATE was on the list. It is not a coincidence that Russ Cline the Chief Advance Officer of EXTREME RESPONSE shared the following in his regular Leader Mundial Communication. It is excellent and I share it with you. I am “following” by sharing this with you. Why should I try to reinvent the wheel anyway?
Russ shares, As a leader:
*SPEAKING is essential. Speaking enables you to share your vision, your passion, your direction and to lead your team by inspiring them to action. We need to learn to speak clearly and how to use the right words to motivate the people around us.
Mike Myatt makes this point on Forbes.com:
“When you speak, know what you’re talking about.” He goes on to simply say that if you don’t possess the subject matter expertise needed, others won’t listen. You should be sure that you know what you’re talking about, or bring in the experts to help you! Don’t try to fake it. Others will see right through that.
*LISTENING is foundational. Many times, leaders spend twice as much time talking as they do listening. I’ve been reminded by others many times that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason! Why is this so difficult to understand?
Neil Petch writes on Entrepreneur.com:
“Take the time to understand the situation before commenting.” He goes on to discuss the need for leaders to try to understand what is really going on instead of diving into new territory, making a lot of assumptions.
*WRITING is universal. With the growth of e-mail, Twitter and other social media, we use writing to communicate quickly and globally.
On Inc.com, the team writes about e-mail communication:
“E-mail has transformed communication, but many users of e-mail technology pay attention to basic rules of grammar and format when composing letters.” The article goes on to talk about how lazy we have gotten in our communication, and how unprofessional it is.
There are wonderful tools built into your computer that will check for spelling and grammar, yet we are often moving so fast that we don’t take the time to proof read our communication, to check to ensure that we’re saying what we want to say, and to say it clearly. We choose “quick communication” over “good communication”.
*READING is empowering. We read to learn and to gather information. We read to listen to others as they share their ideas in print. We read to connect to people around the world.
skillsyouneed.com talks about reading:
“Learning, therefore, comes about not from reading and remembering details, but from developing your understanding of the meaning of the details, and to engage with your ideas and opinions and rethink them in a positive and constructive way.”
Don’t read just to get through the text or the assignment. Read to be challenged in the way you think and form your opinions. Allow time to process what you’re reading.
I started this BLOG with Some are called to lead, some to follow. In closing let me encourage you to pay close attention in your communications; when it is time to lead and when it is best to just follow.
Several months ago when I decided the topics for my monthly BLOG I listed three or four months ahead and this How to COMMUNICATE was on the list. It is not a coincidence that Russ Cline the Chief Advance Officer of EXTREME RESPONSE shared the following in his regular Leader Mundial Communication. It is excellent and I share it with you. I am “following” by sharing this with you. Why should I try to reinvent the wheel anyway?
Russ shares, As a leader:
*SPEAKING is essential. Speaking enables you to share your vision, your passion, your direction and to lead your team by inspiring them to action. We need to learn to speak clearly and how to use the right words to motivate the people around us.
Mike Myatt makes this point on Forbes.com:
“When you speak, know what you’re talking about.” He goes on to simply say that if you don’t possess the subject matter expertise needed, others won’t listen. You should be sure that you know what you’re talking about, or bring in the experts to help you! Don’t try to fake it. Others will see right through that.
*LISTENING is foundational. Many times, leaders spend twice as much time talking as they do listening. I’ve been reminded by others many times that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason! Why is this so difficult to understand?
Neil Petch writes on Entrepreneur.com:
“Take the time to understand the situation before commenting.” He goes on to discuss the need for leaders to try to understand what is really going on instead of diving into new territory, making a lot of assumptions.
*WRITING is universal. With the growth of e-mail, Twitter and other social media, we use writing to communicate quickly and globally.
On Inc.com, the team writes about e-mail communication:
“E-mail has transformed communication, but many users of e-mail technology pay attention to basic rules of grammar and format when composing letters.” The article goes on to talk about how lazy we have gotten in our communication, and how unprofessional it is.
There are wonderful tools built into your computer that will check for spelling and grammar, yet we are often moving so fast that we don’t take the time to proof read our communication, to check to ensure that we’re saying what we want to say, and to say it clearly. We choose “quick communication” over “good communication”.
*READING is empowering. We read to learn and to gather information. We read to listen to others as they share their ideas in print. We read to connect to people around the world.
skillsyouneed.com talks about reading:
“Learning, therefore, comes about not from reading and remembering details, but from developing your understanding of the meaning of the details, and to engage with your ideas and opinions and rethink them in a positive and constructive way.”
Don’t read just to get through the text or the assignment. Read to be challenged in the way you think and form your opinions. Allow time to process what you’re reading.
I started this BLOG with Some are called to lead, some to follow. In closing let me encourage you to pay close attention in your communications; when it is time to lead and when it is best to just follow.
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How to BECOME
Did you every want to be someone you thought was special? I did as a child. I pictured myself as a race car driver, as a world class sailor, as an architect. We all have dreams of becoming, of being someone special someday. There is a way to focus, to understand how to find direction for a meaningful life. It is to understand we need to know how to become.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) said, “when Christ calls us by his grace we must not only remember what we are, but we must also think of what he can make us into.”
He was referring to Mark 1:17 when Jesus called his first disciples. “Passing along side the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’”
To become someone you want to be is a process. Jesus knew the characteristics of a fisherman. They have faith. Faith because they cannot see the fish, so fishing is an act of faith. They are diligent, up at dawn and work hard. They are intelligent and watchful. It might look easy but they prepare by mending the nets and work carefully to cast the nets and draw them in to be successful during a days work. It is not an easy life, catching fish. You don’t do it sitting in an armchair. So, fishermen are also hard working. And they are daring. Have you considered what is like to be out in weather at the mercy of the waves day after day?
These were the people Jesus would teach to become something special. During His three years of earthly ministry Jesus taught them day by day and He is still in the life changing business. Even today we can become like Jesus when we follow Him. How to BECOME is found in following Jesus, the teacher who cares for us.
RELATED VERSES:
“Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’” John 6:29
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God (Jesus), who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) said, “when Christ calls us by his grace we must not only remember what we are, but we must also think of what he can make us into.”
He was referring to Mark 1:17 when Jesus called his first disciples. “Passing along side the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’”
To become someone you want to be is a process. Jesus knew the characteristics of a fisherman. They have faith. Faith because they cannot see the fish, so fishing is an act of faith. They are diligent, up at dawn and work hard. They are intelligent and watchful. It might look easy but they prepare by mending the nets and work carefully to cast the nets and draw them in to be successful during a days work. It is not an easy life, catching fish. You don’t do it sitting in an armchair. So, fishermen are also hard working. And they are daring. Have you considered what is like to be out in weather at the mercy of the waves day after day?
These were the people Jesus would teach to become something special. During His three years of earthly ministry Jesus taught them day by day and He is still in the life changing business. Even today we can become like Jesus when we follow Him. How to BECOME is found in following Jesus, the teacher who cares for us.
RELATED VERSES:
“Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’” John 6:29
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God (Jesus), who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
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Keeping the right focus
We just enjoyed another Christmas season. A time to enjoy family and friends. A time to give and to receive. Now that a new year is upon us we move forward yet again. Let us not leave behind the importance of the impact that this little Jesus child has had on everything, yes everything since His birth over 2,000 years ago.
The primary way we find God's direction for our life is by making wise God-honoring decisions. At a conference attended by 280 eight grade girls this month I encouraged them to “1) make the right friends, 2) be very careful about anything you say and post on social media because it could destroy your dreams of what you want to do and be in the future, and 3) wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing. I have learned about wisdom from the Bible, the book of Proverbs. You can read a chapter a day in one month because there are 31 chapters. I have done this month after month and it has helped me greatly.” It is interesting that this third encouragement was omitted in the front page newspaper article about the conference where my greeting as the sponsor of the conference was quoted.
Finding God’s direction for our lives is in Jesus. My friend who writes God Stories found in the Daily Living section on this site shares a helpful hint at this, the beginning of a new year about finding God's direction for our lives. He says, “How do we do this. We follow Mary's advice to the servants at the wedding when there was no more wine, ‘Whatever Jesus says to do, do it!’” How simple, yet so profound.
My friend and pastor Bud McCord wrote in August 2014 something about Jesus and His words. Words from His Father that sent Him to earth as a baby to live as a human being. The Christ child we celebrate at Christmas came for a reason and paying attention to what He said is crucial for us even today. You can follow his writings on this site and connect to his Abide International ministry on the Daily Living / Devotionals / Abide International page.
“The words of Jesus must be heard as the definitive words in the life of a disciple. His words must not be heard as optional suggestions or insights for life improvement.
His words are the final words on human life and experience. They must be hears as the words that end all debate, quiet the soul and bring true joy.
The words of Jesus are the words that fulfill the intent of the entire Old Testament. Jesus’ words combined with His perfect life fulfilled everything God intended for mankind to know and receive.
We may comment on His words so we help others value them and embrace them, but we must never alter His words for ourselves or for anyone else. Every word that came from the mouth of Jesus defined forever the destiny of mankind. He wasted no words and said only what the Father wanted Him to say.
Hear Him. Fall in love with words of Jesus.”
RELATED VERSES:
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me." John 17:6-8
The primary way we find God's direction for our life is by making wise God-honoring decisions. At a conference attended by 280 eight grade girls this month I encouraged them to “1) make the right friends, 2) be very careful about anything you say and post on social media because it could destroy your dreams of what you want to do and be in the future, and 3) wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing. I have learned about wisdom from the Bible, the book of Proverbs. You can read a chapter a day in one month because there are 31 chapters. I have done this month after month and it has helped me greatly.” It is interesting that this third encouragement was omitted in the front page newspaper article about the conference where my greeting as the sponsor of the conference was quoted.
Finding God’s direction for our lives is in Jesus. My friend who writes God Stories found in the Daily Living section on this site shares a helpful hint at this, the beginning of a new year about finding God's direction for our lives. He says, “How do we do this. We follow Mary's advice to the servants at the wedding when there was no more wine, ‘Whatever Jesus says to do, do it!’” How simple, yet so profound.
My friend and pastor Bud McCord wrote in August 2014 something about Jesus and His words. Words from His Father that sent Him to earth as a baby to live as a human being. The Christ child we celebrate at Christmas came for a reason and paying attention to what He said is crucial for us even today. You can follow his writings on this site and connect to his Abide International ministry on the Daily Living / Devotionals / Abide International page.
“The words of Jesus must be heard as the definitive words in the life of a disciple. His words must not be heard as optional suggestions or insights for life improvement.
His words are the final words on human life and experience. They must be hears as the words that end all debate, quiet the soul and bring true joy.
The words of Jesus are the words that fulfill the intent of the entire Old Testament. Jesus’ words combined with His perfect life fulfilled everything God intended for mankind to know and receive.
We may comment on His words so we help others value them and embrace them, but we must never alter His words for ourselves or for anyone else. Every word that came from the mouth of Jesus defined forever the destiny of mankind. He wasted no words and said only what the Father wanted Him to say.
Hear Him. Fall in love with words of Jesus.”
RELATED VERSES:
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me." John 17:6-8
- Published on
Grandpa ~ His stories, His words.
Recently I was asked, “Grandpa, what was it like to start a family?”
Because it is the Christmas Season, naturally I thought of an important family. No, it’s not my family; but the family of Joseph, Mary and their child, the Christ child, Jesus. My family today? We share gifts just like God shared an incredible gift with us, His only son.
This season for the first time I considered what it must have been like for Joseph looking for lodging for his soon to deliver wife. The more I thought about it the more I considered Joseph a hero. Under incredible stress from not only the trip they just endured, but about his marriage to his young wife. Refresh your memory by reading Matthew 1:18-25.
Joseph accepted the fact that there was no room in any of the normal places where travelers stay. He is a hero because he went to the only place they were offered to stay, a stable. Now a stable is a messy place. Messy, but he made it ready somehow for Mary to give birth to the son that was promised to them. They were to call him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
I’m not going to share with you my picture of what it must have been like to turn a stable into a place where they could sleep for the night. Or how he must have made the feeding trough where animals eat, the place to put their newborn child to sleep. He did it. He stepped up in a time of incredible need. He faced the challenge.
So when I was asked, “Grandpa, what was it like to start a family?”, I wanted to say the right thing at this, the right time so I focused on marriage. This is my answer for my precious grandchildren. I want to be a hero like Joseph was when his action was needed most. A hero to point my grandkids in the right direction as they date and consider marriage.
“First of all marriage is a lifetime commitment so that naturally is where ‘family’ begins. It is ordained by God so read Genesis 1:26-28 in The Message translation of the Bible. The Message is not a good study version, but with passages like this, clarity makes it an easier read. So, God created us in His image as man and woman. He blesses us and instructs us to reproduce (as man and woman) and fill the earth and manage everything He created. Now read I Corinthians chapter seven. DO NOT READ more of this book NOW! Read these Bible passages first. Starting a family is first marriage, then sexual relationship to reproduce children. Do not date a non Christian. If you are not a Christian yet, prayerfully consider if now is the time to get right with God and be set for the rest of your life ~ and all eternity.”
Questions to consider: Does this strike a cord with you? Are you a grandparent or a parent? Are you a Christian? Are you dating? Are you dating the right person? Are you a dad? Do you desire to do the right thing at the right time?
Because it is the Christmas Season, naturally I thought of an important family. No, it’s not my family; but the family of Joseph, Mary and their child, the Christ child, Jesus. My family today? We share gifts just like God shared an incredible gift with us, His only son.
This season for the first time I considered what it must have been like for Joseph looking for lodging for his soon to deliver wife. The more I thought about it the more I considered Joseph a hero. Under incredible stress from not only the trip they just endured, but about his marriage to his young wife. Refresh your memory by reading Matthew 1:18-25.
Joseph accepted the fact that there was no room in any of the normal places where travelers stay. He is a hero because he went to the only place they were offered to stay, a stable. Now a stable is a messy place. Messy, but he made it ready somehow for Mary to give birth to the son that was promised to them. They were to call him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
I’m not going to share with you my picture of what it must have been like to turn a stable into a place where they could sleep for the night. Or how he must have made the feeding trough where animals eat, the place to put their newborn child to sleep. He did it. He stepped up in a time of incredible need. He faced the challenge.
So when I was asked, “Grandpa, what was it like to start a family?”, I wanted to say the right thing at this, the right time so I focused on marriage. This is my answer for my precious grandchildren. I want to be a hero like Joseph was when his action was needed most. A hero to point my grandkids in the right direction as they date and consider marriage.
“First of all marriage is a lifetime commitment so that naturally is where ‘family’ begins. It is ordained by God so read Genesis 1:26-28 in The Message translation of the Bible. The Message is not a good study version, but with passages like this, clarity makes it an easier read. So, God created us in His image as man and woman. He blesses us and instructs us to reproduce (as man and woman) and fill the earth and manage everything He created. Now read I Corinthians chapter seven. DO NOT READ more of this book NOW! Read these Bible passages first. Starting a family is first marriage, then sexual relationship to reproduce children. Do not date a non Christian. If you are not a Christian yet, prayerfully consider if now is the time to get right with God and be set for the rest of your life ~ and all eternity.”
Questions to consider: Does this strike a cord with you? Are you a grandparent or a parent? Are you a Christian? Are you dating? Are you dating the right person? Are you a dad? Do you desire to do the right thing at the right time?
- Published on
“God loves you” ~ CAMPAIGN
Recently my mentor Dr. Ron Cline spoke at our local church in Banning, California for the first time. Actually we were blessed with his preaching for two weeks during the month long ‘missions’ emphasis. He shared a story about three men who responded to a challenge he gave at a three day missions conference at a church in Michigan to tell people, “God loves you, and I love you”. He encouraged us to do that too. Since then I have done that time and time again. The results are very encouraging. Encouraging because every single person so far has responded in a positive way and I shouldn’t be, but am somewhat surprised.
Here are some take aways from this process. First, Christians are so private about our faith we have become a silent majority. When I tell people, “God loves you” their responses sometimes includes them telling me something about their experiences centered in the importance God plays in their lives. This is an encouragement to me and it can be for you too. You just need to try it. Try it one time, perhaps today. Tell someone that, “God loves you” and see how they respond.
Second, if we really believe that eternal life is centered on our accepting Jesus, the Son of God as our Savior, why not share that with someone we care about? Or even with a complete stranger? If they are interested share Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23 and the great joy and hope we enjoy Romans 6:1.
I like a subtle change of only one word that CRU uses in their global outreach in sharing the gospel. It is law number one of the Four Spiritual Laws; “God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life”. The one word change is ‘offers’. It formerly was ‘plan’. I like the change because God does indeed make an offer to everyone. Yes, He has a plan but unless we accept this plan that He offers to us, it is useless.
I remember something Rev. Royal Blue said a long time ago. He was a speaker at a camp I attended while in High School at Thousand Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains. In front of hundreds of us, he held up and offered a one dollar bill; he said you can have it. No one moved, so he said it again and again a third time. Then someone jumped up, went to him and took the bill. He had a lot of fun with that, stressing the importance of us accepting Gods offer. What an illustration to emphasize the importance of us accepting the free gift that God offers to us. The latest change to Law number one is, “God loves you and created you to know Him personally”. Do you know Him?
Here are some take aways from this process. First, Christians are so private about our faith we have become a silent majority. When I tell people, “God loves you” their responses sometimes includes them telling me something about their experiences centered in the importance God plays in their lives. This is an encouragement to me and it can be for you too. You just need to try it. Try it one time, perhaps today. Tell someone that, “God loves you” and see how they respond.
Second, if we really believe that eternal life is centered on our accepting Jesus, the Son of God as our Savior, why not share that with someone we care about? Or even with a complete stranger? If they are interested share Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23 and the great joy and hope we enjoy Romans 6:1.
I like a subtle change of only one word that CRU uses in their global outreach in sharing the gospel. It is law number one of the Four Spiritual Laws; “God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life”. The one word change is ‘offers’. It formerly was ‘plan’. I like the change because God does indeed make an offer to everyone. Yes, He has a plan but unless we accept this plan that He offers to us, it is useless.
I remember something Rev. Royal Blue said a long time ago. He was a speaker at a camp I attended while in High School at Thousand Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains. In front of hundreds of us, he held up and offered a one dollar bill; he said you can have it. No one moved, so he said it again and again a third time. Then someone jumped up, went to him and took the bill. He had a lot of fun with that, stressing the importance of us accepting Gods offer. What an illustration to emphasize the importance of us accepting the free gift that God offers to us. The latest change to Law number one is, “God loves you and created you to know Him personally”. Do you know Him?
- Published on
4 Lepers 3 Questions
In the Bible, the book of II Kings, chapters six and seven a remarkable story about God’s leading and protection takes place 800 years before the life of Jesus Christ.
Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire 100,000 strong army and marched and laid siege to Samaria. The city was surrounded and resulted in a great famine. People were dying and cannibalism was reported.
Four lepers lived outside the city in a lepers colony. They existed on scraps of food and their supply stopped. Knowing they could not get into the city and would die there anyway ~ and they would die where they were. Imagine them asking, “why am I alive?” Consider their discussion about what was next; "what should we do?"
They decided to shuffle to the enemy camp and ask for mercy, they had nothing to loose. It was only about a mile away and suppose it took them an hour. When they arrived no one was there. They had fled because the Lord had caused them to hear a great army approaching and they ran. They left everything, food, clothing, gold, silver, animals, everything. The four lepers were amazed and feasted and hid some of the valuables for their benefit.
Then imagine one of them asking, “why are we doing this?” The second question we observe is, “why do I have what I have?” This is the same question we have today. Why do I have what I have? We have a garage sale to get rid of the things we no longer want or need ~ to replace them with yet other stuff that will someday end up in the garage for a future garage sale. Why not consider giving unneeded things to someone who needs them?
That’s exactly what the lepers did. They said to each other, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” They considered the condition of everyone in the city and returned and shared the good news. The third take away question we need to ask ourselves is, “Where am I going?” We will never know which one of the lepers posed that question, but he did and I am glad. It changed history.
We need to consider these same three questions; Why am I alive? What do I have what I have? Where am I going? Pray to God and seek His leading as you consider how to live in the context of our day.
Haggai 1:5-6
Now this is what the LORD almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire 100,000 strong army and marched and laid siege to Samaria. The city was surrounded and resulted in a great famine. People were dying and cannibalism was reported.
Four lepers lived outside the city in a lepers colony. They existed on scraps of food and their supply stopped. Knowing they could not get into the city and would die there anyway ~ and they would die where they were. Imagine them asking, “why am I alive?” Consider their discussion about what was next; "what should we do?"
They decided to shuffle to the enemy camp and ask for mercy, they had nothing to loose. It was only about a mile away and suppose it took them an hour. When they arrived no one was there. They had fled because the Lord had caused them to hear a great army approaching and they ran. They left everything, food, clothing, gold, silver, animals, everything. The four lepers were amazed and feasted and hid some of the valuables for their benefit.
Then imagine one of them asking, “why are we doing this?” The second question we observe is, “why do I have what I have?” This is the same question we have today. Why do I have what I have? We have a garage sale to get rid of the things we no longer want or need ~ to replace them with yet other stuff that will someday end up in the garage for a future garage sale. Why not consider giving unneeded things to someone who needs them?
That’s exactly what the lepers did. They said to each other, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” They considered the condition of everyone in the city and returned and shared the good news. The third take away question we need to ask ourselves is, “Where am I going?” We will never know which one of the lepers posed that question, but he did and I am glad. It changed history.
We need to consider these same three questions; Why am I alive? What do I have what I have? Where am I going? Pray to God and seek His leading as you consider how to live in the context of our day.
Haggai 1:5-6
Now this is what the LORD almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
