Courage (1)

               
'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' Mark 1:17 NIV

Sorry this so late today. I messed my back up on Monday and I'm running very slowly. I'm excited for what God has for this weekend as we begin the new series on "Power for Life." One of my points in my message is on our witness, sharing our faith. If you want to experience God's blessing in a new way, get ready to leave your comfort zone. When Jesus called His disciples they were on familiar turf, doing what they knew best: fishing. But they couldn't stay there and follow Him. Neither can you. The Bible records: 'As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net...for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him.' (Mark 1:16-18 NIV) Notice, they had to leave the security of the familiar in order to fulfill their destiny. And in case you think you are too old to try something new, Abraham was seventy-five when he left the comforts of home to go out and establish a new nation. Your age is not the issue, your faith is. Understand this: today you are just one step of obedience away from the next truth God wants you to learn about Him, so you can't afford to stay where you are. We all have a tendency to cling to the 'tried and true'. The trouble with that is, when you are no longer being stretched you begin to shrink, you become complacent, you think you can handle things on your own, and you stop growing. That's a dangerous place to be. If you feel restless at heart today and believe that God has more for you than you've been settling for, then it's time to confront your fears, walk through them and launch out into a new experience with Him. When you do watch out, it's going to be exciting! You are loved...

The Truth about the Truth (2)

               
'...You desire truth in the inward parts...' Psalm 51:6 NKJV

If we're brutally honest, we'd have to admit that sometimes the truth seems inadequate to do what we need done. Everything we do in life has the challenge of being truthful attached to it. We want our bosses to like us, so we flatter. I remember one time when I worked for Safeway I told a half truth to my boss. It wasn't long after God began to work in my heart and I had to back to my boss and repent of the misrepresentation. We also want our friends to admire us, so we exaggerate. We want people to respect us, so we live in houses we can't afford and rack up bills we can't pay. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and gave a portion of the money to the church. But they lied, claiming the land sold for the amount of money they gave (Acts 5). Their sin was not in holding back some money for themselves; it was in misrepresenting the truth. And their deceit resulted in their deaths. You say, 'I'm glad God doesn't strike people dead today for lying.' Don't be so sure. Lying results in the death of: (1) A marriage. Falsehoods are termites in the trunk of the family tree. (2) A conscience. The tragedy of the second lie is that it's always easier to tell than the first. (3) A career. Just ask the employee who got fired for embezzlement. (4) Faith. Think: how can God use us if we won't tell the truth? Every NFL football team has a player assigned to carry the play from the coach to the huddle. But what if the player doesn't tell the truth? What if the coach calls for a pass but the player says the coach calls for a run? The coach won't call on him very long. God says if you are honest in small things He will trust you with greater things (Matthew 25:21). So, can God trust you? You are loved...

The Truth about the Truth (1)

               
'...You desire truth in the inward parts...' Psalm 51:6 NKJV

These are some other thoughts that I did not get into my message on speaking the truth a couple of weeks ago. Its amazing how we have just assimilated into our value system the worlds standard of lying. It looks like your going to get a piece of Sundays message about values as well. (By the way have you written out your values yet?)According to Psychology Today, more people say they have cheated on their marriage partners than on their income tax returns or expense accounts. Nearly half say that if they scratched another car in the parking lot they would drive away without leaving a note, although 89 percent agree that it would be wrong. Perhaps the question shouldn't be, 'Why does God demand such honesty of us?' but rather, 'Why do we tolerate such dishonesty?' Jeremiah weighs in: 'The heart is deceitful above all things...' (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV) For many of us, our credo is, 'You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you squirm.' At the age of three, when Mom asked, 'Did you hit your little brother?' we knew that honesty had its consequences. So we learned to rationalize: 'Uhhhh, well, it's not really lying.' And we learned to cover things up. 'Did I hit my baby brother? That all depends on how you interpret the word hit. I mean, sure, I made contact with him, but would a jury consider it a hit? Everything is relative, you know.' Or we excuse ourselves: 'Did I hit my baby brother? Yes, Mom, I did. But it's not my fault. Had I been born with nonaggressive chromosomes and had you not permitted me to watch television, it would never have happened. So I can say I hit my brother, but the fault isn't mine. I'm a victim of nurture and nature.' We might smile, but the Psalmist said, 'You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.' You are loved...

Keep Trying

               
'...Well done, good and faithful servant...' Matthew 25:23 NKJV

What a awesome day yesterday! God's house was packed and two more gave their hearts to Christ...I'm amazed at what our God is doing in our midst. It's because of people like you who are praying and loving Jesus that we are seeing a break through in those accepting Christ. I can't wait till we get to heaven and I look around and see God saying to you "well done, good and faithful servant." There is an awesome article in Discipleship Journal. Paul Thigpen writes: 'I remember coming home one afternoon to discover that the kitchen I had worked so hard to clean only a few hours before, was now a terrible wreck. My young daughter had obviously been busy "cooking" and the ingredients were scattered, along with dirty bowls and utensils, across the counters and floor. I was not happy with the situation. Then, as I looked a little more closely at the mess I spied a tiny note on the table, clumsily written and smeared with chocolaty fingerprints. The message was short-"I'm making something 4 you, Dad"-and it was signed, "Your Angel." In the midst of that disarray, and despite my irritation, joy suddenly sprang up in my heart, sweet and pure. My attention had been redirected from the problem to the little girl I loved. As I encountered her in that brief note, I delighted in her. With her simple goodness in focus, I could take pleasure in seeing her hand at work in the situation that seemed otherwise disastrous.' In the parable of the talents, Jesus pointed out that the two servants who invested and multiplied what had been entrusted to them received the Master's highest commendation: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' On the other hand, the servant who buried his gifts rather than risk and lose, received the Master's harshest condemnation: '...You wicked and lazy servant...' (Matthew 25:26 NKJV) Commendation or condemnation: which will you receive? God doesn't say, 'If you can't do it right, don't do it at all.' No, He's pleased when you try, make mistakes, learn from them and grow. One of the biggest things I had to learn as a pastor was that everyone doesn't do it my way and well. I had to learn myself to give everyone the opportunity to learn and grow in their gifts and talents just like I was allowed to do. So keep trying! Amy and I our right behind you supporting you! We are your biggest supporter...you are loved

Vitamins for Spiritual Health (4)

'...Are you in health, my brother?' 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

Never forget the law of sowing and reaping. This is a big one. Time and again when I was younger I learned that if you put something in motion one way it would always come back the other. The problem was that I kept doing it over and over no matter what the consequences. It always got me in trouble and rarely did I ever use this principle for good. God set in motion certain laws and they never change. One is the law of gravity. Another is the law of sowing and reaping. 'While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest...shall not cease.' (Genesis 8:22 NKJV) This law works both negatively and positively. If you sow good things you will reap good things; if you sow bad things you will reap bad things. Consider parenting. Eli the high priest was not only called to be a role model to the nation, but also to his two sons. Now, he may have been a great success in ministry but he failed badly on the home front. His sons, who were also priests, enriched themselves by taking bribes. They even slept with women in the temple courts. Pretty shocking? So what did God say? '...I will judge his house...for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.' (1 Samuel 3:13 NKJV) As a result Eli's sons were killed at the hands of their enemies, and when the news of it reached Eli he dropped dead. That's the harvest law working negatively. But thank God it also works positively. Paul writes about it: 'Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord...' (Ephesians 6:8 NKJV) You say, 'What does that mean?' It means that whatever good you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. So whether it's a smile, a prayer, a gift or a helping hand, start sowing good seeds and you will reap harvests of blessing. It's a principle and it works. You are loved...

Vitamins for Spiritual Health (3)

'...Are you in health, my brother?' 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

If you are a vitamin freak like me, you'll never let the size of a vitamin sway you one way or the other. One time Amy says we should try this one vitamin because its going to keep our heart strong and I'm expecting some horse pill. But when we checked it out it was the size of a baby aspirin. Now I didn't mind the pill being small, but what happens when life doesn't follow the intended path? How do we keep ourselves spiritually healthy by Never allowing life's disappointments to make us cynical? If you live long enough people will disappoint you, including your family. Even spiritual leaders will let you down! Paul wrote: 'We wanted to come to you-even I, Paul, time and again-but Satan hindered us.' (1 Thessalonians 2:18 NKJV) Did you think Satan was going to send you a congratulatory card because you decided to serve the Lord? Not a chance! The walk of faith is one of delight-and difficulty. When you signed on for the first, you signed on for the second. Paul was on a sixteen-month missionary journey-one of miracles and church-building. But he ended up in prison on trumped-up charges and was left to rot there. How did he respond? 'Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!' (Philippians 4:4 NKJV) You say, 'How can somebody rejoice in prison?' When you see your disappointment as God's appointment, you start to understand its purpose. Paul had books to write that would change the world, so God needed to get him 'off the road'. Listen to what he wrote from prison: 'I want you to know...that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.' (Philippians 1:12-14 NLT) Hidden in some of your biggest disappointments, you will find treasures of truth that literally transform your life and your future. "Are you in health, my Brother?" You are loved...

Vitamins for Spiritual Health (2)

               
'...Are you in health, my brother?' 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

One of the things we can Never do is take God for granted. Have you ever done that? Taken God for granted? Don't become so familiar with spiritual things you become contemptuous of them. What does that mean for as believers? Look at Samson; he became contemptuous and he paid dearly. After discovering the secret of his strength: '[Delilah] lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head...and his strength left him. And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" So he awoke from his sleep... "I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!" But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines took him...' (Judges 16:19-21 NKJV) It's a story of tragedy. Samson was born to lead Israel to victory. But instead he gave in to his lowest impulses, consorted with the enemy and thought he could get away with it. Listen to him: 'I will go out as before, at other times.' But this was one time too many. His disobedience hadn't robbed him of his supernatural strength before, but it did this time. He crossed a line and ended up losing his sight, his strength, his liberty, his credibility and his usefulness. Eventually he died a prisoner of the Philistines. You say, 'Today's devotion sounds a bit harsh.' No, it's protective! The Bible says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...' (Proverbs 9:10 KJV) When you persist in disobeying what you know God has told you to do and think you can escape the consequences, you're headed for trouble. Repent, get right with God and get back on track while you still can. You are loved...

Vitamins for Spiritual Health (1)

'...Are you in health, my brother?' 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

How do we stay on track in the area of Spiritual health? Amy and I are diligent in the area of taking vitamins. It was something that we saw our parents do and we adapted it into our lifestyle. We saw the benefits of taking vitamins for health and haven't changed that for over 33 years of marriage. The principles of God's Word work like spiritual vitamins. For the next few days let's look at some: never excuse in yourself what you accuse in others. King David did that. In confronting him over his sin with Bathsheba, Nathan the prophet told David a story about two men. One had many cattle; the other had only one lamb. When a guest came to the rich man's house for dinner, he took the poor man's lamb. 'David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said, "...the man who has done this shall surely die! And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb...because he had no pity." Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man!"' (2 Samuel 12:5-7 NKJV) Nathan continued: "Thus says the Lord God of Israel...I gave you your master's house and your master's wives...And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!...You have killed Uriah [Bathsheba's husband]...with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife...Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house..."' (2 Samuel 12:7-10 NKJV) David didn't know it, but he pronounced his punishment with his own lips: 'He shall restore fourfold.' And David did. First, the child he fathered with Bathsheba died. Second, his son raped his daughter and he didn't have the moral authority to deal with it. Third, Absalom, the beloved son destined to inherit his throne, fomented war and died at the hands of his own people. Fourth, civil war broke out in Israel and thousands of people died as a result. The lesson is clear: never accuse in another what you excuse in yourself.

Bearing Fruit

'...I chose you...to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last...' John 15:16 NIV

This morning after I got up and prepared to leave for Men's Prayer Connection, I looked out the back window at our apple tree. I hadn't looked lately to see how big the fruit had gotten. But there they were almost the size of a golf already, and it excited me to think that we might get some fruit this year. Before leaving this world Jesus took His disciples aside to prepare them for the problems they would face after He was gone: 'I am the vine; you are the branches...apart from Me you can do nothing...I chose you...to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.' (John 15:5&16 NIV) Here Jesus teaches us two important things: (1) You only discover who you are, in relationship to Christ. 'Apart from Me you can do nothing.' When you forget that, you end up trying to do things only God can do, like solving your problems your own way or promoting yourself through clever strategies. You're not blessed in any endeavour because of your performance; you're blessed because of your connection to Christ. Unless you understand that, you'll waste your time chasing people who have no more power than you do. Your strength and success are in Christ, the Vine, so stay connected! (2) Before you get the fruit that remains, you lose the fruit that's temporary. 'He cuts off every branch that...bears no fruit.' (John 15:2 NIV) You can be a good branch, connected to a good vine, bearing good fruit, and suddenly God starts cutting back certain things in your life. Things you thought would always be there are taken away; now it feels like you're going backwards. It takes faith to believe that God would permit you to lose what you're proud of, and what you draw your security from in order to give you something better-fruit that lasts, enduring success. So, difficult though it may be, let it go. God has something better in mind for you. We sometimes think that this is as good as it gets here on earth. But God has so much more for those who believe! You are loved...

Weigh Yourself on These Scales!

'...Faith without deeds is dead.' James 2:26 NIV

I got a call last night and was asked why have the Thoughts for Today stopped? I was at motorcycle training for two days so I could get my motorcycle endorsement. One of the awesome opportunities that has been brought before me is to team up with Brad & Carrie and the Tribe of Judah club to help do outreach to other motorcycle clubs. I'm excited for the opportunity as I go through the process and hope that God will use me to reach the lost in way possible. So the question is what are you doing in this area of reaching and taking care of the lostin your life? One day a man trying to lose weight stepped on the bathroom scales. His wife asked, 'How are you doing?' He replied, 'Ok, just one problem; according to these scales I ought to be 2 inches taller.' When it comes to demonstrating true discipleship, James puts us all on the scales: (1) When it comes to feeding the hungry: 'Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"-but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is...useless.' (James 2:15-17 NLT) (2) When it comes to loving people and treating them with respect: 'Suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"-well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?' (James 2:2-4 NLT) (3) When it comes to caring for the needy: 'Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress...' (James 1:27 NLT) How do we do this? By asking ourselves if our doctrine of belief is motivateing us into action. I think what James is telling us is that we need to take our theology off the drawing board and start using it in a practical way. "Faith without deeds is Dead!" James 2:26 NIVYou are loved...

What It Means to Serve (1)

'...Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.' John 13:8 NIV

Good morning everyone,
We Just eneded the series on family values and my prayer is that God has touched each of you in a new way. I'm praying about what God has for us next. I'm getting excited as we see the moving of the Holy Spirit each Sunday. Amy will be sharing on Fathers Day and I always look forward to hearing her speak. So what does it mean to serve? Jesus 'took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist...poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round Him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?"...Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me."...When He had finished...He put on His clothes and returned to His place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" He asked them, "...I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master..."' (John 13:4-16 NIV) Observe two things Jesus taught:
(1) In order to serve God, you must serve others. When Peter objected, Jesus said, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.' To play your part in God's plan you must put others first. What you're doing right now may enrich you personally, but are you serving others and pleasing God?
(2) When it comes to serving, nothing should be beneath you. Can you picture it? Jesus, who was God, stooping to wash the lowest, dirtiest and smelliest part of the body. Keep that picture firmly in mind next time you're asked to do something you don't want to do, or something you think is 'beneath you'. Christ saw so much value in the least, the lost, the last and the lowest that He came to redeem them. And today He wants us to go out of our way to serve one another. How that looks like for you only God can show you. You are loved...

Be Passionate

'...I have...determined to do His will...' Isaiah 50:7 NLT

Did any of you see the double rainbow last night? Amy and I stood out the front door and looked in amazement as not one but two formed. It excited me to experience his creation in such a way as to want more. How is it then we can get so lackadaisical about the things of God? Isaiah said, 'I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will.' You'll never have real success until you become passionate about it. The Psalmist wrote, 'My heart is steadfast...' (Psalm 57:7 NKJV) The word 'steadfast' means to have a commitment that's as strong as rock. Henry Ford was passionate about automobiles. Thomas Edison was passionate about light. The Wright Brothers were passionate about flying. Cars, lights, and flying are things. But what about the spiritual? Take Paul for example, his love for God compelled him to be so passionate about evangelism that nothing stopped him. Are you passionate about your faith? Look at Jesus, He was the ultimate example. Standing before Pilate, who tried to judge Him, Jesus said, '...For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world...' (John 18:37 NIV) Twenty inch thorns would crush His brow. A spear would puncture His side. Spikes would be driven into His hands. Thirty-nine stripes would tear His back to shreds. What He felt most passionate about could only be achieved through pain. His passion and love allows us eternal life. You may feel insignificant and small. But when your love for Him begins to consume your mind, your thoughts, your conversation and your schedule-then you are headed for success. Jesus did and He won the world. My prayer is that you can win your world as well. You are loved!

Launch Out

'Launch out into the deep.' Luke 5:4 NKJV

One of Dr Robert Schuler's hobbies was raising koi fish. Asked why some grow big while others stay small, he replied, 'If a koi fish lives in a small tank it will never grow longer than five or six inches. In a larger pond they can grow up to 25 inches long-in ponds the size of mine, but if they live in a huge lake where they can swim and stretch, they can grow up to a 40 inches long. The size of the pond determines the size of the fish. Similarly, little ideas in little-thinking minds produce little achievements. But little ideas embraced by big-thinking minds produce enormous achievements.' Jesus said, 'According to your faith be it unto you.' (Matthew 9:29 KJV) The size of your faith and your vision determines the outcome of your idea. Edison had to install electric lights for free in an office building before anyone even came to look at them. The first sewing machine invented was destroyed by a mob in France. Morse waited for ten years before the world showed any interest in his telegraph. And when the idea of travelling by railroad was introduced, people scoffed because it was widely believed that travelling at 50 mph stopped blood circulation in the human body. Ronald E. Osborn said, 'Undertake something difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try something beyond what you have already mastered, you'll never grow.' You attain in direct proportion to what you attempt, which is why Jesus said to His disciples: 'Launch out into the deep.' Where is it that Jesus has asked you to Launch out? One of the biggest attacks of satan is to bring to a place that you give up. If God has you in a place of ministry, don't give up! If He's pushing you into ministry it's time to Launch Out...one of the things I've learned over the years is that when the body (you) are faithful does the church go...so keep on keeping on! You are loved...

Take Away the Stone

'Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.'' John 11:39
Have you ever thought if I only could get that thing out of my life how much better things would be? A big stone blocked the entrance to the tomb of Lazarus. And before Christ raised him from the dead, He said, 'Take away the stone.' There's a lesson here if you are willing to listen. God will restore what you've lost-when you're willing to remove the hindrances that stand in the way. What was behind that stone? A corpse, and it was stinking! John writes: 'If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God' (1Jn 3:21 NKJV). Your confidence in approaching God comes from knowing you've dealt with the stuff that separates you from Him. And it requires courage. But you'll never experience new life until you're willing to do it. God can give you back what life has taken. He can restore what you've lost. But only if you're willing to face the truth. King David caused a big stink: adultery and murder. Now your issues may not smell that bad but before God can answer your prayer you must acknowledge them. A more contrite and consecrated David wrote: 'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer' (Ps 66:18-19 NKJV). This is why when you counsel an addict it's not just about what they're addicted to, but about what they're trying to cover up with their addiction. What are you trying to cover up? Let Jesus roll away the stone! When you're willing to 'take away the stone' and allow God to deal with what's behind it, will life change happen. You are loved...

Christ Is Totally Credible (2)

'...Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said..."It is finished!"' John 19:28-30 NKJV

Believing the scriptures and communicating them is one of the hardest things for some people. In the beginning it was hard for me, I just didn't want to do it. I stumbled over my words until I realized that if I didn't believe in Christ's credibility how could others. When someone asks you, do you really believe in this Jesus? Can you communicate that from the moment of His birth to the hour of His death, Christ's life was predicted in detail by Old Testament prophets. That He fulfilled about forty different prophecies during His lifetime. That statistically, the chances of that happening are less than one in a trillion! Why is it important to understand this and when people ask be able to have the answers? Because voices are being raised that question His virgin birth, His deity, His miracles, His resurrection, and His soon return. Evidently the same folks were around when Peter lived. He writes: 'I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw His majestic splendor with our own eyes when He received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to Him, "This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy." We ourselves heard that voice from Heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place-until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.' (2 Peter 1:15-21 NLT) You are loved!

Christ Is Totally Credible (1)

'...Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said..."It is finished!"' John 19:28-30 NKJV

Sitting in my office today still experiencing Gods presence from yesterday. I'm blown away from your response at the alter as the invitation was given for a double portion of Gods Spirit in your lives. Amy and my prayer is that you take what you received and ask God for more. Many of you didn't see the ministry happening in the foyer as well. A new guest to our church was overwhelmed by the Spirit in worship and the team ministered and prayed for her; so keep her in your prayers. We are beginning to see God move in our midst in many different ways. I'm excited and I hope you are too! If you are witnessing to anyone the next couple of days are for you as we will be looking at Christ's credibility. What made great intellectuals like CS Lewis commit their lives to Christ? His credibility! Observe some of the Old Testament prophecies Jesus fulfilled during His lifetime: (1) He would enter into Jerusalem on a donkey: '...Behold, your King...He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey...' (Zechariah 9:9 NKJV) (2) He would be betrayed by a friend: '...My own familiar friend in whom I trusted...has lifted up his heel against Me.' (Psalm 41:9 NKJV) (3) He would be sold for thirty pieces of silver: '...So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver.' (Zechariah 11:12 KJV) (4) They would gamble for His garments: 'They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.' (Psalm 22:18 NKJV) (5) Not one of His bones would be broken: 'He guards all His bones; not one of them is broken.' (Psalm 34:20 NKJV) (6) He would be buried in a rich man's tomb: 'They made His grave with...the rich at His death...' (Isaiah 53:9 NKJV) (7) That He would be raised again from the dead: 'You will not leave My soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' (Psalm 16:10 NKJV) John records: 'After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"' In full possession of His mental faculties, with His mind unclouded, He checked off the prophecies He was supposed to fulfill right down to the last one, and said, 'It is finished.' (v30 NKJV) Christ-He's totally credible, and you can trust Him! You are loved!

Learning to be apart of the Family

'...you will know how to live in the family of God.' 1 Timothy 3:15 NCV

I'm going to close this week out with a couple of the biggest things that hurt people in the church Favoritism and Gossip. Amy and I love to have a garden every year. It's not huge but we grow what we like and have fun watching it grow. The church is like a garden; it has great potential for growth and beauty. But cultivating a garden calls for time and labor; it also requires being on the lookout for weeds and pulling them up before they grow and kill your plants. Two of the most common weeds in the church are: (1) Favoritism. 'Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel...' (Acts 10:34-36 NIV) Peter, who struggled with prejudice, said, 'I now realize...that God does not show favoritism.' How about you? Do you realize that too? Or do you mix only with 'your own kind'? Cliques in church are high treason to the King of Kings. If there's one lonely soul in your church, you have work to do! The Bible says that God 'gives families to the lonely.' (Psalm 68:6 TLB) When people are shy, wounded, insecure or lacking in trust, you must reach out and bring them into your circle of fellowship. (2) Gossip. 'Don't speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters...' (James 4:11 NLT) When you hear gossip about someone, stop it dead in its tracks. Unless you are willing to talk directly to the person, don't talk about them. And don't let anybody else talk about them either. That is slander. Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid. If you want to promote harmony in the family, don't indulge in it. Instead do what Jesus told His disciples to do, "speak the truth in love." When you do it builds the family of believers up, not tear them down. You are loved...