Big thanks to the Topeka people who helped organize this past weekend. It was a huge blessing.
Cory Metzger had a wonderful Bible Study over 1 Corinthians 3:1-15. He talked a lot about how the motives behind our works will determine whether they burn up when tried. It's important to have a heart for God in all that we do. It was a wonderful study with lots of input.
After the Bible Study we went to a Hospice house and sang some hymns for about 45 minutes. Then we split into two groups. One group went to a Ronald McDonald House and did some spring cleaning, and the other group went the house of a 54 year old couple who recently had premature triplets. They spent several hours cleaning and organizing the house for them. The mother hadn't been out of the house in 3 months because these triplets kept her so busy.
After the service projects we had a great supper of BBQ pork, played some games, and did some singing with Tommie playing guitar.
It was truly a blessing. We made some great memories and deepened some Christian Friendships.
Sunday, April 30
Friday, April 28
Rained out
Yesterday I tried to explain the nervous excitement I felt at being one day away from home ownership. I used the analogy of the feeling I got right before I took the field in H.S. for a baseball game.
Well, the "game" got rained out.
When I met my realtor to do a final walk through of the condo and make a punch list before the closing, which was scheduled this afternoon, neither of us felt comfortable with how far along the work was.
Closing is when money and ownership are exchanged, and I just wasn't comfortable taking ownership before it's complete, so the closing date got postponed. It was kind of a let down, but I definitely feel like it was the best thing under the circumstances.
Well, for your weekend, here's another message from Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ). It's a great reminder to not let the petty things of this world take our eyes off of our Saviour!
Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades (Luke 8:7, NLT).
Dear friends:
Suddenly I was desperately choking! A piece of popcorn had lodged in my throat.
I couldn't breathe, a horrible feeling, and I was at the point of passing out. I just could not get rid of that tiny particle, no bigger than 1/8 the size of a pencil eraser.
Now red-faced, I coughed violently and repeatedly. But thankfully, before I blacked out, it was finally expelled. God's mercy prevailed.
On reflection, I realized two great truths. Of course, God uses life experiences to teach us His truths.
The first great truth I realized is how fragile life is. Every person is only one precarious breath away from eternity. Only one breath! For numerous unpredictable reasons, that last breath could come at any instant to any one of us.
Every second we live in our bodies is a gift of grace. People without Christ are on the very edge, the dangerous precipice, and every second they chance passing into a Christless eternity. It is a terrible gamble, and every day, thousands lose their bet.
Even Christians, who are saved by grace but who are knowingly disobedient and living in sin, are only a breath away from entering eternity with this on their record and having to face their holy Savior, who died for them. John exhorts us, "Continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame (1 John 2:28, NLT). According to God's Word, some so-called prodigals are not true believers and when they die, have no hope of eternal life.
We do not want to be ashamed either at His return or our going to meet Him.
The second great truth I learned is that there I was, desperate for just one breath of air, but I was surrounded by an ocean of air! It was all around me, yet I could not obtain any. What a paradox.
Many people are like that. Their lives are often choked off from the truth of God's Word by worldly distractions that by comparison they are like tiny kernels of popcorn in importance.
Our Lord spoke of choking. "The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word" (Mark 4:19, NIV).
As I was surrounded by an ocean of air but could not get any, many people are surrounded by God, yet they cannot perceive Him. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28, NIV). He is like the air in which we live. Interestingly, the Greek word for Spirit is "pneuma," which also means air or wind.
Let us not allow the world or our own self-centered desires to get lodged in our throats, choking us spiritually, and cutting off access to our vital spiritual air, or God's Spirit.
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
-------The late Dr. Bill Bright was Founder and President/Chairman Emeritus of Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization which began as a campus ministry in 1951 and now has more than 27,000 full-time staff and up to 500,000 trained volunteer staff in 196 countries in areas representing 99.6 percent of the world's population. In the past 50 years, Campus Crusade for Christ has seen approximately 6 billion exposures to the gospel worldwide. The film, "JESUS," which Bright conceived and funded through Campus Crusade for Christ, is the most widely translated and viewed film of any type ever produced. Since its use began in 1980, the film has been translated into 839 languages and viewed or listened to by over 5.7 billion people in 228 countries. Dr. Bright was also the author of more than fifty books. Dr. Bright recently co-founded Global Pastors Network to "Touch, Teach and Train" a group of 5 million new house churches around the world 24/7/365 at http://www.globalpastorsnetwork.org.
Copyright (c) 2003, Bill Bright. All rights reserved. However, readers may copy and distribute this message as desired, without restrictions in number, as long as the content is not altered. Forwarding this e-mail to friends is encouraged. For many evangelistic and spiritual growth materials, visit the Campus Crusade for Christ Web site at http://www.ccci.org. See http://www.campuscrusade.org for Bill Bright's own materials.
Well, the "game" got rained out.
When I met my realtor to do a final walk through of the condo and make a punch list before the closing, which was scheduled this afternoon, neither of us felt comfortable with how far along the work was.
Closing is when money and ownership are exchanged, and I just wasn't comfortable taking ownership before it's complete, so the closing date got postponed. It was kind of a let down, but I definitely feel like it was the best thing under the circumstances.
Well, for your weekend, here's another message from Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ). It's a great reminder to not let the petty things of this world take our eyes off of our Saviour!
Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades (Luke 8:7, NLT).Dear friends:
Suddenly I was desperately choking! A piece of popcorn had lodged in my throat.
I couldn't breathe, a horrible feeling, and I was at the point of passing out. I just could not get rid of that tiny particle, no bigger than 1/8 the size of a pencil eraser.
Now red-faced, I coughed violently and repeatedly. But thankfully, before I blacked out, it was finally expelled. God's mercy prevailed.
On reflection, I realized two great truths. Of course, God uses life experiences to teach us His truths.
The first great truth I realized is how fragile life is. Every person is only one precarious breath away from eternity. Only one breath! For numerous unpredictable reasons, that last breath could come at any instant to any one of us.
Every second we live in our bodies is a gift of grace. People without Christ are on the very edge, the dangerous precipice, and every second they chance passing into a Christless eternity. It is a terrible gamble, and every day, thousands lose their bet.
Even Christians, who are saved by grace but who are knowingly disobedient and living in sin, are only a breath away from entering eternity with this on their record and having to face their holy Savior, who died for them. John exhorts us, "Continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame (1 John 2:28, NLT). According to God's Word, some so-called prodigals are not true believers and when they die, have no hope of eternal life.
We do not want to be ashamed either at His return or our going to meet Him.
The second great truth I learned is that there I was, desperate for just one breath of air, but I was surrounded by an ocean of air! It was all around me, yet I could not obtain any. What a paradox.
Many people are like that. Their lives are often choked off from the truth of God's Word by worldly distractions that by comparison they are like tiny kernels of popcorn in importance.
Our Lord spoke of choking. "The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word" (Mark 4:19, NIV).
As I was surrounded by an ocean of air but could not get any, many people are surrounded by God, yet they cannot perceive Him. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28, NIV). He is like the air in which we live. Interestingly, the Greek word for Spirit is "pneuma," which also means air or wind.
Let us not allow the world or our own self-centered desires to get lodged in our throats, choking us spiritually, and cutting off access to our vital spiritual air, or God's Spirit.
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
-------The late Dr. Bill Bright was Founder and President/Chairman Emeritus of Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization which began as a campus ministry in 1951 and now has more than 27,000 full-time staff and up to 500,000 trained volunteer staff in 196 countries in areas representing 99.6 percent of the world's population. In the past 50 years, Campus Crusade for Christ has seen approximately 6 billion exposures to the gospel worldwide. The film, "JESUS," which Bright conceived and funded through Campus Crusade for Christ, is the most widely translated and viewed film of any type ever produced. Since its use began in 1980, the film has been translated into 839 languages and viewed or listened to by over 5.7 billion people in 228 countries. Dr. Bright was also the author of more than fifty books. Dr. Bright recently co-founded Global Pastors Network to "Touch, Teach and Train" a group of 5 million new house churches around the world 24/7/365 at http://www.globalpastorsnetwork.org.
Copyright (c) 2003, Bill Bright. All rights reserved. However, readers may copy and distribute this message as desired, without restrictions in number, as long as the content is not altered. Forwarding this e-mail to friends is encouraged. For many evangelistic and spiritual growth materials, visit the Campus Crusade for Christ Web site at http://www.ccci.org. See http://www.campuscrusade.org for Bill Bright's own materials.
Thursday, April 27
Deep Breath
Well, it's almost here. I do a walk through of my condo tonight after work. We're going to make a punch list of all the things that need to be finalized. Then tomorrow (Friday) at 1:00pm, if everything goes well tonight, I sign the papers that make me a condo owner. It makes my stomach feel weird to think about it.
I have this nervous excitement. The kind I used to get in H.S. before we took the field for a baseball game. The kind that makes your brain go a hundred miles an hour and prepares your body for action.
But it's good. I definitely feel like it's a wise decision. I'm really excited about living 2 minutes from work. I'm also excited to experience the dynamics between all of us that are going to be living together. I really feel like there is going to be a lot of opportunity for spiritual growth. We're all going to be out of our "comfort zones" somewhat, and hopefully that opens a door for God to continue to work His refining work in our lives.
Jake Gerst
I have this nervous excitement. The kind I used to get in H.S. before we took the field for a baseball game. The kind that makes your brain go a hundred miles an hour and prepares your body for action.
But it's good. I definitely feel like it's a wise decision. I'm really excited about living 2 minutes from work. I'm also excited to experience the dynamics between all of us that are going to be living together. I really feel like there is going to be a lot of opportunity for spiritual growth. We're all going to be out of our "comfort zones" somewhat, and hopefully that opens a door for God to continue to work His refining work in our lives.
Here are my two roommates. (I may have a third, but we're not sure)
Jake Gerst
Tony Esslinger (that's my arm)
Wednesday, April 26
Volleyball and "Things that make you go hmmmm"
So, we did end up playing volleyball last night, and it was great fun as always. There were about 8 of us that showed up. It was pretty cold and windy at first, but as the sun set the wind died down, and as we played we warmed up. We played about 8 games or so and then went to Steak & Shake for supper. Good times had by all.
And now…(drum roll).......
How many of you actually “heard” a drum roll in your head when you read that?
*grin*
Things that make you go “hmmm”….
You’ve probably heard some of these before, but there were some new ones in there for me, so I thought I’d share. I get a kick out of some of these. I love number 5!
Enjoy.
And now…(drum roll).......How many of you actually “heard” a drum roll in your head when you read that?
*grin*
Things that make you go “hmmm”….
You’ve probably heard some of these before, but there were some new ones in there for me, so I thought I’d share. I get a kick out of some of these. I love number 5!
Enjoy.
- Why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways?
- Do Lipton employees take coffee breaks?
- Can I yell "movie" in a crowded firehouse?
- Can you be a closet claustrophobic?
- How do a fool and his money GET together?
- Why does Hawaii have interstate highways?
- How is it that a building burns up as it burns down?
- If a train station is where the train stops, what is a workstation?
- If nothing ever sticks to Teflon, how do they make Teflon stick to the pan?
- If the pen is mightier than the sword, and a picture is worth a thousand words, how dangerous is a fax?
- If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?
- What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?
- What was the best thing before sliced bread?
- Why do banks charge you a "non-sufficient funds" fee on money they already know you don't have?
- Why do they put Braille on the drive through bank machines?
- If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
- If you get cheated by the Better Business Bureau, who do you complain to?
- What are Preparation A through Preparation G?
- In a country of free speech, why are there phone bills?
- Did Washington flash a quarter when asked for ID?
- How come there aren't B batteries?
- If the post office has machines that can sort snail mail at 1000's of times per minute, then why do they give it to a little old man on a bike to deliver?
- How do "Do not walk on the grass" signs get there?
- Why do black olives come in cans and green olives come in jars?
- Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
- How is it possible to have a civil war?
- If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?
- If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
- If the #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2?
- Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
- If I melt dry ice, can I take a bath without getting wet?
- Crime doesn't pay...does that mean that my job is a crime?
- How do they get the deer to cross at that yellow road sign?
- How do you know that honesty is the best policy until you have tried some of the others?
- How do you throw away a garbage can?
- How does a thermos know if the drink should be hot or cold?
- How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings?
- Do you realize how many holes there could be if people would just take the time to take the dirt out of them?
- If a word in the dictionary were misspelled, how would we know?
- If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?
- What happens to an 18 hour bra after 18 hours?
- Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
- Why do hot dogs come 10 to a package and hot dog buns only 8?
- Why do tourists go to the tops of tall buildings and then put money into telescopes so they can see things on the ground close-up?
- Why is it that bullets ricochet off of Superman's chest, but he ducks when the gun is thrown at him?
- Why is it that night falls but day breaks?
- Why is it that you must wait until night to call it a day?
- What if the Hokey Pokey IS what its all about?
- When your pet bird sees you reading the newspaper, does he wonder why you're just sitting there, staring at carpeting?
- What happened to the first 6 "ups"?
Tuesday, April 25
It's Raining
It looks like I may miss out on Simple Pleasure #2 tonight. :) It's been raining steadily for about an hour now. On the bright side, it made me think of another simple pleasure - watching and listening to storms. I love the sound of rain.
The word rain is mentioned in 87 verses in the Bible. Many of those times it's speaking of the Lord giving rain. That's good to think about. Not even the weather is just a "random happening" - although it often seems like it. God is in control. He causeth it to rain on the just and the unjust.(Matthew 5:45)
Psalms 147:1-11 Lord, I will praise Thee in this storm!
Monday, April 24
Life's Simple Pleasures
For Maegan:
In no particular order:
1. Waking up on a Saturday and realizing that you don't have to care what time it is
2. Playing "Tuesday night sand volleyball" with your friends after our winter break. (Thanks for hosting Jeff. It is truly good to get back out there!)
3. Staying up late with friends and talking about the issues of life. (I've done this so often that I just about have world hunger solved)
4. Fishing...when the sun is warm and the breeze is cool. (It doesn't matter if they're biting or not.)
5. Playing baseball/catch.
6. Road trips
7. Singing along with the radio. (best appreciated in the shower or in the car)
8. Reading/studying the Word and a new thought jumps out at you and fires you up!
9. Meeting a new friend who, within 10 minutes, it feels like you've known forever.
10. Having an old friend who, no matter how long between visits, you can pick right up where you left off.
In no particular order:
1. Waking up on a Saturday and realizing that you don't have to care what time it is
2. Playing "Tuesday night sand volleyball" with your friends after our winter break. (Thanks for hosting Jeff. It is truly good to get back out there!)
3. Staying up late with friends and talking about the issues of life. (I've done this so often that I just about have world hunger solved)
4. Fishing...when the sun is warm and the breeze is cool. (It doesn't matter if they're biting or not.)
5. Playing baseball/catch.
6. Road trips
7. Singing along with the radio. (best appreciated in the shower or in the car)
8. Reading/studying the Word and a new thought jumps out at you and fires you up!
9. Meeting a new friend who, within 10 minutes, it feels like you've known forever.
10. Having an old friend who, no matter how long between visits, you can pick right up where you left off.
30 Day Experiment
Another great message from Bill Bright. (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ)
Have you ever been reluctant to witness to someone because you were afraid he would argue with you and you wouldn't know how to answer?
If so, I have good news for you -- you don't have to be frightened by the intellectual-sounding arguments of atheists and agnostics. I want to share with you an effective response to many of the arguments you might hear in a witnessing situation.
One day a young man said to me, "I'm an atheist. I don't believe there is a God."
I asked him, "Greg, are you an honest person?"
"Of course I am," he replied.
I said, "Greg, a scientist goes into the laboratory to do research to perform an experiment without preconceived ideas. He goes with an open mind and considers all truth objectively. Would you be willing to perform an experiment for thirty days, as a matter of intellectual integrity?"
I described to him what I call the 30-Day experiment. "Read the Bible every day, starting with the Gospel of John," I emphasized. "Just one hour a day, for thirty days. And every day, begin your reading with a prayer: "God, if you exist, and if Jesus Christ is your revelation to man and He truly died for my sins, I want to know you personally. Come into my life and be my Savior and Lord."
Greg agreed to the experiment, and since he had no classes that day, I encouraged him to spend the whole day reading the Gospel of John.
That evening, I was speaking to a group of several hundred students. As I looked out over the crowd, I saw Greg beaming at me with a big smile that could have lighted the whole auditorium. When I finished, he darted through the crowd to meet me. "I did it," he grinned. "I did what you told me. I read the first, second, third, fourth chapters, then more of John."
I'll never forget his next statement: "I was in the eighth chapter when Jesus stepped out of the pages of the Bible and into my heart."
Greg's story is only one of hundreds I could share with you about the effectiveness of "the 30-Day experiment." Try it.
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission
each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
Have you ever been reluctant to witness to someone because you were afraid he would argue with you and you wouldn't know how to answer?
If so, I have good news for you -- you don't have to be frightened by the intellectual-sounding arguments of atheists and agnostics. I want to share with you an effective response to many of the arguments you might hear in a witnessing situation.
One day a young man said to me, "I'm an atheist. I don't believe there is a God."
I asked him, "Greg, are you an honest person?"
"Of course I am," he replied.
I said, "Greg, a scientist goes into the laboratory to do research to perform an experiment without preconceived ideas. He goes with an open mind and considers all truth objectively. Would you be willing to perform an experiment for thirty days, as a matter of intellectual integrity?"
I described to him what I call the 30-Day experiment. "Read the Bible every day, starting with the Gospel of John," I emphasized. "Just one hour a day, for thirty days. And every day, begin your reading with a prayer: "God, if you exist, and if Jesus Christ is your revelation to man and He truly died for my sins, I want to know you personally. Come into my life and be my Savior and Lord."
Greg agreed to the experiment, and since he had no classes that day, I encouraged him to spend the whole day reading the Gospel of John.
That evening, I was speaking to a group of several hundred students. As I looked out over the crowd, I saw Greg beaming at me with a big smile that could have lighted the whole auditorium. When I finished, he darted through the crowd to meet me. "I did it," he grinned. "I did what you told me. I read the first, second, third, fourth chapters, then more of John."
I'll never forget his next statement: "I was in the eighth chapter when Jesus stepped out of the pages of the Bible and into my heart."
Greg's story is only one of hundreds I could share with you about the effectiveness of "the 30-Day experiment." Try it.
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission
each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
Friday, April 21
Happy News!
Paul Grimm got engaged to Elise Kaupp last week. I truly wish them God's richest blessings. I have the utmost respect for them both.
Thursday, April 20
Beware of the Least Likely Temptation
Joab withstood the greatest test of his life, remaining absolutely loyal to David by not turning to follow after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom. Yet toward the end of his life he turned to follow after the weak and cowardly Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one person has turned back is exactly where anyone may be tempted to turn back (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 ). You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall.We are apt to say, "It is not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life I would now turn back to the things of the world." Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect. They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials— now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be abnormally examining your inner self, looking forward with dread, but stay alert; keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength. The Bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones.
". . . kept by the power of God . . ."— that is the only safety. ( 1 Peter 1:5 ).
Map builder
A.C. Map
This is a neat site. I don't know who created it, but they had to put a significant amount of time into it. It's an interactive map of the world with all of the A.C. churches mapped out. It even gives their address, membership, and year established. If you're browsing, don't miss Japan and India too!
This is a neat site. I don't know who created it, but they had to put a significant amount of time into it. It's an interactive map of the world with all of the A.C. churches mapped out. It even gives their address, membership, and year established. If you're browsing, don't miss Japan and India too!
Wednesday, April 19
Exercise your mind!
Ms. Arroyo asked the class to see if they could find the sum of the first 50 odd numbers. As everyone settled down to their addition, Terry ran to her and said, "The sum is 2,500." Ms. Arroyo thought, "Lucky guess," and gave him the task of finding the sum of the first 75 odd numbers. Within 20 seconds, Terry was back with the correct answer of 5,625. How does Terry find the sum so quickly?I have a hint and the answer available. If you'd like either, just send me an email, or ask in a comment if I already have your email address. :) Or feel free to tell me how retarded you think these puzzles are. :)
Answer:
The following pattern holds: The sum is equal to n x n, when n is the number of consecutive odd numbers, starting with 1. For example, the sum of the first 3 odd numbers is equal to 3 x 3, or 9; the sum of the first 4 odd numbers is equal to 4 x 4, or 16; the sum of the first 5 odd numbers is equal to 5 x 5, or 25; and so on.
Tuesday, April 18
Faith in My Savior
I really don't have anything in mind to write about as I start to type this. I decided I would just start typing and see what happens.The grace and forgiveness of God has been on my mind a lot lately. The more I think about it, the more I realize that they are really unfathomable concepts. How can a God, that is more Holy than I will ever be able to comprehend, reconcile me so that I can have a relationship with Him? Sometimes I think we lose sight of the fact that it is only Christ's imputed righteousness that allows us to approach the throne. No matter how disciplined we are in our Christian walk- no matter how nobel our works- no matter how long you've been walking as a Christian; Our robes are filthy in God's eyes...FILTHY. God forgive us for thinking we're doing pretty good. We're never doing "pretty good". We can do nothing...NOTHING but by the unmerited favor of God.
When the psalmist David praises God for His new mercies every morning, he is acknowledging his need for such mercy. You might occasionally wonder if you need "new mercies" every morning. I mean...what if you had a good day? What if you spent all day in worship and you can't remember a single "bad thought"?
I would venture to say that God's mercies must be new every moment - every second of every day. Our finite minds will never be able to give God the worship that He is due. Our finite minds will never have the perfect concept of God. God is sitting on His throne...in all His majestic splendor...looking down on us and all our misconceptions. If His mercy were not constant - If His patience wasn't perfect - He would've destroyed us long ago.
Praise God that we have the opportunity to take advantage of Christ's cloak. We have the opportunity to be seen as Christ by our Father God. We have been adopted as sons and daughters. We have the wonderful gift of Christ's righteousness, so that when the Father looks on us, He doesn't see our filth, He see's Christ's perfectness. Our filth is hanging from a tree where it was crucified 2000 years ago.
Worship Him for He is Worthy!
Monday, April 17
Let's Celebrate Easter AGAIN!
Well, it's Monday. The Easter Holiday is over. How'd you feel when you got up this morning? Is it time to put our appreciation for Christ's death and resurrection back in the closet until next year? I sincerely hope that's not your attitude. While Easter is the time we've set aside to specifically celebrate, we should think on the cross every day. The cross and empty tomb are the pivot points, the hinges, that all of Christianity swings on. If you find yourself taking liberties that perhaps aren't the most healthy, refocus on the suffering of the Cross. Christ suffered more than most of us can ever imagine so that we could have communion with an infinitely HOLY God. Don't take this lightly. We're not called to obedience for the sake of robotic obedience. We're called to obedience out of gratitude and love. That's called Worship!!If you find yourself losing hope, refocus on the empty tomb. We're not set permanently on this earth. This earth is not our home. Sin and death have been utterly defeated by our perfect Savior. Let us be glad and rejoice in this! The debt's been paid, the gift is free! If you haven't accepted His perfect atonement and been clothed in His robe, don't wait anymore. Pray that Christ will help you to see through your pride and see your pathetic state for what it truly is. Then believe that Christ blood can make you whiter than snow! Praise Him.
Sunday, April 16
Apologies
Well, my internet's working now. It's 12:30am on Sunday morning. I really wanted to publish Sunday's part of "The Passion Week". Unfortunately I need to be getting up in 5 1/2 hrs. Our Youth Group is serving breakfast to some older folks that go to our church. Our family is celebrating Easter tomorrow afternoon, so I doubt I'll have time to post. If anyone wants a pdf of the handout I was posting from which outlines this past week, just send me an email and I'll get it to you.
May God bless you as you worship our wonderful creator, savior, friend and remember He LIVES, for that is the Hope of the Christian.
May God bless you as you worship our wonderful creator, savior, friend and remember He LIVES, for that is the Hope of the Christian.
Thursday, April 13
Passion Week
Thursday - The Passover Meal and the Lord's Supper: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-30; John 13:1-30
During the day - preparation for the passover meal
Early evening - the passover meal
Jesus washed the disciples' feet - John 13:4-16
Betrayal by Judas foretold - Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:18-30
Peter's denial foretold - Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
THE LORD'S SUPPER (communion) INSTITUTED - Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20
THE UPPER ROOM DISCOURSE - John 14-16 CHRIST'S GREAT INTERCESSORY PRAYER - John 17
Christ and His disciples leave upper room and walk to Gethsemane (Late Thursday night)
THE AGONY OF GETHSEMANE - Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1-11
During the day - preparation for the passover meal
Early evening - the passover meal
Jesus washed the disciples' feet - John 13:4-16
Betrayal by Judas foretold - Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:18-30
Peter's denial foretold - Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
THE LORD'S SUPPER (communion) INSTITUTED - Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20
THE UPPER ROOM DISCOURSE - John 14-16 CHRIST'S GREAT INTERCESSORY PRAYER - John 17
Christ and His disciples leave upper room and walk to Gethsemane (Late Thursday night)
THE AGONY OF GETHSEMANE - Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1-11
Wednesday, April 12
The Passion Week & Faith
The Passion Week:
Wednesday - No Record of This Day: Perhaps a quiet day at Bethany
Faith:
Have you ever told someone that you lacked faith, or that having faith is hard for you? Has anyone ever confided in you that they lacked faith?
This passage struck a chord with me. How worthy is our heavenly father. Let us fall back into His arms in complete faith, looking to Jesus as our everything.
Every day Christians and non-Christians alike exercise faith without thinking twice. We eat in restaurants, believing the food has not been poisoned. We drop off deposits at the bank, without ever seeing where the money is stored. We go up in elevators, trusting it will not fall back down.
If we have such unquestioning faith in our fellow human beings, who sometimes do fail, how much more should we put all of our faith in God, our loving heavenly Father, whose character and capabilities are beyond question?
In Hebrews 11:6, God's Word tells us, "It is impossible to please God without faith" (NLT). He wants us to trust Him and His Word even more than we trust pilots, airplanes and restaurants. He wants us to take Him at His word.
Not to trust God is the same as treating Him as a liar. That is not a good idea. The Bible says, "God is not a man, that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19, NLT).
God is so totally trustworthy that we can trust Him with our lives in this world and the next.
"He always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9, NLT).
Wednesday - No Record of This Day: Perhaps a quiet day at Bethany
Faith:Have you ever told someone that you lacked faith, or that having faith is hard for you? Has anyone ever confided in you that they lacked faith?
This passage struck a chord with me. How worthy is our heavenly father. Let us fall back into His arms in complete faith, looking to Jesus as our everything.
Every day Christians and non-Christians alike exercise faith without thinking twice. We eat in restaurants, believing the food has not been poisoned. We drop off deposits at the bank, without ever seeing where the money is stored. We go up in elevators, trusting it will not fall back down.
If we have such unquestioning faith in our fellow human beings, who sometimes do fail, how much more should we put all of our faith in God, our loving heavenly Father, whose character and capabilities are beyond question?
In Hebrews 11:6, God's Word tells us, "It is impossible to please God without faith" (NLT). He wants us to trust Him and His Word even more than we trust pilots, airplanes and restaurants. He wants us to take Him at His word.
Not to trust God is the same as treating Him as a liar. That is not a good idea. The Bible says, "God is not a man, that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19, NLT).
God is so totally trustworthy that we can trust Him with our lives in this world and the next.
"He always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9, NLT).
Tuesday, April 11
Tuesday: Passion Week
Tuesday was a big day. I'm not going to be able to link to all the scripture references, so you'll have to do a little more leg-work today if you want to read them all.
Tuesday - Last Day in the Temple, Teaching
Christ's authority challenged - Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8
Parable of two sons - Matthew 21:28-32
Parable of wicked husbandmand - Matthew 21:33-43; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 19:9-16
Parable of the rejected stone - Matthew 21:44; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 19:17-18
Parable of the marriage feast - Matthew 22:1-14
Question of tribute to Caesar - Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:19-26
Question of the resurrection - Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-38
The greatest commandment - Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34
David's Son and Lord - Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:39-44
Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees - Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
Lament over Jerusalem - Matthew 23:37-39
The poor widow's gift - Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
Greeks (Gentiles) desire to see Jesus - John 12:20-36
Christ rejected by the Jews - John 12:37-50
THE OLIVET DISCOURSE OF COMING EVENTS - Matthew 24 & 25, Mark 13, Luke 21:1-4Judas bargains to betray Jesus - Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1,2,10,11; Luke 22:1-6
It's a wonderful testimony to the love of Christ that on His last week alive he spent so much time teaching the people. He wasn't out trying to accomplish his "Things I Want to do Before I Die" list. He just wanted the people to understand and draw close to His father. What an amazing example of love.
Tuesday - Last Day in the Temple, Teaching
Christ's authority challenged - Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8
Parable of two sons - Matthew 21:28-32
Parable of wicked husbandmand - Matthew 21:33-43; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 19:9-16
Parable of the rejected stone - Matthew 21:44; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 19:17-18
Parable of the marriage feast - Matthew 22:1-14
Question of tribute to Caesar - Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:19-26
Question of the resurrection - Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-38
The greatest commandment - Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34
David's Son and Lord - Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:39-44
Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees - Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
Lament over Jerusalem - Matthew 23:37-39
The poor widow's gift - Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
Greeks (Gentiles) desire to see Jesus - John 12:20-36
Christ rejected by the Jews - John 12:37-50
THE OLIVET DISCOURSE OF COMING EVENTS - Matthew 24 & 25, Mark 13, Luke 21:1-4Judas bargains to betray Jesus - Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1,2,10,11; Luke 22:1-6
It's a wonderful testimony to the love of Christ that on His last week alive he spent so much time teaching the people. He wasn't out trying to accomplish his "Things I Want to do Before I Die" list. He just wanted the people to understand and draw close to His father. What an amazing example of love.
Monday, April 10
The Passion Week
This past Sunday I attended Morton church in the morning. They had made a packet outlining the Passion Week. It goes through each day starting with Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection. I'll pass this information along each day. The week started yesterday on Palm Sunday with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt. This is recorded in all four gospels. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19.
For me, one of the most touching passages is in Luke 19:41-44 I think this is an awesome picture of Christ's heart for the people. He knew what was coming. He knew what he was going to have to go through at the hands of the people of Jerusalem. Yet he didn't cry for himself. He cried for them. He cried because he knew that they were going to miss the promise. He cried because they were going to reject God's awesome plan of salvation.
He cried for them.
He cried for you.
On Sunday Christ also went to the temple. He then retired to Bethany for the night. Mark 11:11
Monday: Jesus returns to Jerusalem
The fig tree is cursed - Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14
Second cleansing of the temple - Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
For me, one of the most touching passages is in Luke 19:41-44 I think this is an awesome picture of Christ's heart for the people. He knew what was coming. He knew what he was going to have to go through at the hands of the people of Jerusalem. Yet he didn't cry for himself. He cried for them. He cried because he knew that they were going to miss the promise. He cried because they were going to reject God's awesome plan of salvation.
He cried for them.
He cried for you.
On Sunday Christ also went to the temple. He then retired to Bethany for the night. Mark 11:11
Monday: Jesus returns to Jerusalem
The fig tree is cursed - Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14
Second cleansing of the temple - Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
Friday, April 7
Be-U-T-Full
It's so incredibly nice out right now. I may very well have to take off work early today. We have our door wide open, and the temperature is perfect. There's a robin somewhere close, and it's singing away. The sun's shining brightly. There's a decent breeze, but not too bad. Basically, all is well in my neighborhood.
Thursday, April 6
Inner Invincibility
Another good message from Oswald Chambers in his devotional called My Utmost for His Highest.
Whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." ( Hebrews 12:6 ). How petty our complaining is! Our Lord begins to bring us to the point where we can have fellowship with Him, only to hear us moan and groan, saying, "Oh Lord, just let me be like other people!" Jesus is asking us to get beside Him and take one end of the yoke, so that we can pull together. That’s why Jesus says to us, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light" ( Matthew 11:30 ). Are you closely identified with the Lord Jesus like that? If so, you will thank God when you feel the pressure of His hand upon you.
". . . to those who have no might He increases strength" ( Isaiah 40:29 ). God comes and takes us out of our emotionalism, and then our complaining turns into a hymn of praise. The only way to know the strength of God is to take the yoke of Jesus upon us and to learn from Him.
". . . the joy of the Lord is your strength" ( Nehemiah 8:10 ). Where do the saints get their joy? If we did not know some Christians well, we might think from just observing them that they have no burdens at all to bear. But we must lift the veil from our eyes. The fact that the peace, light, and joy of God is in them is proof that a burden is there as well. The burden that God places on us squeezes the grapes in our lives and produces the wine, but most of us see only the wine and not the burden. No power on earth or in hell can conquer the Spirit of God living within the human spirit; it creates an inner invincibility.
If your life is producing only a whine, instead of the wine, then ruthlessly kick it out. It is definitely a crime for a Christian to be weak in God’s strength.
Whom the Lord loves He chastens . . ." ( Hebrews 12:6 ). How petty our complaining is! Our Lord begins to bring us to the point where we can have fellowship with Him, only to hear us moan and groan, saying, "Oh Lord, just let me be like other people!" Jesus is asking us to get beside Him and take one end of the yoke, so that we can pull together. That’s why Jesus says to us, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light" ( Matthew 11:30 ). Are you closely identified with the Lord Jesus like that? If so, you will thank God when you feel the pressure of His hand upon you.
". . . to those who have no might He increases strength" ( Isaiah 40:29 ). God comes and takes us out of our emotionalism, and then our complaining turns into a hymn of praise. The only way to know the strength of God is to take the yoke of Jesus upon us and to learn from Him.
". . . the joy of the Lord is your strength" ( Nehemiah 8:10 ). Where do the saints get their joy? If we did not know some Christians well, we might think from just observing them that they have no burdens at all to bear. But we must lift the veil from our eyes. The fact that the peace, light, and joy of God is in them is proof that a burden is there as well. The burden that God places on us squeezes the grapes in our lives and produces the wine, but most of us see only the wine and not the burden. No power on earth or in hell can conquer the Spirit of God living within the human spirit; it creates an inner invincibility.
If your life is producing only a whine, instead of the wine, then ruthlessly kick it out. It is definitely a crime for a Christian to be weak in God’s strength.
Wednesday, April 5
Brain Teaser
Answers are in the comments. Thanks for playing. :)
Below are five phrases that have been tinkered with. Rearrange the words so that when they are read aloud they will sound very similar to the required phrase. For example "Ducks Sits Hound Fa Mill Ear" = "Does it sound familiar".
crows dose eggs my off pea wind
cab chalk clicks fizz lie lye ox soft
a crowed fall jest lobe Rick oath yell
beef four heap luck Yule
dud rough wharf whorls
Answers tomorrow...maybe...or the next day, but answers will come. Feel free to post your guesses in the comments.
Enjoy
Below are five phrases that have been tinkered with. Rearrange the words so that when they are read aloud they will sound very similar to the required phrase. For example "Ducks Sits Hound Fa Mill Ear" = "Does it sound familiar".
crows dose eggs my off pea wind
cab chalk clicks fizz lie lye ox soft
a crowed fall jest lobe Rick oath yell
beef four heap luck Yule
dud rough wharf whorls
Answers tomorrow...maybe...or the next day, but answers will come. Feel free to post your guesses in the comments.
Enjoy
Tuesday, April 4
The Right Choices
Here’s another solid teaching from Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ.
The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict (Galatians 5:16, 17, NLT).
Dear friends:
About to open wide, with the menacing drill lowering toward his mouth, a man humorously pleaded with his dentist, "Careful, doc, I can stand anything but pain."
We Americans are especially notorious for avoiding pain at all cost. By nature, every one of us is inclined to take the path of least resistance. The dentist usually injects us with Novocain to keep us from feeling any pain, but we don't like the injection needle because of its momentary sting.
We look for easy exercise programs that won't make us perspire too much or get too tired. Students shortcut their assigned reading by reviewing study notes.
And diets? There always seems to be a new fad for shedding weight without hunger or exercise! Liquid diets, banana diets, carbohydrate diets, protein diets, grapefruit diets, and the list goes on and on and on.
When it comes right down to the basics, we do not like hard work. Even in those areas that we recognize are in our best interest, such as with exercising, dieting, and studying, we avoid developing disciplines to help us.
This is especially true when it comes to the spiritual discipline of prayer. We desperately need prayer, yet many desperately avoid it. What a paradox! All of us would acknowledge the critical importance of regular fellowship with God. But as I travel around the world and speak to Christians everywhere, I meet very few who express a natural inclination for prayer.
That is probably because prayer is not natural, at least for our fleshly, or sinful, nature, even though our spirit, wooed by the Holy Spirit, yearns for communion with God. "The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict" (Galatians 5:16, 17, NLT).
That translation speaks of "your choices." That is where the battle lies. By faith, we must "choose" to pray. By faith, we must choose to fast. By faith, we must choose to obey God, even though our natural selves may not "feel" like it.
The Bible says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5, NIV).
We must not be governed by our feelings, which are deceiving. By faith, we must choose to obey God's Word and pray -- not only pray, but let us "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 6:17, KJV).
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission
each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict (Galatians 5:16, 17, NLT).
Dear friends:
About to open wide, with the menacing drill lowering toward his mouth, a man humorously pleaded with his dentist, "Careful, doc, I can stand anything but pain."
We Americans are especially notorious for avoiding pain at all cost. By nature, every one of us is inclined to take the path of least resistance. The dentist usually injects us with Novocain to keep us from feeling any pain, but we don't like the injection needle because of its momentary sting.
We look for easy exercise programs that won't make us perspire too much or get too tired. Students shortcut their assigned reading by reviewing study notes.
And diets? There always seems to be a new fad for shedding weight without hunger or exercise! Liquid diets, banana diets, carbohydrate diets, protein diets, grapefruit diets, and the list goes on and on and on.
When it comes right down to the basics, we do not like hard work. Even in those areas that we recognize are in our best interest, such as with exercising, dieting, and studying, we avoid developing disciplines to help us.
This is especially true when it comes to the spiritual discipline of prayer. We desperately need prayer, yet many desperately avoid it. What a paradox! All of us would acknowledge the critical importance of regular fellowship with God. But as I travel around the world and speak to Christians everywhere, I meet very few who express a natural inclination for prayer.
That is probably because prayer is not natural, at least for our fleshly, or sinful, nature, even though our spirit, wooed by the Holy Spirit, yearns for communion with God. "The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict" (Galatians 5:16, 17, NLT).
That translation speaks of "your choices." That is where the battle lies. By faith, we must "choose" to pray. By faith, we must choose to fast. By faith, we must choose to obey God, even though our natural selves may not "feel" like it.
The Bible says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5, NIV).
We must not be governed by our feelings, which are deceiving. By faith, we must choose to obey God's Word and pray -- not only pray, but let us "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 6:17, KJV).
Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission
each year until our Lord returns,
Bill Bright
Monday, April 3
Grace
This is an excerpt from an email I received this morning. Is this your understanding of Grace?
God's grace is so powerful and effective, I am having trouble putting it into words. As someone once said, God's grace is better felt than telt. It is also better caught than taught. But we know that God's grace is powerful. It is the power of love. It is the power of hearts made new, of changed affections, of spirits made willing to obey. It is the power to kill darling sins (sins held close to our hearts), and to fully turn us toward God. It is the power to heal, the power to renew, the power to make clean.
If you have felt the burden of sin, and are under the bondage of sin, then God's grace can remove the burden and set you free from bondage. Jesus Christ is rich in grace, and He lavishes it on us without limit. If you need grace, He has it to give. I encourage you to seek Him for His endless supply of grace.
God's grace is so powerful and effective, I am having trouble putting it into words. As someone once said, God's grace is better felt than telt. It is also better caught than taught. But we know that God's grace is powerful. It is the power of love. It is the power of hearts made new, of changed affections, of spirits made willing to obey. It is the power to kill darling sins (sins held close to our hearts), and to fully turn us toward God. It is the power to heal, the power to renew, the power to make clean.
If you have felt the burden of sin, and are under the bondage of sin, then God's grace can remove the burden and set you free from bondage. Jesus Christ is rich in grace, and He lavishes it on us without limit. If you need grace, He has it to give. I encourage you to seek Him for His endless supply of grace.
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