A Closer Walk With Jesus

Dream Big and Believe"Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more....."Dolly PartonIt's always fascinating to discover quotes from successful people with humble beginnings.  So what was it that caused Dolly to be a superstar and elevated her to where she is today?As we were sitting around the table after a mission trip to Atlantic City for our evening devotional yesterday, Pastor Bobbie said something that resonated with me.  He questioned whether or not he was dreaming big enough for his church in Alma, Georgia.  How often do we limit ourselves from joys and successes because we dream too small?  Jesus can handle anything we dream up if we're willing to educate ourselves and care about the people in our paths.  Of course, it won't always be rapid success, but every experience will make us better and bring us closer to our goals.  And if we have faith in Jesus and ourselves, we will be even more than we could imagine!One of my favorite verses about dreaming and believing comes from Mark 9:23, where Jesus says, "If you can believe? All things are possible for one who believes." So today, believe your dreams will happen and make sure your eyes are wide open!Praying for the people we serve...Pastor Lou Strugala

A Final Message About “Fully” Accepting Jesus From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.Matthew 16:21Pope Francis has a three step process to fully accepting Jesus, the first two are easy. First, we must find about Jesus. Doing things like reading the Bible, going to church or attending a Bible study. In this step we are both compelled and desirous of finding Jesus. The second step is our outward proclamation; which includes, wearing crosses, leaving Bibles on our desk, singing in church or speak openly about Jesus. In this step we are not embarrassed or afraid to say what we know about Jesus.  The third in final step is where the word, fully comes into play. Pope Francis says we must fully believe in the resurrection of Jesus, to fully accept Jesus. While the first two steps are easy to absorb, this third step is the biggest hurdle in our journey to fully knowing Jesus. It involves believing Jesus' sacrificial act on the cross gives all humankind redemption.  We must both understand the importance of the cross and the sacredness of the gift Jesus has given us. When we do, it moves us from seeing our lives as permanently residing in this world to seeing our lives as an eternal pursuit of the divine. In this moment of belief, we no longer intellectualize the cross, but fully have faith in Jesus' act on the cross. With this faith we become both freed and redeemed. The movements of this world  take on far less meaning and our worries  subside. Both our inner and outer expressions transform to loving God and our neighbor. 

Becoming Bold with Our Faith And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14  We should not be hesitant in our prayers; we should be bold. When we ask according to God's will and with a faithful hope, God will hear and respond. In our very asking, we are recognizing the sovereign nature of God. We have decided in our souls that God is the provider of all that is good and needed. In turn, when our prayers are formulated with thanksgiving and praise, our petitions will be heard. As God responds, we in turn will observe the response in the same faithful manner in which we prayed. We will be sure the response is from God and according to God's desire. The response will be recognizable, and it will be breathtakingly clear that God is with us.   Points of Reflection·     What specific events can you recall that you knew were a direct response from God? ·     What do you silently ask from God, and how do you ask?·     What is the boldest request in prayer you have made?

A Woman Alone On A Bench For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16 This is a familiar story about how crisis puts us at a cross road in life. A place where we can choose which path to take. We can choose the path of why me or the path of hope. This crisis for a search for meaning and a sense of being loved is common. Most of us will or have experienced the same thoughts as Karina. If not, we are either very lucky and well-adjusted or  overdue. We can pour through the thousands of self-help books that show up on Amazon or in book stores. While helpful, not always on the mark. For Karina, it was her entry into the New Testament that lifted her out of her dungeon of despair. For others, it is the resistance of the pursuit of Jesus. An intellectual exercise in trying to rationalize if Jesus is real. C.S. Lewis rationalized for many years, before finally relenting in a dark corner of a library, describing himself as; the most reluctant and desperate of all converts. Each encounter of faith is very similar, a change is needed. While the individual's journey to the crossroad of crisis, is always unique.  

An Illiterate Southern Baptist Preacher; To Whom Jesus Was Everything. In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12   Last week we began our four part series called Jesus Is Our Everything. Today we continue this series with a story about an illiterate preacher. An everyday person, who followed Jesus to the pulpit, to run a  successful racially mixed small church in the deep south.  One of my favorite preachers I use to give me inspiration is Clarence Jordan. Clarence was the inspirational founder of Habit for Humanity. He was the father of Hamilton Jordan, who was Jimmy Carter's chief of staff. Clarence was a pioneer in social justice in the mid-20th century, at a time when our country was deeply divided racially. His main message was to bring Jesus's words to life with action and not rhetoric. A peace seeking man, who in every way lived this life. One of his formative learning moments occurred when he visited and preached at a Southern Baptist church in the deep south. 

Jesus Is Our EverythingJesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” -John 14:6There is a need to move Jesus to the kitchen table. I see this within many of the people I talk with and listen to, as they give their thoughts. For them Jesus isn't an academic exercise. Nor is it an exercise in judging, which I see far too often. For most people, knowing Jesus more intimately is an individual exercise in strengthening their faith in the Risen Lord.One of the things I have also noticed is each of our relationships with Jesus is very personal and developed differently. Sometimes we find Jesus through crisis and other times through slow steady steps. Regardless, each of us arrive at knowing and finding Jesus- individually. Our relationship with Jesus is always unique, intimate and extraordinarily personal.

Acquiring a Life of Heavenly Direction Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6  With Christ as the way, our prayers go to God, and his blessings come to us; this is the way that leads to our life's purpose. Our eternal benefit comes through Christ's presence in our lives and will be the primary source of our direction. Christ's words and lessons guide us as we stay at our temporary, earthly place. We have an intercessor, prayer partner, and model in Christ. As we turn our eyes and hearts to him, we become humbled and strengthened. We move from being alone in our quest for purpose to being combined with eternal forces. Through him we speak to and see God. We are no longer adrift but firm in our course.  Points of Reflection·     Why is Jesus the way and the truth in your life?·     How often do you pray, and what do you pray for?·     What is the biggest gap in your life's direction?

Helping Those in Need We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weakand not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1 (NIV)  Comfort springs from the words of Jesus; they are the surest and sweetest words of life and the greatest path to hope. Likewise, we are to live and show these words through all of our actions. In our humble obedience to these words, we become beacons of help to others. When these words are the direction of our heart, we move from a life of self-centeredness to a life of helping others. We become inspired to defend the downtrodden. We bring our words of encouragement to those who need comfort. Through our presence as children of God, we lift up those who struggle. It is not through our judgement that others receive help, but through our Christian attitude of service for humankind. With this attitude we imitate the very being of Christ our Lord.   Points of Reflection·     What acts of kindness have you shown this week and why?·     When you see the weak, is it easier to judge or easier to help?·     What motivates you to help others, and what is the source? 

Jesus is Permanent and Life is Temporary For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; Philippians 3:20One of my favorite quotes from Billy Graham is; My home is in heaven; I am just passing through this world.When I first heard this quote, I pondered it for days. Thinking through every aspect of why Graham said this now famous quote. Concluding Graham's perspective was so very true. We are on a journey back to our permanent home and life can be very temporary.  Our life here is unknown and temporary, which in itself creates a sense of urgency to our connecting with Jesus. For none of us do not know the day when life will change.  An urgency to never let our guard down. Each moment is precious as we are passing through to heaven. An urgency to intimately connect with our Lord and savior. An urgency to correct our failures and fix our wrongs. An urgency to be a beacon of love and hope for others. For we all exist for each other, when we accept Jesus. 

A Hopeful Faith Heals Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19  When we first go to Christ with our illnesses, both physical and spiritual, we are expressing a hopeful faith. Perhaps we have been left with no place to turn, or perhaps this is a repeating occurrence. Regardless, it remains a hopeful faith. It is this combining of our faith, led by a desire to be healed, that we form a partnership with our Lord. This partnership creates a path of healing. We do not know where it leads, but it ends with an intimate communion with Christ. Though we may not know how in advance, our hopeful faith will bear fruit. We are assured we will find an answer. It will be revealed to us in a magical way that is so very personal, only we will recognize it as meant for us. Through this answer, we will be freed and able to go on our way.  Points of Reflection·     Why is it important that you have a hopeful faith when you pray?·     How does your own faith connect with Jesus when you pray?·     How do you rely on Jesus during difficult times, and why do you?

God is With Us! I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9  God is sufficient to meet all of our needs. When we wrestle with the concepts of whether God is enough or with us, we simultaneously both erode and block our faith. This doubt in our faith causes us to compromise our faith-lives. We end up with our feet in two different worlds. By being strong and courageous with our faith, we have railings on the bridge of life that we all must walk over. When we walk dismayed or frightened, ironically the railings disappear. When we walk with faith, it is a path of certainty and assuredness of God's presence in our lives. We draw upon the promise that God is with us. Only upon the path of faith do God's railings appear to guide us along the long span of our lives.   Points of Reflection·     How strong is your faith, and what factors cause you to doubt?·     How do you address your doubts?·     What stops you from being strong and courageous with your faith during difficult periods? 

The Lord is My Shepherd The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Psalms 23:1-3  Our life with Jesus leads us down the right paths. We are both strengthened and protected through our faithful belief. Jesus guides us through the difficult and turbulent times of our lives. When we invite Jesus to take over our hearts, we emerge with a new direction. A direction of calm and grandeur. No longer troubled, but content, we lead lives with purpose and joy. We will become rested and resolved. We become caring and hopeful. Like any good shepherd, Jesus leads us protectively towards our life's purpose.   Points of Reflection·     Do you fully trust that walking with Jesus protects you?·     What does being a “good shepherd” mean to you? ·     What is your life's purpose, and how does Jesus help you obtain it?

Even Jesus's Brothers and Sisters Lacked Faith  Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? And they took offense at him. It seems that familiarity is a big impediment in accepting Jesus as Lord and savior. But Jesus gives us a clue as to how to tap into the power he holds. Simple, just have faith. Notice Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. And faith is the most critical part of recognizing Jesus and who he is. Seven times, Jesus said, your faith has made you well. In fact, faith is mentioned 262 times in the New Testament. Faith is the critical ingredient in recognizing Jesus.   While it sounds easy that faith is all it takes, it really isn't. That is the point of the story. Many things erode our faith; worry, temptation, ego and even our own human senses. For the townspeople and his relatives, their faith was diminished by their inability to separate what they had seen of Jesus as a child with his deity.  The Apostle Paul has a great description of faith, when he writes in 2nd Corinthians; So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2ndCorinthians 4:18) We can't use our senses or human knowledge to have faith. History won't work as well.  To fully experience the power of Jesus, we have to put away everything we know and simply trust. No magic formula, just believe.  Faith comes from being compelled to know Jesus and then giving up our human senses and experiences during this encounter. Taking this step is difficult for many, but when we do, we become  fully engaged with Jesus. Many times it occurs when we have no where else to turn.  

Angels the Messengers of God: Are They Real? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14  We have all heard about angels. Probably the most famous angel we know of is Clarence, the bumbling angel in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. In the movie, Clarence is portrayed as a junior angel trying to obtain his wings by helping George Bailey through some tough times. In the movie, we are also told that every time we hear a bell ring, a junior angel has gotten their wings. Well, this makes for a good sub plot in a movie, but it isn't quite accurate from a Biblical standpoint. Clarence's is portrayal as an angel is close, but not completely accurate.  To know about and determine what are angels, we should turn to the Bible. And when we use the Bible as the authentic source of information, we need to believe that the Bible is the word of God without error. Using this perspective we get three clues about angels. The first is the word angel itself, in ancient Hebrew, it means messenger. In the entire Bible, the word angel appears three hundred times. Many times as a messenger, perhaps the most famous time was when an angel visited Mary to let her know she would bear a son named Jesus.  In today's verse from Hebrew's we get a second clue about another role of angels, that as ministers or helpers. An example of this is found in Matthew 4:11, where it says; Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. This verse is right after Jesus has spent forty grueling days in the desert and had been tempted three times by the devil. After His ordeal, angels came and ministered or attended to Jesus.  In the book of Psalms, we find a third clue, angels as protectors. In Psalm 91:11-12 it says; For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. In this case we find God uses angels to guard and protect us.  We now have three ways that angels help us. They are messengers with instructions or advice. They help heal and minister. Finally, they are guardians or protectors. 

Unlimited PossibilitiesJesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27  Through our faith we gain an unlimited set of possibilities. All that is required is faithful prayer and an acceptance of Jesus in our hearts. Humankind will wrestle with plans and dreams; have desires for a good life and sense of purpose. Sometimes we will succeed, and sometimes we will stumble. When we fail, we can search for answers on our own, or we can turn to God for help. Jesus tells us that we are not alone; we are with God whose ways are true and miraculous. Through prayer and the faithful recognition of God, we move from limited possibilities to unlimited possibilities. All that is required is a desire for God in our lives and a faithful patience while watching and waiting for God's majestic plan for us to unfurl.   Points of Reflection·     What are your plans, and how does God fit into them? ·     Do you look to God when you make plans for the day?·     What things are not working out in your life, and how can God help?

The Promise of Jesus Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5Famed 17th-century theologian, Matthew Henry, said, “The design of Christ is giving himself for us.” Christ is present in all that we do, think, and feel. A constant companion in times of bounty and scarcity. He never leaves our side or is absent. His presence is a personal gift that exceeds all that exists in the world. It is far greater than the riches which can be earned or the fame we acquire. Christ is there to follow and provide comfort. In the moments of our darkest hour, a simple gazing towards his presence calms our being. He is the Alpha and Omega of our lives, constantly in pursuit of helping us. We only have to turn our hearts to Jesus.    Points of Reflection·     How do you feel Jesus during our day?·     What gifts have you received from Jesus?·     Why does following Jesus provide you comfort?

What are Miracles and Are They Real? Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22  One of the things I wonder and get questions about is; what are miracles and are they real? I have thought long and hard about this question many times. And sure I have seen my share, but always something so deeply personal, I am not sure my experiences are easily explained in words. Which is in effect part of my answer to those who ask. Miracles are deeply intimate and emotional experiences, something which can't be explained fully in human terms. Underlying each miracle is a private conversation with God through Jesus. Maybe by many people who pray together or perhaps just the individual. Each miracle is unique, easily recognizable by the person or persons affected and always hard to explain to someone else. 

1st Timothy: An Inside Look at The Development of the First Christian Churches As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 1st Timothy 1:3 1st Timothy is one of the three Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament, attributed to the Apostle Paul. The letter was written to Paul's protégé, Timothy. Tradition states that this letter was written in the mid first century. Most scholars doubt that this is the case and assign it's writing to the mid second century. As such, most scholars don't believe Paul wrote this letter. I take a different view; I believe both tradition and the scholars are correct. My view is that it is likely that Paul originally wrote this letter, and that it was later heavily edited up until the mid-second century. My research and reasoning for this position explains the value of the letter. In other words, both points of view are right, and this combining of ideas that spans almost one hundred years, make this letter an extraordinary addition to our Bible. 1st Timothy is about the standards of conduct for the early church. For both those who have oversight and for the attenders. The early church in Ephesus, which Timothy was placed in charge; is used as the example by Paul. Paul originally wrote this letter to his protégé, Timothy, to help him keep the church in Ephesus on track.  There are three important themes arise out of the letter;  to avoid false doctrine, the qualities needed for those who run the church and  godliness for all.  The value for us in the 21st century, is that in this letter we get a first-hand look into the growing pains of the early church and the issues that these pioneers had to deal with in creating the church we know today.  

Milking Cows is a Good Way to Learn Kindness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22  I usually speak to my mom once a day, by phone. We discuss many things; life, how she is doing, and the Boston Red Sox. Sometimes we ramble about little things, other times we venture into the profound. On a recent call, my Mom unknowingly gave me the clue to the roots of her kind and generous heart. Not in a bravado way, but through her eyes as a young teenager. She said; If you want to be a kind person, learn to milk cows!

The New Heaven and the New Earth And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelations 21:5  When Jesus descended to earth to carry out his mission, he changed all for us. Jesus changed heaven and earth and made things new. Through our belief in Jesus, we acquire this newness. We acquire a life of second chances through our continuous repentance. We acquire a life eternal. We acquire a mediator and intercessor. As importantly, we acquire a life that is led by a heart that yearns to be close to God. Through Jesus, humankind was forever changed and given a new trustworthy path. Through Jesus, our sins were forgiven both today and tomorrow. All that is required of us is to follow a heart that desires Jesus and his trustworthy new ways.   Points of Reflection·     What would you like to make new in your life?·     How has Jesus helped you make things new?·     How many second chances have you experienced and what was the most significant?

Whom Do We Serve? No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other.You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24 In each moment of our lives we are confronted with, “Whom do we serve?” A constant decision of either trying to please the world and its ways or to live the life Jesus desires for us. These two opposing forces are present in every action and thought we have. When we chose the ways of the world, we are serving ourselves and are resigned to fleeting, temporary successes. When we chose the path of Jesus, our roads straighten, and our gains become sustainable. Choosing the path of Jesus requires the recognition of the sovereign and loving nature of God and the importance of loving our neighbor. Our hearts desire Jesus, but we are always tempted by fame, money, and worldly acceptance. In Jesus we receive no temptations but a life that absorbs the inevitable storms that will occur. Turning to Jesus leads us down a path our heart desires. A path that leads to a purposeful life and avoids a conflicted one.  Points of Reflection·     Whom do you serve and why?·     What are the things of life that tempt you and draw you away from Jesus?·     What do you want your life to look like?

To Kneel Or Not to Kneel: A Very Personal Decision He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, Luke 22:41I will always stand. The flag represents the opportunities that I inherited by being American. But I also know, others haven't had the same access to a life of unlimited opportunities. When those who are limited kneel, it makes me want to work harder to fight for their equality of opportunity. Jesus kneeled in the garden, out of respect for God and showed his submission. He spoke his famous words in this position; not my will but yours be done. Kneeling is a sacred act when done with an honest and pure heart. And over these many centuries, many have assumed this position to seek the truth and express their desires. And many more will in the future. In each individual case kneeling is a very personal individual decision. Like many issues, kneeling isn't an issue with which to take sides. Rather it is one with which praying will help us understand, perhaps kneeling while we do. 

Winston Churchill; A Flawed Man Who Saved a Nation  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1st Timothy 1:15Each of us has had regrettable moments, some of us more than others. However, If we turn to evaluating people exclusively by their weaknesses, the world will not be a better place. For all would be banished. Churchill wouldn't have saved Europe, nor Paul emerge as one of the great leaders of Christianity. Humankind is very complicated and judgement that comes to easy will eventually sink us. Jesus died on a cross for a reason. To end judgement of our sin and we became redeemed. Perhaps forgiveness can be a new fashionable way of life. I certainly know that this is what Jesus would want.  There will always be a clucking Nay-Sayers, who seek to destroy.  Forgetting where the world be without Churchill and Paul. And Jesus wants us to be forgivers and not judges. Jesus knows our frailties, but also knows our capacity to do far more good.   I pray for the day, when we look for the good in people and not just at the bad.. Episode is Not LivePublish: Jul. 29, 2020 @10AM EditPublishAdd a TranscriptGet episode better indexed by search engines.Add Chapter MarkersListeners can tap through & see what's coming up.Promote this EpisodeCreate a Video SoundbiteShare on Facebook

“I Can't Speak, But I can Listen”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.Luke 10:27Meet Luke MaCallister, a modern day Good Samaritan. A remarkably generous young man with Autism that has taught an entire community, what it means to love your neighbor.  

We must lift up the many great people from all walks of life that have lifted up our country. Instead of cancelling and living darkly, we need to become followers of the light. Looking for those who do good. We should honor our heroes more widely, those who make us great. We need to gather up the great doers of good and let them lead. Not this angry mob that trolls the internet to seek people to cancel.We won't agree with our neighbor on every point of view. Jesus asks us however, to love all our neighbors.Jesus wants us to walk in light and not the darkness of judging others. Jesus wants us to listen to learn and not prepare our next attack. Jesus wants us to love and forgive. As Jesus did when he went to the Cross. 

Jesus Strengthens Us I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13  When we fully turn our hearts to Jesus, we become strengthened. In this instant, we leave the ways of the world behind and accept the ways of Jesus. No longer does acquiring material things matter. Our focus becomes one of being a disciple and helping others. With this change in focus we become joyful. The ways of the world, which bring only temporary happiness, are replaced with a life of a hopeful faith. The fear of scarcity is gone, and the desire to possess ebbs. In turn, the joy of contentment and the desire to help emerge. We no longer are bound by the chains of material possessions but take on the lighter yoke of Christ. Through this transformation we are strengthened and find a different purpose to our lives.   Points of Reflection·     What are your possessions, and why did you acquire them?·     If you had to get rid of certain possessions what would they be? ·     Why is Jesus's yoke lighter, and how does it strengthen you?

Handling Times of StressGod is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.Psalms 46:1Where do we turn when we are alone in the wilderness of life? We can panic, which is only a short-term salve. We can be fearful and doubtful, both of which are deceptive emotions. Or in this wilderness, we can find refuge in God. A place that requires patience and hopefulness. Through our faithful and patient prayers, we will see God's response in an extraordinarily personal way. A way that is both providential and intimate to us. When we faithfully sit and wait in the refuge of God, our thoughts are calm and our being is resolute. The dark skies of life will begin to lighten and become brighter. At the pace of our understanding, God will reveal our path out of life's wilderness. God will be very present in this journey of recovery. Our trust in a loving God begins the solution.Points of Reflection·     What are your troubles today, and how are they affecting you? ·     Have you gone to God in faithful prayer to seek a path of resolution?·     Describe an event in the past when God helped. What was unique about this experience?

In this age of cancelling people are we doing more good or bad? Perhaps if we knew the real story behind, Nancy Green, the woman who is portrayed on the Aunt Jemima products, we will change our point of view.Discover the real story of a great Christian who lived her life to help others.

Jesus's Promise As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. John 15:9  Jesus promises to us the same love God has shown him. This promise is of eternal love, not one that is momentary or fleeting. It is certain and true and never ending, even in the darkest moments of our lives. As we embrace and accept this love, we will know of no other place to turn. In return for this eternal gift God asks of us one request–a simple statement to trust and to abide in this love. Not to turn away from God when life gets hard but to have hope, which builds faith that in turn builds trust. For this magnificent gift of God's love, we only have to turn our hopes, faith, and trust towards Jesus. It is a wonderful gift of freedom for the small price of abiding.   Points of Reflection·     What has been hardest about accepting the love of God through Jesus?·     What does abiding in Jesus's love mean? ·     Why is God's love so important, and how is it different from the love we receive from others?

Is humankind totally depraved? I don't think so, based on my life's experiences and especially my mom.  Learn Biblically why this is true and why the Doctrine of Sin agrees. 

Jesus's Promise As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. John 15:9  Jesus promises to us the same love God has shown him. This promise is of eternal love, not one that is momentary or fleeting. It is certain and true and never ending, even in the darkest moments of our lives. As we embrace and accept this love, we will know of no other place to turn. In return for this eternal gift God asks of us one request–a simple statement to trust and to abide in this love. Not to turn away from God when life gets hard but to have hope, which builds faith that in turn builds trust. For this magnificent gift of God's love, we only have to turn our hopes, faith, and trust towards Jesus. It is a wonderful gift of freedom for the small price of abiding.   Points of Reflection·     What has been hardest about accepting the love of God through Jesus?·     What does abiding in Jesus's love mean? ·     Why is God's love so important, and how is it different from the love we receive from others?

Triumphant Song of Confidence The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1  To whom and where else should we turn in times of stress? Surely our friends can help, especially those who are faithful followers. Surely there are well meaning associates who can provide well-intentioned advice. Surely we are blessed to have these people in our lives. The words of God and the ways of God are always more certain and truer. They are not meant solely to please the world.  They are from our heavenly source and, like well-crafted arrows, true in their flight. By turning our hopes, dreams, and desires over to God, we build a life that becomes a stronghold. A life resistant to the turmoil that can arise like a pounding storm. In this triumphant stronghold, we can have confidence and assurance that God is with us.   Points of Reflection·     To whom and where do you turn in times of stress? ·     How often do you read the Bible to receive the words of God?·     Who is your greatest confidant in life and why? 

Jesus is True Reality Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"John 14:6 If we want to fix what is wrong and help those underserved, it is our uplifting actions that will provide a lasting solution, not toppling statues because of our view of history. By staying riveted to the lessons of Jesus we can make real change. Through following Jesus, we can be certain of our path and what is a true reality. In the Gospel of John, we get a quote from Jesus that gives us this direction, where it says; Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” A clear and simple message of what should occupy our minds. Not that of pursing frail and fragile human truth, rather a life that focuses on a sacred truth by following Jesus. This path is very hard to follow. And on many days we will fall short of truly living this way. We will all become desirous of giving our opinions or become overly bothered by the headlines of the day. Jesus asks us to follow him and through this activity, we become much more productive in helping out in an unequal world. Over time we will discover a more soothing path. A path that removes us from what falsely seems permanent to a sacred purpose. The world is filled with glimmering nuggets that attract us, only to be disappointed when we grab a hold of them. History is filled with them, never satisfying, and always attracting our thoughts. Following Jesus is quite different, all that He said is true and beneficial. Today, spend time with Jesus and ask for His insight, what seems illusive will become real. 

Taking the Time to Thank God O give thanks to the God of heaven,for God's steadfast love endures forever. Psalms 136:26  Have we stopped recently to thank God for the blessings in our life? Do we only pray when we need something? A healthy, mutual relationship is one of thanking and giving, as well as asking and receiving. Our personal relationship with God is the same. When we only ask, we silently ignore the importance of the source of our bounty. When we only ask, we diminish God to a genie-like being in our lives. Certainly, God is sovereign and will reign without our thanks, but when we thank God, internally, we lift up God's status in our minds.    Points of Reflection·     How often do you thank God for life's blessings?·     Do you treat God the same way you would want to be treated?·     What is your personal definition of a “mutual relationship?”

A God of PromisesFor surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.Jeremiah 29:11When we fully accept this famous verse, we both at once and for the future, change our view of God. God undeniably becomes a God of love and promise; no longer a condemning God. This simple assertion states that when we live by God's will, we are given a future with hope. Surely evil will still exist, but it will only gain momentary victories. Our hope and faith in God ensure a victory that will provide us with a life of hopefulness. No longer will we be troubled in times of stress, but we will instead know calm as we watch the storms of life ebb. With faithful patience, we capture this life of hope.  Points of Reflection·     What plans does God have for us individually and as a community?·     What events in life have given you hope in God?·     How do we approach life when the storms of life rise up?

Jesus commands us to love one another in John 13:34. He doesn't request us to love. Jesus commands us to love. And when we do, we are serving the Lord.

Do we always recognize God's involvement in our lives when we are successful?

What does it mean to be born from above? How does God chase us?

Discover why the Apostle John was called the Son of Thunder and how Jesus turned him into the Apostle of Love. Which Jesus can do for us as well.

What is the difference between secular truth and Biblical truth? What is it that Jesus asks of us in telling the truth? The truth of Jesus will set us free!

What does it mean to do God's will? How does Jesus show us how to do God's will?

A Different Way of Thinking About Jesus Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Revelations 3:20 Today's verse is one of my personal favorites and reveals how I feel Jesus approaches us. In this verse we see two things, first is the active action by Jesus of trying to connect with us, by knocking on our door. The second is a very clear statement about Jesus's desire to form a mutual relationship with us, by wanting to dine with us. While they are insistent, neither of these statements are aggressive or demanding statements, but a compelling request by Jesus for us to get to know Him more closely. 

Today, we hear on the news that we are living in a "New Normal." Nothing could be further from the truth. God doesn't want us to be isolated and didn't make us that way. Today is really a "New Reality." And how do we live with this "New Reality."

Revelations has long been considered a dark and scary book. But actually when read with the knowledge of why it was written; it becomes an engrossing story of the cosmic battle of good versus evil. A battle in which Jesus wins!

Jesus gifts are available to all. How has Jesus helped you in your life? Jesus ascended to heaven and left a legacy that is still with us today.

In each of our lives there will be seasons of joy and mourning. These seasons all have a purpose under the heavens. The wonderful poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 is a God breathed verse to guide us through these seasons.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. John 8:12 How to use this verse in problem solving.

We Are Who We Are Because of The Grace of God But by the grace of God I am what I am. 1st Corinthians 15:10 I am sure you have heard the phrases, By the grace of God or I am saved by the grace of God. So what is God's grace? The simplest answer is; grace is God's love towards us, which has not been earned by us, but given freely by God. The multiple branches off this statement in explanation are long and if all are followed, provide more insight if carefully worked by the mind. The amount of theological doctrine relating to grace is immense and it seems that not all can quite agree. Some parts are agreed to by some and others have other dimensions of grace to explain. And that is part of the point about grace, each person receives and feels God's grace differently. But its effect on the individual is universal. So universal that God's grace is perhaps the most important aspect of the Bible. In our relationship with God, it starts with God's desire to be in relationship with us. A compelling desire by God that is not diminished by our rejection of God.Jesus is the prime example of grace. The cross, His life and resurrection were all done as a result of God's grace. The forgiveness of our sins was unearned. Simply, an innocent entity stood in for us on the cross. The lessons of Jesus become guideposts for our lives, yet they have been given freely. The resurrection of Jesus, was to defeat death for us. Again, an extraordinarily powerful act, that was not deserved, but given. 

The Holy Spirit descended on the fiftieth day after the resurrection for all humankind. A gift from Jesus that helps us each day in our lives.

The fifth Sunday of Pentecost and the value of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, which dwells in each of us and speaks to us through our hearts.

Jesus said; "For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them." How does it apply to the current lockdown of churches caused by the Corona Virus?