Good day dear friends.
We rejoice in knowing Phyllis Gaddie and Milton Hughes have gone home to recover after their hospital stays. Both are doing much better and we continue to pray for their complete recovery. Dee Dee Murdoch is recovering at Seton Hospital in Austin and should be home by Sunday. We pray for the biopsy being done on her lymph node, that it show no futher spread of the cancer. Let us also pray for those looking for employment. There are many in our midst who seek meaningful and gainful employment.
We continue to affirm our belief in God's word as being His word for our lives. Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 speaks of how we should perceive the Word of God. Read this passage and let it speak to your life. Let it be truth for how you live your life from this point on.
Here is that passage from 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
"Inspired by God" is how this version approaches the work we call The Bible. The Spirit of God moved the writers to sit down and write the words that they had lived and experienced or received from Him so that we might have scripture. These writers knew the power of the printed word and how important it would be to have as a record of God moving among us. This particular writer of 2 Timothy is one who knew it could be used to teach with it, for there are countless lessons on life found in it. There is the story of how God has shared love with us. There is the hope found in the gospel message. The writer also knew that in scripture there is also found that which allows us to know what is good and what is not so good for our daily life. The word is "reproof" and the NIV calls it "rebuke." Nonetheless, it is that which allows us to better our lives in our relationship with God. As I mentioned Sunday in my sermon, the Bible sometimes acts as a mirror as we read it for we find our very lives being described in some of the stories or teachings and correction seems to be the message we hear as we honestly evaluate our lives. Training in righteousness is being prepared to seek and do God's good in the world The teaching of verse seventeen echos that: We must be well-trained and prepared to do God's good work.
It doesn't come easy and it certainly won't come at all if we don't read the Bible as we should. The Bible is not a magical book that by holding it or putting it in the same room with us will bring us good fortune. Its power lies within its pages and the relationship to God that it offers to us. To receive its blessing it must be opened. Back in the days when people still wrote letters, I remembered my college days and how I thought I had misspent whatever money I had paid for my mailbox. The greatest treats and more so now that both are gone, were letters from my mother and grandmother. Both had little, but each would send at least five dollars for "gum" they would write. Can you imagine what I would ahve missed out on had I just left the letters in that mailbox without opening them? Or pulling them out of the box and taking them with me but placing them aside with no desire to open them? Such is the missed blessing of not opening and receiving God's message for us.
PRAYER: God of the powerful word, speak a blessing to me as I seek You in Your word today. Let me know of that which I lack and need and help me seek it. Let me serve you by doing good. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
OUR DAY OF PRAYER
Good day dear friends. We thank the Lord for a successful surgery
with our sister Diana (Dee Dee) Murdoch. The surgeon was pleased
with the tissue around the area of the surgery and said it did not
appear the cancer had spread. He did remove the lymph nodes to see
what they show. Please continue to pray for Dee Dee, her husband
David, and their two boys, Max and Ben. Ben started with his first
day of Kindergarten yesterday...
Today is our day of prayer. No time like all the time to be in
prayer, but it does bring a blessing to stop midweek and dedicate
ourselves to pray.
As we affirm the power of God's word for our lives let's use this as
our prayer guide:
Wednesday: For our day of prayer and purpose, let us be in prayer
for the Bible to continue to speak its message even in this day when
so many believe it is irrelevent and not reliable. On a piece of
paper, make a list of the challenges you've faced lately and how you
could have better faced them with the Bible had you used it as you
should. Pray that God would touch your heart so that you read The
Bible more than you have been. Pray for the power of God's Word to
come alive in the hearts of all who call themselves Christians.
Pray for the power of God's Word to come alive in this church!
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
with our sister Diana (Dee Dee) Murdoch. The surgeon was pleased
with the tissue around the area of the surgery and said it did not
appear the cancer had spread. He did remove the lymph nodes to see
what they show. Please continue to pray for Dee Dee, her husband
David, and their two boys, Max and Ben. Ben started with his first
day of Kindergarten yesterday...
Today is our day of prayer. No time like all the time to be in
prayer, but it does bring a blessing to stop midweek and dedicate
ourselves to pray.
As we affirm the power of God's word for our lives let's use this as
our prayer guide:
Wednesday: For our day of prayer and purpose, let us be in prayer
for the Bible to continue to speak its message even in this day when
so many believe it is irrelevent and not reliable. On a piece of
paper, make a list of the challenges you've faced lately and how you
could have better faced them with the Bible had you used it as you
should. Pray that God would touch your heart so that you read The
Bible more than you have been. Pray for the power of God's Word to
come alive in the hearts of all who call themselves Christians.
Pray for the power of God's Word to come alive in this church!
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
Good day dear friends. As we pray, please remember Milton Hughes. Doctors trying to work out a plan to deal with a shattered vertebrae found a large mass near his lungs. Milton also has pnuemonia, but is in good spirits because not too long ago, a "mass" such as this turned out to be an infection and he's hoping it is the same thing this time. Please pray for him and Muriel.
Also, this afternoon at 1 pm, Dee Dee Murdoch is having major cancer surgery. We're praying for a miracle for her and David and their sons.
Phyllis Gaddie was awaiting results of an MRI to see if doctors had successfully removed a stone. If not, she was to have surgery. Please hold these and all on our prayers lists in your prayers.
We continue to affirm the Bible as God's word for our lives. Here is the study guide:
Tuesday: In Hebrews 4:12 we find a strong statement about the power of the Word of God. Please read that passage and see what it may say to you. Can you leave such a powerful weapon just lying around your house without being aware of what it can do? Who tries to break into not your house, but your very life to harm you? Do you defend yourself with this powerful weapon or do you see yourself as helpless?
Here is that passage: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Two ads of the last century come to mind when one speaks of swords. I remember Wilkinson blades coming out as the first stainless steel blades, which forced other shaving blade companies to follow suit. Their ad featured a very shiny and what we believed to be a sharp sword. The other ad is for the US Marines, that featured also a sword and how special it is to hold same as a Marine. The writer of Hebrews as he shared his thoughts about God's word calls it "sharper than any double-edged sword," with power to "penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow." He knew what God's word is capable of when we honestly open ourselves to listening and receiving it. In the first part of the verse, he says that "the word of God is living and active." As shared on Sunday, countless people have found the word of God to be alive and relevant even today.
Some has used this verse to describe the Bible as a weapon of protection. While you might not necessarily agree with that, think of the power God's word does have to bless and protect. Why not use it both defensively and offensively? God seeks to be in relationship with us and having God close to us is the best blessing and protection we can have against anything.
PRAYER: Come, God whose power is found even in words, to speak to me as I read Your word. I ask You allow me to draw near to You and walk with you this day and all that I might face with You. I ask the same for those who are facing surgery and other serious challenges that life has brought to them. Deliver them from harm and evil is my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day.
e.v.
Also, this afternoon at 1 pm, Dee Dee Murdoch is having major cancer surgery. We're praying for a miracle for her and David and their sons.
Phyllis Gaddie was awaiting results of an MRI to see if doctors had successfully removed a stone. If not, she was to have surgery. Please hold these and all on our prayers lists in your prayers.
We continue to affirm the Bible as God's word for our lives. Here is the study guide:
Tuesday: In Hebrews 4:12 we find a strong statement about the power of the Word of God. Please read that passage and see what it may say to you. Can you leave such a powerful weapon just lying around your house without being aware of what it can do? Who tries to break into not your house, but your very life to harm you? Do you defend yourself with this powerful weapon or do you see yourself as helpless?
Here is that passage: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Two ads of the last century come to mind when one speaks of swords. I remember Wilkinson blades coming out as the first stainless steel blades, which forced other shaving blade companies to follow suit. Their ad featured a very shiny and what we believed to be a sharp sword. The other ad is for the US Marines, that featured also a sword and how special it is to hold same as a Marine. The writer of Hebrews as he shared his thoughts about God's word calls it "sharper than any double-edged sword," with power to "penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow." He knew what God's word is capable of when we honestly open ourselves to listening and receiving it. In the first part of the verse, he says that "the word of God is living and active." As shared on Sunday, countless people have found the word of God to be alive and relevant even today.
Some has used this verse to describe the Bible as a weapon of protection. While you might not necessarily agree with that, think of the power God's word does have to bless and protect. Why not use it both defensively and offensively? God seeks to be in relationship with us and having God close to us is the best blessing and protection we can have against anything.
PRAYER: Come, God whose power is found even in words, to speak to me as I read Your word. I ask You allow me to draw near to You and walk with you this day and all that I might face with You. I ask the same for those who are facing surgery and other serious challenges that life has brought to them. Deliver them from harm and evil is my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day.
e.v.
Monday, August 28, 2006
LET THE BIBLE READ YOU!
Good day dear friends.
As we begin time of prayer and reflection, please hold Phyllis Gaddie in prayer. She underwent gall bladder surgery last week and she suffered some complications and today will undergo a procedure to hopefully correct those. Also, Dee Dee Murdoch is having surgery tomorrow to battle her cancer. Please keep these our sisters in prayer seeking God's healing for them.
Myth number nine was presented yesterday that says, "The Bible is unreliable and shouldn't be trusted." Quite a myth, given the power of God's word to transform lives.
Here is our study guide:
Monday: Please find 1 Peter 1:24-25. Read there the conviction of Peter regarding the word of God. How true are his statements about us versus the standing and durability of the Word?
1 Peter 1:24 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever."
Peter in his letter is quoting from his Bible, the Old Testament, from Isaiah 40. Having had to defend his faith against skeptics who said he was simply proclaiming a "cleverly devised story," (v.16), he affirms what he believes about the word of God. The prophet Isaiah had spoken on behalf of God that our life compared to that of grass and flowers, doesn't last very long, but the word of God does.
I shared a couple of stories of people whose lives were transformed by just reading the word of God. Both men grew up not knowing the Bible nor owning one. The first said the Bible became a "talking book" speaking to him like no other book he had ever read. The second said that the Bible called him into ordained ministry at first reading. No other book can make those claims on our lives on behalf of God.
I also said how so many times we will read the Bible only to discover the Bible is reading us.
Do you have a Bible? Are you reading it like you should? You might be missing out on so much if you're not!
PRAYER: God of the living word, speak to my heart today. Let me seek You in the words You've spoke through the Bible. Let those words become words of life for me. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
As we begin time of prayer and reflection, please hold Phyllis Gaddie in prayer. She underwent gall bladder surgery last week and she suffered some complications and today will undergo a procedure to hopefully correct those. Also, Dee Dee Murdoch is having surgery tomorrow to battle her cancer. Please keep these our sisters in prayer seeking God's healing for them.
Myth number nine was presented yesterday that says, "The Bible is unreliable and shouldn't be trusted." Quite a myth, given the power of God's word to transform lives.
Here is our study guide:
Monday: Please find 1 Peter 1:24-25. Read there the conviction of Peter regarding the word of God. How true are his statements about us versus the standing and durability of the Word?
1 Peter 1:24 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever."
Peter in his letter is quoting from his Bible, the Old Testament, from Isaiah 40. Having had to defend his faith against skeptics who said he was simply proclaiming a "cleverly devised story," (v.16), he affirms what he believes about the word of God. The prophet Isaiah had spoken on behalf of God that our life compared to that of grass and flowers, doesn't last very long, but the word of God does.
I shared a couple of stories of people whose lives were transformed by just reading the word of God. Both men grew up not knowing the Bible nor owning one. The first said the Bible became a "talking book" speaking to him like no other book he had ever read. The second said that the Bible called him into ordained ministry at first reading. No other book can make those claims on our lives on behalf of God.
I also said how so many times we will read the Bible only to discover the Bible is reading us.
Do you have a Bible? Are you reading it like you should? You might be missing out on so much if you're not!
PRAYER: God of the living word, speak to my heart today. Let me seek You in the words You've spoke through the Bible. Let those words become words of life for me. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
DADDYS DO CRY CLUB
Not only am I the founder and president of the Daddys Do Cry Club, I am also the number client. Dads will know what I'm talking about. This was the week we dropped off the youngest of our daughters to begin her higher educational career. It seems just like yesterday the tears shed were for their birth. I'll never forget that first day of February, 1980 when I heard the cries of our firstborn, a little pink bundle of wails in a mobile bassinet as the doctor brought her over to me after only 22 hours of labor and an immediate C-section when the doctor determined she was too big to be born naturally. He opened the lid of the bassinet and I reached in to touch her and asked her why she was crying. She immediately stopped because she knew my voice! This was repeated two more times. The fourth and last time, the doctors had determined that dads could be present in an operating room for C-section deliveries. They may have rethought that policy as this dad as soon as Caitlin was pulled from mom and handed over to the pediatrician, got up from his assigned seat following her with a video camera. The nurses freaked and ordered me back to my seat. The videos don't quite capture the tears shed at all four of those blessed events.
This is the fourth drop off of daughters on the campus of a university. The first was difficult even though we had moved 110 miles from the campus. Still, the thought of leaving my oldest, Nellie, at my alma mater was a tough thing. I cried most of I-35 from Georgetown to San Antonio. The second, Sarai, had us drive all the way to Troy, New York. We left her on the campus of RPI and I cried all the way to Virginia. That traffic up there makes for a tough challenge to drive while crying. Carli was dropped off at Texas Lutheran and the drive from Seguin to San Antonio is only some thirty miles or so, but the ground saw what it hasn't seen in some time: moisture. Now, it's on the campus of Texas Woman's University that our baby is making her debut as a university student.
I trust God and I know the Lord is with them, but a human body can only do so much governed by a very creative and imaginative mind! Prayers have been and will be lifted up, but the thought of one less person around most afternoons, evenings, and nights makes for a difficult image. But to God be the glory for opportunities for our children to better themselves and fulfill the dreams of so many who came before us. It was always my dad who told us to get an education so that we would not have to work as hard as he had. I know he meant working in jobs where the demands and the rewards were not equal; where the conditions were not always stable nor pleasant.
Prayer: I praise You, Lord for this opportunity You've given my baby to begin her education. You know her heart and the call she feels on her life to serve You and I pray Your rich and wonderful blessings upon her. May she serve You on this campus as an example of Your love. May You protect her from all harm and evil is my prayer. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
This is the fourth drop off of daughters on the campus of a university. The first was difficult even though we had moved 110 miles from the campus. Still, the thought of leaving my oldest, Nellie, at my alma mater was a tough thing. I cried most of I-35 from Georgetown to San Antonio. The second, Sarai, had us drive all the way to Troy, New York. We left her on the campus of RPI and I cried all the way to Virginia. That traffic up there makes for a tough challenge to drive while crying. Carli was dropped off at Texas Lutheran and the drive from Seguin to San Antonio is only some thirty miles or so, but the ground saw what it hasn't seen in some time: moisture. Now, it's on the campus of Texas Woman's University that our baby is making her debut as a university student.
I trust God and I know the Lord is with them, but a human body can only do so much governed by a very creative and imaginative mind! Prayers have been and will be lifted up, but the thought of one less person around most afternoons, evenings, and nights makes for a difficult image. But to God be the glory for opportunities for our children to better themselves and fulfill the dreams of so many who came before us. It was always my dad who told us to get an education so that we would not have to work as hard as he had. I know he meant working in jobs where the demands and the rewards were not equal; where the conditions were not always stable nor pleasant.
Prayer: I praise You, Lord for this opportunity You've given my baby to begin her education. You know her heart and the call she feels on her life to serve You and I pray Your rich and wonderful blessings upon her. May she serve You on this campus as an example of Your love. May You protect her from all harm and evil is my prayer. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, August 18, 2006
OUR DAY OF PRAYER
Good day dear friends. This is our day of prayer.
We received word that Armando Contreras' dad, Theophilo Hernandez, passed away this morning. Armando and Linda are going to Jacksonville to pick up Angel, who does not yet know her grandfather died. Please hold the Hernandez and Contreras' families in your prayers.
Here is our prayer guide:
Friday: This is our day of prayer.. Let us pray for the freedom to express our faith to those who have yet to receive it. May our prayers be those which build up the Body of Christ not only here but everywhere. Make it a point to share your faith this weekend to those who don’t yet have a church home that they may come to know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a great and blessed weekend,
e.v.
We received word that Armando Contreras' dad, Theophilo Hernandez, passed away this morning. Armando and Linda are going to Jacksonville to pick up Angel, who does not yet know her grandfather died. Please hold the Hernandez and Contreras' families in your prayers.
Here is our prayer guide:
Friday: This is our day of prayer.. Let us pray for the freedom to express our faith to those who have yet to receive it. May our prayers be those which build up the Body of Christ not only here but everywhere. Make it a point to share your faith this weekend to those who don’t yet have a church home that they may come to know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a great and blessed weekend,
e.v.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
GOD IS WITH US
Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: We mentioned on Sunday a reference to John 8:29. Please find that passage and read it again. What does it say to your heart about this Man who gave His all for His Father?
Here is the passage from John 8:29 "The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
Jesus was a Daddy's boy. We don't know much about His childhood, but I'm sure Mary kept Jesus informed about Who He was and what He had been sent to do. The one reference in Luke says that one time Jesus was "lost" to His parents, but when asked where He had been replied, "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"
That connection between Jesus and His Father allowed Him to affirm His faithfulness to His mission. God is with me. I am never alone because I do God's will and that pleases God.
Those who give their hearts to God receive the blessing of God being with them and as they seek to know God's will receive the blessing of never feeling alone and knowing that God is being pleased.
Let this day serve as a day when we seek God and His will for our lives. Let us live our lives in ways that please God.
PRAYER: Come into my heart, Lord God. Speak to me that which pleases You. Give me strength to follow Your will. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: We mentioned on Sunday a reference to John 8:29. Please find that passage and read it again. What does it say to your heart about this Man who gave His all for His Father?
Here is the passage from John 8:29 "The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
Jesus was a Daddy's boy. We don't know much about His childhood, but I'm sure Mary kept Jesus informed about Who He was and what He had been sent to do. The one reference in Luke says that one time Jesus was "lost" to His parents, but when asked where He had been replied, "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"
That connection between Jesus and His Father allowed Him to affirm His faithfulness to His mission. God is with me. I am never alone because I do God's will and that pleases God.
Those who give their hearts to God receive the blessing of God being with them and as they seek to know God's will receive the blessing of never feeling alone and knowing that God is being pleased.
Let this day serve as a day when we seek God and His will for our lives. Let us live our lives in ways that please God.
PRAYER: Come into my heart, Lord God. Speak to me that which pleases You. Give me strength to follow Your will. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
HEALING STEPS OF FREEDOM
Good day dear friends.
Please hold Art Amey in your prayers. Art was in ER for several hours suffering from dehydration. He received some IVs and was sent home. Gloria reports he is doing better.
We continue to affirm that Christianity does NOT stifle personal freedom.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: In Luke 17:11-19, there is a story about ten men in a dire situation with their health. They all come to ask from Jesus for their healing. Of the ten, nine are Jews, one is not. Of the ten, who did receive their request, only one thanked him. And that one person was not a Jew. What are your thoughts on this healing and personal freedom?
Here is that passage from Luke 17:11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
To be ill with a disease such as the one mentioned is to be imprisoned by it. To have leprosy was to have a life sentence away from civilization. No human contact, at least with "clean" people. Life among the tombs until your own death as we've read about other lepers. To cry out to Jesus was their choice and perhaps the only chance. And even then, reread what they said. They didn't ask for mercy directly, just pity. Jesus knew what they meant and what they needed and so tells them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." Such was the power of Jesus and the faith of these lepers that they start going. Jesus didn't touch them and healed them that way. Their healing came through the spoken word and from the action they took in directing their feet towards their priests. They were now free! Jesus had indeed had pity on them and they were now whole. Notice what Jesus noticed. Of the ten who received healing, only one returned to Jesus to thank Him. You see, their healing came with every step they took towards home. And after so many steps it may have been some started running towards home, towards life and freedom, and the joyful reunion they expected to have with their family. Only one as he took that last healing step, did he stop and turn around and head back to the Source of his healing.
Christ did not take away the healing from the other nine. His love is greater than ours. But He did rejoice in the thankfulness of that one person, and to him Jesus adds, "Your faith has made you well." Of the ten, this man's freedom, though he was not of the Jewish faith or race, allowed his faith and body to be made well.
How do you receive blessings from God? Do you think, "I deserve this, after all I am a Christian!"? Or do you think, "It's about time! I've been praying all this time and You finally got around to me!"? Or do you say, "Thank you, God."? It's your choice. You have the freedom to do what you want. But if you belong to Christ, use your freedom to grow in your faith by returning to God what is God's.
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit to my heart. Make me be thankful and worshipful of God in all things, especially in answered prayers. I pray in the Name of He who brings me freedom, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Please hold Art Amey in your prayers. Art was in ER for several hours suffering from dehydration. He received some IVs and was sent home. Gloria reports he is doing better.
We continue to affirm that Christianity does NOT stifle personal freedom.
Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: In Luke 17:11-19, there is a story about ten men in a dire situation with their health. They all come to ask from Jesus for their healing. Of the ten, nine are Jews, one is not. Of the ten, who did receive their request, only one thanked him. And that one person was not a Jew. What are your thoughts on this healing and personal freedom?
Here is that passage from Luke 17:11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
To be ill with a disease such as the one mentioned is to be imprisoned by it. To have leprosy was to have a life sentence away from civilization. No human contact, at least with "clean" people. Life among the tombs until your own death as we've read about other lepers. To cry out to Jesus was their choice and perhaps the only chance. And even then, reread what they said. They didn't ask for mercy directly, just pity. Jesus knew what they meant and what they needed and so tells them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." Such was the power of Jesus and the faith of these lepers that they start going. Jesus didn't touch them and healed them that way. Their healing came through the spoken word and from the action they took in directing their feet towards their priests. They were now free! Jesus had indeed had pity on them and they were now whole. Notice what Jesus noticed. Of the ten who received healing, only one returned to Jesus to thank Him. You see, their healing came with every step they took towards home. And after so many steps it may have been some started running towards home, towards life and freedom, and the joyful reunion they expected to have with their family. Only one as he took that last healing step, did he stop and turn around and head back to the Source of his healing.
Christ did not take away the healing from the other nine. His love is greater than ours. But He did rejoice in the thankfulness of that one person, and to him Jesus adds, "Your faith has made you well." Of the ten, this man's freedom, though he was not of the Jewish faith or race, allowed his faith and body to be made well.
How do you receive blessings from God? Do you think, "I deserve this, after all I am a Christian!"? Or do you think, "It's about time! I've been praying all this time and You finally got around to me!"? Or do you say, "Thank you, God."? It's your choice. You have the freedom to do what you want. But if you belong to Christ, use your freedom to grow in your faith by returning to God what is God's.
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit to my heart. Make me be thankful and worshipful of God in all things, especially in answered prayers. I pray in the Name of He who brings me freedom, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, August 14, 2006
TRUE FREEDOM IN CHRIST
Good day dear friends.
Yesterday's myth was "Christianity Stifles Personal Freedom." And for those who don't want to answer to anyone or always claim the need to be their own boss, that may be true; but to those who know the love and freedom found in Christ Jesus (Gal. 5:1), we know that that is not true. In Christ we find true freedom and in Christ and through Christ we have seen great actions of liberation take place.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Personal freedom is seen in the story of a young man as found in Luke 18:18-30. Here is a young man who “had it made.” And he was seeking something important, eternal life. He thought that perhaps he could buy it. His freedom was to choose between what God wanted and what he himself wanted to do. Please read this story to discover what he chose for himself.
Here is that passage: Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" 21 "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" 29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
You know the story. This rich young ruler comes to Jesus asking about eternal life. He had everything this world had to offer, he was worried about the next world. With his money he may have thought that he could buy this gift of eternal life, but that was not possible. He was a religious man, for he knew the commandments and he had kept them. But the thing holding him back was that he was possessed by his possessions and could not easily part with them. Did he have personal freedom in his wealth? The answer is no, for he was a slave to his money. Anyone who cannot part with his money because of fear is a slave to both money and fear. The one in Christ does not have that bondage, for s/he is free to overcome fear and overcome the bondage of money.
In our sermon yesterday at 11, I made mention of the times we thought we were choosing something that would benefit us in some way: that first cigarette that might make us "cool" or "with it," that first drink so that we could "fit in," and instead of being free, many find themselves addicted, thus enslaved, to these vices and not free at all. In Christ Jesus we find His liberating power to set us free from all that. In Jesus we find strength to live our lives in a liberated way. After all, we did affirm that Jesus was the most liberated man in history. His freedom, including His freedom to choose death on the cross, can bring us freedom from sin.
PRAYER: Come, liberating God and free me from that which has me all wrapped up and enslaved from true freedom. Grant me freedom and the freedom that is found only in Christ Jesus. It is in His name that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Yesterday's myth was "Christianity Stifles Personal Freedom." And for those who don't want to answer to anyone or always claim the need to be their own boss, that may be true; but to those who know the love and freedom found in Christ Jesus (Gal. 5:1), we know that that is not true. In Christ we find true freedom and in Christ and through Christ we have seen great actions of liberation take place.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Personal freedom is seen in the story of a young man as found in Luke 18:18-30. Here is a young man who “had it made.” And he was seeking something important, eternal life. He thought that perhaps he could buy it. His freedom was to choose between what God wanted and what he himself wanted to do. Please read this story to discover what he chose for himself.
Here is that passage: Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" 21 "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" 29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
You know the story. This rich young ruler comes to Jesus asking about eternal life. He had everything this world had to offer, he was worried about the next world. With his money he may have thought that he could buy this gift of eternal life, but that was not possible. He was a religious man, for he knew the commandments and he had kept them. But the thing holding him back was that he was possessed by his possessions and could not easily part with them. Did he have personal freedom in his wealth? The answer is no, for he was a slave to his money. Anyone who cannot part with his money because of fear is a slave to both money and fear. The one in Christ does not have that bondage, for s/he is free to overcome fear and overcome the bondage of money.
In our sermon yesterday at 11, I made mention of the times we thought we were choosing something that would benefit us in some way: that first cigarette that might make us "cool" or "with it," that first drink so that we could "fit in," and instead of being free, many find themselves addicted, thus enslaved, to these vices and not free at all. In Christ Jesus we find His liberating power to set us free from all that. In Jesus we find strength to live our lives in a liberated way. After all, we did affirm that Jesus was the most liberated man in history. His freedom, including His freedom to choose death on the cross, can bring us freedom from sin.
PRAYER: Come, liberating God and free me from that which has me all wrapped up and enslaved from true freedom. Grant me freedom and the freedom that is found only in Christ Jesus. It is in His name that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
THE FULLNESS OF LIFE
Good day dear friends.
Are people made Christians by social conditioning? Or is it a myth?
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: In Acts 8:26-39, we find yet another conversion of sorts. Read this interesting story and see how it speaks to your heart and soul. Again, a man who was “conditioned” to live his life in a certain way yet he is converted to Jesus Christ. Notice his response after he affirms Jesus as Lord.
Here is the passage from Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian {[27] That is, from the upper Nile region}eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." {[33] Isaiah 53:7,8} 34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 {[36] Some late manuscripts baptized?" [37] Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."} 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
This Ethiopian eunuch had been told about the scriptures by someone. He knew and loved them to be reading them while traveling. What he read he did not completely understand, but read them as a way of being in relationship with God. He did not yet know there was a fullness to the relationship that comes through Christ Jesus. It was for that reason that an angel sent Philip to walk alongside the chariot. It is interesting that the official is on a desert road heading south. Philip uses that reading as an opportunity to share Jesus. The good news included the message of baptism to which this Ethiopian responded that he wanted to be baptized. This conversion took him from a shallow relationship with God to the fullness of one in Jesus. The official went from being confused about scripture to knowing fully and being joyful about what had happened in his life.
The invitation to be in this fullness relationship is still ours for the asking.
PRAYER: Come, God of life, and make my life full in Jesus Christ. Open my mind to a deeper understanding of what you offer to us. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Are people made Christians by social conditioning? Or is it a myth?
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: In Acts 8:26-39, we find yet another conversion of sorts. Read this interesting story and see how it speaks to your heart and soul. Again, a man who was “conditioned” to live his life in a certain way yet he is converted to Jesus Christ. Notice his response after he affirms Jesus as Lord.
Here is the passage from Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian {[27] That is, from the upper Nile region}eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." {[33] Isaiah 53:7,8} 34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 {[36] Some late manuscripts baptized?" [37] Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."} 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
This Ethiopian eunuch had been told about the scriptures by someone. He knew and loved them to be reading them while traveling. What he read he did not completely understand, but read them as a way of being in relationship with God. He did not yet know there was a fullness to the relationship that comes through Christ Jesus. It was for that reason that an angel sent Philip to walk alongside the chariot. It is interesting that the official is on a desert road heading south. Philip uses that reading as an opportunity to share Jesus. The good news included the message of baptism to which this Ethiopian responded that he wanted to be baptized. This conversion took him from a shallow relationship with God to the fullness of one in Jesus. The official went from being confused about scripture to knowing fully and being joyful about what had happened in his life.
The invitation to be in this fullness relationship is still ours for the asking.
PRAYER: Come, God of life, and make my life full in Jesus Christ. Open my mind to a deeper understanding of what you offer to us. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
INTO MY HEART
Good day dear friends.
We continue to examine the myth that people become Christians through social conditioning. And here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: In the chapter before Saul’s conversion we see another conversion to Jesus by a man named Simon. Please read his story in Acts 8:9-13. See how this man goes from a “faith” to faith in Jesus Christ. How did your conversion take place? Have you not had a conversion? What’s holding you back?
Acts 8:9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
What is a conversion experience? It is a turning around experience. It is leaving behind that which we know is harmful or useless for our lives, and turning towards life and the fullness of life. In this passage we see how these people of Samaria were entertained by this sorcerer, Simon. His means of support was to put on this magic act, though not using smoke and mirrors, but the unexplained powers of darkness, and people were so taken with this entertainment they called him, "the Great Power" (v. 10). Funny how after Jesus is shared with them, they realized who is indeed the Great Power and they gave their lives to Him. They were baptized as was a former sorcerer who knew the real deal when he saw it. It is so awesome to read verse 13, that Simon begins to follow Philip everywhere, the man who once tried to astonish crowds is now himself astonished by the power of Jesus in the great signs and miracles he saw.
How did you conversion take place? is the question I ask in the study guide. My conversion was as a child when I accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart. I must have been eight or nine years old. I knew what I was doing, I knew Jesus was who my pastor said He was. As I've also told you, as I continue to mature, I seek the Lord more and more. I seek His guidance and strength to lead me in the right way, and away from that which still can kill, steal, or destroy. I know the limits of my strength and I know the unlimited power of the Lord. Am I perfect? No. I seek to be made perfect in love in this life, as I promised God and the bishop on the day I was questioned before my annual conference before my ordination as Elder. I still need the Lord more than ever.
I shared with the 8:30 worship service a part of the book, "Lord, He Went, the Biography of Bill Hinson," an Abingdon book that I highly recommend. In it, the Rev. Dr. Bill Hinson as he was pastoring and growing First UMC in Houston, shares how it hurt him when he found out a group of church members was leaving the church. Bill asked them why, and the spokesperson for the group said, "Bill, since you've gotten here, all you've preached is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, and we're tired of it." Bill replied that that was all he knew and that would be all he would preach. Bill led the church to being at that time the largest UMC in the United States, all by preaching Jesus. We don't know what happened to that group. I preach Jesus too, because that's all I know. I know from my personal experience what the Lord has done for me and I know what He can do for you, if you would only give Him a chance.
Let nothing hold you back from the life-chaning power and love of God through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus into my heart. Come in today. Come in to stay. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
We continue to examine the myth that people become Christians through social conditioning. And here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: In the chapter before Saul’s conversion we see another conversion to Jesus by a man named Simon. Please read his story in Acts 8:9-13. See how this man goes from a “faith” to faith in Jesus Christ. How did your conversion take place? Have you not had a conversion? What’s holding you back?
Acts 8:9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
What is a conversion experience? It is a turning around experience. It is leaving behind that which we know is harmful or useless for our lives, and turning towards life and the fullness of life. In this passage we see how these people of Samaria were entertained by this sorcerer, Simon. His means of support was to put on this magic act, though not using smoke and mirrors, but the unexplained powers of darkness, and people were so taken with this entertainment they called him, "the Great Power" (v. 10). Funny how after Jesus is shared with them, they realized who is indeed the Great Power and they gave their lives to Him. They were baptized as was a former sorcerer who knew the real deal when he saw it. It is so awesome to read verse 13, that Simon begins to follow Philip everywhere, the man who once tried to astonish crowds is now himself astonished by the power of Jesus in the great signs and miracles he saw.
How did you conversion take place? is the question I ask in the study guide. My conversion was as a child when I accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart. I must have been eight or nine years old. I knew what I was doing, I knew Jesus was who my pastor said He was. As I've also told you, as I continue to mature, I seek the Lord more and more. I seek His guidance and strength to lead me in the right way, and away from that which still can kill, steal, or destroy. I know the limits of my strength and I know the unlimited power of the Lord. Am I perfect? No. I seek to be made perfect in love in this life, as I promised God and the bishop on the day I was questioned before my annual conference before my ordination as Elder. I still need the Lord more than ever.
I shared with the 8:30 worship service a part of the book, "Lord, He Went, the Biography of Bill Hinson," an Abingdon book that I highly recommend. In it, the Rev. Dr. Bill Hinson as he was pastoring and growing First UMC in Houston, shares how it hurt him when he found out a group of church members was leaving the church. Bill asked them why, and the spokesperson for the group said, "Bill, since you've gotten here, all you've preached is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, and we're tired of it." Bill replied that that was all he knew and that would be all he would preach. Bill led the church to being at that time the largest UMC in the United States, all by preaching Jesus. We don't know what happened to that group. I preach Jesus too, because that's all I know. I know from my personal experience what the Lord has done for me and I know what He can do for you, if you would only give Him a chance.
Let nothing hold you back from the life-chaning power and love of God through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus into my heart. Come in today. Come in to stay. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Monday, August 07, 2006
GOD OF CONVERSION
Good day dear friends.
We looked at Myth #6 yesterday, "People become Christians by social conditioning." This is the myth that says it's more of a cultural conditioning of a person rather than a person's choice to become a Christian. For some religions and cultures that may be true, such as Hindus or Buddists, but for Christians, one must personally accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior to become a Christian. We looked at the life of Saul of Tarsus, who through a conversison experience became a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is our study guide for today: Monday: Read again the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus found in Acts 9. Read there how the Lord Jesus took a man who had given his life to opposing Him and turned him into perhaps the greatest Christian evangelist the world has ever seen. Read carefully the word of the Lord to this man. Also, please note the time Saul spent in fasting and prayer.
Here is part of the chapter from Acts 9:1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." 11 The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.
Saul was a man of his time. Most of the New Testament that contains his writings are marked by his cultural influences and personal beliefs. I say this because there are some who dislike Paul for some of his cultural and contemporary views. Yet one thing we cannot argue is his passion and conviction for the Lord Jesus Christ. And this from a man whom we first meet at the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58). We know from that one verse that he is young and is entrusted to care for the coats of those who were to carry out the execution. The next reference to Paul comes in Acts 8:1, where we see that Saul approved of this murder. Paul shares more of his background in Philippians 3: 5 "circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless."
Not a candidate for sainthood one might have said prior to his Damascus Road experience. It was on that road that Paul's life was converted. As I mentioned, his conscience, his understanding, his will were all changed. And because of this conversion, everything about his life also changed.
Christ continues to offer us a new relationship with Him to help us change from that which is taking us away from life, into the fullness of life He promised in John 10:10. It is ours for the choosing. It is not something we receive because we sit in a church Sunday after Sunday.
PRAYER: God of change, continue to change our lives in Christ. Let our lives be examples of the hope and trust that is ours through Him who gave His all for us. Let us strive to serve You and Yours, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day.
e.v.
We looked at Myth #6 yesterday, "People become Christians by social conditioning." This is the myth that says it's more of a cultural conditioning of a person rather than a person's choice to become a Christian. For some religions and cultures that may be true, such as Hindus or Buddists, but for Christians, one must personally accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior to become a Christian. We looked at the life of Saul of Tarsus, who through a conversison experience became a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is our study guide for today: Monday: Read again the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus found in Acts 9. Read there how the Lord Jesus took a man who had given his life to opposing Him and turned him into perhaps the greatest Christian evangelist the world has ever seen. Read carefully the word of the Lord to this man. Also, please note the time Saul spent in fasting and prayer.
Here is part of the chapter from Acts 9:1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." 11 The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.
Saul was a man of his time. Most of the New Testament that contains his writings are marked by his cultural influences and personal beliefs. I say this because there are some who dislike Paul for some of his cultural and contemporary views. Yet one thing we cannot argue is his passion and conviction for the Lord Jesus Christ. And this from a man whom we first meet at the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58). We know from that one verse that he is young and is entrusted to care for the coats of those who were to carry out the execution. The next reference to Paul comes in Acts 8:1, where we see that Saul approved of this murder. Paul shares more of his background in Philippians 3: 5 "circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless."
Not a candidate for sainthood one might have said prior to his Damascus Road experience. It was on that road that Paul's life was converted. As I mentioned, his conscience, his understanding, his will were all changed. And because of this conversion, everything about his life also changed.
Christ continues to offer us a new relationship with Him to help us change from that which is taking us away from life, into the fullness of life He promised in John 10:10. It is ours for the choosing. It is not something we receive because we sit in a church Sunday after Sunday.
PRAYER: God of change, continue to change our lives in Christ. Let our lives be examples of the hope and trust that is ours through Him who gave His all for us. Let us strive to serve You and Yours, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day.
e.v.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
PHOTOS CANNOT BE UPLOADED FOR SOME REASON
I'm sorry I said I would have pictures of our Mozambique team on this site. I have been trying since that announcment, every day in fact, to try and upload them. I think it is the fault of this site, but what do you expect for free?
THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Good day dear friends.
We continue to thank God for Rebecca Cosgrove's dismissal from the hospital. We pray for her complete wellbeing.
We continue to affirm that overall, the myth of Christianity being a crutch for the weak is weak. Here is our study guide:
Thursday: In Romans 1:16-17 we find the text that could have served as the basic text for this whole sermon series. Read that verse and let it speak to your heart. Ask God to make the words of this passage be the words you need for your life.
Here is that passage from Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "He who through faith is righteous shall live." (RSV)
If one reaches the point of believing something like the myth we studied Sunday, it serves to reason that we might come to be ashamed of the gospel. One also has to wonder if perhaps Paul in his many dealings with early Christians didn't come across those who began to tell him, "You know Paul, I'm beginning to be a little embarrassed about all this Jesus stuff, so I'm going to kinda back off of it for a while." And you have to think that hearing it once was enough for him to, in his Pauline way to say, "You can do and believe whatever you want, But I am not ashamed of the gospel. I have found power to live, and live freely because of my salvation from sin and eath and you know what, this is available to all as well, Jews and Greeks. Through the gospel we have come to know the righteousness of God revealed. And that revelation has helped us live and live right."
Okay, Paul's English was not quite like mine. And here's a clue: Paul didn't speak English, but I suspect he knew Spanish... but he surely knew Jesus and the God whom Jesus showed him. In the same way we can come to know God's love through Jesus Christ. In that love we can find the fullness of life, that joy and peace that comes even when we face challenges and trials. I've said in many a sermon, if you're looking for an excuse not to believe you already have one. And according to you, it's a good one. But if you're looking to live, you will find life in the gospel. And not just an existence, but an abundant life as promised us in John 10:10.
Don't let secondhand doubt get to you. Like smoke, it can kill you. And there's no such thing as secondhand faith. You must receive it to live it. And once you have it, the fullness of life is yours.
What are you waiting for?
PRAYER: Loving God of life, bring to my heart the fullness of life today through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let me realize how important and special it is to know You through Christ our Lord. Let me seek to grow and share as You lead me, I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
We continue to thank God for Rebecca Cosgrove's dismissal from the hospital. We pray for her complete wellbeing.
We continue to affirm that overall, the myth of Christianity being a crutch for the weak is weak. Here is our study guide:
Thursday: In Romans 1:16-17 we find the text that could have served as the basic text for this whole sermon series. Read that verse and let it speak to your heart. Ask God to make the words of this passage be the words you need for your life.
Here is that passage from Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "He who through faith is righteous shall live." (RSV)
If one reaches the point of believing something like the myth we studied Sunday, it serves to reason that we might come to be ashamed of the gospel. One also has to wonder if perhaps Paul in his many dealings with early Christians didn't come across those who began to tell him, "You know Paul, I'm beginning to be a little embarrassed about all this Jesus stuff, so I'm going to kinda back off of it for a while." And you have to think that hearing it once was enough for him to, in his Pauline way to say, "You can do and believe whatever you want, But I am not ashamed of the gospel. I have found power to live, and live freely because of my salvation from sin and eath and you know what, this is available to all as well, Jews and Greeks. Through the gospel we have come to know the righteousness of God revealed. And that revelation has helped us live and live right."
Okay, Paul's English was not quite like mine. And here's a clue: Paul didn't speak English, but I suspect he knew Spanish... but he surely knew Jesus and the God whom Jesus showed him. In the same way we can come to know God's love through Jesus Christ. In that love we can find the fullness of life, that joy and peace that comes even when we face challenges and trials. I've said in many a sermon, if you're looking for an excuse not to believe you already have one. And according to you, it's a good one. But if you're looking to live, you will find life in the gospel. And not just an existence, but an abundant life as promised us in John 10:10.
Don't let secondhand doubt get to you. Like smoke, it can kill you. And there's no such thing as secondhand faith. You must receive it to live it. And once you have it, the fullness of life is yours.
What are you waiting for?
PRAYER: Loving God of life, bring to my heart the fullness of life today through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let me realize how important and special it is to know You through Christ our Lord. Let me seek to grow and share as You lead me, I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
LEAD US, IMPLIES GOD'S INVOLVEMENT IN OUR LIVES
Good day dear friends. We continue to ask prayers for Elaine Laster, the mother of Rev. Richard Laster, a pastor in Houston. Richard and I were roommates at Southwestern after having been close friends and classmates at Lon Morris, later we were classmates at SMU. This has been a most difficult time for Richard and his family.
We continue to affirm our faith that yes, in a sense, Christianity is a crutch for the weak, but overall, it is that which helps us live as God intends.
Here is our study guide for today: Tuesday: Jesus makes an interesting statement in Luke 5:31-32 about the “sick” and the “well.” Would you consider yourself to be “well” or “sick” in the terms Jesus spoke of? How would you go from “sick” to “well” if you so desired?
Here is that passage Luke 5:31 Jesus answered, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance."
There were in Jesus' time righteous people. These were the ones who lived their lives as God wanted. These were the ones who did not need Jesus' attention and healing. But my guess is that there were few of these righteous. The huge crowds that Jesus attracted may have contained more of the "sick" than the "well." These were the ones who wanted signs and wonders performed so that they might "believe" as they said, but to be entertained is probably more like it.
Jesus came to call the sinners to repent. The righteous were those already on the road to fullness of life, still sinful, but knew God enough to live their lives praying for forgiveness and mercy each day, as we should. But the unrighteous were those who didn't know to pray this or didn't care to. Jesus came so that they might know about this better way to live.
And He still calls today. Will we ever escape the temptation of sin? No. Sin seems to follow us everywhere we go and most times we seem to know just where sin is and there we go. To be righteous means to know to say no, through prayer and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to be led away from temptation. Say the Lord's Prayer again, and hear those words. Hear also the words about "forgive us."
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit, to forgive me of my sins. Lead me on the path to righteousness, that path that helps me live life to the fullest. Help me to know your call to live right and do right. Help the words of this prayer Your Son, Jesus Christ, taught me to become real: Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespassess as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
We continue to affirm our faith that yes, in a sense, Christianity is a crutch for the weak, but overall, it is that which helps us live as God intends.
Here is our study guide for today: Tuesday: Jesus makes an interesting statement in Luke 5:31-32 about the “sick” and the “well.” Would you consider yourself to be “well” or “sick” in the terms Jesus spoke of? How would you go from “sick” to “well” if you so desired?
Here is that passage Luke 5:31 Jesus answered, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance."
There were in Jesus' time righteous people. These were the ones who lived their lives as God wanted. These were the ones who did not need Jesus' attention and healing. But my guess is that there were few of these righteous. The huge crowds that Jesus attracted may have contained more of the "sick" than the "well." These were the ones who wanted signs and wonders performed so that they might "believe" as they said, but to be entertained is probably more like it.
Jesus came to call the sinners to repent. The righteous were those already on the road to fullness of life, still sinful, but knew God enough to live their lives praying for forgiveness and mercy each day, as we should. But the unrighteous were those who didn't know to pray this or didn't care to. Jesus came so that they might know about this better way to live.
And He still calls today. Will we ever escape the temptation of sin? No. Sin seems to follow us everywhere we go and most times we seem to know just where sin is and there we go. To be righteous means to know to say no, through prayer and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to be led away from temptation. Say the Lord's Prayer again, and hear those words. Hear also the words about "forgive us."
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit, to forgive me of my sins. Lead me on the path to righteousness, that path that helps me live life to the fullest. Help me to know your call to live right and do right. Help the words of this prayer Your Son, Jesus Christ, taught me to become real: Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespassess as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
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