Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
Since I finished the Book of Leviticus yesterday, it seemed like a good time to share with you a message the Lord imparted on my heart last week while I was in worship at my home church, Bayside Baptist Church in Virginia Beach (and I hope you might visit us in worship if you’re ever in the neighborhood).
I was sitting in the pew holding my precious little grandson of less than a month, Maddox, during the pastor’s sermon. He was asleep and laying there in my arms so peacefully…his face almost angelic. This was a markedly different Maddox from the one my daughter would tell me about. The Maddox who when awake yearned to be cared for nearly non-stop. The Maddox who seemed to never stop eating. The Maddox who cried out loudly and consistently if he didn’t get what he needed.
Indeed, many things were rushing into my mind as I sat there, listened to the sermon which discussed the wonder of our salvation and looked into the sleeping face of my grandson.
I began to think of how absolutely helpless babies are when they are so young. They can’t do anything for themselves and are totally dependent on the care of another. Little Maddox left alone anywhere would not survive long if he had no one to care for him. He would cry only to have no one to come and comfort him. He would hunger only to have no one to feed him. He would lie completely vulnerable only to have no one to protect him. Truly, his very survival and existence relied on the care of his parent.
As the pastor continued to talk about salvation and the sad truth that there are many in this world who are lost and hopeless because they don’t know or accept Jesus, I couldn’t help but see a parallel to baby Maddox and his vulnerability.
For those who have no relationship with Jesus have no relationship with the Father for Jesus Himself said that no one comes to the Father except by Him. And with no relationship with the Father, a person is helpless and hopeless. Without the Father’s care, they stand vulnerable with little chance against the attacks of Satan. They cry out in their lives for help and guidance only to find no real help or guidance because they don’t have a relationship with the only true Parent that can help them and guide them. They find themselves hungering for wisdom and understanding only to slowly starve without the Daily Bread that comes from the Word of God, their Father. And through all this, they fail to see that their survival and existence relies totally on the care of their Heavenly Father.
Friends, we need to never tire in seeking out the lost and helping guide them to spiritual survival and revival. Just as we would never walk past an innocent baby who might be lying unattended, so too should we never just walk by someone who doesn’t have a relationship with the Lord. My prayer is that this week and beyond, we approach our evangelistic efforts with a different sense of urgency, understanding fully what’s at stake. For it truly is a matter of life or death…survival or demise.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
THE SHEEP AND THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
In lieu of an entry from Exodus today, I am posting the sermon I delivered at my parent’s church, Good Shepherd United Methodist, in Hazen, Pennsylvania. Hope you enjoy it.
The Sheep and the Good Shepherd
Since Lent is supposed to be a time of reflection about Jesus and how we can change our lives to be more like Him, I began to reflect on what to write about and say to you today. I began to think about your church and how it’s been such a blessing to my family now for around 15 years. And as I thought about the church, the first thing that came to mind is its wonderful name…Good Shepherd United Methodist.
It was this name that led me to today’s message as I began to think about this congregation as a flock under the guidance and protection of the Good Shepherd and so my remarks today are intended to focus on our place in Creation and our purpose under the Almighty Protector and Provider you have named your church after…the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
But before we can start talking about a shepherd…any shepherd, let alone the Good Shepherd…we need to talk about sheep. I mean after all, isn’t a shepherd a little useless without sheep. To use a Naval analogy…it would sort of be like a Navy Captain with a mighty ship and no Sailors to man it.
So let’s talk about sheep…and when we discuss sheep, we need to see how we share things in common with them. After all, why would the analogy be drawn in the scriptures if we didn’t have a lot of similarities. So bear with me a few moments as I talk about sheep, some of their core behavioral traits and how this connects to us.
First, sheep have a strong instinct to follow. They will follow a shepherd or, in the absence of a shepherd, they will follow another sheep if it decides to stray away from the flock. Bad things typically happen when a sheep tries to lead the flock without a shepherd. In fact, more than a few flocks have fallen off cliffs or drowned in lakes because they followed another sheep who led them the wrong way. Recently, 400 sheep died in eastern Turkey when one of the sheep tried to cross a deep ravine. The rest of the flock followed it.
Like the sheep, we don’t do too well either when we follow someone other than the Good Shepherd. Many people have been led astray and into harm’s way by someone they thought were leading them in the right way. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, warned us to be on the lookout for false teachers and what did He say about them? That they would be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Indeed, we need to be careful to make sure we’re following the Good Shepherd, not Satan…the deceiver who comes as the wolf wearing sheep’s clothing.
The second thing about sheep is that they like to stay together in the company of one another. Or in other words, they like to flock. They do so for companionship and protection because there is power in numbers and they are far less likely to be attacked by a predator when they stay together than if they scatter and stray.
We too are social in nature. We like to have companionship and be around others. We find a sense of comfort and protection when we’re together…far more than we do when we’re alone. In worship, we gather as a flock and bring praise to our Good Shepherd while learning where He wants us to go. Remember that we are followers by nature.
A third thing about sheep. Sheep have a tendency to stray and get lost…and when they do, they are in danger and very vulnerable to attack. We too stray and lose our way. Maybe you can relate. If you’ve strayed in the past, you can testify to how Satan had His way with you while you were out of the care of the Good Shepherd. I know I can. If you are straying right now, run and run as fast as you can back into the arms of Jesus. Because trust these words of Peter when he said: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Don’t offer yourself to the devil as a main course. Run to the waiting arms of the Good Shepherd and never stray again.
Finally, sheep devote more time to eating and sleeping than anything else. As for us…Do I really need to tell you how much we’re alike them in this category? smile
You get the point…we’re more like sheep than we might want to admit and it’s obvious that we are in need of a shepherd just as much as sheep. Praise God that in Jesus, we have a Good Shepherd and we know we have Him because the bible tells us so. Let’s turn to the scriptures to see what they have to say about the Good Shepherd.
Please turn with me to the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, verses 1-16:
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
From this scripture we see four main points about the Good Shepherd and in place of using the word "sheep" I will insert words that refer to us so we can glean the intent that Jesus meant as He shared this message:
The Good Shepherd leads us…and those who are part of His flock listen to His voice. We know our Shepherd because the Shepherd spends a great deal of time with his flock. He loves His flock and will do anything to ensure they are cared for properly, even if it means dying for them…I’ll touch more on that later. In fact, this Good Shepherd knows us so well that He knows us by name and He leads us to special, holy places.
Please turn with me to six of the most beloved verses in the Old Testament…the 23rd Psalm. David wrote this Psalm over 2,000 years ago and those in Christ Jesus can attest to the truth of His words to this very day. Hear this word of the Lord:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
This Good Shepherd knows us by name and leads us to green pastures…Where we are always nourished and able to rest. When we follow the Good Shepherd, we will always find ourselves fed and resting in comfort.
He also leads us besides quiet waters…and it’s here that we find peace and quench our thirst for holiness…a holiness that can only be found in Him.
He guides us on the paths of righteousness…The Good Shepherd always leads us on the right path. We need not worry about where to go because He guides us where He wants us.
And He is such a strong protector that we can even be led through the valley of the shadow of death and not be fearful. For our Shepherd has a powerful Rod and Staff that will ward off any enemy and no matter how precarious our walk might be with Him, He always knows how to steer us through trouble.
Shouldn’t we just praise God that we have such an awesome Good Shepherd who leads us!
But that isn’t all…
For our Good Shepherd also saves us.
Listen again to the words of our Shepherd from John 10 as He says, "…I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
When we decide to follow the Good Shepherd and pass through His gate to join His Flock, we are saved! Alleluia! We come in…and go out…and find pasture…not the dead fields of desolation we walked through when we were lost and without purpose but the green pastures of hope we now have through the saving deliverance of the Good Shepherd…the Good Shepherd who came to give us life and life everlasting.
And this leads to the third main point about the Good Shepherd…He willingly died for us. Once again, hear these words from John’s gospel:
"The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Notice that we can only be saved by the Good Shepherd. Anyone else who might claim they can save us is no more than a hired hand who will flee when real danger comes near. Only Jesus, the Good Shepherd, can have victory over Satan…who is akin to the wolf who wishes only to attack, scatter and devour the flock. Indeed, the Good Shepherd did lay down His life for us, His sheep…willing to pay the price for our sins and in doing so, delivering us from certain death to life…and He did so willingly because He loved us. Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah who spoke about the Good Shepherd before He even existed. Isaiah said in Chapter 58, verses 6 through 8:
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (the Good Shepherd) the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away."
Indeed…falsely accused, mocked, beaten, bruised, broken and crucified, the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep…His sheep who had gone astray…for all of us. But even death could not stop the Good Shepherd…No! Because this is no ordinary shepherd…this is a Shepherd who was also the Messiah…our Savior,Redeemer and Friend.
And we know that death could not keep this Good Shepherd…our Good Shepherd in the grave. In fact, our Good Shepherd is still looking to add to His flock. For Jesus said in John 10, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Jesus, the Good Shepherd was not stopped at death. Truly, He was just getting started.
So how does this Good Shepherd bring more sheep into His flock? Well, He guides us, His sheep, to help Him find other sheep. Here’s the direction He has given us…I’ll be reading from Matthew 28, verses 16 to 20:
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The Good Shepherd still leads us to green pastures, quiet waters, along paths of rightousness and through the valley of the shadow of death…and all along the way, He has us seek other sheep to join the flock. These sheep have the same opportunity to enter through His gate as we did, the same opportunity to find their own salvation. And once through the gate, they too will come to know and listen to His voice and seek to join us in expanding the flock even more.
So Jesus…the Good Shepherd…leads us, saves us, He died for us, and still seeks to add to His flock through us but there’s one other important point about the Good Shepherd that we must remember. For one day, He is going to return and lead His flock again here on earth. And we know He will return because His word tells us so. Turn to Matthew 25, verses 31-33:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left."
Friends…the Good Shepherd may have laid down His life for His sheep but He is returning for His flock at a time when He will gather them for the last time. Never again will they be scattered or lost but they will gather with Him for all eternity.
Question: Are you one of the sheep in the flock of the Good Shepherd? Do you even know Him? If not, today you have a chance to meet Him at the gate, entering the flock and into His care.
If you’re in the flock, how well have you been following the Good Shepherd in your life? Have you strayed and found yourself vulnerable and under attack by Satan?
Well today, I have good news for you. For you can run back into the arms of the Good Shepherd who is ready to take you back into the flock and rejoice over your return.
Friends, your church has a wonderful, blessed name...Good Shepherd. Let us ever praise God for His Son, Jesus, the eternal Good Shepherd…and praise Him as well for watching over and keeping this flock. May He continue to bless you and provide for you all. Amen.
BENEDICTION FROM HEBREWS 13:20-21
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
In lieu of an entry from Exodus today, I am posting the sermon I delivered at my parent’s church, Good Shepherd United Methodist, in Hazen, Pennsylvania. Hope you enjoy it.
The Sheep and the Good Shepherd
Since Lent is supposed to be a time of reflection about Jesus and how we can change our lives to be more like Him, I began to reflect on what to write about and say to you today. I began to think about your church and how it’s been such a blessing to my family now for around 15 years. And as I thought about the church, the first thing that came to mind is its wonderful name…Good Shepherd United Methodist.
It was this name that led me to today’s message as I began to think about this congregation as a flock under the guidance and protection of the Good Shepherd and so my remarks today are intended to focus on our place in Creation and our purpose under the Almighty Protector and Provider you have named your church after…the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
But before we can start talking about a shepherd…any shepherd, let alone the Good Shepherd…we need to talk about sheep. I mean after all, isn’t a shepherd a little useless without sheep. To use a Naval analogy…it would sort of be like a Navy Captain with a mighty ship and no Sailors to man it.
So let’s talk about sheep…and when we discuss sheep, we need to see how we share things in common with them. After all, why would the analogy be drawn in the scriptures if we didn’t have a lot of similarities. So bear with me a few moments as I talk about sheep, some of their core behavioral traits and how this connects to us.
First, sheep have a strong instinct to follow. They will follow a shepherd or, in the absence of a shepherd, they will follow another sheep if it decides to stray away from the flock. Bad things typically happen when a sheep tries to lead the flock without a shepherd. In fact, more than a few flocks have fallen off cliffs or drowned in lakes because they followed another sheep who led them the wrong way. Recently, 400 sheep died in eastern Turkey when one of the sheep tried to cross a deep ravine. The rest of the flock followed it.
Like the sheep, we don’t do too well either when we follow someone other than the Good Shepherd. Many people have been led astray and into harm’s way by someone they thought were leading them in the right way. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, warned us to be on the lookout for false teachers and what did He say about them? That they would be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Indeed, we need to be careful to make sure we’re following the Good Shepherd, not Satan…the deceiver who comes as the wolf wearing sheep’s clothing.
The second thing about sheep is that they like to stay together in the company of one another. Or in other words, they like to flock. They do so for companionship and protection because there is power in numbers and they are far less likely to be attacked by a predator when they stay together than if they scatter and stray.
We too are social in nature. We like to have companionship and be around others. We find a sense of comfort and protection when we’re together…far more than we do when we’re alone. In worship, we gather as a flock and bring praise to our Good Shepherd while learning where He wants us to go. Remember that we are followers by nature.
A third thing about sheep. Sheep have a tendency to stray and get lost…and when they do, they are in danger and very vulnerable to attack. We too stray and lose our way. Maybe you can relate. If you’ve strayed in the past, you can testify to how Satan had His way with you while you were out of the care of the Good Shepherd. I know I can. If you are straying right now, run and run as fast as you can back into the arms of Jesus. Because trust these words of Peter when he said: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Don’t offer yourself to the devil as a main course. Run to the waiting arms of the Good Shepherd and never stray again.
Finally, sheep devote more time to eating and sleeping than anything else. As for us…Do I really need to tell you how much we’re alike them in this category? smile
You get the point…we’re more like sheep than we might want to admit and it’s obvious that we are in need of a shepherd just as much as sheep. Praise God that in Jesus, we have a Good Shepherd and we know we have Him because the bible tells us so. Let’s turn to the scriptures to see what they have to say about the Good Shepherd.
Please turn with me to the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, verses 1-16:
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
From this scripture we see four main points about the Good Shepherd and in place of using the word "sheep" I will insert words that refer to us so we can glean the intent that Jesus meant as He shared this message:
The Good Shepherd leads us…and those who are part of His flock listen to His voice. We know our Shepherd because the Shepherd spends a great deal of time with his flock. He loves His flock and will do anything to ensure they are cared for properly, even if it means dying for them…I’ll touch more on that later. In fact, this Good Shepherd knows us so well that He knows us by name and He leads us to special, holy places.
Please turn with me to six of the most beloved verses in the Old Testament…the 23rd Psalm. David wrote this Psalm over 2,000 years ago and those in Christ Jesus can attest to the truth of His words to this very day. Hear this word of the Lord:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
This Good Shepherd knows us by name and leads us to green pastures…Where we are always nourished and able to rest. When we follow the Good Shepherd, we will always find ourselves fed and resting in comfort.
He also leads us besides quiet waters…and it’s here that we find peace and quench our thirst for holiness…a holiness that can only be found in Him.
He guides us on the paths of righteousness…The Good Shepherd always leads us on the right path. We need not worry about where to go because He guides us where He wants us.
And He is such a strong protector that we can even be led through the valley of the shadow of death and not be fearful. For our Shepherd has a powerful Rod and Staff that will ward off any enemy and no matter how precarious our walk might be with Him, He always knows how to steer us through trouble.
Shouldn’t we just praise God that we have such an awesome Good Shepherd who leads us!
But that isn’t all…
For our Good Shepherd also saves us.
Listen again to the words of our Shepherd from John 10 as He says, "…I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
When we decide to follow the Good Shepherd and pass through His gate to join His Flock, we are saved! Alleluia! We come in…and go out…and find pasture…not the dead fields of desolation we walked through when we were lost and without purpose but the green pastures of hope we now have through the saving deliverance of the Good Shepherd…the Good Shepherd who came to give us life and life everlasting.
And this leads to the third main point about the Good Shepherd…He willingly died for us. Once again, hear these words from John’s gospel:
"The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Notice that we can only be saved by the Good Shepherd. Anyone else who might claim they can save us is no more than a hired hand who will flee when real danger comes near. Only Jesus, the Good Shepherd, can have victory over Satan…who is akin to the wolf who wishes only to attack, scatter and devour the flock. Indeed, the Good Shepherd did lay down His life for us, His sheep…willing to pay the price for our sins and in doing so, delivering us from certain death to life…and He did so willingly because He loved us. Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah who spoke about the Good Shepherd before He even existed. Isaiah said in Chapter 58, verses 6 through 8:
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (the Good Shepherd) the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away."
Indeed…falsely accused, mocked, beaten, bruised, broken and crucified, the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep…His sheep who had gone astray…for all of us. But even death could not stop the Good Shepherd…No! Because this is no ordinary shepherd…this is a Shepherd who was also the Messiah…our Savior,Redeemer and Friend.
And we know that death could not keep this Good Shepherd…our Good Shepherd in the grave. In fact, our Good Shepherd is still looking to add to His flock. For Jesus said in John 10, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
Jesus, the Good Shepherd was not stopped at death. Truly, He was just getting started.
So how does this Good Shepherd bring more sheep into His flock? Well, He guides us, His sheep, to help Him find other sheep. Here’s the direction He has given us…I’ll be reading from Matthew 28, verses 16 to 20:
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The Good Shepherd still leads us to green pastures, quiet waters, along paths of rightousness and through the valley of the shadow of death…and all along the way, He has us seek other sheep to join the flock. These sheep have the same opportunity to enter through His gate as we did, the same opportunity to find their own salvation. And once through the gate, they too will come to know and listen to His voice and seek to join us in expanding the flock even more.
So Jesus…the Good Shepherd…leads us, saves us, He died for us, and still seeks to add to His flock through us but there’s one other important point about the Good Shepherd that we must remember. For one day, He is going to return and lead His flock again here on earth. And we know He will return because His word tells us so. Turn to Matthew 25, verses 31-33:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left."
Friends…the Good Shepherd may have laid down His life for His sheep but He is returning for His flock at a time when He will gather them for the last time. Never again will they be scattered or lost but they will gather with Him for all eternity.
Question: Are you one of the sheep in the flock of the Good Shepherd? Do you even know Him? If not, today you have a chance to meet Him at the gate, entering the flock and into His care.
If you’re in the flock, how well have you been following the Good Shepherd in your life? Have you strayed and found yourself vulnerable and under attack by Satan?
Well today, I have good news for you. For you can run back into the arms of the Good Shepherd who is ready to take you back into the flock and rejoice over your return.
Friends, your church has a wonderful, blessed name...Good Shepherd. Let us ever praise God for His Son, Jesus, the eternal Good Shepherd…and praise Him as well for watching over and keeping this flock. May He continue to bless you and provide for you all. Amen.
BENEDICTION FROM HEBREWS 13:20-21
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Thursday, February 14, 2008
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
____For God so loVed
______the world thAt
______the world thAt
___He gave His onLy
Son so that whosoEver
______believeth iN Him
_________shall noT
_____________perIsh
Son so that whosoEver
______believeth iN Him
_________shall noT
_____________perIsh
__but have everlastiNg
______________lifE. (John 3:16)
We love only because He first loved us.
Happy Valentine's Day from Grace and I
In Christ,
Mark
______________lifE. (John 3:16)
We love only because He first loved us.
Happy Valentine's Day from Grace and I
In Christ,
Mark
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
THE SEASON OF L.E.N.T.
Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
Today marks the first day of one of the most significant periods of the Christian calendar…the season of Lent. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is a 40 day period of prayer, fasting, reflection and repentance lasting until Easter with the 40 days symbolizing the time Jesus spent in the wilderness after His baptism by John…a period which culminated in Satan attempting to tempt Him.
So as we prepare for the death and resurrection of our Savior, I wanted to offer the following exposition of the word Lent…turning it into a holy acronym. Enjoy.
1. L = Look inside.
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…" Isaiah 30:15
Lent is a time of special self reflection…a time to take account of anything inside of you that would draw you away from God’s will and way for your life. We all have room to improve because we’re all sinners and imperfect. We all fall short of God’s grace and favor…but the good news is that we can grow ever closer to Him and the person He wants us to be if we just commit to model ourselves after the One He sent to walk among us in perfect righteousness…His only Son Jesus. And this leads me to "E".
2. E = Examine Jesus.
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:4-5
Lent is a great time of year to focus in on the life and ministry of Jesus for if we are truly going to be His disciples and carry out His Great Commission (and in doing so His work) then we had better examine Him and seek to be just like Him. After all the very root of the word Christian is Christ. Jesus is supposed to be at the heart of every person who professes to be of Him. And yet, we too often proclaim Him and yet not represent Him properly. This Lenten season, make it a priority to read the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The key to knowing Jesus is contained within them and we can’t possibly be like Him if we don’t know Him. Hopefully, our prayerful study will take us to the "N" in my Lent acronym.
3. N = New focus.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11
As we study Jesus, we see our flaws exposed and are able to renew our efforts to correct our shortcomings to be more like Jesus in every way. In other words, we gain a new focus on areas of our lives that need correction. Whether that focus is on our sinfulness…our hopelessness without Jesus…His teachings, mannerisms, and power…His sacrifice for us…His victory over death…or hopefully all of the above and more, we come to a place of greater appreciation for what He has done for us and a clear set of initiatives to become more like Him. And this will take us to the final letter "T".
4. T = Turn toward righteousness.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30
As we see our weaknesses exposed and the places in our lives that need corrected, we see our dire need to repent and give thanks for God’s grace, mercy and salvation…all possible because of His only Son Jesus. And as we repent, we see the need to turn from the way we were into a new way of righteousness…all through living our lives as Jesus lived His. This commitment toward holiness will not only lead us to the proper appreciation for all that Jesus did for us but also lead us to a life that emulates and honors Him.
Question: What are your plans for this Lenten season? Will it be just 40 days of business as usual? Or will you see your obligation to give Jesus your full and undivided attention…your very life? For that is just what He gave us.
Have a blessed Lenten observance everyone and thank you Jesus for all You have done, all You are doing and all You have yet to do to save us.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Today marks the first day of one of the most significant periods of the Christian calendar…the season of Lent. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is a 40 day period of prayer, fasting, reflection and repentance lasting until Easter with the 40 days symbolizing the time Jesus spent in the wilderness after His baptism by John…a period which culminated in Satan attempting to tempt Him.
So as we prepare for the death and resurrection of our Savior, I wanted to offer the following exposition of the word Lent…turning it into a holy acronym. Enjoy.
1. L = Look inside.
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…" Isaiah 30:15
Lent is a time of special self reflection…a time to take account of anything inside of you that would draw you away from God’s will and way for your life. We all have room to improve because we’re all sinners and imperfect. We all fall short of God’s grace and favor…but the good news is that we can grow ever closer to Him and the person He wants us to be if we just commit to model ourselves after the One He sent to walk among us in perfect righteousness…His only Son Jesus. And this leads me to "E".
2. E = Examine Jesus.
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:4-5
Lent is a great time of year to focus in on the life and ministry of Jesus for if we are truly going to be His disciples and carry out His Great Commission (and in doing so His work) then we had better examine Him and seek to be just like Him. After all the very root of the word Christian is Christ. Jesus is supposed to be at the heart of every person who professes to be of Him. And yet, we too often proclaim Him and yet not represent Him properly. This Lenten season, make it a priority to read the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The key to knowing Jesus is contained within them and we can’t possibly be like Him if we don’t know Him. Hopefully, our prayerful study will take us to the "N" in my Lent acronym.
3. N = New focus.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11
As we study Jesus, we see our flaws exposed and are able to renew our efforts to correct our shortcomings to be more like Jesus in every way. In other words, we gain a new focus on areas of our lives that need correction. Whether that focus is on our sinfulness…our hopelessness without Jesus…His teachings, mannerisms, and power…His sacrifice for us…His victory over death…or hopefully all of the above and more, we come to a place of greater appreciation for what He has done for us and a clear set of initiatives to become more like Him. And this will take us to the final letter "T".
4. T = Turn toward righteousness.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30
As we see our weaknesses exposed and the places in our lives that need corrected, we see our dire need to repent and give thanks for God’s grace, mercy and salvation…all possible because of His only Son Jesus. And as we repent, we see the need to turn from the way we were into a new way of righteousness…all through living our lives as Jesus lived His. This commitment toward holiness will not only lead us to the proper appreciation for all that Jesus did for us but also lead us to a life that emulates and honors Him.
Question: What are your plans for this Lenten season? Will it be just 40 days of business as usual? Or will you see your obligation to give Jesus your full and undivided attention…your very life? For that is just what He gave us.
Have a blessed Lenten observance everyone and thank you Jesus for all You have done, all You are doing and all You have yet to do to save us.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
AMAZING GRACE
My wife and I attend Bayside Baptist Church in Virginia Beach VA (please stop by and worship with us if you're ever in the neighborhood).
This morning, we watched a quick video concerning the song Amazing Grace, one of my most favorite hymns. I wanted to share this with you and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0
In Christ,
Mark
This morning, we watched a quick video concerning the song Amazing Grace, one of my most favorite hymns. I wanted to share this with you and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0
In Christ,
Mark
Monday, December 31, 2007
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FROM THE WORD OF GOD
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and advise one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:12-17
Several years ago, I was asked to deliver the message at a church service just before New Year’s Day. The Lord placed the following on my heart as I was thinking about what He would want our resolutions to be for the New Year. He gave me ten resolutions from Paul’s words to the church in Colosse. I pray they will be a blessing to you as get set to enter 2008. Feel free to share with others and may the Lord richly bless you and yours in all things. I will continue our journey through Exodus tomorrow.
Ten resolutions for 2008 from the Word of God:
10. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
How many of you are very selective in the things you wear? Most people are. Dressing properly takes time and careful consideration over style and color of what we’ll don. We want to ensure we look the best as we enter a world where others will see us.
So how well do we also select the way we clothe ourselves with our attitudes and demeanors? Do we take as much time to properly prepare ourselves before we go out and let others see what we look like on the inside? Look at the things that God’s word says should be part of our inner wardrobe:
- Compassion which consists of affection, tenderness, pity, and mercy
- Kindness which can include courtesy, favor, good deeds and goodwill
- Humility…a spirit of mildness, humbleness, surrender and modesty
- Gentleness which involves sensitivity, friendliness and politeness
and
- Patience…one’s ability to remain calm, composed, cool under pressure
So how well dressed are you on the inside? In this new year, maybe a makeover might be in order.
9. Bear with each other
What does it mean to bear with one another? Can you think of someone right now who just seems to get under your skin? Someone who annoys you to no end?
Resolve in the new year to be more tolerant. To respect others. To stop looking so closely at a person’s shortfalls in spite of ignoring all of yours…for we’re all flawed and imperfect when we get down to the truth of the matter.
So seek to be more understanding of others and strive to resolve differences when they occur. Seek to rebuild bridges instead of burning or tearing them down. Pray for those who you differ with and seek reconciliation in the year ahead.
8. Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
We all know what forgiveness is…putting it into action is often the real problem.
If left to our own devices, we could easily wiggle our way out of forgiving some people by deciding who we wanted to forgive and who we didn’t want to. We would turn forgiveness into a selective process.
That’s why scripture had to put down strict guidelines to govern our forgiveness. Hear the word of God from verse 13: Forgive as the Lord forgave you. WOW! This takes all the guesswork out of forgiveness. For we must forgive everyone without exception. If you doubt that, then I ask if there has been anything you have done that the Lord has not forgiven you for? The first steps to inner healing when you are burdened with anger or hatred toward another is to say the words I forgive, then resign to pray for that person as being just like you…a sinner who is only saved through the amazing grace of God through Jesus Christ. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
7. Over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.
The package of prior resolutions all revolve around love which is central to the greatest commandments of Jesus. Remember His answer when asked about the greatest commandments? He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Then He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:36-40)
If you truly love God with all that you are, you will easily embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with and forgiving one another, all in the name of love through the One who showed and taught us what love is all about. So when you unwrap the gift of this new year, take off the ribbon of love that is on the gift of Jesus and see what is inside the package. In it are priceless treasures in and of the Savior…the Christ who we should be seeking to be like in every way. And the first thing we see when we look at Him is love. So put Him on your heart…wear Him with pride…and let love rule supreme in you this coming year.
6. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
In a world full of violence, confusion, problems and constant change, peace is sometimes very hard to come by, isn’t it? I think that’s why we were given the words of God found in Philippians 4:6-7:
"Do not be anxious about anything but give your concerns to God in prayer and petition and with thanksgiving. So you might find the peace of God that transcends all understanding and your hearts and minds will be guarded in Christ Jesus."
In 2008, God would want us to remember that He is the only One who is fully able and ready to handle any problem we have. And when we truly lay our burdens at His feet and allow Him to work awesome miracles in our lives, then we can fully experience that peace that transcends all understanding...a peace that will ensure our hearts are guarded by Christ Jesus. I pray that peace will rule your hearts and the hearts of all creation in the new year.
5. Be thankful
There’s a popular saying that says, "Count your blessings...and when you get done, count them again." Too often, we lose sight of all the great and awesome things the Lord has done in our lives. In fact, just me being here writing this and you being where you are reading it is a blessing in its own right and something we should be greatly thankful for.
For it’s only due to God’s love and mercy and grace that we are here, even though we are all undeserving sinners before Him. It’s easy in life to curse our circumstances at any one time but if we truly stop and take an account of how very blessed we have been in our life, we can keep our attitude focused and centered on thanksgiving and praise unto the One who gives us every good and perfect thing from above.
Be thankful…in all circumstances.
4. Let the word of God dwell in you richly
How good are you at time management? Our days seem to get ever more busier as we run from obligation to obligation…from event to event. There seldom seems to be enough time in the day. In fact, too often as we arrange and prioritize our time, we schedule so much that we squeeze the most important things out…like quiet time with the Lord in prayer and scripture reading.
For God blesses us with time. We all get 24 hours a day and He expects us to invest it wisely. Yet, too often we skip giving some of that time to Him every day and jump into life lacking the wisdom, guidance and strength we need to make it through situations we encounter. We often sit in dismay and depression…lost and in need of help, even when that help is just a few minutes of prayer or bible reading away.
Friends…all the wisdom, strength and guidance we need is fully found in the bible...God’s Holy Word…His instruction manual on life given to us to help us make it day by day by day. When we read it, study it, and pray over it, then it comes to dwell in our hearts and minds, illuminating our path as we walk down the path of life. I believe that God would say to us in 2008...make time for my word so you know what you’re doing with the life and time I have provided…and let that word live in your heart and mind forever more.
3. Teach and advise one another with all wisdom
We can only do this if we have wisdom within us. And that wisdom is not our own wisdom or worldly wisdom but the wisdom that comes from the Father above.
This resolution only happens when we adhere to the last resolution and let God’s word dwell richly within us. Our study of Holy Scripture will lead to spiritual wisdom as it takes hold within our hearts. Then, God would say, "Don’t keep My word to yourself but rather take the learning you have received from Me and use it to teach one another." In fact, Jesus gave us that instruction in His Great Commission. He told us to "teach others to obey all that He had commanded." (Matthew 28:20)
So we learn His commandments and understand His expectations only by reading the Bible, meditating on our reading and then putting it into action. The call in 2008 is for us to be proactive in our teaching others about Jesus using the wisdom God places within us.
2. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God
Do you have a favorite song? What is it about that song that makes it your favorite? Most often, it is because the song makes you feel good. It has a way of elevating you above whatever might be happening in your day and brings joy to you for the moment you listen to it.
Personally, I have found that music has an effect on the soul unlike any other medium. Whether it is a praise and worship song, a contemporary Christian song or a classic hymn, spiritual music is a gift from God that brings us into the attitude of worship and adoration unlike any secular song can. In 2008, examine the music you’re listening to. Does it glorify God? Does it edify you spiritually?
My prayer would be that you truly sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart toward God. And when you lift your voice up, do so in a way that the Lord will feel your fullest gratitude. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
1. Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
Is there anymore suitable number 1 resolution that God would have for us in 2008 or any other year for that matter?
For in this resolution, there is no gray area…no exception…just the requirement for us all to do everything in the name of Jesus and all the while giving thanks to God for the indescribable gift of salvation and eternal life through His Son who He gave freely to pay the price for our sins.
Once again I ask, is there any greater resolution we could make for the new year? And is there any more challenging resolution for us to carry out in such a sin-filled world?
The good news is that we can meet this challenge…just as we can meet any challenge…through the power and strength of the Christ within us. Truly, we can "do all things through Christ who strengthens us." (Philippians 4:13).
In this new year, I pray we will live out the verses of this word of God from Colossians. For if we do, we will find ourselves in the very spirit of God’s will for us in Christ Jesus!
I look forward to a great year ahead in the Lord and wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Several years ago, I was asked to deliver the message at a church service just before New Year’s Day. The Lord placed the following on my heart as I was thinking about what He would want our resolutions to be for the New Year. He gave me ten resolutions from Paul’s words to the church in Colosse. I pray they will be a blessing to you as get set to enter 2008. Feel free to share with others and may the Lord richly bless you and yours in all things. I will continue our journey through Exodus tomorrow.
Ten resolutions for 2008 from the Word of God:
10. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
How many of you are very selective in the things you wear? Most people are. Dressing properly takes time and careful consideration over style and color of what we’ll don. We want to ensure we look the best as we enter a world where others will see us.
So how well do we also select the way we clothe ourselves with our attitudes and demeanors? Do we take as much time to properly prepare ourselves before we go out and let others see what we look like on the inside? Look at the things that God’s word says should be part of our inner wardrobe:
- Compassion which consists of affection, tenderness, pity, and mercy
- Kindness which can include courtesy, favor, good deeds and goodwill
- Humility…a spirit of mildness, humbleness, surrender and modesty
- Gentleness which involves sensitivity, friendliness and politeness
and
- Patience…one’s ability to remain calm, composed, cool under pressure
So how well dressed are you on the inside? In this new year, maybe a makeover might be in order.
9. Bear with each other
What does it mean to bear with one another? Can you think of someone right now who just seems to get under your skin? Someone who annoys you to no end?
Resolve in the new year to be more tolerant. To respect others. To stop looking so closely at a person’s shortfalls in spite of ignoring all of yours…for we’re all flawed and imperfect when we get down to the truth of the matter.
So seek to be more understanding of others and strive to resolve differences when they occur. Seek to rebuild bridges instead of burning or tearing them down. Pray for those who you differ with and seek reconciliation in the year ahead.
8. Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
We all know what forgiveness is…putting it into action is often the real problem.
If left to our own devices, we could easily wiggle our way out of forgiving some people by deciding who we wanted to forgive and who we didn’t want to. We would turn forgiveness into a selective process.
That’s why scripture had to put down strict guidelines to govern our forgiveness. Hear the word of God from verse 13: Forgive as the Lord forgave you. WOW! This takes all the guesswork out of forgiveness. For we must forgive everyone without exception. If you doubt that, then I ask if there has been anything you have done that the Lord has not forgiven you for? The first steps to inner healing when you are burdened with anger or hatred toward another is to say the words I forgive, then resign to pray for that person as being just like you…a sinner who is only saved through the amazing grace of God through Jesus Christ. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
7. Over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.
The package of prior resolutions all revolve around love which is central to the greatest commandments of Jesus. Remember His answer when asked about the greatest commandments? He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Then He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:36-40)
If you truly love God with all that you are, you will easily embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with and forgiving one another, all in the name of love through the One who showed and taught us what love is all about. So when you unwrap the gift of this new year, take off the ribbon of love that is on the gift of Jesus and see what is inside the package. In it are priceless treasures in and of the Savior…the Christ who we should be seeking to be like in every way. And the first thing we see when we look at Him is love. So put Him on your heart…wear Him with pride…and let love rule supreme in you this coming year.
6. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
In a world full of violence, confusion, problems and constant change, peace is sometimes very hard to come by, isn’t it? I think that’s why we were given the words of God found in Philippians 4:6-7:
"Do not be anxious about anything but give your concerns to God in prayer and petition and with thanksgiving. So you might find the peace of God that transcends all understanding and your hearts and minds will be guarded in Christ Jesus."
In 2008, God would want us to remember that He is the only One who is fully able and ready to handle any problem we have. And when we truly lay our burdens at His feet and allow Him to work awesome miracles in our lives, then we can fully experience that peace that transcends all understanding...a peace that will ensure our hearts are guarded by Christ Jesus. I pray that peace will rule your hearts and the hearts of all creation in the new year.
5. Be thankful
There’s a popular saying that says, "Count your blessings...and when you get done, count them again." Too often, we lose sight of all the great and awesome things the Lord has done in our lives. In fact, just me being here writing this and you being where you are reading it is a blessing in its own right and something we should be greatly thankful for.
For it’s only due to God’s love and mercy and grace that we are here, even though we are all undeserving sinners before Him. It’s easy in life to curse our circumstances at any one time but if we truly stop and take an account of how very blessed we have been in our life, we can keep our attitude focused and centered on thanksgiving and praise unto the One who gives us every good and perfect thing from above.
Be thankful…in all circumstances.
4. Let the word of God dwell in you richly
How good are you at time management? Our days seem to get ever more busier as we run from obligation to obligation…from event to event. There seldom seems to be enough time in the day. In fact, too often as we arrange and prioritize our time, we schedule so much that we squeeze the most important things out…like quiet time with the Lord in prayer and scripture reading.
For God blesses us with time. We all get 24 hours a day and He expects us to invest it wisely. Yet, too often we skip giving some of that time to Him every day and jump into life lacking the wisdom, guidance and strength we need to make it through situations we encounter. We often sit in dismay and depression…lost and in need of help, even when that help is just a few minutes of prayer or bible reading away.
Friends…all the wisdom, strength and guidance we need is fully found in the bible...God’s Holy Word…His instruction manual on life given to us to help us make it day by day by day. When we read it, study it, and pray over it, then it comes to dwell in our hearts and minds, illuminating our path as we walk down the path of life. I believe that God would say to us in 2008...make time for my word so you know what you’re doing with the life and time I have provided…and let that word live in your heart and mind forever more.
3. Teach and advise one another with all wisdom
We can only do this if we have wisdom within us. And that wisdom is not our own wisdom or worldly wisdom but the wisdom that comes from the Father above.
This resolution only happens when we adhere to the last resolution and let God’s word dwell richly within us. Our study of Holy Scripture will lead to spiritual wisdom as it takes hold within our hearts. Then, God would say, "Don’t keep My word to yourself but rather take the learning you have received from Me and use it to teach one another." In fact, Jesus gave us that instruction in His Great Commission. He told us to "teach others to obey all that He had commanded." (Matthew 28:20)
So we learn His commandments and understand His expectations only by reading the Bible, meditating on our reading and then putting it into action. The call in 2008 is for us to be proactive in our teaching others about Jesus using the wisdom God places within us.
2. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God
Do you have a favorite song? What is it about that song that makes it your favorite? Most often, it is because the song makes you feel good. It has a way of elevating you above whatever might be happening in your day and brings joy to you for the moment you listen to it.
Personally, I have found that music has an effect on the soul unlike any other medium. Whether it is a praise and worship song, a contemporary Christian song or a classic hymn, spiritual music is a gift from God that brings us into the attitude of worship and adoration unlike any secular song can. In 2008, examine the music you’re listening to. Does it glorify God? Does it edify you spiritually?
My prayer would be that you truly sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart toward God. And when you lift your voice up, do so in a way that the Lord will feel your fullest gratitude. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
1. Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
Is there anymore suitable number 1 resolution that God would have for us in 2008 or any other year for that matter?
For in this resolution, there is no gray area…no exception…just the requirement for us all to do everything in the name of Jesus and all the while giving thanks to God for the indescribable gift of salvation and eternal life through His Son who He gave freely to pay the price for our sins.
Once again I ask, is there any greater resolution we could make for the new year? And is there any more challenging resolution for us to carry out in such a sin-filled world?
The good news is that we can meet this challenge…just as we can meet any challenge…through the power and strength of the Christ within us. Truly, we can "do all things through Christ who strengthens us." (Philippians 4:13).
In this new year, I pray we will live out the verses of this word of God from Colossians. For if we do, we will find ourselves in the very spirit of God’s will for us in Christ Jesus!
I look forward to a great year ahead in the Lord and wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Saturday, December 1, 2007
AN AROMA OF CHRIST IN SINGAPORE
Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
I had an awesome experience today and wanted to share it so count this as a bonus blog entry.
As you all know, I have been on a trip halfway around the world this week…a trip that started in Washington DC last Sunday (November 25th) and went to Honolulu, Tokyo, Singapore and the island of Diego Garcia before returning home a week later on Sunday, December 2nd.
This morning, Saturday, December 1st, I arrived back in Singapore after flying through the early morning hours onboard a military transport plane. I had worked all day Friday up to my flight and arrived at the Singapore Hilton exhausted. So I took a short sleep after getting to my room and then ventured out to do a little shopping for Grace and my daughters (I try to come home with souvenirs when I go abroad).
Well, I was looking for a place to shop and found this nice little indoor mall called the "Far East Plaza". Inside, it was a bustling atmosphere with lots of people shopping and Christmas music playing. After working my way up the fourth and final floor, I had been successful in finding some nice items for my family and was about to leave and get something to eat. The fourth floor seemed to be just a lot of restaurants and nothing more but just as I turned to leave and head down the escalator. Something caused me to look to the end of the hallway where I was standing. I couldn’t see what was at the end of the hall but I felt the urge to walk down to the end to see what was down there.
Well, as I walked past this long line of restaurants and approached the store at the very end of the hall, I heard music coming from the story…music that was saying in English, "I love you God…" It was a praise and worship song and the store was a Christian book store! J And what a wonderful store it was.
I found my tired body and soul reenergized as I shopped around and listed to the wonderful praise music playing. I found a great book to read on my long flight home and then had to tell someone in the store about how blessed I felt to find their store. This led me to Ming.
Ming and I had a wonderful conversation as I thanked her for having such a wonderful store and telling her how much it blessed my heart. We shared several minutes of fellowship and then I told her about The Christian Walk ministry. She took my URL and I told her I intended on writing about my experience today. I look forward to hopefully continuing communication and promised her a free copy of my first book which I plan on getting to press sometime in 2008.
Why do I share this story with you? Because it testifies to what we are assured by in the scriptures. God is always with us…no matter where we go. His presence is revealed in so many different ways. Today, it was at the Christian Book and Gift Corner in the Far East Plaza in Singapore off of Scotts Road…a beacon of light to all.
In closing, Paul’s words from Second Corinthians rings so true in my experience today. For truly God led me down that mall hallway "in triumphal procession in Christ" and "through (Ming and her store) spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. What a blessing this place was for me…the weary traveler with a slight cold who needed an injection of Vitamin C (Vitamin Christ). Ming, I hope you read this for you "are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." God bless you!
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
PS 2: Would you like to send Ming encouragement? Her e-mail address in Singapore is crestchristian@pacific.net.sg
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
I had an awesome experience today and wanted to share it so count this as a bonus blog entry.
As you all know, I have been on a trip halfway around the world this week…a trip that started in Washington DC last Sunday (November 25th) and went to Honolulu, Tokyo, Singapore and the island of Diego Garcia before returning home a week later on Sunday, December 2nd.
This morning, Saturday, December 1st, I arrived back in Singapore after flying through the early morning hours onboard a military transport plane. I had worked all day Friday up to my flight and arrived at the Singapore Hilton exhausted. So I took a short sleep after getting to my room and then ventured out to do a little shopping for Grace and my daughters (I try to come home with souvenirs when I go abroad).
Well, I was looking for a place to shop and found this nice little indoor mall called the "Far East Plaza". Inside, it was a bustling atmosphere with lots of people shopping and Christmas music playing. After working my way up the fourth and final floor, I had been successful in finding some nice items for my family and was about to leave and get something to eat. The fourth floor seemed to be just a lot of restaurants and nothing more but just as I turned to leave and head down the escalator. Something caused me to look to the end of the hallway where I was standing. I couldn’t see what was at the end of the hall but I felt the urge to walk down to the end to see what was down there.
Well, as I walked past this long line of restaurants and approached the store at the very end of the hall, I heard music coming from the story…music that was saying in English, "I love you God…" It was a praise and worship song and the store was a Christian book store! J And what a wonderful store it was.
I found my tired body and soul reenergized as I shopped around and listed to the wonderful praise music playing. I found a great book to read on my long flight home and then had to tell someone in the store about how blessed I felt to find their store. This led me to Ming.
Ming and I had a wonderful conversation as I thanked her for having such a wonderful store and telling her how much it blessed my heart. We shared several minutes of fellowship and then I told her about The Christian Walk ministry. She took my URL and I told her I intended on writing about my experience today. I look forward to hopefully continuing communication and promised her a free copy of my first book which I plan on getting to press sometime in 2008.
Why do I share this story with you? Because it testifies to what we are assured by in the scriptures. God is always with us…no matter where we go. His presence is revealed in so many different ways. Today, it was at the Christian Book and Gift Corner in the Far East Plaza in Singapore off of Scotts Road…a beacon of light to all.
In closing, Paul’s words from Second Corinthians rings so true in my experience today. For truly God led me down that mall hallway "in triumphal procession in Christ" and "through (Ming and her store) spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. What a blessing this place was for me…the weary traveler with a slight cold who needed an injection of Vitamin C (Vitamin Christ). Ming, I hope you read this for you "are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." God bless you!
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
PS 2: Would you like to send Ming encouragement? Her e-mail address in Singapore is crestchristian@pacific.net.sg
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
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