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Friday, September 29, 2017

Matthew 11:28-30

""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

- Life is so draining! Everyday can be filled with so much drama, worry, endless struggles, and countless burdens.
- Jesus wants us to cast all our troubles into him. He wants to be the source of our relief! He wants to give us rest!
- Jesus understands our struggles. He has experienced them first hand!
- We all wear a yoke. We have a choice each morning to choose which yoke we want to wear!
- The yoke of the world is heavy with sin and produce only regret. The yoke that Jesus provides is light and easy to manage. God does not give us more than we can handle. The world will unload on you and crush you.
- True rest, rest for your soul is only found in Jesus. We chase after many things to find rest and nothing of this world can truly satisfy us.
- Jesus is not going to force his yoke on us. We have to chose to pick it up. We have to let down the yoke of guilt and sin and pick up the yoke of Christ. You can't carry both.


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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Psalms 46:1-11

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:1-11‬


- Hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe.
- Who or what are you battling without God? What great foe do you need rescuing from? We must turn to God for deliverance!
- Psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear. In the face of utter destruction, God has the ability to save us.
- God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. God is our eternal refuge and will provide strength.
- Never abandon your walk with God. Remember what God has done and have faith in what he will do!
-Be still and know that God is in control. He will fight the battle for us. Through his strength we will find victory!


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Sunday, September 24, 2017

I believe in God but...not organized religion!

I believe in God but...not organized religion!

Our world loves the idea of community. Team building and team work is a focal point in corporate America. As a society we work together and believe in community on a number of things. Our recognizes that working together is a good thing. God values community and team work as well which is why he created his church! Sadly organized religion is not valued in the same way. Church is frowned upon by many and membership levels all over the country are declining!

Why do people reject organized religion? For one they are just against church in general. Why? Too often many churches have not been what God intended. People get hurt by the hypocrisy and division in most church's today! As a result people have given up on the idea of church! More harm than good has been done in the name of religion. Church has become more like a business than a house of God!

Why do people reject organized religion? Secondly, some are in favor of a solo relationship with God. A personal relationship with God is a good thing. But our relationship with God was never meant to be complete independent. 1 John 4:20. Solo Christianity means you pick the parts of Christianity you like and discard what you don't like. You determine your own theology and become your own moral campus.

Why did Jesus embrace organized religion? All he new was communal relationships with God and man. Community is fundamental to who God is. The trinity is a great example of this! We are desperately made in His image! Life in Jesus day was community. Prayer was done together. Scriptures were read in the synagogues and read together. Confession and repentance was public. They ate together and worshiped together!

Everything in the way Jesus lived was communal. His ministry and his teachings displayed a sense of community. How often do you pray and read with other people? Jesus rejected everyone of the flaws in religion. The corruption, legalism, hypocrisy, and bigotry! Jesus embrace the church that God intended!

1 Corinthians 12 -- the church is meant to be like a body! 1 Timothy 3:15 the church was intended to be a body but was also intended to be a family! Family is a beautify thing but families can be broken. The same with church. A house full of broken sinners coming together in the image of God! Jesus intended the church to be a family. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 what did Jesus intend the church to be? Ambassadors of Jesus. Reconciler's who work together to help other people reconcile with God!

Unity, sacrifice, love for one another...etc are not even possible without God and without community!




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Saturday, September 23, 2017

Luke 12:4-7

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Luke 12:4‭-‬7 NASB

* There is no fear in death when you know where you are going. Trusting in God and being confident in your faith can lead a man to face any hardship or pain without fear.

* God cares for you! God is never too busy or he never has too many concerns. He cares about the little details in your life and his focus is on you and his will is to deliver you!

* When we realize how much we are worth to God and understand what he has in store for us, we can conquer any problem and face any challenge. Life and death only have meaning through God!

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

1 Peter 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,"
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  • We were born destined for destruction. We were born hopeless. Praise God for Jesus! We don't deserve anything and yet through his mercy he has giving us the chance to rewrite our destiny!
  • Reborn! Start over! Begin again! What have you be reborn into? What new life have you been given through Jesus? There should be noticeable change. From one being to another completely different being.
  • There is power in Jesus's resurrection! The power to save and heal! Jesus conquered death and was raised to a new life. His death has enabled us to live a new life as well. We too must die. We must let go of our old self and die to our sinful nature and be raised to a new life with Christ!
  • Our reward can never spoil nor fade and is everlasting. Nothing on earth can compare to what God has in store for us. God is waiting in heaven and longs to see us face to face! What mind can fathom the great riches that God has prepared for us in heaven? Any struggle, hardship or pain we may face on earth is a worthy price to pay for eternity with God!

Saturday, September 16, 2017

John 14:21

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.""
‭‭John‬ ‭14:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

- Just like in any relationship love is so much more than a feeling. It's the same with God. He doesn't just want us to have feelings of affection. He wants the type of love that compels us to be obedient!

- Our relationship with God is reciprocal. He initiated the love by offering his Son. We in return love God back by offering our selves as a sacrifice.

- There is a chain reaction. We accept Jesus and love him and in return we receive a relationship with God. Everything starts with Jesus. We cannot claim to love God and not love Jesus.

- Jesus will reveal himself to us more and more overtime as we love him and love God the way he calls us too!

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Monday, September 11, 2017

Communion

Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Do this in remembrance of me! We remember Jesus every week. We reflect on Christ sacrifice and we are looking forward to Jesus return! Communion is mor than a memorial. We must examine our selves! We reflect on the cross and make decision to change the areas in our lives that do not represent Jesus! Communion is the focal point of our worship service to God!

John 6:53-58
Unless we acknowledge Jesus death our religion is worthless. With out the cross we the message of Jesus is worthless. Participating in communion is participating in Jesus death. Eternal life is only found in Jesus and in His death!

1 Corinthians 11:27-32
We eat and drink judgement on our selves when we take communion in an unworthy manner. Communion is a time for us to repent. Taking communion with no intention of repenting is taking communion in an unworthy manner! This why we are able to take communion with glad and sincere hearts!




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Friday, September 8, 2017

2 Kings 5:10-14


2 Kings 5:10-14

10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: "Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy."

11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. "I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!" he said. "I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me!12 Aren't the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?" So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.

13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir,[a] if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!


  • Go wash in the Jordan seven times. Seems simple enough. When we have complex or hard to understand problems we think we need complex and hard solutions. That is never the case with God.
  • Naaman was angry for a few reasons. He though the Jordan river was beneath him. The Jordan river is where peasants bathed. He also lacked faith that such an easy task would have a miraculous affect.
  • Elisha could have chosen any rive. Elisha could have just said you are healed without any requirements. God used Elisha in the exact way he wanted and Naaman had to surrender to Gods will in order to be saved.
  • The act of dipping in the Jordan river did not save him. Submitting to God saved him.
  • This could also be Gods way of foreshadowing the baptism of salvation. The similarities are amazing. The act of getting baptized does not save you. Submitting to Gods will through accepting Jesus as Lord and getting baptized because God calls you to is what brings you into contact with the blood of Jesus.
  • Naaman was not just healed. He was renewed. He came out of the Jordan better than he was before his desease!
  • What has God been calling you to do to be healed that you have refused to submit to? Surrender to Gods will and allow true healing to take over your life!

Finding God in the Journey.

Finding God in the Journey.


Moses lived in a broken world, much like the broken world we live in today! There is a lot we can learn from the life of Moses. The Jews lifted Moses above the rest of the prophets and considered him the be the father of prophets. The Books of Moses are viewed to be superior to all the other books in the bible. What was Moses life like that made him into this man that was honored and loved for thousands of generations?

As Moses lived his life and went through the circumstances that he encountered he grew closer and closer to God!

Moses was born! Exodus 1:22 from the start his life was met with resistance! Exodus 2:1-10 Moses was Gods and intervened in his life the moment he was born! Same with us. God has intervened so many times in my life! The consequences of sins are harsh on children. Yet even in a horrible situation God delivered him and saved him at the same time he perfected his plan for Moses life!

Moses was born a Hebrew and raised in an Egyptian house. Which identity would Moses chose? Who are you? What identity have you adopted? The best way to answer "who are you" is to ask "whose are you". We are all Gods children and belong to him!

Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses refused to be defined by his upbringing and he refused to be defined by this world. Moses chose the life of a slave rather than a life of of comfort. Too many of us try to be a child of God and. Child of the world all at the same time! MosEs chose to not be apart of this world!

We need to understand our identity.

Exodus 2:11-15 Moses must have thought that closing Egyptian doors would lead to Hebrew doors opening for him and yet he was left without either! Moses wants to be accepted but ends up being rejected by both. In the end Moses chose an identity by looking ahead. He found his true identity in God!

Moses doesn't just chose God and then everything becomes easy. When you chose God, Satan goes on the attack. As soon as you chose God you become an enemy of Satan! Ephesians 6:12 we are in a spiritual battle. When we chose God we enter a spiritual war! Satan wants to convince us that our battle is with each other and against flesh and blood!

Ephesians 6:10-11 the faster we get our armor on the faster God is able to use us! It took Moses 40years in Median before he put on the Armor of God and was ready for battle! How long will it take you to put on your armor?












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The Storm is Passing Over

The Storm is Passing Over

Matthew 24:38-49

Natural disasters that happen all of a sudden help us to realize that everything is temporary. It foreshadows to what will come spiritually for those who do it God!

In Jesus day 1/2 of all children died before they lived to be 10yrs old. 1/3 would die before they turned 1yr old. When life is that harsh it is a constant reminder of how fragile and temporary our lives are.

Priorities change during life or death events. Things that don't matter fall to the back and we become focused on the most important things.

We are all made in the same image of the same God. In tragedy we come together and all forms of racism seem to disappear. Gods true power is displayed in humanity when we come together and are united in helping and serving each other.

Tragedy brings us clarity. Living each day as your last is not just a cliche but a very wise proverb. God expects us to live a focused life ready for Jesus return!

Luke 9:23

It is a daily struggle. What sins do I need to die to again? It's a daily decision that God calls us to make!

Luke 9:22 -- Jesus carried his cross everyday! He is not asking us to do anything that he has not done himself.



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Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Hebrews 11:6

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭

  • My lack of faith keeps me from pleasing God. If I can't believe in God with out doubt and have faith in him then who am I serving?
  • Intellectual belief is not faith. Faith causes action. Faith without deeds is dead. Faith in God is trusting in his power and entrusting ourselves to His will and His justice. 
  • You can be a good person and do good things and not be pleasing to God. You must believe in him and have faith in him.
  • Believing that he rewards those who seek him seems simple; however, this reward is not material things here on earth. When tragedy strikes and the struggle becomes real; how do you respond? Do you blame God or do you keep your faith that your reward is in heaven and God will keep his promises?
  • Seeking God is the key. Its a daily, hourly and even sometimes an minute by minute decision. Who are you seeking? What are you seeking? Where is your time and money invested? 

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Matthew 6:19-21

19 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

  • We are natural hoarders. We naturally seek security in material wealth. No matter how much we have, we desire more and more stuff.
  • God wants us to focus on our treasures in heaven. Heaven is a place waiting for us that is filled with things of real value. Complete paradise. No sin, no pain, no struggle, just the holiness of God and the opportunity for us to see him face to face!
  • The things of this world were not meant to last. We were not meant to live forever and yet we try to hold on to life and material things as though they were meant to satisfy us in some way. They do satisfy us temporarily but God provides true happiness and complete satisfaction.
  • When we put our treasures in heaven our hearts follow. We cannot have a heart for God and a heart for the things of this world. You must choose!
  • Where are you storing your treasures? Where is your heart?

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Isaiah 43:1-4

Isaiah 43:1-4

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
    I gave Ethiopia[a] and Seba in your place.
Others were given in exchange for you.
    I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
    You are honored, and I love you.

  • When you have paid for something and own it you tend to take care of it. We are Gods possession and he paid a heavy price for each one of us.
  • When he speaks we should listen and trust in his motives and believe his intentions.
  • We will not be spared from troubling times. It say "when" and not "if" you go through deep waters, difficult rivers, and walk through fires.
  • Although God allows us to go through tough times, God loves to deliver us. He loves to show his power and great love for us.
  • God will not allow us to drown or be consumed by the fire. We can trust in God that he will not give us more than we can bear and will always be there for us.
  • Vs 3-4 is past tense. Remember in years past how God delivered you. Look back see what God has done in your life and how he has spared you. Use those truths in your life to help build your faith going forward. God has proven time and time again that he will not forsake us.
  • We are precious to God and honored in his sight. We must never forget that. Satan wants us to devalue ourselves but we must not allow him to convince us that we are not precious in Gods sight. Remember that you were bought and paid for with precious blood of Jesus.
  • Regardless what happens in your life from that day forward you are blessed with salvation! Praise God!

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Romans 7:1-5

Romans 7:1-5

Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.


  • Laws are a good until they are broken. The Old Testament laws were very cumbersome and the religious leaders put many extra burdens on the people as well.
  • What a relief to know that God has done away with the legalism of the law and has provided grace and mercy through Jesus.
  • I no longer have to live in fear of breaking the law. My motives to serve and love God are based in Jesus and not on trying to be perfect which is I am unable to do.
  • What a burden that has been lifted!
  • The law is still right and just but God has provided a new way for me to live out his laws without being condemned for one infraction.
  • Under the law we are able to only produce fruit that leads to death.

  • By serving in "the new way of the spirit" I am free from the law and free to bear spiritual fruit for God.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Hebrews 2:10-11

Hebrews 2:10-11

10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.


  • God has chosen us as his children. His intention is to bring us into his glory to one day be with him. 
  • We cannot approach God the way we are. We need to be refined. Refined the way silver and gold are refined. Through the fire to remove all the impurities in our lives.
  • Jesus was molded by God into the savior of the world by his suffering. How do I view suffering? Do I see it the way God intended it? As a tool to mold and refine my character so that I can be more like him.
  • Jesus as my brother or sister. Think about that statement. Jesus is God and at the same time the Son of God. Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. By lowering himself to become human and also elevating us to the status of his equals by calling us brothers and sisters, He has set the ultimate example of humility
  • Jesus is not ashamed of who we are. Are you ashamed of who Jesus is? Does your life profess Jesus as Lord? He is our savior and one true king and the whole world should hear his praise coming from our lips!

Repentance and supplication

Repentance and supplication

Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.

Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.

Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.

Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.

Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.

Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!




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Friday, August 18, 2017

1 John 3:1-6

1 John 3:1-6

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.


  • Children of God! As sinful as we are God still considers us his children. When a prince knows he is a prince he holds his head up high. He walks in confidence because he is the Kings son. Similarly we have received authority from the Almighty God and are heirs to His throne! As God's children we too should walk in confidence and appreciate what it truly means to call God father and to have him call us his sons and daughters!
  • The world will never acknowledge us as God's children and that is okay. We are not seekers of the worlds approval. We live to honor and please God and knowing him calls us to give up our life of sin.
  • We are trapped in our earthly bodies; however, there is coming a time when Jesus will return and we will be transformed into our true state. We should work to purify our selves and die to sin in the hope that we can be like Jesus here and now.
  • By nature we are law breakers and sinners who have no hope of change. Through Jesus we are able to die to sin and live for him. In Jesus there is no condemnation for sin. Although we must strive to live pure lives and let go of our sinful desires, where we fall short, Jesus rescues us.
  • Sin pulls us away from Jesus and keeps us from knowing God. This is why it is so important that we stay honest with ourselves about sin in our lives and confess to one another so that we can be held accountable and truly repent.
  • What sins have been pulling you back into the world that you need to confess and repent of today?

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Romans 6:6-12

Romans 6:6-12 

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

12 Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires.


  • Being crucified with Christ is a necessary step to your conversion. In order to live with Christ we must first die to our selves and die to the sins that have trapped us our entire lives. What sins have you been a slave to? What sins have controlled you for far too long? Put them to death!
  • When we partake in Jesus's death and decide to crucify our selves and our sinful desires there is no power left in sin. Sin has no control over us.
  • Living with Christ does not mean we are sin free. It means that we are no longer slaves to sin. There is a difference. When you are a slave to something you have no self control. You go where it wants you to go. You react the way it wants you to react. Being set free in Christ means sin no longer has that power over you.
  • The fear of death is no longer a concern for someone who is alive in Christ. We know where we are going and what is waiting for us on the other side. When we were lost and filled with sin, death was an uncertain nightmare. Jesus has conquered death and has given us the power to conquer it as well!
  • Jesus died once and for all. Jesus death was all inclusive and his resurrection gives us confidence to know that some day we will be with him in glory! The power of the resurrection has been passed on to us.
  • Just as Jesus lives for the glory of God we too must lay down our lives and set aside our earthly desires and live for the glory of God in all that we do.
  • Sinful desires will always remaining; however, the power to overcome and not be in slaved by them has been given to us! Praise God for providing the way of our redemption!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 9:6-7

"A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. The authority of his rule will continue to grow. The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all."

Jesus was a gift from God given to all mankind!

God gave Jesus all authority and he rules over us. It's time to step off your throne and acknowledged Jesus as Lord! There can only be one King and Jesus is the perfect King who brings peace and rules out of love, grace and mercy!

His kingdom and authority will continue to grow and his dominion will never end. He brings everlasting peace and sets our hearts free from bondage! Jesus is worthy of our worship. There never has been or never will be a King like him before! His lineage is strong and his throne is undeniable! He is the rightful King and we should surrender our all to him!

Jesus is fair and just! He doesn't show favoritism or partiality! His love and mercy are free given and offered to all with out reservation!

His kingdom will be strong and secure. Fortified and built to last eternity! You can be secure in knowing the Jesus will never leave you and will always be there to protect you and defend you in times of trouble!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Hebrews 9:12-14

Hebrews 9:12-14

12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

  • The high priest could not enter the Holy of Holies without first cleansing himself. Jesus the ultimate high priest did not need to to do anything to enter the most holy place (Gods presence). Through his blood and sacrifice we too may enter freely.
  • What freedom we have in Christ to commune with God directly and have a relationship with Him that is unencumbered. Freely we are able to go to God at any time and he will listen to us and accept us in his presence because of the blood of Jesus that makes us clean!
  • Through Jesus, God released the requirements of the law and has allowed us to better serve God.
  • As a priest, serving God consisted of many rituals that took a lot of time and effort just to be clean so that God could be near them.
  • With all those rituals lifted and with Jesus's once and for all sacrifice; how much more time do we have to truly serve God in ways that directly impact the people around us.
  • We can go to God in prayer immediately, serve God through loving our neighbor, carrying each others burdens, calling one another to righteousness, and holding each other accountable.
  • This is now our acts of worship! Praise God and praise Jesus  for making this all possible
  • How am I spending my time?
  • In what ways can I use the time and freedom that God has given me to serve him more? 

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Sermon on the mount

Sermon on the mount

Matthew 7:28-29

When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!

What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!

Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.

Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.

When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!

Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!

Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?








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Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!

Best sermon every -- Sermon on the mount!

Matthew 7:28-29

It was not just Jesus words that made it the best sermon ever. It was his life behind those words that set him apart. He talked about real issues of the day that were current and relevant. Jesus spoke on the law and connected the actions of the law with what God wanted to produce in our hearts! He defined Gods intent with the law!

Jesus talked about salvation and who would be saved! Jesus's salvation was a new concept for the Jews. Prior to Jesus teaching the only way to obtain salvation was to be born a Jew. Jesus opened salvation to the entire world.

Matthew 7:13-14

Salvation was opened up to the entire world and yet only a few will find salvation. There is only one road or another. Many of us don't intentionally turn off the road to salvation but many of us make a 1 degree turn that is barely noticeable. 1 degree off of flush over 10 years becomes a 90 degree turn. Either your on the path or not. There is no alternate route regardless of how close you are to the path.

Matthew 12:33

There is no need to argue or speculate who is on the rights path or not. By their fruit you will know who is a disciple of Jesus and who is not! Your can argue doctrine but you cannot argue a changed life that has been impacted by Jesus! If your bearing bad fruit you are not apart of the good tree! That's a hard teaching to accept.

Matthew 7:21-22

Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will be saved! Jesus is Lord is the most powerful statement we can make and yet just saying it will not bring salvation. Many people who are religious are not going to make it. Been religious is not Gods standard.

Matthew 7:24-25

Everyone who puts these words of mine into practice will be saved! Words that lead to action! The Jews were know for knowing Gods word and yet many of them had hearts and actions that were far from it! We have to be willing to put every word into practice. This should be our life long goal as a disciple of Jesus!

It's not about how good of a builder you are, it's about what you are building on! What is your foundation? What are you building your house on? Life is going to happen no matter what you build on. Building on the rock does not keep you from facing trials and hardships, but it will give you the foundation to whether any storm!




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Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Repentance and supplication

Repentance and supplication

Repentance: sincere regret or remorse.

Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or HUMBLY.

Luke 11:4 forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

God free forgives and yet he wants us to ask for forgiveness.

Vs 4 When we confess through prayer and ask for forgiveness it clears our hearts and sets our minds for action.

Vs 4 When you see and acknowledge how sinful you are it's easier to forgive others when they sin against you.

Let's focus our hearts and our minds towards repenting in the areas we need to grow and forgiving our brothers and sister around us as we pray...amen!




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Sermon on the mount

Sermon on the mount

Matthew 7:28-29

When Jesus spoke there was power and authority behind it. It was his words and his commands. He was speaking for himself and God at the same time! When Jesus preached he also talked about what was relevant for the day. Jesus did not hide from any topic!

What are relevant topics for today? Jesus did not hide from any topics or social issue of the day. He also talked about things that were not on the minds of his listeners but were needed in their lives!

Jesus talked about Gods law in ways that were relevant to their day

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus speaks to some of the Jews most well known commands. He speaks on topics that they had debated for centuries! He cleared up all the misconceptions and contradictions of the day! Jesus connected gods law to the hearts of men.

Jesus never treated Gods law like a list of rules! Our nature desires rules and we love break things down into a list of rules. We hate following rules but we love to enforce rules on other people. Jesus showed them gods heart behind each law.

When you look at the heart behind a law it advocates for grace! When you just make a list of rules there is no place for grace!

Jesus did not replace the law with conscience. The law is not a loose set of guidelines that are directed by your conscience. Jesus came to for fill the law. "Always let your conscience be your guide" was never Jesus intention! The law is the law and should be followed. Jesus said that he would not remove one pen stroke from the law. A clean conscience means nothing when your in disobedience to Gods word. Your conscience is not the moral authority of the world!

Jesus addressed the heart with out changing the law. He took the law to a deeper level of commitment. Jesus freed us from the law so that there is nothing holding us back. So that we could give everything, be freed from guilt, and love with the right intentions, without a check list. How do you view Gods law? Are just a set of guidelines or do you look at it as a tool to reveal and shape your heart?








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Monday, July 31, 2017

Gifts Are More Important Than Roles




Gifts are important over roles 

1 Corinthians 12: 13-26 

Every role is important in the body; every role is important. 

Every part matters!! 

  • eagerly desire to grow our gifts!! 

"In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:8-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier




Love is Messy - Unconditional Love is Messier

The concept of unconditional love is great and ideal for those of us that have proclaimed Christ as our Lord, but it can also be a daunting and quite perplexing at times. 
  
Most of the time I don't realize how conditional my love for others is. And when I get hurt because my conditions have not been met, disappointment sets is, resentment and bitterness can quickly creep in. When I least expect it, i have shut down, and shut out the people I am supposed to "love" so much. 

I then resort to self help books, seeking knowledge and self empowerment... and then I realize, 

No amount of sacrifice, knowledge, power, money, etc., will ever bring peace that comes from true love... we may deceive ourselves into thinking that we've "gained" or attained something, but God reminds us that we gain "nothing" seeking out these things. 
Scripture reminds us that true knowledge is attained only when we seek out God's heart -- "... God IS love." ~ 1 John 4: 8

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV



Here I Am Send Me




Here I Am Send Me - Philip 

God truly is in control... Acts 6

  1. Make yourself AVAILABLE Acts 8: 5-8

We must make ourselves available: when the right opportunity presents itself, we have to be available! 

Where is God wanting to send me this morning? How am I making myself available to be used by God? 

Why did God use Philip to go reach out to this influential person? 
God doesn't want titles, he wants a heart... he uses people that are willing to be used. 

Acts 3:8 - we have to be willing to sit down with others and take time out of the business of life to help others. 

  1. You must be FLEXIBLE 

We should be ready when and for whatever God sends me. 

John 12: 24 - sometimes we have to go through hard time in order for God to use us. 

  1. You have to be Knowledgeable 

We have to be in the word - talk about the word, and live it out!! 
 Read God's word, learn, apply!! Ask questions!!! Jesus was brilliant with the way he asked questions. 
Philip asked questions if the eunuch, then led him to Jesus!! 

Let's have the spirit of Philip "Here am I, send me!" 


Sunday, July 30, 2017

Here Am I Send Me - Phillip

Here Am I Send Me - Phillip

Acts 6, Not the apostle Philip. The Philip that was put in charge of ministering to the orphans and widows. He was willing to go anywhere and do anything for God no matter how big or small!

Acts 8:7-8;26-27

Philip made himself available to be used by God. Whether is was caring for orphans and widows or following the spirit and converting dignitaries and heads of states!

Are you available to God to be used in any way God calls you to? Make yourself available! God can use anyone and often times uses people of low stature to accomplish extraordinary things! Philip had no name, title or position!

Do you want to be used by God?

2 Corinthians 12:9; it's not about how weak and powerless we are but about how strong and powerful God is!

Acts 3:1-10 we serve and help the people around us with what we have. All you need is a serving heart!

Phillip was flexible. We must be flexible! The spirit leads and we should be flexible and follow. Phillip left everything and went out to an isolated desert road to reach out to one soul.

John 12:24 hear and I send me requires self denial. When we make Jesus lord and we put to death our sinful nature and our own wants and desires we can be used in a very powerful way for God!

Acts 8:30 Phillip knew the word of God. He was knowledgeable in the scriptures to be able to share the God
Spel with the Ethiopian eunuch! How knowledgeable are you? Can you teach someone what the scriptures say about Jesus, salvation, and Gods will? Read, learn and apply!

Here am I send me!

2 Kings 7:3-11

2 Kings 7:3-11

Desperate men. Death at every turn. Before life with God and before salvation we were also doomed. Any direct we took would end in death with out God. If your a desperate man or woman trapped on both sides then this is a story for you! God used his full power to save Israel from an inescapable situation.

Romans 10:15

When you're in a dark place and you receive good news it is beautiful! All these men had to do is move towards salvation. If they had not gotten up and went to the enemies camp they would have died steps away from the miraculous salvation that God provided! We cannot earn our salvation; how ever if we sit and do nothing God will not save us. We have to accept the message. We have to move towards God!

God didn't make it hard. He made it easy but he still required them to step towards him. What moves do I need to start making today towards God? Repenting of sin in my life or changing my attitude towards God? What challenges do you need to overcome?

We all need good news! These men are rescued and quickly realize that this good news is too big to keep it to themselves! They immediately shared it with the people around them! It's the same way when find God. We have found forgiveness in an amount that is far beyond what we need. We need to share the good news! Everyone needs the good news of God! Everywhere we go we are surrounded by spiritually starving people longing to be fed. Here am I send me!

The power of testimony!

The power of testimony!

1 Thessalonians 2:8

Gods word is limitless in its power! Gods word never returns empty. And yet Paul refers to Gods word as "not only". Gods word is full of power, has all authority, and never returns empty; however, sharing your life with someone has an equally powerful impact!
Gods word manifest in us and in our testimony. Gods power manifest in us and our testimony! Paul recognized this biblical truth.

Sharing the gospel of Christ should be coupled with sharing your testimony. The scriptures come alive when they are proven true in your life!

Keys to a testimony:

Who were you before you met God?
How did God break into your life?
What was key to changing my life?
Who am I now with God and what is he doing in my life?

Rehaboam: All or Nothing





Rehaboam: All or Nothing

1 Kings 11: 11-13

2 chronicles 10:12-15, 18

  • Partial Obedience Won't Cut It                      1 Chronicles ** Deuteronomy 17:14 -17 
       2 Chronicles 12:1, 11-12  Rehoboam was not completely evil; he was a man of partial obedience: submission to custom, but not to God's word. 

What areas in my life insinuating it self into my life? Do I hear what I want to hear? Or am I listening to God's word? 
Partial obedience does what it wants to hear; dilutes the word of God into cultural religion. Dilutes true worship - it's about others; not true Christianity = is about self. 
Partial obedience acts hastily; Following God when you're in need and rejecting God during good times. 
Partial obedience = partial blessings

2 Chronicles 12:2, 5, 8

If we are not fully obeying God, we are enslaved to sin! 

Acts 26:14 

Partial obedience will show up in our family life. 
We have a hard time loving; we demand things of others with hypocrisy. Our spiritual lives will also suffer - weakens relationships, we resent those that are the opposite of us. 

We need to obey fully!! Mark 10: 29-30

John 19:17-30 Jesus obeyed until the very end; taking care of others until the very end!!! 
Jesus's Full obedience brought about eternal life for us! Being made perfect by God!!! 

Monday, June 26, 2017

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Jude 1:3

Contend earnestly for the faith! What does that mean? To proclaim it, guard it, confirm it, fight for it! We are in the middle of the biggest cultural war that is being waged against Christianity. We are being forced to accept, bend, and water down our faith for the sake of tolerance. As shepherds and leaders of Gods church we need to contend earnestly for the faith!

We live in a socially acceptable godless word. God is being removed from every aspect of our lives through conformity. The moral rule book in the world is being re-written and the lines of morality are shifting. How can we make a difference?

The gospel with its call to repentance and a righteousness life style is viewed as a message of hate that excludes people. There is trouble in the world and there is trouble in the church. What do we stand for? What do we believe? There are so many more gray areas today. Gods world is black and white without double meanings or confusing contradictions.

We are guarding against sin as well as the culture shift. They call it new age or millennialism and accuse us of being old fashion or traditionalist. Gods word has to be our reference point.

2 Timothy 1:14 -- the early Christians were experiences the same struggles! 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2Timothy 4:3-4

2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:2-4 -- There is hope! The gospel of Christ changes lives and transcends all generations! Continuing in the faith! Stand firm! All scripture is God breathed! The bible is the answer!





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Saturday, June 24, 2017

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Shepherding in the 21st century!

Jude 1:3

Contend earnestly for the faith! What does that mean? To proclaim it, guard it, confirm it, fight for it! We are in the middle of the biggest cultural war that is being waged against Christianity. We are being forced to accept, bend, and water down our faith for the sake of tolerance. As shepherds and leaders of Gods church we need to contend earnestly for the faith!

We live in a socially acceptable godless word. God is being removed from every aspect of our lives through conformity. The moral rule book in the world is being re-written and the lines of morality are shifting. How can we make a difference?

The gospel with its call to repentance and a righteousness life style is viewed as a message of hate that excludes people. There is trouble in the world and there is trouble in the church. What do we stand for? What do we believe? There are so many more gray areas today. Gods world is black and white without double meanings or confusing contradictions.

We are guarding against sin as well as the culture shift. They call it new age or millennialism and accuse us of being old fashion or traditionalist. Gods word has to be our reference point.

2 Timothy 1:14 -- the early Christians were experiences the same struggles! 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2Timothy 4:3-4

2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:2-4 -- There is hope! The gospel of Christ changes lives and transcends all generations! Continuing in the faith! Stand firm! All scripture is God breathed! The bible is the answer!





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Father's Day

Father's Day

FATHER AND SON

God demonstrates in his relationship with Jesus what type of relationship he wants with us and how much he loves us.

John 6:40; John 3:16,36; John 6:29; John 11:25; John 14:1 God's will is that we will put our faith in Jesus! In the gospel of John there are over 70 passages on putting our trust in Jesus! Everything rides on how you feel about his son. You cannot have a relationship with God without trusting in Jesus.

John 3:35-36 Jesus has all authority given to him by God. God has also given Jesus the authority to judge us on whether or not we will have eternal life.

Revelations 3:21 God gives Jesus all authority and Jesus wants to pass that same authority onto us!

FATHERS IMPACT ON THIER SONS

Genealogies in the bible are very important. There are several in the Old Testament and New Testament.


Jesus learned everything from his father.

What Jesus did -- John 5:19;10:32;14:31
What Jesus said/taught -- John 3:31-32; 7:16; 12:49-50; 14:10,24

Fathers have a huge impact on their children.

John 8:25-47

Jesus redefined the genealogy of the Jews. No longer did it matter who your physical father was but who your spiritual father is. It no longer matters where you came from or what environment you grew up in. You have a choice in spiritual fathers. God or the devil! When people look at your life, when they hear what you say or see what you do, who do they think your father is?!

John 8:14 do you come from God and do you know where you are going?





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