Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!
A CHRISTIAN TEACHING AND RESOURCE MINISTRY!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Being Thankful For The Grace Of God

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)
When we come to realize the depth of our sin debt, we come to realize how wonderful the grace of God is. Because of His grace, we can be justifified through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
To be justified is to have our sin debt canceled in full. God does not hold us responsible for it any longer. Oh what peace comes when we realize what God has done for us. He could punish us for our sins, but instead He forgives our debt. What a precious gift this is. But along with this, we (by our faith), can stand in God's grace everyday of our lives. We can stand in His favor upon our lives, when we trust Him for victory in every battle we fight, in this life. His love, His strength, His insight is ours everyday we live, if we trust Him for it.  Does it get any better than this? It causes us to rejoice and give thanks, for this hope that we have. We have the hope of the glory of God. Because of His grace we can look forward to that day when the temptations and trials of this life are long gone, and we will live in peace for eternity. Of all the things that we have to be thankful for, I believe that God's grace is the most important. Becuase, not only for everyday, but for eternity, what would we do without it?

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Holding Fast To The Confession Of Our Hope!

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25) 
I truly believe that Satan is counting on us as leaders in the church to be in disagreement, and become apathetic, in regard to what we believe and practice. When we become divisive concerning Christian doctrine, it isn't long and we are on the path to death, concerning our Christian fellowship. Our fellowship (or) as the Greek word "koinonos" brings out, means "partnership" We are to be on the same page concerning our Christian doctrine. If we are not, the enemy will definitely get a foothold, and create division in our Christian community. It is so important that we as leaders partner together on what Ephesians 4:1-4 says:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body (The Church) and one Spirit (The Holy Spirit) just as you were called in one hope (The Resurrection of Jesus Christ) of your calling (To share the good news concerning Jesus Christ) one Lord (Jesus Christ) one faith (Trusting in Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord) one baptism (Water baptism by immersion, for salvation and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
I know as I write this, you may not interpret this the same way as I do. To you I say, please partner with those who do agree with you. There needs to be mutual love and respect, not division, as our enemy Satan desires of us. For us as leaders in (The Christian Churches and churches of Christ) we must "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23) How can we expect the members of our churches to "hold fast the confession of our hope",
if we don't? GP

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Establishing Our Abiding

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4) This verse speaks as much to our salvation, as it does to our Christian walk. How do we connect with the true vine, Jesus Christ? It is through our faith, and obedience. Our salvation depends upon us establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ, God's Son. Believing Jesus to be the Son of God, and our Savior, and being baptized into Him (Mark 16:16). This is the beginning step in our abiding in the true vine. If we don't establish this relationship, and maintain this relationship, Jesus goes on to say in v.5 that "without Me, you can do nothing."
I would be bold to say, that without Jesus, we have nothing, and we will do nothing. The result of being apart of the true vine, is bearing fruit. The fruit of the Spirit that Paul speaks about in Galatians 5:22-23 will be clearly seen by others. Its more than just establishing a religious tradition, or becoming a member of a church, it is establishing a relationship with the one who loves us, and wants us to be with Him for eternity. The one who wants us to be spiritually healthy, and productive in the Kingdom of God. Yes we are called to do kingdom work. We are called to reach people for Christ, to be apart of His kingdom as well. We can not lead people to a place we have never been. If we are not abiding in Christ, how can we help others to do so? Let's establish that relationship with Jesus. Let's get into the True Vine, and receive the blessings from God, that we can bless others with!  GP
Photo By: www.truevinefoodco-op.com Thank you!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Terror Or Triumph?

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) The word "terror" and "terrorism" is used a lot these days. If there is one thing Satan likes to implement, it is fear. When we are afraid, the next step is doubt. And he truly loves it when we doubt the security we have in the Lord. Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 2001, we as a nation have been looking over our shoulder. We have been cautions, and very careful not to let our guard down. When we go shopping, or attend social events, we are looking for that which is precarious or suspicious. With one eye open on where we are going, and the other eye on the behavior of everyone around us. The fear of what could happen, has robbed us of the peace and security the Lord wants us to have.
As Christians, we have been given three wonderful gifts, that the Apostle Paul shares with young Timothy, and with us.
In our relationship with God, we have 1) Power. We are to never walk in our own strength, but in the strength the Lord provides. No matter what happens (even if it means death) He will give us the strength to endure whatever comes our way. 2) Love. We are told in Scripture to not just look out for our enemies, but love them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44) 3) A Sound Mind. Fear finds a way to make us crack. But God's Word, helps us to keep our head, when trouble comes. His promises and His presence helps us to have thoughts of confidence. And in following through with those thoughts, our actions become solid and sure. Will you allow Satan to terrorize you today? Or will you accept these three wonderful gifts, and stand strong in your faith today! GP

Monday, October 13, 2014

Motives For Ministry

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) I want to shed some light on a passage of Scripture that addresses the various motives for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This does not just involve preachers in located ministries, but Christians who share the Gospel when the opportunities present themselves. (Please read Philippians 1:12-18) The main objective of the Apostle Paul's life, was to preach the Gospel. And where Paul wanted to take the Gospel one day, was to the city of Rome, the key city of the Roman empire. He ended up not going to Rome as a preacher, but as a prisoner. But even though he was in chains, the Gospel was not; and Paul had opportunity to share the Gospel, with people he never thought he would. So this is was Paul's motive for preaching the Gospel: To win as many as he could to Jesus Christ. I have found in the almost 40 years of the preaching ministry, that there are those in the Christian fellowship who understand the purpose of the ministry of the Gospel; and are inspired to be involved with strong confidence. But believe it or not, there are also those, who hold to a spirit of competition, where jealousy and selfishness, show their ugly heads. Even though the Gospel is being shared, it is done with an attitude of competition. I want people to see how good I can teach a class, I want others to know, how many people, I talk to about Christ. I want to be better at soul winning than anyone else in the church, and so on...The wrong and insincere motives, cause discouragement among the members of the family of God. When will we realize, that we are all on the same team; and our objective and goal in preaching the Gospel is the same: To have a compassion for lost souls, and to share with them a message that will lead them to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul ended this passage, by saying even though, there are different motives involved, "Christ is preached"(v.18) But it is so nice, when everyone is on the same page. GP
Picture By Gary Patterson TCJ 2014 All Rights Reserved.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Pleasing God With Our Faith

Hebrews 11:6
The trials of life can test every fiber of our being. Worry can eat us from the inside out, if we let it. Stomach ulcers, heart problems, painful headaches, a nervous breakdown, are all results of severe stress and anxiety. The question comes; How can we be at peace when it seems as if our world is crashing down around us? How can we make things right, when we face such limitations. The Hebrew writer tells us that the greatest way to please God, is to place our complete faith in Him.
To trust Him, no matter how severe a storm we are going through. We must "believe that God exists, and that He is the rewarder of all those who seek Him" (v.6) I remember my father-in-law being asked what he would do if the airplane he was on went down. He confidently responded: "Go with it!" He knew who had his life, and his soul, no matter what happened. I hope that I can have that much faith. All through the Bible, God has expected His people to exercise faith. In fact with Abraham, it was His faith that brought about His righteousness" (Galatians 3:6) And it is the same with us, as we trust in Jesus Christ, as our Savior, to provide the sacrifice needed to atone for our sins. We are to have complete faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. God is pleased with us, when we place our whole lives in His hands. He wants to provide the very best for us, and he wants us to have faith that He can, and will. No matter if you are dealing with a serious illness, or a financial situation, or a problem in a relationship. Believe, that God has your best interest at heart, and that He will provide the means for you to deal with these challenges. Let us say with the Apostle Paul: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) GP

Thursday, October 2, 2014

What About The Return of Christ?

"But of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." (Matthew 24:36) I am one that does not like to get caught up in the controversy over this subject. While we study the different millennial views, we lose sight of the fact that "no one knows" when Jesus is going to return for His church. And whether you believe in the Pre-Millennial view, the A-Millennial view, or the Post-Millennial view, etc., it is not as important as the Pro-Millennial view, and that is the view, that we are all for Jesus returning, and we are ready to go home with Him, when He comes. The Apostle Paul told the Christians at Thessalonica in his first letter to them: "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2) We will not know when Jesus is coming, but perfectly we will know that His coming will come unexpectedly. The question that should be of serious consideration is; "Are you ready, right now, if Jesus should return for you?" Have you accepted Him as your Savior? When He returns, will you be one of the saints who will be meeting Him in the air? (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) While time is spent debating the various end-time views, let us not lose sight of the opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with many who have not even placed their lives, in the saving arms of Jesus. As a Christian teacher, I would rather have us as Christians, be more prepared to share the Gospel, over being knowledgeable of end time events. Some may think that this is being narrow, but I believe it is being imperative! GP  

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Making Jesus Known

This is an outline by Adrian Rogers.


What Jesus called the Apostles to do, he calls us as Christians to do as well. That is to make Jesus known to the world. Acts 1: 8 "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The Apostles with their unique abilities possessed only by them, laid the foundation for the work of the church today. How are we to make Jesus known to the world today?
1. We Need To Recognize His Presence In Us (Acts 1:1-3)
2. We Need To Rely On His Promise To Us (Acts 1:4-7)
3. We Need To Respond To His Program Through Us (Acts 1:8)
I remember the motel chain Motel 6 had a series of radio commercials that ended with the reassuring words: "We'll leave the light on for you" I remember growing up, and coming home from work, or from a social event, and after topping the hill, I could see the kitchen light of our farm house shining brightly. It's light seemed to say, "This is where you belong" "Someone loves you here" "You are home" Jesus said that we who know Him as Savior and Lord are lights in this sin-darkened world. (Matthew 5:14-16) We are reflections of Christ who is "the true light" (John 1:9) We are the light for people to see their way home to Him. That's our program! That's the work of the church.
Making Jesus Known.(GP)

Monday, September 29, 2014

How Can We Kill?

Jonathan Strickland in his article entitled "What Makes A Killer?" introduces it by asking these questions: "What is it that pushes a person to end the life of another person? Does it take a special sort of human to kill, or is there potential in all of us? Does it depend upon situations and scenarios? Are we all born killers who repress our urges, or must we break down social and psychological barriers before we take a life? These are questions people have been trying to answer for centuries. (Read all of his article on http://people.howstuffworks.com/what-makes-a-killer.htm)
To see reports on television of executions of mass amounts of people, and the beheading of people, just makes me sick in my heart. I cannot believe that the goal of those defending the Islamic state will go to such brutality, to strike fear in the people of Iraq, and the western world. Not only in the world, but in our country, killing seems to be such a common event. How precious is a human life to God? We are so precious to Him, that He sent His Son to be killed, for the salvation of the world. As a precious lamb was killed to be the sacrifice for the sins, of the nation of Israel, our precious Jesus was killed, to be the sacrifice for us. It was a necessary action for God to do, in order to redeem the world. Jesus was killed, so that we could live eternally. If God was willing to do this for man-kind, what does this say concerning our relationship towards others? But how do we get across to the world, that love is to be the dominating virtue, instead of selfishness and hate? As Christians, the only way to affect change, is to show the love of Christ, in all that we say, and do. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these in love" (1 Corinthians 13:13) GP

Thursday, September 25, 2014

How To Live This Life, In This World

In this time of terrorism, economic challenge, and consistent immorality, how do we as Christians, live the life, God wants us to live? How do we stay focused, and faithful to living the truth that is found in God's Word? To say that we cannot be influenced by our environment is a delusion. There is so much, negative information to see and to hear. There is a great deal of temptation to go along with what the rest of the world is doing. To not fall into what the rest of the world is preoccupied with these days, is just too demanding. But yet, little by little the world hooks us like fish waiting for that delicious, but destructive worm. The Apostle John writes: "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:16-17) Our enemy Satan is hoping that we take advantage of these worldly pursuits, that will corrupt our minds, and ultimately our souls. To stay faithful to our Christian life commitment, we need to always remember, the comparison of what Jesus Christ provides, and what the world provides. To know Jesus personally, and to fellowship with Him daily, is the best experience one can have. If we really put effort into it, and take it as far as we can, it will definitely cause us to say as the hymn says: "I'd Rather Have Jesus" than anything in the whole world. And that experience will not stop with this life, but will continue for eternity. To always keep this in mind, will help us to stay true to this life, that the Lord has called us to. GP

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Giving Jesus A Chance

Mark 5:21-43
This ruler of the Synagogue named Jairus, came to a point in his life, when he needed help outside of his Jewish community. His daughter was dying, and there was no one who could help, except this man named Jesus, who had healed people before. Should he put aside his prejudices, and pride, to allow such a one to touch his daughter. Well that is exactly what he did: "And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” (vv.22-23)  Can we place ourselves in the shoes of this ruler of the synagogue, who was surrounded by people who had doubts concerning Jesus of Nazareth? Have we not had our doubts about Jesus? Especially when we go through trials. Will He see me through this difficult experience? Is He all that He said He would be? Can I trust Him with my life? My soul? We today are still surrounded by doubt and speculation. The scoffers and the mockers are still around shouting their views. When I look in the rear-view-mirror of my life, I have seen the faithfulness of the Lord. I have seen Him lift me up, and say "arise, and face a new day!" "Arise and embrace peace and hope!" My deliverance has not always been in the way that I thought, nor in the time that I thought. But God has always been faithful. It is time for our society to give our Lord Jesus a chance to show His ability to change lives. To be the deliverer that He promises to be.
If we are to ever find the blessings that God wants us to have, we must put aside our prejudices, our pride, and doubt, and place ourselves in the wonderful care of our Lord Jesus. To say: "It doesn't matter how, or when, we are "being still, and recognizing that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) GP

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

I Have Found The Book!

2 Kings 22
In the eighteenth year of King Josiah's rule of Judah, he ordered the High Priest Hilkiah to use the tax money which had been collected over the years to renovate the temple. It was during this time that Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law. While Hilkiah was cleaning the treasure room of the temple, he claimed to have found a scroll described as "the book of the law" (2 Kings 22:8) Hilkiah brought this scroll to Josiah's attention, and the king was greatly alarmed lest the calamities threatened in the book of non-observance of its commands, should come upon him and his people. He sent to consult the prophetess Huldah, who assured him that the evil foretold would indeed come, but not in his day; "because" she said, "Thine heart was tender and thou didst humble thyself before the Lord."(v.19) (Wikipedia) What a change there would be if those in leadership today would recognize the value of submitting to the authority of God's Word. Yes, leadership in government, school, community, church, and last but not least, the family. Today we treat God's Word as a book of suggestions, instead of God's rule for our lives. Because of this discovery, it was not just the temple that was renovated, there was an entire housecleaning in the nation of Israel. Isn't that what we need today? God's Word will help us to have clean hearts, and clean lives, and as a result, a pure and righteous nation. His Word will help us to have the right answers to all the questions, and challenges we are dealing with in our lives, as well as society. It's time to humble ourselves, and allow the Word of God to have the final say in the workings of our lives! (GP)

Friday, September 12, 2014

In Line With The Word

Have you ever heard these words before? "That he or she" is in line with the Word.?" These words speak of those who are living their lives in accordance with the Word Of God. If the Bible was treated as the final authority in many situations, what a different world this would be. But the Bible is treated more as a book of suggestion, instead of a manual for life. Yes, the Bible is God telling us how to live. And who should know more, than the one who created us. The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:10 "With my whole heart I have sought you; Oh let me not wander from your commandments." The principles in God's Word, are not suggestions, they are commandments. In the building of any house or building, everything must line up with the measuring rule. If anything is off, there will be a weakness in the structure. God's Word is designed for life maintenance. The question in every situation, is not "what I want to do", or "what I think I should do", but it should always be, "is this what God tells me to do, from His Word!" God's Word will always be "a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path." (Psalm 119:105) When you look at the mess our society is in, because we have looked to ourselves for the answers, and have come up empty; this should motivate us to look to God, and to line every situation in our lives with the truth that is found in His Word. Again, in so doing, what a different world this would be. (GP)

Thursday, September 11, 2014

God's Word Given To Us!

"We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:19-21)
As I write this post, I want to say how thankful I am for the Word Of God. The Old Testament prophesied concerning the coming of Jesus into this world. And  the New Testament Gospel revealed right down to the nail, how Jesus fulfilled those prophecies. And His second coming is as sure as can be, because of the faithfulness of the Old and New Testaments linking together to reveal the truth concerning it. The Holy Spirit is the one who brought this all together. As Peter writes, it has never been, that prophecy was given by private interpretation. It was given by God, through His Holy Spirit. I believe that today, we have God's final revealed truth in our hands today. Jesus said in Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." God has spoken. Not only in the book of Revelation, but from the whole written Word. And if you take the Bible to explain the Bible, it will be far better than trying to have the Bible explained through the wisdom of man. We are never to try to change, twist, or shape the truth to fit our desires. We are to take the finished revealed truth of Scripture, and line our lives up to it. And that is what we will try to do through The Christian Journeyman. May God help us to do just that! GP

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

For Our Eternal Well-Being

Daniel 9:24-27
Have you ever received a message that carried vital information? That's what happened to Daniel. The angel Gabriel brought Daniel information concerning the future of his people, and the world. It is information that will affect the future for us as well. A period of time divided up by "seventy sevens" totaling a period of 490 years. And through this time, these are the goals to be accomplished  according to Daniel 9:24:
1. To finish transgression. To break the power of it, and set up a kingdom of holiness and love.
2. To put an end to sin. To abolish it, and abolish all sin offerings.
3. To atone for wickedness. Through Jesus' sacrifice to make peace, and bring God and man together.
4. To bring in everlasting righteousness. The goal of Christ's sacrifice, is to bring about our righteousness.
5. To seal up vision and prophecy. Jesus will have fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself as the Messiah.
6. To anoint the most holy. To consecrate the Lord Jesus Christ as prophet, Priest, and King of mankind.
The question that we need to deal with concerning future events is: What is our relationship with Jesus Christ? As we see in the outline of goals to be accomplished through the 490 years, the Lord Jesus Christ will accomplish these goals when this time is up. And the place we need to be is in right standing with Him. To allow Him to be our Savior, and deliver us from our sins. To also allow Him to be our Shepherd, to take care of us for all eternity.
The Lord has not left one stone unturned concerning our eternal well-being. What about us? Have we failed to make the most important decision concerning our eternal well-being? For time and eternity, let's not make that mistake. GP 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Does Jesus Care?

"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!" "Does Jesus care, when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth or song?" As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long." "Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief. "When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares." Can you say yes to the words of this hymn? Are you confident that Jesus cares? Are the trials that you are going through right now, causing you to wonder? Causing you to ask, Where is the Lord Jesus in all of this?
There are three things that the Lord Jesus provides that shows that He cares deeply for us:
1) We have his Word (Psalm 119:105)
2) We Have His People (1 Corinthians 12:26, Ephesians 4:15-16)
3) We have His Presence (Matthew 18:20, 28:20)
His Word gives us direction and encouragement, His people give us love and support, and His presence is a comfort to our hearts. With these three provisions, how does one wonder about Jesus' concern? It must begin as always, as a matter of faith. No matter how Satan tries to sow the seeds of doubt in our minds, we must believe that the Lord can, and will provide these things,every time. If we talk faith, we had better walk faith. We may not get what we want, but we can count on the fact, that we will get what we need.
(Read Matthew 7:7-11, Philippians 4:19)
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God is Prayer!
Oh yes, My Jesus cares! GP

Friday, September 5, 2014

Power To Be

One Sunday morning, not long ago, three men crawled into the cockpit of a strange looking spaceship, which was strapped to a giant rocket at Cape Kennedy Florida. As the entire world watched in fascination, the countdown for the spaceship Columbia began. Never before had a spaceship taken off from earth, orbited the globe, and returned. It took an awful lot of power to make this happen. David said in Psalm 62:11 "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this, "that power belongs to the Lord." God's power is available to help us in many ways.
I want to list three areas of need.
1. THE NEED FOR SALVATION (Romans 1:16)
2. THE NEED FOR STRENGTH (Isaiah 40:31)
3. THE NEED FOR STEADFASTNESS (Jude 24)
Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you.
He is willing to aide you, He will carry you through.
There is power to be what God wants us to be.
Today, let's plug into the POWER! (GP)

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Cast Your Burden On The Lord!

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you, He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22) We have a lot of people where I live you are carrying a lot of burdens due to the severe weather we have had. A loss of life, of property, and of joy. The secret to David obtaining strength to stand in the midst of adversity is found in our text: CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD We are called to "cast" like a fisherman casts his line out on the water. We are to cast our problems out to the massive presence and power of God. Just let God have them, and let Him work in bringing about resolution and positive results. as Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still and know that I am God.." AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU Through the years bread has been a sustaining source of nutrition and strength. Jesus said that He was the bread of Life (John 6:48) We need to eat His Words, and keep them in our hearts as we go through the storms of life, as we journey through this life. HE SHALL NEVER PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED
It is interesting in comparing three translations on God's promise here. NKJV - "Moved" NASB - "Shaken" NIV - "To Fall" We have a firm foundation to stand on, especially when we go through trouble and trials. Our faith is based on the faithfulness of the one/or thing, we place our trust in. It is a fact that God is faithful. He always has been, and always will. Let's cast our burdens on Him, and live with confidence, that God will see us through the storms of life. GP

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Your Speck, Or My Plank?

I may not be able to fix you, but I can work on me. Jesus said: "And why do look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3) We are all unfinished products. Spiritual buildings under construction. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just push a "fix button" and fix the problems that other people have, so we could deal with them easily, smoothly, without all the drama, and conflict. There is no way that we can fix other people; only the Lord can do that. But we can look at the plank of problems in our own lives, because we know ourselves better that we know anyone, and that includes the Lord. But it's wonderful to know, that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves, and can, and will, help us to fix the problems in our own lives. Because we know ourselves very well, we can take the truth of God's Word, and begin to internalize, and adjust the right buttons, and get things lined up with God's will for us. When conflict comes in our relationships, let's not jump to conclusions, and think that we have to have everything fixed right at that moment. Both parties should stop, and pray, and take time to internalize, with the guidance and application of God's Word, so that when we do come back together, we can have the right attitudes, and the right perspective on the matter that we are having a conflict about.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Sounding Forth!

"For from you the Word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also to everyplace. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9) I remember hearing a story about a Christian father who was tucking his little boy into bed one night; and while he was in the process, he was explaining to his son what being a Christian was all about. To this his little boy asked a very poignant question: "Daddy, have I ever seen one?" When people look at us, do they see that we are faithful Christians? That our desire is to live and serve Jesus Christ 100%? Are we doing what the Christians at Thessalonica did, and "sounding forth" concerning our faith in Jesus Christ? I remember our son Brian playing probably the hardest percussion instrument in the marching band. They were called "The Quads". Four drums that were harnessed in the front. They were heavy, but had an emphatic sound when played. You could tell from a great distance, that the band was coming. Paul said of the Christians at Thessalonica, that nothing more needed to be said concerning Jesus Christ in this area of their witness. They had boldly and broadly shared concerning their faith in Him. As the world watches our response to various issues that cross our path. Issues that challenge our stand on the Word of God, and test our faith. Are we going to be quiet, and just blend in, and not say a thing? Or are we going to express the truth of God's Word concerning these issues?  Will we make no bones about what we are all about, and who we are living for? This is a choice, we as Christians must make before the world today. GP

Monday, August 25, 2014

Be Committed To Your Choice!

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, "he told Israel." "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) As Christians, have we ever asked ourselves, why we chose to become Christians? Was it something that our family expected us to do? Was it something that looked exciting, or challenging? Was it something that we did, and when we realized how much it involved, we were sorry that we did it? There are various reasons why people choose to become Christians. Joshua presented Israel with a challenging question. In essence, he presented Israel with a choice. Are you going to worship the gods which your fathers served (from Egypt) or the gods of their neighbors (the Amorites)? Or are you going to do as me and my family, and "Serve the Lord."(v.15) When it comes down to what is involved in the Christian life, it is faithful service, to the one, who came to serve us. The one who gave His life, so that we could have life, now and forever. The sin debt that we owed, had to be paid, and Jesus paid it with His blood. We owe Jesus everything. Because He provided us with everything that is necessary, in order for us to enjoy all the blessings that God has to offer. The right answer is that we choose to be a Christian, because we choose to allow Jesus to be Savior and Shepherd of our lives. And we choose to live and serve the Lord with all of our heart, because we want to be used by Him to further His kingdom. If that is the reason you became a Christian, I ask you today; will you be committed to that choice? (GP)

Our Focus On Love

(1 John 4:7-21)
Love is not something we just focus on during the month of February. It is to be the main focus of our lives, as we live moment by moment. We are not thankful just on Thanksgiving Day, but again, moment by moment. John writes in our text, that Love begins with God, and is to manifest itself in us, and through us. It is evidence that we are born of God. If you want to see God, look at His children, because they have His love. "If you say, that you love God, and hate your brother, you lie, and the truth is not in you." (v.20) Loving God, and loving others, go hand and hand. They are the two main commandments, which are the fulfillment of the law. (v.21) Satan, tries his best to keep us from loving others. Especially in our relationship with those who hurt us, and want nothing more to do with us. The main focus he wants us to have, in these situations is on ourselves. But just as love beat Satan at the cross, when Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins; love will find victory for us. When we forgive those who have hurt us, it releases us from the bondage of bitterness and despair.
It is God's intent that we always contribute to the well being of our enemies. God wants us to always have their best interest at heart, even when there is conflict. If love does not bring about reconciliation, at least it frees us from a terrible destructive bondage in our hearts. Showing love, demonstrates to the world, that we are born of God, and that we have fellowship with Him. We won't have to worry on the day of judgment, because our relationship with God is sincere and sure. Loving others will show what the power of love can do. The Apostle Paul said "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. "(1 Corinthians 13:13) The most powerful virtue, and threat to selfishness, and spiritual destruction, is LOVE GP

Friday, August 22, 2014

Loving The World

"Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him." (1 John 2:15) As time goes on, I am seeing that Christians are becoming more in love with the things of the world. The Apostle Paul encourages us to "Abhor what is evil, and cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) To the Christians at Thessalonica he says: "Test all things, hold fast to what is good, abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) To me, this means we are not to flirt with the things of the world. A little alcohol is alright as long as you consume just a little. A little pornography is alright as long as you don't go too far with it. Lying and cheating is alright as long as you don't get caught. On and on we make excuses, until we are way over the line, and we have not only hurt ourselves, but we have hurt others as well. If anyone loves the the world, he/she does not have a love for the Heavenly Father. God wants us to love Him totally and sincerely. The worldly things that are mentioned in His Word, are to be avoided 100% at all costs. Some would ask:" How can you be happy if you don't dabble, or experiment, or enjoy a portion of what the world has to offer? Anything that in time can gradually take the place of God in our lives, and gradually ruin our lives, is totally off limits. A choice must be made in the beginning of our relationship with God. A choice to be totally obedient to His will for us. He knows as a loving Father knows what is best for His children, and wants only the best for us. That is such a comfort to know. By being faithful to Him and His Word, we will have the protection from the destruction of the world. (GP)

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Sticking Together

Once upon a time there was a man who could not swim, who was asked to go fishing by a sailor.
He caught an enormous fish, and in his excitement to land it, fell overboard. He cried "Help, save me!" The sailor very calmly reached out, grasped the man's arm, and gave a hearty pull. The sailor had no idea it was an artificial arm...until the arm came off. The man continued to kick and splash around, crying out for rescue. The sailor reached out again, this time he grabbed for the leg, and gave a tremendous pull...and the leg came off, because it was a wooden leg.
The man in the water went under again, and came up yelling for help. The sailor still maintaining his calm, grabbed the man by the hair of his head, and gave a pull. When he did, he discovered that the man was wearing a toupee, and it came off. The man in the water continued to call for help. The sailor turned in disgust, and said, "How can I help you, if you won't stick together?"
I have an idea that our Lord at times asks the same question of us...as the church.
"How can I help you, if you won't stick together?" The New Testament is filled with instructions on unity. What can we do, to promote unity in the church? Here are four things we can do:
1. We Must Be Involved (Ephesians 4:3)
2. We Must Be Positive (Philippians 4:8)
3. We Must Be Supportive (Ephesians 4:15-16)
4. We Must Be Forgiving (Colossians 3:12-13)
We share a common bond of love
That comes from God our Father
And we're dependent on the strength
We draw from one another___Sper

Thursday, August 7, 2014

KNOWING GOD

"...And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered"
(Matthew 10:30)
How well does my Heavenly Father know me? According
to Matthew 10:30, He knows you and I, very well.
To know each person on the face of the earth this intimately,
is beyond comprehension. David said in Psalm 139:1
"O Lord, you have searched me, and you know me."
It is clear that God knows all about us, but the question is,
how well do we know Him? I can say that at various times,
I have come to know God's love, and direction for my life.
But so much of the time, it was after a struggle on my part,
to find my own answers, and accomplish my own goals.
When I would come up short, that's when I felt I needed,
to seek God, and His Word for my life. And God, in His time,
and in His way, would always, lovingly and faithfully, come through.
Why do we treat God this way? I believe the answer is, selfishness.
Satan would have us question, the value of knowing God, and what
He can do for us. And that's just what we do. We place more
confidence in ourselves, than we do in God.
But in so doing, how many times have we been disappointed.
You have heard this said about people at different times:
"To know him, is to love him."
When you really get to know God, you will learn to love Him,
more than life itself. We need to do as David says in Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who
takes refuge in Him." (GP)


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Dealing With Conflict

It has been hard to watch the conflict between Israel and the Hamas, (a Palestinian militant movement) It is not a surprise, because this conflict has been going on for centuries. Genesis 21:9 says that after Isaac was weaned: "And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing." *Galatians 4 tells us that Ishmael had been "born according to the flesh" while Isaac had been "born according to the promise"(Galatians 4:28-29) Isaac replaced Ishmael as the favored son and heir. This of course, made Ishmael jealous and bitter. As a result, he mocked and disdained his half brother. Eventually the situation became so intolerable that Abraham's wife Sarah demanded that Ishmael and Egyptian concubine mother, Hagar, be expelled permanently from Abraham's family. *(http://therefinersfire.org/ "Conflict between Jews and Arabs started in Biblical times") From that time until today, there has been conflict over the same land, that God gave the nation of Israel, and what the Arabs believe their god Allah gave to them. In the last part of Genesis 21, we find that God has mercy on Hagar, and her son Ishmael, and assures her that He will make of Ishmael "a great nation" (v.18) In this conflict, we see God showing mercy, and I am sure that it breaks His heart, to see the horrors of war, that ravage the land today. For us as Christians, it shows us, that we are to be like God, and show understanding and love in the midst of conflict. In Romans 12:20 the Apostle Paul quotes an Old Testament Scripture that applies to the conflicts we have today. "Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him, If he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." (Proverbs 25:21,22 In our conflicts, we can show hatred and revenge, or we can heap the coals of love on the heads of our enemy, in order to show them the shamefulness of their actions are . (GP)  

Friday, August 1, 2014

Will You Allow Jesus Into Your Boat?

Luke 5:1-11
I didn't know what I was getting into, when I said that I would go ice fishing on the back waters of the Mississippi river. I went with two men from the church I was serving in Minnesota. It was a great experience. I was glad that I went. It was the first time I pulled up a three pound northern Pike, out of the icy waters, tail first. I can imagine how Peter, Andrew, James and John felt when they achieved this huge catch of fish. It was so huge, that their net was breaking. They had been fishing all night, and didn't catch anything. They were tired and worn out from trying for hours, and then Jesus tells Peter to Launch out into the deep. Peter is hesitant at first, but then concedes. "And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking."(Luke 5:6)
When I read this, a question came to my mind; How can Jesus make a difference in our lives? We will only see, when we allow Him to get into our boat (our life) and direct our journey. It will happen when we put Him first, and totally trust Him with every aspect of our lives. The disciples had been fishing on their own, and caught nothing. Jesus gets into their boat, and they get the biggest catch of fish, they have ever seen. Peter is so gripped with emotion over this, that he falls down on his knees and says to Jesus; "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"(Luke 5:8) Peter felt so unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. The fisherman's pride was cut, and he was so ashamed to not have trusted Jesus in this event. It is time for us to humble ourselves, and allow Jesus to get into our boat, to take us to where He wants us to be. He will make the difference, if only we will give Him the chance. GP

Monday, July 28, 2014

Only You Can Open The Door!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him,, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Behind the pulpit of my first church was the beautiful picture of Jesus knocking on the door of one's heart. If you look closely at the picture, you will find that there is no latch outside the door, which signifies that for one to respond to the invitation of Christ to come into one's life, one must open the door from the inside, and let Him in. The church at Laodicea, was needing Jesus to be first and foremost in their lives. They had everything, yet at the same time they were spiritually bankrupt. "Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.."(Revelation 3:17) We can have everything this world has to offer, and yet have nothing, in regards to our spiritual well-being. We can be physically full, and at the same time feel spiritually empty, to the point of deep despair.
I remember a song entitled: "People Need The Lord" We need His love, His provisions, His wisdom and guidance. Most of all we need Him to deliver us from our slavery to sin, and the  world. So when Jesus knocks on the door of your heart, don't turn Him away. Don't say in your heart "I have no time, or need for you!" Because there is no one that we need more, than our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! GP
Picture By www.hissheep.org Thank you!

Friday, July 25, 2014

What's In Your Mind?

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praise worthy - meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) If the world is to see the difference between what is "Christian" and what is "of the world", shouldn't they see it in the actions of a Christian? Does what we read, what we watch on TV, the movies we go to see, the music we listen to, make a statement about what we value in life? In my life, I have tried to walk on both sides of the fence (sort of speak) in regards to the material I have viewed and listened to; and it has made me realize how damaging it can be; not only for my heart, but also for my witness. It's like eating the wrong kind of food, and then asking ourselves why we feel so sick and run down. Eating a steady diet of junk food, over time, will cause us to feel like junk. It's the same way with the material we read, view, or listen to. If it has chunks of immorality, violence, and negativity, it's sure to affect us. If we say it won't, we are only fooling ourselves. In time it will develop certain worldly attitudes, and yes addictions. Satan is subtle. First it's a crumb, and than in time, it is full course meals of worldly material, causing us to become what we mentally consume. We need to heed the words here of the Apostle Paul in this verse (Phil.4:8) Focusing on material that fall into these categories, is for our protection. It is the principle of sowing and reaping. What we sow in what we read, watch, and listen to, will produce a harvest of destruction in time. I know, because I have done it. GP
Picture By Gary Patterson TCJ 2014 All Rights Reserved. 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Where Is Our True Security?

Romans 8:35-39
Where is there true security? Where can I find the peace I long for when I go through trouble and trials? Where can I find my worth, my acceptance? How can I stop hiding behind a wall of pride and conceit, and let the world see a very humble, yet confident person? If we are looking to the world for the answers to these questions, we will be greatly disappointed. We have to let the human race off the hook, because in all our attempts to provide the security, and peace for others, we have not been able to do it. There are exceptions, and we are thankful for those who know how to provide a very secure and accepting environment. But the world is a mess, because a great percentage of the world does not know how to provide it. But thanks be to God, Jesus Christ can, and will provide the security and acceptance we need, now and forever. Here in our text, the Apostle Paul states that, he is persuaded that "neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (vv.38-39)
Family and friends can fail. Place and position can fail. material possessions can fail. But God, through Christ Jesus, will not fail, to provide the lasting security and acceptance we need. We can step around all the attempts of the world to make us happy, and place ourselves under the wings of protection and love, provided by our heavenly Father. We can meet the world with a great confidence, because we know that the greatest power in the universe is behind us. Paul asks this question in v.31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" When the world fails us, we can be assured that God never will. GP

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Walking In The Light Of God's Word

"Little children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many Antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us."
(1 John 2:18-19)
We find that John is the only writer of the New Testament who uses the term "Antichrist". In fact he uses the term five times. Twice in 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3, 2 John 7. We have heard it taught by pre-millenialists and amillenialists that this person will arise in the "last days" to lead many people astray just before Christ comes again. The Apostle Paul describes this person as being the "man of sin" in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-11. I don't want to take time talking about this person of deception. The main thing I want to focus on is, how are we to be prepared for such a great deception, that I believe is going on right now. The Apostle Paul made a statement in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working (of who?) Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved." Did you catch what Paul said here. The reason that people will be deceived, is because they will not have a love for the truth. They will not focus their attention on what the Word of God says. The many isms that we have today, is because we have a self-centered attitude concerning the various issues of life. A line of song says; "It's easier to sell a lie, than to give the truth away." We would rather seek the wisdom of those who are apart of creation, than seek the wisdom of our Creator. How ridiculous is that? The one who made me, knows more than those who were created with me. Jesus said "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32) Free from deception, free from error, free from guilt, free from sin. If we follow the path of truth from God's Word, this great deception will not lead us astray. The Psalmist said that God's Word is.."a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.."(Psalm 119:105)
Are you preparing for the future, by walking in the light of God's Word? GP



Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Have Patience!

Have Patience, Have Patience,
Don't Be In Such A Hurry!
When You Get Impatient,
You Only Start To Worry!
Remember, Remember,
That God Is Patient Too!
And Think Of All The Times, When Others
Had To Wait For You!
(I hope I have the words right to this little song that I learned while in pastoral ministry.)
I don't know about you, but I have a tough time with patience. I am almost as bad as the lady who went into a grocery store and asked, "Do have anything quicker than instant?"
I like the words of David in Psalm 40:1-2
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps."

There is no better place to go, when life has you in a horrible pit of anxiety and despair, than to the Lord. To a rock of stability and peace. When I go to the Lord, and wait for Him, He always shows up, with the provisions I need.
I don't know where you are today. If you are in a pit of trial and trouble, just be patient, and wait on the Lord. He will show up in His time, and with His help and strength. Is it so bad to be still and wait?
What is accomplished by stirring and fretting? We will only bring an avalanche of trouble down on ourselves. Let's agree today to do as David said:
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him"
(Psalm 37:7a) How blessed we will be, when we do.(GP)

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

He Calms My Heart!

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) For me and my family, it has been a very troublesome year. Jesus was very clear in this verse of Scripture, that trouble is, and will always be apart of this life. Everyone deals with it one time, or another. But the thing that we must remember is that, in the midst of the trouble, our Lord Jesus will always be with us, and take us through the storm. Just like He was with the disciples, when they were out in the boat. He calmed the wind and the sea (Matthew 8:23-27) He has in the past calmed my heart many times. "Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet; "Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet; I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve; I will not forsake thee, I never will leave." (Flint) Let's face the trouble, knowing that we have the greatest power in the universe behind us.(GP)
 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Running For Your Life

One day a hound dog went hunting by himself in the woods. He spotted a rabbit in the underbrush and chased him out into the open. The rabbit darted this way and that. The dog followed.
The rabbit ran, with the dog at his heels, around trees and through an open field. When the dog began to tire of the chase, the rabbit, with one last burst of energy, dashed into the thicket and escaped to safety. As the dog turned back for home, a goat herder who had seen the chase jeered at him, saying, "Some hunter you are! You let that rabbit get the best of you!" "You forget," replied the tired dog, "about the rabbit's strife! I was only running for my supper. He was running for his life!" http://www.storyarts.org/library/aesops/stories/running.html The Apostle Paul writes: "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." (Romans 7:23) As Christians, we all feel the vulnerability to sin. It is like we are running from it, but yet we find ourselves being captured by it. In Romans 7, Paul expresses his frustration over the conflict. "For the good that I will to do, I do not do, but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19) Paul gives us the remedy to this conflict:
"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25a) It is not in ourselves to overcome the temptations to sin, but the power comes, when we act upon the Lord's teachings. To follow through with His principles, even when our passions are at a high pitch. The answer is not to run from sin, but to run to our Lord Jesus, and with His help, stand up to sin, and find the victory in Him. GP
Picture By ID 22396968 © Denis Barbulat | www.dreamstime.com Thank you!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The Power Of Selfless Love

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."(1 John 4:8) There are those people who think that the right approach to making people see the error of their ways, is to really come down hard on them. To enlighten some people, to what they feel is the right direction for their lives, they are willing to throw words of lightning steel, into their hearts. But the question comes: Is this love? I worship and serve a God who is a God of Love. He is so patient, and full of Grace. Yes, He does discipline His children, and yes that discipline is severe at times. But with out a doubt there is the display of a selfless love. And the more you fellowship with the Heavenly Father, the more you will see this virtue coming through, loud and clear. John 3:16a says "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.." For us to have the salvation He wanted us to have, He gave it through His Son Jesus Christ. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let Him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without approach, and it will be given to Him." (James 1:5) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulations." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a) God gives to us over and over again. He wants His best for us. That is how He wants us to treat others. To those who error against us, to those who need to see the fault of their actions. He wants us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) for their well-being, not for anything that we could gain. How far will a selfless love take us, in restoring lives and relationships? love is the most powerful thing in the world. "... but the greatest of these is love.."(1 Corinthians 13:13) GP
Picture By ID 7507667 © Andreblais | www.dreamstime.com Thank you!

Monday, June 16, 2014

How God Loves Restoration

Amos 9:13-15
The prophet Amos declares that, even though Israel would see the judgment of God, because of their disobedience to Him; they would also see a time of restoration and blessing. There would be a short time before the ground is broken by the plow, and the seeds are placed in the ground. A time of great productivity and fulfillment in the land. That is what we can find in Jesus Christ. In the Lord Jesus Christ, the ground of the heart is broken, and the seeds of the Gospel are sown. And when one responds to the Gospel, and allows the Lord to do His work, we become as the Apostle Paul writes "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) It has been God's goal through the ages, that man-kind be restored.Through the giving of His Son, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, God made a way for the world to be restored. I remember when my parents would restore a piece of wooden furniture. There was much sanding, varnishing, and the installing of new hinges, and fixtures. A lot of work went in to making this piece of furniture look brand new. God is so pleased when one is made brand new, through His Son. That's what He sent His Son to do; to make it so, we could be free of the old sinful life, and have it replaced with a life of faith, hope, and love. If you need a new heart, and a new life, come to Jesus Christ today, and let Him restore you, for all eternity. GP
Picture By Daniel Xiyin Deng: Shanghai, China www.dreamstime.com Thank you!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Where Is God In All Of This?

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

If someone who had gone through a terrible trial, came to you and asked the question: "Where is God in all of this? How would you answer that person? If God is our keeper, as Psalm 121 strongly states, why didn't He keep us from this trial? Why did He allow this to happen? While it is true that God works in mysterious ways, the Apostle Paul knew that God always had his best interest at heart. There are times that God will not keep us from trouble, but you can count on the fact, that God will always keep us, while we are going through the trouble. He is, and will always be with us, when we go through the storms of life. Even if we die and leave this life, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we will go and be with Him, in the presence of our heavenly Father. It is like when someone bakes a cake. All the ingredients of themselves, may not taste that great, but when they are mixed together, and have gone through the baking process, they make that cake taste really good. Life is made up of good times, and bad. God allows us to go through hard times, so we will develop a strong maturity, and character. And wisdom comes when we turn to God during those hard times. To answer the question: "Where is God in all of this?" is to confidently say; He is always with us, and knows quite well, what our situation is. Just as the Lord spoke to Joshua these words: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9) Just as God was with Joshua, when he and the nation of Israel took control of the promise land, God is with us, and will help us get through the storms of life. I have heard it said,"If there were no rocks in a stream, the creek would have no song to sing." Trials help us to sing a song of faith and victory. When the storm is through, and we are standing strong in the Lord, we proclaim to the world, the truth, that "all things DO work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." GP
Picture By Keith Midson https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Keith+Midson

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

A Shepherd's Leadership

"He Leads me beside the still waters" (Psalm 23:2b) General Dwight D Eisenhower would demonstrate the art of leadership with a simple piece of string. He would lay the string on a table and say, "Notice what happens when I pull this string; it goes wherever I lead it.
Now watch what happens when I push this string; it goes nowhere at all. That's assault, not leadership."
* Biblical Shepherding is Oriental, or Eastern - one who leads, knows each one by name, only has their best interests in mind, and is willing to "Lay down their lives" for the sheep. This is in contrast to the Western idea of "sheep herding" where sheep are herded like cattle and are driven against their docile nature." *(c) Gracestoration
In Psalm 23, David describes the Lord, as being The Good Shepherd who leads His sheep. He leads them to times of peace, described as "still waters"and instead of corrupt and sinful activities, He leads then in "the paths of righteousness." What a beautiful picture. As shepherds in the Lord's church, I encourage us to never herd our sheep. When we try to be overly dominating, beating our people over the head with the Bible, and trying to force (these who the Lord has placed in our care) to go our way, or it's no way; that is not the kind of Shepherd, the Lord wants leading His flock. Peter said it best: "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." (1 Peter 5:2-4)
The successful shepherd, must first and foremost, fellowship with the Chief Shepherd, and submit to His will for his life. How can we lead people to a place, we have never been? If we don't know where our Shepherd wants us? how can we lead them to where The Lord wants them? Be loving, gentle, exemplary, patience, instructive, always out in front, leading the way. Remembering that every sheep is important. No one sheep is more important than another. How rewarding this work is, when it is done, according to the teachings of the Word of God. (GP) Picture By The Good Shepherd Print, art by Brandon Kidder,  www.kidderfineart.com

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Don't Be Proud Of Your Pride!




"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate."(Proverbs 8:13)

If there is one attitude I see, not only in society, but also in the church; it is the attitude of pride and arrogance. The Apostle Paul writes to the Church at Philippi and says" "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3)

Is it wrong to have ambition? No, as long as we have the attitude that in all that we do, we will try to be a blessing to others. Too many people try to get what they want at the expense of others. They will do anything to get ahead, even if it means hurting others. 

James says: "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have, because you do not ask.."(James 4:2) We may not say this with our lips, but a lot of people say this with their lives." "Look at me, don't you wish you could be me? Don't you wish you could have what I have?" That is conceit. This is thinking more of ourselves, than we ought to. And conceit, causes a lot of people to covet, and desire what other people have. 

Paul tell us that we must show a "lowliness of mind" This is a humility that is essential in life. It is not a feeling of inferiority, but a good balanced feeling of one's self. The feeling that, I am special to God, I am loved by God, but I am no more special, or loved, than anyone else. And than lastly, Paul says that we are to esteem others better than ourselves. 

In essence he is saying that we are to have our focus on others, more than on ourselves. To answer the question: "How can I be a blessing to others?" How can I make a difference in the lives of the people around me?" I have seem churches come apart because of pride and arrogance. In Scripture, we find that the Lord wants "Unity" in His church. (John 17:21) 

If pride and arrogance are dominating factors, that will not happen. And the devil will make sure that it doesn't happen. But with love, and humility, the Holy Spirit will help us to have victory, and instill peace in our hearts, and in our fellowship. (GP)

Photo: Copied


Thursday, May 29, 2014

Wake Up! The Word Of God Is Calling..

In a 141-page manifesto titled "My Twisted World" in which he rants against women and his sexless life, mass murderer Eliot Rodger, 22, said his killing spree and eventual death in the streets of Isla Vista, California, last Friday could have been avoided if only he had lost his virginity. Seven people, including Rodger, died as a result of his 10-minute shooting rampage in the quiet Southern California college town, which also left several others injured. (By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter) Is it a mental health issue, or a deep spiritual issue? I believe that applying God's word to our hearts, will help us with what is wrong in our minds. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Can God's Word penetrate a mind, and a world, such as this young man, and change one's perspective, and direction in life? The Hebrew writer tells us..."For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword , piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews4:12) We can be transformed, and renewed in our minds, when we take in the Word of God. It is a powerful tool in establishing and shaping good morals, positive attitudes, and solid relationships. The way to obtaining the best future is receiving the Gospel message. In so doing, receiving Christ, who is the way to heaven, and the way to having strength and stability in this life. God's Word is a powerful tool, but we don't want it today! We would rather follow the lies of the world, and reap the consequences of the like in California. When will the violence end? When we place God's Word as the main guide for our lives, and live out it's truths in everyday life. Only then will we see great changes in our society. (GP)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Be A Shepherd

John 21:15-19
I would have not wanted to be in Peter's shoes, when Jesus asked for a response to a question He asked him, three times. "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" (vv. 15,16,17) It was in the backdrop of Peter's betrayal that Jesus asked him this question; and each time the question was asked, I'm sure, the stab of regret, became deeper each time. The first time, Jesus asked this question, it was to get at Peter's priorities in life. "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" Was Jesus referring to the fish that they had caught, which was a large catch (153 fish) or, was Jesus referring to Peter's fellow disciples, and asking, "Do you love Me more than they do?" Whatever Peter's priorities were at this point, Jesus presents to him after each question, the purpose, and the priority, of his role in the Kingdom. In essence Jesus was saying: "Peter I want you to be a shepherd. I want you to "feed My sheep". As Christians we have this responsibility too. The Lord calls us to feed our fellow Christians, with the food of the Word of God. That is the purpose of THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN. Every week, I try to share teaching from God's Word, so we as Christians can grow, and mature in our faith, hope, and love. That we will be as God's people, a people who are "approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15) God is calling us to pour our life into the lives of others. To be a shepherd to them, and instill in them, this powerful spiritual food, from the Word of God. (GP)

Thursday, May 15, 2014

God And Homosexuality

The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, a sexual orientation law and public policy think tank, estimates that 9 million (about 3.8%) of Americans identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (2011). www.About.com 
The book of Romans tells us that homosexuality was practiced back in the time of the Apostle Paul. He writes about how God dealt with those who practiced it in the Gentile world "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use of what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." (Romans 1:26-27) Homosexuality is the extreme act of self-indulgence, and disobedience to the natural plan of God. Paul described it as "Vile", and "Unnatural" Although God loves the people who are involved in this "vile" activity, it is sin, and will reap the judgment of God. But anyone who repents, and turns away from it, and turns back to God, will be forgiven. If we turn to the Creator, and accept His plan for our lives, we will be blessed spiritually and eternally.
God does not hate those who practice homosexuality. He hates the sin, and in His time, will judge those who continually participate in it. Our role as Christians is to reach out to those involved in this activity, and share with them God's love, and His plan for their lives. (Galatians 6:1-2)
In all that we do, it is to comply with God's will, that is written in His Word. (GP)

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Trouble And Me!

"These Things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Have you ever asked the question, "Why Lord?" "Why Lord, do I have so much trouble in my life? When I look at other people, it seems as if they are doing wonderfully, and I am doing miserably. Before me is a mountain of problems that won't go away. "Why Lord, did you send me this? Why did you send it now? Just as Jesus told the disciples then, He tells us now, that along with the general trouble that comes in life, there is the trouble that comes from abiding in Him. "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you."(v.18) The truth is that in living the Christian life, we must expect that there will be trouble. Expect that there will be opposition to our Christian life style. There is no doubt that in this life, we will experience trouble. Everybody does! Maybe not at the same time, but everybody does. The doctor's offices and hospitals are full of people dealing with health problems. The offices of counselors, lawyers, and social workers are full, because so many people are having problems in their families. Trouble is not a strange experience. It finds it way into every one's life, some time in their journey. But Jesus said, "even though you have trouble, be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world."(v.33) Jesus is our hope of getting through the storms of life, and arriving safely to where He wants us to be. Ultimately that is our home in heaven, which we are really looking forward to. I like the words of this hymn that gives us hope in rough times. "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love." GP
Picture By www.nhsalliance.org  Thank you!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

How Do We Come To Jesus?

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
How does one come to Jesus? When our lives are burdened with the work of life, and the many problems that weigh heavy on our shoulders, how do we bring them to Jesus? First and foremost is the burden of sin, that places the weight of guilt on our hearts. We come to Jesus as Savior, by repenting of our sin, and trusting Jesus to cleanse us of our sins, by His blood that He shed for us. At Baptism, we place ourselves in the hands of Jesus, as we die to the old sinful person, and we rise up to walk in new life with Him (Romans 6:4) For the burdens of this life, we allow Jesus to be Lord, as we take on His yoke, in our lives. Jesus said that when we take on His yoke, we will learn from Him. His Word will teach us in a gentle and humble way, instead of the harsh realities the world dishes out. Through the Study of the Word, and constant prayer, we will receive the insight to make right decisions that will free us from making mistakes that will burden us all of our lives. Yes, it is work to take on the yoke of Jesus. But it is less of a weight, than what the world places on us, when we sin, and when we step ahead of the Lord's guidance, and reap the consequences of choices made by our own thoughts and reasoning's. Do you want rest for your soul? It can happen, if only you will do what Jesus softly calls you to do. And that is humbly, and sincerely "Come to Me!" GP
Picture By http://crossmap.christianpost.com Thank you!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Looking Like Jesus!

I have started a sermon series entitled: "Looking Like Jesus" The Scripture we will look at for this series is: Message one (Matthew 12:33-37) Honoring God With Our Speech. Message Two (Hebrews 13:1-8) Honoring God In Our Relationships. Message Three (1 Corinthians 6:6-20 Honoring God With Our Body. Message Four (2 Timothy 2:1-13) Honoring God As A Good Christian Soldier
John writes in 1 John 2:6 "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." With all that is available to us which can contribute to our living and acting the way  we want to, it becomes a strong challenge to walk the way that Jesus walked. To do the things that Jesus would have us to do. But what must be at the core of our submission, and obedience, is a desire to be like Jesus. A desire to do those things that He instructs us in His Word. Without that core desire, we will be vulnerable to every passing temptation that comes our way. We will make decisions that will lead us down a path of disappointment and despair. When I sit down at a department store and watch people walk by. for the most part, I do not see happy faces, fulfilled faces. I see faces that express, worry, concern, anger, frustration. Although as Christians, we will be called to suffer for Jesus, I would rather suffer for Him, knowing that I was in His will, striving to be like Him, than trying to be all that the world wants me to be, and to do. In the face of temptations and trials, I will have a smile on my face, because I know the one who I am trying to be like, will have my back every time. Will the world do that?
Picture By Living Waters Chapel  http://www.lwcag-gh.org/index.php?page=pathway&sec=grow

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

A Choice, And A Test!

"Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son,.." (Genesis 22:15-16) The difference between Isaac and Ishmael was that Isaac was Abraham's only son by his lawful wife Sarah, the only son of the promise. Ishmael was his son, by his concubine, but not by his wife. It is a difference between trying to accomplish things in our own way, and allowing God to fulfill His will for our lives, His Way. We can be critical of Abraham and Sarah, in what came about because of their stepping ahead of God. I have done it, and reaped the severe consequences of my actions. Have you done this too? But Abraham really pleased God when he took Isaac up on the mountain, and attempted to take his life as a sacrifice. This was a test of Abraham's faith, thinking that somehow God would restore His Son. (v.5) Abraham was willing to go all the way, to show God that he would be obedient 100%. It is a picture of how much we are to love God, and allow Him to work His will in our lives. It is also a picture of God, giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins, so we could have the freedom, and the hope for all eternity. Will we obey God 100% and accept His Son as our Savior today? Or will we choose to just live our lives the way we want to? The choice is ours. But choosing God's way, is the best way, every time. GP

Photo By http://biblesstudynpt.wordpress.com Thank you!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Our Resurrection Connection (Final Message)

I remember one time when my family was getting ready to go into town. Right before we backed the car out of the garage, a couple of wasps dropped down on my wife and stung her. Her arm became red and swollen. It could have been any of us, but my wife was their target. It alerted the rest of us to get out of the way. This incident made me think about what Jesus did for us, concerning our future. The spiritual message for us is, that Jesus took the sting of death for us, and brought to us (through His resurrection) a hope that is steadfast and sure. One day we will rise like Jesus, and enjoy our eternal person, place, and peace.
In the last section of 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 the Apostle Paul shares four descriptions of our Resurrection, that we need to connect to:
1. THE RESURRECTION NECESSITY (V.50)
2. THE RESURRECTION MYSTERY (VV.51-53)
3. THE RESURRECTION VICTORY (VV.54-57)
4. THE RESURRECTION ABILITY (V.58)
The Resurrection has the power to sustain our hope all the way to our eternal home. We need to be like an appliance and "Plug Into The Power" and walk confidently through every storm, knowing that as the songs says: "Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow" GP
Sermon Outline: Stanly Community Church http://stanlychurch.org/
Photo By www.animalstown.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Are We Sincere?

"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord Is" (Ephesians 5:17)
My relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, should be the most important relationship of my life. To love Him, and be obedient to His will for my life, should be the main focus of my life. But I find that too often the focus on myself is more important. The decision to make Jesus Savior, and Lord of our lives, is the most important decision of our lives. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly, or done because of pressure from others, or to please others, or to make ourselves look good in the lime-light. No, the decision to have Jesus be Savior and Lord, must be a 100 % sincere decision, based on the Lord's will for us.
But even though I know this is important, I find myself being like a river that meanders, taking the path of least resistance, and eroding the outer banks of my path. The path of selfishness takes me away from what should be the main pursuit of my life, and that is keeping myself under the umbrella of the will of the Lord. And even though people do not see hidden events of disobedience, and self-centeredness, the Lord sees, and He is not pleased. The Lord Jesus must come first, and we need to be sincere and very serious about it. If the cross was 100% sincerity for us, How can we show any less? GP
Photo By:  graphicleftovers.com Thank you!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Our Resurrection Connection (Part 3 & 4)

In the sermon series "Our Resurrection Connection" (Part 3 & 4) Paul addresses three areas concerning the resurrection of the dead.
What Secured The Raising of The Dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

The first fruits declare that we are apart of the harvest of souls that Jesus will bring to God when the world ends, and He comes to gather His own to Himself. The first Adam brought sin into the world, but Christ the second Adam brought eternal life to the world. And one day Christ will deliver the Kingdom to God, and everything will be under His feet. To deny the Resurrection of the dead is to deny the future kingdom of Christ, which we will be apart of.
What Is The Purpose For Raising The Dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:29-34)

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, in Christ Jesus our Lord." Jesus fulfilled the promise of the gift of eternal life. It couldn't be ours, if Jesus hadn't provided it. Why are people getting baptized for others, if the dead are not raised? Why, says Paul, do we risk our lives, if the dead are not raised? Why not just live for today, because tomorrow we die? Why? Because there is a resurrection for us all. Jesus brought it to us! To not build our lives on this foundation is to our shame. By making Christ Jesus our Savior, and Lord, we establish this foundation of hope for our lives.
How Are The Dead Raised?
(1 Corinthians 15:35-49)

Take a look at Nature Paul says, and you will see the process of the resurrected body. Every seed planted declares the process of it. The different types of flesh, and heavenly bodies declare the peculiarity of it. It will not be like the physical, because it will be spiritual. And the way that the body is raised from corruption, to incorruption, from weakness to power, declare the performance of it.
The resurrection of the dead will be a reality.
Thanks be to God, Jesus brought this hope to us! Everyday, we need to celebrate! GP