Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Is Jesus Your Cornerstone?

"This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone." (Acts 4:11) 

Following the healing of the lame man in Acts chapter three, Peter gives a message to an audience that is the wealthiest, and the most intellectual, and the most powerful, and here Peter, a Galilean fisherman stands before them, and shares a message concerning Jesus Christ.

Right there was the court where they had condemned Jesus to death, and so Peter knew that he was taking his life in his hands. But Peter was willing to give his life for Christ.

In his message, Peter gives them an analogy of the rulers and leaders of Israel, being builders of a building, and that they threw aside the cornerstone of that building. The Chief cornerstone is Jesus, and they crucified Him. And Peter goes on to say that there is no salvation in any other person, and there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Have we made Jesus the chief cornerstone of our lives? Have we come to Him for salvation, and for an example to line up to? Have we allowed Jesus to be Lord of your lives? "
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. 
All other ground is sinking sand." GP

 Cornerstone Concept Photo ID 6481443 © Victor Soares | Dreamstime.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Fear or Faithfulness

 "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) 

Do you have insecurity in your life? Do you depend on other people too much? Are you standing on your own ground, or hoping that others will be a platform for you?

 We all have insecurities, some more than others. Too often we are afraid to step out on our own, because we worry that we will make huge mistakes, and either be severely criticized, or laughed out of town.

The Apostle Paul is sharing his last words, with his son in the faith, young Timothy. In spite of his youth, Paul encouraged Timothy, to stand strong, and to rely upon no other foundation, or platform than that of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God has not given us a reason to fear, when He promises to take care of us, in this life, and eternity. We have the greatest power in the universe behind us. So as Paul says in Romans 8:37 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us." with God behind us, there is nothing that we cannot overcome, or accomplish, if it is His will for our lives.

Is it wrong to ask for advice from others? No! But what is wrong, is to be constantly dependent on others, to the point that we have lost all confidence in ourselves. And there are those who act as if they are very confident, when inside they are the most insecure people in the world.

It's time to be faithful to God, others, and ourselves. With God's insight and direction in our lives, we can, and should, make decisions, and act responsibly on our own. We will not always please people, but we must strive to please God, in being our person, and walking in the strength that is definitely a gift from Him. GP

 Oh My God!Photo ID: 267934 © Olga Vasilkova | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

What Do You See?

"Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." (Acts 9:18-20) 

What is it like to be blind? I remember putting a blindfold over my eyes to see what it would be like to be blind.

Saul, did not choose to be blind, it happened after his encounter with Jesus Christ, on the road to Damascus. For three days he could not see, and did not eat or drink. This was an experience that really made a difference in his life. And after Ananias laid hands on him, the scales fell off his eyes, and not only did he physically see, but he had new spiritual vision. He was beginning to understand what the Lord wanted to do with his life. He wanted Saul/now Paul, to preach the Gospel, especially to the Gentiles.

Do you have a true vision of what the Lord wants to do with your life? Are you pursuing your desires for your life, or are you striving to know. and to do, what God's will is for you? In your unique way, you can be a testimony of how Jesus Christ changed your life, and brought to you peace, and hope, in this world of darkness and despair.

Can you see clearly the Lord's will for your life? He will reveal it to you, if only you will pursue it on faith. GP

Photo by stockimages. Published on 23 January 2015 Stock photo - Image ID: 100307450
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, March 28, 2016

A Faithful Witness

"But 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, an to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

"One hundred and twenty ordinary people hardly constitute an imposing army; but in a few days, they would make an impact that is felt even today. The same resources God gave them are still available today." (Warren Wiersbe With The Word-Devotional Commentary-Acts One)

 There was no doubt that the apostles and the early Christians, with the spark from heaven (The Holy Spirit) and the "boldness" they exhibited, helped in turning the world upside down for Jesus Christ, in those early days of the Church.

 But today, when I hear of division in the church, declining attendance, churches even closing, I question if we are in touch with the Holy Spirit like we should be. We have allowed so many petty things to divide us, and gradually destroy us.

With so many people in our nation, and all over the world, who have not accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, why is it, that instead of boldness there is fear and apathy. Jesus promises His disciples, and us, that power would be available to do the work that He has called us to do. How important is it to plug into that power through the study of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with fellow Christians? When it came for the Lord to save us on the cross, He was completely faithful. When it comes for us to be witnesses unto Him in this world, where are we? GP

Photo ID 32596750 © Tsurukamedesign | Dreamstime.com

Friday, March 25, 2016

Three Crosses: God's Plan

"And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left." (Luke 23:33)

 Of all the days of man-kind, this day, that we call "Good Friday" was the worst day of all. There is nothing good about it, except for what our Savior did for us on that humiliating, agonizing cross.
Jesus died to pay for our sins, and all the guilt associated with it.

There were three crosses. And in this event we see not only the condition of man-kind, but we see the grace of God, and His wonderful plan of salvation.

Both the men on the right and on the left, were dying because of their crimes. This is the condition of the world. The world is lost in sin, but yet we have a deliverer.

In this moment, an opportunity came that demonstrates the grace of God. The man on the right surrendered his life to Christ, and was saved.

The plan of salvation is clearly seen. Christ died in the middle FOR SIN. The man on the right died TO SIN. and the man on the left died IN SIN. On the middle cross GOD COMES TO MAN. On the right cross MAN COMES TO GOD. On the left cross MAN GOES TO HELL.

 It is like God to do this. In the most horrible event of all man-kind, God brings light out of darkness. Out of despair, God, through His Son Jesus. brings us hope. Hope for today, and forever. GP

Photo ID 3879045 © Niagaragirl | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, March 24, 2016

What Is The Olivet Discourse?

Read Matthew 24:1-25:46, Mark 13:1-37,
Luke 21:5-36.

 As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives He shares a number of teachings and warnings about the future for Israel, and the end times for the world. It is the Lord's prediction of the fall of Jerusalem, that happened in A.D. 70. And then Jesus turns to describe the events that will happen in the last days before His return to earth.

When we read prophecies such as this, we may feel alarmed, and yes even frightened. But why should we? If we have placed our lives in the everlasting care of our Savior, Jesus Christ, than we have nothing to fear.

Our Lord Jesus, has taken care of everything, in regard to our eternal security. His death on the cross payed for our sins, and His resurrection from the dead, paved the way for us to rise also, and enjoy the benefits of heaven.

In His Olivet Discourse, I don't believe it was the Lord's intent to frighten His disciples (that includes us) but to prepare them for what was coming. And to prepare them for where they should position themselves in the final days of His return.

If our position is always with Jesus, than no matter what happens, the results will be positive for us. Just as Jesus found victory, so will we, now and forever. GP

 Photo ID 53630904 © Petr Švec | Dreamstime.com Mount Of Olives

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Suffering Testimony

"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony." (Luke 21:12-13)

 As Christians, why are we called to suffer? Jesus made it clear that in following Him, there would be a cross to bear. (Matthew 16:24)

Prior to our text, Jesus warned of the great persecution that Rome would bring on Jerusalem, and the destruction of the temple.(Luke 21) There will be persecution, and His disciples would be called to suffer for His sake. But this persecution, this suffering would open a door, to make a bold witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Suffering gives us an opportunity to share our faith. While the world is crumbling around us, we are standing on a firm foundation, and that is Jesus Christ. He will sustain us, and bring us through whatever peril comes our way.

We will have an answer to the world. Our lives will speak volumes,
of our love for Christ, and our complete faith in Him. We will have wisdom from God, to share with those who oppose us, and persecute us. They will see and hear, concerning our love for Christ, and the hope that we find in Him.

What a difference Jesus' suffering made for the world. Our suffering will also make a statement that will cause those around us to take notice, and see the peace we have in our hearts, in the midst of trial. GP

 Photo ID 1588660 © Dennis Owusu-ansah | Dreamstime.com

Monday, March 21, 2016

Resurrection Motivation

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." 
(1 Corinthians 15:19) 

The hope of the Christian is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus arose from the dead, we too will have the ability to step into new bodies, unto a new eternal shore, and spend eternity in our new home, with the Lord, and our loved ones, who have placed their lives, in Jesus Christ as well.

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we have no basis for our faith, and we are still in our sins. If Jesus did not gain victory for us, than we are people to be most pitied.

Jesus showed Himself alive to over five hundred people at one time. Some of them were still alive, at Paul's writing here to the Christians at Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:6) I know that even with Paul's word on this, we must accept the resurrection of Christ on faith. But all through the Bible God has wanted His people to accept all things concerning Him by faith.

With all that happened to Jesus during those precious three days, I believe with all my heart that it is true, and it is my hope in the resurrection of Jesus, that pushes me forward. As Bill Gaither's song "Because He lives" says: "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives." Amen! GP 
Photo From www.christiansongsservice.com

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Our Cross

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24) 

 "Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me." 

Why does there have to be a cross? Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? It is clear that the Old Testament prophesied to what would happen to the Messiah. Read Isaiah 53.

Jesus referred to the lifting up of the bronze snake on a pole to save those who were bitten by snakes because of their disobedience to God. (John 3:14-15) In the same way, Jesus must be lifted up as a sacrifice for the world to see, to be payment for the sins of the world.

Then there comes the question: Why do we have to bear a cross?
The answer is clear in our text: If we desire to follow Jesus, a cross is in the equation. It is part of the life of a Christian.
If Jesus was willing to die on a cruel, humiliating, agonizing cross for us, shouldn't we be willing to suffer for Him?

Yes, there is a cross for all of us, if we choose to follow Jesus.
It is indeed a test of our love for Him. Are you willing to bear your cross for Jesus today? GP

 Photo by Naypong. Published on 05 November 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100296178
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Staying Connected

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. 
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5) 

Do we look at ourselves as being self-sufficient, or dependent? When it comes to our Christian life and service, we are to be dependent upon the resources given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The enemy would like for us to think that we don't need anyone but ourselves. But why did we become a Christian, if we feel that way? There are many professing Christians who still feel that they belong to themselves, and that they can do whatever they choose.

The Christian life is a life of total submission, to the authority, and provision of our Lord.
The Apostle Paul said it well in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

To bear fruit for the Lord in our life, and ministry, we must stay attached to the Vine (Jesus Christ). We do not belong to ourselves, but to Him. I would not want it any other way. I am glad that I have the Lord, calling the shots, and providing what is best for me, and working through me, to make a difference in the lives of others.

It's called "staying connected" Are we? GP

Photo by satit_srihin. Published on 14 March 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100146926

Monday, March 14, 2016

Have We Ever Betrayed Jesus?

"When Jesus has said these things, 
He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said: "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." 
(John 13:21)

 Have we ever betrayed Jesus? Can we identify with Peter who (at Jesus' arrest) denied that he knew our Lord? (Luke 22:54-62) or Judas, who sold our Lord out for thirty pieces of silver? (Luke 22:1-4)

The question comes: How can we identify with these two individuals who really let the Lord down. They were chosen, and yet, when it came for them to be faithful, they failed miserably.

But what about us? Before we cast a lot of criticism their way, what about our faithfulness to our Lord? How many times have we been asked to do something for the Lord, and we didn't have time? When we promised that we would not sin against the Lord, and yet we yielded to temptation. We said that we would always trust the Lord in tough times, and yet we worried ourselves sick, over a trial. We said that we would put the Lord first in our lives, and yet He is somewhere at the bottom of our priority list, or not even on the list at all.

Have we betrayed the Lord? In many cases, I believe we have. It's time to really look at our lives, and see just how strong our commitment is. If it is not what it should be, we need to do as 1 John 1:9 says, and re-commit our lives to Jesus, and stay faithful, as He remains faithful to us. GP

Photo ID 67706611 © Antonio Ciero Reina | Dreamstime.com

Friday, March 11, 2016

Sometimes We Have To Wait

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope." (Psalm 130:5)

What do you do, when you feel you have done all that you can do, to resolve a problem, or a conflict? Like the father of the prodigal son, who waited (who knows how long) for his son to come back. (Luke 15)

If there is one thing that I am not good at, it is waiting. I am not a very patient person. But in life, we are called to wait, no matter how hard it is. When it comes to God answering a prayer, and having us wait for His answer, it is a test of our faith.

I believe that many become discouraged when God has them wait, because they wonder if God will ever answer their prayer, or bring them resolution and restoration.

I heard a preacher say one time: "When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." I believe that God is working, and He is trying to affect change. The power of the Holy Spirit can do mighty things, but it takes time. But in the time of our waiting, we can be thankful for the fellowship, we can have with the Lord. We don't have to wait to be encouraged by Him, and His Word.

Just like a cell phone that must have it's charging time, God has us wait, to really encourage us, with both His presence, and His Word.

So let's not give up today! Let's wait for the Lord to come through for us, in His way, and in His time! GP

 Photo by Ambro. Published on 15 March 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 10076371
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Thursday, March 10, 2016

When The Volcano Erupts

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."             (Proverbs 15:1) 

When someone becomes angry with us, it is very easy to respond in kind. We have this immediate idea that our anger is going to solve the problem, when in reality it only makes things worse.

In our text, Solomon has a better response. Instead of heated emotion, and cutting words, Solomon suggests that a soft answer is the way to turn away wrath. A soft answer will draw out the heat, or the poison, from the conflict, and help process a proper perspective on the problem at hand.

James says in James 1:19-20 "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." 

Anger is like a volcano that erupts, and all of the heated lava pours out. It is better to respond to one who is very angry, in a spirit of patience, respect, and of course love. This will produce the righteousness of God. It will be the right response in conflict, in hopes of acquiring right results.

In a battle involving heated emotion and careless words, no one wins. May God help us in all times of conflict, to always consider the feelings and needs of others, instead of just ourselves. GP

Tungurahua Volcano eruption Photo ID 25125413 © Pablo Hidalgo | Dreamstime.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Can We Know For Sure?

"In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you." (John 14:2) 

Do we ever think about our future eternal home? Is there great anticipation to get to the place where we will spend eternity? How big will it be? How beautiful will it be? What will we be able to do, once we get there?

To be honest, for me, just getting there, and being there, will be enough for me. I can wait to understand the full extent of my eternal blessings. Not that I'm not excited about them.

But to answer the question: How can we know for sure that this is going to take place? How can we know for sure that there is a place being prepared specifically for us, when this life is through?

As is in all matters in the Bible, we must take Jesus' answer on faith:
"If it were not so, I would have told you." (v.2) That is a very bold statement to make. You can feel the confidence in those words.
In essence what Jesus is saying is: "I'm not lying to you, My Father is preparing a place for you. "Why would I tell you something that isn't true?" 

This is enough for me. Jesus proved by His resurrection, that He is Lord over death, and paved the way for us to have eternal life, and a path to our eternal home.

Not by sight, yet, but by faith, we can... know for sure! GP

 Photo by basketman. Published on 11 April 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 10079471
www.freedigitalphotos.net



Monday, March 7, 2016

The Choice Of Our Words

"Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things, see how great a forest a little fire kindles." (James 3:5) 

How powerful is a sentence? How powerful is a group of words with the intent to hurt, and to incite conflict for a lifetime?

The line: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a lie. Words spoken in anger and hate, can cripple a person's inner spirit for a lifetime. How many people have taken the bitterness of spiteful words to their grave?

James brings out in our text, that even though the tongue is a little member, a small organ in the body, it can be used to start a fiery fight that will lead to much destruction. If what we say is intended to be positive criticism, than what we say should be seasoned with love.

 The choice of our words, and the tone of our voice, should carry the intent of our heart. And that is where it all begins. In the intent of our heart. So often the anger we are feeling, leads to the lack of control of our tongue, and we find ourselves saying things, we never meant to say.

James gives us a warning here. To know the impact of our words.
They can cripple, or they can comfort. The choice is ours! GP

Photo ID 29083112 © Peshkova | Dreamstime.com

Friday, March 4, 2016

My Way Or The Highway

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3) 

Watching the GOP debates, it is evident in my mind, that you are not going to see the display of good character. Talk about selfish ambition and conceit.

Does this display of bad character ever show up in the church? It does! And Satan is hoping that more of it will show up.

 When the battle for power, and position take place, it affects the body of Christ in a very strong negative way. When it comes down to not just involving individuals, but groups of people, in the tug-of-war, it causes division, and destruction.

When the attitude is "My way, or the highway", there will be a highway that is taken, leaving a space, where love and ministry needed to be.

It's time in our churches, that we eat a lot of humble pie. If the event of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, in John 13, mean anything to us, we will follow the Savior's action and teaching. We are called to minister to one another, not compete with one another.

It's time to start acting like Jesus, instead of acting like the selfish egotistical people, we have seen debating the important issues of our country Yes, it's time to "esteem others better than ourselves" (v.3) and see the profitable path this will take us. GP

 Photo ID 22708586 © Jamie Roach | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Keeping Everyone In Line

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." 
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15) 

In having the mind of Christ, we are responsible to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, to pursue this mind also. What am I saying? I am saying that we all are to act like Jesus Christ, and when we don't, there should be some admonishment.

As Jesus is the cornerstone of the spiritual building, we as stones, are to line up to Him. But we may need some help in doing so, if we are acting selfishly, and worldly. To say that this is just a job for the leadership, is being irresponsible, and insensitive. It is true that Leadership must set the bar, and set the example, but it is up to all of us, as members of God's family, to encourage each other to think and act, as God would have us to.

As Paul says in the closing of our text: "But always pursue what is good, for both yourselves and for all"(1 Thess.5:15b)  Holding each other accountable will help us as a body of believers, to be solid in our unity, and our witness to the world. GP

 Photo by Feelart. Published on 18 July 2012 Stock photo - Image ID: 10092655
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Passion Or Principle?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

How much do we act on what we feel, and how much do we act on the facts we know?

There are many who attend to the statement: "If it feels good, do it!" The truth of the matter is that our feelings can fool us, and have us be involved in things, that might have felt right at the moment, but later caused us great sorrow and regret.

It is always better to operate with the principles of God's Word, than on pure feelings. God has designed His word for our benefit. When we apply God's Word to our lives, we find out every time, that it works.

An airplane pilot has to depend on his/her instruments when flying into a storm, and vision is limited. If they don't, they may find themselves flying upside down, ready to crash into a mountain.

Am I saying that we shouldn't ever rely upon what we feel? Certainly not! But for the overall direction we need, we need to trust the Lord, and His Word. And the promise is that He will direct our paths.

Thank God, His word does not change. We can depend on it, to get us to where we need to be, for this life, and for the next! GP

Photo by Arvind Balaraman. Published on 20 April 2010 Stock photo - Image ID: 10015142
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