Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Right Reflection

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) 

One of the men in the church I presently serve, wears a bright florescent green stocking cap, when he is out walking.
When the light beams from cars hit his cap, it shows up very bright.                     Motorists definitely see him, from good distance away.

I believe the light that Matthew speaks of in our text, is the light of Jesus Christ. We are to show the light of Christ in the good works that we do. The good work, of ministering to the needs of those around us. Taking advantage of the opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
The selfishness that has appeared like a dark shadow, in our hearts, has dimmed our light for Christ. The world is not seeing Him totally, but seeing us. It is never to be about us, in our Christian walk. But it is about how we can make a difference for Jesus Christ.

In this dark world, we are to hold out the light of Christ, for people who are lost in sin, and uncertainty. To help people find, as Michael W Smith says in his song: "Place In This World." 
Their place in this world is to be with Jesus Christ, now and forever.

With our light, shining from us, they will come to find Him, and embrace Him forever. GP

Photo - ChristianFerronato / 131 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Friday, November 25, 2016

The Gift Of YOU

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)

 What are you getting your family and friends for Christmas? This is always the question at Christmas. What about the gift of YOU?

As Christians, all of us have been given spiritual gifts that we are to use in service for our Lord Jesus Christ. These gifts are to be used to minister to the world, and "to the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10)

Maybe you are one who is good at running errands for people. In our busy society, there is not enough hours in a day, to get everything done.
You could run errands to help people get done what needs to get done.

Maybe for an older person who has a hard time reading his or her Bible, you could take time to do that. If you are good at car repair, or house repair, there is a need for that. If you are a good cook, you could cook some meals for someone who cannot do that any longer.

There is so much need around us. At this season, and all year through, how can we use the gifts of talent, that God has given us through His Spirit? The best gifts do not have to be wrapped in paper with a bow.
The best gifts are the abilities we have to make life better for those who have difficulties and needs.

As God has shown us His grace through His Son, let's show that same grace to others, and walk in the land of unity and peace. GP

 Photo by cooldesign. Published on 29 August 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100197728
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Giving Up?

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life..." (2 Corinthians 1:8) 

During the time of the Apostle Paul's Ephesian ministry (Acts 19:1-20:1) he suffered greatly. Personal dangers, as well as possible imprisonments. Time here will not allow me to share specifically what hardships he faced, but we find him expressing in our text, that he had felt so burdened, and so full of despair, that he felt like giving up.

Have you been there? I think many of us have. I don't have any statistics, but I have read, that around the holidays, and especially after the holidays, the suicide rate goes up. (If I am wrong, I stand corrected)

When the blows of our trials hit us over and over, like an aggressive boxer, we come to a point, where we ask the questions: "What's the use of living any longer?" "How can I take it any more!" "What do we do?"

Read 2 Corinthians 1:9-11, and you will find the best and only answer to those questions.

The answer is to trust in God who is our deliverer. Just as He delivered us from our sins, through His Son, Jesus Christ, He will deliver us from our deep, and desperate trouble.

It is on the Lord, that we set our hope on. And hope will never disappoint, because it is our God who is faithful. And He is faithful all the time! GP

 Photo ID 8430461 © Adina Nani | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Love's Sacrifice

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6) 

Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "Sacrifice" as: (1) "an offering, as of a life, or object, to a deity (2) "a giving up one thing for another." (3) "to sell at less than the supposed value." 

Here is a vital question that all of us as Christians should answer honestly: What does God desire of us? To say it more strictly: What does God expect of us? The answer that I would give, is that God wants us to love Him deeply, and totally.

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5) 

The burnt offerings were given as an act of worship to God. The complete destruction of the animal, was a symbol of the giving of one self to honor God, and to make atonement for sin.

The prophet Hosea speaks on behalf of God, and expresses His dissatisfaction with Israel's burnt offerings, as sacrifices given to the Lord. They lacked meaning, because while they performed these acts of sacrifice, the hearts of the people had turned away from God. True love, directed towards God, is in the giving up of our lives, to live, and to serve Him completely.

It is saying "NO" to the world, and saying "YES" to the Lord.

Whatever actions that involves, it is what God desires, and yes, what He expects of us! GP

 Photo ID 28820686 © Andreykuzmin | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Am I The Only One?

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 
(1 Peter 5:9-10)

There are those times when we go through trials, that we feel like we are the only one who is suffering. I have heard this said, all of my life.
"If you take time to look around, you will find someone who is in worse shape than yourself."

I know that Christians in different parts of the world are being persecuted, and are giving up their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ. The question comes: When we go through a time of trial, does it help to know that others are suffering as well? Is this any consolation? I believe it should.

In our text, Peter tells his readers (and us) that we, along with our brothers & sisters in Christ, all over the world, are battling Satan, and suffering for the cause of Christ. As Christians, we are apart of a world-wide partnership, in the cause of the Gospel.

Together, we suffer, but together we give testimony of the hope we have in Christ, for all eternity. And that's should give us a great deal of comfort, and a strong sense of purpose. And that is what keeps us going, in the midst of trial. GP

 Alexas_Fotos/11111 images - CCO Public Domain -Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Friday, November 11, 2016

Thank You Veterans!

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle— My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people[a] under me. (Psalm 144:1-2)


Thank You Veterans
By Justin
Meek Elementary School
5th Grade

Thank you for the job well done
Thank you for the battles won
Thank you for the battles fought
Thank you for the Freedom bought
Thank you for the time you served
Thank you for the Freedom earned
Thank your families for sharing you
I know they miss you, they really do
I'm sorry for the lives that were lost
Freedom isn't cheap
It comes at a very high cost
I love my Freedom
My Red, White, and Blue
Thank you Veterans, for all that you do
(Pinterest.com)

 GP I think of my my father, and others in my family who served their Country. To all our Veterans, we want to honor you, and thank you today, for your service! GP

Thursday, November 10, 2016

The First Things

 " Till we come to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) 

Now that Donald Trump has been elected president, I hear the news media posting this question: "What should he do first? "What should he be focused on, his first 100 days in office?"

 There are always "first things" that must be considered in the completion of any important endeavor.

The Apostle Paul writing to the Christians at Ephesus, told them of three, "first things" that must happen before the church could have a strong maturity, unity, and stability.

The three-fold progression is this: We as Christians, must come to:
1. A Unity Of Faith. We must come together in our trust in Jesus, as our Savior and Shepherd.
2. A Knowledge of the Son of God. This is not just to know about Jesus, but to get to know HIM. We must all strive to have a personal relationship with Him.
3. A Fullness Of Christ  To be fully rooted, and grounded in the teachings of Jesus. To be fully committed to living, and serving Him. To embrace all the teachings and blessings that come, in our relationship with Him.

 All three of these steps are "first things" in the development of our Christian maturity, unity, and stability. The more we trust Jesus, and get to know His will for our lives, the more we will experience the wonderful blessings of having Him in our lives. The more He will enhance, and strengthen the Christian community.

Instead of majoring in minor things, lets make these "first things", priority things! GP

 Photo ID 19769252 © George Muresan | Dreamstime.com

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Teenage Christian Challenge

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) 

Chris Hudson, who is a trainer & coach, specializing in helping adults connect with teenagers, shares how teenagers are looked at today: "...they are lazy kids who just want to sleep in, play computers games, surf the net, and hang out with their friends." 

I remember when I was a teenager, my father was determined to teach me the "work ethic." And work I did. But my father, and my grandfather, also encouraged me to see the importance of having Jesus Christ as my Savior, and that serving Him, was a very important endeavor. I believe that is why I have spend 41 years in pastoral ministry.

I believe that when you challenge teenagers to make a difference in the lives of others, they will do it. Yes, they are in a period of immaturity.
They can easily become like a river, and take the paths of least resistance. Just like we adults do at times.

But if we as parents, grandparents, and Christian leaders, can challenge them with the purpose of the Gospel, and help them to see how urgent, and necessary it is in the lives of the people around them, they will enthusiastically get involved.

Is it wrong to be prodded? No, as long as the prodding is seasoned with love, and a strong sense of purpose! There is no greater purpose, then to share the Gospel with lost people in this world. When our young people catch this purposeful flame in their hearts, watch out, because lives are going to be affected! GP

 Photo ID 2386665 © Redbaron | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

What Is Your Choice?

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) 

Today is election day (11/8/2016) Today we as Americans will make a choice that will affect our future in this nation. But as important as this is, there is another choice that will affect our eternal future. And that is the choice to make God's Son, Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of our lives.

In our text, Joshua challenged the people to make a choice, and live with that choice. Was it going to be, to worship the gods of their forefathers, or the gods of the Amorites, (or) the God of the universe, which was Joshua and his family's choice. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (v.15c)

What it comes down to, for us today, is a choice between running after the things of the world, and putting God first and foremost in our lives. Will we allow Him to be our Savior, and Shepherd, all the days of our lives?  Will we live and serve Him all the days of our lives?

What future will you have with the world, compared to what God offers us? What peace, and satisfaction will we have with the world? Things may be good for awhile, but will it last? I think not!

Like Joshua, I challenge us to today, to vote for Jesus, and make Him a permanent choice for our lives, today, and forever! GP

 Photo ID 12773840 © Picsfive | Dreamstime.com

Monday, November 7, 2016

America Is In God's Hands

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1)

 In this last year, enduring the presidential campaign, we have been exposed to information concerning corruption and deceit, from both sides of of the political arena.

And not only that, but we have been appalled (at least I have) of how the candidates have treated each other. Tomorrow is election day(11/8/2016). And I would be so bold to say, that many Americans will be so glad to get this election over with. They have had their fill of the political hostility, that has been tearing our nation apart.

 One would question: Why would God allow someone to become president who has this kind of history, and who behaves this way. before God, and the American people?

As Christians, we may not know why God allows certain people to be in powerful positions. But here is where our faith is tested. God has His reasons, and His purposes. And although we may not understand them; as our test says: "...there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (v.1)

As God has always taken care of me and my family, I know that He knows what is best for our nation. America Is definitely in God's hands.

Two things we must do, as Christians, and American citizens:
First: We must trust and obey God.
Second, We must respect the offices of those who are in governing authority.

 We must do as Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" GP

 Photo ID 5301147 © Terrance Emerson | Dreamstime.com

Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Path To Unity

One of Aesop's fables is the story of a wise father who noticing disharmony among his sons, called them together to discuss
strife. He told each one of his sons to bring a twig to the meeting. As the young men assembled, the father took each boy's twig and easily snapped it in half. Then he gathered the four twigs, tied them together in a bundle, and asked each son to try to break the bundle. Each one tried, but to no avail. The bundle would not snap. After each son tried valiantly to break the bundle, the father asked his boys what they learned from this exercise? The oldest son spoke up and said "If we are individuals, anyone can break us, but if we stick together, no one can harm us!" The father said, "You are right!""You must always stand together and be strong!"

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi showed them the path to unity. In Philippians 2: 1-4 Paul writes: "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." 

In verse 2 we find a path to a solid unity.
1. BE OF THE SAME MIND (Philippians 2:2a) (The mind of Christ)
2. HAVE THE SAME LOVE (Philippians 2:2b) (A selfless & unconditional love)
3. BE OF ONE ACCORD (Philippians 2:2c) (Although there is diversity, there must be harmony) Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone. Chosen of the Lord and precious, Binding all the church in one. GP

 Photo ID 4073646 © Joseph Helfenberger | Dreamstime.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Is Sunday School Dying?

 Tim Stafford wrote in Christianity Today magazine: “The bedrock institution of Sunday school is in trouble. Attendance nationally is flat or declining. Practically everyone involved, from curriculum publishers to ordinary Sunday-morning teachers, expresses frustration with its present and uncertainty about its future.” 

I know in my home church, they do not have Sunday School any longer.
The adults go out for breakfast instead.

 Sunday School, (or) "Sabbath School" was established in Britain in 1780, to provide elementary education on Sunday, for children who were employed in factories, stores, and farms, the rest of the week. It was an outreach to poor children, to provide for their physical, spiritual, and educational needs. By 1811 there were more then 400,000 children in these Sunday schools in England. Just 20 years later (1831) England had more than a million children enrolled in Sunday school.

You can read more on the history of Sunday School when you get time.
But the question remains" Is Sunday School a program that is dying? I have always felt that Sunday School (even though it has changed from it's original purpose) has been, and can be today, an opportunity to help in the development of Biblical education, and Christian maturity. The question we need to answer is: How is our Sunday School program accomplishing this?

 From the little ones, to the elderly ones. The purpose is the same. Through the Sunday School program, we can help people to come to know Jesus Christ, and what He can do for their lives, today, and forever. Sunday School will not die, unless we let it! GP

 Photo ID 52632797 © Ian Allenden | Dreamstime.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

I Want A New Daddy

Max Lucado tells about the time he and his wife took their oldest daughter Jenna, who was seven, to get her first bicycle. When they got to the store, three year old Andrea decided that she wanted a bicycle too. He says "I tried to reason with her, and told her that she couldn't reach the pedals, and wouldn't be able to ride it, and needed to wait a few years, to be able to enjoy it. Her response was loud enough for the whole store to hear: "If I can't have a new bike, then I want a new daddy!" 

David writes in Psalm 37:7 "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes." 

Too often we become impatient in the things we want to possess or accomplish. And if God doesn't provide us with what we want or need, in our way, and in our time, we step ahead of Him, and try to pursue those things on our own. Where does that lead us? It leads us down a path of disappointment, and dissatisfaction.

We need to stop buying into the lie that our first parents bought into:
"For God knows that in the day you eat from it (the tree of knowledge of good and evil) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5)

We don't know what is good for us, as much as God does. We don't need to step ahead of our heavenly Father. He always cares always about our welfare.

It's time we place our lives completely in His hands, and trust Him in all things! GP

 w8lifted/7 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com