Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

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

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Our Spring Rain

"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
(Hosea 6:3) 

I heard someone say that there is fifty days until Spring. This year (2016-17) has not been a severe winter, but we all look forward to Spring coming, when we can enjoy a time of refreshment and renewal.

When will the times of refreshing, and renewal come to the nation of Israel? They had been like an unfaithful wife, that was likened to Hosea's wife.* He married a woman who bore him three children and then deserted him, and became a prostitute. He finally had to buy her back out of the slave market (3:1-2)" 

Israel had committed spiritual adultery, because they had turned to idols instead of staying true to God. The nation of Israel was taken into captivity by Assyria in 722 B.C. The Lord had to punish Israel, but He also promised that He would restore her.

The plea of the prophet Hosea is that the people strive, to get back to having a relationship with the Lord. In reaching out to Him, He would come to them as the Spring rains come to us, after a severe winter.

When we come to Jesus Christ we leave behind the winter of sin's enslavement. We leave behind the sorrow, fear, and guilt of sin. In our life [in Christ] we find much refreshment and renewal,
This new life we walk in, is nothing like the life we lived before.
We rejoice in this life of fellowship with our Savior and Shepherd Jesus Christ.

To those who don't know Him as such. Your Spring rain can be in the next decision you make.
Will you make Jesus Christ your Savior And Shepherd today? GP

 *Warren Wiersbe - With The Word - A Devotional Commentary - p. 571

Photo - Origin Being Researched.

Monday, January 30, 2017

An Example Of Excitement

 "I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem." Psalm 122:1-2) 

Years ago the church was the main social center of the community. I remember a church that I served in 1979, back in the 1930s they had a men's Sunday School class that averaged 500 in attendance, and the ladies' class was not far behind. And I am sure that the children's classes were very numerous back then.

But today, the church takes a back seat to, sports, music events, social events, television, video games, etc. Our enemy Satan is using a lot of various activities to pull young people away from the Church.

This may be an old fashioned statement, but I believe that the responsibility of having young people attend Bible school, and church services, are placed upon the shoulders of the parents. Some may think that the statement that Joshua made to the nation of Israel, is too hash, and forceful. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15c) I believe that Parents must set the pace for the family to place Sunday Bible School and worship as a priority.

But I also feel that the Psalmist used a word in our text that is essential, regarding our Sunday Church experience. It's the word "glad." "I was GLAD when they said to me, let us go in the house of the Lord." 

Are we as parents excited about going to Church? Do we feel it is important for us? Yes there are problems at Church, just as there are problems in every family. But if love reigns where you go to church, than problems can be worked out, and the experience of worship, Bible Study, and fellowship will be cherished. Not only by us, but by those young people who are looking to us for an example. GP

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Thursday, January 26, 2017

Identifying Our Source Of Light

"For with you is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." (Psalm 36:9) 

Laurie Beth Jones has written a book entitled: "Jesus Life Coach." One of the chapters is entitled: "Identify Your Source Of Light." She writes: "I have found that anytime I am having a problem, or when I coach people through their own personal obstacle courses, one of the first things that needs to be discerned is where the light is coming from." 

As an eBay marketer, I deal with light all the time, as I take photos of the items I am selling. Yes, I have to see where the light is coming from, to get the best image I can.

 In the midst of the darkness brought about by our trouble and despair, we need to find a light that will lead us to hope and victory. A light that will guide us, as we travel this darkened path. "Again therefore Jesus spoke to them saying: "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) 

I have been told that someone who is in a deep dark depression, didn't just get to that state of mind overnight. It took some time to get under the umbrella of this deep despair; and it will take time to travel back out, if they can see a light of hope, they can follow.

That light is non other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His Word, His presence, and His providence, we will find our way to peace, and joy everlasting, even in the midst of trial.

I don't know what you are dealing with today. But I hope that in whatever it is, you will truly look, and identify your source of light.
It is there for everyone, if they will truly desire to turn to Jesus, for their life's journey. GP

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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Being A Christian Friend

 "A man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24) 

It happens not only in the world, but in the church as well. We surround ourselves with people who say they are our friends.
If we can do anything for them, we are their friends. Or if we agree with their ideas and principles, we are their friends. I remember a line to a song that asked the question: " Are we loving things, and using people, or are we using things, and loving people?"

Solomon shares the right definition of a solid friend. "But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." To connect with someone who (at all times) has your best interest at heart. One who is reliable, dependable, one who will keep a confidence when a confession of sin is given.
One who you know, you can be at home with, in love and spirit.
To have a relationship such as this, is such a blessing.

Keila Ochoa writes: "A dear friend of mine sent me a text message that said: "I'm so glad we can tell each other the good, the bad, and the ugly!" "We have been friends for many years, and we have learned to share our joys and our failures. We recognize we are far from perfect, so we share our struggles, but we also rejoice in each other's successes." 
"A friend is the first person who comes in, when the whole world has gone out!" (Our Daily Bread 2/7/2017)

 My challenge to us today, is that we will strive to be a friend who will always be there, and will strive to pour our lives, into the lives of others. That when the world has gone and left, we will still be standing by our friends! GP

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Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Upward Call Of God

 "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) 

I was disappointed when the Pro football team ( I have followed since I was a young boy) did not make it to the Super-bowl. They struggled all through the year, but managed to get to that one game, that would open the door for them to play, and possibly win the Super-bowl prize. But they didn't win the championship, and lost the opportunity.

I am so glad that it isn't like that in our journey to heaven.
In our text the Apostle Paul shares concerning the call on His life, to press towards the goal, that is a sure win. The prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, is a call to receive all that God has to offer us.
And the key to winning this prize, is for everyone (who hears the call of the Gospel) to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of their lives, and head towards heaven.

 When Jesus gave His life to die to pay our sin debt, He gave us a free ticket to head towards heaven. I remember the advertisements that Disneyland had on TV. They would ask a player of the team that won the World's Series, or the Super-Bowl: "Now that's you've won, what are you going to do?" They would respond: "I'm going to Disneyland!" 

Well now that we have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of our lives, what are we going to do? Our answer:"We're going to heaven, and we're going to take as many as we can with us, as we go!" 

 It don't get no better than that! GP

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Friday, January 20, 2017

How To Bring Our Nation Together

"He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach." (Mark 3:14)

 *"Jesus' twelve disciples had very different personalities. Peter was impulsive, passionate but innately conservative. James and John, called by Jesus, 'The Sons of Thunder,' were boisterous, fervent but thoughtful. Thomas had a gloomy, pessimistic, intense disposition. Matthew was probably gregarious and methodical; Philip rather hesitant and lacking confidence; Andrew positive and enterprising. ...(as far as political views) "Simon the Zealot was in all probability an extreme nationalist who supported almost any action taken to discomfit the Romans. Today he would be called a freedom fighter - or terrorist. Matthew, on the other hand, was a pragmatist - happy to co-operate with the Romans in the matter of collecting taxes. He may even have argued that it was right for the Jews to pay for the benefits the Romans brought - good roads and law and order." (*jrtalks.com/Luke/luke6v12to16.html)

 They were a group of men who were not united at first. But after spending three years with Jesus, and following His ascension, they came together, and turned the world upside down for Him.

The challenge has been given to our newly elected President to bring this nation together. I cannot see any other way, than to bring us together in Jesus Christ. This is the route to unity, and solid stability. But it will take the cooperation of the the citizens of this great nation, to help Him to accomplish this.

Will we strive to be as our pledge tells us to be..."One Nation, Under God?" GP

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Thursday, January 19, 2017

Is There A God?

"The fool has said in his heart, there is no God" (Psalm 14:1a)

Do you ever question whether God exists?
Is there a God? There are many doubters and scoffers; are you one of them?

It seems that for us as Christians, the times when we really question the reality of God, is during times of trial. When nothing is going right in our lives. We ask: "Where is God in all of this?" "I thought He was supposed to be taking care of me, and now look at the mountain of problems that surrounds me."

I propose a little activity that may bring assurance, that God is real, and that He is with you, in the fire of trial. Take your Bible, and find some secluded place, where you can be alone with Him and His Word. Begin to read some of the Psalms, and listen to God speak to your heart. And then pour your heart out to Him, through prayer. In doing this, see if you don't feel the presence of God with you.

Yes, the insight will come to handle those problems in your life.
The comfort will come, the peace will come. You will feel the presence of the Lord with you, and you will agree with David, that only a fool will say in his heart, there is no God." (GP)

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Not Peace, But A Sword

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) 

If Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" as the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed in (Isaiah 9:6) why does He say here in the Gospel of Matthew, that He doesn't come to "bring peace, but a sword"?

I believe the answer lies in our response to live obediently to His Word. There have been those who because of their refusal to obey the Lord's will, have not found peace, but war. It is a war against the human will.

There will be conflict in the family, if some of the members want to live for themselves, and for the world, and others, want to live for the Lord.
And there is conflict when we place anything before our love for the Lord. And conflict comes, when we try to serve the Lord, but we spread ourselves too thin, and we make people upset, because we cannot live up to their expectations. The more we do, the more we will be expected to do. And the moment we say "NO", we will have a bunch of people. who are not very happy with us.

There are times when we have to use a sword to cut off the the things that are not right with the Lord, with others, and ourselves. It will not always contribute to peace. Just because we do the right thing, does not mean that it will be the popular thing.

Yes, Jesus will provide peace, as long as we abide by His teaching, and His Will for our lives. Jesus is our Savior, but He also is our Lord. And conflict with His will for our lives, will not bring peace, but unfortunately, will bring a sword. GP

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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Keeping Our Focus

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established." (Proverbs 4:25-26) 

My son Nathan and I, talk about how hard it is to stay focused. How easy it is to become distracted. Both of us, when we are trying to do one thing, will be thrown off by what someone says, or does.
Maybe you have a hard time staying focused, when you are in the middle of accomplishing something.

As Christians, it seems that what we are supposed to do, we have a hard time doing, because we allow the things of the world to distract us.

The Hebrew writer says it well, that our priority is to "keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2) And the Apostle Paul tell us to "set your (our) mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2) 

The priority is clear, that we as Christians, are to keep our focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are to focus our attention totally, on what He would have us to be, and to do. That means discipline on our part. That means, strong effort, on our part.

Satan, our enemy knows that we can be easily distracted, and tempted to do those things that please us, instead of the Lord. And there are those distractions, that can lead us down a path of destruction.

When the eye doctor tell us to look in a certain direction, he/she does not want us to be distracted, and look in another direction. That's the way it is with the Lord. For Him to help us in our lives, He wants us to always be focused, and looking His way! What a difference it will make, when we do! GP

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Thursday, January 12, 2017

A Movement

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Gospel." 
(Acts 8:4) 

Yesterday, President-elect Donald Trump said in his first press conference (1/11/2017) in reference to inauguration day, and to the future: "We're going to have a very, very elegant day. The 20th is going to be something that will be very, very special, very beautiful. And I think we're going to have massive crowds, because we have a movement. It's a movement like the world has never seen before. It's a movement that a lot of people didn't expect..."(CNBC) 

Webster's New Life Dictionary gives the word "Movement" this definition: "An organized action by people working towards a goal." We wish our new elected president and his staff, all the best, as they work towards the goal, of leading this nation to a place of productivity.

From the very beginning of the church's formation, on the day of Pentecost, the early Christians were given a goal; and that goal was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went. As they fled persecution, they preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and beyond.

As Christians, are we excited about this same movement, that we are called to today? The Lord Jesus Christ has given us a purpose in life, that transcends all other pursuits. This work, involves sharing a life changing message, that is vital for the salvation of people's souls today.

We who have been blessed by the workings of the Lord, in our lives, should never be quiet about what we have experienced, and what we have to look forward to. Let's move forward with the Gospel! GP

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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Out-Reach

"...Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40b)

 In that great day of separation of the sheep and the goats. A separation of the faithful and the unfaithful. Jesus will call the faithful to join Him, with the heavenly Father, to the inherited kingdom, that was prepared for them, from the foundation of the world.

In that great day, Jesus identifies Himself with those who were ministered to. The hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and those in prison.

It is evident what the Lord's priority was, and is, and what His purpose is for us. We are to be involved in ministry on His behalf. To me, it is the Gospel in action. In our ministry to others, we show the love of the Savior, who gave His life to minister to the world. Jesus came to meet the world's greatest need. The need to have our sin debt forgiven. And Jesus did that on the cross of Calvary.

We can add to the list of ways that we can minister on behalf of our Lord. And when we talk about "out-reach" I see the members of the body of Christ, being equipped by the leaders of the church, to minister the Gospel message, through the good deeds that we do. We are to show the love of the Savior, and share how Jesus, can save those who are lost in sin. Like Jesus, we teach by example, and by sharing the Word of God.

 The First word in the great commission is "Go". It's vital that we leave our comfort zones, and go to the places of need, and begin a ministry of "out-reach" on behalf of Him. To those in our world, that we will have contact with, it is a matter of eternal life and death. GP

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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Key To Spiritual Progress

I remember preaching a sermon on the key to "Spiritual Progress". How can we gain maturity, and sincerity, in our spiritual journey?

The key is doing what Enoch did. "And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters....Enoch walked with God: then he was no more, because God took him away.” 
(Genesis 5:22,24) 

The key to spiritual maturity is "Walking with God" like Enoch did.

In this message I bring out three things, that are very important principles in our walk with God.

First of all we must be going in the same direction as God is going. 
The Apostle Paul spoke of his confidence concerning the Christians at Philippi; that the good work that the Lord had begun in them, He would complete, in time for when His Son, would return and take them home, for eternity. God is working in the direction of building spiritual maturity, in our lives. The question is are we cooperating?

The second thing is that we must keep in step with God.
Our walk is a walk of balance. Well who keeps us in that balance? It is God, and His Word. Without Him to guide us, and strengthen us, we are sure to fall.

And then third, there must be agreement.
(Amos 3:3) "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"
If we are to walk with God, there must not be a conflict with His will for our lives. He is Lord! And what that means is, that He is in control of our lives, not us. If we want to gain "Spiritual Progress" we need to pursue our walk with God. Enoch did it for 300 years, and was blessed because of it. What about us?

Friday, January 6, 2017

Rescuing The Lost Sheep

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?" 
(Luke 15:4)

 I believe that through out the years the church has missed the message of this parable. And I may get some disagreement on this. But I believe that the spiritual leadership of the church have a responsibility, not only to those believers who faithfully gather together to receive constant spiritual food and care. But to those who have left the fold, for one reason or another.

 Any one who has the responsibility of spiritual leadership (whether they are elders, deacons, pastors, Bible school teachers, youth leaders, etc.)
is to care, not only for the ninety-nine, but for those who have left the fold. (Note: These are the shepherd's sheep)

So often, because there have been conflicts, and disagreements, believers have left the fold, and choose, to never have anything to do with the church, or the leadership again. And the attitude of leadership has been. "I am glad that they left, now our problems are over." No our problems are not over, because in so expressing this type of attitude, we dis-please the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because the one main thing that the Lord expects of His church, is to maintain unity. (Read John 17:20-21)

I have heard it said, "that once Christians leave, it is hard to get them back." But I believe that shepherds in God's fold are to make every effort, and do whatever it takes, to make peace, and pursue unity, among the brethren.

 It makes a statement to God, to the church, and to the world, of our love, and concern. We are to show the love of Christ. And when we do, what a difference it will make. GP

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Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Service With A Smile

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." 
(John 13:15)

 Jennifer Benson Schuldt writes:
"As a college student, I heard count- less engagement stories. My starry-eyed friends told about glitzy restaurants, mountaintop sunsets, and rides in horse-drawn carriages. I also recall one story about a young man who simply washed his girlfriend’s feet. His “modest proposal” proved he understood that humility is vital for a lifelong commitment." (ODB 8/27/2011)

 It is a natural tendency to go through our days totally focused on ourselves. After all, we are responsible for ourselves. But when we become a person, who has no thought to the needs of others, that is when, selfishness has really taken over our hearts.

Yes, we are to be mindful of ourselves, but the Lord wants us to be mindful of others also. This was shown in His washing the disciples feet. They had come into the upper room with dirty feet.
The custom was that a servant would be responsible for the task of foot washing. The disciples were shocked, when Jesus grabbed a towel and basin, and started to wash their feet. This act has caused people through the years, to really get a grip on what it means to be a servant, and to exercise humility and concern.

We can get so busy with our lives, so self-absorbed, that we fail to look for the opportunities to be a blessing to others.

People need, and want to cared about. They will not forget, when you reach down to help them in their time of need. How different this world would be, if we constantly had the attitude of Jesus, and had a desire to serve others, instead of focusing on serving ourselves all the time. GP

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Monday, January 2, 2017

Water Under The Bridge

 "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."(Philippians 3:12-14) 

I have used this phrase "water under the bridge" several times. It is a phrase that has been used to refer to events, or situations, that are in the past, and consequently no longer to be regarded, as important or as a source of concern.

In essence that is what the Apostle Paul meant (in our text) when he talked about "forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead." His past life and all the accomplishments he had made, he regarded as rubbish,(v.8) in comparison to coming to know Jesus Christ. His goal for the future was to press toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. To be all that Jesus wanted him to be, and to do what the Lord wanted him to do.

The past may be a good place to visit from time to time, to learn the lessons that can be applied to the future. But it is never a place to live. The past is gone. Like water under the bridge. Never to be seen again.

So as we enter 2017, let's let go of the past, and embrace all that God has for us, through His Son Jesus, for the future. No matter what the circumstance, either good or bad, we know that the Lord will bring us through, and that when this life over, He will provide a bright future for us. GP
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