tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77314425210308019212024-03-27T18:54:41.832-05:00THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMANHelping God's People In Their Christian Walk & Work - www.cjour05.blogspot.com - Pastor Gary Patterson The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comBlogger944125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-52931032386374675552024-03-27T13:30:00.009-05:002024-03-27T15:58:00.366-05:00The Good Of Good Friday <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1OcCs9MbPPGPVs_vgoSobVPRXVmcxvZTr4Z4Vo9qyMmBiOgOz4jxeke0kw5NDwF20PAT4TWOO-t35j2813QYDjnOUdGZac2GQXiU7160eeZB7qrJYgc9t4F39P5wvySYvAD2EHXw6XtIngVoTkVawMDDB2MiOi84nnSfg74wGKf5nfKxNtkKCJRx01o-L" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="720" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1OcCs9MbPPGPVs_vgoSobVPRXVmcxvZTr4Z4Vo9qyMmBiOgOz4jxeke0kw5NDwF20PAT4TWOO-t35j2813QYDjnOUdGZac2GQXiU7160eeZB7qrJYgc9t4F39P5wvySYvAD2EHXw6XtIngVoTkVawMDDB2MiOi84nnSfg74wGKf5nfKxNtkKCJRx01o-L" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="color: #990000;">
The Christian Journeyman </span><div><span style="color: #990000;">Pastor Gary Patterson </span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;">THE GOOD OF GOOD FRIDAY </span></div><div><br /></div><div>This question has been asked many times: <i>"If this is the worst thing that could have ever happened in the history of man-kind, on this horrible Friday, why do we call it "Good Friday?" "What was so "good" about it?" </i></div><div><br /></div><div>A devotion from <i>"Our Daily Bread"</i> of The Radio Bible Class, outlines seven sayings from the cross. In looking at these seven sayings, we should be able to see the "Good" that Jesus accomplished on the cross. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">1. Forgiveness.</span></b> "Then Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34) "How do we get past the nails, and forgive those who hurt us? Jesus did! He displayed God's forgiveness for our sins, in His sacrificial death, as atonement for our sin debt. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">2. Redemption.</span></b> "And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) The thief on the cross who believed, and submitted his future to Jesus, was saved. The same promise is for us who believe, and accept Jesus as Savior. </div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #990000;">3. Compassion.</span></b> "When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household." (John 19:26-27)
As Jesus had compassion for His mother, making sure that her future well-being was taken care of. In essence, on the cross, He did the same for us, and whoever submits their lives to Him, in faith. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">4. Abandonment.</span></b> About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus did the most challenging thing in this whole sacrificial experience. He took on Himself the guilt and depth of sin, of this lost world, before a holy, and righteous God. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">5. Readiness.</span></b> After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) </div><div>I have seen people in my pastoral ministry prepare for death. Jesus knew that what He came to do for man-kind was in moments, to be accomplished, according to God's Word. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">6. Fulfillment.</span></b> "Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." (John 19:30) Jesus, after receiving the sour wine, gave up His spirit. He had accomplished what He came here to this world to do. "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">7. Release.</span></b> And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46) Jesus' life, His ministry, the endurance of the cross, to pay for the sins of the world, came to and end. As the hymn says so plainly, but boldly: "Jesus, Paid It All" And we are blessed abundantly, and eternally, because He did. </div><div><br /></div><div>These seven sayings from the cross reveal the " good" that came about for us, in the midst of this horrible experience for Jesus. How extremely grateful we should be! </div><div><br /></div><div>Photo: Ambroz - Pixabay.com </div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Christian Journeyman 2024 All Rights Reserved.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-48431227048246419912024-03-18T14:15:00.005-05:002024-03-18T14:33:04.876-05:00Gathering & Scattering <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fzzt9bWghyDj1KAVkyVvzgpOpR8GzcCr7pjtCpPDSHK4RtTunLobQXSIHkRLnG7bqttv4k_hat7GUo9PeEFghVdvaU2yGz9nh_Ly6R48oGCl_PqN0mlTEO9aPvPyxWnqpLrH-FhcJtHC8ETUWQp1h-gYB_Hw2dho7L-B43bjlM5jUH4AQVvau8zedfP9/s900/Gathering.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fzzt9bWghyDj1KAVkyVvzgpOpR8GzcCr7pjtCpPDSHK4RtTunLobQXSIHkRLnG7bqttv4k_hat7GUo9PeEFghVdvaU2yGz9nh_Ly6R48oGCl_PqN0mlTEO9aPvPyxWnqpLrH-FhcJtHC8ETUWQp1h-gYB_Hw2dho7L-B43bjlM5jUH4AQVvau8zedfP9/w266-h400/Gathering.webp" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><b><span style="color: #990000;">Gathering & Scattering <br /></span></b><div><br /></div><div>
<i>"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13) NIV. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>You may call it a program, but it is definitely a work that our Lord Jesus Christ, called us to do. The apostle Paul, lines up his instruction to both the Great Commission (Matthew 28:10-20) and (Acts 1:8). </div><div><br /></div><div>In what has been called the <i>"Gathering and the Scattering."</i> we find the work of the spiritual leaders of the church to <i>"equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." (v.12) </i>What works of service are we as members of the body of Christ to perform? It has to do do with the dual purpose of the Church. 1. Evangelism, and 2. Christian Nurture. </div><div><br /></div><div>As God's people gather as one in a sanctuary on a Sunday morning, the spiritual leaders, such as pastors, teachers, evangelists etc, have the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that God's people will know it clearly, and strongly, so that when they <i>"scatter" </i>to their various points of contact, they will share it with those who need to hear it, and respond to it. It is also an opportunity for spiritual leaders to help the members of the body of Christ, to be built up in their faith, and knowledge of the Son of God. How can you expect the members of your flock, to grow in Christian maturity, if they know little about the Lord Jesus Himself, and what He can do in their lives, and the lives of others? </div><div><br /></div><div>Just as there are two main tasks on the farm. 1. Is the Harvest,
2. The care of the livestock. As the church we gather together to be fed, and nourished, so when we scatter, we can be involved in the harvest of souls for the kingdom of God. This is the greatest work the church is called to do! And it will take dedicated, disciplined and determined spiritual leaders to help us get it done! GP </div><div><br /></div><div> Photo: Luis Quintero - Pexels.com</div><a class="Link_link__mTUkz clickable_clickable__Klxi1 spacing_noMargin__Q_PsJ" href="https://www.pexels.com/@jibarofoto/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: plusjakartasans, -apple-system, blinkmacsystemfont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", Ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: filter 0.25s ease 0s;"><div class="UserTooltip_userInfo__vXV9o" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-right: 8px;"><div class="UserTooltip_infoContainer__b4xSc" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 180px;"><h5 class="Text_text___5YSC Text_size-h18__iqcc8 Text_weight-medium__bwK0x Text_color-greyPlus14A4A4A__VMiOO spacing_noMargin__Q_PsJ UserTooltip_shortLineHeight__SIWPU Text_ellipsis__HHCcM" style="background: 0px 0px; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; fill: rgb(74, 74, 74); font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: unset; padding-right: unset; padding-top: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;" title="Luis Quintero"><br /></h5></div></div></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-92179102891303472522024-03-16T10:02:00.000-05:002024-03-16T18:15:50.792-05:00Opportunity! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
</i>Today is St Patrick's Day. As I think of us celebrating the Irish heritage, I think of my great grandfather who came over to America from Ireland, when he was 17 years of age. A very young man, with a heart full of dreams and opportunities. From what I have gathered from our family history, my great grandfather did very well selling horses, and farming. As Christians we have opportunities to live and serve, on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To make the most of our lives, for Him, as we travel through this life.<br />
The Apostle Paul tells us to walk <i>"circumspectly" </i>which means <i>"carefully"</i> not <i>"foolishly", </i>or <i>"carelessly."</i> We are to make each moment count for the Lord, because Satan our enemy, will distract us, and cause us to waste precious opportunities to be a witness, and an encouragement, to others who need the Lord Jesus today.<br />
We may not all come from the Irish background, but as Christians, we come from the Christian background. And may what we say, and do for Christ, be sincere, constant, and fervent, as we continue our journey, to our eternal home. GP
Photo by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee. Published on 01 February 2013 <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/">www.freedigitalphotos.net</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-45081011883353828602024-03-11T10:05:00.000-05:002024-03-11T10:42:47.623-05:00Take Heed To The Flock! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Acts 20:17-38
These words of the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus, are very important to us who are in the role of Christian leadership. They are filled not only with great emotion, but essential instruction as well.<br />
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I would like to focus primarily on v.28 and take a look at what elders of a church are to maintain as priorities in their Christian leadership role.<br />
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<em>"Therefore take heed to yourselves.."</em> Shepherds of the flock of God, must be the best examples they can be. Not that any who are in the role of Christian leadership are perfect, but one must strive to be the best they can be. That in itself, is an example that must be displayed before the congregation.<br />
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<em>.."and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.."</em> To a Shepherd, each one of his sheep is important. A shepherd has to be among his sheep, so he can know what the needs are, and attend to them. I had an elder of a church I was serving tell me. "<em>that visiting members of the congregation would be the most important work I would do."</em> Not to minimize the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. But you will not know how to apply God's Word, if you are not among the people, and know what those needs are.<br />
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<em>"..to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."</em> Elders of a church must remember that the church they are responsible for, belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. He purchased the church with His own blood. Does the church mean a lot to the Lord Jesus Christ? Indeed it does! The Lord is counting on the elders to watch over His church.<br />
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When I was growing up, whenever a stranger came to our door, my father would meet him at the door. Why? Because my father was the protector of our family. He was provider and protector. The elders are no different. It is a great responsibility, but also a great reward to care for such a wonderful community. The family of God! GP<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-37262951941213136182024-03-04T16:14:00.000-06:002024-03-05T09:26:35.550-06:00Crucified With Christ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>"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 up for me." (Galatians 2:20)</em> I come to the cross of Jesus, and desire to lay down my life for Him, and for His kingdom. In 1975 I began my work as a pastor. In that time, I have had opportunity to serve the Lord with 100% submission, sincerity, and humility. Have I done so? The answer is "No" There have been times, that I wanted things to go my way, and looked for opportunities to do things my way. There were times that I was in such conflict with the Lord, that discouragement filled my heart, much of the time. What does it mean to come to the cross of Christ? It means crucifixion. It means death. Death of what? Not just our sins, but "Our will!" The Apostle Paul says in our text: "It is no longer I who live." If I die, than my will to do what I want, or what I think is best, dies too. It is Christ who lives, and it is His will that lives in us. It is Jesus who is obeyed, it is Jesus who is served, It is what Jesus wants for us, that should be the main focus of our lives. And when that happens, there will be such a feeling of peace and fulfillment one can't imagine. This week as we observe the passion of our Lord Jesus. Let's examine the depth of our passion for Him. As we approach His cross, what will we decide about our cross, and our life for Him? GP <br />
Photo from <a href="http://www.jaesonma.net/">www.jaesonma.net</a> 365 Days Of Love: Day 175 - Met<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-5658533326971828422024-03-03T09:24:00.000-06:002024-03-05T09:27:25.939-06:00How To Rescue A Church <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> "The story is well known in many churches across America. Churches that were once large and effective are in decline. Attendance is down. Money is down. People have circled the wagons for survival to stave off the congregation’s demise. The goal is survival: more people in the pews, more money in the bank account, and maybe young people who will step up and take over. Saving the congregation is the goal. The problem with this is that God calls us into missional communities not into institutions. People outside the institution and most inside the institution really won’t give of themselves to save the church. Congregational survival is not a compelling reason for people to go beyond themselves. If survival was compelling them, the declining churches would soon thrive again. If survival was compelling them, the remaining few leaders would not be tired and worn out trying to save the congregation. (You can read the rest of the article by John Holm entitled: "Don't "Rescue" the Church: Rediscover Your Unique Mission" (Christianleaders.com) </i><br />
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If we were involved in the priority programs of the church such as: Evangelism: (Matthew 28:19-20) Ministry: (Matthew 25:34-40) Christian Nurture (Galatians 6) I don't feel our churches would be in decline; but we would experience spiritual, and numerical growth, just like the early church did in the book of Acts.<br />
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Yes, it falls on Christian leadership, to lead the way in these priority programs. It's time we humble ourselves, and stop pursuing, selfish ambitions, and start doing what is best for the Kingdom of God. Isn't that what the Lord called us to do? GP<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-83896600714276978422024-02-26T11:44:00.000-06:002024-02-26T12:30:40.875-06:00The Blessing Of Belonging <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:7) </i><br />
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Maybe some will laugh at this picture I have had in my mind. A picture of me being a sheep, eating grass in a pasture, (along with other sheep) and I look over and see the shepherd standing close by. And after I see him, I go back to feasting on the grass of the pasture. I am at peace because I know he is standing by.<br />
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As I have driven home from work on those late dark nights, this picture has given me peace. My Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ is with me, wherever I go, wherever I am.<br />
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There is a great sense of security in belonging to a family, and being apart of a group of good friends. As we gather together for Christmas activities, we can give thanks that there are those around us, we can pour our lives into, and receive the love and support, that we so need, as we go through this life.<br />
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We may not agree on everything. But one thing we can agree on; is that we need each other. But most of all we need the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
No matter if life is bringing us down, or lifting us up, we need to get as close as we can to Him.<br />
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How often do we pray, and communicate with Him? How often are we in His Word, to find wisdom, and encouragement?<br />
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I am so glad that I belong to Jesus. I am His. You can belong to Him too; and enjoy the blessings of His presence, protection, and provisions.<br />
And the greatest blessing: His peace. GP<br />
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Photo: bildgebende_Momente / 46 images / CCO Creative Commons / Free for commercial use / No attribution required / www.pixabay.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-32995777966068236112024-02-19T13:43:00.005-06:002024-02-23T14:36:12.424-06:00Outside These Walls<p> </p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf44a2IqsVxP3ItP0y9yxom_UeS69Fkh7kv6_ErR0XuKf4dBWjSFQqGDuF9E6X8rtwXLF0I5akW2Vi9f4KSEqYosr6iYu8_lU2Nv6miWpS2g4MXdwetJAw9WHVdWbACQwvOrNCsEPzO3xacb4dMOAk8GconunBfex_pA3ig4HMaybEldt6dQbX5fJ9Lna4/s960/Church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="960" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf44a2IqsVxP3ItP0y9yxom_UeS69Fkh7kv6_ErR0XuKf4dBWjSFQqGDuF9E6X8rtwXLF0I5akW2Vi9f4KSEqYosr6iYu8_lU2Nv6miWpS2g4MXdwetJAw9WHVdWbACQwvOrNCsEPzO3xacb4dMOAk8GconunBfex_pA3ig4HMaybEldt6dQbX5fJ9Lna4/s320/Church.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /><b><span style="color: #990000;">Outside These Walls</span></b></span><p></p><span><i>"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (Acts 1:14)</i></span><br />
<br /><span>I have thought about this question, as I have looked at the responsibility of the church in reaching the lost world for Jesus Christ; Are we as the church, part of the problem, or part of the solution?</span><br />
<span>We are part of the problem, if we just operate a Sunday routine worship activity within the walls of the church building. </span><span>Nothing more than just staying comfortable within the inner walls, with no concern for the lost sinful state of those outside our sacred walls.</span><br />
<span><br /></span><div><span>When we look at the attitude, and actions of the early church, Vance Pitman shares four characteristics of the early church, that reveals that they had a deep concern for lost souls outside their Christian community.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>1. They Had A Faith That Produced </b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Obedience (Acts 1:8) </b></span></div><div><span>The apostles allowed the Holy Spirit to empower them, to be witnesses to the world, concerning Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will empower us to speak boldly on behalf of our Lord. </span><span>Yes, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to trust, and obey, the Lord's calling to share how He has made a difference in our lives.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>2. They Had A Passion That Produced Unity </b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>(Acts 1:14a) </b></span></div><div><span>The apostles continued with one accord" Just like the apostles, we need to show the world, that we as members of the body of Christ, are all on the same page. How division has ruined our witness today!</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>3. They Had A Desperation That Produced Prayer (Acts 1:14b) </b></span></div><div><span>The apostles,</span><span> with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." continued their practice of prayer. Their prayers, without a doubt were for those who had not surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. This is such a desperate need today, as it was then.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span>4. They Had A Spirit That Produced Power </span><span>(Acts:1:8) </span></span></b></div><div><span>When they prayed, and connected with the Holy Spirit, it was like a spark that ignited an old army cannon.</span><span>They became confident, bold, and excited to be the witnesses Jesus called them to be. The same can happen to us, if only we will connect together in prayer, and follow through with ministry of the Gospel to this lost world.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span>Let's not just get comfortable behind the church walls on Sunday, but let's go in the power of the Holy Spirit, to see what we can accomplish in the the lives of others, outside these walls! GP</span><br />
<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_240219_134201_535.sdocx--></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Photo: Copied </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-66370611079481454552024-02-12T13:46:00.000-06:002024-02-13T14:03:44.116-06:00Our Remembered Gift Of Love (Matthew 26:6-13) <div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ7xSI7myODd9HrCHj4WnSxRokN1kj6fVbDk-rIUWTxkP3DcR6NcnDxZc5wcR778TN1wRem6Q1wxo028-MLhE7kgde2w6eThQNz5zSuuJWK_7Jypdj6nBq64h-ey8uV-8QuDazYl9eMd2omsctWhcnQlPCpZQ-1niAVdWubF8i_ipuhG5tQLLntuCAoKr/s960/Love%20Never%20Fails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ7xSI7myODd9HrCHj4WnSxRokN1kj6fVbDk-rIUWTxkP3DcR6NcnDxZc5wcR778TN1wRem6Q1wxo028-MLhE7kgde2w6eThQNz5zSuuJWK_7Jypdj6nBq64h-ey8uV-8QuDazYl9eMd2omsctWhcnQlPCpZQ-1niAVdWubF8i_ipuhG5tQLLntuCAoKr/s320/Love%20Never%20Fails.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Our Remembered Gift Of Love </b></span></div><div><br /></div>"The smell of perfumed body powder filled the hospital room. A smile dissolved the worried look on my mother's face. "Is it one of my birthday presents?" she asked. "Yes" I answered, and reminded her of her 90th birthday. A nurse interrupted our conversation. "This is the best smelling room in the hospital" she said. Glancing at the body powder, she added; "Expensive stuff - to be used sparingly" "No, not sparingly - lavishly," I responded, fighting back the tears. I knew that this act of kindness might be the last I would do for my mother. The look of love and appreciation on my mother's face expressed all the confirmation I needed. Mother agreed with me. When I read the story of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' head, I remember my mother, and the perfumed body powder. I know that God approves, when we love lavishly."<br />
(By Norma P. Marroquin) <br /><br /><div>
In Matthew 26:13 Jesus says of the woman(who in John 12:1-8 is a reference to Mary) who poured the expensive oil on Him, that: <em>"wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."</em> Someone has written that "Love is not love, if it nicely calculates the costs. If it gives its all, and its only regret is that it has not still more to give." I don't believe that there are very few times when the gift of love has not been remembered. <br /><br /></div><div>
To give of ourselves 100% in love and sacrifice, will not be taken lightly, especially by our Lord Jesus Christ. He will never forget. And gifts of love in time and good deeds, will not be forgotten as well. If there is one thing that I have found to be true, it is the fact that people want to be cared about. They appreciate it when you take the time to show that you care. "They won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Let's love lavishly, and be blessed abundantly! (GP) </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-11462469588543919282024-02-05T11:56:00.000-06:002024-02-06T13:19:01.958-06:00The Law Of Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMot4Sk0GCoBjuU8TJ9gFZ0ZdvHECo8nqTazVXp2T3plIVfuDwyleb83ZrIi_PH_TiDLCuks3K-hDqYxrVBR4WQCFYVDZ_DGVX9WJublMYqpB7RJbFBsjdeUq4uggkUP5qFVwixoFvd7Ec/s1600/Law+Of+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMot4Sk0GCoBjuU8TJ9gFZ0ZdvHECo8nqTazVXp2T3plIVfuDwyleb83ZrIi_PH_TiDLCuks3K-hDqYxrVBR4WQCFYVDZ_DGVX9WJublMYqpB7RJbFBsjdeUq4uggkUP5qFVwixoFvd7Ec/s200/Law+Of+Love.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:43-45)</i><br />
<br />
Whoever said, "You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy," was way out of line.
The Pharisees taught that one should love those near and dear to them (Leviticus 19:18), but that Israel's enemies should be hated. It is a natural tendency to want revenge when we are harmed and hurt.<br />
<br />
But here in out text, Jesus puts forth the <i>"Law of Love",</i> which goes against the the grain of worldly thought. And the question comes,<br />
"How can we, <i>"bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, pray for those who spitefully use us, and persecute us?" </i>We become like a dog, when we are hurt, we are likely to bite, and sink our teeth of revenge in deep.<br />
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The <i>"Law of Love" </i>was displayed on the path of love, our Savior took, when He went to Calvary, and paid for our sins. And in the midst of such extreme pain and agony, these words echo through time: <i>"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).</i><br />
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Satan always wants it to be a fight. And the result of such battles is destruction. But love is about forgiveness, resolution, and reconciliation, which leads to peace. The low road is hate, and the high road is love. Taking the high road of love, is putting aside past hurt, in order to embrace future happiness. And according to Jesus, acts of love are not optional, but they are <i>"law" GP </i><br />
<br />
<i>
"Don't you know that love is all? </i><br />
<i>Love is where we all begin. </i><br />
<i>And when we knock on heaven's door, </i><br />
<i>only love will let us in." </i><br />
(A line from a song recorded by Air Supply - Christmas album - 1987 Arista Records)<br />
(Songwriters: Jon Anderson)<br />
(Love Is All lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc)<br />
<br />
Photo: sspiehs3 / 43 images - CCO Creative Commons - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-31113711981584430522024-01-30T10:38:00.003-06:002024-01-31T08:46:10.802-06:00Positioning Our Priorities<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzkBHk8Bx_QRRA6hHL6ebM_rjcwQne6LB33ea83szMn-m12V7wSdx3BaHM2QQz7VkV-ZqwyEjPDzuRa4ZqHfcyAWUt0I1yvCB9T2YEV-mv0BSAm0mU570SYXUzeXKnvjNmN4wy6RFDq_mqSlAcqBA3PYpRbYeLclNHldhKMZnqrmZa6jBMtJf3drsjZdz/s767/Priorities%20two.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="767" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzkBHk8Bx_QRRA6hHL6ebM_rjcwQne6LB33ea83szMn-m12V7wSdx3BaHM2QQz7VkV-ZqwyEjPDzuRa4ZqHfcyAWUt0I1yvCB9T2YEV-mv0BSAm0mU570SYXUzeXKnvjNmN4wy6RFDq_mqSlAcqBA3PYpRbYeLclNHldhKMZnqrmZa6jBMtJf3drsjZdz/s320/Priorities%20two.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana;"><b>Positioning Our Priorities </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span>"Things bought at garage sales don’t usually end up on the evening news, but a Chinese bowl bought by a New York family in 2007, became famous in April of 2013. The new owners paid just three dollars for what turned out to be a bowl from the Northern Song Dynasty that was more than one thousand years old. Until someone told them what they really had, the family had the bowl stuck on the mantle over their fireplace. When they placed the bowl with Sotheby’s Auction House for sale, it was estimated to go for approximately $200,000." (Ministry 127)</span>
<br /></i><br /><span>I have been one who struggled with having my priorities on the right things, and in the right order. I believe that many Christians have this delema. Having mistaken and misplaced priorities can cause stress and strife, in our Christian walk, and in the Christian family. I want us to look at three priority possessions we have, and see how valuable they are, and where they are to reside in our priority positions.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>1. Our Relationship With God.</b></span><br />
<span> <i>"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is </i></span><i><span>the</span><span> first and great commandment." </span><span>(Matthew 22:37-38)</span></i><br />
<span>The most precious priority possession we can have is our relationship with God. </span><span>As much as this is the greatest commandment, it is the greatest privilege, and blessing. John writes in his first letter: </span><span><i>"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."</i></span><i>(1 John 3:1) </i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">To know that we are a child of God, known and loved by Him, should motivate us to cultivate a strong relationship with Him. We do this by abiding and obeying His Word, and communicating with Him through prayer. When we diligently do this, we will not be the same people. We will have a new heart, a new hope, and a new purpose for life.</span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>2. Our Relationship With Our Family</b></span><br />
<span><i>"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table." (Psalm 128:3) </i></span><span>Ed Wood writes, <i>“America will never be right until our homes are right. Our homes will never be right till the daddies get right” (Ed Wood, “God’s Plan For The Man,” pg. 2) </i></span><span>Psalm 128:3 </span><span>describes the wife and children of the man who seeks God's blessing</span><span>. His wife will be like a “fruitful vine,” while his children are like “olive plants.” These descriptions have something in common: They both need to be cared for andcultivated </span><span><i>(https://www.pastorlife.com › sermon)</i></span><br />
<span>It is very damaging when you place other priorities ahead of your family. I was one who did this, and I regret this action to this very day. Both your wife (a fruitful vine) wrapping her person and love around every member, and activity in the life of the family, and your children (olive shoots) who are growing into wonderful Christian adults, need your constant love, and involvement in their lives. Only the priority of maintaining your relationship with God should come before the priority of your family. Placing your family in a top priority position has significant blessings. </span><span>In essence, you will not find a better support group, than that of your family. If you are there for them, they will be there for you. Especially in our declining years.</span></span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>3. Our Relationship With Our Work</b></span><br />
<i><span>"</span><span>Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Chr</span><span>ist." (Colossians 3:23-24)</span></i><br />
<span>The apostle Paul encourages (not only us as husbands, fathers, spiritual leaders in the church) but for all fellow Christians. No matter if it is in the family, or on the job, or in any specific activity; " Whatever you do, work heartily" There is too much sloppiness, and apathy, in our work for the Lord. Our Lord Jesus deserves better than what He gets from us. </span></span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span>"A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When asked for his qualifications, he told the farmer about his previous experience then said, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. </span><span>A few months later, the farmer was awakened in the night by a violent storm. He ran outside to make sure that everything was secured. He found the barn doors tightly shut and the shutters closed. The storage shed and machinery was already properly taken care of. That was when the farmer realized the significance of the statement, “I can sleep when the wind blows.”(Ministry 127) </span></i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Lord Jesus expects us to do our best in regards to our work, and Christian service. We are not to do things half-halfheartedly but </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">"heartily." </i><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we do, our lives will be very fulfilled, as well the lives of those around us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are the priority possessions we have. Our Relationship to God, Our Family, Our Work, are to be the top priorities in our lives. When they are established, and maintained, life here, in this life, will be full of much blessings. GP</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><br /><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_240129_103708_290.sdocx--></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-67424330650461817772024-01-29T09:48:00.003-06:002024-01-31T08:47:44.335-06:00The Right Response <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." </i><br />
<i>(Proverbs 15:1)</i><br />
<br />
How well do we respond to someone who is severely angry at us? Are we quickly angered ourselves, and respond with a high level of intense anger? Do we end up saying things we didn't mean to say, in a moment of confrontation? Words are like bullets that penetrate the heart of the person we are in conflict with. They can cause damage that will last a lifetime. In our text we find the right response to someone who is totally angry with us. <i>"A soft answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1a) </i><div><br /></div><div>When you deal with people who are surely or difficult, the best way is to keep your own demeanor calm, and your own voice calm instead of raising your voice. Raising our voices, and getting into a retaliation mode, will only put fuel on the fire, and make things worse. As it is in the area of physics: <i>"For every action, there is a reaction" </i>How that reaction is presented will make all the difference in the world.<div><br /></div><div>The Apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus and says: <i>"Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27) </i>Do not hold on to your anger, and don't let the devil influence you to take steps to get even, or again, say things in anger, that you did not intend. In moments of conflict and confrontation, let's never be selfish, but understanding, and respectful. It will go a long way in accomplishing resolution and reconciliation. GP<br />
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Photo by franky242. Published on 07 August 2013
Stock photo - Image ID: 100190830<br />
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<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-90327923462074207112024-01-25T09:09:00.000-06:002024-01-26T08:40:33.849-06:00Where There Is No Vision <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law." (Proverbs 29:18)</i><br />
<br />
One day, I opened my eyes to find little black spots moving around. This was just in my right eye. Four months later, they show up in my left eye, along with brown spots, and stringy stuff, I don't know how to describe. The doctor says, they are "floaters." They are apart of the aging process. Nothing can be done, unless you have a huge amount of money to take care of them with laser treatment (so I am told)<br />
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I have come to realize how important one's vision is. Especially our spiritual vision. Have we come to see clearly what God wants us to be, and to do? Do we see that He wants us to place Him as first in our lives, and to be completely obedient to His Word?<br />
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Solomon writes in our text, that<i> "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained" </i>In other words, where there is no understanding and application of God's Word, people will go ahead and do whatever they feel is right, in their own eyes. Look at our world today, and tell me that this isn't our reality. If people today, would put into practice the principles of God's Word, we would not have the problems, we have in our world today.<br />
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When it comes down to you and me, how are we doing, in following God's eye chart, for healthy spiritual vision? Do we see clearly what is expected of us?<br />
<br />
I realize that there are times, when we must wait for God to reveal His will in certain situations. But just like with the "Floaters"; with proper diet, and a lot of patience, I wait for my vision to get better.<br />
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In His time, God will reveal His will to us. The important thing, when we see it, is to faithfully follow through with it! GP<br />
<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-43654319984536427632024-01-23T09:13:00.001-06:002024-01-24T08:53:04.145-06:00Where We Find Ourselves, He Finds Us!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJ2bgUHmNF72T38b41WenQBMcW6bkCwt_7kRkPsHnyuDeJL9CBHbuGqgG_vCeQgQQ_hKqxayOayyZpJLEgDNSmpp8yRq6-94RwCMesfzqOPOFthbiNxyaEeAytjXB6OqDWtLE_OT6zEv7f6sHtnWKIXwuaAfrmL7VGbpW4hfl9cK48ZKclFM9kCMuYRj/s960/FB_IMG_1704899408995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJ2bgUHmNF72T38b41WenQBMcW6bkCwt_7kRkPsHnyuDeJL9CBHbuGqgG_vCeQgQQ_hKqxayOayyZpJLEgDNSmpp8yRq6-94RwCMesfzqOPOFthbiNxyaEeAytjXB6OqDWtLE_OT6zEv7f6sHtnWKIXwuaAfrmL7VGbpW4hfl9cK48ZKclFM9kCMuYRj/s320/FB_IMG_1704899408995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-c1ae65fd-7fff-2272-5887-92511be19079" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Wherever We Find Ourselves, He Finds Us!</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:27-28)</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Fanny Crosby loved sharing the Gospel with anyone who would listen. In 1869 she penned the words to “Rescue the Perishing.” When asked about the song, she explained, “It was written following a personal experience at the New York City Bowery Mission.” She went on to explain that she would go one night a week to talk to “her boys.” </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">One night while speaking to them, she kept having the thought that there was a boy present who had wandered away from his mother and must be rescued that night, or he would be eternally lost. She made a plea to each boy that was there that night. At the end of the service, one of the young men came forward and said, “Did you mean me, Miss Crosby? I promised my mother to meet her in Heaven, but as I am now living that will be impossible.” She prayed with him and led him to Christ. As they finished, he said, “Now I am ready to meet my mother in Heaven, for I have found God.” (Ministry 127 "The Story Behind "Rescue The Perishing")</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Wherever we find ourselves: Whether we are lost in sin and spiritual depravity, or under a constant cloud of deep dark depression and despair, or wrestling with aggressive anxiety and worry, whatever the negative circumstances and conditions we find ourselves, Jesus our Good Shepherd knows us, and knows where we are. He knows our state of affairs, and He knows how to help us. Some may ask: How is that possible? And how can I trust someone like this who I can not see? The answer is Faith! The sheep trust in a voice they know. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">They will follow the one they have come to know as their caretaker. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With us as Christians, it is establishing and maintaining a relationship with this one who promises salvation, and daily sustenance. After placing our trust in His Word for our lives, and find it to he faithful and true, when trouble comes, we know that no other voice that speaks to us, is better, or more faithful and secure, than that of our Savior, and Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is to say with the psalmist </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>"Taste and see that the Lord is good; </i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8)</i> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this life, we find ourselves in various places of challenge. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">But what comfort and encouragement in those places of challenge, to seek and to find our Good Shepherd already there, waiting for us to draw near to Him, and to find the peace He gives. How wonderful that gift is! GP</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">TCJ eStore </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://tcjestore24.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><b>TCJ eStore</b></a><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-52289850677281800212024-01-20T14:13:00.000-06:002024-01-26T08:43:46.157-06:00Does The Church Hate What God Hates? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnS5yR1NbiyiRRrRTJzVBZtDuYQ2TkK9w1ifGUEdcNb5hz28RamV2LRczGeg6OJJRjotUf3-aLhHtjHaVXlSyDfnP6BSjVYElPYJu4uG-Xekv2_rVOjdxHv8HuChIoUNiVr0JH-8syuSPdGBQSrJOPT_6NM3geiMwEjK7IPbi_eM0Wos42MfBb6fT4UAL/s1280/sin-7144803_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnS5yR1NbiyiRRrRTJzVBZtDuYQ2TkK9w1ifGUEdcNb5hz28RamV2LRczGeg6OJJRjotUf3-aLhHtjHaVXlSyDfnP6BSjVYElPYJu4uG-Xekv2_rVOjdxHv8HuChIoUNiVr0JH-8syuSPdGBQSrJOPT_6NM3geiMwEjK7IPbi_eM0Wos42MfBb6fT4UAL/s320/sin-7144803_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Does The Church Hate What God Hates? </span></b><div><br /></div><div> <i>"These six things the Lord Hates, Yes seven are an abomination to Him: A Proud look, A lying tongue, Hand that shed innocent blood, A Heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discard among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>These words that Solomon writes really strike home with what is going on in our world today. These seven things that the Lord hates are seen not only in our world, our nation, our homes, but in our churches. The images that we have seen in the war between Israel and the Palestinian people have been horrific, and hard to wrap our minds around.
It is hard to understand the deep hatred that has motivated the violence and the killing that has taken place just recently. </div><div><br /></div><div> So when we look at the church and “we see the conflict over selfish petty things, that divides us as a Christian community, it makes us wonder just where we are in our relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to one another in the body of Christ.
We are to have the mind of Christ, but instead we have the mind of the world. The apostle Paul says to us in Philippians 2:1-4 <i>“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” </i></div><div><br /></div><div>
A girl asked her boyfriend:
Girl: “Do you love me?”
Boy: “Yes, Dear.”
Girl: “Would you die for me?”
Boy: “No. Mine is an undying love.” </div><div><br /></div><div> The question that we as Christians must ask ourselves: Just how far are we willing to go to show our love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Jesus went all the way to a cross to die for our sins. Jesus said:”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) </div><div><br /></div><div>To love the world, and to love one another, is not an option, but a command. So in the backdrop of such deep seeded hatred in our world today, let's show a deep constant love that establishes a steadfast unity, and a lasting peace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The world needs to see this today! GP </div><div><br /></div><div>Photo: geralt - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-11069685312174769052024-01-15T13:16:00.000-06:002024-01-16T09:24:02.201-06:00WHAT IS YOUR DESTINY?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpHwdjFRgZpU74H5TCb6x7z8f4VmrwuxpJt_1cMKx_7B8pJO3m-A-ZjduNVHnR6kRMCIGIdRbLmb9iKUOt9hRxzVj24krUInmehOktBudGAb9_gdxWheIL6l6MByKzcyQG7zeHBUQp2v8/s1600/Destiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpHwdjFRgZpU74H5TCb6x7z8f4VmrwuxpJt_1cMKx_7B8pJO3m-A-ZjduNVHnR6kRMCIGIdRbLmb9iKUOt9hRxzVj24krUInmehOktBudGAb9_gdxWheIL6l6MByKzcyQG7zeHBUQp2v8/s200/Destiny.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."</i><br />
<i>(Philippians 3:13-14) </i><br />
<br />
What is your destiny? The word "destiny" comes from the word "destine" which means"to decree before hand."
to designate", or"assign", or "dedicate in advance."<br />
<br />
In regards to your future, what are you decreeing beforehand?
What are your future plans?<br />
For some, it will be to make
a good living, and become, materially well off.
For others, it will be, to secure a good vocation, and find a place
of purpose, and fulfillment. As these pursuits are goals for this life,
what about our eternal destiny? Are we decreeing beforehand,
for our eternal needs?<br />
<br />
The Apostle Paul made a solid statement
about his eternal destiny. He was in pursuit of "<i>the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus."(Phil.3:14)</i><br />
What is the prize?
It is heaven itself. Our eternal home. And it is by faith that we obtain it.
Not by our good works, because our good works could never be good
enough. It is the work that Christ did at the cross of Calvary, to pay for
our sins, that make the prize of heaven possible.<br />
<br />
But knowing that we
can trust Jesus to have it, we press towards the goal, by faith.
We place ourselves, and keep ourselves, in Christ. Because it is only
through Him, that we can have this eternal prize.<br />
<br />
It's always good to
think ahead. Financial counselors tell us that one of the best things
we can do to get out of debt, is to come up with a plan. But when it
comes to our eternal destiny, there are a world full of people who
are not preparing at all. The Bible teaches us that we need to accept
Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord, now, before it's too late.<br />
<br />
We could spend an eternity, separated from him.
We definitely don't want that. So lets allow the Lord help us
and others, to have a bright future destiny.
Place your future in His hands today! (GP)<br />
<br />
Photo ID 625428 © Luckynick | Dreamstime.com<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-71335597315813083212024-01-14T09:16:00.000-06:002024-01-15T08:34:24.749-06:00Who Owns Us? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm0ULuUt_a87fuXE9reLALEaknkYq8GESItjxUn7ok8OOAykI9kDMtP2sLSu8HGyVqEbBkbe9qBNk8LMSDqEhCVj56xpnf7jX-Lsf4LT3sv-IBOou6KOAighlHNof-mE-uapc9iQXnjIy/s1600/Ownership.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm0ULuUt_a87fuXE9reLALEaknkYq8GESItjxUn7ok8OOAykI9kDMtP2sLSu8HGyVqEbBkbe9qBNk8LMSDqEhCVj56xpnf7jX-Lsf4LT3sv-IBOou6KOAighlHNof-mE-uapc9iQXnjIy/s200/Ownership.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave </i><i>himself for me." </i><br />
<i>(Galatians 2:20) </i><br />
<br />
Would you rather rent a home, or own one? When you rent a home, your landlord is in charge of the maintenance of the house, and providing insurance in case of fire, or damage of any kind. It can be quite expensive. And if you own your home, you have all this expense.<br />
<br />
When I apply this to our spiritual lives, I am so glad that I belong to Jesus. The Apostle Paul in our text uses the analogy of crucifixion to explain His spiritual status with the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ, he gave is whole life. <i>"I have been crucified with Christ" </i>In essence he is saying that his life of self interests and selfish pursuits is gone, dead. When he wrote this, his life was focused on living totally for the Lord Jesus Christ, and allowing Him to be Lord, and in total control.<br />
<br />
As Christians we should be glad that the Lord Jesus, is calling the shots in our lives. That He is in the driver's seat of our lives, and not us.<br />
How many times have we been in trouble because we didn't know what was right. We made decisions that caused so much stress, and despair.<br />
<br />
The key to a well balanced life in our journey is <i>"faith." </i>Faith in the one who loves us, and gave Himself up for us." How glad we should be that Jesus owns our souls, and will direct us, and care for us, now, and for all eternity! GP<br />
<br />
PublicDomainPictures / 18042 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com <div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-58051627345858022082024-01-13T14:44:00.000-06:002024-01-14T11:38:21.777-06:00The Goals Of The Christian Life<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYbcZvgGdPRouzF13g5PyiXjxRDRYoxgMnlu6XDj1-PfmAL5nhoeNPVP2_Fnhq1QNzT9kUt6B9-DzAG4-c_2ubV4AcWGbZJ0VZfouWFJ9DzwPoRnVlq1IY-8sReIgqCjCepyPfCCA-wBN5OF9-PcoymG_9LfbvOmAb3207w2cAs9Herf0yr-CR2n2e7w4/s5806/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5206040%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5806" data-original-width="3871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYbcZvgGdPRouzF13g5PyiXjxRDRYoxgMnlu6XDj1-PfmAL5nhoeNPVP2_Fnhq1QNzT9kUt6B9-DzAG4-c_2ubV4AcWGbZJ0VZfouWFJ9DzwPoRnVlq1IY-8sReIgqCjCepyPfCCA-wBN5OF9-PcoymG_9LfbvOmAb3207w2cAs9Herf0yr-CR2n2e7w4/w213-h320/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5206040%20(1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><i><div><i>"...Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints, because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, or which you heard before in the Word of the truth of the Gospel..." (Colossians 1:4-5)</i> Of all the areas we as Christians are to excel in, these three are the most important. Faith, Love, Hope. Faith is the eyes of the Christian life, that sees the promises of God as becoming reality. Love is the heart, that feels the presence of God, and the desire to give, and minister to those around us. And hope are the legs that carry us into the future, when the storms of life, challenge our days, and obscure our vision of God, and our future. Faith, Love, and Hope, are marks of maturity, that reveal the measure of our Christian fiber, and being. And the food that establishes and maintains these three pillars of our Christian existence, is the principles of God's Word. In this new year, when we ask ourselves, <i>"How can we really improve our lives, and have us be on a higher plain, a stronger level, than ever before?</i> Pursuing these three areas of maturity is key. Even though our physical bodies will deteriorating, our spiritual inner self, will be the best that it can be. GP</div></i><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-90609952305624391412024-01-11T14:10:00.000-06:002024-01-12T07:25:18.867-06:00Pleasing God With Our Faith <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmiH7cLZOGo7aScNdF4-KB9n39eIF-SShVqG-VH2omdVJF6lQOzuAAeJmFx3iZGduO-lW5lFTBVZZ1yEHl2IcFJUIUGKjIOhbnjDPWpEu_o7qfDIs0qSp9Z6nsDpp9ogvV0Cu8ecusKYV5mFiqgNuyndH7Xr3F2jXfyV06p0R5CcVX3b88s2La8AQGg/s798/Believe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmiH7cLZOGo7aScNdF4-KB9n39eIF-SShVqG-VH2omdVJF6lQOzuAAeJmFx3iZGduO-lW5lFTBVZZ1yEHl2IcFJUIUGKjIOhbnjDPWpEu_o7qfDIs0qSp9Z6nsDpp9ogvV0Cu8ecusKYV5mFiqgNuyndH7Xr3F2jXfyV06p0R5CcVX3b88s2La8AQGg/s320/Believe.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><p></p><b><span style="color: #990000;">
Pleasing God With Our Faith </span></b><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Hebrews 11:6 </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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 <i>"believe that God exists, and that He is the rewarder of all those who seek Him" (v.6) </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I remember my father-in-law being asked what he would do if the airplane he was on went down. He confidently responded:<i> "Go with it!"</i> He knew who had his life, and his soul, no matter what happened.</div><div>I hope that I can have that much faith. </div><div><br /></div><div>All through the Bible, God has expected His people to exercise faith. </div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>God is pleased with us, when we place our whole lives in His hands. </div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us say with the Apostle Paul: <i>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." </i>(Philippians 4:13) GP</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-757036480713335272024-01-03T10:30:00.011-06:002024-01-03T16:32:38.172-06:00I Know Where I Am Going!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQiIBov2QiQla7qnw2y4G2mF_INazcLUuQyLmExLtQaMAZTIMza9i6PaQbH-YFeCeULLpE9mADJhm9UGmtfeHnUrgCMfs0qDkm5fjbtwhO9OlpHBirLsuwZnnaEsrag_68gzmKHZGRHmyez5l3OUWmqKYIx6km07uEyCVHRodqYpyurjBJVCsi5u9KjeQ/s837/LIght%20Source.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="837" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQiIBov2QiQla7qnw2y4G2mF_INazcLUuQyLmExLtQaMAZTIMza9i6PaQbH-YFeCeULLpE9mADJhm9UGmtfeHnUrgCMfs0qDkm5fjbtwhO9OlpHBirLsuwZnnaEsrag_68gzmKHZGRHmyez5l3OUWmqKYIx6km07uEyCVHRodqYpyurjBJVCsi5u9KjeQ/s320/LIght%20Source.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana;">
I Know Where I Am Going!</span></b><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."[ (Philippians 3:13-14) </span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Between an airplane and every other form of locomotion and transportation there is one great contrast. The horse and wagon, the automobile, the bicycle, the locomotive, the speedboat, and the great battleship—all can come to a standstill without danger, and they can all reverse their engines, or their power, and go back.
But there is no reverse about the engine of an airplane. It cannot back up. It dare not stand still. If it loses its momentum and forward-drives, then it crashes. The only safety for the airplane is in its forward and upward motion. The only safe direction for the Christian to take is forward and upward. If he stops, or if he begins to slip and go backward, that moment he is in danger.”—C. E. Macartney (Ministry 127) </span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our associate pastor Sunday, delivered an excellent message. It was on our text, Philippians 3:13-14.
He shared with us three words that the apostle Paul gave us, in pursuing our Christian journey. And this really should apply to our entering this new year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana;">1. FOCUS - <i>"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do," </i></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whatever the apostle Paul accomplished in his old life, before he became a Christian, he considered rubbish, in comparison to knowing and serving Jesus Christ. This became his one and only focus of life. As he stated in Philippians 1:21 <i>"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." </i>It should be the same with us. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">As Christians, there should be no other thing in this world, that we should place as the main focus of our lives, than the Lord Jesus Christ. And how blessed we will be when we do. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>2. FORGET -<i>"forgetting those things which are behind"</i></b><i> </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The apostle Paul had been born with a wonderful heritage. He had acquired a good, solid education, and held a very high position in his life career. He did not think it a negative experience to go after Christianity, and to try to do away with this movement. After his conversion, he was not proud of his sinful attitude, and actions. He wanted to completely forget it. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Someone has said: "It may be good at times to visit the past, but it's never a place we should live." The past is dead and gone. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a line they have used on the TV show " Blue Bloods" "It's what you do next that counts." We are to let the past go, and allow the Lord Jesus to forgive us, and restore us. 1 John 1:9, and then focus on our next</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">word!</span></span></div><div><b style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. FUTURE - <i>"reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."</i></b></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Do we know where we are going in our lives? What is the path we are pursuing in this life? According to Paul, we are to reach forward to the things God wants us to be, and to do. We are to be Kingdom builders. We are to press forward, like a runner, running a race. We are to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>I remember what some of the athletes would say after a significant victory. They would say that "they were heading to Disneyland." </span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>In Jesus, we share the victory over sin, and eternal death. When asked what we will do in the future? We can say, "we are heading to heaven, and we're going to take as many as we can, with us!" </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I ask you again: Do you know where you are going in this life? If you are in Christ Jesus, you can know! GP</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-78175806457271891692023-12-25T09:26:00.000-06:002023-12-26T08:42:03.575-06:00A Top Priority In 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW228TumJHC5-MQopNHlabyN2LldrW9NGXpuonTN4-I7JJiCHrw4dkM3t8AiZA2puTeN4gRIUQIUqzRjlpfuHzEPcdNnVE1X53_HK69ySgL26A81RBpRBp2gZIeRdHPYhKyM5ZzV2AR6J/s1600/Priorities+Now.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="960" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW228TumJHC5-MQopNHlabyN2LldrW9NGXpuonTN4-I7JJiCHrw4dkM3t8AiZA2puTeN4gRIUQIUqzRjlpfuHzEPcdNnVE1X53_HK69ySgL26A81RBpRBp2gZIeRdHPYhKyM5ZzV2AR6J/s320/Priorities+Now.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) </i><br />
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Entering a new year makes us take a good look at our priorities. What may have been important last year, may not be this year. What we focused on, all the time last year, may not be the focus of our lives, this year.<br />
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Yes, evaluating priorities at the start of a new year is a very important practice. The things that we focus on the most, are the things that will effect our lives the most. The evaluation of what really matters, will help in our obtaining success in this life.<br />
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Well that brings me to the most important priority that one should make in this life. A priority that should never change, but be at the top of the list. Jesus told His followers in His sermon on the Mount, just what that main priority should be. We are to ..<i>."seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness".</i>..(Matthew 6:33) In other words, we are to be apart of the Kingdom of God, by accepting Jesus (God's Son) as Savior, and Lord of our lives. And everyday we are to do our part to join the Lord, in being a Kingdom builder. That is, reaching out to people who have not accepted the Lord Jesus into their lives, and bringing them into the Kingdom of God as well.<br />
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And the promise to us, is stated in the last part of v.33. <i>..."and all these things (the things that we need in our lives) will be added to you." </i><br />
If we take care of the Lord's business first, He will take care of our business. He will take care of all of our needs.<br />
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The challenge to us is to be in the Lord, and be Kingdom builders.<br />
We will be surprised how the Lord will bless and build our lives, and the lives of so many others in 2022.(GP)<br />
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Comfreak/566 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-90158087987474070702023-12-22T08:14:00.000-06:002023-12-24T09:14:13.934-06:00To Fulfill Our Purpose At Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JyiezCemcpV55rpZWnyBXlKvPuUMeBaYPoz9Z901dcWmFHTu_kCSqpTGel73VQNyheTcetARY8ww9ZlHZIuOjFPpbqbQMUiT-PvfOaGyYIfgC_cOeXeWjWB_l69WkSWQn_OZmQccL55S/s1600/Christmas+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JyiezCemcpV55rpZWnyBXlKvPuUMeBaYPoz9Z901dcWmFHTu_kCSqpTGel73VQNyheTcetARY8ww9ZlHZIuOjFPpbqbQMUiT-PvfOaGyYIfgC_cOeXeWjWB_l69WkSWQn_OZmQccL55S/s200/Christmas+lights.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>"Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child."(Luke 2:17)</i><br />
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Is it just me, or have we as Christians missed something? Have we forgot to pursue our part in fulfilling the purpose of Christmas? You ask, what could that be?<br />
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The most precious gift of the ages came as the angel proclaimed: <i>"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"(Luke 2:11)</i> And after the shepherds worshiped the Christ child they did what we are to be doing today! They celebrated the birth of Christ, by telling people about Him.<br />
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I believe that Christmas programs that proclaim the birth of our Savior, are very important. But just as important, is our testimony of how the Christ Child has made a difference in our lives. People need to hear it, they need to respond to it. They need to come to the Savior.<br />
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Today!
Our testimony should be made widely known.
We talk about the weather, and about sports, or the economic situation, more than we talk about our Savior. How sad that we can talk about these things, more than we can talk about the most important event that took place in our lives; the accepting of Jesus Christ as our Savior.<br />
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I want to challenge us this year, to really make it point to talk about how Jesus saved us, and is working in our lives to help us to be better people, before our God. Let's make widely known the good news of Jesus Christ.
It is a matter of life and death! GP<br />
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Photo: jill111 /665 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-16499642697204745132023-12-17T11:02:00.000-06:002023-12-18T09:58:31.334-06:00Do You Hear What I Hear? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZB5m5dfumaMiqaz8JyGYwUZEEGOgiaCouzDaotEU4HhSDqSP18JyU8oWbAFlg-2ixSQM5D-_YTRffyOEWnRBnteYxrzWcSoF6Uh-tX8960aW4sKCam2iXt6z3_u8Sn78tRfkRASM9R_HRsQuxeSy2nTmOBjuxj0PO4LNaf-sSDHmOOpbZlAFc_I7pA=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZB5m5dfumaMiqaz8JyGYwUZEEGOgiaCouzDaotEU4HhSDqSP18JyU8oWbAFlg-2ixSQM5D-_YTRffyOEWnRBnteYxrzWcSoF6Uh-tX8960aW4sKCam2iXt6z3_u8Sn78tRfkRASM9R_HRsQuxeSy2nTmOBjuxj0PO4LNaf-sSDHmOOpbZlAFc_I7pA=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><i>
"...But the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a still small voice." </i><div><i>(1 Kings 19:11c-12)</i> <div><br /></div><div><i>"Do You Hear What I hear?" is a song written in October 1969 with lyrics by Noel Regney and music by Gloria Shayne. The pair married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace, during the "Cuban Missile Crisis." Regney had been invited by a record producer to write a Christmas song, but he was hesitant due to the commercialism of Christmas. It has sold tens of millions of copies and has been covered by hundreds." (Wikipedia)</i> </div><div><br /></div><div> In the midst of this worldly noise we hear today; the arrogant, selfish, shouting and screaming, the noise of disagreement and division; the noise of commercialism and materialism, the groans of discouragement and despair; do we hear the voice of God? </div><div><br /></div><div> Like Elijah, in our text , can we stand before this mountain of worldly noise, and hear the voice of God? I believe we can if we position our minds to receive what God has for us to hear. And the greatest message God wants us to hear is this: <i>"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the world, you and I have a Savior. Do we need saving today? By the noise we are hearing today, it seems we don't need anyone but ourselves. But look at the mess we are in as a society today. </div><div><br /></div><div>We need a Savior today, as much as when Jesus first came into this world. We need Jesus to save us from our sins, from ourselves, and deliverance from the challenges we face on a daily basis. </div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that we can hear the voice of God, if we open up God's Word, and daily take in, the spiritual food we need for each day. <i>"He who has ears to hear, let them hear." (Matthew 11:15)</i> GP </div></div><div><br /></div><div>This Blog-Post is an eProduct featured on:</div><div>TCJ eStore. Please Click Link Below!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://tcjestore24.blogspot.com" style="background-color: #cccccc;" target="_blank">TCJ eStore</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Photo: ThomasWolter/951 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-35410931964197543682023-12-11T10:21:00.010-06:002023-12-12T14:32:05.456-06:00No Peace? No Purpose!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3QLicOnCX16Qjcf9aPePclUHWaFF6NqL3QYA5YF7qHDa20LRpcAr0b17BrKEKOPMyCnoKaw52xpiex9ScQ4f76RoyD2OISK9ZeEScbLfKudI0Sryb5snsgFXfHnU193hd7SV1EEVXkTTbDQDop2B8CSl8ADJca__5sOuO9DMW1SuXep341qoRPDbKDEB/s1280/peace-1897318_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3QLicOnCX16Qjcf9aPePclUHWaFF6NqL3QYA5YF7qHDa20LRpcAr0b17BrKEKOPMyCnoKaw52xpiex9ScQ4f76RoyD2OISK9ZeEScbLfKudI0Sryb5snsgFXfHnU193hd7SV1EEVXkTTbDQDop2B8CSl8ADJca__5sOuO9DMW1SuXep341qoRPDbKDEB/s320/peace-1897318_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="color: #990000;">No Peace? No Purpose! </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span><div><i><span>"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."</span><span>(Colossians 3:15)</span></i><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span>You would think that local churches would see the need to maintain peace in the various Christian communities. With the war raging in the middle east, in Ukraine, and here in America, you would think we could set the best example of how to establish and maintain peace. But all over, there is conflict in our churches. </span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span><i>"Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of a divided country. There were four major candidates in 1860, and Lincoln only narrowly received his electoral majority. Among his harshest critics was Edwin Stanton of Ohio who opposed Lincoln’s election, calling him among other things the “original gorilla.” Yet Lincoln asked Stanton to serve as Secretary of War, recognizing his organizational skills were greatly needed for the war effort. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton said, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.” We do not have to strike back at everyone who says or does something with which we disagree. It may be temporarily satisfying, but in the end it leads to bitterness and often an escalating cycle of revenge and retaliatory actions."(Ministry 127 - Peace)</i></span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span>The apostle Paul instructs the Christians at Colosse to strongly consider two things.</span><br />
<span><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>1. The Peace of Christ. (Colossians 3:15a)</b></span><br />
<span>The peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts. It is to rule and reign in our Christian fellowship. </span><span>Paul writes to the Christians at Rome: "</span><span>If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Roman's 12:18) </span></div><div><span>If the goal of each individual Christian is to strive to love others, and meet the needs of other Christians, as well as the needs of non-Christians around them, don't you think this would motivate a peaceful environment in the body of Christ? </span>I believe it would. And what a different experience it would be.</div><div>
<span><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000;"><b>2. The Purpose of Christ (Colossians 3:15b) </b></span></div><div><span>Paul goes on to say that the peace of Christ (when strongly exercised) will help us as Christians, to be the ONE body He has called us to. We are to be united together in Him. We are to be one family, a mighty army, standing together on the truth of God's Word. Instead of fighting each other, we are to fight together, the good fight of faith. That is our goal, that is our purpose as the church. But without the peace of Christ, we will not accomplish the purpose of Christ. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I will close with this prayer from Psalm 29:11 </span></div><div><i><span>"</span><span>May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!"</span></i><br />
<span>GP</span><br /><br />Photo: Wokandapix - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com</div><div><br /></div><div>See this (TCJ) eProduct on The Christian Journeyman eStore:</div><div><a href="http://tcjestore24.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: #cccccc;">TCJ eStore</b></a><br /><br /><br /><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_231211_102002_179.sdocx--></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">To Subscribe For Free To THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN.</div>The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08004010138272088087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731442521030801921.post-78212027028310665352023-12-03T08:51:00.000-06:002023-12-04T09:30:22.752-06:00Fog, Or Faith?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) </i><br />
<br />
You are driving down the road to work. You have traveled this road many times. Only this time, you are traveling through a thick fog. Even though you know the road well, you still cannot see where you are going.<br />
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The fog of discouragement, despair, and depression, can impair our life's vision. Because of negative things that have happened to us, we can develop an anxiety, a frustration, a feeling of deep dread that diminishes a proper perspective about life, and about our future.<br />
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And yes, there are the physical contributions to having this fog of depression clouding our minds, and affecting our feelings about life.<br />
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What is the answer? Well it is not a snap your fingers, answer, and all is well. It is an internal problem, that will take time to heal.<br />
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It begins with a relationship with the "Light of Life" Jesus Christ. (John 8:12). No one else can help us see through this fog of despair, because no one can get inside us, and work to bring it about. Only the Lord Jesus can get inside us, and help us to see His light, and the direction He wants to take us.<br />
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Applying His Word to our hearts, and prayer, will help us to see our road more clearly, and develop a light of hope in our hearts. The Lord will place people in our path that will help us with any of the physical contributions to our depression.<br />
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But Keeping our eyes upon Jesus is the best thing for all of us, but especially for those who our depressed, and walking in a thick fog of despair. The road of life can be uncertain, and challenging; one that we cannot always see clearly.<br />
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But the road to heaven, as well as to peace, joy, contentment, and security, is Jesus Christ. Are you letting Him be your road today? GP<br />
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