THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN ©
Helping God's People In Their Christian Walk & Work - www.cjour05.blogspot.com - Pastor Gary Patterson
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Taking On The Giant!
Monday, July 7, 2025
The Sound Of Violence
The Sound Of Violence"Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise."(Isaiah 60:18)
I just couldn't believe the news report, of a mother stabbing her children, and setting their home on fire. One of the three children, her youngest of four years old, she stabbed thirty three times. The older two, at this writing, are in serious condition in the hospital. But the four year old didn't make it. So many shootings and stabbings in our country. If this could be described, as a sound, what kind of sound would it be? The words that come to my mind is evil, and horrific.
Monday, June 30, 2025
The Priority Of Patriotism
The Priority Of Patriotism
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
It was the summer of 1776. Delegates had come from thirteen colonies to make a momentous decision. Conditions were troubled in the new world. Something had to be done. They no longer wanted to be governed by England.(RBC) The result was the compilation of 'The Declaration Of Independence". A statement declaring their desire to be a free nation.As we approach July 4th, 2025, I want us to not just think about the freedoms and opportunities we have in this country, but about the spiritual responsibilities we have as American citizens.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Why Do We Need Jesus? TCJ eBook (By Gary Patterson)
Why Do We Jesus? (By Gary Patterson)
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Freedom In Our Relationships
and cause some hurt, and hard feelings.
our fellow man. And when those times arrive, of careless words, and actions, Solomon tells us that we need to "go and humble
ourselves." We are to set aside our pride, our self-centeredness, and make it right, with those we have hurt, in word and deed.
from the snare, of the trapper.
Friday, June 20, 2025
"Why Do We Need Jesus? New TCJ eBook
"Why Do We Need Jesus?" (By Gary Patterson)
is more than just an ebook—it's a profound exploration of faith, purpose, and the transformative power of grace. Whether you're seeking answers, strengthening your belief, or simply curious about the impact of Jesus in our lives, this ebook offers clarity, hope, and deep spiritual insights. Through powerful reflections and biblical wisdom, it reveals why Jesus is essential in navigating life’s challenges and embracing true peace. Let this book be your guide to a deeper connection with Christ and a renewed sense of purpose!
To Donate To The Work Of The Christian Journeyman, Click The Link Below!
Following your request, we will email the product link to you! garypat53@gmail.com
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Father He Didn't Have To Be
Lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me,
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad That he didn't have to be"
Chorus to the song: "He Didn't Have To Be" Written by Brad Paisley & Kelley Lovelace.
"...having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.." (Ephesians 1:5)
Dads come in every shape and sizes. And becoming a father is more than just bringing a child into the world, as the chorus of the song above reveals. But our God is an awesome heavenly Father. When man-kind, whom He created turned against Him, He gave His Son to be a sacrifice for the sins of man-kind.
And as the apostle Paul said in out text, God predetermined that we would be His Children, because of His good pleasure. In essence Paul is saying, that God wanted to be our heavenly Father, and to have us with Him for eternity. That should make us feel very special. As His child, I know that God is always caring for me and my family. He opens doors for us, that He knows is best for our well-being.
God could have created us, for many different reasons. But I am glad that He created us, so we could be his children. Yes, "He Is The Father, He Didn't Have To Be!" GP
Photo ID 5304675 © Woo Bing Siew | Dreamstime.com
Friday, May 30, 2025
In Being A Father (TCJ New Series)
In Being A Father (New TCJ Series) June/2025
Dad, What are You Doing With My World?
A Father's Care
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13)
I remember when I was a teenager, I grew restless on the farm, and I told my father that I thought it would be easier to work for our neighbor, than for him. So when the opportunity came to work for our neighbor, I was very inclined. But my determination turned into disappointment. Our neighbor was harder to work for, than my father. I was so glad to get back, and place myself under by father's expectations and care.
I see a parallel here between my experience, and the difference between living for the world, and living under the expectation and care, of our heavenly Father. Even though the world has it's frills and thrills, the world doesn't care for our well-being like our heavenly Father does. He knows full well what we need, and He provides for us according to His will for our lives. He always has our best interest at heart.
When the world gets through with us, we are left disappointed and defeated. My father was easier on me, because I was his child. Even though he expected the work to be done, I was more to him than just an employee who was paid. I was his child, who he wanted to care for, and provide the best that he had for me. Our heavenly Father is the same way. Yes, He has expectations for us. But He also has His blessings that we are to enjoy now, and for ever.
So today, let's take ourselves out from under the heaviness of the world, and place ourselves under the authority and care of our heavenly Father. We truly will not be sorry we did! GP
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Monday, May 26, 2025
Boundaries
A boundary is something that separates two things. Walls and fences are examples of material boundaries. There are boundaries in family relationships as well.
I realize that in society (especially society today) children are not taught concerning proper family boundaries.
It is hard to get a grasp on it, if relationships in the family have been damaged in a number of negative ways.
Growing up as I did, the relationship you had with your parents was priority. Even if you didn't get along with your parents, you respected the place they had in your life, and you worked as hard as you could to make those relationships, as good as they could be.
We all have our roles in the family. We are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins. It is to the benefit of the family, that we understand where our priorities should be, in these relationships; so that life in the family, is not one of selfishness and resentment, but one of peace and joy.
When the Psalmist says: "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places"
Of course, He is to come first. I am His child. I am to be a son to my parents, a grandson to my grandparents, a brother to my siblings, a husband to my wife, a father to my children. These are my priority pleasant places, where honor, respect, and nurture, is to be given.
And as time is given, encouragement to the extended family.
Let's not overstep our boundaries, and cause jealousy and hurt.
But let's be where God has called us to be, and together reap the wonderful blessings of right relationships, according to God's plan and design. GP
Photo: werner22brigette / 4594 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com
Sunday, May 18, 2025
What Do These Stones Mean?
What Do These Stones Mean?
Monday, May 12, 2025
Graduate In Christ
He has it! So my question to you is: What are you waiting for? GP
Monday, May 5, 2025
The Hope Of Healing
The Hope Of Healing
I think of the doctors I have had through out the years. They have relieved my suffering on many occasions, and I am grateful for their expertise in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and stitching up wounds. But this does not mean that I place my faith in physicians rather than in God.For reasons known only to God, He appointed humans to be His partners in the work of caring for creation (Gen. 2:15), and doctors are among them. Doctors study medical science and learn how God designed the body. They use this knowledge to help restore us to a healthy condition. But the only reason doctors can do anything to make us better is that God created us with the ability to heal. Surgeons would be useless if incisions didn’t heal.
The Bible offers profound insights on healing, emphasizing faith, prayer, and divine intervention.
Faith as a Catalyst for Healing.
Jesus often highlighted the power of faith in healing, as seen in Mark 5:34—"Your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction" Hebrews 11:6 says: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
If we place our faith in God, He promises to reward us for it. Healing is one of those rewards. If not in this life, definitely in the next.
Prayer and Community Support.
James 5:14-15 encourages believers to seek prayer and anointing from church elders, reinforcing the role of faith and communal support in healing. I have appreciated so much the prayers of fellow believers.
God’s Compassion and Restoration.
Psalm 147:3 states, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds," showing that healing extends beyond physical ailments to emotional and spiritual restoration. It's not just physical healing we receive, but the healing of our souls. How many times has life left us brokenhearted and deeply discouraged? God's Word, His presence, His providence, and His provisions, have brought great healing to our broken state.
Jesus’ Sacrifice and Spiritual Healing.
The greatest hope is the blessing of receiving healing from the Lord. If we didn't have that, how miserable our lives would be. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." (Jeremiah 17:14)
Monday, April 28, 2025
The Battle Within
The pufferfish looks about as threatening as a pet goldfish but it carries deadly toxins that can kill a person after just a few bites of puffer sashimi. Every year several people in Japan die from eating this unique fish delicacy and many others get sick. The danger is so great that Japanese chefs must receive years of training to learn the intricate skills of removing the lethal toxin before they can be certified to serve puffer. Flirting with sin is not only foolish, it can be fatal.
Not only me, but many people deal with an inner battle with sin. There are people who reason, that once you become a Christian, you no longer have to battle with sin in your life. Some think that the apostle Paul is addressing an issue that took place before he became a Christian, and a champion for the Lord. But I take this passage of Scripture to apply to his present life, and to the life of every Christian.
Romans 7:14-25 is a deeply introspective passage where Paul wrestles with the tension between his desire to follow God's law and the reality of sin dwelling within him. Here are some insights:
The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit.(v.14)
Paul acknowledges that while the law is spiritual, he is "sold under sin," meaning that human nature is inherently weak and prone to sin. In Galatians 5:17-18, Paul decribes the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. It takes a disciplined and determined mind, along with help that God gives us to win this battle.
The Battle Within (vv.15-22)
He describes the internal conflict—wanting to do good but finding himself doing the opposite. This struggle is not about willful sin but rather the ongoing battle against sinful tendencies. We must remember too, that we have an enemy, that Peter describes as a roaring lion, just waiting to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8). He knows our weaknesses, and he tries to take advantage of our vulnerability. James writes: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14). It is important for us to be aware of this, and be prepared to battle hard through prayer, when the temptations hit. We are to constantly be in the Word of God, to build up our defenses. (Hebrews 4:12)
The Role of the Mind (v.23)
Paul emphasizes that with his mind, he serves the law of God, but his flesh is drawn toward sin. This highlights the importance of renewing the mind and relying on God's strength. The battleground is in the mind. It begins with what we think about. Even though we may know God's law, and know the right we must do, we still can give in to our worldly thoughts, that entice us to sin.
Victory Through Christ (vv 24-25)
The passage ends with Paul expressing gratitude that deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, showing that the solution to this struggle is not self-effort but reliance on God's grace. In John 15:5, Jesus told His disciples, and us that "apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing." This does not just apply to bearing fruit, but it applys to this spiritual inner battle with sin. We cannot win this battle by ourselves. It's too big for us. If we take every thought captive to Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:5, this will help us to align our thoughts with God's truth and righteousness, rejecting negative or unbiblical thoughts, and focusing on what is true, noble, and pure. This will be the beginning to finding victory over this overwhelming spiritual battle with sin.
Are people really happy with the sin in their lives? Do they realize the path that sin is taking them? I would boldly say, they do not. But if they ever come to realize what is at stake, and that in this life, they can win this battle within. There is victory, peace, abundant joy, for all who come to Jesus Christ, for the redemption they need! GP
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Peace In Perseverance
Joop Zoetemelk is known as the Netherlands’ most successful cyclist. But that’s because he never gave up. He started and finished the Tour de France 16 times—placing second five times before winning in 1980. That’s perseverance! (Our Daily Bread-RBC)
Life here on planet earth is a challenging experience to say the least. Just when you think things are going good, around the corner comes another trial. Life has it's ups and downs, and the question comes, how do we stay in the balance of those ups and downs? And just because we take one step forward and two steps back, does not mean it's the end of the world. The Apostle Paul expresses this in our text. Even though we may go through severe trials and experience difficult set backs, we still have hope in the Lord.
The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is with us, and giving us the strength to endure these trials, should bring peace to our hearts, and confidence to persevere. We are never alone in the fiery trials. He is definitely with us, as He was with the three Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel
(Daniel 3:19-25).
The most important possession to have, as we journey through this life, is a strong relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His Word, and His presence, we can persevere, and rise above anything that comes our way. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus Christ) who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
With Jesus, we are never losers, and with Him, we will always have peace in our perseverance. GP
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Friday, April 18, 2025
The Good Of Good Friday
The Christian Journeyman