share the blessing

forwarded by a friend

This Easter season take the initiative to share the good news of Jesus with your family, friends, and neighbors.  Here are some good pointers I read recently and wanted to pass along to you.

1. Go to people. The heart of evangelism is Christians taking the initiative to actually go out and "fish for men." Acts 17:17 describes for us how Paul was effective in his day and time: "Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the gentile worshippers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there."

2. Communicate with people. Engage them. Sharing the Gospel involves communication. People must be focused upon and then understand the Gospel to respond to it. It is our responsibility as Christians to make it as clear as possible for all who will listen. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor. 5:11).

3. Relate to people. Effective witness involves not only the transmission of biblical information; it also includes establishing a relationship with the other person. Hearts, as well as heads, must meet. "So, affectionately longing for you," said Paul to the Thessalonians, "we were well pleased to import to you not only the good news of God, but also our own lives, because you have become dear to us" (1 Thess. 2:8).

4. Remove barriers. Part of our responsibility involves having the skills to eliminate obstacles, real or imagined, which keep an individual from taking the Christian message seriously. When God sent the prophet Jeremiah forth, He said, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth . . . and I have ordained you to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Sometimes our task as well is one of "spiritual demolition," of removing the false so the seeds of truth can take root. Apologetics sometimes serves in that capacity, of preparing a highway for God in someone's life.

5. Explain the gospel to others. We need an army of Christians today who can consistently and clearly present the message to as many people as possible. Luke says of Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart so that she heeded the things which were spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14). Four essential elements in sharing the gospel:

• someone talking (Paul)
• things spoken (gospel)
• someone listening (Lydia)
• the Lord opening the heart.

6. Invite others to receive Christ. We can be clear of presentation, but ineffective because we fail to give someone the opportunity and encouragement to take that first major step of faith. "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we beg you in Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20).

7. Make every effort by every means to establish them in the faith. Stay with them, ground them in the Scripture, help them gain assurance of their salvation, and get them active in a vital fellowship/church.

grace

"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.  The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD."   ~ Genesis 6:5-8

Noah found favor; grace.

The Lord gave grace to Noah; grace for God's children is an established characteristic of God.

God was graceful.

God is graceful.

God is grace.

Thank you, Lord, for your grace, for your mercy, for your kindness, for your love fo me.
 
Undeserved, grace poured out, and mankind is saved to begin anew.

overflowing love

A friend, married in recent weeks, learned of the sudden death of his new mother-in-law and traveled far to attend the funeral and comfort the family.  While there, his new family heard the news that his stepson had taken his life at the opposite end of the country.

As he relayed this news to me, struck with grief, I began to weep for my friend and for his family and he began to comfort me.

He began to comfort me.

He reminded me of the comfort of the Lord; he reminded me that we have the strength of the Lord to endure the trials and tribulations of this world.  He praised God that he knew Him and that He knew him.

I grieve for my friend and for his family.  I rejoice for my friend and for his family that may know our Lord as well.  I take comfort that comfort is given by a mighty God.

A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. 
~ Psalm 121

Essential Life

a sloppy spirit and loose lips

"With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent; He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter."
~ Proverbs 11: 9-13

I confess that there are far too many occasions when my pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppy spirit allow me to fall into the sin of tearing down my neighbor.  My silence frequently falls to my need to be heard and to be heard OVER the words of others.

Pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppiness fell my chance to be an uplifting influence as surely as an axe fells a rotten tree.

Words are permanent reminders to others of who we are today.

Today, I want to be a blessing.

"He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."
~ Proverbs 17:27-28

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice deeds of wickedness With men who do iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds."
~ Psalm 141:3-5

the slim factor

I am looking forward to a day when ya'll  might call me "Slim".

Yes, I know its a long way off, but I've been called so many other things in my 57 years on this planet that I'm excited about the prospect! LOL!

I looked at Weight Watchers idea of my "healthy weight" of 174 pounds; a total loss of 137 pounds. WOW! That's a whole 'nuther person I'm walking around!

In six weeks I've lost 23.8 pounds for an average of about 4 pounds per weeks. If I can maintain this rate, I will reach 174 pounds in about 28 more weeks, the first week of September, just before my eldest daughter turns 18. I would love to give her the birthday gift of a streamlined Dad!

Even if I only average 2 pounds per week loss, by next April, at the age of 58, I will be in much better shape than I was at 48 and maybe even 38!  What a delightful thought!

Two things must happen for me to reach that goal.

I must stay focused on continuing my path to a "healthy eater" lifestyle and I must incorporate regular, meaningful exercise.

I know that some of you might think that I should just stay watchful of the short term goal; 5#, 10#, 20#, 30#, etc., and there's wisdom in that, but, I'm a dreamer!

I can already see myself running and jumping again, chasing kites, dancing the night away, shooting hoops, having all the fun of a stronger, enjoyable body. I get a big smile just thinking about it!

Yep, I'll surely trip up a few times on the way, but I'll make more positive steps than negative, I'm thinking.

God didn't me here to watch my feet disappear, He put me here to walk for Him, and walk with enthusiasm again I shall!  It's going to be a fun journey!

You're all gonna be with me at the end and we'll all celebrate together!

See ya,

Steve

frantic times balanced by graceful blessings

Yesterday was a strange day for my family.

The annual Dad and Daughter Dance was in the works for the evening and I had taken off work, looking forward to spending a special evening with Beka and Rachel.

Around 3:00 pm, I was woken by the frantic ringing of my phone (yes, it can ring frantically), hearing first Jan's personal ring tone, followed immediately by my Mother-in-law's.  From a sleepy state I knew something was wrong by the sequence of calls and leapt from bed to respond.

Calling the last number missed on the phone, I got Rachel, in a tearful panic, telling me that Beka was having a seizure and I needed to get over there.   Confirming that they had called 911, I was quickly dressed and out the door, racing to the house.

I arrived seconds ahead of the EMT's, met at the door by two of Jan's young sewing students,  to find Jan cradling Beka on the floor; Rachel and Nan fearfully standing by.  The house was rapidly filling with emergency workers (eight in all!) and I took Rachel to one room to console her, then alternated between rooms, watching over Beka and Jan, consoling Rachel and Nana, dancing and joking for the two students, and praying through it all.

After the  EMT's had evaluated Beka, ran their tests, and let us know it was not a seizure, but a combination of stress, hyperventilation and possible over stimulation from meds we began to relax and let the intensely stressfull event settle.

Putting Beka to bed, we decided to wait a while to see who, if anyone, was going to the dance, eventually deciding that Rachel and I would go and Beka would stay home and rest.

Rachel and I had an absolutely marvelous time at the dance, dancing almost every song, and it was for me, a memory I will cherish forever.  Rachel was like another person, closely attached, less than ever a giggly little girl and so much more a sensitive young woman on the brink of  stepping into young adulthood.  Perhaps led by the emotional intensity of the afternoon, Rachel was relaxing in her daddy's arms, feeling safe and letting fear and anxiety fade away.

I like to think that God had stepped in, a continuance of answered prayer, restoring Beka, comforting Rachel,  Jan and Nana, bringing peace to the family.  I like to think that our Father in heaven always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I like to think that because I know it to be true.

He is a faithful Father, ever true and always, always, exactly on time.

"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."  ~ Matthew 6:8

rightly dividing the word

Stand To Reason's Greg Koukl brings to us a brief essay on scriptural understanding.

"We need to look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that says, “All Scripture is inspired by God…” That word for Scripture is “graphe” in the Greek, which means “writing”.  Notice what it is that is inspired.  Paul is telling Timothy that it is the writings that are inspired, that is, the words. That’s why we are told to attend to the “Words” and not to try to attend to some “spiritual” impulse or sense that we are getting while we are reading the words.  Therefore, if you cannot justify your interpretation from the words themselves then your interpretation is NOT from the Holy Spirit. Period."

Rightly Dividing the Word


William Lane Craig sheds light on a few points of biblical inerrancy in a response to one of his Reasonable Faith readers.

Subject: Inerrancy and the Resurrection 

urgently meeting the needs of others

KLOVE gave us this verse in their "Encouraging Word" daily email last week:

"Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive." ~ ~ Titus 3:14, NLT

"... meeting the urgent needs of others ..."

Frequently I over analyze the needs of others brought into my view, allowing opportunities to pass that should have bless someone else, and bless me in the giving.  I learned long ago that giving is far beter than receiving, but I still struggle to hold on to that which is really not mine to begin with.

"Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you; I am God, your God.   I do not reprove you for your sacrifices, And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.   I shall take no young bull out of your house Nor male goats out of your folds.  For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills.  "I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.    If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains.   Shall I eat the flesh of bulls Or drink the blood of male goats?  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving And pay your vows to the Most High; Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

~ Psalm 50:7-15 NASB

He owns it all.

Ask those who know me well and most will likely tell you that I am a "giver".  Far too frequently, however, I pick and choose, I analyze, I weigh my cost before I let go.  That's not what God tells us and that's not a strong show of trust in Him who provides.

Every time I have had an urgent need, that need has been met, provided by God, through the hands of others or through purposeful circumstance.  Shall I do less with the resources God has entrusted to me?

No, it's not always easy.  There are many times when I choose to hold on to "mine"  because I have a personal need or desire and I don't let go to avoid cutting myself short.  That's an understandable human reaction, but I'm supposed to be "led by the Spirit".

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.   For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."   But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.   For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.   But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."  ~ Galatians 5:13-18

Maybe if I spend less on my "desires of the flesh" I will not cling so tenaciously to that which might be handed over.  Maybe if I spend more time "counting the cost" before spending and less time acting on personal whimsy, I might do more with far less for myself.

I certainly don't have all the answers.  I don't have unlimited resources, but my Father does and I should trust Him to provide through me to those in need.

Our God measures out to us that which He knows we can be entrusted to steward for Him.

Acting in good stewardship and avoiding foolish behavior,  perhaps I may always be ready when an "urgent need" is before me.

"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." ~ Luke 6:38

Father, help me by moving my selfish desires, my "knowledge", my flesh, me, out of Your way. Move in me to meet the urgent need of others.

messages that touch

I pray for a friend and ask our Lord to set him free, God speaks to me and my tears gush forth.

Jan sends me a text from out of town that the car is having issues and I see my bank account getting ready to disappear.  My flesh boils but my heart is reminded that God provides; He always has.


I'm heading out to attend a family funeral and to see a dear friend that is in physical pain; I need to walk in His glory that I may be strength for others and put my mind off myself.

The following  message speaks to me and I pray it speaks to you as well.  My mind and heart need a new flush and fluid replacement; new blood for old, revitalized thinking for worn behavior.


Meet Jesus : Soul's Physician

Merry Christmas?

Was Jesus born on December 25th? No, probably sometime in September.

"That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep.   All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened.   But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy.  This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.   You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay."  ~ Luke 2:8-12


Was Jesus visited in a manger by three wise men?  No; the Bible tells us they visited sometime after his birth, and that Herod had reason to believe he might be as old as two years.

"When Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea, Herod was king. During this time some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said, "Where is the child born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."   When King Herod heard about this, he was worried, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem.  Herod brought together the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses and asked them, "Where will the Messiah be born?"  They told him, "He will be born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet wrote,  'Bethlehem in the land of Judea, you are very important among the towns of Judea. From your town will come a leader, who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.' "   Herod secretly called in the wise men and asked them when they had first seen the star.   He told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, let me know. I want to go and worship him too."  The wise men listened to what the king said and then left. And the star they had seen in the east went on ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.   They were thrilled and excited to see the star.   When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshiped him. They took out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and gave them to him.   Later they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back home by another road.  After the wise men had gone, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Hurry and take the child and his mother to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him."   That night, Joseph got up and took his wife and the child to Egypt,   where they stayed until Herod died. So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, "I called my son out of Egypt."  When Herod found out that the wise men from the east had tricked him, he was very angry. He gave orders for his men to kill all the boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were two years old and younger. This was based on what he had learned from the wise men."  ~  Matthew 2:1-16


Does exchanging gifts honor Jesus?  I think He would be more honored by giving the money we spend on the season to the poor and to those in need.

Do the trees, garlands, bright colors, tinsel, etc., have anything at all to do with the birth of our Lord?  No; these are just trappings of the tradition of the holiday; some even curse the Christmas holiday because of the pagan origin of all these things.

Should a Christian participate in all these traditions "in the name of Jesus"?  Not in His name, in my opinion, but I have no problem with the holiday tradition, the exchanging of gifts, Santa Claus, the tree and all the rest either.  I'm just not going to do it as a false tribute to Jesus.  I'm going to do it because it's fun!

So is it really a crime to say "Seasons Greetings" instead of "Merry Christmas"?  That's up to you.  I'm going to say "Merry Christmas" because it's fun, it's tradition and because December 25th is "Christmas", not "Season".

Is there any real Jesus in the holiday at all?  I think that all believers and followers of Jesus' teachings should take every opportunity to proclaim the name of our Lord whenever and wherever possible.  I think we can come together as fellow believers and join in song, praise and worship and celebrate His birth with a sincere heart and honor Him in this way.  I think that it's wonderful that so many come together on this one time of the year and that we have an opportunity to share Jesus with those who remain in the dark.  Let us shine in our smile, in our greeting at the church door, in the warmth of our homes (decorated or not) and in the generosity of our giving.  I think we can take this annual opportunity to promote Him to the world as best we can.

So, let's make room in the pew for the "once a year church-goers" and greet them with a warm and inviting smile!  Let's drop those coins in the Salvation Army buckets!  Take a picture of your children with Santa and be as goofy as you can during this holiday!  Give richly and with a cheerful heart, forgetting NOT those outside the walls of your home!

And let's all enjoy a giddy and merry Christmas season and holiday!