March 13, 2018 Tuesday

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.” (Psalm 107:1-3 NKJV)

            Do you think giving thanks is something you do on Thanksgiving?  Do you believe that we give thanks only for the good things in our lives?

            What we now know as Thanksgiving did not come from the Pilgrims but came from a decree by President Abraham Lincoln during the early years of the Civil War.  At a time when the Union forces were losing and it seemed the Confederacy was going to win Lincoln called for a day of Thanksgiving!

            In my own life I would call a day good because the circumstances of the day were good and I would call it a bad day when the circumstances were bad.  Do you feel like that?

            But the Psalmist makes no such basis for giving thanks for we are to give thanks no matter our circumstances.  The Psalmist tells us to give thanks because God is good.  No matter how things are in our lives we can give thanks because God is with us and God is good!

            If you are a Christians than you live under the mercy of God and marvel that this mercy endures forever!  Long beyond what you are going through, long beyond the pain and suffering you are going through, long beyond and sin you struggle with God’s mercy endures and is for you if you call.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so”.

            Proclaim to yourself, those around you and indeed to the whole world the wondrous mercy of God.  Share with others God’s mercy in your own life.  Tell others that you are saved and changed through the mercy of God and let them know God’s mercy is available for them.

            And then God will gather the harvest of souls from the east and the west and from the north and south!

            The pain is still terrible.  Time has no meaning when you are in pain.  What I just a couple of days seem weeks and months.  I struggle to remember that God is good even in the midst of the pain.  But then God calls me to pray for so many people in so many places and then my mind for awhile can concentrate on others and that relieves the pain.  It is dangerous to get to caught up in myself and to not remember God’s goodness and love and share His burden for those He loves.

March 12, 2018 Monday

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesus 2:1-10 NKJV)

            There are a lot of dead people walking around!  Without God we are dead spiritually and because of that we are not living but just existing!  Some people are afraid of death but many more are afraid of living!

            Some are so afraid of thinking about death that they run faster and turn up the volume of their lives so they won’t have to see or hear God’s call for them to discover Life in Jesus!  They define God as angry and judgmental so they have an excuse to look away but this passage destroys that view!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”

            As you look at the whole passage list how many ways God reveals to us His wondrous love!  You may wonder why God goes to such an extreme to reveal His love for us but maybe the reason is that as fallen people it is so hard to think God does not respond with condemnation and judgment!

            Notice that salvation is the method God uses to bring us into His presence for eternity.  For God wants YOU!  God loves you and wants you to come back to Him and have a relationship with Him!

            Read about the Fall in Genesis and you will discover this love of God.  For after the Fall when God had every right to judge and condemn God cries out “Adam where are you?”  God first response to the Fall is to miss the close relationship with Adam and Eve!

            Does this passage help you to understand the love God has for you?  If not, seek God’s presence and you can experience God’s love firsthand!

            Today is worse than yesterday.  The pain increased and I could not read and even prayer was hard.  Most of the time my pain was so great that I writhed on the bed.  But I experienced the love and support of God, Bonnie and Rebecca.  Without that I do not know what would have happened.  I know that if I begin to feel sorry for myself, doubt or despair I will fall into the “pit of despair” and that is horrific and is extremely difficult to get out of.  Please God help me to not fall in!

March 11, 2018 Sunday

““And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”” (John 3:14-21 NKJV)

            The picture of Moses lifting up the serpent has become the symbol for Physicians in America as a sign of healing and hope.  This passage connects the crucifixion of Jesus with this picture of healing and hope.

            Isn’t it interesting that the symbol of a serpent lifted up is the symbol of healing from the serpents bite as well as the symbol of Jesus on the cross?  Do you think that Jesus on the cross was also healing us from the bite of the serpent we know as satan?

            This act of Jesus is shown as the sign of God’s love for us and that the cross is meant to bring healing to the whole world.  But just as in the day of Moses we will not receive healing if we are not willing to LOOK and trust in Jesus!

            Do you not look at Jesus because you are afraid God will judge you of your sin?  The next phrase comforts us that Jesus, who had every right to condemn us, did not come to condemn us but came so we could be saved!

            Next we are told that if we are condemned we really condemn ourselves because we love the darkness (our sin) more than the Light (God).  Even as many think God is so evil for sending people to hell this passage reminds us that like in the Fall we choose condemnation because we actually hate the Light and love the darkness!

            Do you look for the Light and turn away from the darkness?  Do you look at Jesus upon the cross and trust in His victory over the serpent satan?  If not realize it is not God that condemns you but you condemn yourself!  Those who go to hell go by their own choice!

            TERRIBLE TERRIBLE day!  The pain in my legs kept me from going to worship at Asbury.  But I did worship with the podcast from First Jeff.  I so enjoy the podcasts and can almost see the service and the faces of those there.  The pain increased as the day went on as every muscle in my legs tensed up.  At times it was so bad I couldn’t even sing which usually helps me.  But without God I wouldn’t have made it.  God is so good to me.

There are so many who every day is not only a struggle to survive but another day they are defiled and their soul stolen away.

            Renovatus Ministries brings those enslaved to their addictions to a new life in Jesus Christ.  Through the live in ministry and training the program develops a new work ethic as they work in the garden.  The program is long term with those they help disciple for a year and some continue to be part of the program for two years. 

            Where many programs are little more than places to dry out in 30 days Renovatus seeks to give time for God to make major changes in peoples life.

            Renovatus also goes to the jails and offer Celebrate Recovery classes and then as they are released connect them to Congregations to continue their studies and receive support.

            My wife and I were members of the board until I was disabled and we continue to support them.  Please see if God would have you support this ministry.

www.renovatusrc.org/

            So many children in the Philippines are considered garbage dump children.  Their families live near garbage dumps because of their severe poverty and the children become prey for pedophiles.  Children are picked up for sexual slavery and at times sold by their families in their desperation.

            Rescue Ministries started when a group from First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City Tennessee went to the Philippines to help people.  They realized the children needed more than they could do in a short trip. 

            They set up a place where the children live and go to school. Currently they have someone graduating from High School and someone graduating from college.  Because of their education they can support their families and help their siblings go to school!

www.therescueministries.org

March 10, 2018 Saturday

““You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”” (Exodus 20:13-17 NKJV)

                                 

            When we look at the 10 Commandments many go into Comparative Theology mode which can be worked out in two ways.  The first way is to say that you keep six of the ten commandments so you have a passing grade.  The second is to say that you keep the commandments better than many others.

            This reminds me of the story of the two zebras who were worried about lions.  One Zebra asked what will we do if the lion chases us?  The other zebra said all I have to do is outrun you.

            Looking at the 10 Commandments God knows this is our weakness since He calls for us to not compare with what our neighbor has and “covet” or lust after it.

            Many Christians run themselves weary trying to do better and miss the whole point of the law!  For God knows we CANNOT keep the law!  Paul reminds us that the law was given to us by God to show us that we cannot be good enough for God and so we would cry out for God’s help.

            One of my theological statements is that God calls us to something we cannot do so we will need Him to do it.  For it is God’s plan to remind us of our deep need for Him in every part of our life.  It is God’s plan to draw us back to Him because of His incredible love for us!

            Our only hope is the grace of God purchased for us through the suffering of Jesus Christ.  For us this is free but it is not cheap for the suffering of Jesus was and is horrific as every sin, every pain, and all suffering was borne by Jesus.  Even the horrific burden of being cut off from God!  Jesus who never sinned became our sin and the Father had to look away as His only begotten Son suffered and died!

            Remember the grace of God purchased through Jesus Christ which causes the 10 Commandments to become our guide and not our judge!

            The weakness continues its monotonous path and with it the weariness follows.  I tried to do more today and because of that my feet hurt terribly.  Jonathan took Bonnie out for a mother son time which was sort of a date.  I am so glad they got to get away and that Rebecca got to go to see puddles.  Rebecca returned in the evening and shared with us the great time she had.  It was a great day.  Thanks to God everyone had a safe and wonderful time.  Today was my Dad’s birthday and while I miss him so much I celebrate that he is alive and before the face of God!

March 9, 2018 Friday

““Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:8-12 NKJV)

            My wife reminds me that over the years we didn’t have set aside a Sabbath.  You could say Sunday was our Sabbath but usually we ended up doing rather than resting.  Even when we rested we didn’t really spend a lot of time with God together.  This is something I really regret as I look back.

            God created and designed us to rest after 6 days of work.  We need a time to rest and to rest in God.  We need a time of recreation, or in God, a time of re-creation.  This should be a time when we come together as a family and share in the glory of God.  It pains me so much to have missed this.

            Sabbath is a time of marveling in the Creator and discovering who God is through His reflection shown in creation.  Sabbath is a time of building the unity of our family and celebrating the unity of God.

            Jesus would later remind us that the Sabbath was not for God but for us.  Sabbath is God’s attempt to get us to slow down and not miss the wonders of the creation and life which are a gift to us.  Sabbath is a time to worship God and to celebrate who God is as well as what He has done.

            Notice the next commandment is to honor our parents and this is not some arbitrary listing.  For by keeping Sabbath we honor our Heavenly Father and learn to honor our earthly parents by resting and worshipping together.

            Do not make the mistake I made and miss the wonderful opportunity of enjoying your family and enjoying celebrating God together!

            The cellulites seems to be getting better and I am back to just the usual pains in my feet.   I am so tired of being weary or so weary of being tired.  My mind continues to decline as I find it hard to say the right word I mean to say.  Bonnie and I went on a date at Tangerines since it is very close and they have a wonderful steak teriyaki meal.  The steak is cooked to order and is as good as any steak I have had.  Rebecca is in Birmingham with her friend Elizabeth at a Puddles concert.  God is so good even in the midst of the pain and the struggles I have.

March 8, 2018 Thursday

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:1-7 NKJV)

            Why do some people seem to have a problem with the 10 Commandments, the Bible and prayer? Why is there no cry against the writings of Buddha, Confucius and the Qur’an?  Indeed some schools are requiring students to take courses on Islam and are providing prayer mats for Muslim students.

            Some may think this is unfair to Christians, and it is, but there is another side to this. Why would you exclude Christianity and not others?  BECAUSE THEY FEAR THE BIBLE AND THAT PEOPLE WOULD PRAY!  This a dramatic sign that the Bible and prayer can really change people while the others cannot!

            In this first part of the 10 Commandments we can see why.  First God tells us that He is positively active in history and in the lives of people.  Second God gives us definition of who He is and that we should treat Him with respect.  Third God defines the change that will come into our life as we accept God as the ultimate ruler in our lives.

            The last one is where the world has always regarded as dangerous.  We no longer consider our own whims, our religious connection, our political leaders, our teachers and the views of society as the ultimate rule in our lives since that place is taken by God.

            In this first section of the Commandments we are shown that without placing our lives under the authority of God we are unable to live under the other Commandments.  When we get lost in the “idols” of our time we lose sight of not only God but ourselves and others!

            The saddest thing to me though is that most Christians do not seem to care that children are forced to learn about religions even while Christians are not allowed to live out their relationship with God publicly.  But I wonder if this is because many Christians admit they do not read the Bible and spend little time in prayer.

            How important is God in your life?  Are you more concerned about your education and training for your future than growing in the knowledge of God?

            Remember that school and work is a temporary thing but our relationship with God is eternal.  Which should you spend more time and effort on?

            I feel a little stronger today but still very weary.  I was able to start the shut-in cards for this month.  It always helps to be productive.  God is so wonderful in the days I feel well but even more on the days I feel bad.  Rebecca is off to Jasper and she and Elizabeth are going to the Puddles Pity Party concert the next day in Birmingham Alabama.  Bonnie got the oil changed so Rebecca would be ready to travel.