Dear Readers around the world! May the Grace, Mercy and Peace from God our Heavenly Father, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you all, now and forever! Amen!
So precious are the greetings that are given from one Christian to another! Christians have abundant measures of Grace, Mercy and Peace! These are wonderful gifts given to each person that has believed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ by Faith for his own salvation. These are given to each one that has repented and believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Do we understand the difference between Grace and Mercy? Grace is when God gives us what we do not deserve. It is the unmerited favor in the sight of God. Ephes. 2:7-8
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Such a wonderful word is Grace! All the riches and glories of heaven above are given to the believers! What could be finer than that? Nothing at all!
Mercy is a similar but yet very different word. Mercy is when God does not give us what we do deserve. 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
We have deserved nothing but punishment. Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
We all are all together unworthy. However, Jesus Paid it All, all to Him we owe!
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
What a wonderful word Mercy it is when we understand that it is of the Lord’s Mercy that we are not consumed. Jesus died for us as sinful men so that we can be saved! What never ending Mercy for mankind!
Peace! Now believers have such a peace! When we understand God’s Grace and Mercy, then we surely can be at peace. Philip. 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
There is no other peace worth having in this world, other than this peace of God! If you not have this peace, turn to His Word. Turn to the Christians around you! Pray often for the comfort which comes from the Holy Spirit according to Jesus promise when He said in John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
The Holy Spirit which is the comforter abides in the hearts of all true believers! Scripture tells us: 2 Cor. 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
This Liberty is for the believers only. This is not liberty for our flesh to do as we wish, but rather this is Liberty to have peace, joy, happiness, in the Holy Ghost. The children of God are free, and they have every right to be the most joyful people on earth.
Do you dear reader, have this Peace and Liberty today? I pray that you are a possessor of this Peace and Liberty. Remember however, that if you are not counted among the elect of God today, or if someone you know is not yet a believer, today is the day of Grace. Today is a day of Grace and Mercy if man would humble himself, repent, and believe by Faith. Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
May these few verses from God’s word find a lodging place in the hearts of one or many of the people that God Loves, which as we know is everyone!
May God Bless your week!
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Who are you?
WHO ARE YOU?? IN CHRIST JESUS
Dear Readers around the World. Last weekend, I did a Foreign Mission presentation for about 200 young people. As I was wondering what to share with them, the Lord gave me a thought that it is so important for all of us to be encouraged as to who we are in Christ Jesus. This thought led me to many questions. These questions started with our very creation.
I will share today with you, some of the questions that I asked these Christian youth, and God’s Holy Word that answers these and all of the questions that we may have!
Remember that we know that many reading this article around the world are not yet believers in the one true God and in Salvation through the Redemptive work of His Only Son our Lord Jesus Christ! To all of those readers I say, please keep reading this blog even if you do not believe it yet. Just remember that the Bible is the Word of the God of the universe, and what it says is the absolute and unerring truth. Man can and will often make mistakes, but God’s word is never incorrect!
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Now on to the questions!
HOW WERE YOU CREATED?
Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:.
THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
WHAT MUST BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…
HOW DID WE BECOME WHO WE ARE NOW THE WE BELIEVE?
2 Cor. 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
WHO ARE WE NOW, ONCE WE HAVE REPENTED AND BELIEVE?
Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephes. 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
WHAT KIND OF MIND DO WE NOW HAVE?
Philip. 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
BECAUSE OF THIS WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
Philip. 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
WHAT IS NOW YOUR NEW NAME?
Philip. 4:21
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.
ARE WE ALONE IN THIS BATTLE?
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
WHO CAN HARM YOU?
Romans 8:39-9:1
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Cor. 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
WHY ARE WE HERE? (on earth)
Ephes. 1:12 that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. .
Ephes. 3:11
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
WHAT MINISTRY DO WE NOW HAVE?
2 Cor. 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
I pray that the Word of God would work in the heart of all those reading this article according to His Will and Purpose. When we speak, write, or talk to any group, we do not know each person’s heart. However, God does! Let us continue to search God’s Word prayerfully.
May God Bless Your Week!
Dear Readers around the World. Last weekend, I did a Foreign Mission presentation for about 200 young people. As I was wondering what to share with them, the Lord gave me a thought that it is so important for all of us to be encouraged as to who we are in Christ Jesus. This thought led me to many questions. These questions started with our very creation.
I will share today with you, some of the questions that I asked these Christian youth, and God’s Holy Word that answers these and all of the questions that we may have!
Remember that we know that many reading this article around the world are not yet believers in the one true God and in Salvation through the Redemptive work of His Only Son our Lord Jesus Christ! To all of those readers I say, please keep reading this blog even if you do not believe it yet. Just remember that the Bible is the Word of the God of the universe, and what it says is the absolute and unerring truth. Man can and will often make mistakes, but God’s word is never incorrect!
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Now on to the questions!
HOW WERE YOU CREATED?
Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:.
THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
WHAT MUST BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…
HOW DID WE BECOME WHO WE ARE NOW THE WE BELIEVE?
2 Cor. 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
WHO ARE WE NOW, ONCE WE HAVE REPENTED AND BELIEVE?
Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephes. 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
WHAT KIND OF MIND DO WE NOW HAVE?
Philip. 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
BECAUSE OF THIS WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
Philip. 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
WHAT IS NOW YOUR NEW NAME?
Philip. 4:21
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.
ARE WE ALONE IN THIS BATTLE?
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
WHO CAN HARM YOU?
Romans 8:39-9:1
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Cor. 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
WHY ARE WE HERE? (on earth)
Ephes. 1:12 that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. .
Ephes. 3:11
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
WHAT MINISTRY DO WE NOW HAVE?
2 Cor. 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
I pray that the Word of God would work in the heart of all those reading this article according to His Will and Purpose. When we speak, write, or talk to any group, we do not know each person’s heart. However, God does! Let us continue to search God’s Word prayerfully.
May God Bless Your Week!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Indenity in Christ
Dear readers around the world. God's Peace!
Today our article is penned by a brother in Christ, Mark Sunnarborg. He has a prison ministry that he faithfully attends to. I asked him if he would share some thoughts with us, so today I have decided to share one of his writings. I agree with Mark that it is most important to know our identity. I have shared with many of you in the past about this identity is Christ.
This is the actual reality of being found in Christ. We then know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going! What a joy this is! We are so blessed to know all of these things! The unbeliever is still wondering if they evolved, or if there is a God, or will they come back after they die as a pig or goat or something. The unbeliever does not know the one true God, but may think that there are many Gods. We thank God that through the great redemptive work of His Son Jesus Christ, we as believers have a new identity. We are found in Jesus Christ! When we are found in Him, we have not only this new identity, but we have a new life, and eternal life in glorious heaven above waiting for us! Here is Mark to continue!
Who are you?
Who are you and where did you come from?
Are you what you do for a living? Master home builder, big shot in some business? Or rather, are you a new person in Christ Jesus? The new man in Christ must go forth, for old things are passed away. You can be defined by what you do as to who you are. Before you were in Christ you were defined by what you did or by your works. You were only defined by what your works were (deeds are filthy rags). Is that who you are? I think not!! You are new each day in Christ and are not defined by what you did in the flesh, which is to sin. Each day the new man in Christ must rise above the old man defined by his deeds which are sin. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Do not sin for you are not of the devil. Sin is what you are, not who you are. From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, yes both feet. Remember who you are in Christ.
Isa 51:1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. You came from your parents and that also defines who you are. Red and yellow, black and white, in Christ Jesus we are all brothers, and we are defined by the faith that he has given to us. By faith each day we are to put on this definition. Remember where you came from, the pit of hell, but now as believers soar to the skies or heavens. Isa 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. This is who you are. See what God has done he has raised you up from sin to faith in his Son Jesus and to eternal life forever with him in glory (heaven).
I asked who are you, not who you are. There is a difference. Look and examine what Jesus has done for you already, not what he will do. It’s not what Jesus would do it’s what he has already done. Have you examined who you are today?
Your brother in Christ
Mark Sunnarborg
Rhinelander, WI
Today our article is penned by a brother in Christ, Mark Sunnarborg. He has a prison ministry that he faithfully attends to. I asked him if he would share some thoughts with us, so today I have decided to share one of his writings. I agree with Mark that it is most important to know our identity. I have shared with many of you in the past about this identity is Christ.
This is the actual reality of being found in Christ. We then know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going! What a joy this is! We are so blessed to know all of these things! The unbeliever is still wondering if they evolved, or if there is a God, or will they come back after they die as a pig or goat or something. The unbeliever does not know the one true God, but may think that there are many Gods. We thank God that through the great redemptive work of His Son Jesus Christ, we as believers have a new identity. We are found in Jesus Christ! When we are found in Him, we have not only this new identity, but we have a new life, and eternal life in glorious heaven above waiting for us! Here is Mark to continue!
Who are you?
Who are you and where did you come from?
Are you what you do for a living? Master home builder, big shot in some business? Or rather, are you a new person in Christ Jesus? The new man in Christ must go forth, for old things are passed away. You can be defined by what you do as to who you are. Before you were in Christ you were defined by what you did or by your works. You were only defined by what your works were (deeds are filthy rags). Is that who you are? I think not!! You are new each day in Christ and are not defined by what you did in the flesh, which is to sin. Each day the new man in Christ must rise above the old man defined by his deeds which are sin. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Do not sin for you are not of the devil. Sin is what you are, not who you are. From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, yes both feet. Remember who you are in Christ.
Isa 51:1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. You came from your parents and that also defines who you are. Red and yellow, black and white, in Christ Jesus we are all brothers, and we are defined by the faith that he has given to us. By faith each day we are to put on this definition. Remember where you came from, the pit of hell, but now as believers soar to the skies or heavens. Isa 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. This is who you are. See what God has done he has raised you up from sin to faith in his Son Jesus and to eternal life forever with him in glory (heaven).
I asked who are you, not who you are. There is a difference. Look and examine what Jesus has done for you already, not what he will do. It’s not what Jesus would do it’s what he has already done. Have you examined who you are today?
Your brother in Christ
Mark Sunnarborg
Rhinelander, WI
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
United by the Bond of Love
Dear Readers around the world! God's Peace! Our article this week is by a Pastor who was at our annual convention! I hope we all can learn together more about love! The title of the article is:
United By The Bond Of Love
(Article written by Pastor Chuck Bylkas, who is also a Central Board member)
Dear Friends,
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one: and that the world may know that Thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”John 17:20-22
At our recent church convention there was considerable discussion on the subject of unity in the Body of Christ. The Kingston congregation had selected “Bind Us Together in Love” as the theme for the convention. While this sounds like an obvious goal for Christians, how do we go about achieving such unity? Because we are selfish by the old nature, we tend to get along only with those who agree with us. We agree to unity if others see things our way. We try to come to a sense of compromise or general agreement on matters of principles or practice, but such efforts only result in a cosmetic unity, or it fails because we rarely agree completely with anyone on anything.
We cannot solve this problem. True oneness cannot be achieved by the efforts sinful human beings, but rather by the work of the One Man, Jesus Christ. When Christ prays the High Priestly prayer in John 17, He is not praying for something that He hopes may happen, but rather what He knows will happen. God the Father answers the High Priestly prayer, and His answer is the Cross. Because of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are united with Him and one another by faith.
The Apostle Paul asks the question to a church in Corinth that was selfish and divisive “Is Christ divided?” The answer is a resounding “No!” Indeed, we are all uniquely different, but we are all part of the same body; the Body of Christ. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all…Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular. ” I Corinthians 12:4-6, 27
As members of the Body of Christ we are united by the bond of love and called to use our gifts to edify one another. To paraphrase Dietrich Bonhoeffer, unity is not something that we hope to create, but rather a new reality in which we are allowed to participate. May God grant us grace to recognize the unity that He has established in the Body of His Son and enable us by the power of the Holy Spirit to build one another up in love.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation: to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:17-19
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas
United By The Bond Of Love
(Article written by Pastor Chuck Bylkas, who is also a Central Board member)
Dear Friends,
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one: and that the world may know that Thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”John 17:20-22
At our recent church convention there was considerable discussion on the subject of unity in the Body of Christ. The Kingston congregation had selected “Bind Us Together in Love” as the theme for the convention. While this sounds like an obvious goal for Christians, how do we go about achieving such unity? Because we are selfish by the old nature, we tend to get along only with those who agree with us. We agree to unity if others see things our way. We try to come to a sense of compromise or general agreement on matters of principles or practice, but such efforts only result in a cosmetic unity, or it fails because we rarely agree completely with anyone on anything.
We cannot solve this problem. True oneness cannot be achieved by the efforts sinful human beings, but rather by the work of the One Man, Jesus Christ. When Christ prays the High Priestly prayer in John 17, He is not praying for something that He hopes may happen, but rather what He knows will happen. God the Father answers the High Priestly prayer, and His answer is the Cross. Because of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are united with Him and one another by faith.
The Apostle Paul asks the question to a church in Corinth that was selfish and divisive “Is Christ divided?” The answer is a resounding “No!” Indeed, we are all uniquely different, but we are all part of the same body; the Body of Christ. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all…Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular. ” I Corinthians 12:4-6, 27
As members of the Body of Christ we are united by the bond of love and called to use our gifts to edify one another. To paraphrase Dietrich Bonhoeffer, unity is not something that we hope to create, but rather a new reality in which we are allowed to participate. May God grant us grace to recognize the unity that He has established in the Body of His Son and enable us by the power of the Holy Spirit to build one another up in love.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation: to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:17-19
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Let not your heart be troubled..
Dear Friends! God's Peace! This week our letter is written by Pastor Rod Johnson.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
True peace will never be complete in this world in which
we live. That peace depends on many various factors that
will always be very uncertain at best, for there are so many
things in life over which we have no control. It is for this reason
that Jesus directs our thoughts and desires to Him and His
Word in the above quote from the Gospel of John.
For the very reason of human concern, Matthew 6:33-34
records these words of Jesus: But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you. Take therefore no thought (do not be anxious) for the
morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (or its own trouble)
thereof.
Recently, worldwide, we have heard of many serious
situations: natural disasters, hurricanes, cyclones and ongoing
wars. Commonly we deal with health issues, financial concerns,
persecutions, etc. as daily aspects of life here on earth. Even
today the fear of the disaster of the US economy is reported in
the news media. The Word guides us in this, Love not the
world, neither the things that are in the world… (I John 2:15)
When our love is to the Lord, the things of earth grow strangely
dim as we rely on the graciousness of God!
So what do we do? Worry, fret, complain, curse God as Job
was told to do? Or, by faith, commit all things into the hand of
God, trusting in His promises and grace? Jesus clearly told us
what to do in the verses above; but because our sin nature
always wants to be in control and have assurances that everything
will be well we may have anxieties that overwhelm us.
We have hopes in this world, but they are often unfulfilled.
We pray, but the Lord does not always grant our will because
He has other plans that go beyond our knowledge. Therefore,
our only sure hope and peace must be found in Jesus Christ
and His assurance that lasts into eternity that we may possess
the peace that passes all human understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah,
being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with
fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which
he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:6-7) Noah relied on the providence
of God for all things unseen or unknown, trusting that
God was faithful to His promise. The future was in the Lord’s
hand for him as it is also for us.
In the Gospel of John, in what is known as ‘The High
Priestly Prayer,’ Jesus prays for victory for His own over that
which is of the world. He forewarned us that we will have
trouble in this world but not to give up hoping in Him. Therefore,
He said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Living in His peace! Praying that you are also!
In the Love of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Rod Johnson
Laurium, Michigan
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
True peace will never be complete in this world in which
we live. That peace depends on many various factors that
will always be very uncertain at best, for there are so many
things in life over which we have no control. It is for this reason
that Jesus directs our thoughts and desires to Him and His
Word in the above quote from the Gospel of John.
For the very reason of human concern, Matthew 6:33-34
records these words of Jesus: But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you. Take therefore no thought (do not be anxious) for the
morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (or its own trouble)
thereof.
Recently, worldwide, we have heard of many serious
situations: natural disasters, hurricanes, cyclones and ongoing
wars. Commonly we deal with health issues, financial concerns,
persecutions, etc. as daily aspects of life here on earth. Even
today the fear of the disaster of the US economy is reported in
the news media. The Word guides us in this, Love not the
world, neither the things that are in the world… (I John 2:15)
When our love is to the Lord, the things of earth grow strangely
dim as we rely on the graciousness of God!
So what do we do? Worry, fret, complain, curse God as Job
was told to do? Or, by faith, commit all things into the hand of
God, trusting in His promises and grace? Jesus clearly told us
what to do in the verses above; but because our sin nature
always wants to be in control and have assurances that everything
will be well we may have anxieties that overwhelm us.
We have hopes in this world, but they are often unfulfilled.
We pray, but the Lord does not always grant our will because
He has other plans that go beyond our knowledge. Therefore,
our only sure hope and peace must be found in Jesus Christ
and His assurance that lasts into eternity that we may possess
the peace that passes all human understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah,
being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with
fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which
he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:6-7) Noah relied on the providence
of God for all things unseen or unknown, trusting that
God was faithful to His promise. The future was in the Lord’s
hand for him as it is also for us.
In the Gospel of John, in what is known as ‘The High
Priestly Prayer,’ Jesus prays for victory for His own over that
which is of the world. He forewarned us that we will have
trouble in this world but not to give up hoping in Him. Therefore,
He said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Living in His peace! Praying that you are also!
In the Love of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Rod Johnson
Laurium, Michigan
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Christian Friends!
Dear Readers around the World!
God’s Peace!
Our long journey around the USA continues, as I am doing presentations for The Foreign Mission in many different ALCA churches. The travel can get a little tiring, but it is such a great joy being with Christians in so many places.
As I pondered what topic to write on this morning, I thought writing about the benefits and joys of having Christian friends would be appropriate. It has been so comforting to find so many welcoming Christians on this journey.
Sometimes we can feel like we are alone in our problems and struggles. Remember that the Word of God says Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
As Christians, we are not in this battle alone. There are other believers we can turn to with our problems, with our struggles. If we have sins that we have fallen into, remember, these Christian friend have the power of the keys given to us by our Lord Jesus when he said, . Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
It is a wonderful time that we live in when brother can turn to brother and say, thy sins be forgiven thee.
We are encouraged in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. What a beautiful thing it is if we can live peaceably with all men.
2 Peter 3:14 ….. be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Our peace is complete in the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not need to be, and must not be in unrest and turmoil with men here on earth. If we have this problem, we need to search our hearts, and ask the Lord to reveal to us, where we are going wrong. Have I strayed from the love of the brethren because of something I have done?
The scripture also gives us these words of instruction.
James 4:11
Speak not evil one of another, brethren….
2 Thes. 3:15
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
We are able to find so many such verses all throughout the Holy Word of God. Our Lord wants us to love one another. How then can we have troubles with other people and even other believers in our lives? I believe it is because we ourselves have not taken full heed to God’s Word. I know that some men are very hard to deal with, and can give us trouble that we did not cause. However, even in these times there is instruction for us in the Word of God. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
You see, we need to look at other Christians as ones that can and will help us on our journey to be with our Lord Jesus in heaven one day. Do not look upon them with covetousness or jealousy. Rather, let us be refreshed by our brothers, as we read in
Philemon 1:7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Be encouraged, all my dear brothers and sisters that know and believe by faith in the complete saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose robes are washed white in the blood of the Lamb, that one day soon, we will be united fully in Heaven! We will then have complete joy as together be praise and glorify our Lord eternally!
God’s Peace!
Our long journey around the USA continues, as I am doing presentations for The Foreign Mission in many different ALCA churches. The travel can get a little tiring, but it is such a great joy being with Christians in so many places.
As I pondered what topic to write on this morning, I thought writing about the benefits and joys of having Christian friends would be appropriate. It has been so comforting to find so many welcoming Christians on this journey.
Sometimes we can feel like we are alone in our problems and struggles. Remember that the Word of God says Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
As Christians, we are not in this battle alone. There are other believers we can turn to with our problems, with our struggles. If we have sins that we have fallen into, remember, these Christian friend have the power of the keys given to us by our Lord Jesus when he said, . Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
It is a wonderful time that we live in when brother can turn to brother and say, thy sins be forgiven thee.
We are encouraged in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. What a beautiful thing it is if we can live peaceably with all men.
2 Peter 3:14 ….. be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Our peace is complete in the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not need to be, and must not be in unrest and turmoil with men here on earth. If we have this problem, we need to search our hearts, and ask the Lord to reveal to us, where we are going wrong. Have I strayed from the love of the brethren because of something I have done?
The scripture also gives us these words of instruction.
James 4:11
Speak not evil one of another, brethren….
2 Thes. 3:15
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
We are able to find so many such verses all throughout the Holy Word of God. Our Lord wants us to love one another. How then can we have troubles with other people and even other believers in our lives? I believe it is because we ourselves have not taken full heed to God’s Word. I know that some men are very hard to deal with, and can give us trouble that we did not cause. However, even in these times there is instruction for us in the Word of God. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
You see, we need to look at other Christians as ones that can and will help us on our journey to be with our Lord Jesus in heaven one day. Do not look upon them with covetousness or jealousy. Rather, let us be refreshed by our brothers, as we read in
Philemon 1:7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Be encouraged, all my dear brothers and sisters that know and believe by faith in the complete saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose robes are washed white in the blood of the Lamb, that one day soon, we will be united fully in Heaven! We will then have complete joy as together be praise and glorify our Lord eternally!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bread of Life and Living Water
Dear Readers, God’s Peace!
I am so thankful and happy to report that our church conventions went very well! This was a time of refreshing for us. The theme the host congregation had picked out for this convention was, Lord, bind us together in Love. I can truly say, that there was a spirit of Love and unity that was working throughout these services. All Thanks, Honor, and Glory for this go to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
We were blessed to have many more people than expected. Our economy is poor and many people do not have much work. Still, the Word of God drew them with the power of God’s might, and people came to the services! We thank God for this as well!
As always in times of many sermons, we hear from many parts of God’s Holy Word. Is it not amazing that no matter how many sermons we hear, or no matter how many times we read the Bible, it never gets old? When it comes to other books, I have almost never in my whole life read the same book twice. The Bible however is not a regular book. This is the Word of God. The Word of the One that created the entire universe and all that is in it! This is the Word of Life!
The Holy Word is the Bread of Life! Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The Word of God is our strength.
Also many times in the Bible, the Word and Salvation through Christ are depicted as water, or the water of life.
. John 4:10-11
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
John 4:13-15
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
I pray that each one reading this article has been made partakers of this Living Water. I pray each one know both the Maker of the water, and the one that has made the water Live!
When Jesus died on the cross, we remember that He shed His blood to the last drop. Then water flowed out from His side. Remember, Jesus shed all His Blood for you! All men must repent and believe His Gospel! Believe truly for yourself that when Jesus cried out from the cross, IT IS FINISHED, that truly the whole price had been paid for you. You can rest from your own labor, from your own works. You can leave those sinful habits, those addictions, and all those things you need or desire from your flesh. IT IS FINISHED Jesus said! There is nothing that we must do, or that we can do. Jesus has done it all for us!
What a joy and what a relief to believe this by faith! Oh that many more in this world could come to this knowledge of the Living Saviour. The Saviour that said it is finished. The One whom the grave could not contain! The One who rose again on that first Easter Morn. The One the Lives forever! It is Him that we must come to.
Come and Dine! Come to partake of the Living Water. If you do, you will never thirst again! These are the Words of Jesus! Take them to heart by faith!
Rev. 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely
One day, all believers will hear that beautiful word, Come, one last time! That is when our Lord invites us to Come to be with him in Heaven eternally! What a Day that will be, when our Saviour we see in that Beautiful City of Gold!
May God Bless your week! John
I am so thankful and happy to report that our church conventions went very well! This was a time of refreshing for us. The theme the host congregation had picked out for this convention was, Lord, bind us together in Love. I can truly say, that there was a spirit of Love and unity that was working throughout these services. All Thanks, Honor, and Glory for this go to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
We were blessed to have many more people than expected. Our economy is poor and many people do not have much work. Still, the Word of God drew them with the power of God’s might, and people came to the services! We thank God for this as well!
As always in times of many sermons, we hear from many parts of God’s Holy Word. Is it not amazing that no matter how many sermons we hear, or no matter how many times we read the Bible, it never gets old? When it comes to other books, I have almost never in my whole life read the same book twice. The Bible however is not a regular book. This is the Word of God. The Word of the One that created the entire universe and all that is in it! This is the Word of Life!
The Holy Word is the Bread of Life! Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The Word of God is our strength.
Also many times in the Bible, the Word and Salvation through Christ are depicted as water, or the water of life.
. John 4:10-11
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
John 4:13-15
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
I pray that each one reading this article has been made partakers of this Living Water. I pray each one know both the Maker of the water, and the one that has made the water Live!
When Jesus died on the cross, we remember that He shed His blood to the last drop. Then water flowed out from His side. Remember, Jesus shed all His Blood for you! All men must repent and believe His Gospel! Believe truly for yourself that when Jesus cried out from the cross, IT IS FINISHED, that truly the whole price had been paid for you. You can rest from your own labor, from your own works. You can leave those sinful habits, those addictions, and all those things you need or desire from your flesh. IT IS FINISHED Jesus said! There is nothing that we must do, or that we can do. Jesus has done it all for us!
What a joy and what a relief to believe this by faith! Oh that many more in this world could come to this knowledge of the Living Saviour. The Saviour that said it is finished. The One whom the grave could not contain! The One who rose again on that first Easter Morn. The One the Lives forever! It is Him that we must come to.
Come and Dine! Come to partake of the Living Water. If you do, you will never thirst again! These are the Words of Jesus! Take them to heart by faith!
Rev. 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely
One day, all believers will hear that beautiful word, Come, one last time! That is when our Lord invites us to Come to be with him in Heaven eternally! What a Day that will be, when our Saviour we see in that Beautiful City of Gold!
May God Bless your week! John
Monday, July 6, 2009
Garden Part 2
God’s Blessings to each reader today! Well, these weeks on the road in the USA are going so fast that it seems like I just typed the story of the Garden! I will endeavor now to do Part 2 of this story. As I said last week, we want to cover the nurturing of the plants in the Garden, as well as the Harvest!
The seeds have been planted in that prepared soil. The sun is shining brightly! God’s Grace is so good and plenteous, that He supplies all that we need. These newly planted seeds are like the newly born Christians, ones that have repented and believed the Gospel. The Bible says of these in 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Newborn children naturally can only handle milk. No solid food. New seedlings in the garden can only handle a little bit of water, not a whole flood at once. New seedling could not hold up to too much water, or they would uproot and be destroyed.
New believers also cannot hold up to too much strong talk or learning.
We must remember to use much grace in our speech, and so much the more to the new born babes in Christ! Ephes. 4:29 (KJV)
… but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
There will be time later to move on to teaching the deeper things in the Word of God. Do not expect the young to be able to handle too much! Give them time to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Lord will continue to do the work that is needed, just be willing to be one of the ready tools in the tool shed. Be ready to work in the Garden of God’s Love and Grace. Be ready to nurture the newborns in Christ!
In the vegetable gardens that we keep, we are well knowledgeable that there is a time to plant and then much later a time to harvest. Eccles. 3:2 (KJV)
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Why is it then that sometimes in Christianity, we want to see people repent as soon as we start to preach? The planting (sowing) is when we begin to preach to a group or individuals. God word will not return void, it will do what it will if it is preached in truth and purity. Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Do not be worried about the Harvest on Planting day. However, by the same token, do not neglect the harvest. This is important work. Luke 10:2 (KJV)
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Notice how the Word says His harvest. This is not ours. It is the Lord’s Harvest. God does work through the agency of man however. Men are the laborers.
It is my prayer that each living child of God, would be willing laborers in His Kingdom. All the various jobs need doing. We must be willing to turn to His Word, keeping all things in perspective according to the Bible, as go forth as His servants.
Are you and I willing, faithful, obedient servants? I pray that we would be, because the Lord is coming soon, and He desires that man would be saved. Oh that much sowing, watering and nurturing, would take place in the day of Grace, so that when it is time for His Harvest, many souls will be eternally saved!
Have a most Blessed Week!
Please pray for our annual Apostolic Lutheran Church Convention which is this week!
John
The seeds have been planted in that prepared soil. The sun is shining brightly! God’s Grace is so good and plenteous, that He supplies all that we need. These newly planted seeds are like the newly born Christians, ones that have repented and believed the Gospel. The Bible says of these in 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Newborn children naturally can only handle milk. No solid food. New seedlings in the garden can only handle a little bit of water, not a whole flood at once. New seedling could not hold up to too much water, or they would uproot and be destroyed.
New believers also cannot hold up to too much strong talk or learning.
We must remember to use much grace in our speech, and so much the more to the new born babes in Christ! Ephes. 4:29 (KJV)
… but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
There will be time later to move on to teaching the deeper things in the Word of God. Do not expect the young to be able to handle too much! Give them time to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Lord will continue to do the work that is needed, just be willing to be one of the ready tools in the tool shed. Be ready to work in the Garden of God’s Love and Grace. Be ready to nurture the newborns in Christ!
In the vegetable gardens that we keep, we are well knowledgeable that there is a time to plant and then much later a time to harvest. Eccles. 3:2 (KJV)
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Why is it then that sometimes in Christianity, we want to see people repent as soon as we start to preach? The planting (sowing) is when we begin to preach to a group or individuals. God word will not return void, it will do what it will if it is preached in truth and purity. Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Do not be worried about the Harvest on Planting day. However, by the same token, do not neglect the harvest. This is important work. Luke 10:2 (KJV)
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Notice how the Word says His harvest. This is not ours. It is the Lord’s Harvest. God does work through the agency of man however. Men are the laborers.
It is my prayer that each living child of God, would be willing laborers in His Kingdom. All the various jobs need doing. We must be willing to turn to His Word, keeping all things in perspective according to the Bible, as go forth as His servants.
Are you and I willing, faithful, obedient servants? I pray that we would be, because the Lord is coming soon, and He desires that man would be saved. Oh that much sowing, watering and nurturing, would take place in the day of Grace, so that when it is time for His Harvest, many souls will be eternally saved!
Have a most Blessed Week!
Please pray for our annual Apostolic Lutheran Church Convention which is this week!
John
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Garden of God’s Love
This morning as I sat awake alone in this little apartment in Michigan, USA, I began to think and pray what to write for this week’s article. After many weeks of dry weather in this area, the last few days have been quite wet and dreary. Perhaps because of this, but most importantly by God, my thoughts seemed to be directed toward the vegetable garden which is outside our place here.
Before this garden, or any other garden was planted, the soil had to be prepared. The soil must be turned, broken up, made soft. The soil must be made ready before the seed is planted. Is this not the same way it is spiritually?
Luke 8:15 (KJV)
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Only when the heart is ready to receive can the preached Word do good and take firm root. Pray that this work of turning over, changing, making ready, and softening of men’s hearts would be done by God in your communities so that when the Word of God is spoken, it will fall upon good ground.
Once the soil is made ready in a natural vegetable garden here on earth, then the seed can be planted. This is called sowing.
2 Cor. 9:6 (KJV)
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Matthew 13:37 (KJV)
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
Mark 4:14 (KJV)
The sower soweth the word.
Share the Word with the people. Sow the seed! Do not decide that today I will not sow, or I will only sow a little. No, sow liberally. Sow the Word. Preach it dear Pastor, preach it dear Christians everywhere. Share it with your friends young and old! Share it with anyone that will listen. Remember as in our scripture verses above, if the seed is sown only sparingly, it shall reap also sparingly! In this garden outside our place here, the vegetables are coming up in fine rows. The whole of the garden plot is used, if not I am sure the gardener would not have turned the soil as large and then only planted a few seeds. No, rather many seeds were used!
Another thought about sowing seeds. If you plant a carrot seed, you will get a carrot. Whatever seed is planted, that is the type of vegetable that will be harvested if the Lord allows it. Never will something else take shape. Galatians 6:7 (KJV)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God’s plan and Word is so perfect. We must be aware that if we sow evil or destructive talk, if we sow discontent or mistrust, then we will also reap the same. But Praise be to God that it is also true that if God’s Holy Word is sown, then the great and everlasting benefits will be harvested according to the Grace and Mercy of our Lord!
Now we must remember that scripture says in 1 Cor. 3:7-8 (KJV)
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Man must do his part in both the natural vegetable garden, and in the work of the Lord. However, God gives the increase! Nothing will become of any effort of man without God giving the blessing and the increase. We do not have control of this! God does, and God is good! 1 Cor. 3:6 (KJV)
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Also in a vegetable garden, weeds pop up! These must be rooted up so they do not choke out the sun and moisture from the real plants.
Matthew 15:13 (KJV)
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
So complete is the Word of God that He has put all these pictures are in our Bibles for us to be able to understand! Do not allow roots of bitterness to spring up in your life. These must be plucked out for a healthy home or church life to grow.
There is so much more to speak about in this garden example but I am afraid this is article is getting too long. If the Lord so wills, next week I will continue with Part 2 of this Garden Story. We will cover the nurturing (watering and feeding), and the Harvest!
I leave you this final word of encouragement this week about the word planted!
Romans 6:5 (KJV)
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Before this garden, or any other garden was planted, the soil had to be prepared. The soil must be turned, broken up, made soft. The soil must be made ready before the seed is planted. Is this not the same way it is spiritually?
Luke 8:15 (KJV)
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Only when the heart is ready to receive can the preached Word do good and take firm root. Pray that this work of turning over, changing, making ready, and softening of men’s hearts would be done by God in your communities so that when the Word of God is spoken, it will fall upon good ground.
Once the soil is made ready in a natural vegetable garden here on earth, then the seed can be planted. This is called sowing.
2 Cor. 9:6 (KJV)
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Matthew 13:37 (KJV)
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
Mark 4:14 (KJV)
The sower soweth the word.
Share the Word with the people. Sow the seed! Do not decide that today I will not sow, or I will only sow a little. No, sow liberally. Sow the Word. Preach it dear Pastor, preach it dear Christians everywhere. Share it with your friends young and old! Share it with anyone that will listen. Remember as in our scripture verses above, if the seed is sown only sparingly, it shall reap also sparingly! In this garden outside our place here, the vegetables are coming up in fine rows. The whole of the garden plot is used, if not I am sure the gardener would not have turned the soil as large and then only planted a few seeds. No, rather many seeds were used!
Another thought about sowing seeds. If you plant a carrot seed, you will get a carrot. Whatever seed is planted, that is the type of vegetable that will be harvested if the Lord allows it. Never will something else take shape. Galatians 6:7 (KJV)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God’s plan and Word is so perfect. We must be aware that if we sow evil or destructive talk, if we sow discontent or mistrust, then we will also reap the same. But Praise be to God that it is also true that if God’s Holy Word is sown, then the great and everlasting benefits will be harvested according to the Grace and Mercy of our Lord!
Now we must remember that scripture says in 1 Cor. 3:7-8 (KJV)
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Man must do his part in both the natural vegetable garden, and in the work of the Lord. However, God gives the increase! Nothing will become of any effort of man without God giving the blessing and the increase. We do not have control of this! God does, and God is good! 1 Cor. 3:6 (KJV)
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Also in a vegetable garden, weeds pop up! These must be rooted up so they do not choke out the sun and moisture from the real plants.
Matthew 15:13 (KJV)
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
So complete is the Word of God that He has put all these pictures are in our Bibles for us to be able to understand! Do not allow roots of bitterness to spring up in your life. These must be plucked out for a healthy home or church life to grow.
There is so much more to speak about in this garden example but I am afraid this is article is getting too long. If the Lord so wills, next week I will continue with Part 2 of this Garden Story. We will cover the nurturing (watering and feeding), and the Harvest!
I leave you this final word of encouragement this week about the word planted!
Romans 6:5 (KJV)
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Blessings and the Ship of Faith
Dear Readers! God’s Peace!
Before I start on this week’s article, I did want to share with you a little from my heart on this greeting of God’s Peace! I know that many of you in foreign countries that read these articles may not fully understand why I use this. Well, for one thing, it has been a tradition in the ALCA for many years. It is much more than a custom to me though. I say it because, from the heart, I would want that each one have the Peace of God in their heart. If they do not have it, I hope they would soon be able to repent and believe the Gospel so that they can have the Peace that passeth all understanding for their own heart.
If they are already Christians, then I want to assure them again that this peace is a precious and very valuable thing to have. Oh that nothing would come into their lives that would take the Peace of God away. To me, this greeting is a shortened version of what we see in the New Testament so often when the writers greet us with Grace, Mercy and Peace at the beginning of each book. God’s Peace is blessing. It is a sharing of the heart, a desire to share his love, peace, and mercy with all that I meet. After all, who would we not want to have the Peace of God? I am sure that you and I agree, we would want everyone to have this, just as our Lord also desires this. He desires this much more fully and perfectly than us of course.
Here are some things that I pray that I never let this greeting become in my heart. I do not want to use it to show that I am from a certain church. I do not want to use it as a judgment tool as to whether or not I believe one to be in faith. In other words, I do not want to say it to only believers, and skip over those that I judge not to be. I am not a judge. I also do not want to say it out of obligation, or out of tradition only. I want to use this greeting as a blessing! So with that, again I say God’s Peace!
Yesterday, my wife and my son made a journey to a city 2 hours away to pick up a dear brother, Pastor Dennis Hilman. He is visiting America for a couple weeks. After we picked him up, we went to dinner, after which we went for a walk along the shore of the largest fresh water lake in the world. What a beautiful evening it was. God is so good that He gives us His beautiful Creation to enjoy!
As we were walking along, we saw a very large ship leaving the harbor. Some thoughts came to mind. First of all, the ship had to go into the safe harbor to load up for the journey. The ship was safe and secure from the large waves of the sea. This to me is a small picture of how Christians are safe in the arms of Jesus. There can be huge waves in the sea, but we are safely in port! Under His Wings! What a blessing to be under the care and protection of our great protector, the One that set the bounds to the sea! Enjoy your safe harbor, all that are the redeemed of the Lord!
When the large ship was going out to sea, I also thought of the rudder, or helm which is the steering of the ship. We read in James 3:4-10 (KJV)
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
I pray that each one of us would take notice of this scripture and control our tongue, so that our ship of faith would not stray and become shipwrecked!
Until next week, continue to dwell in the safe harbors of our Lord Jesus Christ! John
Before I start on this week’s article, I did want to share with you a little from my heart on this greeting of God’s Peace! I know that many of you in foreign countries that read these articles may not fully understand why I use this. Well, for one thing, it has been a tradition in the ALCA for many years. It is much more than a custom to me though. I say it because, from the heart, I would want that each one have the Peace of God in their heart. If they do not have it, I hope they would soon be able to repent and believe the Gospel so that they can have the Peace that passeth all understanding for their own heart.
If they are already Christians, then I want to assure them again that this peace is a precious and very valuable thing to have. Oh that nothing would come into their lives that would take the Peace of God away. To me, this greeting is a shortened version of what we see in the New Testament so often when the writers greet us with Grace, Mercy and Peace at the beginning of each book. God’s Peace is blessing. It is a sharing of the heart, a desire to share his love, peace, and mercy with all that I meet. After all, who would we not want to have the Peace of God? I am sure that you and I agree, we would want everyone to have this, just as our Lord also desires this. He desires this much more fully and perfectly than us of course.
Here are some things that I pray that I never let this greeting become in my heart. I do not want to use it to show that I am from a certain church. I do not want to use it as a judgment tool as to whether or not I believe one to be in faith. In other words, I do not want to say it to only believers, and skip over those that I judge not to be. I am not a judge. I also do not want to say it out of obligation, or out of tradition only. I want to use this greeting as a blessing! So with that, again I say God’s Peace!
Yesterday, my wife and my son made a journey to a city 2 hours away to pick up a dear brother, Pastor Dennis Hilman. He is visiting America for a couple weeks. After we picked him up, we went to dinner, after which we went for a walk along the shore of the largest fresh water lake in the world. What a beautiful evening it was. God is so good that He gives us His beautiful Creation to enjoy!
As we were walking along, we saw a very large ship leaving the harbor. Some thoughts came to mind. First of all, the ship had to go into the safe harbor to load up for the journey. The ship was safe and secure from the large waves of the sea. This to me is a small picture of how Christians are safe in the arms of Jesus. There can be huge waves in the sea, but we are safely in port! Under His Wings! What a blessing to be under the care and protection of our great protector, the One that set the bounds to the sea! Enjoy your safe harbor, all that are the redeemed of the Lord!
When the large ship was going out to sea, I also thought of the rudder, or helm which is the steering of the ship. We read in James 3:4-10 (KJV)
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
I pray that each one of us would take notice of this scripture and control our tongue, so that our ship of faith would not stray and become shipwrecked!
Until next week, continue to dwell in the safe harbors of our Lord Jesus Christ! John
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Heavenly Dew
I was reminded of a portion of scripture from the Old Testament last week by a dear older pastor. After he commented briefly on this, I went to the Bible and found the story. Here it is: Judges 6:36-40 (KJV)
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 37Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
Here we have the precious Word of God before us. As we know, in so many places in scripture the children of God are referred to as sheep. Fleece of wool are from the sheep. Here, Gideon wanted to hear from God. He wanted to hear from the Lord. We also must want to hear from God, whether at church, or in our daily lives.
The Lord surely spoke to Gideon. The fleece was very wet, and the ground was dry. See, the Lord caused the fleece to become wet, so much so that a bowl full of water was wrong out of it. This is how it is for Christians when God speaks to us. We can become moistened, by His Word which often is pictured as water in the scriptures. The Water of the Word moistens us. It makes us joyful. Our cup can run over as in the Psalm. These are the Waters of Living Water, like the wells of Salvation spoken about in Isaiah Chapter 12.
When we turn to our Bibles, or go to hear God’s Word, or preach God’s Word, let us remember that as in this story, God made the fleece wet. It is totally by Him that we can be feed, watered, comforted, strengthened, and it is from Him that all of our blessings flow. We do not get this from some man or pastor; though they may be used as tools in His vineyard. No, we get these blessings from God Himself. Praise and thank God for this.
Notice how afterward, when the fleece was put out a second time, it remained dry and the ground was wet. Still this is from God. We must remember that He is in control of the watering. No one else has part in this. We must humbly accept this fact, and understand as written in Lament. 3:22-23 (KJV)
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
My Lord has been so merciful to me. His faithfulness has been so great! I deserve nothing but punishment, but because of what His own Son has done for me, He has given me Salvation! What a wonderful, marvelous Saviour! I trust He is your Saviour too! Look to Him to shower you with blessings. Look only to him to moisten you with His Holy Word. Only He can do this. Be ready to soak it in!
Dear Pastors, study His Word. Pray for enlightenment. Be vigilant in sticking with Truth of God’s Word. Your own words will not moisten or help anyone, but God’s Word surely will. Your congregants will only be moistened when you are willing and obedient to being used as His tool as you preach His Word.
Be encouraged that God does the watering, as in our text. Rest that all is by and through Him. Let each of us as the sheep of our Lord, be willing to be moistened with Heavenly Blessings!
Have a Blessed Week!
God’s Peace! John
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 37Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
Here we have the precious Word of God before us. As we know, in so many places in scripture the children of God are referred to as sheep. Fleece of wool are from the sheep. Here, Gideon wanted to hear from God. He wanted to hear from the Lord. We also must want to hear from God, whether at church, or in our daily lives.
The Lord surely spoke to Gideon. The fleece was very wet, and the ground was dry. See, the Lord caused the fleece to become wet, so much so that a bowl full of water was wrong out of it. This is how it is for Christians when God speaks to us. We can become moistened, by His Word which often is pictured as water in the scriptures. The Water of the Word moistens us. It makes us joyful. Our cup can run over as in the Psalm. These are the Waters of Living Water, like the wells of Salvation spoken about in Isaiah Chapter 12.
When we turn to our Bibles, or go to hear God’s Word, or preach God’s Word, let us remember that as in this story, God made the fleece wet. It is totally by Him that we can be feed, watered, comforted, strengthened, and it is from Him that all of our blessings flow. We do not get this from some man or pastor; though they may be used as tools in His vineyard. No, we get these blessings from God Himself. Praise and thank God for this.
Notice how afterward, when the fleece was put out a second time, it remained dry and the ground was wet. Still this is from God. We must remember that He is in control of the watering. No one else has part in this. We must humbly accept this fact, and understand as written in Lament. 3:22-23 (KJV)
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
My Lord has been so merciful to me. His faithfulness has been so great! I deserve nothing but punishment, but because of what His own Son has done for me, He has given me Salvation! What a wonderful, marvelous Saviour! I trust He is your Saviour too! Look to Him to shower you with blessings. Look only to him to moisten you with His Holy Word. Only He can do this. Be ready to soak it in!
Dear Pastors, study His Word. Pray for enlightenment. Be vigilant in sticking with Truth of God’s Word. Your own words will not moisten or help anyone, but God’s Word surely will. Your congregants will only be moistened when you are willing and obedient to being used as His tool as you preach His Word.
Be encouraged that God does the watering, as in our text. Rest that all is by and through Him. Let each of us as the sheep of our Lord, be willing to be moistened with Heavenly Blessings!
Have a Blessed Week!
God’s Peace! John
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Potter and the clay
The Potter and the Clay
Romans 9:21 (KJV)
Hath not the potter power over the clay…
This week I will endeavor to share with you a little story about the potter and the clay. Many times in scriptures we can see that we are as clay, the Lord is the Potter. In many of our countries there are people (potters) that make clay pots or containers.
One of the first things that takes place in the work area of the potter is that he takes a lump of clay and places it in the middle of the potters wheel. The clay at this stage does not look very attractive, as it is only a lump of earth colored substance. Clay at this stage is in a very workable state. It must be placed in the very center of the wheel or it cannot be worked on at all.
Mankind must be willing to both be pliable and workable, and must be willing to be centered and be in proper sync with the Lord. Picture Christ as the center point of the wheel. We must be focused and centered on Christ Jesus (die to self) before the Lord, the Great Potter can work on us.
As the potters’ wheel starts to turn, the potter takes water, and sprinkles it onto the clay while forming the clay with his own hands. We know water is pictured as the Word in scriptures. The word (water) is applied to the lump of clay (mankind) as the Potter (the Lord) molds it. That useless lump soon starts to take shape. The lump grows up from the gentle work of the hands of the potter. Mankind, when worked on by the Lord, will also grow and be shaped as He sees fit.
Notice this: If the potter finds a rock, of foreign object in the clay as he is molding it, he must stop the wheel. He then takes the partially formed project, finds that object that is ruining the soon to be pot. The potter then has to take the partially formed pot, break it down, take out the foreign rock or object, pound it back into a lump and start all over. Notice that the Potter does not discard the clay, he just takes out the bad part, and starts over. This is how the Great Potter, or Lord, deals with mankind. Have you ever had to be worked on by our Lord? Is he still working on you today? Do you have a sin that needs to be plucked out so the Lord can continue working with you? Sin is a problem and must be plucked out. Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Be uplifted, he will not toss you aside, He will keep molding and working on you. Isaiah 42:3 (KJV)
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Do not be disheartened. Continue on!
Philip. 1:6 (KJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Our Lord loves us and will keep working on us. Let us be centered and pliable in His hands.
Now the Potter keeps working on the clay. Again He builds up that lump, He keeps working on it until he forms it into a perfect pot. Is the pot now ready for use? It is in the proper shape; it looks like a pot, but is it ready? No, it is not, it must be tried by fire before it is finished, if not it will fall apart very quickly. 1 Cor. 3:13 (KJV)
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Do you feel like you have been or are being tried by fire? This is what has to be done according to scripture to make us ready for full service. This needs be done to make us a complete tool for work in His Kingdom. Do not become discouraged, but rather rejoice as these scriptures instruct: 1 Peter 4:13 (KJV)
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 1:6 (KJV)
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Am I willing to be worked on by the Great Potter, our Lord? I am willing to have Jesus Christ be the center of my universe, to be my all in all? Oh that God would give each of us the Grace to always remember that we are the Clay and He is the potter!
Our Lord loves us so much. We know that the potters here on earth would not want anyone to destroy the pots they have made. After all, they have spent hours working on it. So very much more, our Lord does not want us to be destroyed or lost. He created us in His own image. He sent His only Son to die for us. He bought us back, He has Redeemed us! The Lord surely does not want to lose us: Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
…..for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
When the potter has finished the project, after it has been tried by fire, it is ready now for use in hauling water, or being able to be used to hold other precious substances. Are we ready for use in His Kingdom? When we are, we will be found holding the most precious substance of all, Faith given to us by and through the Redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ! All Glory goes to God for both the substance placed in the Heart of His believers, and for the creating, molding, and making our entire beings. Be as in Romans 4:20 (KJV)
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
All Glory to God! Halleluiah, Amen
Romans 9:21 (KJV)
Hath not the potter power over the clay…
This week I will endeavor to share with you a little story about the potter and the clay. Many times in scriptures we can see that we are as clay, the Lord is the Potter. In many of our countries there are people (potters) that make clay pots or containers.
One of the first things that takes place in the work area of the potter is that he takes a lump of clay and places it in the middle of the potters wheel. The clay at this stage does not look very attractive, as it is only a lump of earth colored substance. Clay at this stage is in a very workable state. It must be placed in the very center of the wheel or it cannot be worked on at all.
Mankind must be willing to both be pliable and workable, and must be willing to be centered and be in proper sync with the Lord. Picture Christ as the center point of the wheel. We must be focused and centered on Christ Jesus (die to self) before the Lord, the Great Potter can work on us.
As the potters’ wheel starts to turn, the potter takes water, and sprinkles it onto the clay while forming the clay with his own hands. We know water is pictured as the Word in scriptures. The word (water) is applied to the lump of clay (mankind) as the Potter (the Lord) molds it. That useless lump soon starts to take shape. The lump grows up from the gentle work of the hands of the potter. Mankind, when worked on by the Lord, will also grow and be shaped as He sees fit.
Notice this: If the potter finds a rock, of foreign object in the clay as he is molding it, he must stop the wheel. He then takes the partially formed project, finds that object that is ruining the soon to be pot. The potter then has to take the partially formed pot, break it down, take out the foreign rock or object, pound it back into a lump and start all over. Notice that the Potter does not discard the clay, he just takes out the bad part, and starts over. This is how the Great Potter, or Lord, deals with mankind. Have you ever had to be worked on by our Lord? Is he still working on you today? Do you have a sin that needs to be plucked out so the Lord can continue working with you? Sin is a problem and must be plucked out. Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Be uplifted, he will not toss you aside, He will keep molding and working on you. Isaiah 42:3 (KJV)
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Do not be disheartened. Continue on!
Philip. 1:6 (KJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Our Lord loves us and will keep working on us. Let us be centered and pliable in His hands.
Now the Potter keeps working on the clay. Again He builds up that lump, He keeps working on it until he forms it into a perfect pot. Is the pot now ready for use? It is in the proper shape; it looks like a pot, but is it ready? No, it is not, it must be tried by fire before it is finished, if not it will fall apart very quickly. 1 Cor. 3:13 (KJV)
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Do you feel like you have been or are being tried by fire? This is what has to be done according to scripture to make us ready for full service. This needs be done to make us a complete tool for work in His Kingdom. Do not become discouraged, but rather rejoice as these scriptures instruct: 1 Peter 4:13 (KJV)
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 1:6 (KJV)
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Am I willing to be worked on by the Great Potter, our Lord? I am willing to have Jesus Christ be the center of my universe, to be my all in all? Oh that God would give each of us the Grace to always remember that we are the Clay and He is the potter!
Our Lord loves us so much. We know that the potters here on earth would not want anyone to destroy the pots they have made. After all, they have spent hours working on it. So very much more, our Lord does not want us to be destroyed or lost. He created us in His own image. He sent His only Son to die for us. He bought us back, He has Redeemed us! The Lord surely does not want to lose us: Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
…..for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
When the potter has finished the project, after it has been tried by fire, it is ready now for use in hauling water, or being able to be used to hold other precious substances. Are we ready for use in His Kingdom? When we are, we will be found holding the most precious substance of all, Faith given to us by and through the Redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ! All Glory goes to God for both the substance placed in the Heart of His believers, and for the creating, molding, and making our entire beings. Be as in Romans 4:20 (KJV)
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
All Glory to God! Halleluiah, Amen
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Children of the Heavenly Father
Dear Readers, God’s Peace!
This week it has been placed on my heart to speak about children. I have noticed on my trips into many of your countries that there are very many children. This is a joy to see. Children are so precious.
However, when I have seen so many children, my thoughts have also been turned to sadness and urgency. This is because many of these children have parents that are not Christians. The parents may be Buddhists, Hindus, Muslim, Atheists, or just plain unbelievers.
The urgency I feel, is that it surely would be nice to be able to reach these children in time with the message of Jesus Christ before they come of age and they are indoctrinated into these non saving religions. I am so saddened when many millions and billions of children grow to adulthood and become members of non saving religions. Oh that they could hear the Truth of God’s Word in Jesus Christ unto the salvation of their souls.
Dear pastors, missionaries, and other true Christians. Be encouraged to continue to minister unto and teach the children. God’s Word in Proverbs 22:6 says
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
All children are created by God in His own image. He created all, He loves all, Jesus died for all, and all are still loved by our Lord. He wants that all would be saved. We know from God’s word that not all, but rather only a small portion of mankind will be saved. Thus we must proceed with the preaching of His word with great urgency. Life does not last very long at all. Many need to hear the Gospel and repent during this time of Grace. Very small children however, I believe are already believers. God created them and gives them faith. This is shown in John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Notice how it says every man that cometh into the world. All have had the light (Jesus) at one time!
We have many scriptures that I will share with you here that show that the children are very special in the eyes of our Lord.
Matthew 18:3
.. Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
. Matthew 18:6 (KJV)
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. The ones offending them and hurting them will be punished, not the little ones.
Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said, become as little children. This is because they are innocent. Of such is the kingdom of heaven. This is the exact same reason that we baptize infants because they believe!
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Scripture says he that believeth and is baptized. We know that children believe, that is why we baptize them. Baptism does not save them, they already believe and are saved, therefore we baptize. If we did not consider Children to be in a saved state, it would be wrong to baptize infants. Even in the Old Testament we see that circumcision, which baptism replaced in the New Testament, took place at 8 days old. Children were special even in the Old Testament.
God created each man in his own image. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve. Because of sin, we all now have the sinful portion. However children, until they come of an age when they are on their own thoughts, thinking, reasoning, start rebelling, and so forth, they have a childlike faith (the light we read about in John) given by their creator and made possible through Jesus Christ!
In Isaiah 1:18-20 (KJV) it says.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Children are not yet able to refuse and rebel against the Grace of God when small infants. The tiny children are willing and obedient, and shall eat of the good of the land. Should infants pass away, they shall go to heaven, I believe!
I surely would like to continue this discussion, but this letter is already getting too long for a blog and email. Lord willing in future weeks, we will look further into Children, Baptism, and other very important teaching of Jesus and the entire Bible.
May God Bless your Week! John
This week it has been placed on my heart to speak about children. I have noticed on my trips into many of your countries that there are very many children. This is a joy to see. Children are so precious.
However, when I have seen so many children, my thoughts have also been turned to sadness and urgency. This is because many of these children have parents that are not Christians. The parents may be Buddhists, Hindus, Muslim, Atheists, or just plain unbelievers.
The urgency I feel, is that it surely would be nice to be able to reach these children in time with the message of Jesus Christ before they come of age and they are indoctrinated into these non saving religions. I am so saddened when many millions and billions of children grow to adulthood and become members of non saving religions. Oh that they could hear the Truth of God’s Word in Jesus Christ unto the salvation of their souls.
Dear pastors, missionaries, and other true Christians. Be encouraged to continue to minister unto and teach the children. God’s Word in Proverbs 22:6 says
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
All children are created by God in His own image. He created all, He loves all, Jesus died for all, and all are still loved by our Lord. He wants that all would be saved. We know from God’s word that not all, but rather only a small portion of mankind will be saved. Thus we must proceed with the preaching of His word with great urgency. Life does not last very long at all. Many need to hear the Gospel and repent during this time of Grace. Very small children however, I believe are already believers. God created them and gives them faith. This is shown in John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Notice how it says every man that cometh into the world. All have had the light (Jesus) at one time!
We have many scriptures that I will share with you here that show that the children are very special in the eyes of our Lord.
Matthew 18:3
.. Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
. Matthew 18:6 (KJV)
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. The ones offending them and hurting them will be punished, not the little ones.
Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said, become as little children. This is because they are innocent. Of such is the kingdom of heaven. This is the exact same reason that we baptize infants because they believe!
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Scripture says he that believeth and is baptized. We know that children believe, that is why we baptize them. Baptism does not save them, they already believe and are saved, therefore we baptize. If we did not consider Children to be in a saved state, it would be wrong to baptize infants. Even in the Old Testament we see that circumcision, which baptism replaced in the New Testament, took place at 8 days old. Children were special even in the Old Testament.
God created each man in his own image. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve. Because of sin, we all now have the sinful portion. However children, until they come of an age when they are on their own thoughts, thinking, reasoning, start rebelling, and so forth, they have a childlike faith (the light we read about in John) given by their creator and made possible through Jesus Christ!
In Isaiah 1:18-20 (KJV) it says.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Children are not yet able to refuse and rebel against the Grace of God when small infants. The tiny children are willing and obedient, and shall eat of the good of the land. Should infants pass away, they shall go to heaven, I believe!
I surely would like to continue this discussion, but this letter is already getting too long for a blog and email. Lord willing in future weeks, we will look further into Children, Baptism, and other very important teaching of Jesus and the entire Bible.
May God Bless your Week! John
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Love Elevates!
Dear Readers in the many countries of God’s Created World!
This week I share with you a wonderful letter from Pastor Orval Wirkkala. You are probably becoming familiar with his writings as I have shared them with you several times.
I also want you to know that we are ramping up the numbers of sermons that the Foreign Mission is able to deliver around the world via your cell phone. Please let me know if you are interested in this, and I will arrange for you to be included in these sermons if at all possible. Please Email me at foreignmission@comcast.net May God Bless your week! John
Love Elevates the Other!
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:1-4
A couple of weeks ago, I heard a pastor make this comment concerning the above portion of Scripture:
"If we consider our spouse more imporant than ourselves, they will know that they are important to us." This is how he explained the last part of the third verse, in which it is written, "but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves."
As I thought of what he had said and of its significance in our relationships with one another, the words of Apostle John came to mind as to the definition and foundation of love:
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:8-11)
Our Creator sent His Son into the world to reveal His seeking, forgiving and accepting heart of love toward us. He wishes through His Son for us to know and experience this forgiving and accepting love toward us as it was revealed through the Christ on the cross. God views His new creation through Christ and desires that all would come to this knowledge of acceptance in Christ. As it is written:
to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:19
Do we understand what this means for us today and for all the peoples of the earth? Have we come to experience the full impact of the meaning of how God has received us in Christ? That He is fully satisfied in us because of the work of His Son in doing the will of His Father through the cross? Do we know how pleased He is in us through His Son? He is waiting for us to accept this gift through repentance toward Him (turning away from and turning toward Him) and faith in Christ. (acceptance of forgiveness through Christ's offering of Himself)
When we come to know, understand and experience the love of God in His forgiveness and acceptance, we come to experience our true worth in the sight of God. Because we know that we are important to Him, we live in the experience of that relationship of being accepted in Christ, but even more so, we are received/welcomed by Him on a continual basis. For God always looks upon us who we are in His Son, of whom He testified: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17
And if God welcomes us into this fellowship, how can we than not welcome/accept all even as we have been welcomed/accepted? Therefore, when we are in Christ, we consider others more important than ourselves and we exhibit this through our desires, motives and actions.
May God bless you in Christ today and always!
Pastor Orval Wirkkala
This week I share with you a wonderful letter from Pastor Orval Wirkkala. You are probably becoming familiar with his writings as I have shared them with you several times.
I also want you to know that we are ramping up the numbers of sermons that the Foreign Mission is able to deliver around the world via your cell phone. Please let me know if you are interested in this, and I will arrange for you to be included in these sermons if at all possible. Please Email me at foreignmission@comcast.net May God Bless your week! John
Love Elevates the Other!
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:1-4
A couple of weeks ago, I heard a pastor make this comment concerning the above portion of Scripture:
"If we consider our spouse more imporant than ourselves, they will know that they are important to us." This is how he explained the last part of the third verse, in which it is written, "but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves."
As I thought of what he had said and of its significance in our relationships with one another, the words of Apostle John came to mind as to the definition and foundation of love:
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:8-11)
Our Creator sent His Son into the world to reveal His seeking, forgiving and accepting heart of love toward us. He wishes through His Son for us to know and experience this forgiving and accepting love toward us as it was revealed through the Christ on the cross. God views His new creation through Christ and desires that all would come to this knowledge of acceptance in Christ. As it is written:
to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:19
Do we understand what this means for us today and for all the peoples of the earth? Have we come to experience the full impact of the meaning of how God has received us in Christ? That He is fully satisfied in us because of the work of His Son in doing the will of His Father through the cross? Do we know how pleased He is in us through His Son? He is waiting for us to accept this gift through repentance toward Him (turning away from and turning toward Him) and faith in Christ. (acceptance of forgiveness through Christ's offering of Himself)
When we come to know, understand and experience the love of God in His forgiveness and acceptance, we come to experience our true worth in the sight of God. Because we know that we are important to Him, we live in the experience of that relationship of being accepted in Christ, but even more so, we are received/welcomed by Him on a continual basis. For God always looks upon us who we are in His Son, of whom He testified: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17
And if God welcomes us into this fellowship, how can we than not welcome/accept all even as we have been welcomed/accepted? Therefore, when we are in Christ, we consider others more important than ourselves and we exhibit this through our desires, motives and actions.
May God bless you in Christ today and always!
Pastor Orval Wirkkala
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Brace for Impact
This week I am forwarding you for your encouragement an article that was sent to me by one of the people that receives these weekly emails! She is from India and I thank her for her article! I will leave it totally unchanged from how I received it. Please enjoy!
Good morning dear brother in Christ, REv John routsala THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE BLESSED MESSAGES YOU ARE FORWARDING THROUGH FM BLOG . THEY GREATLY ENCOURAGE US IN THE LORD . THANK YOU . Hope you be blessed reading
This encouraging powerful word which will surely touch your hearts and let you remind again of HIS miraculous power working towards His people in midst of trouble.
A few weeks ago, a commercial airliner crashed into the Hudson river in New York city. The flight was U.S. Air # 1549, bound for charlotte, North Carolina. With in a minute of take-off, a flock of large birds had a head-on collision with the plane. As a result , both engines of the jet were damaged and ceased to function. The pilot was forced to make a quick decision. His options were limited. He knew he couldn’t make it back for a landing new york city nor could he make it to some other airport. It looked like he was headed for a terrible crash that would likely bring lots of damage and death to everyone in the plane and may be to others on the ground as well. The well experienced pilot , chesley sullenberger III came up with another option. He decided to attempt a landing on the river. He knew that this plan was loaded with risk and uncertainty but it was the only remaining option. So he spoke a brief, important message to the passengers and crew on board the plane…. BRACE FOR IMPACT. Moments later the plane landed on the surface of the river. And miraculously, no one was killed in the crash.
Lets focus on the three worded message given by the pilot…. BRACE FOR IMPACT. The pilots message was a word of caution. It was based on the reality of present danger. It was an honest assessment of present discomfort. It also warned of even more dire conclusions to their journey.
Those three words are an important reminder for all of us. Many of the biblical authors give us the same message… to expect some affliction… and to prepare for it before it comes.
• JESUS says ….. in this world you will have trouble ( john 16:33)
• PAUL, in speaking of his own experience mentions a wide variety of difficulties ( II cor.11:23-29)… mentioning…imprisionments , flogging, exposure to death,stoning, shipwreck,danger from bandits, sleeplessness,hunger,thirst and pressure from churches.
• PAUL…preparing us for times of affliction, speaks of this cluster of difficulties…trouble,hardship,presecution,famine,nakedness,danger and death(Romans 8:35)
• PETER writes richly about suffering in his first epistle ,including these phrases…suffering grief in all kinds of trials …do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you ( I peter 1:6; 4: 12)
• JOB, even in the midst of huge losses ,said …Naked I come from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; May the name of the Lord be praised ( job 1:21)
Robert Mc Cracken has written “ Adversity is not necessarily an evil. Because of it understanding ,patience,endurance,sympathy can be learned… Beethoven composed his deepest music after becoming totally deaf,pascal set down his most searching observations about God and man and life and death in brief intervals of release from a prostrating illness. Robertson Nicoll wrote an essay on the thesis : That the best letters are written by the mortally wounded.”
The pilots words truly re-echo the similar themes stated by multiple authors of the scriptures. We are wise to be prepared and ready for today. tomorrow and tomorrows tomorrow…and for whatever it may bring to us. Yes., I will say it again ,…BRACE FOR IMPACT.
As we do it, lets do it joyfully, confidently, and thankfully, as the Scriptures declare , remembering that we never travel alone. He is with us all the way. Even in the toughest times, God is doing something special IN us and THROUGH us.
Dear ones in the Lord , I am sure that you be encouraged through this wonderful message that touched my heart to share it with you my beloved family in Christ.
Yours in His service, Sis Evangeline Ashok INDIA.
Good morning dear brother in Christ, REv John routsala THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE BLESSED MESSAGES YOU ARE FORWARDING THROUGH FM BLOG . THEY GREATLY ENCOURAGE US IN THE LORD . THANK YOU . Hope you be blessed reading
This encouraging powerful word which will surely touch your hearts and let you remind again of HIS miraculous power working towards His people in midst of trouble.
A few weeks ago, a commercial airliner crashed into the Hudson river in New York city. The flight was U.S. Air # 1549, bound for charlotte, North Carolina. With in a minute of take-off, a flock of large birds had a head-on collision with the plane. As a result , both engines of the jet were damaged and ceased to function. The pilot was forced to make a quick decision. His options were limited. He knew he couldn’t make it back for a landing new york city nor could he make it to some other airport. It looked like he was headed for a terrible crash that would likely bring lots of damage and death to everyone in the plane and may be to others on the ground as well. The well experienced pilot , chesley sullenberger III came up with another option. He decided to attempt a landing on the river. He knew that this plan was loaded with risk and uncertainty but it was the only remaining option. So he spoke a brief, important message to the passengers and crew on board the plane…. BRACE FOR IMPACT. Moments later the plane landed on the surface of the river. And miraculously, no one was killed in the crash.
Lets focus on the three worded message given by the pilot…. BRACE FOR IMPACT. The pilots message was a word of caution. It was based on the reality of present danger. It was an honest assessment of present discomfort. It also warned of even more dire conclusions to their journey.
Those three words are an important reminder for all of us. Many of the biblical authors give us the same message… to expect some affliction… and to prepare for it before it comes.
• JESUS says ….. in this world you will have trouble ( john 16:33)
• PAUL, in speaking of his own experience mentions a wide variety of difficulties ( II cor.11:23-29)… mentioning…imprisionments , flogging, exposure to death,stoning, shipwreck,danger from bandits, sleeplessness,hunger,thirst and pressure from churches.
• PAUL…preparing us for times of affliction, speaks of this cluster of difficulties…trouble,hardship,presecution,famine,nakedness,danger and death(Romans 8:35)
• PETER writes richly about suffering in his first epistle ,including these phrases…suffering grief in all kinds of trials …do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you ( I peter 1:6; 4: 12)
• JOB, even in the midst of huge losses ,said …Naked I come from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; May the name of the Lord be praised ( job 1:21)
Robert Mc Cracken has written “ Adversity is not necessarily an evil. Because of it understanding ,patience,endurance,sympathy can be learned… Beethoven composed his deepest music after becoming totally deaf,pascal set down his most searching observations about God and man and life and death in brief intervals of release from a prostrating illness. Robertson Nicoll wrote an essay on the thesis : That the best letters are written by the mortally wounded.”
The pilots words truly re-echo the similar themes stated by multiple authors of the scriptures. We are wise to be prepared and ready for today. tomorrow and tomorrows tomorrow…and for whatever it may bring to us. Yes., I will say it again ,…BRACE FOR IMPACT.
As we do it, lets do it joyfully, confidently, and thankfully, as the Scriptures declare , remembering that we never travel alone. He is with us all the way. Even in the toughest times, God is doing something special IN us and THROUGH us.
Dear ones in the Lord , I am sure that you be encouraged through this wonderful message that touched my heart to share it with you my beloved family in Christ.
Yours in His service, Sis Evangeline Ashok INDIA.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Forgiving Love
I hope that this week’s blog finds each of you continuing in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. This week our article is a short one I found in our church’s Christian Monthly. It reminds us of the unchanging love that God had for Israel, (all His people). Do we know someone that has been unfaithful to their spouse, to the church, to all that God would want them to be? We are to still treat them with ever caring love, trying to reach out to them to restore them to the faith. Yes, we understand that this will not always be successful, because the heart of the wayward must be repentant and be willing to change. However, this does not change our responsibility in the matter, nor how we are to behave toward the wayward or backsliding.
I hope you enjoy the short article below, and hopefully it will prompt us to read God’s Holy Word even more! May God Bless your week! John
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee
unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness,
and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and
thou shalt know the Lord. Hosea 2:19-20
Hosea is a tender prophet with a very sad matrimonial
experience, which was designed of God to set forth Israel’s
relationship to Himself and their unfaithfulness to the covenant
He had made with them. Hosea’s wife proved untrue to all her
vows and became a poor characterless slave. Yet the prophet
sought her out, redeemed her, and took her to himself in
forgiving love, only to have his heart broken by her continued
waywardness. It sets forth graphically not only God’s unchanging
love for Israel, His earthly people, but it pictures vividly His
grace toward the individual soul. He is Redeemer, Restorer,
and unfailing Friend, whose loving-kindness exceeds our worst
offenses and whose forgiveness is extended to every repentant
sinner, no matter how dark and shameful the record may be.
H. A. Ironside
I hope you enjoy the short article below, and hopefully it will prompt us to read God’s Holy Word even more! May God Bless your week! John
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee
unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness,
and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and
thou shalt know the Lord. Hosea 2:19-20
Hosea is a tender prophet with a very sad matrimonial
experience, which was designed of God to set forth Israel’s
relationship to Himself and their unfaithfulness to the covenant
He had made with them. Hosea’s wife proved untrue to all her
vows and became a poor characterless slave. Yet the prophet
sought her out, redeemed her, and took her to himself in
forgiving love, only to have his heart broken by her continued
waywardness. It sets forth graphically not only God’s unchanging
love for Israel, His earthly people, but it pictures vividly His
grace toward the individual soul. He is Redeemer, Restorer,
and unfailing Friend, whose loving-kindness exceeds our worst
offenses and whose forgiveness is extended to every repentant
sinner, no matter how dark and shameful the record may be.
H. A. Ironside
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
God's Word is for Life!
The Holy Word of God has the answer to all of life’s questions. This week I will share with you how the Word of God has worked and comforted me so often in my life.
From my youth up until this day, I thank the Lord that He has kept me aware that although I am weak, He is strong.
God’s Word is not just some words formed into a book. It is the Bread of Life for us. There is so much in it for all times and in all parts of life. It is how we find our way, it is how we continue on this journey.
Below are some of the ways and verses the Holy Scripture has helped me in my life.
* Some of my earliest memories as a boy included many of the simple things that most children deal with. If I was afraid of the dark, scared in a thunderstorm, sad, or had questions, the Word of the Lord came and said to me like the song: Jesus Loves Me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Many children still today love this song. It is so obviously true, and the Bible does tell us that Jesus loves all of us, not only children.
* As I grew up, if I had questions I just had to remember that Jesus said: John 14:6 (KJV)
..I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
No man or teacher was able to tell me that the way I have learned in Sunday school, church, and from my parents was wrong because I had this and other verses in the Bible.
* When I become fearful, I just need to read in so many places such as: Luke 24:36 (KJV)
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. This word Peace is used so often in the Bible. Jesus wants us to remember that He gives us peace. There is no need to have fear if we turn to Jesus!
* When I am tempted I must remember the Word says: James 1:12 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. And Peter says: 1 Peter 1:6 (KJV)
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
* When I need to be uplifted and feel that I am worthless, God’s Holy Word says: Philip. 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
* If my pride begins to get the upper hand God’s Word says: Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Jesus all said in Mark 10:31 (KJV) But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. There is no reason to boast except in Christ Jesus our Lord.
* If I have sinned against my brother, the Holy Word tells me in James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another….
* If I am looked down on for confessing His name:
1 Peter 3:14 (KJV)
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Peter 4:14 (KJV)
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
* If I worry that Jesus has left me: Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Are you getting the picture? Every thought you could possible have, every doubt, every fear, every temptation, there are verses in the scripture to help you through. God has given us this marvelous book to help us in our journey. Over and above this Holy Word he has given us, He has given us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts to help us along, to guide us and keep us!
Would you allow me to mention a few more of these bible verses that have helped me so much in my walk as a Christian?
* When I was having the worst financial times of my life, God gave me a release from earthly desires for a season by dropping on me like a ton of bricks this verse: Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Do not let financial stresses ruin your life in Christ; earthly riches do not last anyway.
* When I wonder about the last day: 1 Thes. 4:16-17 (KJV)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
* When I need assurance of Salvation I can read: 1 Peter 1:5 (KJV)
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I want to be kept by no other power than the power of Almighty God.
I hope and trust that you have the picture of what has helped me through this life. There are so many more verses that I rely on, but I will not put them all here. Remember, the Word of God is here for us! Christians are here for us. The opportunity of having a prayer life is here for us! The Holy Spirit is in the hearts of His Believers! Rely fully on these things and you will by God’s grace realize your problems are only passing. Run the race full force! Fight the fight of Faith. Finish the course. The rewards are so great, much greater than any on this earth. God will help you each day of your journey if we turn to Him!
From my youth up until this day, I thank the Lord that He has kept me aware that although I am weak, He is strong.
God’s Word is not just some words formed into a book. It is the Bread of Life for us. There is so much in it for all times and in all parts of life. It is how we find our way, it is how we continue on this journey.
Below are some of the ways and verses the Holy Scripture has helped me in my life.
* Some of my earliest memories as a boy included many of the simple things that most children deal with. If I was afraid of the dark, scared in a thunderstorm, sad, or had questions, the Word of the Lord came and said to me like the song: Jesus Loves Me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Many children still today love this song. It is so obviously true, and the Bible does tell us that Jesus loves all of us, not only children.
* As I grew up, if I had questions I just had to remember that Jesus said: John 14:6 (KJV)
..I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
No man or teacher was able to tell me that the way I have learned in Sunday school, church, and from my parents was wrong because I had this and other verses in the Bible.
* When I become fearful, I just need to read in so many places such as: Luke 24:36 (KJV)
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. This word Peace is used so often in the Bible. Jesus wants us to remember that He gives us peace. There is no need to have fear if we turn to Jesus!
* When I am tempted I must remember the Word says: James 1:12 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. And Peter says: 1 Peter 1:6 (KJV)
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
* When I need to be uplifted and feel that I am worthless, God’s Holy Word says: Philip. 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
* If my pride begins to get the upper hand God’s Word says: Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Jesus all said in Mark 10:31 (KJV) But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. There is no reason to boast except in Christ Jesus our Lord.
* If I have sinned against my brother, the Holy Word tells me in James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another….
* If I am looked down on for confessing His name:
1 Peter 3:14 (KJV)
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Peter 4:14 (KJV)
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
* If I worry that Jesus has left me: Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Are you getting the picture? Every thought you could possible have, every doubt, every fear, every temptation, there are verses in the scripture to help you through. God has given us this marvelous book to help us in our journey. Over and above this Holy Word he has given us, He has given us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts to help us along, to guide us and keep us!
Would you allow me to mention a few more of these bible verses that have helped me so much in my walk as a Christian?
* When I was having the worst financial times of my life, God gave me a release from earthly desires for a season by dropping on me like a ton of bricks this verse: Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Do not let financial stresses ruin your life in Christ; earthly riches do not last anyway.
* When I wonder about the last day: 1 Thes. 4:16-17 (KJV)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
* When I need assurance of Salvation I can read: 1 Peter 1:5 (KJV)
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I want to be kept by no other power than the power of Almighty God.
I hope and trust that you have the picture of what has helped me through this life. There are so many more verses that I rely on, but I will not put them all here. Remember, the Word of God is here for us! Christians are here for us. The opportunity of having a prayer life is here for us! The Holy Spirit is in the hearts of His Believers! Rely fully on these things and you will by God’s grace realize your problems are only passing. Run the race full force! Fight the fight of Faith. Finish the course. The rewards are so great, much greater than any on this earth. God will help you each day of your journey if we turn to Him!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Drinking From and Digging Wells
Hello and God's Peace!
It is time for the weekly email and blog of encouragement! Please enjoy this article which was written by Pastor Orval Wirkkala. Orval is also on the Foreign Mission Board and I have shared his writings with you in the past. May God Bless your week! John
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-21)"
As we bask in the joy of the knowledge as well as the experience in our hearts of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we continue our journey through life, thanking our God for the visitations of His Spirit that He showered upon us during this time of remembering and reflecting upon His great love for us. A love that John describes in his first epistle: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 During these refreshing times in our lives, we come to better understand the words that were spoken by Nehemiah long ago when he told his people, " The joy of the Lord is your strength." As we are refreshed as well as renewed in strength, we receive new motivation and power to plant and water the Word of grace to others.
Recently we had a missionary speak at our church and he spoke of this matter. Referring to one of the Psalms, he mentioned that those who traveled through the dry country in the ancient world would dig wells so that they could drink, not only for themselves, but so that those coming after them could also drink of the thirst quenching water. He then compared this with Christ, Who is the Well of Living Water, relating of the blessing that we receive from the previous generations who have drank of the Living Water and have faithfully looked to bless the next generation through providing for the opportunity for them to drink of Christ. In like manner, as we drink from the wells that have been provided for us, may we also be mindful to continue to make provision for the future generations who will come after us, beginning now.
In the verses which are at the beginning of our writing today, the Apostle Paul wants to help us to "see" the blessing of being called by grace; the glory that we have today as well as in the future and of the immeasurable power of grace that He wishes to "be" in us so that we may bring the Gospel of Christ to others. Lord, please give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You through your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Orval Wirkkala
It is time for the weekly email and blog of encouragement! Please enjoy this article which was written by Pastor Orval Wirkkala. Orval is also on the Foreign Mission Board and I have shared his writings with you in the past. May God Bless your week! John
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-21)"
As we bask in the joy of the knowledge as well as the experience in our hearts of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we continue our journey through life, thanking our God for the visitations of His Spirit that He showered upon us during this time of remembering and reflecting upon His great love for us. A love that John describes in his first epistle: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 During these refreshing times in our lives, we come to better understand the words that were spoken by Nehemiah long ago when he told his people, " The joy of the Lord is your strength." As we are refreshed as well as renewed in strength, we receive new motivation and power to plant and water the Word of grace to others.
Recently we had a missionary speak at our church and he spoke of this matter. Referring to one of the Psalms, he mentioned that those who traveled through the dry country in the ancient world would dig wells so that they could drink, not only for themselves, but so that those coming after them could also drink of the thirst quenching water. He then compared this with Christ, Who is the Well of Living Water, relating of the blessing that we receive from the previous generations who have drank of the Living Water and have faithfully looked to bless the next generation through providing for the opportunity for them to drink of Christ. In like manner, as we drink from the wells that have been provided for us, may we also be mindful to continue to make provision for the future generations who will come after us, beginning now.
In the verses which are at the beginning of our writing today, the Apostle Paul wants to help us to "see" the blessing of being called by grace; the glory that we have today as well as in the future and of the immeasurable power of grace that He wishes to "be" in us so that we may bring the Gospel of Christ to others. Lord, please give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You through your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Orval Wirkkala
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Real Change!
Todays article is writen by the Dean at the Inter-Lutheran seminary who is also a pastor in our ALC church in Painesdale, MI. I hope you enjoy this article! John
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:51-58)
Have you ever consideredthe duration of the twinkling of an eye? (Twinkle, as it is used here,is a synonym for “blink.”)
How long does it take to blink? However you may measure it, it’s very fast. When Christ returns to the earth again it will take that amount of time for us to be In the Twinkling of an Eye changed to be like Him. This is how complete His victory is over sin, death and the devil; there’s no agonizing or prolonged process but a change in a moment. The victory is Christ’s and when He returns we will receive the full benefit of His victory in an instant.
The ancient church fathers understood this reality and they lived their lives in a reflection of it. In their awareness of the finished work of Christ they had a clear sense of eternity, that everything would change in a moment but once the change was complete
there would be an eternity of unchangeableness. Right now times in our world are difficult: budgets are strained, political situations are in flux, there are conflicts all around us, and the future, in the estimation of many, is bleak and uncertain.
Sadly, that simply shows that the world has the wrong view of reality. The fathers had the right one; they knew that the times were always in God’s hands and they also knew that they themselves were held preciously in those same mighty hands. They lived in the assurance of the promise of a day that would be brighter than the finite mind could imagine and, with that day in mind, they persevered through tribulation.
May God grant that we sense the power of His hands that uphold us even now, the hands from which no man is able to pluck us (John 10:29). And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:7)
God’s peace,
Pastor Jay Weidner
Painesdale, Michigan
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:51-58)
Have you ever consideredthe duration of the twinkling of an eye? (Twinkle, as it is used here,is a synonym for “blink.”)
How long does it take to blink? However you may measure it, it’s very fast. When Christ returns to the earth again it will take that amount of time for us to be In the Twinkling of an Eye changed to be like Him. This is how complete His victory is over sin, death and the devil; there’s no agonizing or prolonged process but a change in a moment. The victory is Christ’s and when He returns we will receive the full benefit of His victory in an instant.
The ancient church fathers understood this reality and they lived their lives in a reflection of it. In their awareness of the finished work of Christ they had a clear sense of eternity, that everything would change in a moment but once the change was complete
there would be an eternity of unchangeableness. Right now times in our world are difficult: budgets are strained, political situations are in flux, there are conflicts all around us, and the future, in the estimation of many, is bleak and uncertain.
Sadly, that simply shows that the world has the wrong view of reality. The fathers had the right one; they knew that the times were always in God’s hands and they also knew that they themselves were held preciously in those same mighty hands. They lived in the assurance of the promise of a day that would be brighter than the finite mind could imagine and, with that day in mind, they persevered through tribulation.
May God grant that we sense the power of His hands that uphold us even now, the hands from which no man is able to pluck us (John 10:29). And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:7)
God’s peace,
Pastor Jay Weidner
Painesdale, Michigan
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Holy Week
Hello and God’s Peace to all!
….Continued from Last week….
The stone was moved away! Jesus was no longer on the cross. He was no longer in the grave. Our Lord had won the victory for us over death, hell, and the power of the devil. What a joy it is to know that we have a living Saviour who overcame all things for us.
As we spoke last week about how the events of this week affect our lives here on earth, notice what day we now worship on. We worship on Sunday, the Lords Day. This is because it was a the greatest event that He arose from the dead. This event was far greater even than the rest that God took after creating the entire world in six days. When we experience the living Lord Jesus in our hearts by faith, we have entered into His rest. We have a living hope of eternal Salvation because He is alive!
It is interesting that the women were the first ones to the tomb that resurrection day morning. Women still today play a very prominent roll in the church. Women often understand relationships better than men, and their hard work and dedication in the church is surely a blessing.
When our Lord showed himself to the disciples after his resurrection He said Peace be unto you John 20:19 (KJV)
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Jesus did not want the disciples to be afraid. We hear this phrase so often in the Holy Scriptures. Fear not was told to the angels at the time of Jesus birth. Many other times we are instructed to not be fearful. Fear is the opposite of faith. Do not let the devil tempt you with fear or unbelief. You will not find in the scriptures that God wants us to fear.
The work of our Lord here on earth was complete when He fulfilled all for us in His life and in His death, and the earth could not contain Him. He arose, therefore we live. However all the promises were not fulfilled.
Jesus made this wonderful promise in John 15:26 (KJV)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Now all those that are partakers of the complete work of Jesus for our redemption and salvation, have the comforter the Holy Spirit of God living within their hearts. He said he in John 14:18 (KJV) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
This wonderful comforter is with us today, leading and guiding, comforting us, and also convicting us of sin and wrong. This is how we live our life today, by the great power of His Spirit. What a wonder, how amazing!
What a joy to know and understand that this period is the period of rest. Rest in Him and life lived by the power of the Holy Spirit! A life at Liberty in Christ! For 2 Cor. 3:17 (KJV)
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Partake of and Rejoice, dear reader in the Suffering, Death, and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus this Easter Season!
….Continued from Last week….
The stone was moved away! Jesus was no longer on the cross. He was no longer in the grave. Our Lord had won the victory for us over death, hell, and the power of the devil. What a joy it is to know that we have a living Saviour who overcame all things for us.
As we spoke last week about how the events of this week affect our lives here on earth, notice what day we now worship on. We worship on Sunday, the Lords Day. This is because it was a the greatest event that He arose from the dead. This event was far greater even than the rest that God took after creating the entire world in six days. When we experience the living Lord Jesus in our hearts by faith, we have entered into His rest. We have a living hope of eternal Salvation because He is alive!
It is interesting that the women were the first ones to the tomb that resurrection day morning. Women still today play a very prominent roll in the church. Women often understand relationships better than men, and their hard work and dedication in the church is surely a blessing.
When our Lord showed himself to the disciples after his resurrection He said Peace be unto you John 20:19 (KJV)
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Jesus did not want the disciples to be afraid. We hear this phrase so often in the Holy Scriptures. Fear not was told to the angels at the time of Jesus birth. Many other times we are instructed to not be fearful. Fear is the opposite of faith. Do not let the devil tempt you with fear or unbelief. You will not find in the scriptures that God wants us to fear.
The work of our Lord here on earth was complete when He fulfilled all for us in His life and in His death, and the earth could not contain Him. He arose, therefore we live. However all the promises were not fulfilled.
Jesus made this wonderful promise in John 15:26 (KJV)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Now all those that are partakers of the complete work of Jesus for our redemption and salvation, have the comforter the Holy Spirit of God living within their hearts. He said he in John 14:18 (KJV) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
This wonderful comforter is with us today, leading and guiding, comforting us, and also convicting us of sin and wrong. This is how we live our life today, by the great power of His Spirit. What a wonder, how amazing!
What a joy to know and understand that this period is the period of rest. Rest in Him and life lived by the power of the Holy Spirit! A life at Liberty in Christ! For 2 Cor. 3:17 (KJV)
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Partake of and Rejoice, dear reader in the Suffering, Death, and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus this Easter Season!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Stone Removed
Hello and God’s Peace to all!
Holy week is fast approaching. This is the time of year that we focus on the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! It is good that we focus extra time on this most important series of events. However, these events are not just historical events for a Christian. The have a much deeper meaning than this.
We must realize that these events shape who we are. These events cause us to be who we are today. This is our reality now! And if we miss these events in a spiritual way, then we suffer in this life and will for all eternity.
We as Christians live by the events of Holy Week, but not in a historical way. We live by them in a day by day journey as a child of God. Here we get our salvation and our strength to live day by day.
These events also need to become real to all who are not yet believers. It is these very happenings that allow people to become saved! Remember, Isaiah 53:6 (KJV)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. All have sinned, but Jesus bore all!
When Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he was hailed as a king. He was cheered on as he rode on that donkey. In less than one week people turned on him. This is the way man is. Without the power of God, we cannot resist temptation or sin. We cannot be consistent. Man goes this way and that. This is a sad truth of how men are when left to their own ways.
On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus went into the garden alone to pray! The Lord of Lords, went alone to Pray! This is such an example for us. We can and should turn to God in prayer often. The burden of our sin came upon Him. Read about this in your bible!
He was betrayed, yet He was like a lamb before the shearers, he was dumb (silent). He was scourged, He was beaten, He suffered so much bodily pain, and the pain of the sin of all mankind that was on him was immense.
They nailed our Lord to the Cross. They hung him there between Heaven and Earth between two thieves. Our sins were nailed with Him there. All of our doubts, our fears, our lying, stealing, bad behavior in every which way, was nailed with Him there to the cross. He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy the world and set Him free. Instead, He died alone, for you and me! No man could take the life of Jesus. He laid his life down for fallen mankind. This is not just the other person. It is for Me! For you! This is who He died for. He died so that we would not have to die.
Jesus was then put into the grave. He was there until the third day. What did those that were first to arrive at the tomb find? The stone had been rolled away! O dear reader! God had moved the stone because of what Jesus had done. Jesus had completed all and had won the victory. The Stone was rolled away. Do you have any stones that need to still be rolled out of the way in your life? Any sins, doubts or fears? Is there anything that is weighing you down today? Remember, due to the complete work of Jesus, the stone is removed. All these things in your life were nailed to the cross with Jesus. The stone was removed!
He wants all of our stones to be removed because He died for them. Believe this! By His name and by the power of His Blood, all sins are wiped away. Believe this by faith unto the salvation of your soul!
Jesus is alive! Praise God today and always that Jesus Lives! Halleluiah!
(to be continued next week, as this is too long!) Yes Jesus is Alive! There is so much more to write that pertains to our living by the power of the Holy Spirit which made possible because of the Redemptive work of our Lord Jesus!
May God Bless your week!
Holy week is fast approaching. This is the time of year that we focus on the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! It is good that we focus extra time on this most important series of events. However, these events are not just historical events for a Christian. The have a much deeper meaning than this.
We must realize that these events shape who we are. These events cause us to be who we are today. This is our reality now! And if we miss these events in a spiritual way, then we suffer in this life and will for all eternity.
We as Christians live by the events of Holy Week, but not in a historical way. We live by them in a day by day journey as a child of God. Here we get our salvation and our strength to live day by day.
These events also need to become real to all who are not yet believers. It is these very happenings that allow people to become saved! Remember, Isaiah 53:6 (KJV)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. All have sinned, but Jesus bore all!
When Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he was hailed as a king. He was cheered on as he rode on that donkey. In less than one week people turned on him. This is the way man is. Without the power of God, we cannot resist temptation or sin. We cannot be consistent. Man goes this way and that. This is a sad truth of how men are when left to their own ways.
On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus went into the garden alone to pray! The Lord of Lords, went alone to Pray! This is such an example for us. We can and should turn to God in prayer often. The burden of our sin came upon Him. Read about this in your bible!
He was betrayed, yet He was like a lamb before the shearers, he was dumb (silent). He was scourged, He was beaten, He suffered so much bodily pain, and the pain of the sin of all mankind that was on him was immense.
They nailed our Lord to the Cross. They hung him there between Heaven and Earth between two thieves. Our sins were nailed with Him there. All of our doubts, our fears, our lying, stealing, bad behavior in every which way, was nailed with Him there to the cross. He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy the world and set Him free. Instead, He died alone, for you and me! No man could take the life of Jesus. He laid his life down for fallen mankind. This is not just the other person. It is for Me! For you! This is who He died for. He died so that we would not have to die.
Jesus was then put into the grave. He was there until the third day. What did those that were first to arrive at the tomb find? The stone had been rolled away! O dear reader! God had moved the stone because of what Jesus had done. Jesus had completed all and had won the victory. The Stone was rolled away. Do you have any stones that need to still be rolled out of the way in your life? Any sins, doubts or fears? Is there anything that is weighing you down today? Remember, due to the complete work of Jesus, the stone is removed. All these things in your life were nailed to the cross with Jesus. The stone was removed!
He wants all of our stones to be removed because He died for them. Believe this! By His name and by the power of His Blood, all sins are wiped away. Believe this by faith unto the salvation of your soul!
Jesus is alive! Praise God today and always that Jesus Lives! Halleluiah!
(to be continued next week, as this is too long!) Yes Jesus is Alive! There is so much more to write that pertains to our living by the power of the Holy Spirit which made possible because of the Redemptive work of our Lord Jesus!
May God Bless your week!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Yoke
Hello and God’s Peace Dear Readers.
As Dennis Hilman and I are still traveling through the USA doing Mission Education and Preparation Seminars. Lord willing in two weeks from today I will be at home. I am having a wonderful time traveling, doing the seminars, and seeing the Christians around the USA. However, it will be surely nice to get home to my wife and family!
As we go through this life, we have both good and not so good days. We have mountaintop experiences, as Dennis and I have had so many of lately both in India and in the USA, and we have those times in the valleys of life. I am so very thankful that the same one true God that is the God in the good times, He is also God in the bad times. When we feel we are truly in the valleys of life, having a hard time, we can be assured that our God knows our situation is by the side of all those that believe in Him.
Remember our Lord Jesus said: Matthew 11:29 (KJV)
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Rest in Him. Many of you in foreign countries understand what a yoke is better than us in the USA do. A yoke is used for oxen or cattle, or horses, to tie them together so that a team can be used to get the work done that needs doing.
The believer’s team consists of our Lord and us. Each of us that believe by faith, our Lord helps us, leads us, carries our load, protects us, and is our all in all. Notice that verse says, Matthew 11:30 (KJV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. If we are truly yoked to our Saviour by faith, we can understand how our burden is light. It is because His yoke is easy. The earthy yoke makes two animals work the same amount to share the load, making it lighter. With Jesus, He is able and willing to carry our whole load, making our burden very light! Turn to Him at all times. Stay in tune to your Saviour, lay all your burdens down before him, and your life will be joyous.
If we go on our own we have tremendous burdens that we cannot bare. Do not attempt to go up the mountains or through the valleys of life alone.
It is so wonderful how the entire bible works together to bring this message of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, and the benefits and gifts that are given through it when,
… by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephes. 2:8 (KJV)
I leave you this week with this wonderful words!
Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
May the Lord Bless your week! John
As Dennis Hilman and I are still traveling through the USA doing Mission Education and Preparation Seminars. Lord willing in two weeks from today I will be at home. I am having a wonderful time traveling, doing the seminars, and seeing the Christians around the USA. However, it will be surely nice to get home to my wife and family!
As we go through this life, we have both good and not so good days. We have mountaintop experiences, as Dennis and I have had so many of lately both in India and in the USA, and we have those times in the valleys of life. I am so very thankful that the same one true God that is the God in the good times, He is also God in the bad times. When we feel we are truly in the valleys of life, having a hard time, we can be assured that our God knows our situation is by the side of all those that believe in Him.
Remember our Lord Jesus said: Matthew 11:29 (KJV)
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Rest in Him. Many of you in foreign countries understand what a yoke is better than us in the USA do. A yoke is used for oxen or cattle, or horses, to tie them together so that a team can be used to get the work done that needs doing.
The believer’s team consists of our Lord and us. Each of us that believe by faith, our Lord helps us, leads us, carries our load, protects us, and is our all in all. Notice that verse says, Matthew 11:30 (KJV) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. If we are truly yoked to our Saviour by faith, we can understand how our burden is light. It is because His yoke is easy. The earthy yoke makes two animals work the same amount to share the load, making it lighter. With Jesus, He is able and willing to carry our whole load, making our burden very light! Turn to Him at all times. Stay in tune to your Saviour, lay all your burdens down before him, and your life will be joyous.
If we go on our own we have tremendous burdens that we cannot bare. Do not attempt to go up the mountains or through the valleys of life alone.
It is so wonderful how the entire bible works together to bring this message of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, and the benefits and gifts that are given through it when,
… by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephes. 2:8 (KJV)
I leave you this week with this wonderful words!
Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
May the Lord Bless your week! John
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
He First Loved us!
God’s Peace!
Dear Readers around the world. (this blog is written especially for all the friends, associates and fellow laborers in the Lord’s vineyard of the Foreign Mission abroad) Anyone else who runs across this blog are most welcome to read it as well.
This week I must tell you about a little child that came to our mission seminar in South Carolina. When she was asked why she came, she said “because I love Jesus.” How can it be said better than that? Is this not why we come to church? Is this not why we minister in His Kingdom? Is this not why many of you risk your lives for the Gospel?
Scripture tells us in 1John 4:19 (KJV) We love him, because he first loved us. We could not love Him, unless He first loved us. This is the way it is for believers today. He came to earth as a lowly babe so all can approach and come to him. He lived as a man here on earth so that He could know what we go through and are tempted with. He fulfilled all in our behalf, yet without sin. He went to the cross and gave up His life. There he bore our sorrows, paid for our sin, laid down His life. He was there alone. Our sins were nailed to the cross with him. He could have called 10,000 angels to destroy the world and save His life, but no, He died alone for you and me! This is how much he loved us.
Then on the third day, after winning the battle over death, hell and the power of the devil, our Lord Arose! He lives so we can have life and have it more abundantly. He then fulfilled another promise, He sent the comforter, the Holy Ghost to dwell in our hearts. This is how much he first loved us! This is why we are able to love him! This is why the believers today can have the peace and joy that passeth all understanding. Philip. 4:7 (KJV)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The best news of all for those that love Jesus is that one day He will come to call His own to be with Him in heaven! Luke 21:27 (KJV) And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
We shall see Him, and go to be with Him forever in Heaven above!
This is why this little girl and all true believers today can say that they love Jesus! Because He first loved us! This I know for the Bible tells me so!
May the Lord Bless your week!
John Ruotsala
Dear Readers around the world. (this blog is written especially for all the friends, associates and fellow laborers in the Lord’s vineyard of the Foreign Mission abroad) Anyone else who runs across this blog are most welcome to read it as well.
This week I must tell you about a little child that came to our mission seminar in South Carolina. When she was asked why she came, she said “because I love Jesus.” How can it be said better than that? Is this not why we come to church? Is this not why we minister in His Kingdom? Is this not why many of you risk your lives for the Gospel?
Scripture tells us in 1John 4:19 (KJV) We love him, because he first loved us. We could not love Him, unless He first loved us. This is the way it is for believers today. He came to earth as a lowly babe so all can approach and come to him. He lived as a man here on earth so that He could know what we go through and are tempted with. He fulfilled all in our behalf, yet without sin. He went to the cross and gave up His life. There he bore our sorrows, paid for our sin, laid down His life. He was there alone. Our sins were nailed to the cross with him. He could have called 10,000 angels to destroy the world and save His life, but no, He died alone for you and me! This is how much he loved us.
Then on the third day, after winning the battle over death, hell and the power of the devil, our Lord Arose! He lives so we can have life and have it more abundantly. He then fulfilled another promise, He sent the comforter, the Holy Ghost to dwell in our hearts. This is how much he first loved us! This is why we are able to love him! This is why the believers today can have the peace and joy that passeth all understanding. Philip. 4:7 (KJV)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The best news of all for those that love Jesus is that one day He will come to call His own to be with Him in heaven! Luke 21:27 (KJV) And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
We shall see Him, and go to be with Him forever in Heaven above!
This is why this little girl and all true believers today can say that they love Jesus! Because He first loved us! This I know for the Bible tells me so!
May the Lord Bless your week!
John Ruotsala
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Reservation
God’s Peace!
This week I am traveling again for the Foreign Mission. Dennis Hilman and I are conducting FM seminars around the USA. I do have full cell phone and internet coverage on this trip so you can continue to email me as usual. I have very little time to write a blog, but I still want to share something with you!
I was reminded of this thought again yesterday as we traveled by air to South Carolina. One thing that is common with all travel by airplane and perhaps on most trains is this. You must have a reservation. This is shown by a ticket or boarding pass. Your reservation assures you that there is a place for you on that airplane or train.
On the day of your trip, you could do everything properly. You could wake up on time, east a good meal, remember all of your luggage, travel safely and on time to the airport, and wait patiently for the time to come to get on the airplane.
However, if you do not have a reservation (ticket or boarding pass) you are not going to be allowed on the airplane.
This to me is such an important lesson for us all! Unless we have a reservation made for heaven, we will not get there. Even if we live our life perfectly we cannot get there without the reservation. If we have a reservation, we surely will get to heaven. 1 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
This reservation is only made for us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and His complete redemptive work done for us! 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV) says
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Jesus arose, therefore He lives! And because of this we Live and we have our reservation set in heaven! How wonderful! Believe this by faith for Ephes. 2:8 (KJV) says
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
This gift of God is offered fully and freely. The reservations are made for the believers and it is without money and without price! Praise the Lord!
This week I am traveling again for the Foreign Mission. Dennis Hilman and I are conducting FM seminars around the USA. I do have full cell phone and internet coverage on this trip so you can continue to email me as usual. I have very little time to write a blog, but I still want to share something with you!
I was reminded of this thought again yesterday as we traveled by air to South Carolina. One thing that is common with all travel by airplane and perhaps on most trains is this. You must have a reservation. This is shown by a ticket or boarding pass. Your reservation assures you that there is a place for you on that airplane or train.
On the day of your trip, you could do everything properly. You could wake up on time, east a good meal, remember all of your luggage, travel safely and on time to the airport, and wait patiently for the time to come to get on the airplane.
However, if you do not have a reservation (ticket or boarding pass) you are not going to be allowed on the airplane.
This to me is such an important lesson for us all! Unless we have a reservation made for heaven, we will not get there. Even if we live our life perfectly we cannot get there without the reservation. If we have a reservation, we surely will get to heaven. 1 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
This reservation is only made for us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and His complete redemptive work done for us! 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV) says
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Jesus arose, therefore He lives! And because of this we Live and we have our reservation set in heaven! How wonderful! Believe this by faith for Ephes. 2:8 (KJV) says
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
This gift of God is offered fully and freely. The reservations are made for the believers and it is without money and without price! Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TRUST
Greetings of God’s Peace to all of you around the world!
Well, it has been a few weeks since we have had this chance to look into God’s Word together. Many of you have said that you were in prayer for my trip. I really appreciate this. We could feel the prayers. My traveling partner was Pastor Dennis Hilman. Many of you know him as he is a full time missionary with The Foreign Mission of the ALCA.
Since I did not tell you where I went before the trip, I can tell you now. We went to India. It is a special place and we really enjoyed the trip. I am especially thankful that we were able to share God’s Word with so many Christians. I also am so thankful that so many non Christians were able to either come to the services, or hear them broadcast by speakers over the villages.
I learned so many valuable lessons on this trip. These included lessons about dedication, sacrifice, caring, sharing, and much more. This was shown by the Christians in India. The single most important thing I learned was about trust. So many things have happened since early December when I was first asked to go on this trip, until the trip was over, that this issue of Trust has become clearer to me. This is what we will look into scripture about this week.
Psalm 62:6-9 (KJV)
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
You can see that verse 8 says Trust in him at all times; This does not mean, trust in him only when convenient, or when we have money, food, or all the good things. This does not mean only in the large things or in the good times. TRUST in Him at all times.
I first did not want to go to India. This is because I had already planned to go to the Philippines. Also, I had heard of the terrorist attacks, and about the persecution of Christians in certain parts of that country. I am so glad now that God appointed me to go to India. I needed to learn about trust. Many things along the way happened perfectly that I was worried about. Some where small things like, would I be able to eat the food? No problem, in fact I enjoyed it. Things like would the travel go smooth and safely, how will they find me at the airport since we had never seen each other? Also I worried about many other such things. Then there were also big things I worried about. Would God be able to use such a one as I to minister His Word in this far off land? Would He supply me with words to speak? Would He provide me with texts from the Bible to use? Again and again He provided for all. It was revealed to me that I had not been Trusting in Him enough.
I even had a physical injury to my leg to teach me this lesson further. After many days of pastors training and services, we decided to take the children from the orphanage to the river. There I was running with the boys and I injured my leg quite badly. I had torn a hamstring. If you know what this is, it is quite painful. I had never had this injury before so I was concerned. I had to hobble back home which was quite a long walk. Once there for only a few minutes, a medical Doctor walked into the house. He was not called; he just came to visit because he had come back to town from where he now lives. He looked at my leg and treated me. This is the first time a medical doctor walked into the house where I have been in my life. See, God was teaching me to Trust. After only a day or two, our visit at this place was over. The next place we went to was the home of a Doctor. I have never in my life stayed with a Doctor. This Doctor also treated my ailment faithfully. See, I needed to learn Trust, and teach me the Lord did. He was with me at all times!
Dear reader! The Lord is also with you at all times. Have total Faith in Him. Trust in Him always. His Word promises that He will never leave or forsake us! Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
God wants us to know, that even the small things are in His hands. He also wants us to know, that since He is watching over even these small things, He will also for sure watch over the big things in our lives.
Sometimes the answers He gives us do not feel good at first. Sometimes we think He did not hear our prayers. Remember, James 5:16 (KJV) says this way!
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
God does hear our Prayers! TRUST in HIM at all times!
In Christ’s Love and Care! John
Well, it has been a few weeks since we have had this chance to look into God’s Word together. Many of you have said that you were in prayer for my trip. I really appreciate this. We could feel the prayers. My traveling partner was Pastor Dennis Hilman. Many of you know him as he is a full time missionary with The Foreign Mission of the ALCA.
Since I did not tell you where I went before the trip, I can tell you now. We went to India. It is a special place and we really enjoyed the trip. I am especially thankful that we were able to share God’s Word with so many Christians. I also am so thankful that so many non Christians were able to either come to the services, or hear them broadcast by speakers over the villages.
I learned so many valuable lessons on this trip. These included lessons about dedication, sacrifice, caring, sharing, and much more. This was shown by the Christians in India. The single most important thing I learned was about trust. So many things have happened since early December when I was first asked to go on this trip, until the trip was over, that this issue of Trust has become clearer to me. This is what we will look into scripture about this week.
Psalm 62:6-9 (KJV)
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
You can see that verse 8 says Trust in him at all times; This does not mean, trust in him only when convenient, or when we have money, food, or all the good things. This does not mean only in the large things or in the good times. TRUST in Him at all times.
I first did not want to go to India. This is because I had already planned to go to the Philippines. Also, I had heard of the terrorist attacks, and about the persecution of Christians in certain parts of that country. I am so glad now that God appointed me to go to India. I needed to learn about trust. Many things along the way happened perfectly that I was worried about. Some where small things like, would I be able to eat the food? No problem, in fact I enjoyed it. Things like would the travel go smooth and safely, how will they find me at the airport since we had never seen each other? Also I worried about many other such things. Then there were also big things I worried about. Would God be able to use such a one as I to minister His Word in this far off land? Would He supply me with words to speak? Would He provide me with texts from the Bible to use? Again and again He provided for all. It was revealed to me that I had not been Trusting in Him enough.
I even had a physical injury to my leg to teach me this lesson further. After many days of pastors training and services, we decided to take the children from the orphanage to the river. There I was running with the boys and I injured my leg quite badly. I had torn a hamstring. If you know what this is, it is quite painful. I had never had this injury before so I was concerned. I had to hobble back home which was quite a long walk. Once there for only a few minutes, a medical Doctor walked into the house. He was not called; he just came to visit because he had come back to town from where he now lives. He looked at my leg and treated me. This is the first time a medical doctor walked into the house where I have been in my life. See, God was teaching me to Trust. After only a day or two, our visit at this place was over. The next place we went to was the home of a Doctor. I have never in my life stayed with a Doctor. This Doctor also treated my ailment faithfully. See, I needed to learn Trust, and teach me the Lord did. He was with me at all times!
Dear reader! The Lord is also with you at all times. Have total Faith in Him. Trust in Him always. His Word promises that He will never leave or forsake us! Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
God wants us to know, that even the small things are in His hands. He also wants us to know, that since He is watching over even these small things, He will also for sure watch over the big things in our lives.
Sometimes the answers He gives us do not feel good at first. Sometimes we think He did not hear our prayers. Remember, James 5:16 (KJV) says this way!
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
God does hear our Prayers! TRUST in HIM at all times!
In Christ’s Love and Care! John
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