STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND
Have you ever experienced being under water for a brief period of time and suddenly you feel like you need to come up for air? Sometimes life’s struggles seem that way to us. You may be going through a situation where you raise your hands and say, “it’s hopeless”. But my friend, it isn’t -trust in the Lord for it is he who “will supply all of your needs. (Phil. 4:19) I know it sounds simple, but it is the truth. Even in Jesus’ time there were those who doubted Jesus and therefore weren’t able to fully understand what he was accomplishing. It says in Mark chapter three:
“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.” (Verse 1)
These men were ready to put Jesus away in prison if he didn’t conform to their legalities. But Jesus had a different agenda. He was not concerned over what they were thinking or their threats; his concern was for the man with the shriveled hand.
He knew the physical need this man had and Jesus was willing to cure him.
“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3: 5-6)
Many thought in their minds, what kind of a man is this Jesus? He was humble; he loved the poor, the sick, and sinners. He did not do things for personal interest, but instead for the sake of others. It was this attraction that brought people to him. Jesus proved to be more than just the son of a carpenter – he was the Son of God filled with power of the holy Sprit. And to show to those who had a stubborn heart the power of God – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:1-6)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A LEADER’S CHARACTER
Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.
Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)
Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)
Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))
Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)
Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)
These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.
Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.
Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)
Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)
Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))
Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)
Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)
These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.
Monday, September 1, 2008
GIVING GOD THE BEST
Watching the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing was an event of impending excitement and hopeful enthusiasm for the athletes. For Christian athletes it was a lifetime opportunity not only to compete, but making an impact as believers of the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Chinese people. I recently read in a Christian magazine about athletes like: Allyson Felix, Ryan Hall, Michael Redd and Jennifer Barringer attribute their motivation of success to their faith. Felix gives glory to God for her achievement on the track. Hall, age 25, committed his heart to Jesus as teenager. He struggled with the search for significance, but found his identity in Christ.
It is wonderful to see how God has a place in the lives of these athletes not only as achievers of the gifts they have, but as witnesses for God’s glory. A comment made by Olympian Barringer who quotes 1 Timothy 4:12 – her favorite verse-to heart: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”(NIV)
Many young Christians need to believe that they can do something that’s impossible. Like the athletes you need to do everything you physically can do to break the mental barriers of “can’t do”. Having God’s word in my mind has always helped me in hard challenges, but one of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength,” (Phi.4: 13) giving God my best of what he’s given me and all for his glory.
It is wonderful to see how God has a place in the lives of these athletes not only as achievers of the gifts they have, but as witnesses for God’s glory. A comment made by Olympian Barringer who quotes 1 Timothy 4:12 – her favorite verse-to heart: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”(NIV)
Many young Christians need to believe that they can do something that’s impossible. Like the athletes you need to do everything you physically can do to break the mental barriers of “can’t do”. Having God’s word in my mind has always helped me in hard challenges, but one of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength,” (Phi.4: 13) giving God my best of what he’s given me and all for his glory.
Friday, August 1, 2008
THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 2)
“DOING WHAT’S RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES”
The postexilic period (538-400 B.C.) is both the end of Old Testament history and the beginning of the Intertestamental Era. During this time Hebrews were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuilt the temple. Four distinct trips to Judah are mentioned in the Bible: The first was led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-8) and Seshbazzar (Ezra 5:1-16), the second by Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1-7), and then 100 years later after the return of the first exiles Nehemiah leads the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:17-18). We can see how God uses different people to accomplish the task of rebuilding his place of worship. These men did not quibble nor complained as to how big this job would be or how long it would take to accomplish. Despite the opposition and threat to their lives they loved God more and wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes.
When we place ourselves in God’s hands and pray for the Lord’s guidance in what we do, things fall into place. It says “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 2:8) The work got started by Zerubbabel and Seshbazzar then halted, but God raised two more men to finish the project. Ezra and Nehemiah are these two men. These men are examples of being instruments of honor in God’s hands. Ezra provided leadership for his people. He taught the people the law and brought about reforms of their religious lifestyle. He wanted other nations to know that they were God’s chosen people. It says “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Sometimes, what God wants us to do seems in our eyes BIG, but God is there if you call upon him – He will give you strength and give you courage. (Neh.8: 10) Nehemiah was also a man of prayer, in the midst of opposition and insults thrown at him and the workers who were rebuilding, he stopped and prayed and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, yours sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh.4: 14) Both Ezra and Nehemiah remained faithful to God’s demands despite the deceptive pressures of Hellenism and the later faithlessness of the priesthood; they did what was right in God’s eyes. My prayer for us is to learn from these examples and do what is pleasing to the LORD. It says in Romans 12: 2 “Let us not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
“DOING WHAT’S RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES”
The postexilic period (538-400 B.C.) is both the end of Old Testament history and the beginning of the Intertestamental Era. During this time Hebrews were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuilt the temple. Four distinct trips to Judah are mentioned in the Bible: The first was led by Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-8) and Seshbazzar (Ezra 5:1-16), the second by Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1-7), and then 100 years later after the return of the first exiles Nehemiah leads the people in repairing the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:17-18). We can see how God uses different people to accomplish the task of rebuilding his place of worship. These men did not quibble nor complained as to how big this job would be or how long it would take to accomplish. Despite the opposition and threat to their lives they loved God more and wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes.
When we place ourselves in God’s hands and pray for the Lord’s guidance in what we do, things fall into place. It says “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 2:8) The work got started by Zerubbabel and Seshbazzar then halted, but God raised two more men to finish the project. Ezra and Nehemiah are these two men. These men are examples of being instruments of honor in God’s hands. Ezra provided leadership for his people. He taught the people the law and brought about reforms of their religious lifestyle. He wanted other nations to know that they were God’s chosen people. It says “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Sometimes, what God wants us to do seems in our eyes BIG, but God is there if you call upon him – He will give you strength and give you courage. (Neh.8: 10) Nehemiah was also a man of prayer, in the midst of opposition and insults thrown at him and the workers who were rebuilding, he stopped and prayed and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, yours sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Neh.4: 14) Both Ezra and Nehemiah remained faithful to God’s demands despite the deceptive pressures of Hellenism and the later faithlessness of the priesthood; they did what was right in God’s eyes. My prayer for us is to learn from these examples and do what is pleasing to the LORD. It says in Romans 12: 2 “Let us not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THE LORD’S INSTRUMENTS (PART 1)
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
The Old Testament gives us examples of men and women God used as instruments to fulfill his promise. But one person that stands out because of his character and having the right attitude is the priest Ezra. Not many people study Ezra or even spend time learning about his accomplishments, because he didn’t do great things like Moses, Joshua or David. I give him credit for having the right attitude when it came to serving God. Here is a man that comes back with a second group of Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem and while God is using Zerubbabel to be leader on the rebuilding of God’s temple; Ezra is teaching about the Law. So here you have one person leading the rebuilding, another teaching God’s word. But just when things couldn’t get better, trouble arises. It says, “despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation…” (Ezra 3:3) Doesn’t this sound familiar, especially when we try to serve the Lord, there’s always opposition, and sometimes it comes from those closest us?
The people who lived around Jerusalem were pagan; they worshipped other God’s and did not know the God of Israel. All they knew was that these new neighbors are here and they are doing something we don’t understand, they are worshipping their God and we don’t like it! Could it be that they were acting out of fear, because they knew the power of Israel’s God? But this was not going to deter the Jews from accomplishing their goal that is, to rebuild a place of worship for their God. Ezra and the Jews were determined to get the job done. Their hearts were in the right place; they were not focused in themselves, but in giving honor to the Lord. When we have the right attitude and character, when we put God ahead and not behind, he will be gracious unto us.
Today, as we discover the ministry God has given to us, let us walk with the right attitude bringing honor and glory to what we do and accomplish, Ezra was an instrument of honor that God used to teach the Law to Israel in a time when they needed to be reminded of what their God had done for them. The times may be different, but the message is the same – let us continue to serve and worship a most gracious God who has done so much for us.
Monday, June 2, 2008
GOD’S REFLECTION ON US
It says in Genesis 5:1 that when God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
To fully understand this concept, I grasped on God’s word in the book of Genesis to appreciate what this meant. My awareness of this has broadened, and I truly respect what these words mean. First, one of the insights I gained from this - is that I should have a respect for my Creator. He is above all other gods that are manmade or even resemble to be like him. His creation of man gave us value and worth. He placed man in a great place called Garden of Eden. It was the best place on earth with all that man could possibly fathom to have and need. Everything was at his disposable. His authority over animals and every creature on land and sea were at his domain. If this isn’t giving value to someone then what is!
Secondly, man had a personal relationship with God and communicated with him. Adam was to be God’s representative with fullness of holiness and worth, because he bore God’s image. But as you continue reading the story in Genesis – man’s fall to sin separated us from a holy God. God is so merciful that he did not erase mankind from the earth. He gave us another chance through his son Jesus Christ who died for all of mankind’s sins, so that our relationship with God would be restored. God’s part was fulfilled, but ours remains to be done.
Finally, God still loves us, he cares for us and we are still held at precious value and worth in his eyes. When sin enters our lives it blinds us from seeing the worth God has placed on us – his creation. He has made a way for man to reconcile with Him. It is by accepting Jesus his son into our lives. When we become saved, the veil that separated us between God and sin is no longer dividing us from our Creator. We look at Jesus as our mediator; our redeemer from sin. And in our acceptance of Christ, God’s grace fills us again with his holiness. The holiness and fellowship with God has been restored. I can say: “I am now a representative of God, I have worth and value, and I am a holy vessel for God.” Therefore, I am reminded from God in 1 Peter 1:16 to “Be holy, because I am holy.” Only my godly behavior and faith will show others God’s reflection in my life. We owe it to God to have His reflection in us.
It says in Genesis 5:1 that when God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
To fully understand this concept, I grasped on God’s word in the book of Genesis to appreciate what this meant. My awareness of this has broadened, and I truly respect what these words mean. First, one of the insights I gained from this - is that I should have a respect for my Creator. He is above all other gods that are manmade or even resemble to be like him. His creation of man gave us value and worth. He placed man in a great place called Garden of Eden. It was the best place on earth with all that man could possibly fathom to have and need. Everything was at his disposable. His authority over animals and every creature on land and sea were at his domain. If this isn’t giving value to someone then what is!
Secondly, man had a personal relationship with God and communicated with him. Adam was to be God’s representative with fullness of holiness and worth, because he bore God’s image. But as you continue reading the story in Genesis – man’s fall to sin separated us from a holy God. God is so merciful that he did not erase mankind from the earth. He gave us another chance through his son Jesus Christ who died for all of mankind’s sins, so that our relationship with God would be restored. God’s part was fulfilled, but ours remains to be done.
Finally, God still loves us, he cares for us and we are still held at precious value and worth in his eyes. When sin enters our lives it blinds us from seeing the worth God has placed on us – his creation. He has made a way for man to reconcile with Him. It is by accepting Jesus his son into our lives. When we become saved, the veil that separated us between God and sin is no longer dividing us from our Creator. We look at Jesus as our mediator; our redeemer from sin. And in our acceptance of Christ, God’s grace fills us again with his holiness. The holiness and fellowship with God has been restored. I can say: “I am now a representative of God, I have worth and value, and I am a holy vessel for God.” Therefore, I am reminded from God in 1 Peter 1:16 to “Be holy, because I am holy.” Only my godly behavior and faith will show others God’s reflection in my life. We owe it to God to have His reflection in us.
Monday, May 26, 2008
"I CRY FOR THEM" BY MARY VANSHER
This poem is dedicated to the men and women who fought, and are fighting in Iraq. May the Lord bless them and their families.
I cry for them
That is at war
Seeing the battling
soldier torn.
Amidst the blazing fire of night,
Calling the brother to his side.
As day approaches
All is clear,
But the remains of parts to drear
For as they clamor
To the falling site,
‘God speed my day till dawn appears’.
I cry for them, I cry for them,
Let Heaven hear my voice a near.
I cry for them
That is at war
Seeing the battling
soldier torn.
Amidst the blazing fire of night,
Calling the brother to his side.
As day approaches
All is clear,
But the remains of parts to drear
For as they clamor
To the falling site,
‘God speed my day till dawn appears’.
I cry for them, I cry for them,
Let Heaven hear my voice a near.
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