Regarding Jesus

Regarding Jesus, how do we relate? How can we relate? He is God. He is higher than angels! But, inorder to be the perfect substitute, he became human. Note that He was in existence before being born as a human. But became human nonetheless. The writer of Hebrews captures these important facts in chs. 1&2. This writer (unknown) writes to Jewish audience of Christian believers who have been exiled from the temple, and are now being persecuted by the gentiles. Where can they turn? This writer starts with the building block, Jesus himself. Why is He different, why should He be enough? We know scripture shows angels as mighty warriors in God's service. But they were created, and although lower than God, they were higher than man. Check out ch2v14. Jesus is the answer!

Paying What We Owe

What do we owe? Do we have obligations, or has God forgiven us our past? Not quite. While He has provided for our salvation, we need to make restitution for our past promises and debts. Paul writes this very thing in his letter to Philemon. It is a short letter to an owner of a runaway slave. The slave, Onesimus, has accepted Christ. Now Paul emplores Philemon to take Onesimus back, and charge whatever debt he owes to him. A point to take is that even though Onesimus is a new creation in Christ, he still has obligations he must fulfill. So do we. Making amends is crucial to our growth. Don't neglect the past, learn from it and clean up what you can. It will provide a great witness to the fruit of your salvation!

Going where needed

How many of you would like to set up a ministry in Anacostia, Harlem, or even Jonathan St in Hagerstown? These are notoriously rough areas. We might shy away from such a task. Yet Paul sent Titus directly to the island of Crete to minister. Crete was not a nice place, to say the least. We get our derrogatory example "acting like a cretan" from the reputation of this place. Paul instructs Titus on Christian doctrine and emphasizes Holy living. He shows that we are not just called to work in comfortable places. There is great need everywhere. The Holy Spirit will lead us. Don't be afraid to make contact. I noticed how usual barriers melt when I did some work at MCIH (prison). The inmates did not see me as some holier than thou white guy. I became a friend. Takes time, but worth it!

Be Ye Ready

Are you ready? What for you ask? Preaching the Word of course. Do you need to prepare and perhaps write out long sermons or testimonies. Those are not bad, but not necessary. Paul writes in 2 Tim to be ready, preach the Word. Paul is writing his last letter to Timothy to encourage him to keep preaching and teaching,, even amid the turmoil and suffering. Be ready whenever the occasion might arise. It is God who has equipped us, so do not lean on your own understanding. In ch1v7 Paul notes God has given us power, so we need not be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. God has entrusted us with truth, but it is not ours to keep. Nothing is of value until it is given away! There is much blessing in giving! Ch3v16-17 is a keeper...memorize it and apply it! You must feed on the Word, do not be intimidated or oerwhelmed. God gave it to us to use! It is relevant and applies to us even 2000 years later! Preach the gospel, when necessary, use words....St. Francis.

Are you rich!

Did you play Powerball lately? What were you hoping for, instant wealth? Paul providess great insight to wealth in 1 Tim6:6. He notes how we came into the world with nothing, and we will leave in similar fashion. It is the love of money that is at the root of all kinds of evil. Remember, you cannot buy peace...you will always long for more. So during this time of Christmas, it is difficult not to get caught up in materialism. We want nice things, but didn't we get those last year? Are they still nice? Do we cherish them with the fever we had when we received them? Or are they old and in need of repair or replacement? Or are they not shiny anymore. Such is the way of things! Growing in wealth of friends and family will last much longer and provide better return and satisfaction

Where to put this sin

In catching up, today's thoughts are from Colossians, and 1&2 Thess. Paul writes to warn the believers in these cities not to become complacent, or follow empty rituals. Christ gives complete salvation and He is sufficient for every need. Col1:14, God has purchased our freedom with blood and has forgiven all our sins. So let go of them confess, set them at the foot of the cross, and walk away. They are not yours anymore! So when we go back to pick them up and redo them or languish about having done them the first time, we are stealing! Another thought...our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts. Ask yourself, "do you believe Jesus is coming again? Do you behave like He is"? God calls us to holy living. Sin weighs us down. Put it at the foot of the cross, and be thankful that God will take it, without hesitation!

Christmas Time.....again

So Christmas season in upon us. The music, shopping decorations, rushing to and fro. How can we avoid getting rolled over by the activity? Remembering the "reason for season"? Perhaps....but I think it is more that just remembering. We are CELEBRATING!!! The joy of the birth of the king is our to share! That is point we miss. The music and fuss might be annoying, if we allow it. Don't let it sap your joy. If you need help with the joy aspect,, read Phillipians. Paul writes this with a barrel full of joy. Keep in mind that he writes this from Prison! We enjoy Christmas in our nice warm houses and we still allow the irrelevant things of life sap us. 2 verses to consider, Phil4:6-7..you and God cannot worry about the same problem at the same time. Also, ch4v13, I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. So take that Christmas lights!