WEBSTER'S 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines hope as "belief that something good may happen". Although some people would not admit it, we all have an eternal hope. Atheists hope that God does not exist. Others hope that, if they do certain things or don't do certain things, God will allow them to enter heaven. Still others hope that God loves us so much that He will let everyone in. As the definition states, with these hopes, it is possible that the outcome will not be what was hoped for.
We as christians are different! There is a big difference between having hope and having the Hope. Many times I have heard christians say that they hope they are going to make it to heaven. We are not called to live with that uncertainty.
When we accept Christ and are baptized, we are given a gaurantee that the outcome will be what we hope for. Paul tells us, in 2nd Corinthians 5:5, that we have been given the "Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come". If we have that deposit, why would we not be sure of the outcome?
So how do you know if you have that guarantee? Jesus himself gave us the answer in Matthew 7:15-23. Jesus tells us that you will be able to tell false profits by their fruit. In Galatians 5:22, Paul gives us a list of nine fruits of the Spirit. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is really very simple, if you have the Hope, you will have the fruits that Paul listed. And, as you grow closer to Jesus, you will produce more and better fruit.
Now, since we have this Hope, why would we fear anyone or anything? We are assured of the outcome of our lives. That is how a christian in Egypt introduced a terrorist to Christ. You see this radical Muslim terrorist wanted to know why, in the face of persecution, a christian businessman showed love and forgiveness to those who hurt him. It is easy for us to see that the christian was only exhibiting one of the fruits of the Spirit but it was totally different to the terrorist.
Ask yourself the question "what kind of fruit am I producing"? If you don't like your answer, fall to your knees and ask God for help! None of us can continue to produce good fruit on our own, we must stay connected to the vine that is Jesus.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
What's in a name?
In 1997, NASA landed a spacecraft on the planet Mars. Then a rover was released to explore the planet looking for the truth about life on Mars. That rover was given the name Sojourner in honor of a woman named Isabella Baumfree.
She was born into slavery in New York in 1797. She was the youngest of twelve children. At the age of nine, she was sold away from her family. Even though she suffered abuse under slavery, she made an altar to God in the woods. This was her "church" where she went to worship and talk to God. You see she didn't have the option of attending a church like we think of. In 1826, she was inspired from her talks with God and walked to freedom. In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and became a travelling preacher. She said that her mission was to teach people "to embrace Jesus and refrain from sin."
As she said, we are all called to "embrace Jesus". In Acts 4:12, it tells us that there is no other name by which we must be saved. It seems that more and more these days we are being bombarded with the idea that there are other ways. This is nothing but a lie from the depths of hell. There are many religions but only one path to a relationship with God. And just a little note, NO RELIGION WILL GET YOU TO HEAVEN. Romans 8:16&17, tells us that when we embrace Jesus we become children of God and joint heirs with Christ. In Revelation 20:5, it tells us that, if your name is not written in the book of life, you will be cast into hell.
So, what's in the Name? It is unimaginable power, we are saved from hell but it is so much more. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do anything through His name. More times than I can count, I've had people tell me about what is impossible. I have actually had people that call themselves Christians, say that Gods' work is impossible. That is blasphemy! There is nothing that God cannot do! If you embrace Jesus, you will come to know and trust that He is able.
There is a little more to it though. You see, being saved from hell has nothing to do with works. But once once you become that child of God there are some things that are expected of you. As a Christian we are called to take the light of truth to the world. That comes from Matthew 28:18-20, and we won't do this to be saved we are compelled to do it out of gratitude for being saved!
Like Isabella Baumfree, aren't all of us who call upon the name of Jesus asked to be a "sojourner truth"? You see most of the people of the world are wondering around like that rover on Mars searching for the truth. We may not all be called to go to the same parts of the world but we are called to go. Are you a "sojourner truth"?
It is my prayer that we, as Christians, will start to take our name seriously. It may start with you at your workplace.
She was born into slavery in New York in 1797. She was the youngest of twelve children. At the age of nine, she was sold away from her family. Even though she suffered abuse under slavery, she made an altar to God in the woods. This was her "church" where she went to worship and talk to God. You see she didn't have the option of attending a church like we think of. In 1826, she was inspired from her talks with God and walked to freedom. In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and became a travelling preacher. She said that her mission was to teach people "to embrace Jesus and refrain from sin."
As she said, we are all called to "embrace Jesus". In Acts 4:12, it tells us that there is no other name by which we must be saved. It seems that more and more these days we are being bombarded with the idea that there are other ways. This is nothing but a lie from the depths of hell. There are many religions but only one path to a relationship with God. And just a little note, NO RELIGION WILL GET YOU TO HEAVEN. Romans 8:16&17, tells us that when we embrace Jesus we become children of God and joint heirs with Christ. In Revelation 20:5, it tells us that, if your name is not written in the book of life, you will be cast into hell.
So, what's in the Name? It is unimaginable power, we are saved from hell but it is so much more. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do anything through His name. More times than I can count, I've had people tell me about what is impossible. I have actually had people that call themselves Christians, say that Gods' work is impossible. That is blasphemy! There is nothing that God cannot do! If you embrace Jesus, you will come to know and trust that He is able.
There is a little more to it though. You see, being saved from hell has nothing to do with works. But once once you become that child of God there are some things that are expected of you. As a Christian we are called to take the light of truth to the world. That comes from Matthew 28:18-20, and we won't do this to be saved we are compelled to do it out of gratitude for being saved!
Like Isabella Baumfree, aren't all of us who call upon the name of Jesus asked to be a "sojourner truth"? You see most of the people of the world are wondering around like that rover on Mars searching for the truth. We may not all be called to go to the same parts of the world but we are called to go. Are you a "sojourner truth"?
It is my prayer that we, as Christians, will start to take our name seriously. It may start with you at your workplace.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
TEARS, THERMOMETER OF THE HEART?
Our tears can be a great indication of the health of our relationship with JESUS. Can you remember the last event that made you cry? By looking at the reason for the tears you can get a personal reading on the status of your heart. Many of us older folks were raised with the "real men don't cry" attitude. Others of us will cry at the drop of a hat. But, the only one we should ever compare ourselves to is JESUS. HE is to be the pattern of our lives!
We, as Christians, are called to be like CHRIST. Therefore, we should look at what caused JESUS to cry and compare HIS tears to ours. That can be a powerful tool to assess the condition of your heart.
To see what caused our LORD to shed a tear, we look at the death of Lazarus as recorded in John chapter 11. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. This is the same Mary who poured perfume on the feet of JESUS and wiped them with her hair. These sisters sent for JESUS when Lazarus was sick. JESUS waited until Lazarus was dead then went to them. Now Mary and Martha met JESUS outside the village. And we see that JESUS wept in verse 35. To see the why behind HIS tears we look at verse 33. We see that HIS compassion caused the tears for them. After this, HE went to the tomb and brought Lazarus back from the dead.
JESUS had three options in this situation. First, HE could have not even went to them or shed any tears. Second, HE could have stayed where HE was and cried for Mary and Martha. Lastly, we see what JESUS actually did, HE not only cried but HE went to them and did something about the situation.
Many of us live our lives like that first option. We go day to day knowing that bad things are happening but we don't let it affect us. We don't even shed a tear. I think the thermometer is reading at or below freezing. This surely doesn't bring glory to GOD.
Some of us have moved on to the second option. We slow down and notice what is going on and we even shed a tear. But that is as far as we go. Our thermometers have come up from freezing but we are far from on fire for the LORD. I don't believe this brings glory to GOD either.
Not enough of us go to the third option. This is the only option that brings glory to GOD. JESUS not only shed tears HE took action to help the situation. If our relationship with CHRIST is healthy, we will do more than shed a tear for the world. We will seek to glorify GOD just like JESUS did in this situation.
So, each of us has to look at our own thermometer. The world around us is filled with hurting people headed for destruction. If that simple fact does not drive you to tears and compel you to act, you need to draw nearer to the MASTER. If you have a healthy relationship you will be on fire for HIM.
For further thought, look at Revelation chapter 3 verses 14-22.
We, as Christians, are called to be like CHRIST. Therefore, we should look at what caused JESUS to cry and compare HIS tears to ours. That can be a powerful tool to assess the condition of your heart.
To see what caused our LORD to shed a tear, we look at the death of Lazarus as recorded in John chapter 11. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. This is the same Mary who poured perfume on the feet of JESUS and wiped them with her hair. These sisters sent for JESUS when Lazarus was sick. JESUS waited until Lazarus was dead then went to them. Now Mary and Martha met JESUS outside the village. And we see that JESUS wept in verse 35. To see the why behind HIS tears we look at verse 33. We see that HIS compassion caused the tears for them. After this, HE went to the tomb and brought Lazarus back from the dead.
JESUS had three options in this situation. First, HE could have not even went to them or shed any tears. Second, HE could have stayed where HE was and cried for Mary and Martha. Lastly, we see what JESUS actually did, HE not only cried but HE went to them and did something about the situation.
Many of us live our lives like that first option. We go day to day knowing that bad things are happening but we don't let it affect us. We don't even shed a tear. I think the thermometer is reading at or below freezing. This surely doesn't bring glory to GOD.
Some of us have moved on to the second option. We slow down and notice what is going on and we even shed a tear. But that is as far as we go. Our thermometers have come up from freezing but we are far from on fire for the LORD. I don't believe this brings glory to GOD either.
Not enough of us go to the third option. This is the only option that brings glory to GOD. JESUS not only shed tears HE took action to help the situation. If our relationship with CHRIST is healthy, we will do more than shed a tear for the world. We will seek to glorify GOD just like JESUS did in this situation.
So, each of us has to look at our own thermometer. The world around us is filled with hurting people headed for destruction. If that simple fact does not drive you to tears and compel you to act, you need to draw nearer to the MASTER. If you have a healthy relationship you will be on fire for HIM.
For further thought, look at Revelation chapter 3 verses 14-22.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
What's it worth?
What is the first thing we do when a woman tells us that she is engaged to be married? For most of us, our first reaction is to say "let me see your ring". According to ZALES, the traditional guideline for a man to spend on an engagement ring is two months' salary.
What do we usually do when someone shows us their brand new car? Most of us probably look it over and wonder hom much it cost. According to COMERICA BANKS' AUTO AFFORDABILITY INDEX, the average new vehicle price for the second quarter of 2001 was $22,199.
What do we normally do when we visit someones' new home for the first time? Our host usually gives us a tour. During this tour we probably admire the house and wonder about the price. According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, the average home price in the fourth quarter of 2002 was $161,600.
WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines cost as "something given up in exchange" and worth as "importance; value". Today, it seems that the difference has been blurred and forgotten.
We should look at the relationship between cost and worth like an old fashioned balance scale. On one side we have the cost and as we all know it is usually easy to find out what we are required to exchange for these things. We are constantly bombarded by ads telling us about the low cost of things. On the other side of the scale, we have the worth of these same things. Just like the cost, we are also bombarded by ads telling us about how these things are such a great value.
In Matthew 6:19-21, we find what JESUS said concerning this matter. We see in verse 19, that these "treasures" are only temporary. The diamond we spoke of will be left in the grave when we go to meet JESUS. As for the car we looked at, we probably won't even have it for the rest of our earthly life before we replace it. As for the house, it will also be left behind as we go to meet our maker.
Now, if we try to picture the scale again, we will see that it is way out of balance with each of these things. So, where do we find things that have worth? We fnd, in verse 20, we are told to store up treasures in heaven. WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines treasure as "precious possession". What did JESUS consider to be precious? HE considered us to be precious enough to die for!
Therefore, we must consider the people we meet in our daily lives to be "treasures" and we must resolve to take them to heaven with us! We find from verse 21, that what we consider to be "treasures" will determine where our hearts are.
With a final look at the scales, we see that, with sinners on one side and a mocked, beaten, and crucified JESUS on the other, GOD says the cost is equal to the worth!!!!!!
What do we usually do when someone shows us their brand new car? Most of us probably look it over and wonder hom much it cost. According to COMERICA BANKS' AUTO AFFORDABILITY INDEX, the average new vehicle price for the second quarter of 2001 was $22,199.
What do we normally do when we visit someones' new home for the first time? Our host usually gives us a tour. During this tour we probably admire the house and wonder about the price. According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, the average home price in the fourth quarter of 2002 was $161,600.
WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines cost as "something given up in exchange" and worth as "importance; value". Today, it seems that the difference has been blurred and forgotten.
We should look at the relationship between cost and worth like an old fashioned balance scale. On one side we have the cost and as we all know it is usually easy to find out what we are required to exchange for these things. We are constantly bombarded by ads telling us about the low cost of things. On the other side of the scale, we have the worth of these same things. Just like the cost, we are also bombarded by ads telling us about how these things are such a great value.
In Matthew 6:19-21, we find what JESUS said concerning this matter. We see in verse 19, that these "treasures" are only temporary. The diamond we spoke of will be left in the grave when we go to meet JESUS. As for the car we looked at, we probably won't even have it for the rest of our earthly life before we replace it. As for the house, it will also be left behind as we go to meet our maker.
Now, if we try to picture the scale again, we will see that it is way out of balance with each of these things. So, where do we find things that have worth? We fnd, in verse 20, we are told to store up treasures in heaven. WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines treasure as "precious possession". What did JESUS consider to be precious? HE considered us to be precious enough to die for!
Therefore, we must consider the people we meet in our daily lives to be "treasures" and we must resolve to take them to heaven with us! We find from verse 21, that what we consider to be "treasures" will determine where our hearts are.
With a final look at the scales, we see that, with sinners on one side and a mocked, beaten, and crucified JESUS on the other, GOD says the cost is equal to the worth!!!!!!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
"WE HAVE NO GOVERNMENT"
That is what an Iraqi man told me. He was an educated man and had a very good job. We talked for hours about Iraq so I was able to get a new perspective. At the time, I did not understand what he meant by his no government statement. Now I believe I do.
After a lot of research and just by watching events in Iraq, here is what I believe he meant:
I think we could all agree that the main function of any government is to look out for the best interests of it's citizens. That is not how the government of Iraq is acting right now. You basically have three groups in power and you have to examine their goals and who is behind them.
First you have the Kurds. They are the easiest group to understand. They have been persecuted for years and are looking for independence. They are mostly located in the northern part of the country.
Secondly you have the Sunni Muslims. They are a minority of the population but for many years they have had absolute control of the country. Like anyone else, they don't want to lose their power. Also, while they were in power they oppressed the Kurds and the Shiites so they are afraid that if they lose power they will suffer retribution. They are supported by Saudia Arabia with money and manpower. The main goal of the Saudis is to spread Sunni Islam and to prevent the rise of Shia Islam.
Lastly, you have the Shia Muslims. They are the majority of the population and they have been oppressed for years. Their leaders want control of the country where the holiest cities of their faith are located. They are backed by Iran and Syria the only two countries in the world where Shias are in control. They are hoping to spread Shia Islam throughout the world.
All the groups and countries mentioned have their own agendas and care very little about the average Iraqi citizen. The Iraqi people are just caught in the middle with nobody caring what happens to them. Therefore they say they have no government and it seems that they are right.
The only answer to the situation in Iraq is to have new elections. The government they have now does not have the interests of Iraqis at heart. All the people of Iraq will have to band together to get the foreign interests out and find leaders who are first and foremost Iraqis!!
That is what an Iraqi man told me. He was an educated man and had a very good job. We talked for hours about Iraq so I was able to get a new perspective. At the time, I did not understand what he meant by his no government statement. Now I believe I do.
After a lot of research and just by watching events in Iraq, here is what I believe he meant:
I think we could all agree that the main function of any government is to look out for the best interests of it's citizens. That is not how the government of Iraq is acting right now. You basically have three groups in power and you have to examine their goals and who is behind them.
First you have the Kurds. They are the easiest group to understand. They have been persecuted for years and are looking for independence. They are mostly located in the northern part of the country.
Secondly you have the Sunni Muslims. They are a minority of the population but for many years they have had absolute control of the country. Like anyone else, they don't want to lose their power. Also, while they were in power they oppressed the Kurds and the Shiites so they are afraid that if they lose power they will suffer retribution. They are supported by Saudia Arabia with money and manpower. The main goal of the Saudis is to spread Sunni Islam and to prevent the rise of Shia Islam.
Lastly, you have the Shia Muslims. They are the majority of the population and they have been oppressed for years. Their leaders want control of the country where the holiest cities of their faith are located. They are backed by Iran and Syria the only two countries in the world where Shias are in control. They are hoping to spread Shia Islam throughout the world.
All the groups and countries mentioned have their own agendas and care very little about the average Iraqi citizen. The Iraqi people are just caught in the middle with nobody caring what happens to them. Therefore they say they have no government and it seems that they are right.
The only answer to the situation in Iraq is to have new elections. The government they have now does not have the interests of Iraqis at heart. All the people of Iraq will have to band together to get the foreign interests out and find leaders who are first and foremost Iraqis!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
THE REAL IRAQ - THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS TOO!!!!!!
Did you know that the airport in Baghdad is up and operating? The truth is that it is being operated by the Iraqi people. There are commercial flights in and out of there. I admit it is not like JFK or LAX or OHARE, but it is a functioning airport. The Iraqis are doing a good job of managing it too. They take care of security, operations, and maintenance and I might add they are doing an amazing job! You can say what you want but in my book that IS GOOD NEWS!
Did you know that on August 2nd the Iraqi stock market will open to foreign investment and do you know how this can help the overall situation? The unemployment rate in Iraq is somewhere around 50-80%, with the opening of the stock market this could change dramatically. But some people in the USA, who I might add care nothing about the suffering they are causing, have their own agenda. It seems that they are willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Iraqi lives just for their own selfish ambitions. By only showing the bad things that are happening, they discourage businesses and individuals from investing in Iraq. Don't get me wrong there is some investment happening but not nearly as much as there would be if the media would show the whole story of Iraq! Therefore unemployment is a lot higher than it would be and the suffering of the Iraqi people continues.
Wouldn't it be nice to see someone that actually cared about the Iraqi people try to help?
Did you know that a little genuine love could go a long way in solving the problems of Iraq?
Did you know that the airport in Baghdad is up and operating? The truth is that it is being operated by the Iraqi people. There are commercial flights in and out of there. I admit it is not like JFK or LAX or OHARE, but it is a functioning airport. The Iraqis are doing a good job of managing it too. They take care of security, operations, and maintenance and I might add they are doing an amazing job! You can say what you want but in my book that IS GOOD NEWS!
Did you know that on August 2nd the Iraqi stock market will open to foreign investment and do you know how this can help the overall situation? The unemployment rate in Iraq is somewhere around 50-80%, with the opening of the stock market this could change dramatically. But some people in the USA, who I might add care nothing about the suffering they are causing, have their own agenda. It seems that they are willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Iraqi lives just for their own selfish ambitions. By only showing the bad things that are happening, they discourage businesses and individuals from investing in Iraq. Don't get me wrong there is some investment happening but not nearly as much as there would be if the media would show the whole story of Iraq! Therefore unemployment is a lot higher than it would be and the suffering of the Iraqi people continues.
Wouldn't it be nice to see someone that actually cared about the Iraqi people try to help?
Did you know that a little genuine love could go a long way in solving the problems of Iraq?
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