Where is your faith?
Luke 8:22-5
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Raging storms will always arise on our lives. It is at these times, the Lord is helping us find our faith. Why else does he ask us where our faith is at unless he wanted us to consider that? What did we do with our faith? It seems that sometimes I have to learn the same lesson over and over again. Hence a new cycle of storms. The Lord wishes that one of those times that we have to rediscover our faith, we'll keep it in a place where we know that we will not loose it again; thereby breaking the cycle of storms.
Jesus said all that was necessary in verse 22: "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." In that instant, the disciples should have known that they were going to make it no matter what would befall them on the way. When the Lord tells us to do something, in that instant, we should know that we're going to make it. Whatever trouble will befall us along the way is negligable to God. Even in matters when after the initial call, we hear nothing else from the Lord; matters where it seems that the Lord is asleep (verse 23). We think that because the Lord spoke to us and we were obedient, that he owes it to us to continue to speak.
After all of this comes the storm! The disciples (although their Lord told them that they were to go to the other side of the lake) were absolutly sure they were going to perish (verse 24). Where was their faith? Where is my faith every time that I obey the Holy Spirit and afterward doubt or fear? Where is the christian's faith every time we have the oppertunity to help the less fortunate but can't because we are afraid that we will not be able to pay a bill? Where is our faith every time that we are led to do something the world sees as crazy, and we opt for the more stable and socially acceptable? Where is our faith?!!
Once Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples glorified him; "what kind of man is this?" They acknowledged the awesome power of the great I AM, only to doubt him again countless times afterward; the same thing that we do constantly 2000 years later.
All it takes is one time. Let's make it the next time. The next time that we refind our faith, lets put it in front of us and not take our eyes off of it. Lets make a covenant to never misplace it again.
John (not the Apostle)
Friday, March 03, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Exodus 3:4
Why did God wait until Moses turned aside to see the bush before he called out to him?
You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:13-4
There will always come a time in our lives that we see the burning bush. We have to decide if it's important enough to stop and investigate. Some of us are too busy to stop. Some see nothing that could tangibly benefit them in the bush. Some find it alluring and decide that they'll check the bush out sometime in the future when it is more convenient for them. Others forget about their herd and their responsibilities to their Father-in-Law, and go strait to that bush thirsting for something that Canaan, Egypt, Jethro and the beauty of pyramids could never satisfy. It is these people that the Lord calls; and when the Lord calls, they answer, "here am I."
Why did God wait until Moses turned aside to see the bush before he called out to him?
You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:13-4
There will always come a time in our lives that we see the burning bush. We have to decide if it's important enough to stop and investigate. Some of us are too busy to stop. Some see nothing that could tangibly benefit them in the bush. Some find it alluring and decide that they'll check the bush out sometime in the future when it is more convenient for them. Others forget about their herd and their responsibilities to their Father-in-Law, and go strait to that bush thirsting for something that Canaan, Egypt, Jethro and the beauty of pyramids could never satisfy. It is these people that the Lord calls; and when the Lord calls, they answer, "here am I."
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them Mark 9:2
This is just one example of how Jesus kept Peter, James and John close to him. Did this mean that he loved the other disciples any less? No. But for some reason, Jesus called these three to a deeper and closer relationship to himself. Why? I can't say for sure although I could speculate for hours. The simple answer is this: It's the way the Lord wanted it.
Tonight, Mary and I went to hear my brother preach. I've heard him before and I am very proud of him and what the Lord has done in his life. Joel has a wonderful testimony. He says that there was a time when he was ashamed of his testimony and this was the reason that he fought his calling for such a long time. He didn't feel worthy. He finally realized that God wanted him to use his testimony to demonstrate how God can change a life. The worse he was before (the more truthful he is about his past), the more Christ is glorified in what he has become today. By exposing his own shame, he is exposing Christ's glory.
Of all the disciples, Peter James and John were the toughest cases. Once when passing through a village in Samaria, James and John suggested that they call fire down from heaven to consume the ungrateful city. They struggled with impulsive anger. Jesus nicknamed them the "sons of thunder". The Lord found thier imperfections almost humerous. I don't think it was actually the imperfections that humored him; I think it was the irony in what he knew they were to become.
No disciple was rebuked by the Lord more than Peter. So logically, he was the one that the Lord would choose to lead this rabble once he was gone. I believe that God loves the shock effect. It's what brings the most glory to his name. What about the rest of 'em. Jesus couldn't go with the priest's. It had to be ignorant fishermen and tax collectors. Lord, I thank you for devine irony.
Lord, help me to never forget what I was! Every time I get caught up into works, he reminds me of his grace. Thanks for the balence Lord. If I love you, I'll keep your comandments but never let me forget the basics:
And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness Romans 4:5
I serve you because I love you. You've already proved to me you love me and neither height, nor depth, nor any other creature; angels principalities, powers, things present or things to come will ever take that away from me.
Yes, like Peter, James and John; you've called me to a different type of relationship with you than some other Christians; not that I deserve it but be it according to your good pleasure. Help me to always know that they too are your disciples. Help me to be a Peter and stregnthen the brethren.
oh yeah!, I love Mary Thomas
This is just one example of how Jesus kept Peter, James and John close to him. Did this mean that he loved the other disciples any less? No. But for some reason, Jesus called these three to a deeper and closer relationship to himself. Why? I can't say for sure although I could speculate for hours. The simple answer is this: It's the way the Lord wanted it.
Tonight, Mary and I went to hear my brother preach. I've heard him before and I am very proud of him and what the Lord has done in his life. Joel has a wonderful testimony. He says that there was a time when he was ashamed of his testimony and this was the reason that he fought his calling for such a long time. He didn't feel worthy. He finally realized that God wanted him to use his testimony to demonstrate how God can change a life. The worse he was before (the more truthful he is about his past), the more Christ is glorified in what he has become today. By exposing his own shame, he is exposing Christ's glory.
Of all the disciples, Peter James and John were the toughest cases. Once when passing through a village in Samaria, James and John suggested that they call fire down from heaven to consume the ungrateful city. They struggled with impulsive anger. Jesus nicknamed them the "sons of thunder". The Lord found thier imperfections almost humerous. I don't think it was actually the imperfections that humored him; I think it was the irony in what he knew they were to become.
No disciple was rebuked by the Lord more than Peter. So logically, he was the one that the Lord would choose to lead this rabble once he was gone. I believe that God loves the shock effect. It's what brings the most glory to his name. What about the rest of 'em. Jesus couldn't go with the priest's. It had to be ignorant fishermen and tax collectors. Lord, I thank you for devine irony.
Lord, help me to never forget what I was! Every time I get caught up into works, he reminds me of his grace. Thanks for the balence Lord. If I love you, I'll keep your comandments but never let me forget the basics:
And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness Romans 4:5
I serve you because I love you. You've already proved to me you love me and neither height, nor depth, nor any other creature; angels principalities, powers, things present or things to come will ever take that away from me.
Yes, like Peter, James and John; you've called me to a different type of relationship with you than some other Christians; not that I deserve it but be it according to your good pleasure. Help me to always know that they too are your disciples. Help me to be a Peter and stregnthen the brethren.
oh yeah!, I love Mary Thomas
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Repentance?
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" - Romans 2:4
There is a common misconception of God in the world among "Christians." To get to the bottom line, I'll say that salvation is not a free ticket out of Hell. Its much more than that. Being saved from hell is just a part of it. When we view salvation from the stand point that its most important aspect is the fact that we are not going to hell; we are centering the universe, creation, sovereignty of God and his eternal plan around ourselves. It's not about us. Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God. The most important aspect of salvation is that he becomes our Lord. We paint a pretty little of picture of God the way we want to see him so we can live our life the way we want. "God loves me, so he'll give me what I want; and I can live the way I want because he loves me anyway." The truth is that God is God and we have to deal with it. Yes, he loves us no matter what but he is just and will not tolorate sin. Thats why repentance is key in salvation.
God's word doesn't contradict itself, and I know of certainty that "whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) I also know that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord will enter[his] kingdom." Some might say that salvation doesn't come in a prayer, but I find it difficult to call on the name of the Lord without praying. God wants to know us, but it is difficult to know anyone without an introduction. However, praying that prayer is more than just the words that role off the tongue. It must be from the heart; through a faith that only God can give. I will also say that that same grace is what gives us Godly sorrow thats works the only true repentance necessary for salvation.
If one prays a prayer of salvation(even if they have been granted saving faith), but is unwilling to repent, their prayer means nothing. There is no forgiveness without repentance. Peter said to people in Jerusalem, "repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and you will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38-9) When taken in context with Acts 10:44-7, we see that the thrust of Peter's statement was repentance, and baptism was the outward expression of the heart change. God's grace is to bring us to repentance necessary for salvation.
Back to Romans:
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:9
The two things that both of these verses has in common is the Word : Lord.
we are to confess Jesus as LORD, not just savior. That's to confess him as Lord from the heart in Spirit and in Truth. You can't take half of Jesus. It's all or nothing. Any thing less would leave out the aspect of repentance. Confessing Jesus as Lord means that we are no longer the Lord of our life. He is now our Lord. We turn away from our will and turn to him to seek his will in our lives.
Let me make this a little more clear. This doesn't mean we are going to be perfect from that day forward. If anyone disagrees with that, I would like to hear your interpretation of Romans chapter 7. The word Repentance means "change of mind." That doesn't mean that a total change in action takes place immediately.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
Once we become children of God, it is our responsibility(if it were not, no commandment here would have been necessary because we would become perfect naturally) to allow the "renewal of the mind" to transform our outward behavior.
I find it sad to know that many "Christians" live selfish lives not caring at all what God's will is in their lives and think they are going to heaven.
love, (I write these things because I love you and want you to know the truth...Oh yeah, the truth will set you free)
John (not the Apostle)
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" - Romans 2:4
There is a common misconception of God in the world among "Christians." To get to the bottom line, I'll say that salvation is not a free ticket out of Hell. Its much more than that. Being saved from hell is just a part of it. When we view salvation from the stand point that its most important aspect is the fact that we are not going to hell; we are centering the universe, creation, sovereignty of God and his eternal plan around ourselves. It's not about us. Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God. The most important aspect of salvation is that he becomes our Lord. We paint a pretty little of picture of God the way we want to see him so we can live our life the way we want. "God loves me, so he'll give me what I want; and I can live the way I want because he loves me anyway." The truth is that God is God and we have to deal with it. Yes, he loves us no matter what but he is just and will not tolorate sin. Thats why repentance is key in salvation.
God's word doesn't contradict itself, and I know of certainty that "whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) I also know that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord will enter[his] kingdom." Some might say that salvation doesn't come in a prayer, but I find it difficult to call on the name of the Lord without praying. God wants to know us, but it is difficult to know anyone without an introduction. However, praying that prayer is more than just the words that role off the tongue. It must be from the heart; through a faith that only God can give. I will also say that that same grace is what gives us Godly sorrow thats works the only true repentance necessary for salvation.
If one prays a prayer of salvation(even if they have been granted saving faith), but is unwilling to repent, their prayer means nothing. There is no forgiveness without repentance. Peter said to people in Jerusalem, "repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and you will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38-9) When taken in context with Acts 10:44-7, we see that the thrust of Peter's statement was repentance, and baptism was the outward expression of the heart change. God's grace is to bring us to repentance necessary for salvation.
Back to Romans:
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:9
The two things that both of these verses has in common is the Word : Lord.
we are to confess Jesus as LORD, not just savior. That's to confess him as Lord from the heart in Spirit and in Truth. You can't take half of Jesus. It's all or nothing. Any thing less would leave out the aspect of repentance. Confessing Jesus as Lord means that we are no longer the Lord of our life. He is now our Lord. We turn away from our will and turn to him to seek his will in our lives.
Let me make this a little more clear. This doesn't mean we are going to be perfect from that day forward. If anyone disagrees with that, I would like to hear your interpretation of Romans chapter 7. The word Repentance means "change of mind." That doesn't mean that a total change in action takes place immediately.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
Once we become children of God, it is our responsibility(if it were not, no commandment here would have been necessary because we would become perfect naturally) to allow the "renewal of the mind" to transform our outward behavior.
I find it sad to know that many "Christians" live selfish lives not caring at all what God's will is in their lives and think they are going to heaven.
love, (I write these things because I love you and want you to know the truth...Oh yeah, the truth will set you free)
John (not the Apostle)
Thursday, September 15, 2005
FISHING (Not for Bass)
Luke 5:2-11
I think too many times I've been just like the fishermen in verse 2. I'm ready to give up so I bring the boat back to shore and get out and just start washing my nets. Then my own personal verse 3 comes and I have to make a decision. Jesus gets into my boat and tells me to go back out into the water. Yes, I normally obey if I'm listening; if I can hear the voice of the Spirit over my own complaints and grumblings while washing my net. I'm glad Peter heard. He obeyed the voice of the Lord so that the Lord could have better access to teach the people. So many times we are disobedient because we can't see how obeying this voice is going to advance our goals or the goals we think God has set for us. When it doesn't make any sense we conclude that it can't be the Holy Spirit. How selfish! Peter's obedience led to the word being preached to other people. It didn't matter what Peter would get out of this deal; he was only to obey. Once Peter(who had obviously spent the whole day on the lake and probably just wanted to get home) waited patiently till Jesus was done, Jesus decided to bless him. In verse 4, Jesus told Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your net for the catch." Many people are afraid to step out of the boat. Some are willing to step out of the boat but they want to just splash around in shallow water. Jesus told Peter to launch out into the DEEP. We half-do things because we're testing God. "I'll try this and if it works, I'll do a little more." God wants us to go all out and take a leap. He wants us to bet everything on him and his word. He wants us to launch out into the deep. If you're called to be a missionary; it is true you'll win some to Christ here by witnessing. One here, one there. But when you finally say the heck with it and you go to the place you're supposed to, God will give you the catching that he wants to give you. Same with everything else. If you're called to be a pastor, don't settle for teacher or preacher. If you are a couple and God has told you to adopt a child, don't settle for becoming a sponsor or pen-pal, adopt. Launch out into the deep. No one could say it better than Peter in verse 5. When the Spirit speaks to us, no matter how crazy it seems, we must just do it; "nevertheless at your word, I will let down the net."
Verse 6 is the repercussion of being crazy. God wants to give us a catching so great that our churches can't hold the number of souls he wants to save. The only thing standing between us and the catching is fear. Verse 7 tells us that the fishermen had to signal thier partners to help. There is no room for compitition in the Lord's service. We are a team and we are all in it together. Verses 8-10 tell us about the astonishment of all the people who witnessed this miracle.
verse 5: "we have toiled all night and have taken nothing."
verse 9: ...he was astonished,...
From hoplessness to astonishment; all because of obedience.
Verse 11: ..they forsook all and followed him. Have we really forsook all and followed him? Many of us havn't even reached the obedience part yet.
Let's think about it..
Peace from yesterday, today and forever
John(not the Apostle)
Luke 5:2-11
I think too many times I've been just like the fishermen in verse 2. I'm ready to give up so I bring the boat back to shore and get out and just start washing my nets. Then my own personal verse 3 comes and I have to make a decision. Jesus gets into my boat and tells me to go back out into the water. Yes, I normally obey if I'm listening; if I can hear the voice of the Spirit over my own complaints and grumblings while washing my net. I'm glad Peter heard. He obeyed the voice of the Lord so that the Lord could have better access to teach the people. So many times we are disobedient because we can't see how obeying this voice is going to advance our goals or the goals we think God has set for us. When it doesn't make any sense we conclude that it can't be the Holy Spirit. How selfish! Peter's obedience led to the word being preached to other people. It didn't matter what Peter would get out of this deal; he was only to obey. Once Peter(who had obviously spent the whole day on the lake and probably just wanted to get home) waited patiently till Jesus was done, Jesus decided to bless him. In verse 4, Jesus told Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your net for the catch." Many people are afraid to step out of the boat. Some are willing to step out of the boat but they want to just splash around in shallow water. Jesus told Peter to launch out into the DEEP. We half-do things because we're testing God. "I'll try this and if it works, I'll do a little more." God wants us to go all out and take a leap. He wants us to bet everything on him and his word. He wants us to launch out into the deep. If you're called to be a missionary; it is true you'll win some to Christ here by witnessing. One here, one there. But when you finally say the heck with it and you go to the place you're supposed to, God will give you the catching that he wants to give you. Same with everything else. If you're called to be a pastor, don't settle for teacher or preacher. If you are a couple and God has told you to adopt a child, don't settle for becoming a sponsor or pen-pal, adopt. Launch out into the deep. No one could say it better than Peter in verse 5. When the Spirit speaks to us, no matter how crazy it seems, we must just do it; "nevertheless at your word, I will let down the net."
Verse 6 is the repercussion of being crazy. God wants to give us a catching so great that our churches can't hold the number of souls he wants to save. The only thing standing between us and the catching is fear. Verse 7 tells us that the fishermen had to signal thier partners to help. There is no room for compitition in the Lord's service. We are a team and we are all in it together. Verses 8-10 tell us about the astonishment of all the people who witnessed this miracle.
verse 5: "we have toiled all night and have taken nothing."
verse 9: ...he was astonished,...
From hoplessness to astonishment; all because of obedience.
Verse 11: ..they forsook all and followed him. Have we really forsook all and followed him? Many of us havn't even reached the obedience part yet.
Let's think about it..
Peace from yesterday, today and forever
John(not the Apostle)
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