Faith or Fear

John 11:47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

This was the response of the religious leaders to witnesses telling them about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

You would think they  would respond in faith but they chose fear.

Fear of what?

Losing their place…position…power.

The same thing happens today.

Some religious leaders fear individuals who don’t’ “follow the faith”.  That is, they don’t line up with the particular teachings of the church they are in and experience more freedom than they think is safe for most people to have.  They seek to control the behavior of others by using their interpretation of the Bible to limit them.

I won’t tell what the Apostle Paul said these guys can do to themselves.

So, let the power of Jesus to raise people to new life prompt your faith and not your fear.

Who's in Charge Here?

John 10:17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Every day we wake up with a question looming over us.

“Who’s in charge here?”

Jesus is.

In this passage He states without doubt His life can only be given when He chose and not when someone sought to take it from Him.  Others may look like they have the upper hand, but nothing was done without His permission…His purpose…His plan.

Even more incredible is the fact that He announced He would be back.

He laid down His life and He took it back up again.

Man’s ultimate fear, death, is no longer to be feared.  Jesus has been there and back and lives. 

During this season when much of the Christen world commemorates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, let’s remember there was never a moment when he was not in charge.

He still is.

Can You Hear Me Now?

John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.

This was the response of a man born blind whom Jesus healed.

Want to be heard by God?  Two words: worshiper and will.

Worship Him and give Him ultimate value in your life.  Prize God and a relationship with Him above all things.  

Want to know what most people worship? Ask to see their calendar or checkbook.   Where we spend our time and money reveals what or who is most important to us.

As you develop a life committed to worship Him, you will want to do His will.  You will choose to serve others, to bless others, to tell others about what God has done for you. You will come to treasure God so much and be consumed with how amazing He is, you will develop a deep passion for others to know Him.

When you develop a consistent walk with God, an ever deepening relationship with Him and do His will, you will know He hears you. 

And you will hear Him as well.

Secondhand Lions Worth a second Glance and 3rd, 4th.....

One of most delightful movies of all time.

It is rich in relationships and great dialogue.  Michael Caine and Robert Duvall provide a perfect counter balance for one another.  Their back forth comments are superb and give insight into their characters.

I have watched this movie several times and grin almost the whole time I watch it. 

There are several scenes that evoke a chuckle just thinking about them: lion hunting, gardening, past adventures, café confrontation with young thugs, etc. 

The movie has many tender moments between the great nephew and the great uncles.

We liked it so much it is one of the few movies we bought on DVD in years.

Enjoy it as a family movie and treasure it often

Freedom is not Free

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

We long for the freedom mentioned in this verse, but forget freedom always has a price.

Jesus says we are to abide in His word, that is to read, know and apply His teachings and this will set us free.  You can't really know something until you act on it or obey.

You don’t learn the word by someone else always digesting it for you. We  all need to read the Bible on our own.  Perhaps just do what I am doing, read a chapter a day out of the Gospel of John.

As you read, ask “Lord, what do you want me to do with what I read?”

Then tell Him what you want based on what you read.

Today, for me, it is learning to abide and asking Him to show me the truth about areas of my life.

Living for Others

John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

What picture comes to mind when you think about a river that flows?

It carries away junk and sediment.

It refreshes.

It provides plants and vegetation what they need to grow.

Jesus says that if we believe in Him, rivers of water will flow out of us.

Our lives will be refreshing to others around us.  The river is not for ourselves but is to minister His life to others.

Use this Monday to believe in Him and let Him touch others through you.

No need for self promotion

John 6:15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

So, I guess this means if Jesus were alive today he would not be on Trump’s Apprentice, American Idol or any other self promoting show. I am not sure He would use MySpace, Facebook or Twitter either.

Huh? Why not?

Because knows the hearts of men that we are there for the show and as long as He can do for us, we will follow Him.

Consider this.  When we do take time to pray, how much of it is our “wish list” of needs and wants?

How much is that His kingdom in the hearts of men be advanced at whatever it costs us?

Imagine any one today turning down the crowds trying to make them king.

Jesus never did nor never will need public acclamation to be what He has always been…King!