If you really know then you will go

1 John 2: 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

We can claim we know God but reality is our life.

Do you just talk about Him or walk with Him?

One will want to keep His word and spend time (walk) with Him the more deeply they love Him.

Ever notice an elderly couple that begin to look alike?  God seems to let them begin to resemble an reflect one another.  They start sentences and share a laugh.  They have knowing glances.  They can finish one another’s’ thoughts. 

Why?

Because they love each other and walk together.

God is calling each of us to walk with Him.  First as individuals; then as families and communities of faith.

It’s a great trip…get started.

Lighten up!

I John 1: 5 “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Ever listen to kids brag on their Dad?  It is fun…endearing…intense.

“Oh yeah…well my Dad can…”

Their Dads become mythic and heroic with an air of invincibility. It would do their Dads good to hear it from their kids occasionally.

Jesus had a message about his Father…"He Is light…in Him is no darkness”

It’s not bragging if it’s the truth.

John was reminding his readers of a simple message. God is light.

Know people living in darkness?  Just point them to He who is light. Stumbling around in darkness… go to the light.

When you see the sun in the sky...remember the light.

What's it to ya?

John 21: 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

This is the nice way Jesus is saying, "Mind your own business.”

God has a design for each of us individually.  He has marvelous, miraculous things He wants to do through each of us.  He uniquely designed and gifted each of us for our place in the body of Christ.

We are to pray for and encourage one another, but what God has planned for others is His business.

I think Jesus was trying to keep Peter focused on his path and purpose. If Peter spent time comparing to others, he may have forgetten what he was sent to do.

He may have been like a jealous child thinking why does Jesus make life easier for them than me?  Why don’t I get a more prominent place in the ministry? 

That’s not our concern.

Pray for others to hear God for themselves but follow Jesus individually.

Lessons from Groundhog Day

Had a relaxing afternoon watching "Groundhog Day" again.  Here are some lessons:

1                     We find more satisfaction when we live to give to the need of others rather than for ourselves

2                     There are a thousand simple things we can do to help others

3                     Everyone can become a “good finder” with a little practice

4                     Classical and jazz piano are under appreciated in this day and time

5                     Like flies to honey, people are attracted to those who are positive in their outlook on life

6                     Being critical takes no creativity

7                     Life is made of a million tiny celebrations…if you can’t find one…start one.  I'm celebrating Tuesday of this week.

8                     People appreciate thoughtfulness

9                     People in the service industry can be treated with dignity due all of us

10                 You are a geek or nerd to someone in your life...don't be proud

What if heaven were not promised?

John 20: 31 “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

What is the motive for telling others about Jesus?  What do we tell them is the main benefit for becoming a believer?  Do we sometimes get caught up on “fire insurance”?  We focus so on much effort on avoiding hell that we miss the real value.

The real value is to have life in His name.

In other words,  how many people would commit their lives to Jesus if heaven was not promised but only the relationship they could enjoy with Him in this life?  I fear the number would be a lot less.

Jesus promises eternal life.  That is life of quality not quantity.  It is life that has value, richness and meaning.

He still offers that life, His life to those who will believe and receive.

Life's not fair...Thank God!

John 19: 16 “So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.”

I have one thing to say about this cowardly, crowd pleasing act on the part of Pontius Pilate…THANK GOD!!!

You see, our potential for forgiveness was in the balance.  If Jesus Christ had NOT been crucified there would have been no shedding of the blood for  cleansing us from sin.

Did Pilate know he was doing God’s will?  No.

Is God’s purpose thwarted by man?  No.

Was if fair that the only One Who had lived a sinless life was in a mock trial and offered up to death to please the crowd?  No.

Am I glad He was?  Yes.

You should be too!

Truth...why bother?

John 18:38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

“Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help me God”

Why is this so hard for some of us? 

Because we do not take the truth personally.  We think not telling the truth is violating principles…not worth the effort… not very popular today.

Truth is a Person.

Jesus said,” I am the way, the truth and the life”  John 14:6

To know Him is to know truth.