The View From The Cross

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.'  Having said this, he breathed his last.  So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man!" Luke 23: 46-47 NKJV 

I've often wondered what were Jesus' thoughts as he hung on that cross.  Did he think of me?  He was certainly there because of me, bearing the punishment for my sins.  Were his thoughts of his father in heaven?  From the scriptures we know that he spoke to his father as he was crucified.  I am convinced that Jesus knew from an early age just what his destiny here on earth was.  Still, for me, he walked each day closer to the cross.  It's important for us to realize just what Jesus was feeling not only as he walked to the cross, but in the days and weeks beforehand.  Thanks to scripture, we have a good idea of just what Jesus was feeling.  We cannot imagine the physical torment that Christ endured at the hands of the Romans, but we know from our own history that the Roman practice of crucifiction was a brutal process.  

Jesus knew his fate, he predicted it to his disciples beforehand.  

Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, "Behold, we are going to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condem Him to death, and deliver Him to the gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify.  And the third day he will rise again."

Matthew 20: 17-19 NKJV 

Knowing this, he still walked his path to the cross.  How many people do you know that would bear this burden for someone else?  As he walked closer to the cross, we knnow that his thoughts were on his ultimate destination, but he knew his purpose as he prayed.  

"I have glorified you on the earth.  I have finished the work which you have given me to do."

John 17:4 NKJV 

What was Jesus thinking as he died on that cross?  He was thinking of you.  He was thinking of me.  Jesus knew that, without his selfless offering, there would be no redemption for Gods children.  For we were the reason that he walked the path he did.  The pain he suffered, the blood that he shed was all done with us in mind.  No greater love has ever been known.

~Scott~ 

Despicable Me?

For I know that in me (That is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.  For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7: 18-19 NKJV

It's a vicious cycle we're all on.  We start out feeling as if we're in Gods good graces then, eventually, fall into the trap of sin once again.  So what happened there?  Did Gods good favor with us suddenly disipate like a mist once we sinned again?  For centuries the teachings have been that we are all prone to sin and must continually seek our loving Gods forgiveness in order to satisfy him.  I think this couldn't be farther from the truth.  If we believe that God continually requires our forgiveness, wouldn't we then question the work that Jesus did for us on the cross?  In fact, wouldn't it then invalidate his sacrafice?

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 NKJV

We do well to remember that our salvation has NOTHING to do with us and what we can or ever will do.  No, we are all saved by the grace of a loving God.  For it was through God that Christ Jesus was sent to be the sin penalty for all mankind.  If there was any effort required in this loving act, it has already been accomplished by our Lord.
So, does sin then define us?  Are we all just sinners who have been saved by God?

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himslef for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

If you missed the message there you're not alone.  There are alot of christians who never know their true identity, I was one of them.  Yes, we've all sinned, but God has already provided for that penalty.  Jesus paid that debt in full at the cross.  We are no longer sinners, but a new creation in Christ!  THAT is what now defines us.

~Scott~

The Sins of Our Fathers

"Yet you say, 'Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?'  Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes and observed them, he shall surely live.  "The soul who sins shall die.  The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.  The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
Ezekiel 18: 19-20 NKJV

One thing thought that raced through my mind as I was growing up was that I would NEVER be the man that my dad was.  Like a tape stuck on a vicious loop, this mantra was repeated over and over again until I was convinced in my mind that I could not escape the misdeeds of my own father.  My dad had been an alcholic and adulterer, and it seemed that I was destined to follow in his sinful footsteps.  How could I not, wasn't I his son?  Doesn't a son carry on his fathers legacy?  In fact, for a time my own brother chose my fathers wayward path.  Was this my path?  Obviously I didn't have a  strong father who wisely led his children in a loving way, but was I to blame for my fathers mistakes?  The more that I dwelled on the sins of my father, the more it seemed I would become just like him.
A few years back, a good friend of mine shared the scripture of Ezekiel 18:19-20 with me.  Far from feeling convivted, I was  relieved that God was begining to show me that I WASN'T the man that my father had been.  For one thing, I had accepted Jesus into my own life, something my father sadly never did.  For the first time in my life, that endless playback in my mind that I would never be more than my own fathers sin stained son stopped repeating itself.  God had replaced it with his message of Jesus' selfless sacrafice on my behalf.  My destiny was not to continue in the sinful steps of my dad, but to rest in the love of Jesus.  I will mention one very important fact here.  Yes, my brother followed in my dads path for a time, until he CHOSE a different direction.  I could have very well followed in my fathers footsteps, but I CHOSE instead the path of Jesus.  It seems that, as I was growing up, that never ending playback in my mind that I would never be the man that my dad was, only drove me closer to becoming what I dreaded I would become.  One of the greatest illustrations of Gods love in scripture is the parable of the prodigal son.  I've often compared my own life to that of that wayward young man.  I believe this was Jesus' point in this example.  As the boys father longingly awaits for his lost sons return, so does our loving God wait for us to return to him.

And he arose and came to his father.  But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.  And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'  "But his father said to his servants, bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'  And tthey began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-24 NKJV

A loving father who welcomes our return to him.

~Scott~

A God Who Forgives

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.  For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy to those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us.  As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.  For he knows our frame, He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103: 10-14

At times I grow tired of hearing it.  God punishes the sinner!  Then, I myself backslide into sin once again and I'm reminded of my savior dying on that cross.  Jesus bled, and died, so that I might have freedom from that very sin I am afraid of my Lord punishing me for.  We've heard it preached from pulpits for ages, God despises sinners.  In the very same breath, these padres preach the forgiveness of a loving God.  Although I acknowledge that I sin, I steadfastly REFUSE to believe that my Lord, my savior, condems me for something he has already shed his very blood to forgive me for!  The disconnect, I believe, is not in the reality of a loving God but in the teachinngs of man.  The scriptures are filled with verse upon verse of Gods loving forgiveness and grace for his children.

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NKJV

That doesn't sound like a revenge minded God to me at all.  Why would a God who knows that I am nothing but dust, a sinner, continue to cradle me in his arms?  I'll tell you why, because GOD IS LOVE.  The very fact that, while I was still a sinner, that he would even think of sending his beloved son to die for me should bear testament to his love for me!  Far from being a God who accuses, this is a God who forgives.  That cross of Jesus bears witness to the love God has shown to all of us.  God isn't simply waiting for me to mess up only to condem me.  That debt was paid in full at the cross.  Once we start believing in our hearts that our loving God is a God condemnation and not of grace and mercy, we draw closer to invalidating what Christ did for us.
I heard a radio sermon the other morning talking about the love God has for all of his children.  I was drawn in once again.  I guess this preacher just couldn't help himself, because in mid sermon he did a complete 180, shouting about how God hates sin and sinners and of how unworthy we are.  I'd heard enough.  The gospel of our loving God is not a gospel of condemnation, but of love and forgiveness.  I guess that truth doesn't fill too many churches though.

~Scott~

Holy Witnesses

No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten son, who is in the bossom of the father, He has declared him.
John 1:20 NKJV

I've heard a few of the stories, some even being made into a few books and films.  Someone will survive a terrible accident, and in the end they will declare that they have "visited" heaven and seen the living God.  So, what are we to make of these grandiose claims?  Well, for my money, I base my opinion on the written word of God.  If the scriptures claim that it is impossible for sinful man to see the living God, then I accept that as fact.  Throughout the ages, there have been many of those who have claimed to have had an audience with God.  I will venture to say that often times we may THINK that we see something that, in reality, isn't there.  The trauma and emotional distress that a few of these holy witnesses have suffered may have also added to their situation more or less.
In John 1:20 we are told of one who has definately been in the presence of our living God.  That man was Christ Jesus.  As scripture goes, Jesus is the only one to ever be in the presence of God.  Obviously, for Jesus was in his presence from the very begining.
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip?  He who has seen me has seen the father; so how can you say, 'show us the father?'  Do you not believe that I am in the father, and the father in me?  The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the father who dwells in me does the works.
John 14: 9-10 NKJV

So, if Jesus and the father have been one from the very begining, obviously he is the ONLY one to ever see the living God.  As I've said, the trauma of certain situations can cause us to see things that may not be there.  Recently, a young man who had claimed to have died and visitied heaven admitted to fabricating that story.  While I don't condone his behavior, I do believe that Gods forgiveness can reach him also.  So, what are we to make of the claims that someone has visited heaven?  My only answer would be to proceed with caution and dwell on what Gods written word claims.  After all, that is one source we cannot go wrong with.

~Scott~

Men Of Faith

Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited...what a Eutopia - what a paradise would this region be!
~John Adams~

It's no secret that, in recent years, a few politicians have attempted to score political points by berating this great nation and it's history.  No politician has been dragged through the mud as the reputation of our own home country has been in recent years.  This got me thinking, just where did the religious loyalties of our founding fathers lie?  Time and again, we can see the christian values of our founding fathers in the founding documents of our nation.  In fact, our own Declaration of Independence has more than a few christian values mentioned within.

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
~Declaration of Independence of the United States of America~

One thing that you might notice is that the founding fathers declared ALL men were created equal!  Despite recent sensationalized press coverage, our founding fathers never believed that only "black lives matter!"  NO, these God men believed in the right of EVERY man to the freedoms this nation offered.  Some people would argue that the institution of slavery proves that our founding fathers were not only non christian, but hypocrites.  I disagree.  Although morally wrong, slavery was as accepted a practice in our nations early years as gun violence in modern day Chicago.  One will notice, that nowhere in the Declaration of Independence is there ANY mention that slavery was the law of the land.  No, ALL men are created equal.
We do well to remember just what the grievances of those who fought for the creation of this great nation actually were.  Their argument was with the nation of England, which had taken to submitting their North American colonies to a variety of mistreatments.  Curiosly enough, the settlments of North America had come about as a result of English citizens fleeing religious persecution in England.  So, these Americans knew a bit about persecution themselves.  Their only wish, it seems, was a land where they could live and worship freely.  That dream was realized  in July of 1776.  Whatever ones political leanings, we realize the christian values of the men who fought, and died, so this great nation could be free.

The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.
~John F Kennedy~

~Scott~

Thankful

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 NKJV

What is that you're thankful for?  For me, I'm thankful for my friends, family, employment and so much more.  Each of us has their certain things for which they are thankful, but it usually boils down to being thankful for our immediate needs being met by our Lord who loves us.  I've noticed that it is mostly during the holiday season where we stop and take stock of just what it is that is important in our lives.  However, I'm guessing that God is not just God during the holidays,  but all year round.  I'm as guilty as anyone for taking most of the things that God has provided for me for granted.  I also understand that life can get busy, and sometimes we just don't seem to have the time to whisper to our loving God "Thank you!."  The lovliness of all of this is, despite our busy schedules, our Lord loves us more than we can imagine.
There are plenty of examples out there of our Lords provision in our lives.  I would venture that everything that affects our lives is a gift from God.  The air that we breathe, the food we eat even that weather that we either like or dislike.  All that we see around us is a gift from God.  THAT is more than enough for us to give thanks for all that we have, or ever will have.  Yes, everything we ever will have is also a gift from our Lord.  Even in this great land of opportunity that we are blessed to live in, it is our Heavenly Father who charts the course of our lives.

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

We can make some pretty grandiose plans, but it is God who eventually directs the path that we choose.  Now, just because some of those plans never come to fruition and some paths have some potholes, it's still our Lord guiding us.  Was it not our Lord who led his people, the Isrealites, through the dessert for 40 long years?  How long did the Isrealites cry out to God before he used Moses to lead them from Egypt?  The point here is, even though we may think we know the right direction for our lives, God has our ultimate well being in his loving plan.  We do well to seek his guidance in all decisions that we make.  One thing is for certain, if we do, we have some very wise counsel.  Whatever it is that we are thankful for today, our loving Father has provided for it.  Thank you Lord.

~Scott~

Bondage

O wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Romans 7:24 NKJV

How many times have we been told, that if we work harder, pray more or ask for just more of Gods forgiveness that our problems will be somehow solved?  I'm thinking that no amount of prayers we offer up will suddenly transform our sinful flesh into something new.  First off, God has already provided for our very forgiveness and salvation by sending his very son to die for us.  Yet, we're continually told that we need to seek Gods forgiveness for our indescretions!  Well, I think the little secret that we all need to know in our hearts is that God already KNOWS that we're going to sin.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Roman 3:23 NKJV

You may notice that Paul doesn't say that only the unrighteous have sinned.  No, ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.  That means you, that means me, everyone.  So, there is nothing in our power that we can ever do to erase this perpensity of  our human bodies to rebel against our Lord.
In Romans 7:24 the aplostle Paul refers to his earthly flesh as his "body of death."  Paul understood that there was absolutely nothing that he could do to escape the sin of his flesh.  However, he also understood that he didn't need to.  See, his forgiveness had already been acounted for, and Paul understood this also.  It may be enlightening to know that Paul, one of the greatest defenders of the faith the world has ever known, also struggled with those very same sin issues that we do.

For I know that in me (That is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.  For the good that I will do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7: 18-19 NKJV

Whoa!  Here's  Paul, the great minister, pretty much admitting that he cannot ignore his sinful flesh!  However, Paul also understood that it wasn't his TRUE self that was the cause of this fault.  I believe that he makes this distinction when he refers to his sinful flesh and it's inability to do good.  So, still think you've got a sin issue?  You're in good company.  

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 NKJV

Do you want to single handedly invalidate what our Lord Jesus did for you on that cross?  Well, start believing that there's something you can do to earn Gods forgiveness!  Something like working harder, praying harder or asking for a bit more forgiveness.  The truth is, we are no longer under the bondage of sin, but have been redeemed through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus who lives within us.  We no longer need to be on that cycle of sin and forgiveness, we are free in Christ!  In our flesh NOTHING good dwells,  but it is not our sinful flesh now that defines us, but Jesus who loved us and gave himself for us.  God has, once and for all, provided for our freedom from that bondage of sin.

~Scott~

Trust

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!'  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  And Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."  So he said, "come."  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boiserous, he was afraid; and begining to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"  And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

It must have quite a sight for these disciples of the Lord Jesus, adrift on the open sea in the midst of a storm.  Anyone who's ever been on the open water in violent weather can attest to the fact that they've feared for their very safety.  I can relate, I get the same feeling on ANY airplane!  No matter how safe that bird is, to me it's a rickety deathtrap prone to nose dive at any instant.  So, I guess that I can relate to the fears the disciples were having that night as they tossed on the Sea of Galilee.  Not only that, now they were confronted by the vision of their teacher, the Lord Jesus walking across the stormy waters.  Of course, their first reaction was that this was somehow the ghost of their friend.  After all, no man could walk on water, could he?  Despite having been in the company of Jesus for some time, those violent waves must have washed away their memories of the works he had already done in their presence.  Fear has a way of distracting us from reality.  Fortunately for these disciples, this "ghost" was, in reality, their friend.
Where is it that we place our trust?  Do we only trust in what we see in front of our eyes?  If so, like the disciples on that night, we may miss what Jesus is showing us.  One question I asked myself when I first became a follower of Christ was,  how can I trust in something I can't see?  Yes,  I had Gods word and the knowledge that God had saved me, but all it took was another storm to come along before I once again lost focus.  In reality, if we've believed in him, our Lord Jesus is always within us as we walk through life.  We're not trusting in a vision, but in our risen Lord.  "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

~Scott~

Digging Up Bones

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Colossions 2: 12-14 NKJV

It's a vicious cycle indeed, despite our best efforts we never seem to be able to keep our sin at bay.  We promise ourselves we'll do better, yet time and again we end up coming to God for forgivness.  We continue to dig up our past indiscretions, all the while feeling like there is something seriously wrong with us.  Well, the truth is that this is one of the biggest hoaxes in history.  Satan loves to point his finger of blame at Gods children, and he does it very well!  Seriously, he's had MANY years of practice at his craft.
What if I were to tell you that you're not the wretched sinner you've been trying for years to convince yourself that you were?  How much freedom would  this give you?  Instead of living a life of condemnation, you could rejoice in your life with Jesus who lives within you.  That weight of sin is a heavy one, and very few can endure it.  I believe this is why our Lord provided for us his perfect plan.  I'm guessing he didn't want his children living under such conditions, and for good reason.  I've heard many a Sunday sermon where condemnation was the message of the day.  We needed to CHANGE our ways in order to abide in Gods grace.  Whoa, change our ways?  Yes, it seems, that as sinners we need to continually seek our Lords forgiveness for our dirty deeds.  However, what if we never needed to change at all?
In Colossions 2: 12-14 we see Paul making the point that, instead of being sinners, that we are instead dead to our sins and alive with Jesus.  Those sins and discretions that we fought so hard to avoid to no avail, they were nailed to that cross with our Lord!  GASP!  Wait, Mr. Pastor, you told me that I was a sinner needing Gods forgiveness.  True, we WERE in need of our Lords forgiveness, and he's done just that for us already.  He loved us so much that he sent his son to die and nail our sins to that cross once and for all.  So, if our sins have been nailed to that cross, why do we continue to struggle to avoid them?  Like I said, one of the biggest hoaxes in history!  Instead of worrying about our sin struggle, we should be thanking our Lord that he's already provided for our forgiveness.  Let the dogs dig up their bones, we don't need to keep resurrecting our past.

~Scott~

A Life In Jesus

Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I  thank you that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I possess.'  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
Luke 18: 9-13 NKJV

As in most of his teachings, Jesus was making a point in this passage.  See, it seems that there were quite a few people in his day who thought of themselves as quite righteous.  Indeed, the first man in Jesus' story was so bold as to believe that his very works on earth would guarantee Gods grace.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 NKJV

I guess we could call this Pharisee the very poster child for misunderstanding Gods grace.  The tax collector, on the other hand, comes before our Lord with a heavy and not a haughty heart.  Which man would you think would be justified in his plea?  Well, in the next verse Jesus answers that question for us.

"I tell you, this man (Our tax collector) went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18: 14 NKJV

I can tell you this, friends, one of the greatest compliments that I've ever been given was that I was humble.  We often think alot of people who put the interests of others above their own.  God certainly looks favorably on such a person as well.  In fact, our Lord Jesus was one of the truest examples of a humble man the world has ever known.  Scripture is filled with many the times that Jesus showed compassion on those less fortunate than himself.  Of course, Jesus was simply showing the love of his father as he did this.  The love and forgivness that Jesus showed the woman caught in adultry, the tax collector and the woman at the well is the very same love and forgivness God showed when he sent his son as a sacrafice to us all.  For centuries, we have at times feared a "fire and brimstone" God who would smite any and all sinners.  Well, news flash people, God KNEW we would sin before he created us and yet he set his perfect plan of redemption in motion.  Before I was born, before you were born, God made plans for the cleansing of all of your sins past, present and future!  We are no longer sinners, but perfect in Christ Jesus who lives within us.

Not My Fathers Son

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV

I think that one of the greatest struggles a man has is seeking who he is.  We have this thing called identity, where we seek to understand who we really are.  Don't get me wrong, this isn't just a mens issue, but a human issue.  As I was growing up, one of the things I continualy told myself was that I WAS NOT like my father.  See, my parents had been divorced when I was still young.  However, I wasn't too young enough to understand that it was my dads indescretions that led in a large part to the divorce.  So, for quite some time the ghosts of my dads own bad behaviors was something I was bent on overcoming.  I NEVER wanted to be the man my father had become.  This was the identity that I associated with myself, as  my fathers youngest boy, and I fought like hell to overcome this.  My own identity was mistakenly based on my fathers own bad choices.  In the parlance of the day, this is how we roll.  Our own identity is usually tied directly or indirectly straight back to our own family origins.  It's no wonder, then, that my early view of God was not one of a loving father, but of a father who exhibited the same characteristics of my own dad.
In 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, Paul gives us a deeper look into this issue.  Make no mistake, I'm sure that people of Pauls day struggled with the very same identity issues that we do.  Usually, children in Pauls day were more linked to their parents than we are today.  It wasn't uncommon for children to take on the same labors and careers that their parents labored in.  But, was this their real identity?  Is this our real identity?  Jesus paid the price for our sin, that's a given.  However, along with paying that price something else took place.  Somewhere along the line, Jesus makes his home in us.  The price that was paid for my sins was paid by God who sent his son to die for me.  That body, which died with Jesus on that cross, now belongs to God.  Sin no longer defines us, God has wiped that slate clean at the cross!  What defines us now is Jesus Christ who resides in us.  The ghosts of my dads bad behavior that I ran from for all of those years were never a part of who I really was in Jesus.  I'm not my fathers son.

~Scott~

Men Of Character

For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Galations 1:10 NKJV

There's been much discussion over the years of what makes a man.  Countless books, videos and studies have been introduced in order to somehow once again show our society what a real man is all about.  So, what makes a man?  I'll take that one step further, what is it that makes a GODLY man?  I'm sure there are plenty of men out there who profess to be followers of Jesus, but are they Godly men?  What is it that distinguishes them as men of God?  Are there certain behaviors that we view as "character" traits?  Well, if we look at a simple definition of the word, we come with something interesting.

Character ~ The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Does this definition define a Godly man?  Maybe, but again maybe not.  What are the moral qualities found in a Godly man?  Fortunately, we have Gods word to guide us in this area.

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disapoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the holy spirit who was given to  us.
Romans 5: 3-5 NKJV

So, is it our trials and tribulations that produce our Godly character?  I believe so, but I also think it's how we RESPOND to these troubling times that produces Godly character in us.  Usualy, I'm the master of worrying about whatever trial I'm going through, but I also know that I'm  not at all alone in this area.  No, we all have these times we deal with.  How do we respond to them?  The bible clearly says that as we go through tribulation we produce character.  So, show me a man of character and I'll show you a man who's been through his own share of struggles.
One thinng I've come to realize is that we need not develop Gods character in us, it's already there!  Jesus dwells within us, so the characteristics of our risen Lord already exist within us.  If you ask me, that beats ANY book or video.

~Scott~

No Favorites

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory with partiality.  For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "you sit here in a good place,"and say to the poor man,"you stand here," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2: 1-4 NKJV

We all have those people that are special in our lives.  In fact, we strive to treat them as well as we can.  This isn't uncommon, for good, strong friendships are important to us all.  However, on the other hand, we also know those people who, for one reason or another, seem to get on our last nerve.  Hey, I admit I know more than a few people like that.  Do I always show love and acceptance to those around me, NO!  Admitting my mistakes, however, doesn't make my behavior right or just.  This same revelation is the same for us all in our daily walk.  The life of our Lord Jesus always needs to be reflected in our interactions with others.  If indeed Jesus dwells in us, and I believe that he does, then his love and mercy will shine through us.  In this others will see Jesus within us.
The book of James is one of my most favorite, with many important lessons.  In chapter 2, we see James' thoughts on thinking that some people are more important than others.  I'd have to add, that in Gods eyes, we're all the same.  After all, he loves everyone with his same infinate love.  If he didn't, then he would just pick and choose who got saved and who didn't.  Gods just not that way.  His desire is that EVERYONE would come to repentance.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galations 3:28 NKJV

It's easy to see, then, that partiality begins and ends with us.  We are all one in our Lord Jesus.  If there is a brother who irritates you, yet you will accept that very same behavior that you find so reprehensible from another whose company you enjoy, are you not showing favoritism?  Is the life of Christ living within us being shown?  We are all vessels of our risen Lord, and there is no better way for his love to shine into this world than through us.

~Scott~

Slow Rarely Means No

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3: 8-9 NKJV

Is it just me, or does it seem like God doesn't answer my prayers quick enough?  I think we've all asked that question at one time or another.  Trust me, I've been through my share of times when a quick answer from my Lord was needed.  I'm not saying that he never answers in a timely manner, sometimes he is quick to let his will be known.  I think this is the key to understanding our Lords response to any situation, what is his will that he trying to accomplish in me?  Of course, God can accomplish his will through us, or someone/something else for our benefit.  Knowing that our Lord always has our best interests at heart as he guides us through life can be a comforting thought.  Through a lifetime of some bad decisions, I've come to realize that God has a better direction for my life than I ever will.  Some things I thought were good for me, only hurt me in the end.
2 Peter 3: 8-9 the Apostle Peter gives us a look into Gods decision making process.  Peter, the young man who Jesus called "the Rock."

Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is iin heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
Matthew 16: 16-18 NKJV

Those are some powerful, uplifting words that Jesus said to his young disciple.  Obviously, Peter got it, he understood the deity of his teacher.  Of course, young Peter was not without his own faults.  We see that in his denial of Jesus on the eve of his trial.  Of course, Jesus ultimately redeemed the young man.  I bring this up to illustrate that the author of 2 Peter 3 knew a little something about how God works from his own life experiences.
Whatever it is that we are encountering, we do well to recall 2 Peter 3: 8-9 for a look into how our Lord is working WITHIN us.  We may naively think that God has turned his back on us until we tow that line, but nothing could be farther from the truth.  When it comes to loving his children, our Lords love is infinate.  Gods timing, ultimately, is the best timing.

~Scott~

Looking For The Living Among The Dead

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

How many believers know that they've already died?  It may be a hard pill to swallow for some of us, knowing that each day we wake up in our very same body we had the night before.  According to that famous piece of  philosophy, "I think, therefore I am."  Although there may be some truth to this, I don't think we can base proof of life on cognitive thought.  Someone may correct me on this, but I don't believe that trees, grass, water or the air that we breathe have any cognitive ability whatsover.  So, using that old philosophy, can we say that trees, grass, water and air don't exist?  Obviously, most of us know better.  Still, we wake up each morning to the very same sights and sounds that we left behind when we fell asleep.  Ok, how is it that I've died?
Galations 2:20 makes this bold statement so that we might understand that, not only did our Lord Jesus die for us on that cross, but he lives on in us!

Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen!  Remember how He spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
Luke 24: 5-7 NKJV

Sometimes I feel as if we are like those people at the empty tomb of Jesus that morning, unbelieving and afraid.  Knowing the truth in our own hearts, we still continue to "seek the living among the dead."  We believe that our Lord Jesus was crucified and died on the cross and rose again three days later.  Why?  Well, the bible tells us so!  Why are we so eager to accept one part of Gods amazing story of redemption but not the entire version?  God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only son.  Not only that, he offered him up as a sacrafice for sinful man (you and me)  Why?  So that we might live!  See, when Jesus died on that cross, sinful man (again, you and me) died with him.  We were bought at a price, and Jesus has paid that debt in full.  There is no sinful man,  there is only Jesus in us.  Why seek the living among the dead?

~Scott~

I Know You Well

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV

I know you well, you are my child.  Even before you were born, I knew everything about you.  You were born into sin, but I've provided for your forgiveness.  I know your thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.  Sometimes, you even come and tell them to me.  I cherish the times that we talk, but it seems the older that you get the less time you have for me.  Where once you were glad to meet with me, you've become distant and far from me.  At times you feel as if I've abandoned you.  No, I've been here from the begining and I'll always be here waiting when you look for me.  You wonder how could I love a sinner such as yourself.  If I did not love you, would I have sent my son to die for you?  My only son, who was innocent, I gave so that you might live.  I watched as they beat and humiliated him.  My son, who has done nothing to deserve the punishment he received.  I could have saved him, for he asked me to spare him his fate.  However, had I spared him, I would have given you up, and you were too important to me.  For through the blood of my son, I redeemed you.  Where once you were stained, you are now clean in my eyes.  Where you were guilty by my just standards, you are now unblemished.  All of this I did for you.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shouuld not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 NKJV

You wonder where I am.  I've never left you, I only wait for your return.  This world I created for you can be full of distractions, but I'm here to walk you through it.  You may not always realize it, but you are never alone.  There is nothing that will ever be hidden from me, so you need not fear.  I will never leave you nor forsake you, that is my promise.  

Anxiously Waiting

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7 NKJV

Most of us know how hard it is to wait for God to move.  Waiting is not something that we do too well.  It's been said that we live in a "microwave world" where life seems to move at warp speed at times.  So, it's  only natural that, when we're faced with a situation where we MUST wait, anxiety goes along with it.  How do we handle these times?  Trust me, I've been through so many of these anxious moments that I should be an expert at handling them by now.  Yet, each time I encounter one, that same old loop keeps replaying over and over.  What is God up to?  What did I do wrong?  Why is he making me wait so long?  I'm praying, so why doesn't God answer me?  Is he mad at me?  In case you're wondering, the answers to these questions is We'll know soon, nothing, wait and see, wait and see and NO!  It's pretty easy to get caught up on the spinning wheel of questions, when all we should do is...wait.  Oh yeah, I forgot, we'd rather chew on glass than wait sometimes.
Philippians 4:6 gives us some sound advice when we encounter these situations.  Here, Paul tells us that when faced with one of these gut wrenching trials, we are to first PRAY.  Well, at least I'm assuming that's what he means when he says to "Let your requests be made known to God."  Verse 7 should be a comfort to us, the "peace of God" will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Remember, Jesus already resides in each and every believer, so he is walking with us through these storms of life.  We do well to remember that if anyone knows about the trials of life, it's the apostle Paul.  Paul absorbed much mistreatment and punishment at the hands of the Romans, yet he remained confident he would see Gods kingdom.  I'm not sure I know very many people who could endure so much torture and still remain focused on their goal.  From this we can take courage, and comfort for our own battles.
We may never know  just what God is accomplishing through us when we encounter our times in the dessert, but rest assured that HE IS working through us.  God does nothing by chance or mistake, so if we are going through a difficult season, we can be certain that he is guiding us allong that path as we go.  It may seem dificult at the time, but it's in these times that we should praise God that, whatever it may be, his will is being accomplished through us.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
Hebrews 11: 1-2 NKJV

We may not know just where God is leading us until our trial is complete, but rest assured he is walking with us the whole way.

~Scott~

Fear Based

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, thay He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7 NKJV

What is it that scares you the most?  Heights?  Rejection?  What others think of you?  Whatever it is, each of us has something that, given the chance, will paralyze us with fear.  A few of these fears that used to grip me are a fear of heights and certain social situations.  I guess I shouldn't say "used to" as they still raise their ugly heads from time to time, when I allow them.  This past summer, I once again found a enjoyment for hiking this Pacific Northwest with a dear friend.  And, once again, I found my fear of heights nagging me as I hiked more than a few trails.  Now, I'm a firm believer that man was NOT meant to fly and that, inevitably, we all make questionable decisions.  However, try as I might, each time I was faced with a high, cliffside trail, I froze.  The fact that I'm here writing this is testament that I survived these numerous encounters with altitude.  So, I didn't perish, but I was certainly in fear that I might!  It seems silly, but had something drastic happened on one of these trails, I would have been safe in my Lords kingdom.
Where do these fears come from?  Certainly, I could have fallen off a high cliff this summer, but I didn't.  Is it a fear of the unknown that holds us back?  Possibly.  However, I'm inclined to think there is a bit more to it than that.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

So, from 2 Timothy 1:7 we can see that whatever fears that we may have, they do not come from God.  Yes, God was more than capable of instilling a spirit of fear in us, but fortunately he didn't.  The spirit that our loving God DID give to us is a spirit of power, love and of a sound mind.  Anyone who's ever been paralyzed by their own fears knows all too well that they usually don't make wise decisions in the spur of the moment.  Perhaps this is why Paul is trying in this passage to instill in young Timothy the reassurance that his fears were not a part of his new creation?  I'll take this one step further.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

Ask yourself one question, what did Jesus fear?  Was it satan?  The Jewish pharisees who opposed him?  His ultimate impending death on the cross?  Jesus faced each one of these situations with the power of his father who walked with him.  Yes, there was agony that night in the garden before he was handed over, but even then Jesus did the will of his father in heaven.  My reason for bringing this up is that Galations 2:20 assures us that Jesus resides within we who believe.  So, if our Lord Jesus resides within us, then we have the power of his spirit within us each day.  Is this the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind?  I'm inclined to believe it is.  Knowing that our lord Jesus lives within us seems to make those fears we have seem pointless.  We walk in the spirit of the risen Christ!  It helps to know that whatever trail I'm on, I'm there with Jesus.

~Scott~

The Way

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the father except through me."
John 14:6 NKJV

Do you think you're good enough to get into heaven?  Just how many communions, tithes or good works can guarantee that we will live our lives in Gods kingdom?  Surely, if we do all these things, God will honor us with eternity in his presence, right?  Sadly, many people have been deceived into believing that their multitood of good deeds would punch their tickets to heaven.  This isn't just a modern day issue either, some in Jesus' day also believed this also.  It's hard to believe that a lifetime of good works will not guarantee a place in Gods kingdom, but then, that would have made Jesus' death on the cross insignificant.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord,' have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name and done many wonders in your name?'  And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"
Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV

I wonder if you caught the point of Jesus' teaching here?  There will be many people who will do many good works in the name of Jesus, but they will not see Gods kingdom.  In fact, Jesus will deny even knowing them!  Now, this isn't to say that doing good works isn't a good thing, but it isn't own efforts that will guarantee we spend eternity with our loving father.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV

Yes, our salvation is NOT based on the good works or deeds that we do here on earth.  It is simply a gift that we enjoy from a God who loves his children.  For if each one of was able to work or buy our way into heaven, what would the price be?  How much would you pay to spend eternity with your loving God?  I'm guessing that would be one expensive ticket!  Therefore, you'd likely have truly righteous people who could not afford their way into heaven.  On that note, you may have bad people who simply buy their way into heaven.  How would this scenario show Gods love for us?  In fact, would the suffering and death of Jesus on our behalf even be needed if we could simply buy our way home?  Thankfully, God intervened where we couldn't.
Ephesians 2:8 assures us that God loved us enough to save us from ourselves.  Out of his love for us, God has provided a way for his children to spend eternity with him in his kingdom.  That way is through Christ Jesus, who shed his blood and became sin for us that we might live.  Trust me, one thing you don't want Jesus to proclaim in that day we see him is "I never knew you!"

~Scott~

In Gods Name

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossions 3:17 NKJV

The dates are etched in the memories of those who bore witness to them either in person or through media.  September 11, 2001, November 13th, 2015.  There are so many more, but these two stand out as two of the most horrific terror attacks in modern history.  I could list more, but the point would be mute.  In the wake of the attacks in Paris, France this past week, the world was once again exposed to the radical view of a growing number of misguided people.  The reasons that these radicals do what they do is something for politicians and media personalities to haggle over, we are only left to mourn for the victims of these violent acts.  Once again, I prepare for those questions that usually come about after incidents like these.  How can a loving and merciful God advocate such violence and death?  The truth of the matter is, he doesn't, and he NEVER WILL.
I've never been a student of Islam (thankfully), but I know enough that I refuse to believe that ANY loving God would advocate the killing of scores of people!  I've heard it said that the religion of Islam is a religion of peace, however, I've never delved into the Koran to validate any of these beliefs.  My question is this, IF Islam is a peaceful religion, what is it in the teachings of the Koran that advocates these horrific acts?  Maybe someday I'll come across that answer.  Yet another troubling question is, why do christians, who serve a loving God, mistreat others as well?  I can't speak for others, just from my own experiences.  Although I've been a christian for many years, I haven't always treated others as Jesus would have.  And who could forget the Crusades?  That christian invasion of heathen arab lands to convert troubled souls to christianity.  All in Gods name.
 It's  important to mention that this human condition that we're all born into is one of sin.  That incident in the Garden of Eden assures us of that.  However, far from excusing our bad behavior, mans fall into sin was only the begining of Gods redemption of all of his creation.  Yes, our Lord knows that we are prone to sin, which is why he provided for that final cleansing sacrafice of Jesus on the cross.  It is only through Christ that we have the freedom and salvation of the forgiveness of all sins past, present and future.

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 NKJV

Colossions 3:17 asks us to do all things in the name of Jesus as we glorify God through him.  However, I fail to see how the killing of thousands of people would glorify the loving God that I serve.

~Scott~

Our Misconception of a Loving God

God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious.  The LORD will take vengence on his adversaries, And he reserves wrath for his enemies
Nahum 1:2 NKJV

I've heard this argument far too many times,  how can someone serve a God that would allow tragedy and kill others?  I will agree that God has, at times, brought wrath on the inhabitants of his his wonderful creation, but I don't believe for a minute that God is sitting in heaven just waiting for us to screw up.  Yet that is the prevailing view of some people these days.  So, we work harder in our daily lives in order to pacify an angry and vengful God.  One slip and we could be just another speck of dust that God destroyed.  Well, I have some good news for those who have this view of God.   See, God  ALREADY KNOWS that we're going to screw up and fall short of his holy standard.

For all have sinned and fall short of  the glory of God.
Romans 3:23 NKJV

So, tell me again how any evil we can ever do can surprise God.  For if God already knows that all of humanity is prone to sin and disobey him, why doesn't he simply just wipe us out and start over with a more obedient lot?  It would seem to me that, since God continues to tolerate our disobebience, that he must either truly love his creation or he's  just giving us all enough rope to hang ourselves.  Well, the answer can be found in his word.

But God demonstrates his own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NKJV

Does this sound like an angry God who's just sitting and waiting for us to screw up?  Notice the end of Romans 5:8...Christ died FOR US.  This wasn't  just Gods chosen Isrealites that have this free gift, it's all of us!
The truth is, we do not need to fear that God is lying in wait for us to sin.  He knows we're going to mess up, that's why he sent his son to be a sin offering for us, so that we would be free from the guilt and condemnation of sin.

But as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.
John 1:12 NKJV

The free gift of Gods salvation has always been ours, if we receive his offer.  John 1:12  lays out what we need do to receive this gift.  Would a angry God even think of redeeming those he was so angry with?  I think we need to shift our thoughts from God as a angry God to the truth, a God who is waiting for his children to return to him.  Yes, we sin and mess up, but our loving father has provided redemption for us all.  Will you accept his gift?

~Scott~

My Christianity

 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
Galations 2:20 NKJV

What makes someone a christian?  Is it the way they live their lives?  Is it in the number of rituals they attend or in the amount of their tithe?   It's important here to mention that the word christian comes from the Greek word Christianos, which is derived from the word Christos or Christ which means "annointed one."  A Christian, therefore, is known as a follower of Christ.  These are the origins of the word, but it obviously goes deeper than this.  I'm not inclined to limit my description of my faith in Jesus to just a word.  Thanks to those who've gone before us, there are now quite a few sects to this belief that we call christianity.  We have mormons, baptists, catholics, methodists and Lutherans.  There have been so many breakaway and spinoff groups in christianity that it's hard to keep track of all the believers sometimes.
I think it's important for us to remember the purpose and not just the definition of being a christian.  We can recite all the definitions we know, but how many people will be convinced of our belief by a definition?  No, I think the worlds best definition of what a christian really  is in our daily lives  that we present for others to see.  The world will not see Christ in us through a simple definition.  Sure, I can tell someone that I'm a christian, but do I exhibit Jesus Christ in me?  Are others seeing the love of Jesus in my daily life?  THAT is one of the best ways to recognise a christian.  Why do we need so many different segments of christianity if we are all, by definition, followers of Jesus?  Clearly we've missed the point somewhere.  A dear friend of mine recently sent me a encouraging message, which was just what I needed at the time.  I cherish this advice my dear friend gave me "Your testimony is not weighed by the creative words you can come up with, but by the lifestyle that is seen and the love you give to others."  AMEN!  This is my christianity.

~Scott~

Holy War

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.  So the great dragon was cast ouut, that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12: 7-9 NKJV

When I first read Revelation 12:7 it astounded me.  How could heaven, our Lords home, be any place for war?  Yet, there it is in sripture for us to see.  Reading further along, we learn that this is when our enemy satan was expelled from his home in heaven.  It seems that Lucifer (meaning "light-bearer") desired for himself.

How you are fallen from heaven, O, Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt mmy throne above the stars of God; I will  also sit on thhe mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of thhe north; I will ascend about the heights of the clouds, I will be liike the most high.'
Isaiah 14: 12-14 NKJV

What outright Arrogance!  Here was Lucifer, he who stood in Gods presence, brought down and cast out due to his own pride.  Satan had it all, but in the end he wanted more.  So, he fought God for what he desired, and lost.
It is important that we remember just who our true enemy is.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

So, not only did satan war against God and was cast out of Gods presence in heaven, he now wars against us, Gods children.  It is also important to remember that WE are Gods children, and satan no claim to us.  Satans fingerprints are not on creation, that's Gods handiwork all the way.  In fact, satan himself was created by God, talk about biting the hand that feeds you!  Despite being created by our loving God and being given such a prestegious place in the heavens, satan decided that he wanted more.  His focus was on nobody but himself.  Contrast this with Gods actions of love, grace and mercy.  If God had satans mindset, we'd all be in a different place.  Guilt, shame and punishment would be the order of the day.  Think satan would have allowed for Christs redemption?  Satan would never allow anything, or anybody to rise above him!  Which is what ultimately led to his downfall.  Where Gods desire is love, satans is self importance and strife.  Our enemy, created by God but, in the end, destroyed by his own arrogance and lust for power.

~Scott~

A Little Known Truth

"At that day you will know that I am in my father, and you in Me, and I in you"
John 14: 20 NKJV

I recently had a Sunday conversation with my good friends Dennis, David and Mr. Fundak.  It wasn't just a good chance to catch up, but to elaborate on a few topics as well.  One of the things we discussed was the subject of our Lord Jesus dwelling in us.  I have to admit, this has been a tough truth to wrap my thoughts around lately.  You'll notice that I said "Truth."  Looking at John 14:20 we can see that Jesus clearly establishes that he is in us.  So, why is this such a hard thought for most of us to process?  Well, as I mentioned, it's been extremely difficult for me to come to grips with just why Jesus would want to be a part of me.  I mean, I'm imperfect, a sinner and sin has no place with God, right?  Right.  However, the whole point of Jesus' march to that cross was to eradicate the sin that plagues us.  Christ bore the sin load of the entire sinful world once and for all!  Yet, it's easier for us to accept that fact than the truth that he dwells in us today.

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27 NKJV

It seems I wasn't the only one who had trouble realizing this truth.  I'm inclined to believe that Jesus didn't die on that cross simply to fade from our memory.  No, his intention all along must have been to be one with his creation.  John 14:20 clearly lays that out for us.
I guess I shouldn't feel so bad, as Colossians 1:27 refers to the "mystery among the gentiles."  That's us my freinds, you and me.  Once again the old question pops up, why is it so difficult for us to realize this biblical truth?  I'm not one to take anything Jesus claimed as a lie, so it must be true.  Obviously, then, the disconnect must be with us.

Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"
Luke 24:5 NKJV

Luke 24:5 is one of my favorite verses on the risen Lord Jesus.  Those who came to Jesus' tomb that morning were obviously expecting a lifeless body.  What they got was a reminder of what Jesus himself had reminded them of in life.  Despite Jesus' warnings that he would be delivered unto sinful men and ultimately put to death only to rise again, it seems his warnings were unheeded even to those closest to him.  We're not the only ones who had trouble believing.  Thankfully, his forgiveness and grace are truly sufficient for us.  That, my friends, is the truth.

Dating Game

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek his own, it is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NKJV 

I couldn't believe the last time I checked my Kindle store just how many self help dating books are out there on the market.  Obviously, there is a huge market for materials on attracting the perfect mate.  Even christian authors have gotten into this market.  However, I should make the observation that dating today is nothing like it used to be.  Yeah, there's still people out there who still believe in dating to meet a future mate, but it is increasingly being used today as  a way for one of the participants to fill whatever needs they have.  Whether it's financial, emotional or sexual, dating someone seems to be a good way to find someone to take care of whatever needs we have, at least that has been my observation.  I guess, being single, that I have a unique perspective on this subject.

I really wouldn't be too surprised if both sexes have become a bit shell shocked these days from the dating process in our modern society.  We have swung into some brand new territory over the past few decades.  We now have internet dating (thanks Al Gore), chat room dating and numerous websites designed to find our "Perfect someone."  Oh, I didn't mention the pressure put on single people by society to find a mate, but I guess that's been there for awhile.  

If our intentions are to seek a mate, then I believe we have some good advice in 1 Corinthians 13.  I don't believe that the definition of love has changed over time, just our interpretation of it.  These days, it seems that love somehow means sex.  Funny, I don't see that in 1 Corinthians 13.  What I do see is a true definition of what love truly is.  Many relationships these days start out in total contradiction to what love really is.  When we enter into a relationship simply to get our needs met, that's not love, that's us being selfish.  It's not hard to see that a relationship takes two people, not just someone just in it for themselves.  I would guess that such a relationship would be doomed to fail.  Don't believe, just ask my parents.  I've also had more than a few people I know who have suffered through a divorce.  Funny, I haven't seen too many self help divorce books.  I guess there's no market for that.  

I recently asked my friend Dennis for advice over a young lady I was interested in.  His response threw me back a bit.  "What can you do FOR  her?"  I know in my heart that he's right, but I'm still looking for the answer to that question.

~Scott~ 

Footprints In The Sand

One night I dreamed a dream

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand

One belonging to me and one to my Lord

After the last scene of mmy life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life

especially at the very lowest and saddest times

There was only one set of footprints

This really troubled me, so I asked my Lord about it

"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You'd walk with me all the way

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

There was only one set of footprints

I don't understand why, when I needed you the most, you would leave me"

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

Never, ever, during your trials and testings

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you"

~Poem by Mary Stevenson~ 

I've always enjoyed this poem as a example of Christs love for his own.  Not only that, but also of our blindness to his loving presence.  Indeed, Jesus has promised to never leave us, even when those storms of life come knocking on our door.  There have been many times in my life, when faced with trials, that the first thing I would do was ask why, Lord?  Maybe instead of asking why Me?  I should have asked, why not me?  Another thing I've noticed was that, whenever these trials would come, this is when my walk with my Lord grew.  There was that knock on the door, ok, time for me to pay attention to God now.  Sadly, when the storm has passed, I was back to doing things my own way once again.  This usually meant that God was once again on the back burner, ready to be called upon again when things got tough.  Anyone see something wrong there?  I don't know too many parents who would tolerate such insubordination in a child.  However, as we all know, our God doesn't operate the way we do.  Thank goodness for that blessing.  God is very patient, and I feel he needs to be with his earthly children.

And you have forgotten the exortation which speaks to you as to sons:  "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by him; For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives."

Hebrews 12: 5-6 NKJV 

 

I hope that everyone caught the "My son" quote that the author installed here.  We are not refered to as sinners or bad children, but as sons whom our Lord loves.  We can all take comfort in that.  Whenever the trials of life hit us like a flood, and we can rest assured that they will come.  We can be just as confident that, even when it seems that Jesus is far off, those foootprints we see in the sand are his as he carries us through the storm.

~Scott~  

My Brothers Servant

'For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.'  "Then the righteous will answer him saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?  Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?'  And the king will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me.'
Matthew 25: 35-40 NKJV

Charity has become a pretty big business in this country.  Everywhere you look there is a organization dedicated to helping someone in need.  However, despite all these charitable organizations, there are still plenty of people in need of help.  Don't worry, for Jesus proclaimed that the poor will always be with us.  So, there will always be a need to help someone less fortunate than ourselves.  We may ourselves be in a position of need at some point.  Who will be there for us if we are?
In Matthew 25, Jesus gives a wonderful illustration not only of charity as we know it, but of serving others.  Contrary to what more than a few of us believe, this world does not revolve around ourselves.  There are more than a few places in scripture that encourage us to serve others around us.

So when he had wshed their feet, taken his garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done for you?  You call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.  "If I then, your Lord and teacher, have ashed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet.  "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.  "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
John 13: 12-16 NKJV

An example for us to follow?  Ok, but not those people we don't get along with, right?  Non christians too?  Hey, wait, did Jesus really mean this example for everyone to follow?  Well, I believe so, or he wouldn't have mentioned it.  See, Jesus was pretty big on showing the love and mercy of his Heavenly Father.  Now, he was instructing his disciples to do the same.  The truth is, our Lord Jesus resides in us, so we have the opportunity to show his love and mercy through our interactions with others.  This is better than any charity.  Imagine tthose around us helping and serving their neighbors with no agendas attached.  That, is a true servant heart.  I am not my brothers keeper, but his servant.

~Scott~

Disconnect

Now all who believed were together, and had alll things in common, and sold their possesions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44-47 NKJV

This scripture from Acts 2 gives a wonderful account of perfect christian fellowship.  From people who have in abundance giving to those in need without government intervention to the breaking of bread and worshiping together, the early church certainly had the right idea.  I asked my friend David some time ago if he thought that we could replicate this type  of fellowship today.  Yes, but remember that the early believers lived in a different society than we have today.  I believe it would be possible, with alot of effort on our part.  Another important message from Acts 2 is the vital importance of christian fellowship.  Whether it's with a small or large group, fellowship is a important part of this faith we believe.  I don't believe that anyone can make it through this life on their own, and there are more than a few passages in scripture that encourage us to not to become disconnected from other believers.  Unfortunately, this is where I ended up.
I've really never been that much of a social person.  Oh, I had friends, but these were people who I'd known for more than a few years.  A wounded self confidence, fears of rejection and not knowing who I was in Jesus all contributed to my isolation.  Of course, I always thought that I could do just fine on my own.  Interacting with others  brought pain and discouragement, so I simply avoided as many people as I could.  The fewer people who really got to know me, the less chance there was I could be hurt...again.  Opening myself up to others was simply not a good option.  Of course, the longer I avoided the pain and people, the more secluded I became with my brothers around me.  There is a good reason that secluding ourselves is not a good idea, and I learned this lesson many times.

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has commited sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5: 13-15 NKJV

Notice this passage from James.  If anyone is suffering or sick, we're to reach out to our bretheren in the church for comfort.  Hey, how can you reach out to someone if you've secluded yourself from most people?  Yeah, that was my situation.  Many of the trials I faced, I faced alone.  In case you're wondering, it sucked.  A big part of having friends is having a support network when life comes knocking at your door.  I managed the best I could, but my stress level would have been reduced alot had I been connected to a network of friends.  This isn't to say that I lost my faith.  I knew God was in my corner, it was just he and me most of the time.
Fortunately for me, after going through more than my share of trials, I finaly reached out to a few guys I'd known for more than a few years.  What took me so long?  Fear, pride, all the usual suspects that hold us back from reaching out to others.  I feared what others would think of me, not realizing that Jesus already dwelt in me.  Do people see God as insignificant?  Well, since I was created in his very image, my DNA includes the heredity of Jesus!
I cherish the friendships of those four Godly men who I reached out to, they've been a huge influence on the man I've become.  I would never encourage anyone to go it alone, but hopefully I can be that Godly influence to someone as well.

~Scott~

A Love Worth Giving

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
Ephesians 5: 28-29 NKJV

Why is it that people enter into marriage?  Is it the tradition?  Not wanting to lose the object of their affections to someone else?  Is it for financial reasons?  Whatever the reason, I'm convinced that there are more than a few couples out there who married for the wrong reasons.  My own parents were one of those ill fated couples.  My parents were married when they were very young, basicaly to escape their home environments.  I'm guessing they thought that getting married would be a quick end to the troubles they had at home.  It turns out it was only the begining.  For my dads part, his alchoholism and poor moral choices eventually led to the destruction of a marriage union.  Had my mother contemplated a divorce earlier, she would have risked a return to the home environment she had fought to leave.  It was a situation beneficial to only one person, my father.
So, what is it that makes for a successful marriage?  I recently asked this question of a few trusted friends of mine.  My friend Dennis' response was the one that stuck with me the most.  One of the big reasons that he and his wife Shirley have been together for so many years was that divorce was "NEVER an option."  I didn't pry any further, but I'm sure that they have had their tough times as any married couple has.  I feel that there are far too many couples today who, when tough times come, look for a quick way out of their marriage.  So it was with my parents.  Not all marriages fall into this catagory, but with a nearly 50% divorce rate in this country, something is wrong somewhere.
Ephesians 5:28 may give us a look into how to make a successful marriage.   I say this because I've seen far too many marriage relationships where either the husband or the wife are THE center of that relationship.  Most everything about the relationship centers around that particular person.  I can't  relate how many times I've been in a conversation with another man, and when the subject of his wife comes up he'll smile and say "She takes good care of me."  Ok, well, what do you do for her?  I haven't seen too many marriage relationships where the husband follows the Ephesians 5: 28 example.  Then again, marriage isn't  just a christian institution either.
I've titled this entry "A love worth giving" simply because I feel that one of the keys to a strong marriage lies within the verses of Ephesians 5: 28-29.  It's fair to mention that I've never been married, but I've experienced the consequences of a failed marriage firsthand.  What if we, instead of looking for what our mate can do for us, if we simply decided what we could do FOR them?  How gracious and  loving will we be when we GIVE love and not simply expect that it be given to us?  Is it impossible to love ones wife as much as we love ourselves?  Since I've never been married, I may be the wrong person to ask.  However, I will say that some of us definately love ourselves ALOT.  I bring up my friend Dennis once more (sorry bud) only because of a statement he made to me the other day.  It would seem that I was seeking his advice on a certain female I was fond of.  Dennis' advice?  "What do you want to do FOR her?"  I'm still pondering that one.

~Scott~

Shame Game

Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

How is it that we approach people about Jesus?  Is it a simple conversation, or a fire and brimstone type of revival?  Do we tell people of the love and grace of God, or do we simply guilt that person into submission?  I'm sure there are people out there who feel that if they preach their message often enough, that each and every sinner that they come into contact with will repent.  This is very prevelant in television sermons and even a few pulpits these days.  However, is this the message that God would have us giving to people?  I'm not so sure that making someone feel guilty about not knowing God is a message from our Father, but it's what I did for some time.  In my defense, this is what I was taught was the best way to convince others that they were on the wrong path.  Yet, I bristled whenever someone tried this same approach with me.  So, the revival technique was fine for me, just don't try to use that stuff on me!
What is it that changed my opinion about how I talk to people about Jesus?  Well, I have a few Godly friends who NEVER used this approach with me, but told me of Gods love and mercy.  Not only did these guys talk to me about Jesus, they exhibited Jesus in their interactions with others.  We only need to look at Jesus' interactions with others to see his effective ministry.

Was returning.  And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.  Then the spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."  So PPhilip ran to him and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"  And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"  And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 8: 28-31 NKJV

In Acts 8, we never once see Philip making the eunuch feel guilty or obligated to follow Jesus.  Sure, the eunuch was reading the scriptures, but did Philip show him these passages?  No, something had led this Ethiopian to read the sriptures.  My guess is, since the Holy Spirit had instructed Philip to talk with this man, that God had guided him to the words of his pprophets.  No shame, no guilt, and the Ethiopian is baptized and goes away rejoicing!
Recently, my mother has been confined to a nursing home due to illness.  My mother has always been a strong christian woman, but at times her faith is shaken due to her surroundings.  One thing she has said, is that she looks forward to my visits and hearing me read from Gods word.  Maybe  this is what God desires most, not to teach or convert, but to tell people of the good news of Jesus?  One thing is for certain, I REALLY dislike people making me feel guilty about anything.

~Scott~