The Book

 

He Knows My name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call

~He Knows My Name~ 

Like I always do, I found myself listening to a radio preacher on my way to work this week.  Something he said made me think.  That the bible I read knows me...more than I know it.  I found this interesting because more often than not I am struck by just how much of myself that I see in scripture.  Some time ago a dear friend related to me that the bible was Gods love letter to me,  Amen.  All too often we see the scripture in a more direct and serious way, like that two edged sword {Hebrews 4:12}.  Indeed, the scripture carries more than enough messaging to help us through our lives.  However, I've come to realize that the bible is not simply a set of rules to live by, it never has been.  Instead, the scriptures tell us the story of Christ Jesus from beginning to end.  From the prophesy predicting His birth {Isaiah 7:14}.  To His birth in Bethlehem {Luke 2:6-7}.  In fact, this book is more about the story of Jesus than it is about rules for our own lives.  You might even say that through this book that God is introducing us to Jesus.  Obviously, His life is chronicled from birth to His death upon the cross.  Oh yes, the crucifixion.  Well, the book tells us that the life of Jesus did not end there.  For we know that Christ died and three days later He rose again.  We know that after His death that He was seen by many {1 Corinthians 15:6}.  We also know that the book tells us of how it is that Jesus lives today {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  It is here that many believers fall short.  They look at the book and assume that Jesus is alive but in heaven at the Fathers side.  Well, that is not what the book tells us.  No, the story of Jesus tells us something entirely different.  Where we might see a empty space, the book assures us that Jesus is indeed with us today.  So, are we to believe only some of the truth of the book?  Well, that would be cherry picking the very story of Jesus. 

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

The scripture would be remiss without telling of the life of Jesus.  That is, the ONGOING life of Jesus.  Most believers know all too well the regurgitated stories of the life of Christ that they have learned in church.  I get it.  However, in order to better know Jesus we need to step beyond the stories we know to be true and began to accept the truth about Jesus which we rarely do.  I speak to Christ Jesus in me, that is obvious from what I write.  Yet, mention that truth to many believers today and you'll get a blank stare.  I do not speak heresy, but Jesus.  The apostle Paul spoke to the reality of Christ in him as well {Galatians 2:20}.  Paul spoke to the Lord revealing Christ in him {Galatians 1:15-16}.  Just because a truth is difficult for us to comprehend does not make it any less true.  Therefore, the book tells us of the Life of Christ Jesus today that we would be one with Him.  Yes, that was the prayer of Jesus in the garden {John 17:21}.  That we would be one with He and the Father.  I think that it's safe to say that His prayer has been answered.  So, where is Jesus today if not constrained to heaven?  Well, each day when I look into the mirror I am reminded of just where He is.  It is Christ Jesus who lives in me.  Everything I do, say and experience I do as Christ who is in me.  And here's another curveball, is it the same Jesus in me when I behave badly?  Yes!  Just because I choose in my flesh to act out does not mean that Jesus has left the building.  Perhaps I'll be hearing those accusations of heresy again soon enough.  Whether it is good, bad or ugly, Jesus remains in me.  How do I know this is true?  I read it in a book somewhere.  

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 

~Scott~  

A God For Me But Not For Thee

 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.  "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts'"

Isaiah 55: 8 - 9 NKJV 

The question came up again this week.  You know...THE question.  That question which somehow makes every Christian pastor and scholar trip over their words as they try to describe how it is that the Lord works at times.  The best answer I ever got when I asked a pastor the question is, "We should just let God be God."  I agree.  So, why is it that God allows good things to happen to seemingly godly people?  This past week a dear Christian friend and brother was hospitalized with virus complications.  I watched my own other, a good Christian lady who knew the Lord, suffer in her final years.  How is it that God, whose very love and grace we cannot deny, would allow His own children to suffer?  Well, to better understand this we need to take a step back and really look at what He is doing.  Is this my God...or our God?  Should we only expect good from the Lord?  I would say no.  For the scripture is full of instances where devout men and women of God were subjected to bad circumstances.  Our very Lord and Savior, Jesus, was subjected to horrible scourging on His journey to the cross.  However, what we need to realize is the blood that He shed...was for us.  All of us.  That includes the good, the bad and the ugly among us.  The crucifixion of Christ covered all of Gods children.  It is through the work of Christ that we are saved.  Again, that means everyone.  One of the most iconic scriptures we will ever know attests to this.  In John 3:16 we're told that God gave His only Son for our salvation.  Yet, I consider verse 17 to be a key point in this passage.  In verse 17 we're introduced to the love and grace of our heavenly Father once again..."That the world through Him might be saved."  God wasn't playing favorites when He provided for our salvation.  God was...being God.  I have found that too many Christians have developed a "God for me but not for thee" attitude when it comes to how God works in our lives.  The difficulty with this belief is that when God allows hardship into our lives, our first reaction is to question and put the blame at the feet of the Lord.  A turning point in how I see God happened after  my mother passed away.  For more than a few years I had been praying, fasting and tithing in order that He would relieve her suffering.  Whatever the institutional church recommended for enticing the Lords favor, I did it.  Of course, it didn't work.  I have never been angrier at God than I was in the days after her passing.  Why did He not answer my prayers?  What I failed to realize at the time was that God HAD lovingly answered my prayers in His own way.  My mother was no longer suffering.  

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10 NKJV 

I find it interesting that the pride of many believers would somehow give them a front row seat into the grace of the Lord.  That God would save His best for those who believed in Him.  The apostle Paul reminds us that indeed there is no partiality with God {Romans 2:11}.  Where do we get such ideas?  Well, thousands of years of church tradition certainly don't help our cause.  We're told that we can curry the Lords favor with regular church attendance, bigger tithes of more hours serving the church.  The catholic church was infamous for selling indulgences in the middle ages.  A indulgence was basically a get out of jail free card, absolving a individual from the punishments of hell...for a price to be paid to the church.  In a twisted way, the modern church continues in the tradition of indulgences.  We're told that there may be a way to ease the Lord into acting in our favor...through prayer, tithing and service.  Call it what you want, I still see it as man trying to influence God to act.  So, we return to the lesson which I learned after the death of my mother.  We let God be God.  That in no way means that He is not keenly aware of our struggles, but that He is working all things into His will.  What is the will of the Father?  I believe that one of Gods greatest desires is that He would be known by His children.  That is...all of His children.  Paul helps us to understand how He works this into our own lives in Galatians.  Here, he introduces us into the reality of Christ in you {Galatians 2:20}.  How will Gods children come to know Him?  Through us!  Through those whom Christ Jesus lives through.  Jesus Himself speaks to this as He talks about others seeing the Lord in believers {Matthew 5:14-16}.  Not only will we allow God to be God, but we will free Him to work through us as well.  

"You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5: 14 - 16 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

I Believe

 

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.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." 

Romans 10: 9 - 11 NKJV 

Whenever it is that I get to talking to someone about knowing Jesus the question always comes up.  "What do I need to do in order to be saved?"  For me, knowing the man Jesus is less about obtaining my salvation and more about knowing that I am.  Yet, many will continue to wonder just how it is that they can achieve the assurance which I seem to have.  Let me tell you, that assurance did not come easy or cheap.  I could tell anyone that all they need do is believe in Jesus, but that is only half of the issue.  The apostle Paul spoke to the truth of confessing the Lord Jesus with our mouths and believing Him in our hearts in order to guarantee our own salvation.  First off, why is it that we even need to be saved?  I mean, most of us have lived a good and righteous life...right?  Yeah, keep telling yourselves that.  The scriptures point to something different.  We're told that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God {Romans 3:23}.  The Concordant scripture tells us a little differently, that "All have sinned and are wanting of the glory of God."  So, believe it or not, no matter how many accolades you may have achieved, you've sinned somewhere along the line.  I have , you have, we all have.  That is a part of our history going back to the garden of Eden, where mans choice led to a false belief that he could somehow be like God.  Spoiler alert...He ALREADY WAS like God!  How could man, created in Gods own image {Genesis 1:27}, and having His breath of life {Genesis 2:7} be anything but one with the Lord?  From the beginning, God has been a intimate part of who we are.  So entered sin into the world.  Now, God could have left things where they stood.  Could have punished Adam and Eve and been done with it.  The problem is, had He done that the sin issue would never have been dealt with.  For that we needed a Savior.

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5: 11 - 12 NKJV 

And this is the testimony, that God gives us life eonian, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has the life; he who has not the Son of God has not the life.

1 John 5: 11 - 12 Concordant Scripture 

Jesus was Gods answer to our sin issue.  It was Jesus who became sin on our behalf{2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Jesus took upon Himself that punishment that was meant for me...and you.  Through Christ Jesus we are assured that our sin issue has been dealt with {Romans 6:6-11}.  Where many Christians fall short in their own pursuit to know Jesus is knowing the truth in their own hearts.  There is a reason that Paul tells believers to confess with their mouths and to believe in their hearts.  For unto the heart...we believe.  Our assurance comes from a knowing that what Jesus has accomplished in us is real.  We understand that the old man I used to be is no longer alive.  Again it is Paul who assures us that the old man has passed away and what remains is a new creation in Christ {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  Now, remember I mentioned the spoiler alert from earlier?  How Adam and Eve fell for the lie of the accuser that they could somehow "Be like God?"  Well, aside from the fact that they were intimately created by God, through Christ Jesus we are assured that we are one with God today.  Paul assures us of this in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  How is it that I can be confident in knowing Jesus?  Because I believe in my heart what is true.  My mother used to have a saying, "God spoke it...I believe it!"  Well, God has indeed spoken to our union in Him.  I suppose that I could incorporate that into my answer the next time someone asks me why I believe in Jesus.  God spoke it...I believe it.  

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 

Acts 4: 12 NKJV

~Scott~ 

The Greatest Gift

 

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9: 6 NKJV 

I've heard from a  lot of people this year who are tired of how commercial the Christmas season has become.  That they are tired of all of the sales which begin in earnest even before the last turkey leg of Thanksgiving dinner has been devoured.  This year I heard of more than a few Thanksgiving dinners that were interrupted by "Earlier than black Friday" sales.  It's funny, but I recall a time when you never left the dinner table until everyone had finished.  You never went shopping on Thanksgiving...because there was nothing open!  Yes, even those perpetual retail kingpins of seven - eleven were closed on holidays.  Obviously, we've come a long way from back in the day until our current society.  We might be the first in line for that door buster deal, but we've lost something else along the way.  What we seem to have lost is our appreciation for the greatest gift ever given.  Now, when I mention greatest gift, many people will immediately think of the newest Play Station or a new car.  Wrong answer.  For the gift I am referring to is the gift given to us out of the love and mercy of our heavenly Father.  Over two thousand years ago, God bestowed His wonderful gift upon the world in the form of a infant.  The excitement and joy of the birth of Christ Jesus would soon lead to wonder, criticism, torture and His ultimate death on the cross.  However, as a good friend gently reminded me this week, that cross can never symbolize life.  Therefore, we know in our hearts that the crucifixion of Jesus did not lead to His own death, but to life.  Jesus has defeated death once and for all, three days after His own death He rose again.  So, why do I refer to Jesus as the greatest gift?  Because...He is.  Simply put, Jesus was God born of man {John 1:1-2, John 1:13}.  That is, God came into the world as a infant.  What gifts have you ever received which have transformed your life in ways Jesus has?  I can't think of any.  It was in the name of Jesus that Peter healed the lame {Acts 3:6}.  Is the reason why people have become weary of the commercialistic nature of the holiday season because they are seeking something more than a last minute sale?  Anything is possible I guess.  For me, knowing that gifts and sales are only temporary riches compared to a life in Christ is part of the greatest gift ever given.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2: 11 NKJV 

I have to admit that even before I grew weary of all of the sales and door buster deals, the Christmas season lost some of its magic for me.  It was on Christmas eve of 2016 that my mother was admitted to the hospital for the last time.  She passed away less than a month later.  So, I look at Christmas eve in a different way now than I used to.  Like most, I used to see it as a season of buying and celebrating.  Of Christmas trees and holiday shows.  Not anymore.  Maybe I'm getting nostalgic in my middle age, but my view of Christmas is now more Jesus centered than ever.  He is the greatest gift I was ever given (although it took me some time to open it).  Once I opened this free gift, I realized what I had been missing.  The freedom of knowing that I have forgiveness {Romans 6: 6-11}.  The realization that Jesus has always been there with me {Galatians 2:20}.  Best of all...it was free.  However, we do well to remember the price that Jesus paid to deliver this gift to us.  It was Jesus who became sin in our place {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Never forget as well that it is by the Lords love for us that Jesus delivered this gift to all mankind {John 3:16-17}.  Yes, the gift is given freely to all, regardless if they decide to open it or not.  There will be those who allow their gift to sit dormant for years before being led to open it.  Then, there will be those who will choose to never open the gift.  That is their choice.  The gift is given freely to all.  One added bonus, this is a gift that never expires and you won't need to return.  

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Colossians 1: 15 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Low Life

 

"Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  

Matthew 11: 28 - 30 NKJV 

I've been reading quite a bit lately of a spike in the rates of suicide and depression in our country.  We have also seen a increase in domestic violence rates as well, but that's for another topic.  What hits close to home for me is the rise in the rate of depression.  There was a time in my life where I experienced more than a few dark days.  My own depression sprung out of what I perceived as nobody liking me.  Again, this is what I thought was happening.  In reality, it took the encouraging words of a few friends and co workers to show me that I had been dead wrong in my thinking.  Now, along with a rise in the rates of suicide and depression comes the thoughts, fears and stories behind those behaviors.  I believe in my heart that the longer that our society remains socially distanced and locked down, that the suicide and depression rates will continue to rise.  Why?  Because too many Americans are beginning to feel as if there is no hope left to be had.  By the grace of Jesus I have remained employed through this period, but I cannot imagine what my state of mind would be if I were not.  I recently saw a friend post a Facebook post which read..."So giving up is the only option left."  This grieved me because my friend is normally a happy individual.  Sadly, however, he has been out of work for as long as there have been police state Kate Brown lockdowns.  So, what are we to do when our accuser comes knocking upon our door speaking doubt and fear into our hearts?  Well, we could give in to his suggestions, or we could come to the realization that it ultimately is not we who are carrying that load...but Jesus.  Many Christians, when facing hard times, have traditionally turned to the gospel of Matthew and taken courage from the passage where Jesus invites us to place our burdens upon Him {Matthew 11:28}.  I get it.  After all, Jesus is our Savior and can handle any issue we bring to Him can He not?  Well, in this passage Jesus was inviting those who were listening to see that it is He who shoulders our burdens, something the apostle Paul introduces to us as well.  It is Paul who introduces us to the reality of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  So, if Jesus indeed is living in us, isn't it He who is carrying the burden?

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 

If we were to get down to the roots of the issues of depression and suicide we would come up with one common factor...fear.  I was afraid that I had nobody who cared...so I became depressed.  The man who has been out of work now cannot provide for his family...he fears that he no longer has hope.  One thing which we can be assured of, is that fear is never of God.  In fact, fears are almost always attacks brought forth by our deceiver Satan.  We all have fears which keep us from enjoying life.  I personally  have a overwhelming fear of heights, which keeps me from more than a few activities.  Yet, on a hiking trip to the 1, 300 foot Angels Rest trail in the Columbia River gorge a few years back a good friend reminded me that fear...was not of Jesus who was in me.  Therefore, I could live strong without fear!  I did...but I was extra careful climbing back down.  It is no secret that fear can do many things to our bodies and minds.  The enemy will tell us that your job is gone...while God reminds you that He will provide {Philippians 4:19}.  The accuser will tell us that our life is worthless...but God assures us that we are precious to Him {Ephesians 2:4-9}.  He has created us in His own image {Genesis 1:27}.  He breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  God has been a intimate part of us from the very beginning.  We might have our own doubts about whether others are concerned for us...but we should NEVER doubt that God forever has His love upon us.  In the love of Christ, there is no room for fear {1 John 4:18}.  

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  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: 4 - 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Knowing Jesus

 

So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Hebrews 9: 28 NKJV 

Have you ever heard the phrase getting to know Jesus and wondered just how in the hell it was possible?  Well, you're not alone.  I feel that the phrase getting to know Jesus has become simply a catch phrase for the modern institutional church.  It's good marketing.  What Christian would not want to get to know Jesus better?  Well, the truth is that we don't need to sit through countless boring sermons or Sunday school classes in order to obtain enough knowledge of Jesus that we can come to know Him better than we already do.  In my last post I tackled the issue of believing in a Jesus we cannot see.  How difficult is that?  From a young age I've been told that if I'm a good boy that I will eventually be rewarded with a eternity with Jesus.  Really?  So, then I'll finally get to see Him?  Does anyone else besides me see something wrong with this equation?  Now, I know who Jesus is in theory, the scriptures do a good job of delivering that message.  However, many times the Jesus of the bible seems a bit, shall we say, impersonal.  Indeed, it is written that upon His rising again, that Jesus ascended into heaven to be seated at the Fathers side.  For many people, this is where the story of Jesus ends.  One thing I have noticed over the past few years in my journey to knowing Christ is that the cross was not the end...but the beginning for Jesus.  For it was after His own death that His earthly chains were lifted and the flesh life which held Him for so many years was now behind Him.  This is where our quest for understanding who Jesus truly is begins.  

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

I understand those who have the belief that Jesus is died and is sitting in heaven removed from all that is on the earth.  After all, that is the message many a church has put out over the centuries.  But let's look into that belief.  So, we can agree that Jesus is indeed not dead, right?  I mean, he rose from the dead three days after His death.  That, of course, is a essential part of Christian theology and teaching.  So, if indeed Jesus is alive, where is He?  Here's a better question, if Jesus is alive, wouldn't He want to be among those He ultimately gave His life for?  The apostle Paul thought so.  It is Paul who introduces us to the truth of a Jesus you more than likely have never been introduced to in any church you've been to.  Paul writes that it is Jesus who now lives through Him {Galatians 2:20}.  This is not only a key verse in our understanding of Christ in us, but also of knowing the man Jesus better than we ever have before.  One way to better know Him is to see Jesus as He is, as flesh and blood.  Heresy?  Hardly.  For if we trust in the truth of the words of Paul, it is Jesus who we identify ourselves with.  Jesus cannot live in us without becoming intimately attached to every part of our being.  All that we think, feel and experience we do AS HIM.  Yes, that's a pretty big serving of truth to contemplate all at once, yet that in no way means that it's not true.  My own understanding of who Jesus was used to end at the cross.  It wasn't until I saw that cross as the beginning of my time with Him that my knowledge of who Jesus is began to change.  That...is knowing Jesus.

~Scott~ 

Seeing Is Believing

 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord."  So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."  And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them.  Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"  Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side.  Do not be unbelieving, but believing."  Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"  Jesus said to him, because you have seen Me, you have believed.  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20: 25 - 29 NKJV 

Sometimes I wonder to myself just how many Christians like Thomas there are out there in the world.  People who have had the gospel of Jesus spoken to them their entire lives yet still demand proof before they will accept it.  I get it.  I was once among the doubters as well.  Like most people, I operate on the seeing is believing principal.  If I could see it, I'd believe in it.  Now, imagine if Newton had operated on that principal.  Would he have discovered gravity had he simply heard about it?  What about Thomas Edison?  Would he have discovered electricity simply by hearing of it?  Like our friend Thomas, both Newton and Edison witnessed with their own eyes...and then believed.  Sometimes I think that we humans are unique in that we feel the need to investigate and prove something before we will accept it.  Except, how does that work in Christianity?  How is it that we can ask someone to know and believe in Jesus when we cannot produce the evidence for them to verify?  It is in this respect that I do not envy the job of pastor.  For the biggest sell job of a pastor is to convince a room full of people to believe in what he is telling them.  Don't get me wrong, there is indeed plenty of historical evidence which points to the very fact that Jesus did exist at one time.  Yet, when was the last time anyone ever saw Jesus?  Can we invite Him over to verify He's real?  Well, if I were like Thomas, I'd be screaming for proof to verify that others had seen the Lord.  It is unfortunate that we live in a time where physical evidence of the existence of Jesus in todays world is scarce.  We're told that He suffered and died on the cross, but that three days later He rose again and was seen by multitudes of people.  Enter doubting Thomas.  Despite the other disciples trying to speak truth to him, Thomas wasn't convinced.  Yet once the young disciple saw Jesus with his own eyes, he immediately worshipped his Lord.  Funny how that works.  One of the topics of our discussions lately has been how God desires for all of His children to know Him.  Is it therefore our challenge as followers of Jesus to introduce Him to others in a way they can understand?  

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves.  But He was asleep.  Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us!  We are perishing!"  But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Mathew 8: 23 - 27 NKJV 

Who indeed!  Once again, the disciples were caught in one of those doubting Thomas moments.  All around them all that they could see were raging waves, which I'm sure could have capsized them at any moment.  Keep in mind that a good number of these followers of Jesus were fishermen by trade, so it is logical to assume that they were very familiar with rough weather.  Knowing this, that must have been some storm if even these seasoned salts were afraid.  Yet, asleep in the rear of the boat was a very good reason for them to remain calm even in the midst of this storm.  However, trusting in their senses, they quickly woke Jesus in fear.  Now, I find a key verse in the response that Jesus gives to His followers.  A response which can still ring true for us today in the midst of our own storms of life.  "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Wow!  With that, Jesus rebukes the waves and, I'm assuming, resumes His nap.  Leaving the disciples to wonder among themselves what the hell had just happened.  Now, I'll admit that my own faith has been shaken by circumstances in my life at times.  Not too many Christians can deny that.  So, how is it that you can speak Jesus to someone who has never experienced Him?  Well, when the young men asked Jesus where it was He was staying what was His response?  "Come and see" {John 1:39}.  How is it that others will see Jesus?  Through the lives of those who follow Him {Matthew 5:16}.  The apostle Paul speaks to the reality of Christ in us in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Knowing this, will not others see Jesus through me?  Jesus is the light who will shine from within. 

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?"  They said to Him, Rabbi (teacher), "where are you staying?"  He said to them, "Come and see."  They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day.

John 1: 38 - 39 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Real Life Jesus

 Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 1: 6 - 8 NKJV 

In the book So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore (Wayne Jacobsen), a pastor weary of his ministry in performance based institutional church is suddenly confronted with a man who he is sure resembles the apostle John in his mannerisms.  I was drawn to this book not because it was recommended, but because I truly didn't want to go to church anymore.  I'd been there, seen it all.  I was tired of the Sunday morning dog and pony show and wondered if this was what knowing Jesus really entailed.  Could I know Him without all the trappings of the modern church?  As I found out, the answer is yes.  It didn't take running into someone who reminded me of a follower of Jesus from long ago in order to convince me that Jesus was real, but the encouragement of a few Godly friends helped me along the way.  One in particular spoke to me of a radical idea of Jesus living in me.  This friend, who continues to remain nameless despite numerous attempts to disclose his identity, began speaking to me of Christ in me.  This wasn't some bible study Jesus...this was Jesus in real life.  If I could somehow connect Jesus into my everyday life then perhaps I could have a better relationship with Him?  Well, that is the question I'm sure anyone who has considered knowing Jesus as a part of themselves has asked.  As Christians, we are confronted with more than a few ways to get to know Jesus.  We can be like Jesus, get to know Jesus, follow Jesus etc.  Yet, for the most part, our relationship with Him seldom breaches that barrier of our everyday life.  I attribute this to the lie that we are somehow separated from God in some way.  This was the lie of Satan introduced in the garden {Genesis 3:4-5}.  This is the lie which the deceiver proclaimed that we would indeed "Be like God."  Well, anyone who has done any reading at all into the creation story knows that we were ALREADY like God before Satan introduced his lie.  So much so that we were created in His own image {Genesis 1:27}.  Not only that, but the Lord also breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  God has been a part of us from the beginning.  

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1: 14 NKJV 

I guess I'm kind of biased now, but I think that when we talk and teach of Jesus these days that we should be speaking of "Real life Jesus" and not the Jesus of the history studies of the scriptures.  Yes, many will see my words as trying to somehow change the scriptures, when all I am suggesting is that we look deeper into them.  Believe it or not, there are many who consider Jesus to be dead.  That's right, that guy who died on the cross and rose again three days later...He's dead.  I wouldn't go so far as to say that.  What I would say is that our own understanding of who the man Jesus is...is dead.  I've recently taken to referring to Jesus as "The man" Jesus simply because it helps remind me of who He really is.  Not only that, but of the man I am in Him.  This is seeing Jesus in real life and not as some dead guy who's out of the picture.  The apostle Paul recognized the real life Jesus when he spoke of Him in Galatians.  It was Paul who introduced me to the reality of Christ in me {Galatians 2:20}.  Real life Jesus doesn't just watch over you from heaven but endures each and every day with you.  Living in the knowing of real life Jesus means that you understand that everything you will ever experience...you do as Christ who is in you.  How can I walk around thinking that my life sucks knowing this about myself?  You might not want to go to church anymore, but that in no way means that you cannot live your life as Jesus.  

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell. 

Colossians 1: 19 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Man Of The Year

 

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Galatians 6: 3 NKJV 

Have you ever followed the tradition of Time magazines "Man of the year" award?  This is where a few select editors of a outdated dinosaur publication get together and give their opinion on just who it is that deserves to be man of the year, or woman of the year.  Mind you, this selection is based strictly on the opinions of the magazine itself.  Through the years they have graced us with men of the year such as Adolf Hitler (1938) and Joseph Stalin (1939, 1942).  Mind you, I've never seen this yearly tribute as anything more than stroking the ego of some underachieving fool who rarely deserves the honor.  General H. Norman Shwarzkopf was once asked who he felt deserved the award.  Not surprisingly, he said that he would bestow that honor on the common soldier, on the men who deserved such a honor.  I agree.  When we talk about ego and pride, we all too often speak of these in others and rarely in ourselves.  We can talk all day long about how arrogant our neighbor is, but we cringe at the very mention of our own pride which is on display every day for all to see.  I will admit that I tend to be a bit prideful at times.  But I will also say that I have learned how to not live only for myself over the years.  Let's face it, we all love the attention and adoration of others, it's part of who we are.  Yet, there is a reason that the apostle Paul warns us of thinking more of ourselves than we should.  See, Paul knew that his ability to teach lay not with him, but with Christ Jesus who was in him {Galatians 2:20}.  Many Christians view Paul as one of the great teachers of the gospel of all time.  Yet, Paul did not seek his own honor.  What he did do was give credit where credit was due...to Jesus.  For, as Paul claimed, he was chief among sinners {1 Timothy 1:13-17}.  Will I, knowing all which Christ has achieved in my own life, hold myself in such a high place of honor?  Well, those who know me understand that it wasn't a twelve step program or fancy sermon that brought about the change in my life.  That honor goes to Jesus alone.  

Also He spoke this parable to those 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!'  "I tell you, this man 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: 9 - 14 NKJV 

I can imagine, back in the day were there such things, that this Pharisee's face would have been plastered all over the pages of Jewish society as a "Man of the year."  Indeed, pride feeds a good many people.  However, look at the reaction of the tax collector.  He understands that it is not he himself that stands in the spotlight...but God.  It is difficult to see that both of the men in this parable of Jesus worship the same God.  Yet, if we were to look closely at our houses of worship today we would come across the very same thing.  Christianity is full of those who walk into church each Sunday brimming with pride over their tithes and contributions to the church.  That's good, the Lord has blessed you, now what will you do with it?  Why do we feel the need to campaign for that man of the year honor?  As I said, I do not consider it my own accomplishment that my life has changed from where I once was.  Why?  Because I understand that without Jesus it would not have been possible.  I can talk all day long of how much I've changed, but in the end it is Christ in me that made the difference.  I was thinking this week, why has Jesus never received a man of the year award?  Indeed, Jesus is recognized as one of the most influential men in history by Christians and non Christians alike.  Yet, in the eyes of Time magazine, he is continually upstaged by hipsters and third world dictators.  Of course, I know the honor which He surely deserves.  Despite being put on the back burner by society, Jesus continues to make Himself known through the lives of those who follow Him.  I'm good with that.

~Scott~ 

Justice For All

 

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.  

Romans 12: 19 NKJV 

Not a day goes by where someone somewhere wishes for justice in some area of their life.  I've seen it more and more often lately.  We've just completed a election cycle where allegations of fraud and cheating have stained the process.  Granted, these are not simply allegations, as we have also witnessed proof of the wrongdoing of certain people and parties.  So what are we, as believers, to do in these situations?  Start a revolt?  Take to the streets and protest?  Well, there are indeed some who have already taken matters into their own hands to help push along what they themselves see as justice.  President Trump, for his part, is pursuing each and every legal challenge that he can to expose this fraud.  That is, of course, his right to do so.  The question I ran across this week might make more than a few believers stop and think.  That is, how does the God we serve see justice?  More than a few times in scripture He tells us, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.'  In other words, He is reminding us, 'Hey, don't worry, I got this.'  Besides, when it comes to revenge, do you honestly feel that you could do a better job than God?  I wouldn't even entertain that question.  One question I would consider is do I have a right to pursue vengeance in order to seek the justice I desire?  Perhaps, but am I not then meddling in God's affairs?  Believe me, there is certainly a good reason that He desires for us to stay out of the revenge business.  Do we really feel that the Lord knows what is truly best for us?  If we do then allow Him to do what He does best.  I had a conversation with a friend last week who actually wondered if God knew what was really happening in our country.  Seriously?  Of course, that thinking comes from the old paradigm lie that we are somehow separated from God.  Yes, we are created in His image, but because of our sinful nature we have been separated from Him...blah blah blah.  The truth is, we have NEVER been separated from God despite our condition.  The apostle Paul introduces us to this reality in a few of his letters.  In Galatians, Paul explains that it is Christ Jesus who lives through us {Galatians 2:20}.  In Romans, Paul deals with our perceived sin condition and lays it to rest {Romans 6:6-11}.  

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'  "And he would not for awhile; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' "

Luke 18: 1 - 5 NKJV 

What I love about the parable Jesus spoke of the widows plight is that she never lost hope that she would receive justice even from someone who did not fear the Lord.  I recall a pastor saying once that the lesson learned from this passage was that we were to pray continually to "nudge" God in the direction we wanted Him to go.  Yeah, good luck with that.  Besides, if Jesus truly lives through us, can we not trust that He knows already what we are feeling even before we ask Him?  I believe so.  For centuries, popular Christian teachings have instructed us to pray, and pray and pray some more until we receive the desired result.  Is God similar to the judge who grew weary of the widow showing up every day?  If so, will He tire of us coming to Him all the time?  Thankfully, that would be out of character for God.  Nevertheless, too many Christians have seen the Lord at one time or another as a "name it and claim it" type of God.  I've been there.  The trouble with that is, when our prayers aren't answered, our immediate instinct is to think that we've somehow upset God.  That is a dangerous and lonely cycle.  So, how is it that we should view the Lords justice?  Well, for starters, we need to allow Him to work in these situations.  Trust me, He knows how we feel.  He knows how we hurt.  And, He knows how we feel slighted.  Obviously, our take on justice often does not fall in line with His.  Would we have mercy on one who was harming another?  Well, God would.  Which is why He continues to assure us, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.'

The one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us."  But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?  "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."  Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom."  And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." 

Luke 23: 39 - 43 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Was That Me?

 

That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4: 22 - 24 NKJV 

Not too many people think of the holiday season with bad memories.  For most of us, the holidays are a time of family, sharing and coming together in celebration of a special season.  Although we often lose sight of the reason for this season which is upon us, of the promise kept which began with a infant in a manger.  Whatever your reason for seeing the holidays as special, you undoubtedly may have already began your celebrations.  I'm a bit different.  For me the holidays do not represent coming together...but loss.  See, it was on Christmas eve that my mother was brought into the hospital for the last time.  Shortly after that she passed away.  So, yes, I still see the Christmas season as one of loss.  Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the holidays, just not some of the memories.  Why do I mention this?  This past week as I was thinking about the coming Christmas season my thoughts also carried me to a few times which I'm not so proud of.  Of course, then I began to think along the lines of if my mom ever forgave me for behaving that way.  Well, I know that she did because she made a point to tell me whenever she could.  How many of us, in times of doubt, dig up those old memories of times gone wrong?  Times where we, even though we knew better, decided to behave in a way that others told us was not in our nature.  As I think back on a few of those times I wonder...was that really me?  Was that who I really am?  Thank goodness, the answer to both of those questions is NO.  Yet, this opens up a interesting discussion among believers and non believers alike about our own thoughts and behaviors.  Now, I know that the misbehaving scallywag that I resembled more than a few years ago is based on a lie.  Simply put, I didn't know any better about the man I really was inside.  Not only that, it wasn't until I really came to know and understand Christ that I realized that the old man, who I once believed I was, was dead.  

Knowing this, that our OLD MAN was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that very few of us, when we behave badly, realize that we are living a lie.  When I think back on those moments in my own life, the last thing on my mind was saying 'Hey, this isn't the man that I am.'  Instead, we dwell on those tried and true human emotions of ours which tell us that the other guy deserved it or that we ourselves had somehow been cheated.  Whatever way we try and sugar coat our misdeeds, it all leads to one reality...that isn't who we really are.  The apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into the reality of who we truly are in Galatians.  For Paul, that old church persecutor was dead.  Now, if you think you have bad memories of times you behaved badly, try imagining some memories Paul might have conjured up.  This man who single handedly was responsible for the persecution and death of many followers of Jesus.  That is, until the day when God revealed to him who he truly was {Galatians 1: 15-16}.  Likewise, the same Jesus who was in union with Paul is also in union with us as well {John 17:21, Galatians 2:20}.  Now, notice the scripture in Galatians 1, where Paul claims that the Lord chose to 'Reveal His Son in me.'  It is my belief that Jesus was always Paul's real identity, he just did not realize it until the day it was revealed to him.  We know that we are created in the Fathers image {Genesis 1:27}.  We also know that God breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  How can we then claim that God has not been a part of us from the very start?  Whether we realize it or not, it is Jesus who has always been our one true identity.  That is who I am.  

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates

When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake

If they know half the things I've done they'll never let me in

~Love Without End~  George Straight

~Scott~ 

The Man Jesus

 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  

Hebrews 4: 14 - 15 NKJV 

Have you ever felt that Jesus does not know you?  That He could care less about the problems in your life?  If you've been a Christian for as long as I have, then these thoughts have surely gone through your mind at one time or another.  A lot of this comes from our own view of Christ, how it is that we see Him.  Do we see Jesus as the popular church teachings tell us, as a deity who resides in heaven at the Fathers side?  Well, the scriptures do tell us that upon His resurrection that Jesus indeed ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father {Ephesians 1:20}.  This verse only seems to solidify the lie that we ourselves are separated from God.  We've been told that we are but sinners unworthy of the Lords presence {Romans 3:23}.  We are also taught that God cannot be in the presence of sin {Psalm 5:4}.  So, where does that leave us?  Well, if you believe trust the teachings of the institutional church, you might just believe that you have no hope of ever knowing Jesus on a personal level.  That the best we can ever do is to somehow "Be like" Jesus...if we're good enough.  It is this hamster wheel of guilt and shame that has driven many a Christian into confusion when it comes to Christ.  Take it from me...it sucks to live this way.  But believe me when I tell you that there is something better out there.  See, that image we have of a Jesus who is removed from our life is simply not true.  No, I'm not a heretic, but I have been known to associate with a few of them.  True, those who claim that Jesus is separated from us have a few cherry picked verses to validate their own image of Jesus, but so do those of us who see Jesus for who He truly is.  The apostle Paul tells us that not only is Jesus among us today, but that He lives on in us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  Now, if you're one who has trusted the church teachings, this might come as a shock to you as it did to me.  

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2: 5 - 8 NKJV 

Think about that for a minute.  Jesus, being in the form of the Father, humbled Himself to the point that He became as a man.  So, when you hear someone speak of the man Jesus, this is what they are referring to.  It is important for all who seek the truth about Jesus to understand that Jesus was, and is, God in the flesh.  It is the man Jesus who took my place on the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  It is also Jesus in the flesh who lives through me today.  Part of our podcast discussion this week centered on the truth that the only way that the Father will be known by His creation is through us.  That's right, others will see God through Jesus who lives in you {Matthew 5:16}.  Once we realize this truth about Jesus, it's not very difficult to realize His presence in other areas of our life.  Indeed, if He is revealed in us, then we understand that Christ shares in everything that we will ever experience.  That kind of puts a positive spin on our worst days doesn't it?  It has never been the Lords intent to leave us wandering alone in this world.  However, it HAS been the Fathers intent that we would be united with Him {John 14:21}.  Through the man Jesus, that truth has been realized.

"You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5: 14 - 16 NKJV

~Scott~ 

What About Me?

 

Also He spoke this parable to those 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 to 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 that 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!'  "I tell you, this man 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." 

John 18: 9 - 14 NKJV 

I was thumbing through a self help book the other day when something caught my eye.  It seems that the author had a surefire way to start a conversation and make anyone feel at ease.  That secret, is to encourage anyone you meet to talk about themselves.  Now, to some this might sound whacky, but I saw a bit of truth in his theory.  Indeed, we as humans have the undying knack of hyping ourselves when nobody else seems willing to.  We all too often seek the limelight.  We desire the compliments of the job well done.  I get it.  I've talked well about myself from time to time as well.  Perhaps the reason that getting someone to talk about themselves in a conversation doesn't seem too hard to do is because we do it so well?  Just a thought.  Now, I don't see anything wrong with doing this, as long as others around you aren't preparing a shallow grave while you're doing it.  That is, if you are talking positively about yourself and those around you agree, then you're good.  I see that as a form of affirmation if you will.  However, if you ever find yourself speaking compliments about yourself and others do not seem interested, your best bet is to abandon the conversation post haste.  Just a little advice on how to win friends and influence people.  In Christian circles, self advertising is all too often seen as being haughty, arrogant or prideful.  But, where do we draw the line?  Well, let me give you a example.  In the past few months, I've gotten quite good at my weight training at the gym.  So much so, that I've been able to press some impressive weight totals.  Now, if I were thinking as Jesus, I would explain that it was through Him that I've been able to accomplish my goals.  However, I could also tell everyone who would listen that it was my abilities alone that allowed me to reach such heights.  Which one of these statements shows the most arrogance?  I'll make it a bit easier, whenever we we place ME above HE...we're going down the wrong path.  What am I without God?  What good are my abilities had not the Lord breathed the breath of life {Genesis 2:7} into me?  Indeed, it doesn't take much to see that, apart from God, we are nothing.  As the Lord is all in all, so He is in all we will ever see or experience.  

But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD."  For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10: 17 - 18 NKJV 

I have known a good many people who have been good at a good many things.  I've also known a good many people who have had no issues with pointing out how good it is that they are.  Usually, when I hear someone talking like this my first thought is, 'where is God in all of this?'  Maybe I'm far too humble at heart, but I also recognize that God is to have a significant place in our lives.  One of my main goals is to someday organize these blog posts into a publication of some sort.  If that is where the Lord leads me, then His will be done.  I believe that in order for us to avoid the pitfalls of pride, that Jesus needs to be the central piece of all that we do.  After all, it is Christ Jesus with whom I share everything with.  It is Jesus who lives through me {Galatians 2:20}.  The apostle Paul assured us of this truth.  Can I ever rise above the glory of Jesus?  Through my own pride I might just think that I can.  Remember, Lucifer also had false thoughts of being greater than God {Isaiah 14: 13-13}.  It was also the deceiver who claimed the lie to Adam and Eve that they could be separate from God {Genesis 3:4-5}.  It is this lie which has done much damage to our own relationship with Jesus.  Jesus prayed that we would be one with He and the Father {John 17:21}.  Yet, contemporary Christianity continues to claim that there is a separation between ourselves and God.  The most which we can hope for, it seems, is to 'be like' Jesus.  Well, at risk of being seen as arrogant, I AM Jesus.  Indeed, if Jesus lives through me and experiences all which I do, I am part of Him.  This is the answered prayer of Christ we see in John 17.  Through Jesus, we are one with the Father.  So, knowing this, is there anything we will ever accomplish that Jesus has not already had a hand in?  Yes, I've made some great strides in my exercise goals, but I accomplished that as Christ who is in me.  Whatever it is you are thinking you're good at, it is but a extension of the Lord Jesus within you.

For who makes you differ from another?  And what do you have that you did not receive?  Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 

1 Corinthians 4: 7 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Brothers

"Lieutenant Welsh remembered walking around the sleeping men, and thinking to himself that 'they had looked at and smelled death all around them all day but never dreamed of applying the term to themselves.  They hadn't come to fear.  They hadn't come to die.  They had come to win."

Stephen Ambrose ~ E Company, 101st Airborne 

It's interesting to witness it when you see it.  Even more interesting to become a part of it.  That being the evolution of a group of men from mere acquaintances into a group that will literally walk through hell for their brothers.  History is full of stories of these groups of men who came together to form bonds which were never broken, even after their calling had come to an end.  The Tuskegee airmen, bonding together in their fight against not only the Germans, but the racial divide in their own country.  The young men of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team, who bonded together to defeat perhaps the best team the sport had ever known.  Then there were the "Band of Brothers" of E company of the 101st Airborne division in World War Two.  From the chaos of Normandy to the end of the war, these men fought, bled and died as one.  Whether it is the hell of war or a common belief that brings a group of common men together, it is always interesting to see the interaction within the group.  While we're not a large group, I enjoy a bond with a small group of fellow believers, some of whom I've known for some time.  However, as I thought about this writing, something else more interesting caught my attention.  Twelve men with perhaps nothing in common other than a few who shared the occupation of fishing for a living.  There were a few fisherman, a tax collector as well as a religious zealot prone to stoking calls for rebellion amongst the Jewish people.  Who would have ever thought that such a ragtag group could ever be molded into something positive?  Nobody...but Jesus.  As Jesus began His ministry, He called each and every one of these twelve men to follow Him.  One has to wonder the reactions of these men as Jesus invited them to "Come and see" {John 1:39}.  As we ourselves consider the possibilities of giving our lives to Jesus, we are faced with the same decisions which the twelve disciples also were.  What if I'm wrong?  What if He leads me astray?  This is all based on fears of the unknown.  The advantage that we have over these men is that we have the advantage of history on our side.  We already know where it is that Jesus will lead us.  If we are indeed willing, He will walk the journey with us.

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, 'What do you seek?"  They said to Him, 'Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are you staying?"  He said to them, "come and see."  They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

John 1: 38 - 39 NKJV 

So it is that Jesus called to Himself a group of twelve key followers who would not only follow Him, but live amongst Him as well.  Yes, there were others who followed Jesus from time to time, but this group of men were the core group who followed, and learned from Jesus during His ministry.  It is with this group that Jesus spent His ministry teaching and preparing for His death.  I've often wondered what it would have been like as one of the disciples of Jesus.  Of course, we know a lot of what the day to day life of these men was already.  Fishing, listening and learning from Jesus.  But these disciples of Jesus also shared life with the Lord.  That is, they shared good times as well as bad.  They shared jokes and stories as well as their experiences.  The truth is, I might long to know what sharing life with Jesus would have been like, but in a matter of speaking we already have an idea of this experience.  The apostle Paul tells us in a few various scriptures that we live with Christ Jesus today.  Paul reveals to us that it is Jesus who lives is us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  Not only do we get the benefit of walking side by side with Jesus, but we can also stake the claim that we (gasp!) are Jesus.  Now, try relating that truth to some pastor sometime and you may get mocked as a heretic, but is scripture really disputable?  The Lord spoke it, so it must be true?  I do not disregard scripture simply because it is difficult to understand.  I imagine that some of the teachings of Jesus were difficult for the disciples to comprehend as well.  No matter, I'm happy to be among my group of brothers. 

~Scott~ 

God And Politics

 

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is Gods minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Gods minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

Romans 13: 1 - 5 NKJV 

In all of the turmoil of our recent elections I've lost sight of one very important thing.  I was reminded of this the other day while talking to a friend about the eventual outcome of the election.  He told me that whichever way the election swings, it is God who orchestrated it, not the human voter.  No truer words were ever said.  As emotional beings, we often get lost in the emotions of politics.  That benefits nobody.  It seems that the days are gone where we would look at the two candidates, see where they stood on important issues and base our decision on what matters most to us.  No longer.  For now we have the "party voters" who vote for a particular candidate because he or she is a member of certain political party.  I'm not gonna lie, I've been guilty of that a time or two myself.  But, where does that get us?  Do we ignore a candidate, chosen by the Lord, simply because they don't reside within our chosen political party?  This year my choice was rather easy, I voted for the one man who had the can do attitude and actually implemented policies to help our nations citizens.  That man is Donald J Trump.  Yes, I benefited from his tax cuts, but so did millions of other American voters.  Another aspect of Trump that I admire is that he is unabashedly proud of his country.  I will stand behind that all day long!  Contrast that with Joe Biden, the candidate who barely left his basement throughout the entire campaign.  Granted, we've had virus issues to deal with, but that did not stop Donald Trump.  So, out of the two men whom the Lord presented to us, I chose the one who I felt benefited the country the most.  So sue me.  Looking at the two candidates as being placed before us by the Lord puts this election in a entirely new perspective.  No matter the outcome of Donald Trumps election challenges, it is God who will seat in the White House whom He desires to accomplish His will.  

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Romans 12: 19 NKJV 

There is another reason that I'm rooting for Donald Trump to succeed in his election challenge.  Some time ago a good friend of mine, who remains in exile in Hawaii, struck a deal on a side bet on who would win the election.  Yes, I know that it's not the most Christian way of doing things, but it was all in good natured fun.  So it is that I have a dog in the fight in this election challenge.  That being said, it does not change the fact that it is God who will ultimately decide this contest.  I guess I kind of feel better, knowing that God is indeed in charge of this situation.  But what if God chooses the candidate I didn't vote for?  Did God miss the boat somehow?  Not really.  However, it is thinking such as that which takes God out of the equation and injects ourselves into it.  Thinking that if a certain candidate wins that all hell will break loose.  That if a certain man wins a election that everything we know and love will come crumbling down.  Well, how would you feel about God if everything you loved came crumbling down apart from a election?  How did Job react when he lost all he had?  Despite his loss, Job remained faithful {Job 2:10}.  Shall we indeed accept good from God but not accept adversity as well?  They go hand in hand.  Job knew in his heart that despite all that raged around him, that the Lord was still in control of it all.  Dare I say that this kind of faith takes a strong believers heart.  I was struck the other day by a town hall interview which former president Barack Obama did on PBS.  A gun rights conservative in the audience asked the president what he would do in relation to gun rights in the wake of recent gun violence in the country.  Now, Barack Obama was not a big fan of the second amendment, that much he made clear in his campaign and presidency.  But as he stood and faced this republican in the audience, Obamas answer was blunt and to the point.  Obama said that, in his time in office to date, that no effort had been made to restrict the second amendment.  Furthermore, he claimed that were such an effort to be made, that the congress and the National Rifle Association lobby would be a huge hurdle to climb.  I respected him for that.  I might not agree with all Obama did, but in that moment, he had my support.  Now, we await the outcome of whatever challenges Donald Trump will bring to a election he sees as unjust.  I just want to win my bet.  

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!"  But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks.  Shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity?"  In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Job 2: 9 - 10  NKJV 

~Scott~ 

The Roads Less Traveled

 

Today I went back to the place where I used to go

Today I saw that same old crowd I knew before

When they asked me what had happened

I tried to tell them

Thanks to Calvary, I don't come here anymore! 

~Thanks To Calvary - Bill Gaither ~ 

Not long ago I saw a video online from a health nut I follow every now and then.  His name is Thomas DeLauer and his claim to fame is that he turned from the ultimate couch potato to dedicating his life to helping others be healthy.  Well, he said something in one of his videos that struck a chord with me, and perhaps others who read this as well.  While on a recent shopping trip, Thomas happened to find himself in the candy/junk food aisle of his local grocery store.  There, as he tells it, he suddenly became uneasy, almost anxious.  I get it.  For Thomas, a walk through the candy aisle was akin to a walk back in time to the days of his own addiction.  For those who are not familiar with my own history, you might wonder why I get a bit uneasy whenever I come near a topless bar.  The reason is that this is where one of my main addictions took hold of me.  Those who have experienced the pain and struggle of substance abuse can relate to these experiences I'm sure.  The questions that remain.  Will I go back to my old ways?  Am I still a addict?  Like Thomas DeLauer, I've had ample opportunity to revisit those places I used to hang out in.  These days I just don't see time spent there as productive to what I trying to achieve.  Not long ago, I made a commitment to my health.  From exercise to nutrition, my focus has been on reversing the damages that have been done over the years.  For the most part this journey has been successful so far, except for the actions of one incompetent liberal democrat governor who continues to play games with the lives of people here in Oregon.  But, as I say, I play the cards I'm dealt.  I have had the opportunity over the years to witness the ravages that addictions can have on people lives.  I've had a few friends who have lost jobs and family because they chose their addiction over all else.  I get it.  However, my focus in this post is on those who have overcome their own destructive behaviors and, through faith, found a new beginning.  

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

Can I tell you what I believe is one of the most destructive feelings brought on by any type of addiction?  Guilt and shame.  Shame because we realize that what we are doing is wrong in the Lords eyes (So we've been taught).  We feel guilty because we know that we are sinners (Again...so we've been told).  Each time I entered a nude bar, my own guilt and shame struck at my heart as soon as I touched the door to enter.  What if someone I know sees me?  What will God think of me?  How will He punish me?  Through my experience, all of these fears were partly brought on by my own behaviors, but also by what I had learned about God up until that point.  You think I'm joking?  If you ever get the chance, watch someone as they enter a nude bar.  I guarantee that as soon as they hit the door they will look over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching them.  That's the guilt on display for all to see.  So, what have we been told about how God looks upon sin?  Well, I don't know what church you attended, but I was raised in a Christianity that said that the Lord can never be in the presence of sin.  I was also raised to know and understand that I was but a sinner saved by the grace of the Lord.  Knowing this, each and every time I entered a nude bar I did so separate from God.  How could God love me if I kept behaving like that?  If God can never be in the presence of sin...what chance did I even have?  I'm thinking that most people afflicted by their own addictions have felt this way.  What changed for me was a pastors sermon.  One Easter Sunday I was sitting in church while the padre told us the story of how Jesus died for our sins and three days later rose again.  Same story, we all know it.  However, at the end of his sermon, this pastor asked everyone in attendance to come forward and confess any sins we might be carrying with us.  Honestly, my first thought upon hearing him say this was, "what sin?"  Really?  You just finished a sermon where you told us that Jesus died to absolve us from all of our sins.  I never returned to that church.  So, if you are sitting there reading this for the first time, I don't blame you at all for feeling left out because you feel that you are somehow separated from God.  I've been there.  The truth is, we have never been apart from the Lord.  The very notion that we ever were separate from God is a lie spoken by our accuser {Genesis 3:4-5}.  The apostle Paul introduces us to the truth of Christ Jesus in Galatians.  Here, Paul reveals that it is Jesus who lives through us today {Galatians 2:20}.  This is confirmed by the apostle John that we would be one with Christ {John 17:21}.  We do well to remember that even in the darkest of times, it is Jesus who is walking that road less traveled with us. 

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 

~Scott~ 

The Simplest Of Things

 

"I woke up today and thanked God that I did"

Rush Limbaugh 

A few months ago I was saddened when radio icon Rush Limbaugh shared with his audience that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer.  I have grown up listening to Rush and heeded some of his pearls of wisdom from time to time.  Despite his diagnosis, one thing which I have not heard uttered from the lips of Limbaugh is how he has been cheated in some way.  That the man is keeping him down.  That, somehow, life's events were robbing him of his best years.  What I did hear from Rush is how thankful for each and every day his situation has made him.  In fact, he will often began a show with his now famous quote, "I woke up this morning and thanked God that I did."  Now, Rush has never been shy about espousing his views on his faith in God and his religion, so I was not surprised when he said this.  My take is that it is but one more thing for liberal hate mongers to dislike him for.  But I saw something different in the Limbaugh approach to his diagnosis.  Once again I've seen that the simplest things in life really do matter.  I've never talked to Rush, never even called the show.  Believe me, at times it's damn near impossible to get through.  However, I am contemplating a future call to his program for the simple fact of bringing his attention to something he might not know about God.  Granted, he might already know, but then it would be a affirmation.  The common catch phrase out there is that God works in mysterious ways, and that is true.  We might call ourselves Christians or believers, but the Lord still works events according to His will and desire {Philippians 2:13}.  What if, the Lord used Rush's health condition to draw him closer to Him?  You have to admit, it's been done before.  In my own life I've experienced it.  Now, we may never know the purpose to which the Lord allowed Limbaugh's health situation, but rest assured that He did allow it for a reason.  If Rush ever shares that on his program I'll listen with a open heart.  Yet, that is between himself and the Lord he serves.  

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 13 NKJV 

I have to admit, there are more than a few of the simplest of things which I have taken for granted over time.  We're told that through the Lord we live, move and have our being {Acts 17:28}.  Yet, there have been relatively few times where I have woken to a brand new day and thanked God that I had.  It took a radio personality to reveal to me just how important this is.  Yes, I'm sure that God had His way in orchestrating it as well.  So, I'm left with one question.  How many of these simplest of things have we taken for granted over the years?  How many times have we said to ourselves, "Well, it'll be there tomorrow so I'll deal with it then?"  I have no way of knowing for sure, but I'm sure that Rush Limbaugh's thoughts were not on a terminal illness in the days leading up to his own diagnosis.  That's the way it usually goes.  The simplest things are usually those we most take for granted.  I have no idea how many days upon this earth that I will be here, but what I do know is that I will be thankful for each and every one of them.  I've shared more than a few times of how hard I prayed that my mother would recover from her sickness.  When that didn't happen I was devastated.  The first thing I did was blame God for not answering my prayers.  However, in my grief I recalled that He did just that.  See, my mother had been in a lot of pain in her final years.  Many times I prayed that the Lord would take her away from her pain.  Well, He did just that.  Yes, I miss my mom, but I am also thankful to God that she is no longer suffering.  I also thank the Lord for those times that I did share with her.  The simplest of things.  As we head into this Thanksgiving week, many of us will be looking for those things which we are thankful for.  Many of them are obvious...food, shelter and employment.  Yet, we should also be thankful for the simple things, that which we experience each day yet seem to take them for granted.  The morning sunrise, a message from a friend or simply knowing that God is indeed within us.  I am thankful for a good many things, but it took a guy on the radio to show me that the simplest of things are important as well.  

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'for we are also His offspring."

Acts 17: 24 - 28 NKJV 

~Scott~