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Lavishing Love on Jesus!
Scripture reading for March 12th: Luke 7
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Luke 7:44-47 “Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give Me any water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give Me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing My feet. You did not put oil on My head, but she has poured perfume on My feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Jesus visited the home of a Pharisee for dinner and a woman came and lavished perfume and a foot-washing on Jesus. The Pharisee and his friends were looking with disdain on this development, knowing the past of the lady involved. Jesus told a story and then applied it to the situation. The Pharisees could not miss this teaching and its application.
What would Jesus say about us? All who have been ‘born-again’ have welcomed Him into our ‘house’. Do we lavish praise and worship on Him when we gather with God’s people? Do we humbly ‘wash’ His feet by serving others in need? Are we lavish with our precious treasures, giving generously to His kingdom work? Do we truly understand how much we have been forgiven?
Observations for over-comers: Good works and lavish worship won’t save us, but they are a good indicator of our understanding Christ’s forgiveness of our many sins! “When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” (2nd Samuel 6:13-15)
A student will become like his teacher!
Scripture reading for January 14th: Matthew 10
Key scriptures: Matthew 10:24-25, 28 “”A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household. . . . Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus plainly taught His disciples that persecution would be their lot from others, often members of their own household. After all, Jesus was a Jew and His own countrymen turned on Him, some accusing Him of being demon-possessed and others plotting His murder–for religious reasons, of course!
However, Jesus’ disciples must continue to share the good news and preach truth without regard for those who opposed them. Their fear or respect for God must always be above a fear of man–even their own family! The fear of man could be the snare of the enemy that would take Jesus’ followers to their destruction in Hell! Jesus taught them that hell was a real place where the devil and his followers would spend eternity suffering for their lack of fear of God.
Observation for over-comers: As we follow Jesus, we are being transformed to be more like Him each day. This brings persecution from those in rebellion. Don’t fear their taunts, Christ has overcome! “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
Good Tidings of Great Joy!
Scripture reading for December 25th: Luke 2:8-14
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”” (Luke 2:8-14)
To the humble shepherds, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant and blinding glory. They were tending their flocks, protecting them from the predators of the night and the sight was terrifying! The angel reassured them with one of the 365 “fear not’s” of the Scriptures. His message was “good news of great joy” for all people of the earth, Jew and Gentile! (Luke 2:29-32) This “Good News” was that a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in the town of David–Bethlehem! This fulfilled what was spoken by Micah the prophet! (Micah 5:2) These shepherds were told they would find this child wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
A great company of heavenly hosts (angelic beings) appeared with the angel of the Lord to these shepherds. They were praising God and giving glory to God in the highest heaven and proclaiming peace on earth to all men who would believe and receive the “Good News”! Today is still a time of God’s favor and His peace is available to all who will repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord! This Good News is for you and all men today!
Seasoned with salt!
Scripture reading for September 11th: Colossians 4
Hearts were warmed!
Scripture reading for October 29th: Luke 22-24
Luke told the story of the two disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus on Sunday afternoon after the resurrection of Jesus Christ earlier that same day. One was named Cleopas and the other disciple is not named. These two disciples were walking along discussing the events of the Passover week that had just finished. They were disciples of Jesus who were still reeling from their Master’s sudden crucifixion. And now, that morning, the women came and told them that Jesus was risen! (Luke 24:9-12) Peter went and found only the grave clothes lying there by themselves. All were perplexed and wondered what had happened. As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined them on the road and walked with them. They did not initially recognize Him, but He struck up a conversation.
They began to tell Him their experience of the past week as He asked them what had happened. They told Him the whole story about the crucifixion of Jesus and the empty tomb. Jesus then spoke clearly to them from the Law and the Prophets, showing them how the Messiah must suffer and die and enter His glory. I imagine it was an interesting Bible Study on that road that day and the time passed quickly. Suddenly, they were at their destination and they had hardly begun. They invited Jesus to stay and eat with them.
As they sat at the table, Jesus took the bread, and gave thanks, and broke it to give to them. As soon as He did this simple act of fellowship around the table, their eyes were opened and they beheld Him! He then disappeared from their sight! They recognized how their hearts had burned when Jesus had opened the Scriptures and talked with them. (Luke 24:30-32)
This story is heart-warming for us even today! What a gracious Savior we have who would care so dearly for His followers! As we read the Scriptures, we now have the Holy Spirit living in us who will take these words and unveil them in our hearts! (John 16:13-16) He sets our hearts on fire for Him daily! Each time we partake of the “Lord’s Supper”, we have Him revealed to us afresh and in a new way! (Luke 22:17-19) We are so blessed to know Him and enjoy His heart-warming love!
Sunday rest and reflection!
Sunday June 22nd, 2014
Dear Friends,
Mary and I would like to thank all who prayed and sent us notes and encouragement this past week. My father went home to the Lord last Saturday night and we had a wonderful home-going service on Wednesday. We could feel the prayers and God’s presence was with us in a special way. My mom, after 68 years of marriage, is working through this with God’s help.
Jesus is the Hope of all the earth! In Him, all families of the earth find true blessings of righteousness and peace! His Kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness and peace based on His eternal love and faithfulness! Let us gather to worship, pray, and honor His Word as it is taught and preached! The King is coming soon!
In His Love,
Pastor John and Mary
Sunday rest and reflection!
Sunday May 11th, 2014
Dear Friends,
Today is a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!
It is also a day we honor our mothers, who sacrificially carried us and cared for us that we can enjoy physical life on earth! I must boast of a wonderful mother who blessed me and our family by her loving, caring, serving example of our Lord. She taught the Bible in word and deed! She has blessed her family and God’s family is richer because of her! May God bless her today and always!
Join with the church today as we worship, pray, and listen to God’s Word! May eternal praise be given to the One who gives us eternal life! God bless our mothers! May Jesus Christ be praised!
In His Love, Pastor John and Mary
How the mighty have fallen!
Scripture reading for March 29th: 2nd Samuel 11-14
In my years in the church, I have witnessed a number of moral failures. Many of these have been in ministry and were men and women of God who had powerful ministries and were great people of influence in the church and community. Those in ministry have caring hearts and are often the target of Satan. Satan knows that if he can get a man or woman of God to compromise, he has a good opportunity to trip up many in the church as well. These moral failures were often a result of pride and lack of accountability.
King David decided to stay home from the battlefield and take a break. He was about 50 years old at this time. While resting at home, he saw his neighbor’s wife bathing and sent for her. They had a sexual encounter and she conceived a child. (2nd Samuel 11:4-5) When David was notified, he sent for her husband, Uriah. David hoped to have Uriah spend time with his wife but the plan failed. King David sent Uriah back with orders for Joab, his army commander, to have Uriah killed in battle.
David’s failure to restrain his passions brought an unwanted pregnancy. David essentially had Bathsheba’s husband murdered. (2nd Samuel 11:25-27) David then married Bathsheba. This turn of events displeased the Lord!
Sexual sins are deadly! David’s son, Solomon, also born to him through Bathsheba, wrote that the door of adultery leads to hell and death. (Proverbs 7:26-27) God has joined the man and woman together as one in flesh and spirit. They are a picture of Christ and His bride, the Church! (Ephesians 5: 31-32) When we separate what God has joined together, we open the door to violence between the parties involved. (Malachi 2:15-16) David was moved on by Satan to have Bathsheba’s husband murdered and the child that was conceived died as a consequence!
Check your own heart today in this area of sexual lust and sexual sins. Have you been looking at things you should not be looking at? Have you entertained temptation rather than resisting it? Are you emotionally involved with someone who is not your mate? Flee temptation today and turn to the Lord for forgiveness and help! David’s own advice can be found in Psalm 32: 1-6!
My Peace I leave with You!
Scripture reading for May 25th: John 14:15-31
Jesus, knowing that a short time remained with the eleven remaining disciples, began to teach them about the Gift of the Father. He told them He would ask the Father to give them another Counselor like Him who would be with them forever. (John 14:16-17) This Counselor would be known as the Spirit of Truth who would live in them and those who would believe on account of their witness. Those in the world would not have this Gift or understand anything about Him.
This Counselor was not just a vague spirit, but a true person. This third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, was a special gift to Jesus’ disciples. He would be sent by the Father at Jesus’ request. He would help them by reminding them of everything that Jesus had taught them and then would teach them all things. These things Jesus instructed the disciples about so that they would have peace through the coming storm of events.
Jesus was prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace” and “Wonderful Counselor” by Isaiah. (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus’ teachings were marked by unusual wisdom and people everywhere marveled at His ability to speak like no one else. When Jesus had asked these disciples if they wanted to leave Him, Peter had spoken up that Jesus had words of eternal life and there was no one else like Him. (John 6:68)
As Jesus prepared to leave these men, He granted them His peace. This peace was beyond anything the world could offer. It was a supernatural peace granted by the only One who can give sinful humans peace with God through forgiveness of sins. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) He and they would soon face tremendous spiritual conflict with the ‘prince of this world’, Satan. Jesus assured them that this prince had no hold on Him. He was going to fully obey the Father and demonstrate that obedience to the world.
Do you live in this supernatural peace given by Jesus Christ? It is available today to those who follow Him and put their trust in His word. This peace comes with Jesus’ perfect love that drives out all fear and is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit!
The New Command!
Scripture reading for May 24th: John 13:31-14:14
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.” “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:33-35)
Jesus knew that after Judas left to betray Him, the final hours had come. He reaffirmed to these faithful men that He was going away and that where He was going, they could not come now. He would be going to the cross, and willingly laying down His life. They had other things to do before they would also give their lives for the Gospel!
Jesus was emphatic about a new commandment that He was giving to them. The act of keeping this commandment would particularly mark them as Jesus’ disciples. It was not an optional requirement, but something that they must do as His disciples. This command was all about showing love for one another. Love is the fulfillment of God’s laws. Jesus was setting an example for them in showing love by laying His life down for them as well as for the sins of the whole world. He commanded them to learn to give this kind of self-sacrificing love to each other.
When we love someone with God’s love, we desire the very best for them. We consider them better than ourselves and act for their highest good. We speak truth to them and would never steal from them or lie to them. We would never stay angry with them without resolving the differences. We would never covet their property, power, or position, but would rejoice with them in the good things God had done for them. We would seek to bless them and encourage them to be all that God wants them to be and help them with needs. We would not compete with them, but would seek to help them be the best.
This kind of love marked Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It is the Father’s heart that His children have this love for each other. Do all men know that you are Jesus’ disciple because of your extravagant love?