Saturday, May 31, 2014

Weekend Sermon-- Mark 3:1-6

    Thank you for joining me for another edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I am glad to be able to post today.  We had a very busy week at work.  I am tired, but I am very grateful to have a job.
     Many of you have been praying about my financial problems and the situation with my house.  I am happy to report an answer to prayer.  I have worked out a solution to my house situation.  I want to thank the Lord Jesus for His help, and I want to thank all of you who have prayed for me about this situation.
     For the past few weeks, I have asked you to pray for one country each week where there aren't a large number of Christians.  This week, let us pray for the the nation of Yemen.  Let us pray that the Gospel will reach many people in this part of the world.
     Today, we continue with our series of messages on the miracles of Jesus.  While He was here during His earthly ministry, Jesus often taught in the local synagogues.  One day, Jesus entered the synagogue to teach, and He encountered a man who had a withered hand.  The religious leaders wanted to see if Jesus would heal the man even though it was the Sabbath day.  These religious leaders believed that healing was  work, and all work was prohibited on the Sabbath. 
     Jesus told the man with the withered hand to come forward.   Then, Jesus asked the religious leaders if it was right to do good on the Sabbath day.  They all remained silent.  None of the religious leaders would answer Jesus' question. 
    This made Jesus angry.  The Bible also says that Jesus was grieved at the religious leader's hardness of heart. 
    Jesus turned to the man with the withered hand, and Jesus told him to stretch out his hand.  The man did as he was instructed, and his hand was made completely whole. 
    Jesus' action of healing infuriated the religious leaders.  They immediately began plotting out a means to destroy Jesus.
    This is an interesting account, but what does it have to teach us today.  One of the questions we need to address is the idea of the Sabbath day.  Jesus taught that it was right to do what was good on the Sabbath day.  Working to make the world a better place or working to help someone in need is not a violation of the Sabbath day principle.  This is part of what we are called to do as Jesus' followers.  The world is filled with many hurting people who need our help.  We need to be available to help others every day of the week at every hour of the day. 
    Another thing that strikes me in this story is that Jesus was angry and grieved at the religious leaders lack of compassion for others.  They didn't seem to care about another person's suffering.  Too often, Christian people look down on those who are suffering, and they fail to reach out a helping hand to others.  We often worry about our rules and regulations, and we fail to show love and compassion to those who need to see a demonstration of the love of Jesus in action.
    I believe that if Christian people would be less condemning and more loving, we could see more people come to a knowledge of Jesus.  I think that many people in the world today don't follow Jesus because they have been turned off by the meanness and hardheartedness of those who claim to be Christ's followers.
     I hope that all of us can find some way to put the love of Jesus into action to help others.  What a better place the world would be.
     I hope to be able to publish a book review on Wednesday.  We will continue with our series of messages on the miracles of Jesus next weekend.  May God bless you.  Amen.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Update

I will not be able to post a book review this week.  I will still post the Weekend Sermon on Friday or Saturday. 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Weekend Sermon--Mark 8:22-26

     Thank you for joining me for another edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I am sorry that I was not able to post the sermon yesterday, but I had to attend a very long meeting at work.  The library closes early on Friday, so I didn't have time to get the sermon posted.
     As I did last week, I would ask that you please pray for me about my financial situation.  I am working hard, but the last couple of years has left me in a bad situation.  If a miracle doesn't happen within the next few days, I am afraid that I am going to lose my house.  I am trying to work with the people that I owe, but I am not really getting anywhere.  Please pray that the Lord will provide and show me the way forward in this matter.
     Today, we continue with our series of messages on the miracles of Jesus.  Our message this week comes from the Gospel of Mark.  I find this to be one of the most unusual of the miracle stories told about Jesus.
     As Jesus came to the city of Bethsaida, some of the people who lived in the town brought a blind man for Jesus to heal.  Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out of the town.  Jesus then spit on the man's eyes and put His hands on the man. 
     Jesus asked the blind man if he could see anything.  The blind man responded that he saw men who looked like trees walking about.  At this point, Jesus put His hands on the blind man's eyes again.  This time, the blind man's sight was restored to complete perfection.  Jesus sent the man away and told him not to go into the town.
     This story is unusual because it seems at first glance that Jesus didn't get the healing right the first time.  As the Lord of all of the universe, I know that Jesus has the power to do whatever it is that He wants to do.  It is my opinion that this story teaches us a great spiritual lesson.
     First of all, Jesus led the man out of town.  This demonstrates to me that when we come to follow the Lord, we have to leave our past of sinfulness behind us.  We have to come out of that which kept us in spiritual darkness for so long.  Jesus is the one who takes us from the place of darkness and leads us into the light.
     Just as this man didn't see everything clearly right away, those of us who come to know the Lord will not understand all that there is to know about following Jesus right away.  The Christian life is a growth process.  We mature in the faith.  The goal is to become more and more like Jesus our Lord each and every day. 
     As we study the words of Jesus and spend time communicating with Him in prayer, we understand more about what He expects of us.  We grow closer to Him, and we become more like Him. 
     Eventually, we will be with Jesus.  At that time, we will be made complete.  We will know as we are known.  The past with the sins that so easily beset us will be done.  We will live in the glorious light of the risen Lord and sin will be no more.
     As we walk the narrow path that leads to life looking to Jesus who is the author and the perfecter of our faith, we must keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.  We cannot look back on the things of the world.  We must not go back to the spiritual darkness from which Jesus has so graciously delivered us.
     If you have not had your sins forgiven by the Lord Jesus, I invite you to ask Jesus to forgive you.  Trust in Him for salvation, and make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life today.
     Next Wednesday, I will have an animal book review.  On Friday, I will post another sermon in our miracles of Jesus series.  May God bless you.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Update

I just got off work, and the library will close in 15 minutes.  I won't be able to post the sermon today, but I will post it tomorrow.  Thank you.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Review

     Today I have decided not to review a book.  Instead, I would like to recommend one of my favorite television series.  I am a big fan of mystery novels and mystery programs.  One of my favorite mystery television series of all times is "Inspector Morse".  I have also enjoyed the books that the series is based upon.  However, this is one of the rare instances where I think that the television program is better than the books.  If you love a good mystery and good acting, watch the "Inspector Morse" series of programs.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Weekend Sermon -- Matthew 8:23-27

     Thank you for joining me for another edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I hope that everyone is doing well this week.
     I am getting more hours in at my job, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing me with this source of income.  My writing work was a little bit better this week for the first time in quite awhile, so I want to thank the Lord for this as well.
     Last week, I asked you to pray for me that I would find a permanent solution to the financial trouble that I have been having because I was without significant work for a very long time.  Please keep praying about this.  I know that the Lord is able to answer prayer, and that He will provide a way of deliverance.
     This week, let us pray for the nation of Singapore.  The population of Singapore is only about 10 percent Christian.  Pray for the spread of the gospel in this place.
     A few weeks ago, I began a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus.  We took a break from this series to focus on the events of Easter and some of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.  Today, we will resume our miracles of Jesus series.
     In Matthew chapter 8 we find one of my favorite stories about Jesus.  Jesus had been preaching and healing people in and around the city of Capernaum.   Capernaum was located on the Sea of Galilee along with many other villages whose primary economic activity centered around fishing. 
    One day, Jesus decided that it was time for Him to go with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee to visit some of the villages over there. 
    During the voyage across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fell asleep.  During this time, a storm quickly came up.  The wind caused the waves to become great, and the disciples were afraid that they were going to die. 
    While all of this was going on, Jesus was still asleep.  Finally, Jesus' petrified disciples awoke Him and said, "Lord, save us!  We are perishing!" 
     Jesus responded by saying, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Jesus then rebuked the wind, and the storm ceased.  All became calm. The disciples marveled and the great power demonstrated by the Lord Jesus.
     This miracle of Jesus speaks to me in several different ways.  First of all, this miracle demonstrates the tremendous power that Jesus had over nature.  This miracle clearly shows that Jesus was God come in the flesh.  As the creator of all that there is, Jesus had the authority to command the natural order to do His bidding.  Immediately, when Jesus gave the command, the winds and the waves obeyed.
     This miracle helps me to know that Jesus has the power to do whatever I ask Him to do.  He has the power to work in whatever situation or problem I find myself in.
     Right now, I am going through a tremendous economic mess.  It doesn't seem like there is any light at the end of the tunnel.  However, I know that I need to have faith in the miracle working power of the Risen Lord Jesus.  The same one who calmed the storm has the power to do what is necessary to bring about a resolution to my current difficulties.
     This miracle also speaks to me about the fact that I do not need to be afraid.  Jesus will keep me safe.  Ultimately, I know that because of what Jesus has done on my behalf, all will be well.  One day, I will be with the Jesus because He has gone to prepare a place for me.  Wherever Jesus is, I will be there too.
     There is a lot in this world to make anyone afraid.  Finances, bad health, family problems, war and violence can strike fear into our hearts.  It helps me immensely to realize that the creator of the entire universe is in control of my life.  He is guiding and directing my path.  I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and focus on His power and His love for me.
     When I think of storms in life that need to be calmed, I also think about the inner emotional storms that affect so many.  I have had difficulty with depression for many years.  As I said on this blog before, I know that I would never have made it this far in life without the Lord Jesus in my life.  Everyday, He helps me to make it through the difficult and hard times.  His loving presence brings comfort to the emotional and psychological storms that try to unleash havoc and bring upset to my heart.
     It all comes down to this.  Jesus is God.  He is the creator.  All power belongs to Him.  If we put our faith and trust in what Jesus has done for us by His death and resurrection, we have Jesus in our heart.  Jesus can bring us through every storm we face in this life.  He is the only one that can bring us peace and comfort.  Jesus will lead all of His followers to safety, joy and happiness in His eternal kingdom.  Let us all have faith in Jesus, and believe that He is with us in all things.
     Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday and a sermon on Friday.  May God bless you.  Amen. 
    

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Update

I will be posting the Weekend Sermon on Saturday instead of on Friday this week.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

A Review

Today's review is going to be a little different.  Every once in awhile, I like to relax with some light entertainment.  Some of my favorite things to read that are light and fun are comics about animals.  One of my favorites is "Get Fuzzy".  This comic is about a dog named Satchel and a cat named Bucky.  I think that it is hilarious.  I also enjoy the old "Citizen Dog" comics about Mel and Fergus.  These were only published for a short time, but I believe that the books are still in print.  Marmaduke has always been a favorite of mine as well.  "Mutts" is the last comic I want to mention.  These four comics are great entertainment that I highly recommend.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Weekend Sermon

     I am glad to be back posting the Weekend Sermon.  Last week, I was so sick that I thought that I was going to die.  It only lasted for two days, but those two days were like hell on earth. I hope that everyone is in good health and having a very good week.
     I would like to ask those of you who regularly read the blog to pray for me once again.  As many of you know, I was hit by some very bad financial problems.  I asked many of you to pray that I would not lose my house, and things looked good on that front for awhile.  However, something has happened, and I am having trouble in that area again.  Please pray that there will be an answer once and for all for all of these financial difficulties I am facing.  I thought when I got the new job that things would be better.  They are in many ways, and I am grateful to God for providing my job.  I just need to break out of this financial mess once and for all and start moving on.  Please pray for me.
     Let us all pray this week for the nation of Somalia.  This country has faced many years of warfare and strife.  Let us pray for peace.  Also, let us pray that the gospel will reach many people in this land.  There are very few Christians in the land of Somalia.
     Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is a few weeks behind us on the Christian calendar.  However, I have been thinking a lot about the resurrection for quite awhile.  I think that this entire theme has been on my mind this week for two reasons.  First of all, Mother's Day is this Sunday here in the United States.  I lost my Mom about four years ago, and I miss her everyday.  Also, my friend Toby's birthday was this week.  He has been gone from me for 19 years now.  I miss him everyday as well.
     Because Jesus rose from the dead, I don't have to mourn for my loved ones who have preceded me in death as those who have no hope might mourn.  I know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  Those who have placed their faith in the risen Lord will live forever with Him.  Death has no power over those who are in Jesus.
     One of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus that I like the best is Jesus encounter with Mary Magdalene.  Mary had come to Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning along with some other of the women that had followed Jesus.  When they arrived at the tomb, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb was empty.
     Mary was in great sorrow.  She wondered if someone had come and taken Jesus away.  Mary was crying when a man spoke to her.  Mary did not know that it was Jesus.  She thought that she was speaking to the gardener.  She did not recognize Jesus until she heard the Lord speak her name.  Mary's sorrow was turned into joy when she realized that Jesus was alive.
     This story has great meaning for me for a few different reasons.  First of all, this story makes me think of what my first encounter with Jesus in Heaven might be like.  I know this may seem odd.  However, the Bible does not state as far as I know what our first meeting in Heaven with Jesus will be like.  Will I know that it is Jesus by the way He speaks my name just as Mary recognized the voice of Jesus. 
     I also like this story because it tells me that Jesus turns all of our sorrows into joy.  Mary was filled with sorrow, but when she recognized Jesus, her sorrow vanished.  As far as I am concerned, this life is hard.  I realize that I haven't had nearly the problems that many people around the world face.  Still, I don't find life on this earth to be something to get too excited about.  I've dealt with a lot of grief lately.  The stress of life has really been getting me down.  Depression is my constant companion.  However, I know that one day, all of the sorrows and difficulties that I face will be turned to joy.
     One of these days, I will see Jesus face to face.  Then all of the present difficulties will pass away in the twinkling of an eye.  When I see Jesus, nothing else will matter.  I don't think that I will even remember the painful things of life anymore because my heart will be so full of the joy of being in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 
     Finally, this story speaks to me because it shows that Jesus cares about people's feelings.  Jesus loves us, and He wants the best for us.  Jesus knows when we are in pain and when we are depressed.  His presence really helps.  I don't know how I would make it through the day without Jesus.  Just knowing that He cares about me and that He loves me enables me to get up in the morning and try my best to do what He wants me to do.
     I hope that you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.  If you call on Him in repentance and faith, He will forgive you of your sin and dwell in your heart.  One day, you will see Him face to face and experience the overwhelming joy that only Jesus can bring.
     Next week, I will post another book review on Wednesday.  On Friday, I hope to resume our series on the miracles of Jesus.  May God bless you.  Amen.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Book Review

Today, I am reviewing the book "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction" by Will Burrad-Lucas and Rebecca Jackrel.  This is a book that contains excellent photographs of a little known species along with text that explains the efforts that are underway to help to keep these magnificent creatures from leaving this earth.

Those who read this book will find a view of a different kind of Africa.  The Ethiopian wolf lives in the mountainous areas of Africa.  It is not a particularly warm place.  It was interesting to learn that along with the efforts to help the wolves, the people and animals of the surrounding villages also receive benefits from the conservation efforts.

I recommend this book to all of those who enjoy reading about wolves and enjoy great photography.  

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Update

I am sorry that I was not able to post a review or a sermon this week.  I have been very sick.  I hope to get back on schedule with a review on Wednesday and the Weekend Sermon on Friday next week.