Luke 17::3-4 -- "Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
Psalm 77:1 -- "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me."
Hebrews 13:20-21 -- "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Update -- The library where I go to post things on the blog will be closed on Friday and Saturday for the Independence Day holiday. Therefore, I will be posting the Weekend Sermon on Thursday, and I will wait and post book reviews next week.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Weekend Sermon -- I Peter 5:7
After last night's big storm, I am pleased to be able to post this sermon. Last night we had a very bad storm in my part of the world. Over 100,000 people are still without power. There is extensive flooding and wind damage. Thanks be to God, I was relatively unscathed by the weather. I didn't get any flooding. A few tree branches were blown down.
I would ask that you all continue to pray for my nephew's health. So far, he is doing OK. Let's us pray that he has a speedy recovery.
In your prayer time this week, please continue to pray for the troubled areas of this world. Peace is very elusive in many parts of the Middle East. Let us pray for peace in Ukraine and in the troubled areas of north Africa as well.
Finally, let us pray for all of those who are facing hard times around the world. There is so much poverty and sickness around the world. So many people need so much help.
In last week's message, we studied what Peter had to teach us about humility. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Today, we will focus on a verse that has been of extreme comfort to me over the last several years. I Peter 5:7 states, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
As many of you who have read this blog for a while know, I have had a lot of problems come into my life over the past several years. About five years ago, I lost both of my parents to strokes within four months of each other. Shortly after this, I experienced a severe economic downturn that left me almost destitute. It is just within the last few months that I've been able to get some semblance of order restored to my life.
Through all of these difficulties, it is the Lord Jesus that has seen me through. Without Him to go to with my problems and anxieties, I would not be here today.
When we face the hard times and troubles that will certainly beset all of us in this life, we can give our cares and our problems to Jesus. Jesus is a great high priest who has experienced what we go through. Jesus knows what it feels like to experience pain, loss, sorrow and rejection. Because Jesus has faced these same type of circumstances, He can provide us with the comfort and the support that we need to make it through the dark and rough times that come in life.
I know that sometimes it is hard to trust in the Lord. When times are bleak, Jesus can seem like He doesn't care.
Let me speak to you from my own experience. When I faced my Mom being in the hospital for 37 days and when I faced my Dad being in the hospice, I felt the presence of Jesus deep down in my soul. I felt the Lord sustaining me. I have described it to others like this. Jesus was the rock in the depth of my being keeping me from falling too low and keeping me from being too depressed. I knew that He was there for me. I could go to Him in prayer and meditation, and I could give Him all my cares and troubles.
The reason that we can and we should give all of our cares to Jesus is because He is the only one who has the power to do anything about the problems we face in life. Jesus has all the power to make a difference for us in time and in eternity.
If you are going through a health problem, cast this anxiety on the Lord. He has the power to heal and to restore in this life or in the world to come. He will give you the strength that will sustain you through your time of illness.
If the pressure and stress of life is becoming overwhelming, give this problem to Jesus. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will guide you in the path where He wants you to go if you will yield your life to His will.
One thing that I do when I am facing problems that I cannot cope with in my own strength is to symbolically cast the problem on the Lord. I image that I am holding the problem or turmoil in my hands. I lift my eyes to the heavens, and I tell Jesus that I am casting this problem to Him. I then release the problems I am holding in my hands casting them up to the throne room of Heaven. This makes the problem Jesus' problem not just mine.
Whatever situation you are facing in life, Jesus cares about your struggles and He wants to you to rely on Him for help in every situation. He will make you aware of His presence, and He will help you in a myriad of different ways to overcome the difficulties of this present age.
I had planned to finish our series on I Peter this week. However, it is going to take me one more week to finish up. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will have a book review of a current book. On Friday, I will post the sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
I would ask that you all continue to pray for my nephew's health. So far, he is doing OK. Let's us pray that he has a speedy recovery.
In your prayer time this week, please continue to pray for the troubled areas of this world. Peace is very elusive in many parts of the Middle East. Let us pray for peace in Ukraine and in the troubled areas of north Africa as well.
Finally, let us pray for all of those who are facing hard times around the world. There is so much poverty and sickness around the world. So many people need so much help.
In last week's message, we studied what Peter had to teach us about humility. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Today, we will focus on a verse that has been of extreme comfort to me over the last several years. I Peter 5:7 states, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
As many of you who have read this blog for a while know, I have had a lot of problems come into my life over the past several years. About five years ago, I lost both of my parents to strokes within four months of each other. Shortly after this, I experienced a severe economic downturn that left me almost destitute. It is just within the last few months that I've been able to get some semblance of order restored to my life.
Through all of these difficulties, it is the Lord Jesus that has seen me through. Without Him to go to with my problems and anxieties, I would not be here today.
When we face the hard times and troubles that will certainly beset all of us in this life, we can give our cares and our problems to Jesus. Jesus is a great high priest who has experienced what we go through. Jesus knows what it feels like to experience pain, loss, sorrow and rejection. Because Jesus has faced these same type of circumstances, He can provide us with the comfort and the support that we need to make it through the dark and rough times that come in life.
I know that sometimes it is hard to trust in the Lord. When times are bleak, Jesus can seem like He doesn't care.
Let me speak to you from my own experience. When I faced my Mom being in the hospital for 37 days and when I faced my Dad being in the hospice, I felt the presence of Jesus deep down in my soul. I felt the Lord sustaining me. I have described it to others like this. Jesus was the rock in the depth of my being keeping me from falling too low and keeping me from being too depressed. I knew that He was there for me. I could go to Him in prayer and meditation, and I could give Him all my cares and troubles.
The reason that we can and we should give all of our cares to Jesus is because He is the only one who has the power to do anything about the problems we face in life. Jesus has all the power to make a difference for us in time and in eternity.
If you are going through a health problem, cast this anxiety on the Lord. He has the power to heal and to restore in this life or in the world to come. He will give you the strength that will sustain you through your time of illness.
If the pressure and stress of life is becoming overwhelming, give this problem to Jesus. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will guide you in the path where He wants you to go if you will yield your life to His will.
One thing that I do when I am facing problems that I cannot cope with in my own strength is to symbolically cast the problem on the Lord. I image that I am holding the problem or turmoil in my hands. I lift my eyes to the heavens, and I tell Jesus that I am casting this problem to Him. I then release the problems I am holding in my hands casting them up to the throne room of Heaven. This makes the problem Jesus' problem not just mine.
Whatever situation you are facing in life, Jesus cares about your struggles and He wants to you to rely on Him for help in every situation. He will make you aware of His presence, and He will help you in a myriad of different ways to overcome the difficulties of this present age.
I had planned to finish our series on I Peter this week. However, it is going to take me one more week to finish up. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will have a book review of a current book. On Friday, I will post the sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thoughts on Thursday
I have two things that I would like those of you who read this blog to please pray about today. My nephew has to have surgery today. Please pray that he will be fine, and the surgery will help him in the long run. Also please pray that the bad storms predicted for today in my area will not cause too much trouble. Thank you .
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Book Review
I have to say that most of the books that I have tried to read lately have been terrible. I don't even want to mention them on the blog because I can't find anything good to say about them at all.
This has led me to go back and read again some of my favorite books. The book that I would like to recommend today is a book that I have probably mentioned here on the blog in the past. However, I really enjoy the book, so it is worth mentioning again.
"Ella In Europe" written my Michael Konik is the story of a grand trip through Europe that the author made with his dog Ella. Ella was getting on in years, and the the author wanted to have a special experience with his dog. Unlike here in the United States, dogs are usually welcomed in most places in Europe. This is especially true in France. The author knew that he and Ella could experience the vast majority of Europe together.
The book details the journey of author and dog as they visit France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. They did indeed have a grand time together.
Also of interest in the book is the story of how Ella became a therapy dog. Ella and Michael visited many nursing homes and healthcare facilities bringing joy to the hearts of hundreds of people.
I highly recommend this book. It was published in 2005, so it may be out of print. But many libraries have copies of this book.
P.S. I am currently reading two new books that are actually good. I will review them over the next two weeks.
This has led me to go back and read again some of my favorite books. The book that I would like to recommend today is a book that I have probably mentioned here on the blog in the past. However, I really enjoy the book, so it is worth mentioning again.
"Ella In Europe" written my Michael Konik is the story of a grand trip through Europe that the author made with his dog Ella. Ella was getting on in years, and the the author wanted to have a special experience with his dog. Unlike here in the United States, dogs are usually welcomed in most places in Europe. This is especially true in France. The author knew that he and Ella could experience the vast majority of Europe together.
The book details the journey of author and dog as they visit France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. They did indeed have a grand time together.
Also of interest in the book is the story of how Ella became a therapy dog. Ella and Michael visited many nursing homes and healthcare facilities bringing joy to the hearts of hundreds of people.
I highly recommend this book. It was published in 2005, so it may be out of print. But many libraries have copies of this book.
P.S. I am currently reading two new books that are actually good. I will review them over the next two weeks.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Verses For the Week
Isaiah 61:11 -- "For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."
Matthew 7:12 -- "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
I John 3:1 -- "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."
Matthew 7:12 -- "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
I John 3:1 -- "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."
Friday, June 19, 2015
Weekend Sermon -- I Peter 5:1-6
Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad to be with you once again this week to share a message from the Word of the Lord.
Today is my birthday, and I want to thank the Lord for bringing me safely through another year. As I have said many times before, I would never have made it this far in my life without the Lord's hand to guide and help me. This has been a year of many changes, and the Lord has been with me all the way. Praise be unto his Almighty name.
In prayer this week, please pray for my nephew. He has battled Crohn's disease for quite sometime, and now he has to have an operation on his colon. Please pray that he will have a complete recovery from this operation. Also pray that the Lord will give comfort to my brother and my sister-in-law during this anxious time.
Let us also be in prayer for some other matters. In the state of Alaska, there is a terrible forest fire raging. Pray that this fire will be extinguished, and that people will be safe. Let us also pray for an end to the avian flu, dog flu and other terrible viruses that are right now plaguing this world.
As always, let us continue to pray for peace. Syria, Ukraine, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan are still ravaged by conflict.
Last week, we took a one week break from our studies in I Peter. Today will resume our study and we will start with chapter five.
In the section we will look at today, Peter has words of exhortation to those who are elders in the church, and he has some important words to say about the theme of humility. Let's look at both of these.
First of all, Peter addresses elders. In the church today, there is quite a difference of opinion on what was meant by the term elder in the Bible. In the churches that I grew up in as a boy, elders were viewed as being ordained ministers only. Deacons were elected to be the church board of directors.
In other churches, the pastor is viewed as a teaching elder while other elders are appointed or elected to be part of the church board. Some churches would also include deacons.
It is my opinion, based upon my understanding of Scripture, that when the Bible speaks of elders who rule in the church it is speaking of those who are called by God to be pastors and teachers. Deacons, in my understanding, are also those who are specially called to administer to the physical needs of the congregation.
With that in mind, I believe that Peter is addressing pastors and ministers in this first section of chapter five. The function of a pastor is to feed the flock and to provide oversight. A pastor's duty is to make sure that the Word of the Lord is proclaimed and taught so that the congregation can grow and mature spiritually. The pastor is also tasked with the responsibility of making sure that the church is not falling into any false teaching. The pastor should also assist the members of the congregation with their spiritual needs through counseling.
Peter also states that pastors are supposed to be examples for the congregation to follow. In the pastoral epistles, Paul gives a list of qualifications for elders and deacons. Many of these qualifications have to do with the moral qualities of a person. Someone who is to be a leader of a congregation must have a lifestyle that is an example of Godliness and holiness.
Peter also discusses some characteristics that should not be part of a pastor's life. For one thing, a pastor must be someone who has willingly accepted the call of God. A pastor must be a person who enjoys what they are doing and not feel like they are performing a duty in obligation to God.
A pastor must not be in it for the money. Unfortunately, this is becoming something that is bringing much shame and reproach upon the body of Christ. Being a minister is not about making money. While it is not wrong for a minister to make a wage on which he or she can support a family, it is wrong for pastors to make an excessive income. In my mind, there is something unseemly about a minister driving a luxury car and having a huge home.
Many prominent ministers today are well-known for their extravagant lifestyles and high salaries. It hurts me to look at sites like Charity Navigator and see the large salaries given to some very well-known ministers.
When people in the world who don't know Jesus see this kind of thing, it causes them to be turned off from the things of the Lord. It is a bad testimony, and it drives many people away from the church and a relationship with Jesus.
Thankfully, there are some ministers who are not in it for the money. Their are many faithful men and women who have gone so far as to take a vow of poverty in order to help the advancement of the Kingdom of God. They are truly examples of honorable and faithful service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Peter also states that ministers should not act as lord's over the congregation. I know that in the fundamentalist churches of my youth, the pastor ruled the church and the lives of the people in it. Many of the ministers were very authoritarian and had nasty personalities.
This is not the way in which a pastor should act. A pastor should be a caring person who puts the needs of the flock above his or her own needs. A pastor should be gracious and humble knowing that one day, that pastor will have to give an account to Jesus.
Those pastors who have faithfully followed the Lord Jesus, will receive the crown of glory from Jesus when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom that will have no end.
From this point, Peter moves into a discussion of humility. It is not only pastors that must be humble people. Jesus has called all of His followers to be humble. The first part of humility is realizing that apart from the grace of the Lord Jesus we are nothing. We can do no good thing apart from the enablement of the Lord.
We also need to realize that everything we have comes from the hand of the Lord. It is only through His love and faithfulness that we are where we are today.
In all things, Jesus is our example of a humble life and a humble heart. Jesus taught many parables about humility. One of these is the parable about going to a feast. Jesus said that when you are invited to a dinner, take the lowest place. Jesus also demonstrated His humble heart when He took the place of a servant and washed the disciples' feet in the Upper Room.
Jesus demonstrated ultimate humility when He willingly gave up His life. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross. The God of all glory took upon Himself human flesh. He suffered humiliation for us so that we might be redeemed.
Jesus is our example of humility. Because of His humility, He was and will be exalted. He has been given the name that is above every name. When Jesus returns, He will be acknowledged by every creature as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every knee will bow to Jesus on that great and glorious day.
I hope that you have humbled yourself and come to the realization that you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Only Jesus Christ can save you from your sins. Turn to Jesus in repentance and faith today. Next week, we will conclude our series in I Peter. It has been a real joy to study this book. On Monday, I will post the verses. I am a little behind on my reading, so I am not sure if there will be a review on Wednesday. I will try. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Today is my birthday, and I want to thank the Lord for bringing me safely through another year. As I have said many times before, I would never have made it this far in my life without the Lord's hand to guide and help me. This has been a year of many changes, and the Lord has been with me all the way. Praise be unto his Almighty name.
In prayer this week, please pray for my nephew. He has battled Crohn's disease for quite sometime, and now he has to have an operation on his colon. Please pray that he will have a complete recovery from this operation. Also pray that the Lord will give comfort to my brother and my sister-in-law during this anxious time.
Let us also be in prayer for some other matters. In the state of Alaska, there is a terrible forest fire raging. Pray that this fire will be extinguished, and that people will be safe. Let us also pray for an end to the avian flu, dog flu and other terrible viruses that are right now plaguing this world.
As always, let us continue to pray for peace. Syria, Ukraine, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan are still ravaged by conflict.
Last week, we took a one week break from our studies in I Peter. Today will resume our study and we will start with chapter five.
In the section we will look at today, Peter has words of exhortation to those who are elders in the church, and he has some important words to say about the theme of humility. Let's look at both of these.
First of all, Peter addresses elders. In the church today, there is quite a difference of opinion on what was meant by the term elder in the Bible. In the churches that I grew up in as a boy, elders were viewed as being ordained ministers only. Deacons were elected to be the church board of directors.
In other churches, the pastor is viewed as a teaching elder while other elders are appointed or elected to be part of the church board. Some churches would also include deacons.
It is my opinion, based upon my understanding of Scripture, that when the Bible speaks of elders who rule in the church it is speaking of those who are called by God to be pastors and teachers. Deacons, in my understanding, are also those who are specially called to administer to the physical needs of the congregation.
With that in mind, I believe that Peter is addressing pastors and ministers in this first section of chapter five. The function of a pastor is to feed the flock and to provide oversight. A pastor's duty is to make sure that the Word of the Lord is proclaimed and taught so that the congregation can grow and mature spiritually. The pastor is also tasked with the responsibility of making sure that the church is not falling into any false teaching. The pastor should also assist the members of the congregation with their spiritual needs through counseling.
Peter also states that pastors are supposed to be examples for the congregation to follow. In the pastoral epistles, Paul gives a list of qualifications for elders and deacons. Many of these qualifications have to do with the moral qualities of a person. Someone who is to be a leader of a congregation must have a lifestyle that is an example of Godliness and holiness.
Peter also discusses some characteristics that should not be part of a pastor's life. For one thing, a pastor must be someone who has willingly accepted the call of God. A pastor must be a person who enjoys what they are doing and not feel like they are performing a duty in obligation to God.
A pastor must not be in it for the money. Unfortunately, this is becoming something that is bringing much shame and reproach upon the body of Christ. Being a minister is not about making money. While it is not wrong for a minister to make a wage on which he or she can support a family, it is wrong for pastors to make an excessive income. In my mind, there is something unseemly about a minister driving a luxury car and having a huge home.
Many prominent ministers today are well-known for their extravagant lifestyles and high salaries. It hurts me to look at sites like Charity Navigator and see the large salaries given to some very well-known ministers.
When people in the world who don't know Jesus see this kind of thing, it causes them to be turned off from the things of the Lord. It is a bad testimony, and it drives many people away from the church and a relationship with Jesus.
Thankfully, there are some ministers who are not in it for the money. Their are many faithful men and women who have gone so far as to take a vow of poverty in order to help the advancement of the Kingdom of God. They are truly examples of honorable and faithful service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Peter also states that ministers should not act as lord's over the congregation. I know that in the fundamentalist churches of my youth, the pastor ruled the church and the lives of the people in it. Many of the ministers were very authoritarian and had nasty personalities.
This is not the way in which a pastor should act. A pastor should be a caring person who puts the needs of the flock above his or her own needs. A pastor should be gracious and humble knowing that one day, that pastor will have to give an account to Jesus.
Those pastors who have faithfully followed the Lord Jesus, will receive the crown of glory from Jesus when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom that will have no end.
From this point, Peter moves into a discussion of humility. It is not only pastors that must be humble people. Jesus has called all of His followers to be humble. The first part of humility is realizing that apart from the grace of the Lord Jesus we are nothing. We can do no good thing apart from the enablement of the Lord.
We also need to realize that everything we have comes from the hand of the Lord. It is only through His love and faithfulness that we are where we are today.
In all things, Jesus is our example of a humble life and a humble heart. Jesus taught many parables about humility. One of these is the parable about going to a feast. Jesus said that when you are invited to a dinner, take the lowest place. Jesus also demonstrated His humble heart when He took the place of a servant and washed the disciples' feet in the Upper Room.
Jesus demonstrated ultimate humility when He willingly gave up His life. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross. The God of all glory took upon Himself human flesh. He suffered humiliation for us so that we might be redeemed.
Jesus is our example of humility. Because of His humility, He was and will be exalted. He has been given the name that is above every name. When Jesus returns, He will be acknowledged by every creature as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every knee will bow to Jesus on that great and glorious day.
I hope that you have humbled yourself and come to the realization that you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Only Jesus Christ can save you from your sins. Turn to Jesus in repentance and faith today. Next week, we will conclude our series in I Peter. It has been a real joy to study this book. On Monday, I will post the verses. I am a little behind on my reading, so I am not sure if there will be a review on Wednesday. I will try. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Book Review
Today I am reviewing a book about two things I love. "George the Dog, John the Artist" is a book about a cool dog and contemporary art. It's about more than that though.
John Dolan's life went off track in his teen years. John became involved with drugs, and he took up commercial burglary which ended up getting him sent to prison on several different occasions.
When John wasn't in prison, he was often homeless. He lived a rough life, and it didn't look like this life was going to change anytime soon. That is until a dog named George came along.
When George came, John realized he had to straighten out his life if he wanted to keep George. By chance, John started drawing again, and this reawakened his creative ability.
I won't give away anymore of the book and what the whole outcome of the story is. I will say that I think that people who like dogs, human interest stories and the contemporary art scene will enjoy this book.
With that said, I do have to warn readers of the blog that there is a good deal of rough language in this book. Just because there is a dog in the story, this book is not suitable for younger readers. It is a realistic portrayal of life on the streets and drug addiction.
This book is similar in some ways to the books written by James Bowen. As you probably know, James Bowen found a stray cat named Bob, and James' life turned around. I also highly recommend James Bowen's books. Two are available in the United States, and the new one is on its way here in the fall.
There is something that I wanted to say about both John Dolan's and James Bowen's books if you will indulge me for a moment. Both of these men were addicted to drugs and homeless for long periods of their lives. Neither man ever mentions receiving any help from the church in their books. I don't know if they received or were offered help, or if they just don't mention it. To me it is sad that these two men didn't get more help from Christian people to get them off the streets and into a better life.
I have said here on the blog several times that I think that churches should do more to help people. All churches should have a food pantry and some type of ministry to those who are in need. I was very pleased to hear of one church in Dallas that just finished building its 100th home for Habitat For Humanity. I think that this is great.
What the books by Dolan and Bowen share is the healing and helping power of animals. I thank the Lord for giving us our animal companions to help us in the hard times of life.
John Dolan's life went off track in his teen years. John became involved with drugs, and he took up commercial burglary which ended up getting him sent to prison on several different occasions.
When John wasn't in prison, he was often homeless. He lived a rough life, and it didn't look like this life was going to change anytime soon. That is until a dog named George came along.
When George came, John realized he had to straighten out his life if he wanted to keep George. By chance, John started drawing again, and this reawakened his creative ability.
I won't give away anymore of the book and what the whole outcome of the story is. I will say that I think that people who like dogs, human interest stories and the contemporary art scene will enjoy this book.
With that said, I do have to warn readers of the blog that there is a good deal of rough language in this book. Just because there is a dog in the story, this book is not suitable for younger readers. It is a realistic portrayal of life on the streets and drug addiction.
This book is similar in some ways to the books written by James Bowen. As you probably know, James Bowen found a stray cat named Bob, and James' life turned around. I also highly recommend James Bowen's books. Two are available in the United States, and the new one is on its way here in the fall.
There is something that I wanted to say about both John Dolan's and James Bowen's books if you will indulge me for a moment. Both of these men were addicted to drugs and homeless for long periods of their lives. Neither man ever mentions receiving any help from the church in their books. I don't know if they received or were offered help, or if they just don't mention it. To me it is sad that these two men didn't get more help from Christian people to get them off the streets and into a better life.
I have said here on the blog several times that I think that churches should do more to help people. All churches should have a food pantry and some type of ministry to those who are in need. I was very pleased to hear of one church in Dallas that just finished building its 100th home for Habitat For Humanity. I think that this is great.
What the books by Dolan and Bowen share is the healing and helping power of animals. I thank the Lord for giving us our animal companions to help us in the hard times of life.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Verses For The Week
Psalm 98:1 -- "O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."
Matthew 6:22-23 -- "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thing eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee is darkness, how great is that darkness."
Luke 14:33 -- "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Matthew 6:22-23 -- "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thing eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee is darkness, how great is that darkness."
Luke 14:33 -- "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Friday, June 12, 2015
Weekend Sermon -- Mark 4:21-25
Hello, and welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am very happy to be with you again this week, and hope that all of you are doing very well.
This has been another hard week at work, but the Lord has helped me to make it through. Please continue to pray that I can keep going at this job for as long as possible. It is difficult, but I am trying to do my best.
On the weather situation, my foundation has not given out yet. Thank the Lord. I would ask you to be in prayer for me again this week. We are expecting much rain over the next week, and flooding is once again a concern.
During your prayer time this week, please remember to pray concerning the disease situation in Korea. That nation is experiencing several cases of a Middle Eastern respiratory infection. Pray that those sick will be healed. Also, continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak, the avian flu outbreak and the canine flu outbreak.
Let us also continue to pray for peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Ukraine. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution.
Last week, we finished chapter four in our study of I Peter. Today, we will take a one week break, and then we will resume with chapter five in I Peter.
In our text today, Jesus asks, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not be set on a candlestick?" Today I would like to talk about not hiding our light.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that those of us who are committed to following Him are the light of the world. We are supposed to be filled with the light of Jesus, and then reflect His light into the darkness that is in the world.
As those who are called to be the light, we must let our light shine and not cover up our light so that it cannot be seen by those around us.
I believe that they are several ways that Christians fail to let their lights shine. One of the main ways to hide the light is to never tell anyone about the good news of the love of Jesus. I know that there are many who name the name of Jesus who have never witnessed the love of Jesus and the Gospel to anyone. Many Evangelical Christians have been in the faith for decades, yet they have never brought one person into the kingdom by sharing the Gospel with them.
In the Great Commission, the Lord Jesus gave us the command to go into the world and preach the Gospel to everyone. That is our duty today just as much as it was the duty of the Apostle to whom that message was first given. People will not know of the love of Jesus unless we shine the light of the life of Christ into their lives filled with the darkness of sin.
Don't be afraid to tell others about your faith in Jesus. Whenever the Lord provides you with an opportunity to witness about the Lord, take that opportunity to share with others what Jesus means to you. Make sure that everyone you know knows without a doubt that you are a follower of Jesus.
Another way that people hide the light is by having a bad testimony. Nothing will diminish our light more than living a hypocritical life. When people look at us, they should see Jesus. They should not see a person who claims to be a follower of Jesus, yet that person lives a life that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. This type of thing leads more people away from the Christian faith than anything else I know of.
Also, we hide our light when we do not use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given each of us to make the world a better place. I believe that the Bible is quite clear that each of us has been given a spiritual gift to be of service in the body of Christ. We all need to use our spiritual gifts to build one another up, spread the Gospel and do works of service to make things better in this hurting world.
We also have unique talents that have been given to us by the Lord. Yet, many of us aren't using them to be of benefit to others. I had trouble hiding my light this way for a long time. I am a very reserved person when I am in public. I certainly don't have an outgoing personality.
When I was younger, I didn't want to do anything that involved speaking or singing in front of others. I loved singing and teaching the Bible, but fear held me back. Through prayer, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I have been able in the past few years to be more active in being out with people. The Lord allowed me to sing in some choirs and to teach.
Don't hide your light from this world. The Lord needs all of us to reach this world with the message of His love and grace. Ask the Lord to give you the desire, the strength and the courage to serve Him with all that you have everyday.
Next week, I will post the verses on Monday and a book review on Wednesday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday. May God bless you all. Amen.
This has been another hard week at work, but the Lord has helped me to make it through. Please continue to pray that I can keep going at this job for as long as possible. It is difficult, but I am trying to do my best.
On the weather situation, my foundation has not given out yet. Thank the Lord. I would ask you to be in prayer for me again this week. We are expecting much rain over the next week, and flooding is once again a concern.
During your prayer time this week, please remember to pray concerning the disease situation in Korea. That nation is experiencing several cases of a Middle Eastern respiratory infection. Pray that those sick will be healed. Also, continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak, the avian flu outbreak and the canine flu outbreak.
Let us also continue to pray for peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Ukraine. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution.
Last week, we finished chapter four in our study of I Peter. Today, we will take a one week break, and then we will resume with chapter five in I Peter.
In our text today, Jesus asks, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not be set on a candlestick?" Today I would like to talk about not hiding our light.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that those of us who are committed to following Him are the light of the world. We are supposed to be filled with the light of Jesus, and then reflect His light into the darkness that is in the world.
As those who are called to be the light, we must let our light shine and not cover up our light so that it cannot be seen by those around us.
I believe that they are several ways that Christians fail to let their lights shine. One of the main ways to hide the light is to never tell anyone about the good news of the love of Jesus. I know that there are many who name the name of Jesus who have never witnessed the love of Jesus and the Gospel to anyone. Many Evangelical Christians have been in the faith for decades, yet they have never brought one person into the kingdom by sharing the Gospel with them.
In the Great Commission, the Lord Jesus gave us the command to go into the world and preach the Gospel to everyone. That is our duty today just as much as it was the duty of the Apostle to whom that message was first given. People will not know of the love of Jesus unless we shine the light of the life of Christ into their lives filled with the darkness of sin.
Don't be afraid to tell others about your faith in Jesus. Whenever the Lord provides you with an opportunity to witness about the Lord, take that opportunity to share with others what Jesus means to you. Make sure that everyone you know knows without a doubt that you are a follower of Jesus.
Another way that people hide the light is by having a bad testimony. Nothing will diminish our light more than living a hypocritical life. When people look at us, they should see Jesus. They should not see a person who claims to be a follower of Jesus, yet that person lives a life that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. This type of thing leads more people away from the Christian faith than anything else I know of.
Also, we hide our light when we do not use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given each of us to make the world a better place. I believe that the Bible is quite clear that each of us has been given a spiritual gift to be of service in the body of Christ. We all need to use our spiritual gifts to build one another up, spread the Gospel and do works of service to make things better in this hurting world.
We also have unique talents that have been given to us by the Lord. Yet, many of us aren't using them to be of benefit to others. I had trouble hiding my light this way for a long time. I am a very reserved person when I am in public. I certainly don't have an outgoing personality.
When I was younger, I didn't want to do anything that involved speaking or singing in front of others. I loved singing and teaching the Bible, but fear held me back. Through prayer, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I have been able in the past few years to be more active in being out with people. The Lord allowed me to sing in some choirs and to teach.
Don't hide your light from this world. The Lord needs all of us to reach this world with the message of His love and grace. Ask the Lord to give you the desire, the strength and the courage to serve Him with all that you have everyday.
Next week, I will post the verses on Monday and a book review on Wednesday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Book Review -- Stay
Today I am reviewing a dog book and religious book rolled into one. The book is entitled "Stay: Lessons my dog taught me about life, loss and grace" and the author is Dave Burchett who has written other bestselling religious books.
Stay gives readers a look at how dogs can be used by God to help us learn and grow spiritually. Hannah was the author's Labrador retriever. She helped the author and his wife with her comforting presence when the author's wife, Joni was battling cancer. Then, Hannah received her own cancer diagnosis. Hannah wasn't given very long to live, but she lived over one year longer than her veterinarian's predicted.
During this time, Dave kept a journal of what he was learning about the Lord through his relationship with Hannah. Each chapter in the book contains a spiritual lesson that the author discovered.
I thought that this was a very good book. It is well-written. Hannah's fight against cancer reminded me of what I experienced with Toby. Toby was only given six weeks to live after his liver cancer was surgically removed. However, by the grace of Jesus, Toby lived 13 more months, and they were the best days of our lives together.
This book is not a straightforward dog story. It is a religious book that is using a man's relationship with a dog to make a point. Some readers who want just a dog story should be aware of this before purchasing the book. I definitely recommend this book.
Stay gives readers a look at how dogs can be used by God to help us learn and grow spiritually. Hannah was the author's Labrador retriever. She helped the author and his wife with her comforting presence when the author's wife, Joni was battling cancer. Then, Hannah received her own cancer diagnosis. Hannah wasn't given very long to live, but she lived over one year longer than her veterinarian's predicted.
During this time, Dave kept a journal of what he was learning about the Lord through his relationship with Hannah. Each chapter in the book contains a spiritual lesson that the author discovered.
I thought that this was a very good book. It is well-written. Hannah's fight against cancer reminded me of what I experienced with Toby. Toby was only given six weeks to live after his liver cancer was surgically removed. However, by the grace of Jesus, Toby lived 13 more months, and they were the best days of our lives together.
This book is not a straightforward dog story. It is a religious book that is using a man's relationship with a dog to make a point. Some readers who want just a dog story should be aware of this before purchasing the book. I definitely recommend this book.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Verses For the Week
Psalm 117 -- "O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord."
Matthew 13:33 -- "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."
Luke 12:8 -- "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the son of man also confess before the angels of God."
Matthew 13:33 -- "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."
Luke 12:8 -- "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the son of man also confess before the angels of God."
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Weekend Sermon -- I Peter 4:12-19
Today is the day for another edition of the Weekend Sermon. It is good to be with you today, and I hope that everyone is doing very well.
Thank you for your prayers on my behalf this week. So far, my house is not flooded. I thank the Lord for that. I would ask you to please keep praying, because we are having more rain today, and as much as three inches of rain is expected tomorrow.
On the work front, the tension continues. Please pray that the Lord will assist me in finding a job with at least a little bit less stress. This job is really starting to get to me. It is just a means to an end. That is what I try to keep in mind.
In prayer this week, I would ask you to continue to remember those in Nepal and Vanuatu who are recovering from natural disasters. I heard a report on the radio that the Ebola situation in Sierra Leone is almost under control. This is a real answer to prayer.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the troubled and warfare plagued nations of the world. Also, please pray that two under reported problems will be brought under control hear in the United States. There is a major outbreak of flu in the poultry population of the Midwest. Please pray that this ends soon. Also, please pray for an end to the dog flu outbreak. Those who are dog owners are getting very concerned about this. Thankfully, there is a vaccine available.
Last week, we continued in our series of messages on I Peter. Today we will finish up with chapter 4.
As I mentioned when we started our series in I Peter, Peter is addressing a group of believers who are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. It would not be too long before Peter himself would be put to death for his testimony of Jesus.
Here in chapter 4, Peter reminds his readers not to be surprised when they experience trials, tribulations and persecutions in this world. Those who live for the Lord will suffer persecution. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Jesus also told his disciples in John 15 that they should expect persecution because they are not of this world.
Many Christians around the world are experiencing great persecution at this time. In Syria and Iraq Christians are under threat daily by extremist Islamic forces. Extremists in Libya and some other countries have put Christians to death for their beliefs. North Korea and China also have restrictions on Christians.
I have great respect for those who are willing to face persecution and martyrdom for the sake of the Lord Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that great will be their reward in Heaven. The Lord has a special crown for those who sacrifice their lives on His behalf.
There is a different type of persecution that Christians are facing in Western nations. I know that in the United States, if a person stands up for traditional Christian values, that person is often ridiculed as being a bigot, intolerant and old-fashioned. Some people here in the US are on the verge of losing their businesses because they are standing up for their beliefs.
The main type of persecution that believers in the Western world will face is ridicule by a culture that is becoming more secular and alienated from the things of God everyday. The Christian ideas of morality as outlined in the Bible are ridiculed in the media constantly. The belief in God is constantly under assault.
I believe that we are living in a time when those who wish to stand for the testimony of Jesus will suffer increasing persecution.
Jesus said to expect it when you go full out for Him. Whenever you decide in your life to follow the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, you will face persecution and ridicule. Why? Those who follow the Lord shine light into a dark place. As Jesus said, people love the darkness and they hate the light because the light exposes their evil deeds.
The Bible makes it clear that it is a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. When we suffer on behalf of our Lord, we are partakers of His sufferings. When Jesus returns, those who have suffered for Him will be made glad, and they will have abundant and great joy in the presence of the Lord.
Those of us who are believers should not suffer for doing what is wrong. We are called to have a good testimony in the world. Christians should be the must upstanding and virtuous people on earth. In verse 17, Peter talks about judgment beginning at the house of God and the righteous barely being saved. All of us will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We will be rewarded for what we have done for the Lord here on earth.
As far as salvation is concerned, we can contribute nothing to our salvation. We are saved based on the grace of the Lord and His sacrificial death for us on the cross. His resurrection from the dead brought victory over the consequences of sin.
Those who refuse to place their faith in Jesus, will one day face judgment. The end of those who do not believe the gospel of God is eternal separation from the Lord.
Next week, I will post the verses on Monday and I will have a review of a dog book on Wednesday. On Saturday, we will take a one week break from our series in I Peter. In the following weeks, we will conclude chapter 5 and bring our study of I Peter to a close. May God bless you. Amen.
Thank you for your prayers on my behalf this week. So far, my house is not flooded. I thank the Lord for that. I would ask you to please keep praying, because we are having more rain today, and as much as three inches of rain is expected tomorrow.
On the work front, the tension continues. Please pray that the Lord will assist me in finding a job with at least a little bit less stress. This job is really starting to get to me. It is just a means to an end. That is what I try to keep in mind.
In prayer this week, I would ask you to continue to remember those in Nepal and Vanuatu who are recovering from natural disasters. I heard a report on the radio that the Ebola situation in Sierra Leone is almost under control. This is a real answer to prayer.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the troubled and warfare plagued nations of the world. Also, please pray that two under reported problems will be brought under control hear in the United States. There is a major outbreak of flu in the poultry population of the Midwest. Please pray that this ends soon. Also, please pray for an end to the dog flu outbreak. Those who are dog owners are getting very concerned about this. Thankfully, there is a vaccine available.
Last week, we continued in our series of messages on I Peter. Today we will finish up with chapter 4.
As I mentioned when we started our series in I Peter, Peter is addressing a group of believers who are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. It would not be too long before Peter himself would be put to death for his testimony of Jesus.
Here in chapter 4, Peter reminds his readers not to be surprised when they experience trials, tribulations and persecutions in this world. Those who live for the Lord will suffer persecution. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Jesus also told his disciples in John 15 that they should expect persecution because they are not of this world.
Many Christians around the world are experiencing great persecution at this time. In Syria and Iraq Christians are under threat daily by extremist Islamic forces. Extremists in Libya and some other countries have put Christians to death for their beliefs. North Korea and China also have restrictions on Christians.
I have great respect for those who are willing to face persecution and martyrdom for the sake of the Lord Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that great will be their reward in Heaven. The Lord has a special crown for those who sacrifice their lives on His behalf.
There is a different type of persecution that Christians are facing in Western nations. I know that in the United States, if a person stands up for traditional Christian values, that person is often ridiculed as being a bigot, intolerant and old-fashioned. Some people here in the US are on the verge of losing their businesses because they are standing up for their beliefs.
The main type of persecution that believers in the Western world will face is ridicule by a culture that is becoming more secular and alienated from the things of God everyday. The Christian ideas of morality as outlined in the Bible are ridiculed in the media constantly. The belief in God is constantly under assault.
I believe that we are living in a time when those who wish to stand for the testimony of Jesus will suffer increasing persecution.
Jesus said to expect it when you go full out for Him. Whenever you decide in your life to follow the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, you will face persecution and ridicule. Why? Those who follow the Lord shine light into a dark place. As Jesus said, people love the darkness and they hate the light because the light exposes their evil deeds.
The Bible makes it clear that it is a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. When we suffer on behalf of our Lord, we are partakers of His sufferings. When Jesus returns, those who have suffered for Him will be made glad, and they will have abundant and great joy in the presence of the Lord.
Those of us who are believers should not suffer for doing what is wrong. We are called to have a good testimony in the world. Christians should be the must upstanding and virtuous people on earth. In verse 17, Peter talks about judgment beginning at the house of God and the righteous barely being saved. All of us will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We will be rewarded for what we have done for the Lord here on earth.
As far as salvation is concerned, we can contribute nothing to our salvation. We are saved based on the grace of the Lord and His sacrificial death for us on the cross. His resurrection from the dead brought victory over the consequences of sin.
Those who refuse to place their faith in Jesus, will one day face judgment. The end of those who do not believe the gospel of God is eternal separation from the Lord.
Next week, I will post the verses on Monday and I will have a review of a dog book on Wednesday. On Saturday, we will take a one week break from our series in I Peter. In the following weeks, we will conclude chapter 5 and bring our study of I Peter to a close. May God bless you. Amen.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Some Thoughts On Thursday
It's raining again where I live, and I would once again ask everyone to please pray that the house won't flood. The Lord was gracious, and all was well last week. Let us all pray for safety this week. Thank you for your prayers.
Today at work there are big changes. I have a new supervisor, and I really don't know what to expect. Please pray that all will go well with the meeting that I have scheduled with the supervisor today. I need this job, but I really, really don't like it. Pray that I can find something else.
I've started praying a pray that I used to pray everyday when I was in college. I pray, "Lord, have your will in Your way in my life today." That is my prayer this day about work and all else.
Tomorrow is a very sad day for me. June 5 is the day that my friend Toby passed away. It has been many years since he has been gone. But I miss him every day. June 5, September 19, and February 17 are days that I don't like. These are the days that I lost my family. Please pray that I won't be too depressed tomorrow.
Thank you all for reading the blog. I really appreciate it. I pray that all will go well for all of you today.
Today at work there are big changes. I have a new supervisor, and I really don't know what to expect. Please pray that all will go well with the meeting that I have scheduled with the supervisor today. I need this job, but I really, really don't like it. Pray that I can find something else.
I've started praying a pray that I used to pray everyday when I was in college. I pray, "Lord, have your will in Your way in my life today." That is my prayer this day about work and all else.
Tomorrow is a very sad day for me. June 5 is the day that my friend Toby passed away. It has been many years since he has been gone. But I miss him every day. June 5, September 19, and February 17 are days that I don't like. These are the days that I lost my family. Please pray that I won't be too depressed tomorrow.
Thank you all for reading the blog. I really appreciate it. I pray that all will go well for all of you today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Book Review
The book that I am reviewing today is entitled "The Dog Who Saved Me" written by Susan Wilson. I know that many people really enjoy the books written by Susan Wilson based around dogs. I have read one of her books in the past, and I thought that it was OK. That is my impression of this book as well.
"The Dog Who Saved Me" centers around a former police officer whose police dog and friend named Argos was killed in the line of duty. The officer is now working as an animal control officer in the town he grew up in. He must confront the old hurts of dealing with an alcoholic father and an criminal older brother.
Much of the book deals with the officer trying to find a rehabilitate a feral dog. There is also a romantic interest for the officer who is dealing with her own issues of loss.
As I said, I think that this book is fair. I would give it a rating of two stars out of four. The writing is good, and the main story is interesting. However, I thought that there was too much emphasis on the secondary characters in the book making it too long. I didn't care too much for the ending either.
If you like fiction dog books, you may enjoy this work.
"The Dog Who Saved Me" centers around a former police officer whose police dog and friend named Argos was killed in the line of duty. The officer is now working as an animal control officer in the town he grew up in. He must confront the old hurts of dealing with an alcoholic father and an criminal older brother.
Much of the book deals with the officer trying to find a rehabilitate a feral dog. There is also a romantic interest for the officer who is dealing with her own issues of loss.
As I said, I think that this book is fair. I would give it a rating of two stars out of four. The writing is good, and the main story is interesting. However, I thought that there was too much emphasis on the secondary characters in the book making it too long. I didn't care too much for the ending either.
If you like fiction dog books, you may enjoy this work.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Verses For the Week
Psalm 118:1 -- "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever."
Matthew 6:24 -- "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold to one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
I John 2:15 -- "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Matthew 6:24 -- "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold to one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
I John 2:15 -- "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
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