Welcome to a new edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am grateful to the Lord for the opportunity that He has given me to post the blog this week. I hope that everyone is having a good day.
I want to thank the Lord for keeping things safe from the storms this week. Thank you for your prayers regarding this matter.
This was a good week in writing, and I thank the Lord for that. I had two job interviews this week. I am supposed to go for a second interview on one job, and I will find out about the other next week. Please pray that one of these jobs will come back with a positive result.
Please continue to pray that the fires in the western part of the United States will be extinguished. Pray for those who are working to put the fires out.
Continue to pray for peace in the trouble areas of this world. Please remember to pray for Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for the nations of Bosnia and Mongolia. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Over the course of the summer, we were engaged in a series of messages about Jesus. We were studying who Jesus is and His life and ministry. I had a lot of fun posting those messages, and I hope that you enjoyed reading them.
Starting this week, we will be beginning a new series of messages based on the last few chapters of the book of Romans. Lord willing, we will be studying most of Romans 12-16 to see what the Lord would have us to learn from these important chapters.
For today's message, I want us to concentrate our attention on just one verse and that is Romans 12:1. The verse states, "Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship."
The apostle Paul who is the author of the book of Romans, begins this chapter by urging us to reflect on God's mercy. I believe that all of us need to reflect on the great mercy that has been shown to us by the Lord.
The Bible is quite clear that everyone who has ever lived except for Jesus has committed sins. There is no one who is righteous. Because we have sinned and fallen short of the standard that God has established, we deserve to suffer the consequences of sin which is death and eternal separation from God.
In spite of the fact that we have turned from the Lord and gone our own way, the Lord has demonstrated His love and mercy to us. The Lord Jesus came and took upon Himself the form of a servant. He suffered and died on the cross. He took upon Himself the punishment for sins that we deserved. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross. Jesus then rose from the dead in order to overcome the results of sin. Jesus defeated death and the grave by His glorious resurrection.
Because of His mercy and love for us, Jesus offers us His forgiveness. He asks us to turn away from sin and accept Him as Savior and Lord. He offers us His marvelous light in place of our darkness. He offers us the opportunity to have new life in and through Him.
Many who are reading this sermon have come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. You have turned from sin to the Savior. Now, we all have to ask ourselves as we ponder the mercy of the Lord, what is to be our response to the Lord's love and mercy.
Paul tells us that we are to offer our entire selves in a manner that is holy and pleasing to the Lord. We are to offer all of our live to the Lord.
Offering ourselves to the Lord means that we are willing to let the Lord lead us where He wants us to go. It means that we are willing to serve Him and do those things that He has called us to do.
When we offer ourselves to the Lord, it means that we are willing to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. We are willing to set aside the sins which can so easily beset us and live in accordance with the teachings and the commandments of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus has done so much for us, we need to be willing to give Him our all. Whatever form of service the Lord calls us to, we must say yes Lord. This is what is pleasing to the Lord. This is our reasonable service to the one who has done so much for us.
If you have never placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that you will do so today. If you have never placed all of your life in the service of the Lord, I pray that you will give all of yourself to the service of Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our Romans series. I will be posting the verses on Tuesday this week as the library is closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. I will post the next chapter of the book about my friend Toby on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Toby -- The Story of My Friend -- Chapter 8
Here is the next chapter.
Chapter 8
I begin this chapter by stating flat out that I haven't been to too many places. I am not well traveled. I remember students in school telling about where they went on summer vacation. Some of them went overseas to exotic places. My family stayed pretty much in our area.
I have never traveled very far outside of the Midwest. To the north, I have gone as far as South Dakota and Minnesota. I've been as far south as Arkansas. Westward, I've gone to the Rocky Mountains, and to the east I've been to Illinois. There you have it.
What's nice about these travels is that everywhere I went, Toby always came too. After a short time in our home, it soon became apparent that Toby was the type of dog who really attached himself to the family. He would have been totally heartbroken if I had left him in a kennel while I was off enjoying a good time.
Besides Toby's attachment to me, I also took his special needs into consideration. Toby needed special food in order to keep his digestive system working properly, and the little guy had pills that he needed to take on a daily basis. If he wasn't along on the trip, no matter how good the boarding facility, I wouldn't have been able to have any fun for fear that Toby wasn't receiving the proper care.
For these reasons, if was decided that at all times Toby would accompany me on all vacations and trips. As you will see, having him along made the trips much more fun and memorable.
The first trip came along when we took a trip to the Ozarks. We went down there quite a bit and stayed in Springfield, Missouri. There was a nice hotel there that offered a golf course, tennis and three swimming pools.
I was very pleased with the way Toby behaved on this initial trip. He didn't make any fuss in the car. We just drove down there peacefully and in comfort. This place didn't care if Toby was with me on the golf course as long as he didn't get on the greens. He followed me around while I played. I embarrassed myself greatly as I always do on the golf course. I think I caught Toby laughing at me on more than one occasion. It's probably a good thing I can't play golf anymore. The last time I played about ten years ago, I hooked the ball so bad it went over the safety netting by the course edge and landed in the practice putting area. I just missed hitting a man in the head.
At restaurants, I stayed with him out in the car and just ate out there. On warm days, we would go sit under a shade tree and have a picnic. I never left Toby alone in the car. Even with the windows cracked, a car will heat up tremendously. For a time, I also feared he would be stolen. At one time, there was a high incidence of pet theft where I live. Since that time, I've always been afraid to leave any animal unattended for too long. By the way, a person has to be really sick to steal someone's pet.
Most of my Mom's family lived in the state of Wyoming, so when my Grandmother was still living, we went out there almost every summer. The first trip out west with Toby was fun.
Instead of driving straight through the barren Kansas Plains to Cheyenne, we decided to take a circuitous route and visit the Black Hills and other sites in South Dakota. Our first stop was in Sioux Falls.
When we arrived, everyone was worn out from driving. We didn't plan to do much in town, but I discovered the USS South Dakota monument listed in a travel brochure at the hotel. All of us went out to see it.
This monument consists of a concrete outline of the battleship which is built to the ship's exact dimensions. An interesting museum and gift shop are located in the middle about where the ship's bridge would be. Toby and I walked around there for a long time.
We got up early the next morning and headed west. We decided to make a quick stop in Mitchell to visit their number one attraction, the Corn Palace. We didn't stay too long because we wanted to make it to Rapid City by the evening.
The Corn Palace is a really interesting place. It is definitely worth a visit. The outside facade of the building is decorated in a different picture each year. All of the decoration is made of corn and some other grains. If I remember right, the building is mainly used as an auditorium.
Our next stop was Chamberlain by the Missouri River. I live near Kansas City, so I've seen the Missouri River many times. However, the river at Chamberlain is extremely wide. The water seemed to be much clearer than down by where I live. The surrounding scenery is also much more eye pleasing.
We came across a nice rest area. It was situated on top of a hill that afforded a grand view of the river and the surrounding countryside. This area had several picnic tables that were covered by steel poles in order to resemble a giant tee-pee. Toby and I walked all around through the park and had an enjoyable lunch. I was going to go farther, but Toby was getting too hot. He never could stand very much heat.
The next stop on our South Dakota excursion was the Badlands. This is a spectacular sight. One can drive through the area and see the devastating effects of erosion on the Great Plains. The area looks like a section of mini-mountains carved out of the barren landscape that surrounds it.
Toby and I got out to explore. We walked quite a way down one of the trails taking in the sights. I was worried about rattlesnakes, so I didn't want to go to far. Toby was crazy when it came to going after things. Once, there was a big black snake in the back yard by the garden. Toby went after that snake barking. Toby was in the fenced part of the yard, and the snake crawled just outside the fence. However, it started turning back towards Toby. I dispatched the snake. Black snakes aren't poisonous, I didn't want to mess with a snake that was.
When we arrived in Rapid City, we had a hard time finding a place to stay that accepted pets. We finally found a place that on the outside appeared to be a dump, but the rooms were very nice. The restaurant's buffet was great. Toby and I ate our dinner, and then we went for a long walk. We really enjoyed South Dakota.
The next morning, we decided to explore around Rapid City. We went to a place called Dinosaur Park. At this park, there are several life-size dinosaurs made from concrete. The park is up on a little hill. My Dad is so scared of heights, that he wouldn't even get out of the care. As we were coming down from the park, my Dad buried his head in his lap so he didn't have to look out the window. Toby must have thought that my Dad looked ridiculous because Toby jumped up into the front seat and kept licking my Dad's head and barking until my Dad sat back up in the seat.
Traveling through the Black Hills was fun. Toby and I stopped at one place and looked at the bison. One of the bison at the farm was friendly and let me pet him. He and Toby sniffed one another. Knowing Toby, I thought that he might decide to try to go after the bison, so I got him out of there in short order.
After more sight seeing in nature, we stopped at Mt. Rushmore. This was the one part of the trip that I did not enjoy. It was so crowded, you couldn't hardly move. Toby came with me, they allowed dogs at that time. We couldn't walk five feet without someone bothering Toby. People would reach down and try to pet him without even asking. One person poked him in the eye. Toby growled. Who can blame him? The two of us got the heck out of there. Another thing that I hated about the place is that at least twenty people must have asked me if that was the kind of dog Queen Elizabeth has. I was about ready to put a sign on Toby saying, Queen Elizabeth has a corgi like this. We went back to the car and escaped the madness. Mom and Dad came back an hour or so later and said how great a time they had. The best time that Toby and I had there was our nap time when we got back to the car.
We left South Dakota and arrived for an uneventful stay at my Grandma's house. We did go out to visit my uncle's ranch about 40 miles outside of Cheyenne. We were supposed to have a picnic at his house. All the time we were there, my uncle kept telling me about how many rattlesnakes were around the place. Toby and I wished we had stayed in town. We couldn't even enjoy our meal. I kept watching for those darn snakes. Needless to say, when everyone decided to walk around the ranch, we stayed at the house. Neither one of us cared much for the outdoors. I remember someone saying once that they were an avid indoorsman. That would describe Toby and me.
We returned from our trip through Nebraska which is about as exciting as Kansas. Toby and I never went back to visit South Dakota. I wish we would have. It is a nice place.
Chapter 8
I begin this chapter by stating flat out that I haven't been to too many places. I am not well traveled. I remember students in school telling about where they went on summer vacation. Some of them went overseas to exotic places. My family stayed pretty much in our area.
I have never traveled very far outside of the Midwest. To the north, I have gone as far as South Dakota and Minnesota. I've been as far south as Arkansas. Westward, I've gone to the Rocky Mountains, and to the east I've been to Illinois. There you have it.
What's nice about these travels is that everywhere I went, Toby always came too. After a short time in our home, it soon became apparent that Toby was the type of dog who really attached himself to the family. He would have been totally heartbroken if I had left him in a kennel while I was off enjoying a good time.
Besides Toby's attachment to me, I also took his special needs into consideration. Toby needed special food in order to keep his digestive system working properly, and the little guy had pills that he needed to take on a daily basis. If he wasn't along on the trip, no matter how good the boarding facility, I wouldn't have been able to have any fun for fear that Toby wasn't receiving the proper care.
For these reasons, if was decided that at all times Toby would accompany me on all vacations and trips. As you will see, having him along made the trips much more fun and memorable.
The first trip came along when we took a trip to the Ozarks. We went down there quite a bit and stayed in Springfield, Missouri. There was a nice hotel there that offered a golf course, tennis and three swimming pools.
I was very pleased with the way Toby behaved on this initial trip. He didn't make any fuss in the car. We just drove down there peacefully and in comfort. This place didn't care if Toby was with me on the golf course as long as he didn't get on the greens. He followed me around while I played. I embarrassed myself greatly as I always do on the golf course. I think I caught Toby laughing at me on more than one occasion. It's probably a good thing I can't play golf anymore. The last time I played about ten years ago, I hooked the ball so bad it went over the safety netting by the course edge and landed in the practice putting area. I just missed hitting a man in the head.
At restaurants, I stayed with him out in the car and just ate out there. On warm days, we would go sit under a shade tree and have a picnic. I never left Toby alone in the car. Even with the windows cracked, a car will heat up tremendously. For a time, I also feared he would be stolen. At one time, there was a high incidence of pet theft where I live. Since that time, I've always been afraid to leave any animal unattended for too long. By the way, a person has to be really sick to steal someone's pet.
Most of my Mom's family lived in the state of Wyoming, so when my Grandmother was still living, we went out there almost every summer. The first trip out west with Toby was fun.
Instead of driving straight through the barren Kansas Plains to Cheyenne, we decided to take a circuitous route and visit the Black Hills and other sites in South Dakota. Our first stop was in Sioux Falls.
When we arrived, everyone was worn out from driving. We didn't plan to do much in town, but I discovered the USS South Dakota monument listed in a travel brochure at the hotel. All of us went out to see it.
This monument consists of a concrete outline of the battleship which is built to the ship's exact dimensions. An interesting museum and gift shop are located in the middle about where the ship's bridge would be. Toby and I walked around there for a long time.
We got up early the next morning and headed west. We decided to make a quick stop in Mitchell to visit their number one attraction, the Corn Palace. We didn't stay too long because we wanted to make it to Rapid City by the evening.
The Corn Palace is a really interesting place. It is definitely worth a visit. The outside facade of the building is decorated in a different picture each year. All of the decoration is made of corn and some other grains. If I remember right, the building is mainly used as an auditorium.
Our next stop was Chamberlain by the Missouri River. I live near Kansas City, so I've seen the Missouri River many times. However, the river at Chamberlain is extremely wide. The water seemed to be much clearer than down by where I live. The surrounding scenery is also much more eye pleasing.
We came across a nice rest area. It was situated on top of a hill that afforded a grand view of the river and the surrounding countryside. This area had several picnic tables that were covered by steel poles in order to resemble a giant tee-pee. Toby and I walked all around through the park and had an enjoyable lunch. I was going to go farther, but Toby was getting too hot. He never could stand very much heat.
The next stop on our South Dakota excursion was the Badlands. This is a spectacular sight. One can drive through the area and see the devastating effects of erosion on the Great Plains. The area looks like a section of mini-mountains carved out of the barren landscape that surrounds it.
Toby and I got out to explore. We walked quite a way down one of the trails taking in the sights. I was worried about rattlesnakes, so I didn't want to go to far. Toby was crazy when it came to going after things. Once, there was a big black snake in the back yard by the garden. Toby went after that snake barking. Toby was in the fenced part of the yard, and the snake crawled just outside the fence. However, it started turning back towards Toby. I dispatched the snake. Black snakes aren't poisonous, I didn't want to mess with a snake that was.
When we arrived in Rapid City, we had a hard time finding a place to stay that accepted pets. We finally found a place that on the outside appeared to be a dump, but the rooms were very nice. The restaurant's buffet was great. Toby and I ate our dinner, and then we went for a long walk. We really enjoyed South Dakota.
The next morning, we decided to explore around Rapid City. We went to a place called Dinosaur Park. At this park, there are several life-size dinosaurs made from concrete. The park is up on a little hill. My Dad is so scared of heights, that he wouldn't even get out of the care. As we were coming down from the park, my Dad buried his head in his lap so he didn't have to look out the window. Toby must have thought that my Dad looked ridiculous because Toby jumped up into the front seat and kept licking my Dad's head and barking until my Dad sat back up in the seat.
Traveling through the Black Hills was fun. Toby and I stopped at one place and looked at the bison. One of the bison at the farm was friendly and let me pet him. He and Toby sniffed one another. Knowing Toby, I thought that he might decide to try to go after the bison, so I got him out of there in short order.
After more sight seeing in nature, we stopped at Mt. Rushmore. This was the one part of the trip that I did not enjoy. It was so crowded, you couldn't hardly move. Toby came with me, they allowed dogs at that time. We couldn't walk five feet without someone bothering Toby. People would reach down and try to pet him without even asking. One person poked him in the eye. Toby growled. Who can blame him? The two of us got the heck out of there. Another thing that I hated about the place is that at least twenty people must have asked me if that was the kind of dog Queen Elizabeth has. I was about ready to put a sign on Toby saying, Queen Elizabeth has a corgi like this. We went back to the car and escaped the madness. Mom and Dad came back an hour or so later and said how great a time they had. The best time that Toby and I had there was our nap time when we got back to the car.
We left South Dakota and arrived for an uneventful stay at my Grandma's house. We did go out to visit my uncle's ranch about 40 miles outside of Cheyenne. We were supposed to have a picnic at his house. All the time we were there, my uncle kept telling me about how many rattlesnakes were around the place. Toby and I wished we had stayed in town. We couldn't even enjoy our meal. I kept watching for those darn snakes. Needless to say, when everyone decided to walk around the ranch, we stayed at the house. Neither one of us cared much for the outdoors. I remember someone saying once that they were an avid indoorsman. That would describe Toby and me.
We returned from our trip through Nebraska which is about as exciting as Kansas. Toby and I never went back to visit South Dakota. I wish we would have. It is a nice place.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Verses For the Week and a Prayer Request
Before I post the verses, I have a prayer request. The weather people are once again calling for severe storm in my area for tomorrow. Please pray that it will not be bad and that there will be no flooding. Thank you.
Job 12:10 -- "In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Romans 8:21 -- "Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Jesus is Lord
Thank you for taking the time this week to read the Weekend Sermon. I am always happy to be able to post the sermons, and I hope that everyone is having a very good week.
I want to apologize for the sermon being delayed. I had something that I need to take care of Friday, so I just decided to post the sermon today. It has been a busy week and a good week in writing for which I am thankful to the Lord.
I would ask your prayers in a couple of matters. I hurt my back yesterday. Please pray that it heals up soon. I also still need prayers about finding the right part-time job. I do have some prospects. Thank you for your prayers.
In other prayer matters, please pray for those in Hawaii who are facing the problems with the hurricane. Pray for the people's safety.
Please continue to pray that the fires in California will be brought under control quickly. Pray for the safety of those combating the fires.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. This week, let us concentrate our prayers for peace on the nations of Syria and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for Taiwan and Turkmenistan. Pray that many will hear the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have been in a series of messages examining who Jesus is. Today is the last message in our series, and we will focus on the fact that Jesus is Lord.
The Bible is clear that there are two ways in which Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord in a universal way, and Jesus can be Lord in a personal way.
The Bible is quite clear that everyone on this planet has one of two allegiances. We are either aligned with this world and its values, or we have accepted the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Jesus is Lord is the first confession of faith of the church. It signified that a person who is a Christian is someone who has accepted the rulership of Jesus in his or her life. It signifies that a person has turned his back on the world and its evil value system, and he is embracing the person and work of the Lord Jesus.
I Peter 3:15 says that a Christian is one who has sanctified Christ as Lord in his heart. A Christian is someone who according to Romans 10:9 has confessed with his mouth that Jesus is Lord.
In John 13:13, Jesus stated that He is both Teacher and Lord. He is the one who we follow. To have Jesus as the Lord of one's life means that Jesus is the ruler and master. We acknowledge His rule over us. We are willing to obey his teachings and commandments. We are willing to do what He asks of us.
Having Jesus as Lord is what is means to be a Christian. A Christian follows the Lord wherever the Lord Jesus leads. He is our ruler, and we are subjects of His Kingdom. This world and its value system are not our home. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world who are looking for that city whose builder and maker is God. It is the city of the New Jerusalem, which shall come down out of Heaven when Jesus returns in power and great glory to rule over all the universe.
The statement Jesus is Lord was a radical and life changing statement for the early Christians. In the Roman world, Caesar was considered to be Lord. He demanded full allegiance. By stating that Jesus is Lord, the early Christians where stating that their allegiance was to Christ and not to any human being. Many gave their lives because they would not deny that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of one's life means that we do not acknowledge any earthly ruler as equal to or above the Lord Jesus. We place no country over the reign of Jesus Christ. When we say that Jesus is Lord of our lives, it means that He is in control, and our total allegiance is to Him.
Now, there is a way that Jesus is ultimately and universally Lord. One day, Jesus will come again. At that time, the Bible says in Philippians 2 that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He will reign forever and forever. All those who mocked Jesus and ridiculed Him and His teachings will bow and recognize that He is Lord. Jesus will be triumphant, and He will be acknowledged for who He is.
I am looking forward with great anticipation to that day when Jesus comes again. I will gladly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, and I hope to do my best to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord while I am on this earth. In my heart, that is all that is really important. Knowing and serving Jesus as Lord is what life is about. All praise and glory be unto the Lord Most High.
That ends our series on who is Jesus. I hope that you have been blessed and gained insight during the series. Beginning next week, we will be starting a new series of messages on the last few chapters in the book of Romans. I will post the sermon next Friday, Lord willing. On Monday, I will post the verses. I will post the next chapter of my book about Toby on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
I want to apologize for the sermon being delayed. I had something that I need to take care of Friday, so I just decided to post the sermon today. It has been a busy week and a good week in writing for which I am thankful to the Lord.
I would ask your prayers in a couple of matters. I hurt my back yesterday. Please pray that it heals up soon. I also still need prayers about finding the right part-time job. I do have some prospects. Thank you for your prayers.
In other prayer matters, please pray for those in Hawaii who are facing the problems with the hurricane. Pray for the people's safety.
Please continue to pray that the fires in California will be brought under control quickly. Pray for the safety of those combating the fires.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. This week, let us concentrate our prayers for peace on the nations of Syria and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for Taiwan and Turkmenistan. Pray that many will hear the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have been in a series of messages examining who Jesus is. Today is the last message in our series, and we will focus on the fact that Jesus is Lord.
The Bible is clear that there are two ways in which Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord in a universal way, and Jesus can be Lord in a personal way.
The Bible is quite clear that everyone on this planet has one of two allegiances. We are either aligned with this world and its values, or we have accepted the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Jesus is Lord is the first confession of faith of the church. It signified that a person who is a Christian is someone who has accepted the rulership of Jesus in his or her life. It signifies that a person has turned his back on the world and its evil value system, and he is embracing the person and work of the Lord Jesus.
I Peter 3:15 says that a Christian is one who has sanctified Christ as Lord in his heart. A Christian is someone who according to Romans 10:9 has confessed with his mouth that Jesus is Lord.
In John 13:13, Jesus stated that He is both Teacher and Lord. He is the one who we follow. To have Jesus as the Lord of one's life means that Jesus is the ruler and master. We acknowledge His rule over us. We are willing to obey his teachings and commandments. We are willing to do what He asks of us.
Having Jesus as Lord is what is means to be a Christian. A Christian follows the Lord wherever the Lord Jesus leads. He is our ruler, and we are subjects of His Kingdom. This world and its value system are not our home. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world who are looking for that city whose builder and maker is God. It is the city of the New Jerusalem, which shall come down out of Heaven when Jesus returns in power and great glory to rule over all the universe.
The statement Jesus is Lord was a radical and life changing statement for the early Christians. In the Roman world, Caesar was considered to be Lord. He demanded full allegiance. By stating that Jesus is Lord, the early Christians where stating that their allegiance was to Christ and not to any human being. Many gave their lives because they would not deny that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of one's life means that we do not acknowledge any earthly ruler as equal to or above the Lord Jesus. We place no country over the reign of Jesus Christ. When we say that Jesus is Lord of our lives, it means that He is in control, and our total allegiance is to Him.
Now, there is a way that Jesus is ultimately and universally Lord. One day, Jesus will come again. At that time, the Bible says in Philippians 2 that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He will reign forever and forever. All those who mocked Jesus and ridiculed Him and His teachings will bow and recognize that He is Lord. Jesus will be triumphant, and He will be acknowledged for who He is.
I am looking forward with great anticipation to that day when Jesus comes again. I will gladly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, and I hope to do my best to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord while I am on this earth. In my heart, that is all that is really important. Knowing and serving Jesus as Lord is what life is about. All praise and glory be unto the Lord Most High.
That ends our series on who is Jesus. I hope that you have been blessed and gained insight during the series. Beginning next week, we will be starting a new series of messages on the last few chapters in the book of Romans. I will post the sermon next Friday, Lord willing. On Monday, I will post the verses. I will post the next chapter of my book about Toby on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Toby -- The Story of My Friend -- Chapter 7
An update before I post the chapter for this week. I have an appointment on Friday, and I may have to delay posting the sermon until Saturday. If you don't see it on Friday, look for it on Saturday.
Chapter 7
If you know anything about Welsh Corgis, you are already aware that they were originally bred by the ancient Celtic inhabitants of Wales to nip at the heels of cattle and sheep as they were being driven to market or from one field to another. Because of this inbred ability, many corgis have retained the herding instinct to this present day. Some corgis even win various herding titles awarded by the American Kennel Club and other organizations.
Toby definitely had the ancient blood of his corgi ancestors running through his veins . He had a strong desire to herd. Mostly, he wanted to herd me. I always told everyone that he must have thought that I looked like a sheep.
Toby wasn't a traditional herder. He never tried to nip at my heels. His method of pointing me in the proper direction was to grab hold of my pant or pajama leg then pull and let go. Sometimes, he would just grab and release.
One never knew when the old herding instinct would kick in. At anytime, anyone in the family, but mostly me, could be mistaken for a white, woolly creature.
What was really funny is when Toby would herd me places my parents wanted me to go. For instance, if I was in my room and my Mom called that dinner was ready, Toby would make sure that I made it to the dinner table quickly. I think that he was just as excited about dinner as I was because he might get some left over goody.
Toby also liked to evoke his herding talents when the phone rang, and I was at the opposite end of the house. When the phone rang, I'd head for the phone with Toby nipping my pant leg in an effort to speed my arrival. It actually slowed me down. He didn't know that, or at least he didn't care. He wanted some excitement out of even the most mundane and trivial event.
Toby also loved to herd the vacuum cleaner. Whenever I got out the vacuum, Toby would wait until it started and then he would bounce over and bite at the end of it as I made it go back and forth across the carpet. He would hop at it, dart away then return for another quick bite. This made vacuuming quite difficulty, but it was also a lot of fun.
While not necessarily a herding behavior, Toby also exhibiting the behavior of grabbing my pant leg and trying to pull me back inside the door when I was going out. He didn't want me to leave. The only reason that I could come up with for this behavior was that it was part of the herding instinct to keep his charge from straying.
One other crazy herding type behavior Toby possessed manifested whenever I would bring the groceries in from the car. I would try to bring in the groceries, and Toby was just crazy barking and herding me along. He would jump up and try to get the grocery bags out of my hand. Once he succeeded. He got hold of the bag and ripped that sucker wide open. The bread fell out, and Toby grabbed the bread and went running with it through the house. Before I could get the bread, Toby shook and shook the package sending slices of bread flying throughout the living room. I don't know what got into him. My bringing in the groceries was a really big deal to him for some reason. He wanted to know what was in those sacks.
Another cute action of Toby's was his desire to follow me everywhere I went and never let me out of his sight. My Mom always said that Toby wasn't happy if I wasn't at home for him to keep his eye on me. We had a really close relationship. In some ways, we were like brothers, and we both missed each other on the very few occasions when we were apart.
If I was on the couch watching TV, Toby would always be right next to me. If I got up, even for just a minute, he came along.
He always had to be by me. If I was working in my office or sitting at the kitchen table, he would be there. When I started working from home all day, Toby stayed in the office for hours. When he was old, he slept so soundly that sometimes he wouldn't notice when I left for some other part of the house. I didn't want to wake him up, so I just let him sleep. It wouldn't be long before he'd be up looking for me.
As Toby grew older, He also made it known that he wasn't very happy if anyone else got too close to me. If anyone, including my parents, tried to approach me, Toby would growl until I told him that it was OK. I was under his complete protection. I just want to state that Toby wasn't mean. He never hurt anyone. He just always looked out for me. I always felt safe when he was with me.
These incidents point to the fact that Toby was a fine herder with good instincts. More importantly, it is another demonstration of the fun and good times we had together and the love we shared.
Chapter 7
If you know anything about Welsh Corgis, you are already aware that they were originally bred by the ancient Celtic inhabitants of Wales to nip at the heels of cattle and sheep as they were being driven to market or from one field to another. Because of this inbred ability, many corgis have retained the herding instinct to this present day. Some corgis even win various herding titles awarded by the American Kennel Club and other organizations.
Toby definitely had the ancient blood of his corgi ancestors running through his veins . He had a strong desire to herd. Mostly, he wanted to herd me. I always told everyone that he must have thought that I looked like a sheep.
Toby wasn't a traditional herder. He never tried to nip at my heels. His method of pointing me in the proper direction was to grab hold of my pant or pajama leg then pull and let go. Sometimes, he would just grab and release.
One never knew when the old herding instinct would kick in. At anytime, anyone in the family, but mostly me, could be mistaken for a white, woolly creature.
What was really funny is when Toby would herd me places my parents wanted me to go. For instance, if I was in my room and my Mom called that dinner was ready, Toby would make sure that I made it to the dinner table quickly. I think that he was just as excited about dinner as I was because he might get some left over goody.
Toby also liked to evoke his herding talents when the phone rang, and I was at the opposite end of the house. When the phone rang, I'd head for the phone with Toby nipping my pant leg in an effort to speed my arrival. It actually slowed me down. He didn't know that, or at least he didn't care. He wanted some excitement out of even the most mundane and trivial event.
Toby also loved to herd the vacuum cleaner. Whenever I got out the vacuum, Toby would wait until it started and then he would bounce over and bite at the end of it as I made it go back and forth across the carpet. He would hop at it, dart away then return for another quick bite. This made vacuuming quite difficulty, but it was also a lot of fun.
While not necessarily a herding behavior, Toby also exhibiting the behavior of grabbing my pant leg and trying to pull me back inside the door when I was going out. He didn't want me to leave. The only reason that I could come up with for this behavior was that it was part of the herding instinct to keep his charge from straying.
One other crazy herding type behavior Toby possessed manifested whenever I would bring the groceries in from the car. I would try to bring in the groceries, and Toby was just crazy barking and herding me along. He would jump up and try to get the grocery bags out of my hand. Once he succeeded. He got hold of the bag and ripped that sucker wide open. The bread fell out, and Toby grabbed the bread and went running with it through the house. Before I could get the bread, Toby shook and shook the package sending slices of bread flying throughout the living room. I don't know what got into him. My bringing in the groceries was a really big deal to him for some reason. He wanted to know what was in those sacks.
Another cute action of Toby's was his desire to follow me everywhere I went and never let me out of his sight. My Mom always said that Toby wasn't happy if I wasn't at home for him to keep his eye on me. We had a really close relationship. In some ways, we were like brothers, and we both missed each other on the very few occasions when we were apart.
If I was on the couch watching TV, Toby would always be right next to me. If I got up, even for just a minute, he came along.
He always had to be by me. If I was working in my office or sitting at the kitchen table, he would be there. When I started working from home all day, Toby stayed in the office for hours. When he was old, he slept so soundly that sometimes he wouldn't notice when I left for some other part of the house. I didn't want to wake him up, so I just let him sleep. It wouldn't be long before he'd be up looking for me.
As Toby grew older, He also made it known that he wasn't very happy if anyone else got too close to me. If anyone, including my parents, tried to approach me, Toby would growl until I told him that it was OK. I was under his complete protection. I just want to state that Toby wasn't mean. He never hurt anyone. He just always looked out for me. I always felt safe when he was with me.
These incidents point to the fact that Toby was a fine herder with good instincts. More importantly, it is another demonstration of the fun and good times we had together and the love we shared.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Verses For the Week
John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubles, and do not be afraid."
Isaiah 41:10 -- "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Romans 8:38-39 -- "For I am sure the neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Isaiah 41:10 -- "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Romans 8:38-39 -- "For I am sure the neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Friday, August 17, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Jesus is God's Final Word
Welcome to a new edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad that you have taken the time to read the sermon that is posted. I hope that everyone is having a good day.
Yesterday, I asked that you would pray in regard to the bad storms that were predicted to be in my area. The storms were bad all around me. Just one mile to the south of where I live, there was hail over one inch in diameter and 70 mile per hour winds. In another town about 30 miles south of me, they had 4.5 inches of rain in just one hour. Thankfully, all was OK at my house. I am sorry though that others had to have problems. I do thank you for your prayers, and I would ask that you be in prayer for me regarding Sunday evening. The weather people are calling for the same situation again.
Please continue to pray that I might find some extra work. Things aren't going as expected in that area. I know that the Lord Jesus has something good in store.
In other areas of prayer, I would ask that everyone pray for those who had storm damage that they might be able to recover quickly. Pray for those in Indonesia recovering from the earthquake damage. Please remember to pray that the fires in the western part of the United States will be extinguished. I have not seen any reports about the fires in Portugal and Spain. I pray that they are extinguished and all will be OK there.
Please remember to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Let us pray for those in Yemen, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan that they might have peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Djibouti and Kyrgyzstan. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus in these countries.
Today, we will continue with our series of messages on who is Jesus. After this week, I have one more message in this series. After that, I have another series of messages already in mind, but I will go more into that when the time comes.
What I want us to focus on today is the fact that Jesus is God's final word. What does that mean for us today?
Hebrews 1:1-2 explains for us the way that God revealed Himself through the course of human history. These verses state, "In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe."
In the Old Testament, we can clearly see that the Lord spoke to the people by means of prophets. There are many prophetic books in the Bible such as Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel that contain the direct words of the Lord that He wanted the prophets to relate to the people. The Lord wanted to make sure that His people knew where they stood with Him. Both messages of judgment and mercy came through the prophets.
When the fullness of time came, God sent His Son into the world to be the culmination of His message to the universe. I John 4:9 says it like this, "God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." There is no more clear way that the Heavenly Father could express His love for us than by sending Jesus to live among us. Jesus lived among us, and He demonstrated perfectly the way that we are supposed to live in this world. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He took our sins upon Himself. He rose again from the dead to conquer death, hell and the grave.
I believe that Jesus is the final world when it comes to the interpretation of the entire Bible. When we look at how we are to interpret anything in the Bible, we need to look to Jesus. Jesus is the Word made flesh who dwelled among us. In the rest of the book of Hebrews we are told that Jesus is superior to any other revelation that was given whether it was Moses or one of the prophets.
Jesus when He was on the earth actually redefined some of what was originally taught in the Old Testament. We see this clearly when Jesus is preaching the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus would say that it was said at one time that something should be a certain way, but He would give a new commandment. For instance, Jesus said that at one time it was an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. However, Jesus said do not resist an evil person. Instead, we are to turn the other cheek.
Jesus had the authority to make these changes because He is God come in human flesh. He has the ultimate authority to enact the laws that He chooses.
Jesus statements and teachings take precedence over what came before. I believe that this is part of what was evidenced at the transfiguration. At that miraculous event, Jesus met with Moses and Elijah on the mountain. Jesus was transfigured before His disciples Peter, James and John.
When Peter saw what was happening, he suggested that three monuments be built. One would be for Jesus, one of Moses and one for Elijah. However, the voice of the Father came from heaven saying that Jesus was the Son, and they should listen to Him. All authority has been given to the Son.
When we want to know how to act in this world, we should look to Jesus. When we are trying to interpret the Scripture, everything should be interpreted in the light of the words and deeds of Jesus. What Jesus taught is superior to anything else.
Now, there is one other important thing that I would like to point out as far as Jesus being God's final word. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. There is no other revelation after Jesus. There is no other way except for Jesus. He is the ultimate expression of the love of God. He is the only one that we can turn to for the forgiveness of sins. He is the one that we turn to for eternal life. He is our all in all.
If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so today. Turn to Him. He wants to be your Savior and Lord.
Next week, we will conclude our series on Who is Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in the book about my friend Toby. May God bless you all. Amen.
Yesterday, I asked that you would pray in regard to the bad storms that were predicted to be in my area. The storms were bad all around me. Just one mile to the south of where I live, there was hail over one inch in diameter and 70 mile per hour winds. In another town about 30 miles south of me, they had 4.5 inches of rain in just one hour. Thankfully, all was OK at my house. I am sorry though that others had to have problems. I do thank you for your prayers, and I would ask that you be in prayer for me regarding Sunday evening. The weather people are calling for the same situation again.
Please continue to pray that I might find some extra work. Things aren't going as expected in that area. I know that the Lord Jesus has something good in store.
In other areas of prayer, I would ask that everyone pray for those who had storm damage that they might be able to recover quickly. Pray for those in Indonesia recovering from the earthquake damage. Please remember to pray that the fires in the western part of the United States will be extinguished. I have not seen any reports about the fires in Portugal and Spain. I pray that they are extinguished and all will be OK there.
Please remember to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Let us pray for those in Yemen, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan that they might have peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Djibouti and Kyrgyzstan. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus in these countries.
Today, we will continue with our series of messages on who is Jesus. After this week, I have one more message in this series. After that, I have another series of messages already in mind, but I will go more into that when the time comes.
What I want us to focus on today is the fact that Jesus is God's final word. What does that mean for us today?
Hebrews 1:1-2 explains for us the way that God revealed Himself through the course of human history. These verses state, "In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe."
In the Old Testament, we can clearly see that the Lord spoke to the people by means of prophets. There are many prophetic books in the Bible such as Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel that contain the direct words of the Lord that He wanted the prophets to relate to the people. The Lord wanted to make sure that His people knew where they stood with Him. Both messages of judgment and mercy came through the prophets.
When the fullness of time came, God sent His Son into the world to be the culmination of His message to the universe. I John 4:9 says it like this, "God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." There is no more clear way that the Heavenly Father could express His love for us than by sending Jesus to live among us. Jesus lived among us, and He demonstrated perfectly the way that we are supposed to live in this world. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He took our sins upon Himself. He rose again from the dead to conquer death, hell and the grave.
I believe that Jesus is the final world when it comes to the interpretation of the entire Bible. When we look at how we are to interpret anything in the Bible, we need to look to Jesus. Jesus is the Word made flesh who dwelled among us. In the rest of the book of Hebrews we are told that Jesus is superior to any other revelation that was given whether it was Moses or one of the prophets.
Jesus when He was on the earth actually redefined some of what was originally taught in the Old Testament. We see this clearly when Jesus is preaching the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus would say that it was said at one time that something should be a certain way, but He would give a new commandment. For instance, Jesus said that at one time it was an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. However, Jesus said do not resist an evil person. Instead, we are to turn the other cheek.
Jesus had the authority to make these changes because He is God come in human flesh. He has the ultimate authority to enact the laws that He chooses.
Jesus statements and teachings take precedence over what came before. I believe that this is part of what was evidenced at the transfiguration. At that miraculous event, Jesus met with Moses and Elijah on the mountain. Jesus was transfigured before His disciples Peter, James and John.
When Peter saw what was happening, he suggested that three monuments be built. One would be for Jesus, one of Moses and one for Elijah. However, the voice of the Father came from heaven saying that Jesus was the Son, and they should listen to Him. All authority has been given to the Son.
When we want to know how to act in this world, we should look to Jesus. When we are trying to interpret the Scripture, everything should be interpreted in the light of the words and deeds of Jesus. What Jesus taught is superior to anything else.
Now, there is one other important thing that I would like to point out as far as Jesus being God's final word. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. There is no other revelation after Jesus. There is no other way except for Jesus. He is the ultimate expression of the love of God. He is the only one that we can turn to for the forgiveness of sins. He is the one that we turn to for eternal life. He is our all in all.
If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so today. Turn to Him. He wants to be your Savior and Lord.
Next week, we will conclude our series on Who is Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in the book about my friend Toby. May God bless you all. Amen.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Prayer Request
There are supposed to be tornadoes in my area starting early this evening. Please pray that everyone will be safe and that there won't be flooding. Also, I have not been feeling good the last couple of days, please pray that I will feel well enough to get the sermon posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Toby -- The Story of My Friend -- Chapter 6
Here is the next chapter in the Book
Chapter 6
One unpleasant activity that Toby and I both hated was dodging tornadoes. We lived right in the heart of tornado alley, so every spring there was a constant stream of severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings.
The house we lived in didn't have a basement, so my parents purchased a small, metal storm shelter that was supposed to hold four people. It was creepy. When I was in that thing, I felt like I was is some sort of a coffin.
My Mom was so afraid of tornadoes that she would have us go down into the storm shelter all the time. I couldn't stand being down in that shelter, so I would wait in the house or I'd stay out and see if the storm was coming. I tried to put Toby down in the shelter in advance, but he hated it too. He would try to climb the ladder and get out of there to find out where I was. Usually, we just waited it out together. There was one time, when the two of us were together while I was doing school at home when we almost waited too long.
There had been a tornado watch issued early in the morning, which is rather rare, so we were expecting bad weather. My Mom kept calling me about every five minutes from her work to see if any storms were coming. I wasn't too worried about the weather, so I wasn't really paying too much attention.
At about 11:00am, the tornado siren went off in town. Toby went crazy barking, and I jumped up from behind my desk and went to find out what was happening. The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for my county.
I picked up Toby, and the two of us headed for the storm shelter. When we got outside, I really didn't see much. I decided to wait with Toby above ground and see what happened. The two of us walked around to see if we could spot anything in the distance. It wasn't even raining.
We were across the yard from the shelter when almost immediately the entire sky turned green. The two of us ran as fast as we could to the storm shelter. I opened it up just as the rain started to absolutely pour down. I picked Toby up and made my way down the ladder into the shelter pulling the door shut behind me.
Just as I pulled the door shut, the hail started. From the sound of the pounding on the shelter door, I could tell that the hail was huge. Toby and I went to the far end of the shelter and huddled there together. We could hear the wind picking up and it was roaring like a furnace.
I was scared, but Toby was never afraid of anything. He was growling at the hail, wind, thunder and lightning. Holding on to him, I wasn't afraid anymore. We waited down in the storm shelter for about thirty minutes. After that time, curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to stick my head out and see if it was clear.
When I emerged, the sun was already back out. It didn't reveal a pleasant site. I picked up Toby and went up the ladder out of the shelter. We had missed the tornado. That tornado went just north of us through farm fields. However, the hail and the wind caused a lot of damage. Two of our air conditioning units were pounded to bits. Our garden was totally ruined. All of the tomatoes were destroyed. Also, one of our apple trees and one of the pear trees in the orchard were uprooted. In town, several trees were uprooted and the siding was blown off one of the businesses.
The major damage was to the agricultural interests. All of the corn in the surrounding area was destroyed. The large hail stripped all of the ears right off of the stalks.
I sat with Toby on the back steps, and I just held on to him. I was glad we made it to the shelter, and that we were together.
That's the closest I've ever come to a tornado in the state of Kansas. The closest I ever came to a tornado was in the state of Wyoming when we were out visiting my grandparents. I watched that tornado absolutely destroy the Buffalo Ridge section of Cheyenne.
No matter what the storm, I was glad that Toby was around. Like I said, he was never afraid of anything. When he wasn't afraid, it helped me not to be afraid.
Chapter 6
One unpleasant activity that Toby and I both hated was dodging tornadoes. We lived right in the heart of tornado alley, so every spring there was a constant stream of severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings.
The house we lived in didn't have a basement, so my parents purchased a small, metal storm shelter that was supposed to hold four people. It was creepy. When I was in that thing, I felt like I was is some sort of a coffin.
My Mom was so afraid of tornadoes that she would have us go down into the storm shelter all the time. I couldn't stand being down in that shelter, so I would wait in the house or I'd stay out and see if the storm was coming. I tried to put Toby down in the shelter in advance, but he hated it too. He would try to climb the ladder and get out of there to find out where I was. Usually, we just waited it out together. There was one time, when the two of us were together while I was doing school at home when we almost waited too long.
There had been a tornado watch issued early in the morning, which is rather rare, so we were expecting bad weather. My Mom kept calling me about every five minutes from her work to see if any storms were coming. I wasn't too worried about the weather, so I wasn't really paying too much attention.
At about 11:00am, the tornado siren went off in town. Toby went crazy barking, and I jumped up from behind my desk and went to find out what was happening. The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for my county.
I picked up Toby, and the two of us headed for the storm shelter. When we got outside, I really didn't see much. I decided to wait with Toby above ground and see what happened. The two of us walked around to see if we could spot anything in the distance. It wasn't even raining.
We were across the yard from the shelter when almost immediately the entire sky turned green. The two of us ran as fast as we could to the storm shelter. I opened it up just as the rain started to absolutely pour down. I picked Toby up and made my way down the ladder into the shelter pulling the door shut behind me.
Just as I pulled the door shut, the hail started. From the sound of the pounding on the shelter door, I could tell that the hail was huge. Toby and I went to the far end of the shelter and huddled there together. We could hear the wind picking up and it was roaring like a furnace.
I was scared, but Toby was never afraid of anything. He was growling at the hail, wind, thunder and lightning. Holding on to him, I wasn't afraid anymore. We waited down in the storm shelter for about thirty minutes. After that time, curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to stick my head out and see if it was clear.
When I emerged, the sun was already back out. It didn't reveal a pleasant site. I picked up Toby and went up the ladder out of the shelter. We had missed the tornado. That tornado went just north of us through farm fields. However, the hail and the wind caused a lot of damage. Two of our air conditioning units were pounded to bits. Our garden was totally ruined. All of the tomatoes were destroyed. Also, one of our apple trees and one of the pear trees in the orchard were uprooted. In town, several trees were uprooted and the siding was blown off one of the businesses.
The major damage was to the agricultural interests. All of the corn in the surrounding area was destroyed. The large hail stripped all of the ears right off of the stalks.
I sat with Toby on the back steps, and I just held on to him. I was glad we made it to the shelter, and that we were together.
That's the closest I've ever come to a tornado in the state of Kansas. The closest I ever came to a tornado was in the state of Wyoming when we were out visiting my grandparents. I watched that tornado absolutely destroy the Buffalo Ridge section of Cheyenne.
No matter what the storm, I was glad that Toby was around. Like I said, he was never afraid of anything. When he wasn't afraid, it helped me not to be afraid.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Verses For the Week and Prayer Request
Before I post the verses, I have a prayer request. In my area, we are supposed to have a multi-day rain event. There is the possibility of flooding. Please pray that there will not be any flooding. Also pray that I will have good results from my job interviews. In all things, may the Lord's will be done. Thank you for your prayers.
Here are the verses:
I Chronicles 16:11 -- "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."
Psalm 56:3 -- "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."
Here are the verses:
I Chronicles 16:11 -- "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."
Psalm 56:3 -- "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."
Friday, August 10, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Jesus is Our Example
Thank you for taking the time to read this week's posting of the Weekend Sermon. I hope that everyone is having a very good week, and I am thankful for the opportunity that the Lord has given to me to post these messages.
This has been a good week in writing, and I thank the Lord for that. I've had two job interviews this week, and I am hoping and praying that something will come from one of them. Please pray that the Lord's will will be done in this matter.
I thank you for your prayers regarding the storms in my area. So far, everything has been OK. I thank the Lord for that. There is still a chance for some bad storms today, so please continue to pray that there won't be any problems.
The people in California are having a terrible time with the fires out there. Please pray that these fires will be brought under control, and pray for the safety of the people who live out there. Pray for the safety of those fighting the fires.
Let's remember to pray for those in Portugal and Spain who are facing fires as well. Pray that all will be safe and that these fires will be put out fast.
Please remember to pray for those in Indonesia who are recovering from the earthquake. The people in Puerto Rico still need our prayers as well.
There is much conflict in the world, so we must pray for peace. Let us think of and pray for Syria, Yemen and South Sudan this week.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those in the nations of Chad and Cambodia. Pray that many will come to know about the love of Jesus.
For the past several weeks, we have been studying a series on who is Jesus. Today, we will continue with that series, and I have about two or three more messages in that series.
Our focus today will be on the fact that Jesus is our example. As believers in Jesus Christ, we rightly focus on the fact that Jesus came into this world to give His life in order to save us from our sins. However, Jesus also had another purpose in coming to this earth. He came to provide an example for us as to how we are supposed to live in this world.
In the book of Hebrews chapter 12, it tells us that we are supposed to look unto Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Being a Christian means that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and we follow Him as our master.
Jesus came to this earth, and He lived on this earth for about 33 years or so. During that time, He interacted with a number of different people, and the Bible records many different encounters that Jesus had with people throughout His life.
Jesus lived a life that was without sin. The Bible says that Jesus was tempted in every manner just like we are, but He was without sin. Because He lived a sinless life, He could be the one who paid the penalty for our sins, and He could bear our sins on the cross as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
To be a Christian means that we are supposed to ask what Jesus would do in the situations that we find ourselves in in this life. We have a record in the Bible of what Jesus did, and this provides us with a wealth of information on what we should do in this world. We also have the teachings of Jesus to guide us and help us to know the way in which we should behave.
In I John 2:6 it tells us that we who say that we are in Christ should act like it. The verse says, "The one who says that he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." In other words, the one who would be a follower of Jesus Christ must look to the example of Jesus Christ and imitate Him.
The Bible speaks about Jesus being our example in at least a couple of different places. When Jesus was in the Upper Room with His disciples, He washed His disciples feet. In John 13:15, Jesus says that this is an example that He had set for them. Jesus was presenting the example of being humble and having an attitude of service. Jesus said that this was an example of how we are to behave in this world. We must have a humble heart, and we must serve others instead of seeking to be served by others.
I Peter 2:20-22 speaks to the fact that Jesus suffered for us. In his life and through His sufferings, this passage says that Jesus set an example for us, and we should seek to follow in His steps.
There are so many ways in which Jesus provides us with examples for living that there is no possible way that I could go over them in this message. However, I want to look at just a couple of ways that Jesus provided us with an example to follow as we live in this world.
First of all, Jesus provides us with the example that we should be people who are filled with compassion for others. Jesus certainly demonstrated that He cared for others. The Bible says that Jesus healed all those who were afflicted. He healed the sick and cast out demons. He was always there to help meet people's needs. Jesus fed the hungry as well.
The Bible records in some locations that Jesus was moved with compassion for people. He felt love and compassion for those who grieved such as the woman in Nain who lost her son. When Jesus saw this woman's grief, He was moved with compassion, and He raised her son to new life.
Jesus always did what He could to help others. There is no place in the Bible where Jesus refused to help someone who came to Him. He loved all. He brought a message of hope from His heart of love and compassion to those who had been rejected by the establishment.
Just as Jesus cared and demonstrated His compassion in service to others, we too must follow His example and seek to help others. We do this by telling others about the salvation that Jesus brings, and we do this by helping people when they are hurt in body, mind and spirit. We feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick. We do this because we are doing what Jesus did, and we are doing what He would have us to do.
Jesus also provides us with an example of forgiving others. Jesus was despised and rejected by the religious leaders and the authorities in His day. They hated Him, and they saw to it that He was crucified. Even while Jesus was on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive His persecutors. Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Because of the great forgiveness demonstrated by Jesus, we are to be those who forgive those who trespass against us. We have been forgiven of so much, we ought also to forgive others like Jesus did.
I hope that you will read and study the life and ministry of Jesus diligently so that you might be able to know what He did on this earth. In this way, we will know how to live in this world. We should also always go to Jesus in prayer, and we should ask Him to show us what we should do so that we might honor and glorify Him.
Next week, we will continue with our series about Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses, and on Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in the book about my friend. May God bless you all. Amen.
This has been a good week in writing, and I thank the Lord for that. I've had two job interviews this week, and I am hoping and praying that something will come from one of them. Please pray that the Lord's will will be done in this matter.
I thank you for your prayers regarding the storms in my area. So far, everything has been OK. I thank the Lord for that. There is still a chance for some bad storms today, so please continue to pray that there won't be any problems.
The people in California are having a terrible time with the fires out there. Please pray that these fires will be brought under control, and pray for the safety of the people who live out there. Pray for the safety of those fighting the fires.
Let's remember to pray for those in Portugal and Spain who are facing fires as well. Pray that all will be safe and that these fires will be put out fast.
Please remember to pray for those in Indonesia who are recovering from the earthquake. The people in Puerto Rico still need our prayers as well.
There is much conflict in the world, so we must pray for peace. Let us think of and pray for Syria, Yemen and South Sudan this week.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those in the nations of Chad and Cambodia. Pray that many will come to know about the love of Jesus.
For the past several weeks, we have been studying a series on who is Jesus. Today, we will continue with that series, and I have about two or three more messages in that series.
Our focus today will be on the fact that Jesus is our example. As believers in Jesus Christ, we rightly focus on the fact that Jesus came into this world to give His life in order to save us from our sins. However, Jesus also had another purpose in coming to this earth. He came to provide an example for us as to how we are supposed to live in this world.
In the book of Hebrews chapter 12, it tells us that we are supposed to look unto Jesus who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Being a Christian means that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and we follow Him as our master.
Jesus came to this earth, and He lived on this earth for about 33 years or so. During that time, He interacted with a number of different people, and the Bible records many different encounters that Jesus had with people throughout His life.
Jesus lived a life that was without sin. The Bible says that Jesus was tempted in every manner just like we are, but He was without sin. Because He lived a sinless life, He could be the one who paid the penalty for our sins, and He could bear our sins on the cross as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
To be a Christian means that we are supposed to ask what Jesus would do in the situations that we find ourselves in in this life. We have a record in the Bible of what Jesus did, and this provides us with a wealth of information on what we should do in this world. We also have the teachings of Jesus to guide us and help us to know the way in which we should behave.
In I John 2:6 it tells us that we who say that we are in Christ should act like it. The verse says, "The one who says that he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." In other words, the one who would be a follower of Jesus Christ must look to the example of Jesus Christ and imitate Him.
The Bible speaks about Jesus being our example in at least a couple of different places. When Jesus was in the Upper Room with His disciples, He washed His disciples feet. In John 13:15, Jesus says that this is an example that He had set for them. Jesus was presenting the example of being humble and having an attitude of service. Jesus said that this was an example of how we are to behave in this world. We must have a humble heart, and we must serve others instead of seeking to be served by others.
I Peter 2:20-22 speaks to the fact that Jesus suffered for us. In his life and through His sufferings, this passage says that Jesus set an example for us, and we should seek to follow in His steps.
There are so many ways in which Jesus provides us with examples for living that there is no possible way that I could go over them in this message. However, I want to look at just a couple of ways that Jesus provided us with an example to follow as we live in this world.
First of all, Jesus provides us with the example that we should be people who are filled with compassion for others. Jesus certainly demonstrated that He cared for others. The Bible says that Jesus healed all those who were afflicted. He healed the sick and cast out demons. He was always there to help meet people's needs. Jesus fed the hungry as well.
The Bible records in some locations that Jesus was moved with compassion for people. He felt love and compassion for those who grieved such as the woman in Nain who lost her son. When Jesus saw this woman's grief, He was moved with compassion, and He raised her son to new life.
Jesus always did what He could to help others. There is no place in the Bible where Jesus refused to help someone who came to Him. He loved all. He brought a message of hope from His heart of love and compassion to those who had been rejected by the establishment.
Just as Jesus cared and demonstrated His compassion in service to others, we too must follow His example and seek to help others. We do this by telling others about the salvation that Jesus brings, and we do this by helping people when they are hurt in body, mind and spirit. We feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the sick. We do this because we are doing what Jesus did, and we are doing what He would have us to do.
Jesus also provides us with an example of forgiving others. Jesus was despised and rejected by the religious leaders and the authorities in His day. They hated Him, and they saw to it that He was crucified. Even while Jesus was on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive His persecutors. Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Because of the great forgiveness demonstrated by Jesus, we are to be those who forgive those who trespass against us. We have been forgiven of so much, we ought also to forgive others like Jesus did.
I hope that you will read and study the life and ministry of Jesus diligently so that you might be able to know what He did on this earth. In this way, we will know how to live in this world. We should also always go to Jesus in prayer, and we should ask Him to show us what we should do so that we might honor and glorify Him.
Next week, we will continue with our series about Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses, and on Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in the book about my friend. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Toby -- The Story of My Friend -- Chapter 5
Here is the next chapter:
Chapter 5
As I mentioned, I was very sick as a child. I missed a lot of school, and I had difficulty keeping up at times. If something was going around, I would catch it. My immune system was very defective. A stressful environment didn't help much.
After the church my family attended opened a school, I began attending there. While there, my illnesses intensified. Because of insufficient enrollment, the school closed leaving me with no school to attend. My parents and my doctors felt that going to school at home would allow me to regain my health and complete my high school education.
Leaving the traditional school room for school at home was quite a transition. The hardest thing to adjust to was the quiet.
At this point, you may be asking what all this has to do with the book's main character. Well, Toby was my classmate, so to speak, during my home school experiences. He broke the monotony of studying alone. He was always there ready to provide a grand distraction to tedious algebra and diagramming sentences.
Every day at lunch time, we would go outside and play with the ball out on the patio. When Toby was a young dog, he was quite active and full of fire. We had some great ball games almost every day.
After lunch, I'd return to my studies and continue until about three in the afternoon. I kept the same hours as the local high school. The only difference was that I went to school with a dog. I also believe that I received a better education. I really learned to study and think for myself.
When my daily assignments were completed, Toby and I would usually go out and sit on the patio steps. The town where I live is on a high plateau. The view is incredible. There is a view for miles out back. We would sit out there and just relax and listen to the birds. It was great to have a good friend. We also liked to go out there in the evenings and look at the lights from the closest town about seven miles away. On clear evenings I'd take out my telescope and look at the night sky.
I learned a lot by studying at home. I studied biology, history, economics, algebra, literature and many other subjects. Every assignment was graded at the center where the curriculum came from.
After three years of home study, I decided that I really liked this method of study. I wanted to be a minister, so I enrolled in an external degree program at a Bible college affiliated with the church my family attended. I studied various ministerial and theological topics and earned a degree in theology.
During these years, my routine with Toby changed little. I learned much, and the two of us continued to have great times together. Toby received quite a large dose of religion listening to me give sermons for practice. He was probably one of the most well-versed dogs when it came to the theological disciplines.
While I was in Bible college, I began to learn more and felt very uncomfortable in my church. I just couldn't go along with many of their views. I planned on becoming a minister with our church pastor's home mission organization. However, that all changed abruptly. I believe that the church has the responsibility to speak up for social justice and for peace. At this time, the first Gulf War was just under way. I could not go along with praying for the death of other people. I had a major falling out with the pastor on this and other issues including legalism and the extent of salvation. I was no longer welcome in that church or denomination.
My plans for entering the ministry were on hold. Also, the Bible colleges in my old church were not accredited. I decided to get another degree, but I had to start back at square one because none of my courses would transfer.
I began attending a local community college. It was difficult at first. My health did hold up though.
Sadly, Toby was very depressed when I left for my classes. My Dad, who was retired at this time, said that Toby would lay by the front door and wouldn't move until he heard my car coming down the road in the afternoon. When I'd walk in the door, he got so excited that he jumped up and down on all four legs.
I earned my community college degree and then obtained a bachelor's degree in history at a small college in Kansas City. After this, I went back to home study for awhile earning a certificate in creative writing from the University of Wisconsin and a graduate diploma from an accredited seminary.
Toby was so glad that I was back home to study. It was at this time that I began writing, and my work began to be published. Toby lay down in my office while I wrote poetry and stories. I also did a lot of religious writing which became my way of fulfilling God's call on my life.
I do have one major regret. I wanted to have a church and live in the parsonage with Toby. It was one of my dreams. Sadly, Toby passed away a couple of years after I started writing. We never got to fulfill that dream together.
Chapter 5
As I mentioned, I was very sick as a child. I missed a lot of school, and I had difficulty keeping up at times. If something was going around, I would catch it. My immune system was very defective. A stressful environment didn't help much.
After the church my family attended opened a school, I began attending there. While there, my illnesses intensified. Because of insufficient enrollment, the school closed leaving me with no school to attend. My parents and my doctors felt that going to school at home would allow me to regain my health and complete my high school education.
Leaving the traditional school room for school at home was quite a transition. The hardest thing to adjust to was the quiet.
At this point, you may be asking what all this has to do with the book's main character. Well, Toby was my classmate, so to speak, during my home school experiences. He broke the monotony of studying alone. He was always there ready to provide a grand distraction to tedious algebra and diagramming sentences.
Every day at lunch time, we would go outside and play with the ball out on the patio. When Toby was a young dog, he was quite active and full of fire. We had some great ball games almost every day.
After lunch, I'd return to my studies and continue until about three in the afternoon. I kept the same hours as the local high school. The only difference was that I went to school with a dog. I also believe that I received a better education. I really learned to study and think for myself.
When my daily assignments were completed, Toby and I would usually go out and sit on the patio steps. The town where I live is on a high plateau. The view is incredible. There is a view for miles out back. We would sit out there and just relax and listen to the birds. It was great to have a good friend. We also liked to go out there in the evenings and look at the lights from the closest town about seven miles away. On clear evenings I'd take out my telescope and look at the night sky.
I learned a lot by studying at home. I studied biology, history, economics, algebra, literature and many other subjects. Every assignment was graded at the center where the curriculum came from.
After three years of home study, I decided that I really liked this method of study. I wanted to be a minister, so I enrolled in an external degree program at a Bible college affiliated with the church my family attended. I studied various ministerial and theological topics and earned a degree in theology.
During these years, my routine with Toby changed little. I learned much, and the two of us continued to have great times together. Toby received quite a large dose of religion listening to me give sermons for practice. He was probably one of the most well-versed dogs when it came to the theological disciplines.
While I was in Bible college, I began to learn more and felt very uncomfortable in my church. I just couldn't go along with many of their views. I planned on becoming a minister with our church pastor's home mission organization. However, that all changed abruptly. I believe that the church has the responsibility to speak up for social justice and for peace. At this time, the first Gulf War was just under way. I could not go along with praying for the death of other people. I had a major falling out with the pastor on this and other issues including legalism and the extent of salvation. I was no longer welcome in that church or denomination.
My plans for entering the ministry were on hold. Also, the Bible colleges in my old church were not accredited. I decided to get another degree, but I had to start back at square one because none of my courses would transfer.
I began attending a local community college. It was difficult at first. My health did hold up though.
Sadly, Toby was very depressed when I left for my classes. My Dad, who was retired at this time, said that Toby would lay by the front door and wouldn't move until he heard my car coming down the road in the afternoon. When I'd walk in the door, he got so excited that he jumped up and down on all four legs.
I earned my community college degree and then obtained a bachelor's degree in history at a small college in Kansas City. After this, I went back to home study for awhile earning a certificate in creative writing from the University of Wisconsin and a graduate diploma from an accredited seminary.
Toby was so glad that I was back home to study. It was at this time that I began writing, and my work began to be published. Toby lay down in my office while I wrote poetry and stories. I also did a lot of religious writing which became my way of fulfilling God's call on my life.
I do have one major regret. I wanted to have a church and live in the parsonage with Toby. It was one of my dreams. Sadly, Toby passed away a couple of years after I started writing. We never got to fulfill that dream together.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Verses For the Week and Prayer Requests
Before I post the verses, I just wanted to ask for your prayers regarding a couple of things. Tomorrow in my area, they are calling for possible bad storms and heavy rain. Please pray that these storms don't cause damage or flooding. Also, please pray that I will be able to find a part-time job that I am able to do. All I am finding is warehouse jobs. I am not really able to be on my feet this long with the problems and pain I have in my legs. I need to make a little more than I'm making in writing right now. Please pray that I will find what I need soon. Pray that the Lord's will will be done. I thank you for your prayers.
Here are this week's verses:
I John 3:16 -- "This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
John 15:9 -- "As the Father has loved Me, so have I love you. Now remain in my love."
Here are this week's verses:
I John 3:16 -- "This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
John 15:9 -- "As the Father has loved Me, so have I love you. Now remain in my love."
Friday, August 3, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Jesus is the Judge
Thank you for taking the time to read the Weekend Sermon. I am always happy when it comes time to post the sermon each week. I hope that all of you are having a good week.
This week has gone very well in writing. I am thankful to the Lord for this, and I am praying that it will continue into the future. I am still hoping to find an additional job that will be just what I am looking for. Please pray about this if you would.
In other prayer requests, please remember to pray that the fires in California will be extinguished. Pray for those who have been affected by the fires, and pray for the safety of the firefighters.
I heard this morning that there is another outbreak of Ebola in the Congo. Please pray that this will be brought under control.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya. Wherever you know that there is conflict, pray for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for Mali and Malaysia. Pray that many in these two nations will hear about the life changing power of Jesus Christ.
During the course of the last few weeks, we have been in a series of messages regarding who is Jesus. Today, we will continue looking into that subject as we look into the fact that Jesus is judge.
A couple of years ago, we did a study on the Weekend Sermon about the Apostles' Creed. During that study, we learned that a section of the Creed mentions that Jesus will return to judge both the living and dead. When Jesus returns, He will bring justice and judgment to this world.
Sometimes, it is hard for us to remember the fact that Scripture clearly states that Jesus is the judge. We often hear messages about the love and mercy of Jesus. Of course, Jesus is the man of love who extends His mercy to all. However, we have to present a complete picture of what the Bible says about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 5:22 tells us that all judgment has been given to the Son by the Father. Since Jesus came to this world and sacrificed His life for the salvation of all who believe, the Father has passed the right of all judgment over to Jesus. Everyone who has ever lived will stand before Jesus as judge one day.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that it is appointed to everyone that one day they will die. After death comes the judgment. What this means is that after a person dies, the outcome of their eternal destiny is sealed. If a person has made Jesus the Savior and Lord of his life, the person will enter into the joy of the Lord. Those who have rejected the Lord Jesus will hear the words, "Depart from me, I never knew you."
Those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus will not have to worry about their eternal destiny. Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works. When we repent of our sins and come to Jesus, He takes away our sins, and He gives us His righteousness. We are then in Christ.
Those who have believed in Jesus will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We see this in II Corinthians 5:10. I believe that this happens when a Christian passes away. It is not a judgment about salvation, it is an account we give to Jesus about what we have done in service to Him while we were on this earth. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 that the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Those who have used their time on earth to serve the Lord and to make this world a better place will be recognized by the Lord for their service.
Several places in the Bible speak about crowns that the Christian will receive for actions that were done on the Lord's behalf. Jesus also spoke about laying up for ourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Some people will have great rewards in Heaven. They have served the Lord faithfully while on earth. Some have even given their lives for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Others have put their faith and trust in Jesus, but their lives have not been about producing fruit for the Kingdom of God. They will not have the same rewards in Heaven as someone who has gone full out in their efforts to serve the Lord Jesus.
I have no idea what form these rewards will take. I do know this, Jesus as the judge will only do that which is right and that which is just. He will do good to all who have trusted in Him.
I believe that the parable of Jesus about the talents is a good example of what I am speaking of here. One servant received ten cities in the parable while another received five. They didn't have the same reward, but they were rewarded for what they did do for the master.
Of course, we are never to serve the Lord for the purpose of getting some type of honor or reward. We are to serve the Lord because we love Him with all of our heart, and we want to do what pleases Him and what brings honor and glory to His holy name.
Now, there is another judgment that the Bible talks about. Revelation 20:11-15 says that one day, there will be a Great White Throne Judgment. Those who have refused to accept Jesus will stand at this judgment. The Bible says that those whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be cast away.
There is another judgment that Jesus will preside over. It is the judgment of the nations as described in Matthew 25. This teaching of Jesus tells us that many will stand before Jesus claiming that they knew Him. However, Jesus says that He didn't know them. Jesus said that they did not do good to the least of those among them. Those who are able to enter into the Kingdom are those who did good to the least of these.
This is not a works based judgment. Those who are truly filled with the love of Jesus will express their love in service. Those who love Jesus will serve the least among them just as they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
I hope that you have made your peace with the Lord Jesus. I hope that you have accepted Him into your life as Savior and Lord. If you have, you have passed from death to life.
Knowing that all of us who believe will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, let us commit ourselves to faithfully following the Lord. Let us obey His commands and teachings. Let us work to make this world a better place for Jesus' honor and great glory.
Next week, we will continue with our series on who is Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in my book about Toby. May God bless you all. Amen.
This week has gone very well in writing. I am thankful to the Lord for this, and I am praying that it will continue into the future. I am still hoping to find an additional job that will be just what I am looking for. Please pray about this if you would.
In other prayer requests, please remember to pray that the fires in California will be extinguished. Pray for those who have been affected by the fires, and pray for the safety of the firefighters.
I heard this morning that there is another outbreak of Ebola in the Congo. Please pray that this will be brought under control.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya. Wherever you know that there is conflict, pray for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for Mali and Malaysia. Pray that many in these two nations will hear about the life changing power of Jesus Christ.
During the course of the last few weeks, we have been in a series of messages regarding who is Jesus. Today, we will continue looking into that subject as we look into the fact that Jesus is judge.
A couple of years ago, we did a study on the Weekend Sermon about the Apostles' Creed. During that study, we learned that a section of the Creed mentions that Jesus will return to judge both the living and dead. When Jesus returns, He will bring justice and judgment to this world.
Sometimes, it is hard for us to remember the fact that Scripture clearly states that Jesus is the judge. We often hear messages about the love and mercy of Jesus. Of course, Jesus is the man of love who extends His mercy to all. However, we have to present a complete picture of what the Bible says about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 5:22 tells us that all judgment has been given to the Son by the Father. Since Jesus came to this world and sacrificed His life for the salvation of all who believe, the Father has passed the right of all judgment over to Jesus. Everyone who has ever lived will stand before Jesus as judge one day.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that it is appointed to everyone that one day they will die. After death comes the judgment. What this means is that after a person dies, the outcome of their eternal destiny is sealed. If a person has made Jesus the Savior and Lord of his life, the person will enter into the joy of the Lord. Those who have rejected the Lord Jesus will hear the words, "Depart from me, I never knew you."
Those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus will not have to worry about their eternal destiny. Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works. When we repent of our sins and come to Jesus, He takes away our sins, and He gives us His righteousness. We are then in Christ.
Those who have believed in Jesus will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We see this in II Corinthians 5:10. I believe that this happens when a Christian passes away. It is not a judgment about salvation, it is an account we give to Jesus about what we have done in service to Him while we were on this earth. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 that the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Those who have used their time on earth to serve the Lord and to make this world a better place will be recognized by the Lord for their service.
Several places in the Bible speak about crowns that the Christian will receive for actions that were done on the Lord's behalf. Jesus also spoke about laying up for ourselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Some people will have great rewards in Heaven. They have served the Lord faithfully while on earth. Some have even given their lives for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Others have put their faith and trust in Jesus, but their lives have not been about producing fruit for the Kingdom of God. They will not have the same rewards in Heaven as someone who has gone full out in their efforts to serve the Lord Jesus.
I have no idea what form these rewards will take. I do know this, Jesus as the judge will only do that which is right and that which is just. He will do good to all who have trusted in Him.
I believe that the parable of Jesus about the talents is a good example of what I am speaking of here. One servant received ten cities in the parable while another received five. They didn't have the same reward, but they were rewarded for what they did do for the master.
Of course, we are never to serve the Lord for the purpose of getting some type of honor or reward. We are to serve the Lord because we love Him with all of our heart, and we want to do what pleases Him and what brings honor and glory to His holy name.
Now, there is another judgment that the Bible talks about. Revelation 20:11-15 says that one day, there will be a Great White Throne Judgment. Those who have refused to accept Jesus will stand at this judgment. The Bible says that those whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be cast away.
There is another judgment that Jesus will preside over. It is the judgment of the nations as described in Matthew 25. This teaching of Jesus tells us that many will stand before Jesus claiming that they knew Him. However, Jesus says that He didn't know them. Jesus said that they did not do good to the least of those among them. Those who are able to enter into the Kingdom are those who did good to the least of these.
This is not a works based judgment. Those who are truly filled with the love of Jesus will express their love in service. Those who love Jesus will serve the least among them just as they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
I hope that you have made your peace with the Lord Jesus. I hope that you have accepted Him into your life as Savior and Lord. If you have, you have passed from death to life.
Knowing that all of us who believe will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, let us commit ourselves to faithfully following the Lord. Let us obey His commands and teachings. Let us work to make this world a better place for Jesus' honor and great glory.
Next week, we will continue with our series on who is Jesus. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday, I will post the next chapter in my book about Toby. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Toby -- The Story of My Friend -- Chapter 4
This is the next chapter in my book about Toby. This material is copyright protected.
Chapter 4
Like me, Toby always had a lot of health problems. They began a short time after he came to live with me, and they continued throughout his life. Sickness and its various cures and palliatives were a major part of my relationship with my friend. I'm glad that I was able to take care of him. Actually, we took care of each other.
Like I said, Toby's health problems began shortly after his arrival. One night, I awoke to a horrible sight. Toby had defecated blood everywhere, and he was extremely weak. It was a Sunday morning, so I called our veterinarian at home. He told me to get Toby to his office right away, and I did. The vet ran several tests on Toby and determined that Toby had ulcerative colitis. We placed him on a course of medicine and hoped for the best.
That afternoon, Toby seemed like his normal self as he ran through the house barking at motorcycles. I thought that he would be fine, and I wasn't worried since he seemed to be making such good progress.
I was mistaken. About four days later, Toby had another episode. Of course, I rushed him to the veterinarian's office, and we began a new course of medication.
Once again, Toby had a good improvement and returned to his rambunctious and happy self. But, about four days later, he was ill again and back on his way to the vet's office. This time, more tests were run. They confirmed the initial diagnosis. However, this time, the vet placed Toby on a different type of medication.
I fully expected the symptoms to return, but this time the treatment worked. Toby was in good shape. After a fairly long course of this medication, we decided to gradually reduce the dosage. When we withdrew too much, Toby got sick again. We did eventually get Toby down to a lower dosage, but he had to remain on this daily medication for the next 10 years.
Unfortunately, colitis was just the beginning of Toby's troubles. When he was a little pup, no one looked after his teeth properly. He developed a lot of teeth issues because the teeth never had a good foundation for growth. When I bought Toby, he had so much caked in tartar on his teeth that I had the vet clean them right away. Even at a young age, some of Toby's teeth were so bad that they had to be removed.
Sometimes, Toby's roots became inflamed and infected. He'd develop large swollen places in his jaw. He eventually lost about half of his teeth. In order for him to eat properly, I had to soak up his kibble. In later life, I always bought him canned food.
One of the worst episodes with Toby's health came about when his kidneys became infected. He seemed fine one minute, and then the next minute he was violently ill. I knew that something was drastically wrong.
I was really worried as we traveled to the vet's office. The vet gave Toby a penicillin injection and some liquid sulfa medication. I was told to take Toby home and then bring him back in the afternoon for a re-check.
I waited anxiously through the day keeping a close eye on my friend. That afternoon, I took Toby back to the clinic. He received a second penicillin injection. Our vet also did a complete blood and urine work up.
The next afternoon, Toby's results showed some kidney damage, but it was not extensive. We kept Toby on the liquid sulfa, and he improved slowly. It was really hard on both of us, but once again the old boy pulled through.
Toby had many, many other health problems which I'm not going to go into detail about. One problem that was so bad and I prayed and prayed about I do want to mention. Because of the colitis medicine that he took, Toby was susceptible to opportunistic infections because of reduced immunity. When he was about 7 years old, Toby developed an opportunistic skin problem. We threw the book at this trying to treat it with little or no success. All the while I was praying that Toby would be healed of this problem.
I kept praying and praying for years about this. Thanks be to God. Toby was healed of this problem. He lived the last years of his life totally free from this skin condition. This incident taught me a lesson in being persistent in prayer.
I didn't mention all of Toby's problems in this chapter to make readers feel depressed. I included them because Toby's health was an important factor in our relationship. Caring for Toby and seeing him through this time of trial made us a pair of strong friends. It was my responsibility to care for Toby, and I made sure I did it to the best of my ability. He was a joy to take care of never causing any fuss or trouble. At least not for me.
One thing I have to mention. As Toby got to about 3 years of age, he came to the place where he only liked me and didn't really care for anybody else. He tolerated my parents, but he wouldn't play with them. He wouldn't let anybody come into my room when I was sleeping. He was extremely protective. He also absolutely hated everyone at the vet's office. If they needed to do a procedure, I had to help. They were scared to death of him. However, Toby never so much as showed the slightest flash of anger at me. I could do anything with him. To me, he was the best.
It has always been my belief that God brought the two of us together because we needed each other. I needed him to be a friend when I was friendless. Toby needed someone to help him through his many problems. Our veterinarian said that the majority of his clients wouldn't have gone to the expense and hassle of treating Toby's many problems. I found it to be a privilege. I miss him every day.
Chapter 4
Like me, Toby always had a lot of health problems. They began a short time after he came to live with me, and they continued throughout his life. Sickness and its various cures and palliatives were a major part of my relationship with my friend. I'm glad that I was able to take care of him. Actually, we took care of each other.
Like I said, Toby's health problems began shortly after his arrival. One night, I awoke to a horrible sight. Toby had defecated blood everywhere, and he was extremely weak. It was a Sunday morning, so I called our veterinarian at home. He told me to get Toby to his office right away, and I did. The vet ran several tests on Toby and determined that Toby had ulcerative colitis. We placed him on a course of medicine and hoped for the best.
That afternoon, Toby seemed like his normal self as he ran through the house barking at motorcycles. I thought that he would be fine, and I wasn't worried since he seemed to be making such good progress.
I was mistaken. About four days later, Toby had another episode. Of course, I rushed him to the veterinarian's office, and we began a new course of medication.
Once again, Toby had a good improvement and returned to his rambunctious and happy self. But, about four days later, he was ill again and back on his way to the vet's office. This time, more tests were run. They confirmed the initial diagnosis. However, this time, the vet placed Toby on a different type of medication.
I fully expected the symptoms to return, but this time the treatment worked. Toby was in good shape. After a fairly long course of this medication, we decided to gradually reduce the dosage. When we withdrew too much, Toby got sick again. We did eventually get Toby down to a lower dosage, but he had to remain on this daily medication for the next 10 years.
Unfortunately, colitis was just the beginning of Toby's troubles. When he was a little pup, no one looked after his teeth properly. He developed a lot of teeth issues because the teeth never had a good foundation for growth. When I bought Toby, he had so much caked in tartar on his teeth that I had the vet clean them right away. Even at a young age, some of Toby's teeth were so bad that they had to be removed.
Sometimes, Toby's roots became inflamed and infected. He'd develop large swollen places in his jaw. He eventually lost about half of his teeth. In order for him to eat properly, I had to soak up his kibble. In later life, I always bought him canned food.
One of the worst episodes with Toby's health came about when his kidneys became infected. He seemed fine one minute, and then the next minute he was violently ill. I knew that something was drastically wrong.
I was really worried as we traveled to the vet's office. The vet gave Toby a penicillin injection and some liquid sulfa medication. I was told to take Toby home and then bring him back in the afternoon for a re-check.
I waited anxiously through the day keeping a close eye on my friend. That afternoon, I took Toby back to the clinic. He received a second penicillin injection. Our vet also did a complete blood and urine work up.
The next afternoon, Toby's results showed some kidney damage, but it was not extensive. We kept Toby on the liquid sulfa, and he improved slowly. It was really hard on both of us, but once again the old boy pulled through.
Toby had many, many other health problems which I'm not going to go into detail about. One problem that was so bad and I prayed and prayed about I do want to mention. Because of the colitis medicine that he took, Toby was susceptible to opportunistic infections because of reduced immunity. When he was about 7 years old, Toby developed an opportunistic skin problem. We threw the book at this trying to treat it with little or no success. All the while I was praying that Toby would be healed of this problem.
I kept praying and praying for years about this. Thanks be to God. Toby was healed of this problem. He lived the last years of his life totally free from this skin condition. This incident taught me a lesson in being persistent in prayer.
I didn't mention all of Toby's problems in this chapter to make readers feel depressed. I included them because Toby's health was an important factor in our relationship. Caring for Toby and seeing him through this time of trial made us a pair of strong friends. It was my responsibility to care for Toby, and I made sure I did it to the best of my ability. He was a joy to take care of never causing any fuss or trouble. At least not for me.
One thing I have to mention. As Toby got to about 3 years of age, he came to the place where he only liked me and didn't really care for anybody else. He tolerated my parents, but he wouldn't play with them. He wouldn't let anybody come into my room when I was sleeping. He was extremely protective. He also absolutely hated everyone at the vet's office. If they needed to do a procedure, I had to help. They were scared to death of him. However, Toby never so much as showed the slightest flash of anger at me. I could do anything with him. To me, he was the best.
It has always been my belief that God brought the two of us together because we needed each other. I needed him to be a friend when I was friendless. Toby needed someone to help him through his many problems. Our veterinarian said that the majority of his clients wouldn't have gone to the expense and hassle of treating Toby's many problems. I found it to be a privilege. I miss him every day.
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