Philippians 3:13-14 -- "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
II Corinthians 5:17 -- "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Let's Keep Our Eyes On Jesus
Welcome to the final posting of the Weekend Sermon of 2018. Thank you for taking the time this year to read the sermon. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity this year to post the sermons. It is a lot of fun.
Everything is going well at my job. I've also had quite a bit of writing work over the holiday period which is often not the case. I thank the Lord for these opportunities that he has provided.
I would ask that you pray for one of my aunts and her children. One of my uncles passed away this week. He and my aunt were married for 65 years.
Indonesia suffered another tsunami, so we need to pray for those who were affected by that natural disaster. Please pray that all will receive the aid that they need.
Please continue to pray for those in Congo who are facing the Ebola outbreak. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray that this epidemic will not spread.
Let us all continue to pray for peace in this world. We need to keep praying for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya and South Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Guinea-Bissau and Laos. Pray that many will hear the message of Jesus' love.
Today, I would like to focus on the year behind and the year ahead. We had the opportunity here on the blog to have several different series of messages. I enjoyed the series on passages of Scripture that are taken out of context or misinterpreted. I also enjoyed the series on the last part of the book of Romans. I hope that the messages were of some benefit to those of you who took the time to read them.
As we head into the new year, I want us to focus on what is of the utmost importance. In the book of Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2, the writer tells us that, "We must keep our eyes on Jesus,who leads us and makes our faith complete." This is the key for the new year, and it is the key for leading the Christian life.
One time, Jesus came to His disciples when they were in a boat sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter asked Jesus to let Him walk out to Him on the sea. Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was doing fine. When Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the stormy seas, he started to sink beneath the waves. Jesus had to come to the rescue.
As we go into the new year, we need to renew the focus of our lives. We all need to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus and not get our focus on anything else.
When people get their eyes off of Jesus, that is when the trouble starts. The church gets off track when it places its eyes on political leaders or other people.
As believers in Jesus, we are to look to Him as we make our way through this life. Looking to Jesus in my understanding can mean a couple of different things. First of all, we look to Jesus when we determine that we will do what Jesus did in our own lives.
All of us will face major decision and dilemmas in the year ahead. Keeping our eyes on Jesus means that we will make our decisions based on what Jesus did or on what Jesus commanded. We will be committed to following His path even in the most trying and difficult times in the year that is ahead.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus also means something else to me. It doesn't just mean following His path, His commandments and His teachings. For me, part of keeping my eyes on Jesus means that I look to Him to provide the comfort and the help that I need to make it through the hard times that I face.
I've mentioned here on the blog several times that I have suffered from depression through the years. It is only through the help of Jesus that I am able to make it through from day to day. I have to keep my focus on the fact that He loves me and He is with me.
I also believe that in this day and age, keeping our eyes on Jesus and following Him often means not focusing on some who claim to be His followers. So much meanness is being thrown around by people who say they love Jesus. I just can't understand it. I can see why many people don't become Christians when I hear the hateful things that many who claim to be Christians utter.
We all need to remember that Jesus was compassionate and filled with love for all. We have to focus on the love of Jesus and who He is, and then not focus on who some of His followers say that He is.
I hope that in the year ahead that you will keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus. He is our all in all. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, I can't guarantee that the year will be all happiness and sunshine, but I can say that if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will do what is pleasing to Him, and we will feel His presence in our lives no matter the problems that we will face.
Next week, I will be posting the sermon on Friday again. We will be starting a new series of messages for the new year. I will reveal more about that next week. On Monday, I will post the verses for the week. I will reveal the Cat Book of Year on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Everything is going well at my job. I've also had quite a bit of writing work over the holiday period which is often not the case. I thank the Lord for these opportunities that he has provided.
I would ask that you pray for one of my aunts and her children. One of my uncles passed away this week. He and my aunt were married for 65 years.
Indonesia suffered another tsunami, so we need to pray for those who were affected by that natural disaster. Please pray that all will receive the aid that they need.
Please continue to pray for those in Congo who are facing the Ebola outbreak. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray that this epidemic will not spread.
Let us all continue to pray for peace in this world. We need to keep praying for peace in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya and South Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Guinea-Bissau and Laos. Pray that many will hear the message of Jesus' love.
Today, I would like to focus on the year behind and the year ahead. We had the opportunity here on the blog to have several different series of messages. I enjoyed the series on passages of Scripture that are taken out of context or misinterpreted. I also enjoyed the series on the last part of the book of Romans. I hope that the messages were of some benefit to those of you who took the time to read them.
As we head into the new year, I want us to focus on what is of the utmost importance. In the book of Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2, the writer tells us that, "We must keep our eyes on Jesus,who leads us and makes our faith complete." This is the key for the new year, and it is the key for leading the Christian life.
One time, Jesus came to His disciples when they were in a boat sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter asked Jesus to let Him walk out to Him on the sea. Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was doing fine. When Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the stormy seas, he started to sink beneath the waves. Jesus had to come to the rescue.
As we go into the new year, we need to renew the focus of our lives. We all need to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus and not get our focus on anything else.
When people get their eyes off of Jesus, that is when the trouble starts. The church gets off track when it places its eyes on political leaders or other people.
As believers in Jesus, we are to look to Him as we make our way through this life. Looking to Jesus in my understanding can mean a couple of different things. First of all, we look to Jesus when we determine that we will do what Jesus did in our own lives.
All of us will face major decision and dilemmas in the year ahead. Keeping our eyes on Jesus means that we will make our decisions based on what Jesus did or on what Jesus commanded. We will be committed to following His path even in the most trying and difficult times in the year that is ahead.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus also means something else to me. It doesn't just mean following His path, His commandments and His teachings. For me, part of keeping my eyes on Jesus means that I look to Him to provide the comfort and the help that I need to make it through the hard times that I face.
I've mentioned here on the blog several times that I have suffered from depression through the years. It is only through the help of Jesus that I am able to make it through from day to day. I have to keep my focus on the fact that He loves me and He is with me.
I also believe that in this day and age, keeping our eyes on Jesus and following Him often means not focusing on some who claim to be His followers. So much meanness is being thrown around by people who say they love Jesus. I just can't understand it. I can see why many people don't become Christians when I hear the hateful things that many who claim to be Christians utter.
We all need to remember that Jesus was compassionate and filled with love for all. We have to focus on the love of Jesus and who He is, and then not focus on who some of His followers say that He is.
I hope that in the year ahead that you will keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus. He is our all in all. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, I can't guarantee that the year will be all happiness and sunshine, but I can say that if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will do what is pleasing to Him, and we will feel His presence in our lives no matter the problems that we will face.
Next week, I will be posting the sermon on Friday again. We will be starting a new series of messages for the new year. I will reveal more about that next week. On Monday, I will post the verses for the week. I will reveal the Cat Book of Year on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Dog Book Of The Year
Today I am announcing my Dog Book of the Year Award. For those of you who are new to reading the blog, I usually review a dog, cat or animal book each week. At the end of the year, I post which dog, cat and animal book I've enjoyed the most in each category.
This year, I didn't review as many books because I reposted the book I wrote about my friend Toby through most of the summer. We will not have an animal book of the year selection this year. There will be a Cat Book of the Year Award announced next week.
This year, it was not a hard decision for the dog book award. I read many good dog books this year. However, one dog book stands above all of the others. The winner of the Dog Book of the Year Award this year is "Tomorrow: A Novel" written by Damian Dibben.
This is an historical novel told from the perspective of a dog. The dog and his master have lived for hundreds of years. You'll find out why as you read the story. The dog and his master have become separated, and the dog is waiting in Venice for the return of his master when the novel begins.
Due to circumstances that unfold, the dog is forced to stop waiting, and he goes in search of his master. He must make a harrowing journey to find the man that he cares so much for.
Over the course of the novel, the reader is taken into historical events such as the English Civil War and the Battle of Waterloo.
I've never read a book quite like this one. It is beautifully written, and the story is exceptionally well done. When you read the book, you'll find out what the title means.
Now, there is another dog book that I would like to mention. I thought this book was also excellent, and in many years, it would have won the award. "Good Dog" by Dan Gemeinhart is written for younger readers, but anyone who loves dogs will enjoy reading this story. The ending is very emotional. This book is a wonderful expression of the love that a boy and his dog can have for one another.
I recommend both of these books. Hopefully, both of these authors will have new novels coming out very soon.
This year, I didn't review as many books because I reposted the book I wrote about my friend Toby through most of the summer. We will not have an animal book of the year selection this year. There will be a Cat Book of the Year Award announced next week.
This year, it was not a hard decision for the dog book award. I read many good dog books this year. However, one dog book stands above all of the others. The winner of the Dog Book of the Year Award this year is "Tomorrow: A Novel" written by Damian Dibben.
This is an historical novel told from the perspective of a dog. The dog and his master have lived for hundreds of years. You'll find out why as you read the story. The dog and his master have become separated, and the dog is waiting in Venice for the return of his master when the novel begins.
Due to circumstances that unfold, the dog is forced to stop waiting, and he goes in search of his master. He must make a harrowing journey to find the man that he cares so much for.
Over the course of the novel, the reader is taken into historical events such as the English Civil War and the Battle of Waterloo.
I've never read a book quite like this one. It is beautifully written, and the story is exceptionally well done. When you read the book, you'll find out what the title means.
Now, there is another dog book that I would like to mention. I thought this book was also excellent, and in many years, it would have won the award. "Good Dog" by Dan Gemeinhart is written for younger readers, but anyone who loves dogs will enjoy reading this story. The ending is very emotional. This book is a wonderful expression of the love that a boy and his dog can have for one another.
I recommend both of these books. Hopefully, both of these authors will have new novels coming out very soon.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Peace
Welcome to this edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am thankful to the Lord for the opportunity each week to share these messages. I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.
I've been staying very busy this week at my job and with writing. I am praying that all will continue to go well with my work.
I found out this week that two of my uncles are not in good health. Please pray for them. Also, one of my cousins has been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Please pray for his recovery. Thank you.
Please continue to pray that the Ebola outbreak in the Congo will end. Pray that those who have the disease will recover, and pray for those who are working to help those with this illness.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Syria is still having problems. Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya are just a few of the nations that need out prayers for peace.
This week, let us pray for India and Tunisia as our prayer focus countries. Pray that many will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
This week, I want to bring a message about peace. When the angels came to announce the birth of Jesus, they came with a message to shepherds who were out in the fields with their flocks. The angels brought a message announcing peace on earth.
Jesus is the one who brings peace to the earth in several different ways. First of all, Jesus is the one who brings peace to the troubled soul. In John 14:27, Jesus stated that He had come to bring peace. He didn't bring a peace that the world gives. Jesus came to bring a peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus can bring peace to the heart of any person. He came to show us the way to live. He came to take away the sins of the world as the Lamb of God. Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. Those who place their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus will have their sins forgiven. They will receive the peace of having a personal relationship with Jesus. The one who places his or her trust in Jesus will not have anxiety regarding death because death has no victory over those who are in Jesus Christ. He is the resurrection and life. Whoever believes in Jesus will live with Him forever and forever.
Jesus has come to bring peace among people and nations as well. He is called the Prince of Peace in the book of Isaiah. Jesus taught the way of peace between people and nations within the Sermon on the Mount in particular. The reason that we don't have peace among people and nations right now is not because there is a problem with the message of Jesus. People and nations refuse to follow what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and in other teachings that we find in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Jesus taught that we are to treat others in the way that we would want to be treated. He taught us to love and help one another. He taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He ended the practice of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus taught the way of love. He taught His followers to be people of mercy and compassion.
If those who claim to follow Jesus as Lord would follow the teachings that Jesus has proclaimed in the Bible, the world could be such a better place right now.
Jesus will bring ultimate peace to this earth when He comes again in power and great glory at His Second Advent. The Bible says that when Jesus returns, the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer rise against nation. Humanity will study war no more. This is a day that I look forward to. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Peace is at the heart of Christmas. Jesus came into this world to bring the peace that only He can bring. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior and Lord this day, I invite you to come to know the Prince of Peace. Place your faith in Him. Accept Jesus as Lord. It will change your life now and for all of eternity.
Next week, I will not be posting the verses for the week as the library is closed on Monday and Tuesday for the Christmas holiday. I will begin posting my dog book and cat book of the year awards starting on Wednesday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday next week, as I have to work nest Saturday. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas. May God bless you all. Amen.
I've been staying very busy this week at my job and with writing. I am praying that all will continue to go well with my work.
I found out this week that two of my uncles are not in good health. Please pray for them. Also, one of my cousins has been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Please pray for his recovery. Thank you.
Please continue to pray that the Ebola outbreak in the Congo will end. Pray that those who have the disease will recover, and pray for those who are working to help those with this illness.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Syria is still having problems. Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya are just a few of the nations that need out prayers for peace.
This week, let us pray for India and Tunisia as our prayer focus countries. Pray that many will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
This week, I want to bring a message about peace. When the angels came to announce the birth of Jesus, they came with a message to shepherds who were out in the fields with their flocks. The angels brought a message announcing peace on earth.
Jesus is the one who brings peace to the earth in several different ways. First of all, Jesus is the one who brings peace to the troubled soul. In John 14:27, Jesus stated that He had come to bring peace. He didn't bring a peace that the world gives. Jesus came to bring a peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus can bring peace to the heart of any person. He came to show us the way to live. He came to take away the sins of the world as the Lamb of God. Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. Those who place their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus will have their sins forgiven. They will receive the peace of having a personal relationship with Jesus. The one who places his or her trust in Jesus will not have anxiety regarding death because death has no victory over those who are in Jesus Christ. He is the resurrection and life. Whoever believes in Jesus will live with Him forever and forever.
Jesus has come to bring peace among people and nations as well. He is called the Prince of Peace in the book of Isaiah. Jesus taught the way of peace between people and nations within the Sermon on the Mount in particular. The reason that we don't have peace among people and nations right now is not because there is a problem with the message of Jesus. People and nations refuse to follow what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and in other teachings that we find in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Jesus taught that we are to treat others in the way that we would want to be treated. He taught us to love and help one another. He taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He ended the practice of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus taught the way of love. He taught His followers to be people of mercy and compassion.
If those who claim to follow Jesus as Lord would follow the teachings that Jesus has proclaimed in the Bible, the world could be such a better place right now.
Jesus will bring ultimate peace to this earth when He comes again in power and great glory at His Second Advent. The Bible says that when Jesus returns, the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer rise against nation. Humanity will study war no more. This is a day that I look forward to. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Peace is at the heart of Christmas. Jesus came into this world to bring the peace that only He can bring. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior and Lord this day, I invite you to come to know the Prince of Peace. Place your faith in Him. Accept Jesus as Lord. It will change your life now and for all of eternity.
Next week, I will not be posting the verses for the week as the library is closed on Monday and Tuesday for the Christmas holiday. I will begin posting my dog book and cat book of the year awards starting on Wednesday. The Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday next week, as I have to work nest Saturday. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Book Review -- The Travelling Cat Chronicles
As I start this review, I want to state that this is the best book that I've read for a long time. The book that I am reviewing today is "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" written by Hiro Arikawa. At it's heart, this book is about love and friendship.
The book begins with a stray cat gradually getting to know a man named Satoru. The cat likes to rest on the man's silver van, and the man comes out and brings food and treats for the cat. One day, the cat is injured in an accident. He comes to Satoru seeking assistance. After the cat recovers from his injuries, he decides to stay with Satoru, and Satoru names the cat "Nana" because the cat has a crook in his tail making it look like the number seven which is pronounced "Nana" in Japanese.
For five years, Nana and Satoru live together and are friends. They both care about each other. However, one day, Satoru tells Nana that he has to find a new home for him. Satoru won't be able to take care of him in the future.
Over the course of the book, Satoru and Nana take four trips in the silver van to find someone who will take Nana in. The first three trips are to visit old friends of Satoru, and the final trip is to visit Satoru's aunt who took care of him after his parents passed ways.
As the book unfolds and Satoru visits each of his old friends, we learn more about his life in the past and what is happening in the present. Throughout the book, Nana the cat states his opinion about what is going on.
The final part of this book is really well done. It's definitely an emotional ending. I'm not going to give away any more of the plot. Read this book, and find out how great it really is for yourself. I highly recommend "The Travelling Cat Chronicles."
The book begins with a stray cat gradually getting to know a man named Satoru. The cat likes to rest on the man's silver van, and the man comes out and brings food and treats for the cat. One day, the cat is injured in an accident. He comes to Satoru seeking assistance. After the cat recovers from his injuries, he decides to stay with Satoru, and Satoru names the cat "Nana" because the cat has a crook in his tail making it look like the number seven which is pronounced "Nana" in Japanese.
For five years, Nana and Satoru live together and are friends. They both care about each other. However, one day, Satoru tells Nana that he has to find a new home for him. Satoru won't be able to take care of him in the future.
Over the course of the book, Satoru and Nana take four trips in the silver van to find someone who will take Nana in. The first three trips are to visit old friends of Satoru, and the final trip is to visit Satoru's aunt who took care of him after his parents passed ways.
As the book unfolds and Satoru visits each of his old friends, we learn more about his life in the past and what is happening in the present. Throughout the book, Nana the cat states his opinion about what is going on.
The final part of this book is really well done. It's definitely an emotional ending. I'm not going to give away any more of the plot. Read this book, and find out how great it really is for yourself. I highly recommend "The Travelling Cat Chronicles."
Monday, December 17, 2018
Verses For the Week
Psalm 39:7 -- "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you."
I Peter 1:3-4 -- "He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
I Peter 1:3-4 -- "He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Friday, December 14, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- God Among Us
Welcome to this edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad that you have taken the time out of your day to read the sermon. I hope that everyone is having a very good week.
I've been enjoying my job, and I've been getting a lot of hours. I thank the Lord for this job, and I am also thankful that there has been a lot of writing work to keep me busy as well.
I would like to ask for your prayers in one matter. I am having some pain in my wrist. Please pray that this will get better and that it won't affect my job in any way. Thank you for your prayers.
As you pray this week, please remember to pray for those in the Congo who are in the midst of the Ebola outbreak. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray that the virus does not spread.
In the United States, there have been many children who have been separated from their parents when the parents come over the border from other countries seeking asylum. Please pray that these children will be reunited with their parents.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Pray for peace in Syria, Libya, South Sudan and Afghanistan. Remember to pray for those in France who were involved in the terrorist attack. Please pray for an end to terrorism.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Cambodia and Kuwait. Please pray that many will hear of the love of Jesus in these two countries.
Last week, we finished our series of messages on the last few chapters of the book of Romans. Today and next week, I will be posting messages based on the Advent season.
Today, I would like to focus our attention on what happened when Jesus came to be born on this earth. To begin this message, I would like to post four important passages of Scripture.
Matthew 1:23 -- "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call his name Immanuel which means God with us."
Galatians 4:4-5 -- "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Colossians 2:9 -- "For in him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."
Philippians 2:6-7 -- "Who being in the form of God did not consider equality with God something to be used his advantage, rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Throughout the entirety of the Old Testament, the prophets spoke of the fact that a Messiah was going to come and redeem the people. The first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah is found in Genesis 3:15.
When the right time came, God sent His Son into this world. Jesus is completely divine and completely human. He humbled Himself and came to this earth in human form born of the Virgin Mary on Christmas day. The one who was the King of the entire universe, came to us as a helpless baby. He came to serve and not to be served. He came to show us how to live the way that we are supposed to live in this world. Philippians 2 will go on to tell us that Jesus suffered on the cross to redeem us.
Jesus came to redeem us from our sins and to bring about the restoration of all things. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus brings about the salvation of our souls. It brings about the possibility that one day all will be as it was before sin entered into the world. One day, when Jesus returns to this at His Second Advent, the process of the restoration of all things will be completed. All will be as it was originally intended to be.
What is so amazing to me about Christmas is that the God of this entire universe would come to be among us. He loved us so much that He came to show us the way. Jesus is the one who shows us what God is really like. If you want to know what God is like, you look to Jesus. If you want to know how to act and live in this world in the right manner, you look to Jesus as the ultimate example because He lived a life without sin and only did that which was perfect, right and good.
God came among us at Christmas time in order that we might find perfect peace in and through Him. We can find peace for our souls by finding forgiveness through Him. We can find peace for the struggles that beset humanity by looking at and following His teachings recorded in passages such as the Sermon on the Mount.
Immanuel has come. We must look to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him in all things and follow Him fully.
I hope that during this Christmas season that you will truly realize what happened on Christmas Day. God fully revealed Himself to us in the person of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus came to show us the way and redeem us from our sins. Please meditate on this during the holiday season.
Next week, I will bring another message based on Christmas. The sermon will be posted on Saturday next week. I don't like to keep changing the day that the sermon will be posted, but my schedule at work keeps changing. I don't know from week to week if I will have to work on Friday or Saturday. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will have a review on Wednesday. I am in the process of finishing up a cat book. May God bless you all. Amen.
I've been enjoying my job, and I've been getting a lot of hours. I thank the Lord for this job, and I am also thankful that there has been a lot of writing work to keep me busy as well.
I would like to ask for your prayers in one matter. I am having some pain in my wrist. Please pray that this will get better and that it won't affect my job in any way. Thank you for your prayers.
As you pray this week, please remember to pray for those in the Congo who are in the midst of the Ebola outbreak. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray that the virus does not spread.
In the United States, there have been many children who have been separated from their parents when the parents come over the border from other countries seeking asylum. Please pray that these children will be reunited with their parents.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Pray for peace in Syria, Libya, South Sudan and Afghanistan. Remember to pray for those in France who were involved in the terrorist attack. Please pray for an end to terrorism.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Cambodia and Kuwait. Please pray that many will hear of the love of Jesus in these two countries.
Last week, we finished our series of messages on the last few chapters of the book of Romans. Today and next week, I will be posting messages based on the Advent season.
Today, I would like to focus our attention on what happened when Jesus came to be born on this earth. To begin this message, I would like to post four important passages of Scripture.
Matthew 1:23 -- "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call his name Immanuel which means God with us."
Galatians 4:4-5 -- "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Colossians 2:9 -- "For in him, the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."
Philippians 2:6-7 -- "Who being in the form of God did not consider equality with God something to be used his advantage, rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Throughout the entirety of the Old Testament, the prophets spoke of the fact that a Messiah was going to come and redeem the people. The first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah is found in Genesis 3:15.
When the right time came, God sent His Son into this world. Jesus is completely divine and completely human. He humbled Himself and came to this earth in human form born of the Virgin Mary on Christmas day. The one who was the King of the entire universe, came to us as a helpless baby. He came to serve and not to be served. He came to show us how to live the way that we are supposed to live in this world. Philippians 2 will go on to tell us that Jesus suffered on the cross to redeem us.
Jesus came to redeem us from our sins and to bring about the restoration of all things. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus brings about the salvation of our souls. It brings about the possibility that one day all will be as it was before sin entered into the world. One day, when Jesus returns to this at His Second Advent, the process of the restoration of all things will be completed. All will be as it was originally intended to be.
What is so amazing to me about Christmas is that the God of this entire universe would come to be among us. He loved us so much that He came to show us the way. Jesus is the one who shows us what God is really like. If you want to know what God is like, you look to Jesus. If you want to know how to act and live in this world in the right manner, you look to Jesus as the ultimate example because He lived a life without sin and only did that which was perfect, right and good.
God came among us at Christmas time in order that we might find perfect peace in and through Him. We can find peace for our souls by finding forgiveness through Him. We can find peace for the struggles that beset humanity by looking at and following His teachings recorded in passages such as the Sermon on the Mount.
Immanuel has come. We must look to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him in all things and follow Him fully.
I hope that during this Christmas season that you will truly realize what happened on Christmas Day. God fully revealed Himself to us in the person of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus came to show us the way and redeem us from our sins. Please meditate on this during the holiday season.
Next week, I will bring another message based on Christmas. The sermon will be posted on Saturday next week. I don't like to keep changing the day that the sermon will be posted, but my schedule at work keeps changing. I don't know from week to week if I will have to work on Friday or Saturday. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will have a review on Wednesday. I am in the process of finishing up a cat book. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Update
I have been so busy with my job and working on writing that I haven't had much of a chance to read. I won't be posting a review this week, but I do believe that I will get back to posting more reviews next week. I am thankful that I've been getting writing work, and I am thankful that I've been getting a lot of hours over the holiday season at my other job. I will be posting the sermon on Friday.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Verses For the Week
Isaiah 12:6 -- "Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."
Proverbs 10:28 -- "The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing."
Proverbs 10:28 -- "The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing."
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Special Prayer Request
Yesterday, I read an article about how the Ebola virus is spreading in the the Congo. Please say a special prayer for the people in this region. Pray that those who are sick will recover. Pray that the virus will not spread any further. Pray for those who are on the front lines helping those who are infected with the virus. Thank you for your prayers on this matter.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Romans 16:17-27
Thank you for reading the Weekend Sermon this week. I thank the Lord for this opportunity, and I hope that all of you are having a very good week.
I've been working hard at my job, and writing has been going well. :Usually in the month of December, there are fewer writing jobs, but this month has been good to start out with.
Please be in prayer for my one of my aunts and for one of my uncles. They both lost their spouses recently, and it is very hard to deal with the death of a loved one during the holiday season.
Let us all be in prayer for those in Yemen. That country is in the midst of war, and disease, and famine is rampant. Please pray for an end to the violence, and pray that the aid that the people need will reach the nation.
There are many other places in the world that need peace at this time. Pray for peace in Syria, Israel, Afghanistan, Ukraine, South Sudan and Libya
During this holiday season, let us pray that people will be filled with kindness. Let each of us try to follow the words of the Lord Jesus and do unto others as we would have done unto us.
For our prayer focus countries this week, please pray for those who live in the nations of Azerbaijan and Mali. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus. Also, pray that many all over the world will hear the message of Jesus' love during this Christmas season.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we've been studying the last few chapters of the book of Romans. Today we will finish chapter 16, and that will be the end of our Romans series. Starting next week on the Weekend Sermon, we will be having some messages centered around the Christmas season.
In today's passage, I want to focus on two verses. The end of verse 19 states, "I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." This verse reminds me of Philippians 4:8 where Paul gives the instruction that we are to think about those things that are lovely, honorable, just and true.
There are a lot of bad things out in the world that can draw our minds away from the values promoted by Jesus. Many of the movies and television programs that are currently available don't express Christian morals and values. I've found in my own life that if I spend time watching or reading those things which are not reflective of the values of Jesus, it causes me to be less like Jesus and more like the world and its values.
There are a lot of good things that we can put into our minds that are honoring to the Lord. We should all be reading the Bible on a daily basis, but I'm saying more than that. There are good movies and books that do promote what is good that we can be spending our time reading and viewing.
I've been trying in my life to read more animal and nature books. During the coming year, I want to read more non-fiction and fewer mysteries and such. I like to read about the beauty of God's creation, and that gives me peace in my heart. I like to listen to music that promotes peace and tranquility within my spirit.
I'm not trying to come down on people or tell people that this type of book or movie or television program is wrong. I'm just saying that I find that my life is more peaceful and happy when I focus on those things that reflect the values of Jesus and His creation. I want to focus more on those things in the weeks and months to come.
Now, there is a second verse that I want to focus on. Verse 20 states, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." What does this mean?
When humanity fell into sin and turned its back on the will of God, evil entered into the world. The Bible says that death passed upon all because all have sinned.
In Genesis 3, we read the record of the fall of humanity. In that chapter, God promised that one would be born who would crush the head of the serpent who was the symbol of Satan.
When Jesus was born into this world, this prophecy saw the beginning of its fulfillment. Jesus was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. Jesus lived a holy and sinless life. Because of that, He could take our sins upon Himself on the cross. He could be our substitute. He took the punishment for sins upon Himself that we rightly deserved.
Because of sin, death had passed upon all people. However, Jesus dealt with the consequences of sin through His glorious resurrection. By rising from the grave, Jesus destroyed death, hell and the grave. Death has no power over the one who is in Christ.
Evil is still in the world. There is a lot of terrible stuff that goes on in this world. However, Satan and his evil will be destroyed once and for all when Jesus returns in power and great glory at His Second Coming. Then, all sin will be at an end. Wars will cease. Man's inhumanity to man will be over. Injustice will be at an end. All will be good and right. Peace and justice will rule the day. Love will triumph over the forces of hate.
The Bible says that Satan and all those who remain his followers will be cast in the lake of fire. Evil will be destroyed.
Until that day comes, those of us who are followers of Jesus have a job to do. We are to take the message of Jesus' love to those who don't know about it. We are to tell others that Jesus lived, died, rose again and is coming again. We are also to strive to make this world a better place. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help those who are oppressed. We are to stand for justice and goodness. We are to follow the example given to us by the Lord Jesus until that day when He returns and all things are made right and all things are restored to their original state.
I hope that you have come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The Bible says that whoever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. You can repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord this very day.
Next week, our Christmas messages begin. On Monday, I will post the verses for the week. On Wednesday, there may be a review, but I am not sure yet. I will post the Weekend Sermon on Friday next week. May God bless you all. Amen.
I've been working hard at my job, and writing has been going well. :Usually in the month of December, there are fewer writing jobs, but this month has been good to start out with.
Please be in prayer for my one of my aunts and for one of my uncles. They both lost their spouses recently, and it is very hard to deal with the death of a loved one during the holiday season.
Let us all be in prayer for those in Yemen. That country is in the midst of war, and disease, and famine is rampant. Please pray for an end to the violence, and pray that the aid that the people need will reach the nation.
There are many other places in the world that need peace at this time. Pray for peace in Syria, Israel, Afghanistan, Ukraine, South Sudan and Libya
During this holiday season, let us pray that people will be filled with kindness. Let each of us try to follow the words of the Lord Jesus and do unto others as we would have done unto us.
For our prayer focus countries this week, please pray for those who live in the nations of Azerbaijan and Mali. Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus. Also, pray that many all over the world will hear the message of Jesus' love during this Christmas season.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we've been studying the last few chapters of the book of Romans. Today we will finish chapter 16, and that will be the end of our Romans series. Starting next week on the Weekend Sermon, we will be having some messages centered around the Christmas season.
In today's passage, I want to focus on two verses. The end of verse 19 states, "I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." This verse reminds me of Philippians 4:8 where Paul gives the instruction that we are to think about those things that are lovely, honorable, just and true.
There are a lot of bad things out in the world that can draw our minds away from the values promoted by Jesus. Many of the movies and television programs that are currently available don't express Christian morals and values. I've found in my own life that if I spend time watching or reading those things which are not reflective of the values of Jesus, it causes me to be less like Jesus and more like the world and its values.
There are a lot of good things that we can put into our minds that are honoring to the Lord. We should all be reading the Bible on a daily basis, but I'm saying more than that. There are good movies and books that do promote what is good that we can be spending our time reading and viewing.
I've been trying in my life to read more animal and nature books. During the coming year, I want to read more non-fiction and fewer mysteries and such. I like to read about the beauty of God's creation, and that gives me peace in my heart. I like to listen to music that promotes peace and tranquility within my spirit.
I'm not trying to come down on people or tell people that this type of book or movie or television program is wrong. I'm just saying that I find that my life is more peaceful and happy when I focus on those things that reflect the values of Jesus and His creation. I want to focus more on those things in the weeks and months to come.
Now, there is a second verse that I want to focus on. Verse 20 states, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." What does this mean?
When humanity fell into sin and turned its back on the will of God, evil entered into the world. The Bible says that death passed upon all because all have sinned.
In Genesis 3, we read the record of the fall of humanity. In that chapter, God promised that one would be born who would crush the head of the serpent who was the symbol of Satan.
When Jesus was born into this world, this prophecy saw the beginning of its fulfillment. Jesus was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. Jesus lived a holy and sinless life. Because of that, He could take our sins upon Himself on the cross. He could be our substitute. He took the punishment for sins upon Himself that we rightly deserved.
Because of sin, death had passed upon all people. However, Jesus dealt with the consequences of sin through His glorious resurrection. By rising from the grave, Jesus destroyed death, hell and the grave. Death has no power over the one who is in Christ.
Evil is still in the world. There is a lot of terrible stuff that goes on in this world. However, Satan and his evil will be destroyed once and for all when Jesus returns in power and great glory at His Second Coming. Then, all sin will be at an end. Wars will cease. Man's inhumanity to man will be over. Injustice will be at an end. All will be good and right. Peace and justice will rule the day. Love will triumph over the forces of hate.
The Bible says that Satan and all those who remain his followers will be cast in the lake of fire. Evil will be destroyed.
Until that day comes, those of us who are followers of Jesus have a job to do. We are to take the message of Jesus' love to those who don't know about it. We are to tell others that Jesus lived, died, rose again and is coming again. We are also to strive to make this world a better place. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help those who are oppressed. We are to stand for justice and goodness. We are to follow the example given to us by the Lord Jesus until that day when He returns and all things are made right and all things are restored to their original state.
I hope that you have come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The Bible says that whoever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. You can repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord this very day.
Next week, our Christmas messages begin. On Monday, I will post the verses for the week. On Wednesday, there may be a review, but I am not sure yet. I will post the Weekend Sermon on Friday next week. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Book Review -- Burning Ridge
The book that I want to review today is entitled "Burning Ridge: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery" written by Margaret Mizushima. This is the fourth book in this series, and I've reviewed the other three books in the series here on the blog.
Of the four books in the series, this is the book that I like the best. The action moves along very well. In this book, it didn't seem as if veterinarian Cole Walker was unnaturally in the action just to advance the relationship between him and the main character Mattie Cobb.
Robo the police dog sees a lot of action in this book. Mattie will find out a lot about her family, and she will make some new friends. The mystery part of the book is interesting because it keeps you guessing until the end about who the culprit is.
If you like police mysteries and books with police dogs, this is a book that you will really enjoy. While this book can be read on its own, readers will get more out of the book if they read all the books in the series. All of the books are good, and I think that the series is improving with each book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Of the four books in the series, this is the book that I like the best. The action moves along very well. In this book, it didn't seem as if veterinarian Cole Walker was unnaturally in the action just to advance the relationship between him and the main character Mattie Cobb.
Robo the police dog sees a lot of action in this book. Mattie will find out a lot about her family, and she will make some new friends. The mystery part of the book is interesting because it keeps you guessing until the end about who the culprit is.
If you like police mysteries and books with police dogs, this is a book that you will really enjoy. While this book can be read on its own, readers will get more out of the book if they read all the books in the series. All of the books are good, and I think that the series is improving with each book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Verses For the Week
Psalm 94:14 -- "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."
John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Weekend Sermon -- Romans 16:1-16
Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad to be able to post this message as it has been quite a difficult week. I hope that all of you are doing well.
This week, we had a terrible blizzard where I live. I lost power for 15 hours, and it got very cold in the house. Thankfully, the power was restored. It could have been a lot worse. Everything has been going well in my job and in writing. I am thankful to the Lord for this.
This week, there was an earthquake in Alaska. Pray for those in that state. Also, please continue to pray for those who are dealing with the fires in the state of California.
I just learned before starting this sermon that former President George H.W. Bush has passed away. Please pray for his family during this difficult time.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world this week. Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya continue to need our prayers for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Nepal and Bhutan. Pray that many will hear the message that Jesus loves them.
Today, we will begin our study of Romans 16. I will have two messages on this chapter. After that, I will post holiday season messages.
The first part of Romans 16 has one major theme, but there is a major controversy in the chapter. Let's deal with this. First of all, Paul begins the chapter by commending Phoebe who is a deacon. He asks that Roman Christians provide her with whatever help she might need. Paul states that she was of benefit to many people including him.
In the church that I was brought up in as a boy, women were not allowed to have any positions of authority in the church. They were not and are not allowed to be ministers. They are not allowed to be deacons. They are not allowed to teach boys in Sunday school after the boys are 12 years old.
In my old church, this verse was interpreted as meaning that Phoebe was simply someone who helped Paul. My church denied that she had any official role as a church leader.
I believe that Phoebe was a deacon in the church in an official manner. In the book of Acts, deacons were established by the Apostles to aid in helping people in the church with their physical needs. Specifically, the deacons helped to distribute aid to widows and those who needed assistance in order to make it in life.
The Bible is clear that the first deacons had a teaching and ministering role. Stephen and Philip were both deacons who proclaimed the Word of the Lord.
Romans 16 also mentions Aquila and Priscilla. Paul calls them his co-workers in Christ Jesus. The book of Acts says that both of them taught Apollos who was a popular teacher in the church. It seems to me that they were a husband and wife ministry team.
In verse 7, Paul mentions that Junia was outstanding among the apostles. Some argue that this verse shows that there was a woman apostle.
First of all, I do not have a problem with women being ministers in the church. Women were the first ones that Jesus entrusted to proclaim the message of His resurrection. Some are going to disagree with me on this. However, I have known several women who are outstanding teachers and pastors. Many women serve the Lord in outstanding ways.
About the controversy as to whether or not Junia was a female apostle. I really don't think that this is what Paul is saying in this verse. I believe he is pointing out that Junia was considered great by the apostles for her work in the ministry.
Now, what is the main lesson of Romans 16:1-16. The main message is that there are many people who are working together to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the world. Paul knew that his success in spreading the message of Jesus was due in large part to the fact that there were many people who assisted him. Paul knew that there were many committed Christians who were calling on others to be reconciled to God.
Each one of us has a part in spreading the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness to this hurting and lost world. We all must work together as members of the body of Christ to bring others to Jesus. We need to work together against injustice, and we need to work together to make this world a better place.
Each of us has been gifted by God to help the entire body of Christ. Let us use the gifts given to us by the Lord to enrich the body of Christ and perform the Lord's work in this world.
Next week, we will finish Romans 16 and our series in the book of Romans. I plan on posting the sermon on Friday next week. I will post the verses on Monday, and I plan to post a book review of a dog book on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
This week, we had a terrible blizzard where I live. I lost power for 15 hours, and it got very cold in the house. Thankfully, the power was restored. It could have been a lot worse. Everything has been going well in my job and in writing. I am thankful to the Lord for this.
This week, there was an earthquake in Alaska. Pray for those in that state. Also, please continue to pray for those who are dealing with the fires in the state of California.
I just learned before starting this sermon that former President George H.W. Bush has passed away. Please pray for his family during this difficult time.
Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world this week. Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan and Libya continue to need our prayers for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Nepal and Bhutan. Pray that many will hear the message that Jesus loves them.
Today, we will begin our study of Romans 16. I will have two messages on this chapter. After that, I will post holiday season messages.
The first part of Romans 16 has one major theme, but there is a major controversy in the chapter. Let's deal with this. First of all, Paul begins the chapter by commending Phoebe who is a deacon. He asks that Roman Christians provide her with whatever help she might need. Paul states that she was of benefit to many people including him.
In the church that I was brought up in as a boy, women were not allowed to have any positions of authority in the church. They were not and are not allowed to be ministers. They are not allowed to be deacons. They are not allowed to teach boys in Sunday school after the boys are 12 years old.
In my old church, this verse was interpreted as meaning that Phoebe was simply someone who helped Paul. My church denied that she had any official role as a church leader.
I believe that Phoebe was a deacon in the church in an official manner. In the book of Acts, deacons were established by the Apostles to aid in helping people in the church with their physical needs. Specifically, the deacons helped to distribute aid to widows and those who needed assistance in order to make it in life.
The Bible is clear that the first deacons had a teaching and ministering role. Stephen and Philip were both deacons who proclaimed the Word of the Lord.
Romans 16 also mentions Aquila and Priscilla. Paul calls them his co-workers in Christ Jesus. The book of Acts says that both of them taught Apollos who was a popular teacher in the church. It seems to me that they were a husband and wife ministry team.
In verse 7, Paul mentions that Junia was outstanding among the apostles. Some argue that this verse shows that there was a woman apostle.
First of all, I do not have a problem with women being ministers in the church. Women were the first ones that Jesus entrusted to proclaim the message of His resurrection. Some are going to disagree with me on this. However, I have known several women who are outstanding teachers and pastors. Many women serve the Lord in outstanding ways.
About the controversy as to whether or not Junia was a female apostle. I really don't think that this is what Paul is saying in this verse. I believe he is pointing out that Junia was considered great by the apostles for her work in the ministry.
Now, what is the main lesson of Romans 16:1-16. The main message is that there are many people who are working together to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the world. Paul knew that his success in spreading the message of Jesus was due in large part to the fact that there were many people who assisted him. Paul knew that there were many committed Christians who were calling on others to be reconciled to God.
Each one of us has a part in spreading the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness to this hurting and lost world. We all must work together as members of the body of Christ to bring others to Jesus. We need to work together against injustice, and we need to work together to make this world a better place.
Each of us has been gifted by God to help the entire body of Christ. Let us use the gifts given to us by the Lord to enrich the body of Christ and perform the Lord's work in this world.
Next week, we will finish Romans 16 and our series in the book of Romans. I plan on posting the sermon on Friday next week. I will post the verses on Monday, and I plan to post a book review of a dog book on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
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