Weekend Sermon -- Elijah -- part 2

      Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. I hope that it will be a blessing to you. I thank the Lord for continuing to allow me to post these messages. 

     Last week, we began a series of messages on the life of the prophet Elijah. He has a prominent place in both the Old and the New Testaments. 

     As we got started last week, we saw that Elijah came on the scene when the northern kingdom of Israel was at its lowest point spiritually. The leadership of Ahab and Jezebel was wicked, and the people had descended into the depths of idolatry. 

     Elijah came with a message from the Lord that it would not rain for a long period. The rain would only come back when Elijah gave the word. Last week, I didn't mention the fact that Elijah praying that it would not rain is given in the New Testament as an example of how we are to pray. In James 5:17-18, we are reminded that Elijah was a human being just as we are. He had faith and believed what God had told him. That is why he was able to make the proclamation and pray that it would not rain. We are called to have faith just like that. We are to take God at His word and believe in His promises. 

     Elijah was a wanted man after he made the proclamation that a drought was coming. He had to flee for his life. The Lord told him to flee the area and go to the Kerith Ravine. Elijah was to hide out there until he received the word from the Lord. The Lord didn't leave Elijah on his own. He told Elijah that he would have water to drink from the brook, and the Lord commanded the ravens to bring food to Elijah twice a day. 

     What is that we can learn from this part of the life of the prophet Elijah? First of all, this encounter in the life of Elijah reminds me of the fact that the Lord has promised that He will always be with us. Elijah must have been afraid of what was going to happen to him, but he relied on the Lord. The Lord made sure that Elijah was continuously aware of His presence. Those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus have the Lord Jesus' presence in our hearts to give us comfort and guidance. We have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who is the comforter. We can always know and be aware of the fact that the Lord is with us. 

     Another thing that I notice from this story is that the animals obeyed and acted as servants of the Lord. God is the creator and sustainer of all. The Bible says that everything was created through, by and for the Lord Jesus. All of creation knows the Creator and the creatures are ready to follow all that the Lord might ask them to do. We see this when Jesus road the colt into Jerusalem. Jesus said that if the people stopped praising Him, the rocks themselves would cry out before the Lord. The Bible says that all of creation is groaning in travail waiting for the day when the Lord will return. When He returns, the creation will be restored to its Edenic state. All will be well as it was before sin entered into the world. 

     Finally, I would like to point out that this incidence from the life of Elijah reminds us that God will sustain us when He has called us to His purpose. The Lord had a plan, and Elijah was part of that plan. Nothing would happen to Elijah until God's plan was fulfilled. We can take comfort knowing that our steps are ordered by the Lord. Sometimes it's difficult to understand how this all works out. This is where faith comes in. We have to believe that the Lord is watching out for us to do what will accomplish what is best and what is in His will. 

     The big take away from this message is that the Lord Jesus is with us, and He will provide for us. We have to trust in Him, and we must be faithful. We must not lose heart in the midst of difficult circumstances. We must carry on knowing that Jesus is always at our side. Amen. 

Prayer Requests

     Please pray for the families of those who lost loved ones in Texas and in Buffalo. Pray that action will be taken to avoid these tragedies in the future. Also, pray that the injured will make a speedy recovery. 

     Pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, and pray that the monkey pox  will not become a big problem. Pray that the sick will recover. 

     Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of the world. Ukraine certainly needs our prayers. Pray for peace in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Chad, Ethiopia and Sudan. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those living in the nations of Egypt and Nepal. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     Next week, we will continue our Elijah series. I will post the verses on Monday, and I hope to post something midweek. May God bless you all. 

When Will It End

       This isn't the normal type of post that I have midweek. I am very upset that we have had another mass shooting in the United States. This time there were many children involved. This madness in this country has to stop. First of all, please pray for those who mourn the loss of a loved one. Pray that those who are injured in body, mind and spirit will recover. However, it's not enough to offer thoughts and prayers. We have to have action. 

       We need Christian people in this country to advocate for gun control. No one needs an assault weapon. We must keep guns out of the hands of those who would use them for nefarious purposes. One way to do this is to make sure that there are no loopholes in the background checks. We also need to have laws that don't let those who are thought to be a danger to themselves or others have access to firearms. 

     What needs to change most is the heart of people. We have too much emphasis on violence in this nation. We need to follow and teach the non-violent ways of Jesus. We must also have better access to mental health treatment for those who need help. 

      I am so tired in the Christian community hearing about God and guns and you know who else. Being a Christian means following the way of Jesus. That is the way of peace and non-violence. If we can get that to permeate our culture, we will be much better off. 

Verses For The Week

 Psalm 54:4 -- "Behold, God is my helper, The Lord is the sustainer of my soul."

I Corinthians 6:17 -- "But the one who joins himself with the Lord is one spirit with Him."

John 14:23 -- "If anyone love Me, he will keep My word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

Weekend Sermon

       Today is the day for the Weekend Sermon. Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. 

     For the past several weeks, we have been studying the way of Jesus. I finished that 10 part series last week, so this week, we are going to start a new series of messages that will take us through the next few weeks. 

     I think that one of the most interesting characters in the Bible is the prophet Elijah. He is featured in both the Old and the New Testaments. I admire much about Elijah, and over the course of the next few messages, we are going to examine what the Bible has to say about this prophet and what we can learn from his life and ministry. 

     We really don't know much about Elijah's life before he shows up on the scene in I Kings 17. We know that he was a Tishbite, and we will learn later that he was the head of school of prophets. The Bible describes him as being hairy with a leather belt around his waist. 

     When Elijah arrived to begin his recorded ministry, the nation of Israel was in a mess. I believe that I can say that it was definitely at its low point spiritually. Let us look at a little history. 

     During the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon, Israel was a united nation. When Solomon died, the nation divided in two with the northern 10 tribes taking the name Israel while the 2 southern tribes were known as Judah. Israel is also known as Samaria. 

     The first ruler of Israel established the worship of idols, and his successors on the throne did the same. They did not follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

     There was no lasting dynasty in the north. Eventually, a man named Omri ascended the throne, and he brought military power and respect to the north. In order to foster good foreign relations, Omri had his son Ahab marry a Phoenician princess named Jezebel.  She was an extremely negative influence on her husband. She led him when he became king to build a temple for her god Baal and to have many priests brought into Israel. The people of Israel where far away from God, and God was not happy about the people's behavior. This is where Elijah comes on in. 

     God told Elijah to bring a message to Ahab. Elijah told Ahab that there would be a terrible drought. It would not rain nor would dew come on the ground until Elijah gave the word for the drought to end. The people were in desperate shape because they would not acknowledge the true and living God. 

     We can already see one of the things that I admire most about Elijah. He was not afraid to take God's message to the king. He could have been killed, but Elijah did what the Lord wanted Him to do. Elijah had faith knowing that God would keep His word. 

     From the history of Israel, before and after the kingdom divided, the people had a history of turning away from God and turning to idols. They wanted to be like the nations around them. They wanted a sensual religion that satisfied the flesh. 

     I have often wondered why the people would turn away like they did. However, I have come to see that people today are no different. People don't want to follow God's way. They make God into their own image. They don't want to follow God as He is revealed in the Scripture. The reason is that deep down, people are in rebellion against God and His ways. People think that they can satisfy their spiritual longings by worshiping what is truly not God. 

     Many of us live in nations where people once served the True and Living God. Unfortunately, much of the Western world has turned away from God just as the people in Elijah's day had done. Elijah speaks to us today to turn from all false gods and turn to the Lord Jesus. Only by serving the Lord Jesus can we turn aside the wrath of God that eventual comes on all who will worship the creature instead of the creator. 

     We need to take an example for our lives from Elijah. When the Lord calls on us to speak His word, let us be quick to do it. It will be different for most of us than Elijah's experience. We all need to be quick to speak to others about what can truly change the world and the lives of individuals. We must be quick to tell others about the love of Jesus and how they can have a relationship with Him. Amen. 

Prayer Requests

     We are having too much rain where I live, and their is some flooding. Please pray for some drier weather. 

     Continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus problems around the world. 

     Pray for peace in Ukraine. Don't forget to keep praying for peace in other warring areas including Syria and Yemen. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Turkey and Israel. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     Next week, we will continue in our Elijah series. I will post the verses on Monday. I will really try this week to have a review midweek. May God bless you all. 

Verses For The Week

 Isaiah 30:21 -- "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'"

Psalm 32:8 -- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go, I will counsel you with My loving eye on you."

James 1:5 -- "If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Weekend Sermon -- The Way of Jesus -- Conclusion

      Today is the final sermon in our The Way of Jesus sermon series. There is a lot more that I could say on this topic, and I probably will in the future. However, after this week, we are moving on to another topic that I believe will be of interest to you. Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. 

     We have seen over the course of this sermon series that those who were the earliest followers of Jesus were known as those who followed The Way. They were called this because they followed the way of Jesus. Jesus was all and all to them, they wanted to follow His teachings and commandments. They wanted to follow Jesus as the example in all that they did.  That should also be our desire as those who call Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives. We should always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. 

     In this final message of our series, I want us to focus on the idea that part of following the Way of Jesus is to tell other people about what Jesus can bring to their lives. Jesus told those who would call Him Lord that they are to go and tell others. He said to go into all the earth and make disciples. He said to preach the Gospel to every creature and to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are to teach others everything that we have been taught by the Lord Jesus. 

     All of us need to find some way to tell others about Jesus. First of all, we all need to be living in such a way that people see Christ in us. We need to be living out the example of Jesus so that people will see that there is something different about the way that we live. We have a peace and joy that the world can't give. Our lifestyle can definitely be a means of evangelizing and letting others know that they too can follow the way of Jesus. 

     While it is great to live for Jesus and let others see Jesus in us, I think that it is also important to tell others about Jesus in our conversations. When you commit to telling others about Jesus, you will be amazed at how many times and in how many ways you can bring up the subject of Jesus and what He can do for people's lives. We have the opportunity at work, school and in our neighborhoods to tell others about Jesus and about how the Word of the Lord tells us how we should conduct our lives for the honor and glory of God. 

      There are times when we can actively evangelize. Some people go door to door and tell people about Jesus. I know some people who practice street preaching. Some pass out gospel tracts or leave tracts in places where someone might pick them up and read more about follow the Lord Jesus. 

      There are those who have been called in a special way to tell others about Jesus. I believe that the Lord has called me to be an evangelist, so I try to tell people about Jesus here on the blog, in my writing and by doing evangelism work. The Lord has called others to be pastors and missionaries in order to tell others that Jesus brings new life and forgiveness of sins. 

      As someone who wants to follow the way of Jesus, I hope the you will find a way that you can share with others who Jesus is and what He did by dying on the cross and rising again from the dead. You can make a difference in people's lives for both time and for eternity by introducing them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Prayer Requests

     Please continue to pray for me in regard to my health. I am having a lot of health difficulties, and I really need your prayers.  Thank you. 

     Please continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Over one million have died here in my country the US. Many are still getting sick around the world. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray that the Lord will comfort those who mourn. 

     Pray for peace in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Yemen and other areas that are beset by war and violence. 

     Pray that the fires in New Mexico will be extinguished. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of India and Chad. Pray that many will come to know Jesus. 

     Next week, we will begin our new sermon series. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will try to post something midweek. May God bless you all. 

A Book Recommendation

      Recently as I was looking at the poetry books in the library, I came across a good book that I would like to recommend. "American Sonnets: An Anthology" is edited by David Bromwich. This book gives many examples of the sonnet form representing poets from throughout American history. Reading this work will acquaint you with some great poems and poets. 

Verses For The Week

 Colossians 3:12 -- "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

Psalm 116:5 -- "The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion."

A Special Day

      Today is my friend Toby's birthday. He has been gone for a long time, but I think about him and wish that he was still here everyday. Toby was the dog that Jesus sent to be my friend when I really needed a friend to help me make it in this world. If Toby had not come when he did, I would not be here today. Happy Birthday my friend. 

Weekend Sermon -- The Way of Jesus -- Part 9

      Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. I hope that everyone has had a good week. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to post this message. 

     We have been looking into what I call the way of Jesus for the past few weeks. The early Christians were known as followers of the Way. They followed the path or the way that Jesus laid out for them. The Bible says that we are to look to Jesus because He is the author and perfecter of our faith. We are to keep our eyes on Him and not look to the left nor to the right. We are to follow His commandments and teachings. We can truly say that Jesus is our Lord when we are acting how He acted while He was ministering on this earth. 

     In today's  message, I want us to focus on the fact that the way of Jesus is the way that focuses on the eternal and not upon the temporal. As I've said many times in sermons on this blog, Jesus' core teachings on living in this world are found in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20 that we are not to lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupts and where thieves can break in and steal. Instead, we are to lay up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust does not corrupt and where thieves cannot break in and steal. We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and money. In other words, we can't follow the Lord Jesus and His values while we also try to follow the values of this world's system and its love for money and possessions. 

     In II Corinthians 4:18, Paul puts the teachings of Jesus in a little different wording. He says that we don't want to keep our eyes fixed on the things that are seen because what is seen is temporary and will pass away. On the contrary, we should keep our eyes on what is eternal, because that will never pass away. Paul also tells us that everyone will one day stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our works will be tried as by fire. Some will have a life that is represented by wood, hay and stubble. When the fire of judgment is applied, these works will be burned up. A life lived accumulating the temporal will be a life that has ultimately nothing to show for it. If we live a life with eternity's values in view, our works we be compared to gold, silver and precious stones. When the fire of judgment is applied, these will remain. 

     So, what does it mean to lay up treasure in heaven and have works that remain? What does it mean to lay up treasures on earth? Let's take the second question first. So many people in this world's system busy themselves with the accumulation of wealth and possessions. They spend all of their lives trying to gain more money, houses, cars, boats and things. According to the way of Jesus, that is a wasted life. These things are all seen. They are temporary. They will pass away. A person can't take any of these possessions or things with them into eternity. 

     Those who will follow the way of Jesus spend their lives and their time, talent and resources in advancing the kingdom of Heaven and trying to make this world a better place in the name of Jesus. When we tell others about the love of Jesus and help to lead them to salvation, that is something that will last for all eternity. When we reach out in love to others so that they might have a better life and in turn be able to love Jesus and help others, that is a life lived with eternity's values in view. When we love God and love our neighbor and when we do unto others as we would have done unto us, we are living with eternity's values in view. We are following Jesus and living the type of life that He lived in the world. 

     As one who will follow Jesus, don't spend your life in the pursuit of wealth. I know that it takes a certain amount of money to get buy in this world. But if you have enough, give to others so that they can have enough. Try to give to those who are attempting to take the message of the love of Jesus around the world. Getting more and more stuff won't make you happy, and it isn't the way of Jesus. Let us all spend our time in helping others and doing the work of Jesus in the world. That is what will make us happy and joyful in this life and in the life to come. Certainly, none of us want to stand before Jesus with nothing of value to show for our lives. No one wants to be ashamed at His coming. We should all want to hear Jesus say to us, well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord. Amen.

Prayer Requests

     I would ask for you prayers as I am having several health problems. I am also trying to sell my house and need prayers so that I can get things accomplished in the right way. Thank you. 

     Please continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. Let us also pray for peace in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Chad, Somalia, Congo and Sudan. 

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those living in the nations of Thailand and Guinea-Bissau.  Pray that many will come to know of the love of Jesus. 

     Next week, I will finish our way of Jesus sermon series. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will have a post midweek. May God bless you all. 

Book Review -- The Last Book in the Wolf Trilogy

      A couple of years back, I came across a book called, "The Rise of Wolf 8" written by Rick McIntyre. It told the story of a great wolf in Yellowstone National Park. The author has studied wolves in the park for many years. Another book by the same author called "The Reign of Wolf 21" was released, and it told the story of a great wolf who led Yellowstone's Druid Pack. 

     I really enjoyed both of these books, and I highly recommend them. The author writes in such a way that he captures what made each of these great wolves tick. They become real characters with their own unique personalities so to speak. 

     Recently, Mr. McIntyre has written the third book in his Yellowstone wolf trilogy, and this book is entitled the "Redemption of Wolf 302." I think that this is my favorite of the three. 302 doesn't start off well, but his life is a lesson that even the down times and failures in life don't have to be the final word. You can get back up again and succeed. 

     As with the other books in this series, this book is well-written with great observations. There will be a book released this fall by the author about a great female wolf named 06. I will definitely be reading that book, and I hope you will read it too. 

Verses For The Week

      Mark 16:15 -- "He said to them, go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

     Matthew 5:14 -- "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." 

     John 20:21 -- "Again Jesus said, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you."