Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Review
Today I have decided not to review a book. Instead, I would like to recommend one of my favorite television series. I am a big fan of mystery novels and mystery programs. One of my favorite mystery television series of all times is "Inspector Morse". I have also enjoyed the books that the series is based upon. However, this is one of the rare instances where I think that the television program is better than the books. If you love a good mystery and good acting, watch the "Inspector Morse" series of programs.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Weekend Sermon -- Matthew 8:23-27
Thank you for joining me for another edition of the Weekend Sermon. I hope that everyone is doing well this week.
I am getting more hours in at my job, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing me with this source of income. My writing work was a little bit better this week for the first time in quite awhile, so I want to thank the Lord for this as well.
Last week, I asked you to pray for me that I would find a permanent solution to the financial trouble that I have been having because I was without significant work for a very long time. Please keep praying about this. I know that the Lord is able to answer prayer, and that He will provide a way of deliverance.
This week, let us pray for the nation of Singapore. The population of Singapore is only about 10 percent Christian. Pray for the spread of the gospel in this place.
A few weeks ago, I began a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus. We took a break from this series to focus on the events of Easter and some of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Today, we will resume our miracles of Jesus series.
In Matthew chapter 8 we find one of my favorite stories about Jesus. Jesus had been preaching and healing people in and around the city of Capernaum. Capernaum was located on the Sea of Galilee along with many other villages whose primary economic activity centered around fishing.
One day, Jesus decided that it was time for Him to go with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee to visit some of the villages over there.
During the voyage across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fell asleep. During this time, a storm quickly came up. The wind caused the waves to become great, and the disciples were afraid that they were going to die.
While all of this was going on, Jesus was still asleep. Finally, Jesus' petrified disciples awoke Him and said, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
Jesus responded by saying, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Jesus then rebuked the wind, and the storm ceased. All became calm. The disciples marveled and the great power demonstrated by the Lord Jesus.
This miracle of Jesus speaks to me in several different ways. First of all, this miracle demonstrates the tremendous power that Jesus had over nature. This miracle clearly shows that Jesus was God come in the flesh. As the creator of all that there is, Jesus had the authority to command the natural order to do His bidding. Immediately, when Jesus gave the command, the winds and the waves obeyed.
This miracle helps me to know that Jesus has the power to do whatever I ask Him to do. He has the power to work in whatever situation or problem I find myself in.
Right now, I am going through a tremendous economic mess. It doesn't seem like there is any light at the end of the tunnel. However, I know that I need to have faith in the miracle working power of the Risen Lord Jesus. The same one who calmed the storm has the power to do what is necessary to bring about a resolution to my current difficulties.
This miracle also speaks to me about the fact that I do not need to be afraid. Jesus will keep me safe. Ultimately, I know that because of what Jesus has done on my behalf, all will be well. One day, I will be with the Jesus because He has gone to prepare a place for me. Wherever Jesus is, I will be there too.
There is a lot in this world to make anyone afraid. Finances, bad health, family problems, war and violence can strike fear into our hearts. It helps me immensely to realize that the creator of the entire universe is in control of my life. He is guiding and directing my path. I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and focus on His power and His love for me.
When I think of storms in life that need to be calmed, I also think about the inner emotional storms that affect so many. I have had difficulty with depression for many years. As I said on this blog before, I know that I would never have made it this far in life without the Lord Jesus in my life. Everyday, He helps me to make it through the difficult and hard times. His loving presence brings comfort to the emotional and psychological storms that try to unleash havoc and bring upset to my heart.
It all comes down to this. Jesus is God. He is the creator. All power belongs to Him. If we put our faith and trust in what Jesus has done for us by His death and resurrection, we have Jesus in our heart. Jesus can bring us through every storm we face in this life. He is the only one that can bring us peace and comfort. Jesus will lead all of His followers to safety, joy and happiness in His eternal kingdom. Let us all have faith in Jesus, and believe that He is with us in all things.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday and a sermon on Friday. May God bless you. Amen.
I am getting more hours in at my job, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing me with this source of income. My writing work was a little bit better this week for the first time in quite awhile, so I want to thank the Lord for this as well.
Last week, I asked you to pray for me that I would find a permanent solution to the financial trouble that I have been having because I was without significant work for a very long time. Please keep praying about this. I know that the Lord is able to answer prayer, and that He will provide a way of deliverance.
This week, let us pray for the nation of Singapore. The population of Singapore is only about 10 percent Christian. Pray for the spread of the gospel in this place.
A few weeks ago, I began a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus. We took a break from this series to focus on the events of Easter and some of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Today, we will resume our miracles of Jesus series.
In Matthew chapter 8 we find one of my favorite stories about Jesus. Jesus had been preaching and healing people in and around the city of Capernaum. Capernaum was located on the Sea of Galilee along with many other villages whose primary economic activity centered around fishing.
One day, Jesus decided that it was time for Him to go with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee to visit some of the villages over there.
During the voyage across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fell asleep. During this time, a storm quickly came up. The wind caused the waves to become great, and the disciples were afraid that they were going to die.
While all of this was going on, Jesus was still asleep. Finally, Jesus' petrified disciples awoke Him and said, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
Jesus responded by saying, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Jesus then rebuked the wind, and the storm ceased. All became calm. The disciples marveled and the great power demonstrated by the Lord Jesus.
This miracle of Jesus speaks to me in several different ways. First of all, this miracle demonstrates the tremendous power that Jesus had over nature. This miracle clearly shows that Jesus was God come in the flesh. As the creator of all that there is, Jesus had the authority to command the natural order to do His bidding. Immediately, when Jesus gave the command, the winds and the waves obeyed.
This miracle helps me to know that Jesus has the power to do whatever I ask Him to do. He has the power to work in whatever situation or problem I find myself in.
Right now, I am going through a tremendous economic mess. It doesn't seem like there is any light at the end of the tunnel. However, I know that I need to have faith in the miracle working power of the Risen Lord Jesus. The same one who calmed the storm has the power to do what is necessary to bring about a resolution to my current difficulties.
This miracle also speaks to me about the fact that I do not need to be afraid. Jesus will keep me safe. Ultimately, I know that because of what Jesus has done on my behalf, all will be well. One day, I will be with the Jesus because He has gone to prepare a place for me. Wherever Jesus is, I will be there too.
There is a lot in this world to make anyone afraid. Finances, bad health, family problems, war and violence can strike fear into our hearts. It helps me immensely to realize that the creator of the entire universe is in control of my life. He is guiding and directing my path. I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and focus on His power and His love for me.
When I think of storms in life that need to be calmed, I also think about the inner emotional storms that affect so many. I have had difficulty with depression for many years. As I said on this blog before, I know that I would never have made it this far in life without the Lord Jesus in my life. Everyday, He helps me to make it through the difficult and hard times. His loving presence brings comfort to the emotional and psychological storms that try to unleash havoc and bring upset to my heart.
It all comes down to this. Jesus is God. He is the creator. All power belongs to Him. If we put our faith and trust in what Jesus has done for us by His death and resurrection, we have Jesus in our heart. Jesus can bring us through every storm we face in this life. He is the only one that can bring us peace and comfort. Jesus will lead all of His followers to safety, joy and happiness in His eternal kingdom. Let us all have faith in Jesus, and believe that He is with us in all things.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday and a sermon on Friday. May God bless you. Amen.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
A Review
Today's review is going to be a little different. Every once in awhile, I like to relax with some light entertainment. Some of my favorite things to read that are light and fun are comics about animals. One of my favorites is "Get Fuzzy". This comic is about a dog named Satchel and a cat named Bucky. I think that it is hilarious. I also enjoy the old "Citizen Dog" comics about Mel and Fergus. These were only published for a short time, but I believe that the books are still in print. Marmaduke has always been a favorite of mine as well. "Mutts" is the last comic I want to mention. These four comics are great entertainment that I highly recommend.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Weekend Sermon
I am glad to be back posting the Weekend Sermon. Last week, I was so sick that I thought that I was going to die. It only lasted for two days, but those two days were like hell on earth. I hope that everyone is in good health and having a very good week.
I would like to ask those of you who regularly read the blog to pray for me once again. As many of you know, I was hit by some very bad financial problems. I asked many of you to pray that I would not lose my house, and things looked good on that front for awhile. However, something has happened, and I am having trouble in that area again. Please pray that there will be an answer once and for all for all of these financial difficulties I am facing. I thought when I got the new job that things would be better. They are in many ways, and I am grateful to God for providing my job. I just need to break out of this financial mess once and for all and start moving on. Please pray for me.
Let us all pray this week for the nation of Somalia. This country has faced many years of warfare and strife. Let us pray for peace. Also, let us pray that the gospel will reach many people in this land. There are very few Christians in the land of Somalia.
Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is a few weeks behind us on the Christian calendar. However, I have been thinking a lot about the resurrection for quite awhile. I think that this entire theme has been on my mind this week for two reasons. First of all, Mother's Day is this Sunday here in the United States. I lost my Mom about four years ago, and I miss her everyday. Also, my friend Toby's birthday was this week. He has been gone from me for 19 years now. I miss him everyday as well.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, I don't have to mourn for my loved ones who have preceded me in death as those who have no hope might mourn. I know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Those who have placed their faith in the risen Lord will live forever with Him. Death has no power over those who are in Jesus.
One of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus that I like the best is Jesus encounter with Mary Magdalene. Mary had come to Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning along with some other of the women that had followed Jesus. When they arrived at the tomb, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb was empty.
Mary was in great sorrow. She wondered if someone had come and taken Jesus away. Mary was crying when a man spoke to her. Mary did not know that it was Jesus. She thought that she was speaking to the gardener. She did not recognize Jesus until she heard the Lord speak her name. Mary's sorrow was turned into joy when she realized that Jesus was alive.
This story has great meaning for me for a few different reasons. First of all, this story makes me think of what my first encounter with Jesus in Heaven might be like. I know this may seem odd. However, the Bible does not state as far as I know what our first meeting in Heaven with Jesus will be like. Will I know that it is Jesus by the way He speaks my name just as Mary recognized the voice of Jesus.
I also like this story because it tells me that Jesus turns all of our sorrows into joy. Mary was filled with sorrow, but when she recognized Jesus, her sorrow vanished. As far as I am concerned, this life is hard. I realize that I haven't had nearly the problems that many people around the world face. Still, I don't find life on this earth to be something to get too excited about. I've dealt with a lot of grief lately. The stress of life has really been getting me down. Depression is my constant companion. However, I know that one day, all of the sorrows and difficulties that I face will be turned to joy.
One of these days, I will see Jesus face to face. Then all of the present difficulties will pass away in the twinkling of an eye. When I see Jesus, nothing else will matter. I don't think that I will even remember the painful things of life anymore because my heart will be so full of the joy of being in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Finally, this story speaks to me because it shows that Jesus cares about people's feelings. Jesus loves us, and He wants the best for us. Jesus knows when we are in pain and when we are depressed. His presence really helps. I don't know how I would make it through the day without Jesus. Just knowing that He cares about me and that He loves me enables me to get up in the morning and try my best to do what He wants me to do.
I hope that you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. If you call on Him in repentance and faith, He will forgive you of your sin and dwell in your heart. One day, you will see Him face to face and experience the overwhelming joy that only Jesus can bring.
Next week, I will post another book review on Wednesday. On Friday, I hope to resume our series on the miracles of Jesus. May God bless you. Amen.
I would like to ask those of you who regularly read the blog to pray for me once again. As many of you know, I was hit by some very bad financial problems. I asked many of you to pray that I would not lose my house, and things looked good on that front for awhile. However, something has happened, and I am having trouble in that area again. Please pray that there will be an answer once and for all for all of these financial difficulties I am facing. I thought when I got the new job that things would be better. They are in many ways, and I am grateful to God for providing my job. I just need to break out of this financial mess once and for all and start moving on. Please pray for me.
Let us all pray this week for the nation of Somalia. This country has faced many years of warfare and strife. Let us pray for peace. Also, let us pray that the gospel will reach many people in this land. There are very few Christians in the land of Somalia.
Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is a few weeks behind us on the Christian calendar. However, I have been thinking a lot about the resurrection for quite awhile. I think that this entire theme has been on my mind this week for two reasons. First of all, Mother's Day is this Sunday here in the United States. I lost my Mom about four years ago, and I miss her everyday. Also, my friend Toby's birthday was this week. He has been gone from me for 19 years now. I miss him everyday as well.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, I don't have to mourn for my loved ones who have preceded me in death as those who have no hope might mourn. I know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Those who have placed their faith in the risen Lord will live forever with Him. Death has no power over those who are in Jesus.
One of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus that I like the best is Jesus encounter with Mary Magdalene. Mary had come to Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning along with some other of the women that had followed Jesus. When they arrived at the tomb, they found the stone rolled away, and the tomb was empty.
Mary was in great sorrow. She wondered if someone had come and taken Jesus away. Mary was crying when a man spoke to her. Mary did not know that it was Jesus. She thought that she was speaking to the gardener. She did not recognize Jesus until she heard the Lord speak her name. Mary's sorrow was turned into joy when she realized that Jesus was alive.
This story has great meaning for me for a few different reasons. First of all, this story makes me think of what my first encounter with Jesus in Heaven might be like. I know this may seem odd. However, the Bible does not state as far as I know what our first meeting in Heaven with Jesus will be like. Will I know that it is Jesus by the way He speaks my name just as Mary recognized the voice of Jesus.
I also like this story because it tells me that Jesus turns all of our sorrows into joy. Mary was filled with sorrow, but when she recognized Jesus, her sorrow vanished. As far as I am concerned, this life is hard. I realize that I haven't had nearly the problems that many people around the world face. Still, I don't find life on this earth to be something to get too excited about. I've dealt with a lot of grief lately. The stress of life has really been getting me down. Depression is my constant companion. However, I know that one day, all of the sorrows and difficulties that I face will be turned to joy.
One of these days, I will see Jesus face to face. Then all of the present difficulties will pass away in the twinkling of an eye. When I see Jesus, nothing else will matter. I don't think that I will even remember the painful things of life anymore because my heart will be so full of the joy of being in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Finally, this story speaks to me because it shows that Jesus cares about people's feelings. Jesus loves us, and He wants the best for us. Jesus knows when we are in pain and when we are depressed. His presence really helps. I don't know how I would make it through the day without Jesus. Just knowing that He cares about me and that He loves me enables me to get up in the morning and try my best to do what He wants me to do.
I hope that you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. If you call on Him in repentance and faith, He will forgive you of your sin and dwell in your heart. One day, you will see Him face to face and experience the overwhelming joy that only Jesus can bring.
Next week, I will post another book review on Wednesday. On Friday, I hope to resume our series on the miracles of Jesus. May God bless you. Amen.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Book Review
Today, I am reviewing the book "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction" by Will Burrad-Lucas and Rebecca Jackrel. This is a book that contains excellent photographs of a little known species along with text that explains the efforts that are underway to help to keep these magnificent creatures from leaving this earth.
Those who read this book will find a view of a different kind of Africa. The Ethiopian wolf lives in the mountainous areas of Africa. It is not a particularly warm place. It was interesting to learn that along with the efforts to help the wolves, the people and animals of the surrounding villages also receive benefits from the conservation efforts.
I recommend this book to all of those who enjoy reading about wolves and enjoy great photography.
Those who read this book will find a view of a different kind of Africa. The Ethiopian wolf lives in the mountainous areas of Africa. It is not a particularly warm place. It was interesting to learn that along with the efforts to help the wolves, the people and animals of the surrounding villages also receive benefits from the conservation efforts.
I recommend this book to all of those who enjoy reading about wolves and enjoy great photography.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Update
I am sorry that I was not able to post a review or a sermon this week. I have been very sick. I hope to get back on schedule with a review on Wednesday and the Weekend Sermon on Friday next week.
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