Book Review -- "Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions"

     Hello, and welcome to this week's book review.  The book I am reviewing this week is "Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions"  written by Joan Wester Anderson.  In addition to this book, the author has written several other books on the subject of angels.
     This book contains approximately 30 stories about how dogs have blessed the lives of those who they have come in contact with.  The book could be read in one sitting, or you may want to take one story a day and make the book last for a month.
     One of my favorite stories in the book is the story of St. Roch and the dog who helped him.  The dog delivered food to St. Roch when the saint had contracted the plague.  St. Roch was known for helping plague victims in the Middle Ages.  When St. Roch recovered, he and the dog traveled around the country helping people.
     I also really enjoyed the story about the priest whose Labrador Retriever went to church with him and became a church dog.  The people of the congregation really enjoyed having the Labrador with them on a Sunday.
     These are just two of the many wonderful stories in this collection.  I think that almost anyone would enjoy reading this book, and I definitely recommend it.
     I know from first hand experience that dogs can be sent to you to help you through the rough times.  The Lord sent me my friend Toby to help me when I really needed a friend.   I am glad that I was able to get a story published about my friend Toby in the anthology entitled "Nuturing Paws".  This book is still available to order through Amazon if anyone is interested.


P.S.   Today, they are calling for some bad storms in my part of the world.  Would you please pray that these storms don't cause any problems for people around my part of the country?  Thank you.

Verses For the Week

     I hope that everyone had a great Easter weekend.  Services at my church were wonderful.  Several people came to know Jesus, and 14 people were baptized.  The readership for the Weekend Sermon this week is a little lower than usual.  If you haven't had a chance to read the sermon, it was posted on Saturday this week.  Here are this week's Bible memory verses.

Matthew 5:10 -- "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

I Corinthians 15:58 -- "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Weekend Sermon --"On the Third Day He Rose Again From the Dead."

     Welcome to the Easter weekend edition of the the Weekend Sermon.  Thank you for reading the post today.  I hope that all of you have a wonderful Easter weekend.
     This past week was was very busy.  I've had to start with the lawn work already as it has been exceptionally warm here.  Then, after the warm weather, it snowed one day.  I am feeling a little bit better now, and I would just ask that you keep me in your prayers.  I am still trying to find the right job for me all the while thankful that I have a job right now.
     In prayer this week, please remember those in Belgium who were the victims of the horrific terrorist attack.  Pray that those who are injured may recover, and pray that those who mourn will be comforted.  Also pray for an end to terrorism.  Pray for peace and justice in the world.
     I would also ask that you pray for those in the southern United States who have experienced storm damage and flooding.  Many people in Louisiana and Texas are still trying to recover.
     During your prayer time this week, please remember to pray for the spread of the message of Jesus' love around the world.  Let us pray for the nations of  Gambia, Senegal, Tunisia and Bhutan this week.
     For the past several weeks, we have been in a series of messages on the Apostles' Creed and what this important creed has to teach us about the important doctrines of our faith.  I didn't plan it out this way, but on this Easter weekend we just happened to be at the section of the Creed that speaks about the Resurrection.  The Creed states, "On the third day He rose again from the dead."
     As we saw last week, and in the Good Friday message yesterday, Jesus died on the cross in order to save us from our sins.  He bore our sins in His body that we might have redemption from sin.  Jesus took the punishment that we deserved in order that we might be reconciled to God our Father.
     Jesus died, and He was taken down from the cross and buried in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.  Joseph was assisted by Nicodemus who had a conversation with Jesus that is recorded in John 3.  Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus body with spices.  Pilate then ordered that a stone be placed in front of Jesus' tomb and a seal be placed upon it.  Roman soldiers were then placed at the tomb's entrance.
     On the following Sunday morning, the Bible records that Mary Magdalene and some others came to the tomb to further prepare the body of Jesus for burial.  When they came to the tomb, they found that the stone was rolled away and Jesus was not in the tomb.
     There's something that I want to note at this point.  Jesus had predicted and taught His disciples over and over again that He would be crucified and die.  This had happened.  Jesus also clearly taught His disciples that He would rise again from the dead three days later.  Jesus called this the sign of Jonah in one of His teachings.  Jesus said that just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and nights so must He be in the tomb for three days.  Jesus clearly told His followers that He would rise again.
     Here is what amazes me.  No one seemed to believe what Jesus had said to them.  Joseph and Nicodemus used many pounds of spices to bury Jesus.  The women coming to the tomb were bringing more items to prepare the body of Jesus for His burial.  The disciples were in hiding fearing for their own lives.  None of them were expecting Jesus to rise again from the grave on Easter morning.  It's no wonder that Jesus at times became rather upset with His followers while He was here on earth.  Sometimes, we aren't any better.  We don't believe the things the Lord has spoken to us as well.  Jesus has clearly told us that He is coming again.  Are we living in such a way that we are expecting the return of the Lord Jesus at any moment?
     The Bible says that angels announced that Jesus was not in the grave.  He had risen just as He had said.  Later, Jesus would appear to Mary Magdalene.  After speaking with her Lord, she would rush to tell the disciples that Jesus was alive and risen.
     I believe with all of my heart that Jesus rose bodily from the grave. It was not just His spirit that appeared to the disciples. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith.  Without the bodily resurrection of Jesus, our faith is in vain and we have no hope.
     When Jesus died on the cross, He dealt with sin itself.  When Jesus rose bodily from the grave, He conquered the consequences of sin.  Sin brought about death.  The reason that death exists in this world is because sin came into God's perfect creation.  The wages of sin is death.  The gift of God is eternal life.  This is possible because Jesus was the victor over death, hell and the grave.  He has risen, and He lives forevermore.
     Because Jesus rose again from the dead, those of us who have placed our faith and trust in Him do not need to fear death.  Jesus is the victor.  Those of us who have known fellow believers who have died do not have to grieve as those who have no hope.  Because He lives, we can rest assured that those who have died in Christ are with Jesus right now.  They are in His very presence.  One day, when we pass from this life, we will be reunited with our friends and loved ones in Heaven  because Jesus was the victor over death on Easter morning.
     This fills me with Easter joy.  I've lost so many over the last few years.  My parents have both died, and all of my closest friends have now passed away.  I know that I will see them all again because they are with Jesus.  They all had asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins.  They believed that Jesus rose again from the dead.  They all had made Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives.
     Some people try to discount the resurrection of Jesus and explain it away as a myth.  I believe that the best evidence that Jesus really did rise bodily from the grave is the evidence from the followers of Jesus.  When they saw the risen Lord, it changed their lives completely.  All of them were willing to face persecution, and all but one faced death for the sake of Jesus.  They would not have done this if they knew Jesus was not alive.
     They had experienced the risen Lord.  They knew He was alive, and they staked their eternity upon that fact.
     I want to tell you today that Jesus is risen.  You can have a personal relationship with the risen Lord.  You no longer have to fear death because Jesus is alive.
     In order to have a personal relationship with Christ you must recognize the fact that you are a sinner and you need a Savior.  You must believe that Jesus died in order to save you from your sins.  You need to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins.  Then you must confess that Jesus is risen from the dead.  Then commit to Jesus that you will make Him the Lord of your life from this moment on.  If you will do this today, Jesus will come into your heart and become your Savior and Lord.  You will have a relationship with the Risen Lord that will last throughout all of eternity.
     This week, we will back to our regular schedule on the blog.  I will post the memory verses on Monday and a review on Wednesday.  The sermon will appear on Friday, and we will continue our Apostles' Creed study.  May God bless you all.  Amen.
   










   

Good Friday -- "It is Finished"

     Today is Good Friday on the Christian calendar.  It is the day when Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins.
     When I reflect on all of the Good Friday events, something that has struck me is all that Jesus went through for us.  At any time, Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to deliver Him from what He was enduring.  However, Jesus suffered all that He went through for you and for me that we might be redeemed.
     The events started with Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He asked that if it was possible that He might be delivered from what He was about to face.  But Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but Thine be done."
     Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested.  He was then taken before various officials and put on trial.  Jesus stood before Annas, Caiaphas, Herod and Pontius Pilate.  Before each of these officials, Jesus was ridiculed and mocked.
     Jesus did not try to speak on His own behalf in spite of what others said about Him.  As stated in Isaiah 53, Jesus was like a lamb led to his death.
     Our Lord was beaten and mocked by the Roman soldiers.  He was forced to carry His own cross to Calvary.  Then, He was crucified.
     While He was on the cross, Jesus bore our sins in His body.  He suffered and died for us that we might be saved.
     Then, Jesus said the words, "It is finished."  He bowed His head and gave up His life.
     What does it mean that Jesus said "It is finished"?  I want to focus on three things.
     First of all, Jesus' life was at an end.  He had accomplished what He came to earth to do.  He came to live a holy life as our perfect example.  In all points where the first Adam failed, the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, succeeded.  Jesus had been the Lamb of God who had taken away the sins of the world.  This part of His work was over.
     At this time, the suffering of Jesus was over.  Jesus went through so much suffering while He was on earth.  We focused on this a couple of weeks ago in the Weekend Sermon.  Now, Jesus' earthly suffering was finished.
     I believe that the greatest meaning of the words, "It is finished" lies in the fact that Jesus was stating that He had accomplished the work of redemption.  On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the  punishment that we deserved for sin.  He took our sins upon Himself, and His shed blood atoned for our sins.  Jesus completed the work of redemption on the cross.
     As you reflect this Good Friday on what Jesus suffered and on His work of redemption on the cross, please reflect on what you have done with Jesus.  Have you accepted Him into your life as Savior and Lord?  Have you called on Him to forgive you of your sins and save your soul?  If you have not, I hope that you will call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.  Jesus loves you.  He wants you to come to Him and receive the eternal life that He offers.
     During your prayer time during the next couple of days, please pray that many people will hear the message of the Gospel this Easter weekend.  Pray that many will accept the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives.
     Tomorrow, I will post the Weekend Sermon.  We will celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ is alive, and He lives forevermore.  May God bless you all.  Amen.

Maundy Thursday -- John 13:12-17

     Today is a day known as either Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday on the Christian calendar.  This is the day during Holy Week when Jesus meet with His disciples in the Upper Room.  Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples instituting the sacrament of communion. During the course of the evening, Jesus shared with His disciples several important teachings that have become known as the Upper Room Discourse.
     One act that Jesus performed during Maundy Thursday is what I want to focus upon in today's post.  While the disciples were reclining around the dinner table, Jesus got up, took off His outer garment, obtained a basin of water and He began to wash His disciples feet.
     Washing of feet was necessary in the day in which Jesus walked the earth.  The people wore sandals.  The roads were dusty, and when someone entered a home, it was proper etiquette to wash a person's feet.
     The job of washing someone's sweaty, dirty and stinking feet was considered the lowest type of job that there was.  This task was reserved for the servants in the home.
     This is what is so striking about what Jesus did on Maundy Thursday.  He was the Lord and Master of the universe.  He was the teacher and Lord of the disciples who were reclining around the table.  However, Jesus took it upon Himself to take the place of a servant and wash His disciple's feet.
     When Jesus came to Peter, Peter resisted.  He said to Jesus, "You will never wash my feet."  Jesus told Peter that if He didn't wash his feet, that Peter could have no part with Him.  Peter said that if that was the case that Jesus could wash his head and hands as well.
     What does Jesus' action on Maundy Thursday have to teach us?  I think that there are at least two important messages we should focus on today.
     Jesus took upon Himself the role of a servant when He left Heaven to come to this earth.  He humbled Himself.  First, Jesus came in the form of a helpless infant.  Then He lived a holy life as our perfect example.  Jesus further humbled Himself by dying on the cross and suffering in agony so that we might be redeemed from our sins and have new life in Him.  Jesus came and washed our sins away.  Our hearts and souls were filthy with sin just like the dirty feet that Jesus washed on Maundy Thursday.  By His shed blood on the cross, Jesus has washed our sins away.  Though our sins were as scarlet, we are made white as snow by the blood of Jesus.
     Jesus' actions on Maundy Thursday also demonstrate for us the way that we as His followers are to act in the world.  We are to have the nature of servants.  We are to go into this world and seek to serve others and help them.  The most important way in which we do this is by sharing the message of salvation and the love of Jesus with those whom we know and with those whom we come into contact.  We also serve when we give of our time, talents and our resources to help make this world a better place and to help the least of these who are among us.
     We must have the same attitude of humility that was expressed by Jesus Christ in the Upper Room.  We must not seek to be served but to serve.  Let us always look to the example of our and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
     Tomorrow, I will have a short message for Good Friday.  The Weekend Sermon will be posted on Saturday this week.  May God bless you all.  Amen.

Some Thoughts on Wednesday

     Usually, I post book reviews and recommendations on Wednesdays.  Today, I just wanted to do something different.  I wanted to just write about something that I've noticed since I've been working at my current job.
     For the past few years, I've noticed that the way we communicate with each other in this society has become much less civil.  Since I began my current job, I've noticed this more and more.  There is not a day that goes by when I am not called some type of vulgar name or treated with great disrespect.  Unfortunately, much of this abuse comes from church people.  Some of the nastiest people I've had to deal with have been ministers or people that have mentioned that they were affiliated with the church.
     This type of action brings to mind two verses of Scripture that all of us who follow Jesus need to be cognizant of.  First of all in Ephesians 4:32, Paul reminds us, "Be ye kind to one another."  Jesus tells us in John 13:34, "Love one another as I have loved you."
     As followers of Jesus, we need to be respectful of others and treat them the way that we would like to be treated.  Jesus told us about this when He gave us the Golden Rule.  As believers in Jesus, we have opportunities each day to speak words that lift people up and not words that tear people down.
     I know that life can be frustrating, but before we say something hurtful and offensive to someone else, let us think about how Jesus would act and what Jesus would say in that situation.  I believe that if we all would do that, we could help our world to be a better place to live in, and we would bring honor and glory to the Lord.

Verses For the Week

    This week we continue to make our way through the Beatitudes.  Here are this week's memory verses.

Matthew 5:9 -- "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. "

Isaiah 40:5 -- "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together, For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."