The Way

Once I was asked which of the many names for Jesus was my favorite. Well, I love "Teacher" because without proper instruction you don't master the most simple of concepts. So, a good teacher is a very important person to have in your life. Besides that is my chosen profession so I have an affinity with teachers.
But, I also love "Counselor". In the mixed up world we live in, you can get very confused, hurt , and disillusioned. It helps to have someone help you as walk through the murky waters, so to speak, and give direction and clarification. A counselor is a much needed voice in the darkness of pain, shame, or suffering of any kind.
Then there is "Rabbi", the spiritual guide or voice that beckons us and turns us toward Heaven.
Each of these names are vital parts of the mission of Jesus and who He is. But, my favorite name is "I AM". I AM mercy... I AM truth... I AM salvation. ..I AM forgiveness.. .I AM creator... I AM trustworthy... I AM grace... I AM hope... I AM help... I AM merciful....and so on and so on. His person encompasses all that is good and holy. In acknowledging Himself as "I AM", He aligns His identity with God the Father. Remember He says..." If you have seen me, you have seen the Father..." Yeah, I think "I AM" just about says it all! Are you out there? What do you think?

Message

Have you ever experienced a "snag" when sharing the gospel? I mean you're telling someone about the love of Christ and His sacrifice when all of a sudden you sense that he or she is not responding. In fact, you are feeling a negative force which causes you to falter. You begin to sound foolish and what you are explaining sounds ridiculous. How do you explain salvation, a God that forgives, and a life that you believe all should try?
While this may be a normal experience for various reasons, I think God realized that the weaknesses of our humanity would cause us to stumble at times. The task was too much for us alone. I believe that's why Holy Spirit has the job of calling the sinner and wooing him or her towards conviction. It is our joy to share, but Holy Spirit breathes truth into the hearts of those who are receiving the word.
What a relief! And, as if that wasn't enough, Holy Spirit turns what seems like foolishness into a power that can save the lives and souls of all who listen! Some just hear...but for those who listen, the word of God is pure and unconditional love that promises everlasting salvation. So relax....all you need to do is share the word...God does the rest! Happy sharing...hey! are you out there? Write me....

So Yesterday

"Yesterday..all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay..." Words from a popular Beatles song. Not the song mantra of a believer! Our troubles ARE so far away because when we accept Jesus, He buries them forever. Our slate is wiped clean! We are new creations!!
Can you think of a more gracious gift that God the Father has given us? Yahoo!!!we are free. Celebrate and tell the world...God has freed you from the bonds of sin through Jesus Christ!!! Hey. are you out there? Give us a shout back....

Nothing But The Blood

Years ago I was having a conversation with a young man who had been placed in a home for troubled youth . Seems he was mad at his mother and set fire to his family home. On this particular night he had been watching a Count Dracula movie. Never having seen one, I was intrigued. Not with the movie but with his face as he watched. All the horror of the creature's evil came to bare on a few unsuspecting folk as they were ravished by the night stalker. All of a sudden it hit me! This monster drained you of your life- flowing blood then commanded you as his slave for the rest of your undead life. I turned to my young friend and asked him if he knew the difference between Dracula and Jesus. "What? What do you mean?"was his reply. Well, the story of Jesus is bloody,I began, but Jesus gave His blood so that you might live not die. He freed you from slavery so that you might have life eternal with Him. He gives you life...not take it away. In that one simple statement the young man got Jesus for the first time. Nothing but the Blood can save you...heal you...guard you...buy you from sin. Nothing but the Blood of the Most High Lord can keep you from eternal death. Nothing...No Thing..but the Blood of Jesus! Are you out there? Tell me what you are thinking....

Faith

Several years ago I was on a plane from Kansas City heading back home. The plane had engine problems while in the air and the next thing I knew, the Flight Attendant was yelling "Head down, stay down, Prepare for emergency landing. Head down, stay down, prepare for emergency landing!" That was when I realized we were in deep trouble. Now some will say they saw their life flash before them. Not me...I was acutely aware of my surroundings. Everything seemed to slow down...time became suspended...and I watched as passengers prepared for their fates. One man took off his wedding ring, kissed it then placed it in his pants pocket. A woman got out pictures of children. She showed them to me across the aisle. "My grandchildren", she said with tears in her eyes. A small boy sitting in front of me with his dad shrunk down into his dad's side. "Are we going to die, Dad?" The man,obviously frightened, looked at me and whispered... "What do I say?" I gathered my own courage and replied, "Tell him that you love him". Moments that seemed like hours passed until the Captain told us that we had averted danger by the Grace of God. Now, I don't know if the captain was a believer, but at that moment he definitely was trusting a higher power. I have shared this story several times stating that I had no trouble sharing God's love in those moments. Yet, I find it hard to share my beliefs with my neighbors, people I know and work with, even friends that I know do not believe in God. The Bible tells us to "go into the world..." God, give me Your Grace and courage to go next door...down the street...around the corner. Help me to speak of Your love and mercy to all. Not just in time of crisis but as part of my everyday life. Anyone got a story? Share it with us....

Non Conformist

During childhood we spend a great deal of time doing things our own way only to be reminded, in one fashion or another, that we must fit in with the rules of society...act properly...do the right thing. Then in our teen years we follow every trend, fad, and media ploy to fit in ...be cool...find acceptance. Through each phase we say we are "finding ourselves". When actually all we are doing is following the pack and looking like clones of each other. Every time we say we are fighting against conformity, we are running headlong into sameness...we are conforming. God says that we are made in His imagine. Is that conforming?

If you know anything about the nature of God it is that He loves even desires diversity. All creation speaks to His imagination and creativity. So it stands to reason that God also revels in the differences of each of us. His image is complex and differentiated. And so are we. Romans tells us not to conform to the world but be transformed through the renewing of our minds. In other words, our mindset must line up with God's. Children have the same traits as their parents. If we are to reflect our Heavenly Father, then as His children, we will act like Him, think like Him, and look like Him. I am working on this. What are your thoughts? Anyone out there? Write me and tell me about your "conforming" lessons in life.

Wild

Little ones bring so much joy into our lives and all too soon they grow up leaving us with warm memories and an empty space in our hearts. I wonder if God, our Father ever feels like that? But, then we know the answer to that......for God so loved us that He sent His Only Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled to Him never to be apart for all of eternity. Now, that's love! Does God have "empty nest" syndrome when we are far from Him? Yes, He does....He wants to be with us and us with Him. What a great feeling....to be wanted by God for all time! We were made to praise Him ......we were MADE to praise Him.