Blog Posts

Walk in the Word, Walk in the Light

11/15/2016

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

One sunny afternoon, a small group of neighborhood children gathered together to play. Eventually, they wandered off into the nearby woods to explore the unfamiliar surroundings. Although they all knew this was not a safe place for them to play, they continued on deeper and deeper into the woods.

They played for hours and as time passed, the sun began to set and the darkness of nightfall increasingly surrounded them. They were overcome with fear as they realized they were lost in the woods for they did not know their way back home in the dark.

Suddenly, a light appeared, the light from a small flashlight that one of the children remembered he had in his pocket. The other children quickly filed in line behind him as he guided them out of the dark woods, back to the safety of their well-lit neighborhood, and into the safety of their parents’ loving arms.

Many of us, if not all of us, have, at some point, wandered off into the darkness of this world. Instead of walking in the light, we lose our way and stumble around in the darkness unable to find our way back into the light. But thankfully, God has equipped us with His Word that we always have with us, just as the young child had his flashlight, to shine the guiding light that leads us back to the safety that is found in Him.

God’s Word not only provides the light we need to lead us out of the darkness, but also provides the light, which keeps us out of the darkness in the first place. God loves us and He is forever faithful to us. He will never forsake us and He always guides and protects us. His light shines in the darkness of this world - and the darkness can never overcome nor extinguish it (cf. John 1:5 NIV, NLT).

The Holy Bible is the Word of God and provides us with the guidance we need to find our way as we journey on through life. His Word is truly a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (cf. Psalm 119:105)! When we find we are lost, we can always turn to Him and He will lead us back to the safety of His loving arms! When we abide in His Word, we are kept safe and need not worry of losing our way!

We must look to God for instruction and guidance as we make our way - and that guidance and instruction is found in His Word. We must read and study our Bibles and apply God's message to our everyday lives. We must walk in His Word! When we walk in His Word, we walk in the light - and His light will guide us, direct us, and protect us!

Loving God, we thank You for the gift of Your Word that guides us and guards us! We seek Your guidance through Your Word that lights our way and leads us to You! To You be all glory, honor, and praise! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

Hang a U-Turn!

10/18/2016

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:19 NIV)

When traveling down the road, a driver saw a sign that said “Wrong Way”. He ignored the warning and continued on, knowing that he was heading in the wrong direction and into unavoidable danger.

Many of us, especially this author, have traveled the wrong way on the road of life, ignoring the warning signs along the way. We see the signs, yet we continue to head in the wrong direction only to lead ourselves into negative circumstances.

The warning signs we see along the way have been put there by God to protect us but unfortunately, even though we are fully aware of the consequences, we continue to move onward in the wrong direction. We know the difference between right and wrong, yet we continue to make the wrong choices. We receive the warnings, but we fail to heed them. We often justify our choices to ourselves knowing deep down inside that these choices are wrong. When we make the wrong choices, we hurt not only ourselves but often hurt others as well.

Jesus promised to send His Holy Spirit to help us, teach us, and guide us (see John 14:16-17, 26). The Holy Spirit warns us when we are heading the wrong way in order to protect us. When we heed His warning and turn back, we are then heading in the right direction - back to the safety that is found in Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:19 tells us that we are to repent and turn back to God. Simply stated, repentance is turning from going the wrong way and heading back in the right direction. In other words, to repent is to turn from our sin and to turn back toward God. In order to repent, we must confess our sin and take full responsibility for our previous actions. When we do so, and ask for His forgiveness, God extends His grace to us. Though we do not deserve His grace and mercy, He nevertheless extends His favor and forgiveness to us out of His everlasting love for us.

At Christ’s expense, we have been given the riches of God’s grace. Jesus promised to give us of His Spirit and when we accept Him and turn from our sin and turn toward God, we receive His Holy Spirit. Upon receiving His Spirit, we are created anew and we are given a new heart and a fresh start (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit changes our hearts and our minds and we move toward God and away from sin.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we receive God’s grace that brings about the change of heart needed to truly repent and turn from sin completely.

It’s never too late to "hang a U-Turn” and head back in the right direction - back to Jesus. He gave His life for our sins to be forgiven and all we have to do is ask Him to forgive us - and He will! If you feel you are heading the wrong way; if you see the signs and hear the warnings, remember that you can always turn back to safety – all you need to do is ask and He will help you to turn from sin and turn back to Him to be refreshed and start anew. Things will change when you head in the right direction! Jesus is the Way (see John 14:6) and He will always protect us as He leads us in the right direction!

Lord Jesus, we know You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we turn from our former ways and we turn back to You. Please open our hearts to receive Your Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, and protect us on our way! We love You and we thank You for forgiving us and creating us anew! In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen. †

Jesus at the Center

9/15/2016

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
(Psalm 118:22 ESV)

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
(Matthew 7:24-27 ESV)

The cornerstone sets the foundation upon which a structure is built and upon which the structure depends for support. When the proper cornerstone is chosen and properly placed, it provides the support needed to keep the structure standing firm and prevents it from falling. Psalm 118:22 alludes to Jesus as the Cornerstone which the builders had rejected. When we reject Jesus as the Cornerstone to build our lives upon, we are destined to fall.

As Jesus Himself said in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (see Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:46-49), we are to build our lives upon Him as our Foundation. If we do otherwise and build upon a different foundation rather than on that of Jesus, we will surely fall when facing the adversities we are challenged with in life.

When Jesus is our Cornerstone; when Jesus is our Foundation; when Jesus is truly at the center of our life and the main focus of our thoughts and actions, He will provide us with the firm foundation to stay standing through the struggles and challenges we daily face.

When Jesus is truly at the center of everything we think - everything we say - and everything we do, the choices we make are based upon the foundation of His teaching and upon His values and not upon the poor judgement we tend to have when our focus is elsewhere. We start to see a change - we no longer struggle with situations we have created by our own bad decisions. We find new hope and a positive outlook knowing that with Jesus at the center of our lives, we can do all things though Him because He gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13)! When we build upon Jesus as the Cornerstone, we are made strong and we can stand against anything and everything!

With Jesus at the center of our lives we will stand firm and we will never fall! Let’s place our focus on Jesus and not on the distractions of this world nor on our own false wisdom. Let’s place our trust in the Lord and He will make our way straight (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

Lord Jesus, You are the Cornerstone, the Rock and Foundation upon which we build our lives. We pray for the strength and courage we know You will provide us with so that we may stay strong and stand firm against the challenges we face in our lives. We know that with You at the center of our lives we will never fall. We love You and we thank You, Lord Jesus. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen. †

All Things Work Together for Good!

8/21/2016

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Things happen to us that we cannot control and things happen to us that we bring upon ourselves through our actions, decisions, etc. When we experience pain and suffering, we don’t always understand God’s plan for us or why things happen to us.

Suffering is never wasted in God’s divine agenda. He will always use our suffering to bring about good in the end. He makes all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28).

Romans 8:28 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible and for good reason. It helps us to understand that God makes everything work together to bring about a positive result and that gives us hope and brings us comfort in knowing that even though we don’t always understand why things happen, we know that God is always in control and He will make positive use of what we initially perceive to be negative. His ways are surely above our ways and His thoughts are definitely above our thoughts! (see Isaiah 55:8-9)

We must always place our trust in God and know that His plan for us is good. He is always at work cleaning up after the mess we make and making things turn out right in the end. He always knows what's best for us and always does right by us!

God is good all the time! And all the time God is good!

Father, Your thoughts are above our thoughts and Your ways are above our ways. We know that You are in complete control and that You make all things work together for our good. Your love never fails us. We love You and we thank You for Your everlasting love! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

Break Every Chain

7/9/2016

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
(John 8:32 KJV)

“There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain” (Will Reagan)

As this wonderful hymn tells us there is great power in the name of Jesus. A power great enough to break every chain - to break every chain that binds and enslaves us.

All of us have been bound or are currently bound by chains of bondage - the bondage of sin. If we have not yet broken free from our chains by the power of Jesus Christ who frees us, we are bound and restricted by these chains. We are not truly free. We are held back by what enslaves us - our sin. This sin controls us and prevents us from having the true freedom we inevitably seek. Sin has a powerful grip that stifles us and engulfs us in its murky mire. The grip of sin gives a feeling of drowning as in deep water or quicksand. Sin floods our lives and covers us and everything around us.

If you feel as if you are being drawn under by the power of sin, all you need to do is call out to Jesus Christ to save you. He will give you of His power and He will pull you out and save you. We can break the bondage of these chains of sin by turning from the very sin that binds us and trusting in and following after Christ. When the temptation of sin attempts to throw its chains back around us, we cast off its chains by denying sin and accepting the power of Christ. When we accept Christ, He empowers us with His Holy Spirit. He guards and protects us from the deceptive attacks of the enemy and we can overcome the temptation of sin for we know that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13).

Trusting in Jesus gives us the hope and confidence to know that we can remain free from these chains forever. We know that He can and will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or ever even imagine because His power is at work within us (see Ephesians 3:20). By this, we know that through Him the power of sin will be defeated and this gives us the courage we need to press on to fight the good fight.

The evil one is constantly waging spiritual warfare against us and we must remain on our guard and protected at all times. We must trust in the power of Jesus and clothe ourselves with the armor of God so that we can stand firm against the schemes and attacks of the evil one (see Ephesians 6:10-18).

Jesus Christ is omnipotent - He is all-powerful and there is no other power that can stand against Him. When we follow after Him and lovingly trust in Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, there are no chains that can ever bind us and no power that can ever enslave us for He is mighty and He will save us. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (cf. John 14:6) - and when we know and follow after the truth, the truth will set us free (cf. John 8:32) - we will break the chains forever!

“There is power in the name of Jesus…to break every chain”

Lord Jesus, we love You and we place our trust completely in You. We no that You are all-powerful and by Your power, there are no chains that can bind us when we abide in You. Guide us, guard us, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit now and forever. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

The Reverse Domino Effect

6/22/2016

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT)

The “Domino Effect” is a term used to signify a chain reaction where one event initiates a chain of similar, relative events. The term is used as an analogy to falling rows of dominoes.

Our actions have consequences; that is, the things we do have an effect. The resulting effect is a chain reaction that has an impact not only on us individually but on others as well. As with the falling domino analogy, the resulting effect will also have an affect on others. When our actions are negative in nature, they will produce negative effects. Conversely, our positive actions will have positive effects.

As believers, we must be aware that our actions have these impacting consequences. Our negative actions will have an unfavorable influence on others. If we do not walk in the light of faith, we will stumble, fail, and fall. When fall, we bring about a domino effect causing those around us to stumble, fail, and fall with us as well.

On the other hand, when we walk in the light as Christ is in the light (see 1 John 1:7), we reflect the light of Christ into the world and onto those around us. The result is what we refer to as the “Reverse Domino Effect”. Instead of the rows of dominoes falling, we raise the rows of dominoes back to a standing position. We counteract any previous negativity that has caused the dominoes to fall and help to raise them up again. In other words, instead of knocking down those around us, we lift them up, strengthen them, and keep them from falling.

Our positive actions have a positive influence on those around us. When we are secure in our faith and keep the Lord’s commands, we help to provide a stable foundation on which we can help others to stand and to build. That stable foundation is our Lord Jesus Christ. The wise builder will build his house upon the rock and the house will not fall (see Matthew 7:24-27).

“Dominoes” set upon the rock of Christ will not fall. Neither will they cause others around them to fall but rather will be rooted in the firm and stable foundation found in Jesus Christ that together all will remain strong and stay standing.

Lets us stay strong and lead by the example of Jesus. Let us make our paths straight and build our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ so that others will not fall and will be made strong (cf. Hebrews 12:13).

Lord Jesus, lead us and guide us that we may follow Your example. Help us to build upon Your stable foundation that we may stand firm and not fall. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen. †

The Same Power: Alive in Us!

6/12/2016

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
(Romans 8:11 ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20a ESV)

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in us!

The Holy Spirit of God indwells in the hearts of believers. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, His Spirit becomes alive in us. We die to our old self, abandon our former ways, and we are reborn in Christ. We become a new creation in Jesus by the working of His Holy Spirit.

What a precious gift we have been given! We have been justified and sanctified; renewed and recreated in the image of Christ. Our eyes have been opened and we now see the Light. Our ears have been opened and we now hear His Word. We have been given a new heart with which to love Him and love one another.

The same power that rolled away the stone; the same power that raised Jesus from the dead; the power of the loving and living God is living inside of us; working inside of us; renewing and recreating us! When we allow His Spirit to completely fill us, His power works in us and through us! We are transformed! We are a new creation!

Father, we open our hearts to receive Your power. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform us. Renew us and recreate us so that we may be like Jesus Christ, Your Son. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

Spirit-fed, Spirit-led

5/28/2016

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (Psalm 143:10 ESV)

When we open hearts and minds to receive the Word of God, His Spirit feeds us. When we open our hearts and minds to be filled completely by the Spirit of God, listen to His voice, and follow His instruction, His Spirit leads us. He is the Good Shepherd who feeds us and leads us along the straight and holy path that leads to Him. (see Psalm 23:1-3).

In a world filled with self-help books, advice columns, motivational speakers, etc., we can save ourselves a lot of searching by going straight to the Bible and straight to God for the help and guidance we need and seek. With God Himself feeding us His Word by the working of His Holy Spirit, there is no better nourishment we can ever find. When we study God’s Word and apply His instruction to our daily lives, we find the answers to the questions that we ask and the direction, meaning, and purpose for our lives that we seek. When we seek elsewhere, or rely on our own “knowledge”, we are sure to be lead astray, make the wrong decisions, and struggle to keep searching without finding. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart and follow His instruction, He will remove the obstacles and make our pathway straight (see Proverbs 3:5-7).

We must let His Spirit feed us and let His Spirit lead us! In doing so, we will have the proper instruction, guidance, and direction to make the right decisions in a difficult-to- navigate world. The world is filled with obstacles we create for ourselves and those often thrown at us by the non-Spirit-led, personal agendas of others. It can be hard for us to navigate our course and avoid these obstructions and distractions. Only God can show us the way and point us in the right direction to avoid these obstacles. Much like a GPS provides the best directions and offers the most accurate course of travel to our vehicles, only God, through the working of His Holy Spirit, provides the proper instruction and accurate course of travel for our lives.

When we walk in God's Word, we never walk alone. We walk in the way of and with the Holy Spirit and He will always lead us in the right direction. We have the confidence of knowing that God is with us every moment of our life guiding us on our way!

Jesus said He would always be with us - even until the end of the world (see Matthew 28:20) and He promised to give us His Spirit to teach us and guide us (see John 14:26). The Spirit of the Living God lives within us by the power of His Holy Spirit (see 1 John 4:13). Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit so that we will never walk alone - His Spirit feeds us and leads us! No self-help book, advice column, or motivational speaker can do that!

Father, we pray to You as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know that You live inside of us and that You are with us at all times. We have the confidence of knowing that You will always feed us and always lead us by Your Word through Jesus Christ, Your Son, by the working of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for guiding us along the way that leads us to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

No Greater Love

5/15/2016

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 15:12-13 ESV)

Here Jesus gives us a “New Commandment” - to love one another as He has loved us. Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us. There is no greater love - there can be no greater sacrifice - than this. As disciples of Christ, we are called to love one another with this same unselfish love.

While all of us may not be called to physically die for someone (though if called to do so, we should respond without hesitation), we can still offer our sacrificial love for others in many different ways. When we put the needs of others before our own, we extend this kind of selfless love. When we sacrifice of ourselves for the benefit of others, we demonstrate this wonderful, sacrificial love. Putting “you before me” is the core of this concept. By putting others first, we give of ourselves selflessly and sacrificially for their needs. We lay down (put aside) our life for the sake of theirs - regardless of the cost.

Jesus always puts our needs first. He is the Good Shepherd that laid down His life for His sheep (cf. John 10:11). He saved us by sacrificing Himself for us on the cross. He suffered and died in our place that we would be healed and have everlasting life (see Isaiah 53:5 and John 3:16). He was the Suffering Servant that always gave of Himself for the benefit of others. He did not come to be served but to serve, and He gave His life as our ransom (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). There is no greater love than the love He has shown to us.

Christ is our example of how we are to love one another. We are to give of ourselves as He gave of Himself. It is when we show the love of Christ to others that we live out His commandment. When we do so, we make an impact on the lives of those around us. When we do so, we “re-present” the love of Christ to the world.

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus Christ. Let us love one another in the same way that He loved us!

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your sacrificial love. We thank You for laying down Your life for us. Teach us, Lord, to love one another as You have always loved us. Teach us to live and to love by Your example. There is no greater love than Yours. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

Our Spiritual Trainer

5/3/2016

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

In today’s world, there is an intense focus on health and wellness. Many people have personal trainers, nutritionists, etc., to provide personal instruction and assistance with their diet and exercise programs. While diet and exercise are integral to our physical and mental health, we must be sure not to overlook our spiritual health above all.

While the mind and body are vital components in our total health and well-being, we, as human beings, are actually trichotomous rather than simply dichotomous in nature. That is, God created us with a three-part nature consisting not only of mind and body but also of soul (spirit). And of the three, while all are vitally important to our health and well-being, the spirit is, undoubtedly, the most important because through our spirit, The Spirit of the Living God lives within us and guides, teaches, and directs us. When our spirit completely embraces God’s Spirit, we will truly experience communion with God and attain the proper nourishment that feeds our mind, body, and soul. It is through this spiritual communion with God that we become completely healthy and whole.

In His Great Commandment, Jesus told us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (cf. (Luke 10:27; Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:37). Note that while all three of these passages are rendered with a slight difference in the Synoptic Gospels, the reference to the "soul" is common to each. When we truly love God with all our soul, His Spirit fills us and dwells within us. When our soul becomes completely filled with His Spirit, He spiritually trains us and teaches us His ways.

Proverbs 3:5-8 tells us to put our trust in the Lord and not to lean on our own understanding. He will guide us, teach us and provide us with the healing and nourishment we need. When we ignore His instruction, and follow our own, we are sure to lead ourselves astray and certain to fail. When we do not open ourselves to be completely filled by His presence, we will be spiritually lacking and spiritually unhealthy as a result. We must trust in Him and embrace Him with our spirit and allow His Spirit to feed us with His spiritual food. We cannot live by bread alone but by His Word which He has given to us by His Holy Spirit (see Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4). God feeds us the spiritual bread we need to live through His Word - His written Word that is scripture, and the Living Word (Logos) that is Jesus Christ.

We must have the Holy Spirit as our full-time Spiritual Trainer to guide us and teach us His ways. This is the only way to attain the complete health and wellness we ultimately seek. In John 14:26, Jesus promised us that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and to teach us all things. We cannot learn these things on our own. Without the Spirit as our Trainer, we will be lost in our own efforts.

We need to develop a spiritual workout plan through prayer in the Spirit. While we cannot develop this plan on our own, we must pray without ceasing and study God’s Word for the guidance of the Spirit and He will intercede for us and illuminate us. It is through prayer and the study of God’s Word that the Spirit fills us and teaches us. He will train us and make us healthy and whole in mind, body, and soul.

Come, Holy Spirit! Be our Spiritual Trainer and Spiritual Nutritionist!

Father we pray in sincere earnest for You to send Your Holy Spirit to fill us to overflowing and train us in Your ways. Teach us, guide us, and nourish us so that we will be healthy and whole in mind, body, and soul through our communion with You. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. †

Nothing Can Separate Us!

4/26/2016

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

As believers, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love! If we accept His salvation, we are secure in Christ. Jesus promised us an everlasting life that we can never lose. It was guaranteed by both the Father and the Son, who Jesus said are one (see John 3:16 and John 10:30).

There is no circumstance, no power, nor anything in all of creation that can ever separate us from His great love. Every dimension of creation is subject to the lordship of Jesus Christ and can never have power over us for we live in Him who has power over all.

We need not fear that we will ever be abandoned by Christ for He promised to be with us forever (see Matthew 28:20). He will never leave us. In the trials of life and even in death, we will always be in His presence. We can feel totally secure in knowing that He is constantly present with us and He is constantly protecting us. His love will never fail us.

His life, death, and resurrection are our proof that His love is unconquerable. No spiritual forces are powerful enough to overcome what He has done for us. Fears and worries cannot threaten us. Nothing that can happen in the present and nothing that can happen in the future can ever cause Him to leave us. There is nothing in all creation can have any effect on our relationship with Him.

By grace we are saved through our faith in Him (cf. Ephesians 2:8). Since we have faith in Him, we have both the confidence and the assurance that He will save us from anything that challenges to separate us from Him. If we truly believe this, we need not ever to be afraid.

Rejoice! Be comforted in knowing that Jesus lives within us! We know that we live in Him and He lives in us because He has given us of His Spirit (cf. 1 John 4:13). Since He lives within us by the power of His Spirit, we know that by His power there is nothing that can separate us from His love!

Thank you Lord for the gift of Your Spirit that lives within us! Thank You for Your promise of everlasting life with You! We know there is nothing that can separate us from Your unconquerable love. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

God Is For Us!

4/19/2016

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:31b-34 ESV)

Here, the Apostle Paul reminds us of God’s enduring love and faithfulness. God has transferred us from the realm of Adam, sin, and death into the realm of Christ, righteousness, and life. There is nothing that can stand in the way of our ultimate salvation.

God is for us and He has done His work for us in Christ. We have been justified in Christ who intercedes for us and stands in our defense. No one can stand against us successfully or overcome such a defense. Satan and those under his power will attempt to stand against us but cannot do so successfully - in the end, God promises ultimate victory. His omnipotence is working on our behalf and no lesser power can defeat Him.

When we stand face to face with a world that is hostile to God and His values, we have the assurance of knowing that He is for us! God has demonstrated His commitment to us by sending His one and only Son to die for us. God did not hold back His heart’s greatest Treasure but gave Him over to a death of shame and loss on our behalf. Knowing He has done that for us, we know that we can depend on Him to provide all that is necessary to bring us to glory. He will not withhold anything we need in order to live for Him.

God shows His eternal love for us through His work in creation and redemption. Yes, God is for us at all times and in all situations. Let’s do the same and be sure to live our lives for Him at all times and in all situations! With God on our side, we can overcome all adversity!

"If God is for us who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b ESV)

Father, we thank You for always being there for us. We thank You for providing all we need to live for You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

Following After Jesus

4/6/2016

“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” (Luke 23:26 ESV)

"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
(Luke 9:23 ESV)

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21 ESV)

Simon of Cyrene was forced by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross and walk behind Jesus. Here we see a pictorial portrayal of what it means to follow Jesus; here we see the symbol of the true disciple - carrying the cross and following behind Jesus.

Jesus calls us to come after him. He gives us specific instructions on discipleship: if we desire to come after Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow after Him! (cf. Luke 9:23). While Simon had been forced to do so, today we have the choice to decide whether or not we will carry the cross of Christ and follow "in His steps" (see 1 Peter 2:21).

Many have read Charles M. Sheldon's classic work In His Steps which raised the question, “What would Jesus do?”. This question has become a motto for many Christians and is often referred to today as “WWJD”. While we consider what Jesus would do, let’s also be sure to remember “What Jesus did!”. Let’s remember what He did for us! Let’s remember the suffering He endured for us and the love He has for all of us! We follow after Him when we do what He has done and also do what He would do; we follow in His footprints as He leads us; we follow after the Good Shepherd who goes before His sheep.

What might have looked like a catastrophe to Simon turned out to be a wonderful opportunity because it brought him in contact with Jesus. When we face trials in our lives they may appear to be catastrophic but they bring us to Jesus. There are many crosses we may bear but knowing that we follow after Christ in doing so, we have the confidence to carry on. We find strength in the example of our Savior - for we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! (cf. Philippians 4:13).

Simon found that carrying the cross and following after Jesus is difficult and painful work; and it still is. G.K. Chesterson once said: “It is not that Christianity has been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.” Bearing the cross is the most difficult and most important work that we can ever do.

We have the choice to deny ourselves and take up our cross and do the work of Christ as we follow in His steps - or to deny the cross and go our own way. What is your choice going to be? Let us all take up our cross and follow after Jesus!

Loving Jesus, You are our example and our strength. We choose to take up our cross daily and follow behind You! You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Lead us Lord! In Your name we pray, Amen. †

Jesus Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

3/27/2016

“And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb…” (Luke 24:2 ESV)

On that first glorious Easter morning, His disciples found the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. Jesus Christ had risen indeed! Alleluia!

In His dying He destroyed death and in His rising He restored life - and in Him we find a new and everlasting life!

Yes, He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Let us rejoice today and every day in the glorious victory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Risen Jesus, we rejoice in Your glorious victory, Alleluia! In Your name we pray, Amen. †

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!

Don’t Worry About Anything, Pray About Everything

3/22/2016

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

Here in Philippians, the Apostle Paul gives two golden rules for those who seek peace: “Don’t worry about anything” and “Pray about everything”. He gives us sound advice to turn our worries into prayers.

We all have worries. We worry about our families, friends, health, jobs, finances…the “worry list” goes on and on. Wouldn’t it be great not to worry about anything?! The answer is actually very simple - if you want to worry less - pray more! Instead of spending your time worrying, spend your time praying! When you start to worry, just stop and pray! It really works!

Instead of being anxious, we should be at peace. The peace of God comes through prayer and supasses all understanding. As Christians, we all enjoy peace with God (see Romans 5:1), but we don’t always allow ourselves to be completely filled with the Spirit so that we can find the peace of God. The Spirit of the living and loving God wants to fill us to overflowing with His calming peace. He has both indwelling and filling ministries. As believers, we know the Holy Spirit indwells in us; however, oftentimes we allow our worries and anxieties to overcome us and thus we keep the Holy Spirit from completely filling us.

The deceiver is constantly at work trying to destroy our peace. Anxiety is one of the chief weapons he uses to wage spiritual warfare against us. We need to put on the armor of God to defend ourselves against his snares. The gospel of peace teaches us to pray to find peace. So put on your spiritual armor and pray at all times in the Spirit (see Ephesians 6:11-20).

Jesus promised us that He would pray the Father to send the Comforter, the Helper - that is the Holy Spirit to be with us always (see John 14:16, 26). It is through prayer, that we find communion with Him and allow His Holy Spirit to completely fill us. When we substitute prayer for worry, we find His peace - a peace that guards our hearts and protects us from wrong feelings; a peace that guards our minds and protects us from wrong thinking. We are protected against the worries that can drive us to despair and instead, we find true peace (see Isaiah 26:3) - the peace of God - a peace that transcends all understanding.

Father, send Your Holy Spirit and fill our hearts to overflowing. Guard our hearts and minds in Jesus that we may find Your peace - true peace beyond all understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. †

Do Not Be Afraid

3/14/2016

“And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.”
(Matthew 14:25-29 ESV)

After our Lord Jesus had fed the multitudes, He dismissed the crowds and made the disciples get into the boat to go on ahead of Him across the water to the other side. He then went up on the mountain by himself to pray. As evening came, the boat was a long way away and was being beaten about by the waves and strong headwinds. During the night, He came to them walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were terrified because they thought He was a ghost. Immediately, Jesus called out to them telling them no to be afraid (see Matthew 14:22-27).

Jesus then called Peter to come to Him. Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking on the water but when the strong winds blew against him, he became afraid and started to sink. He then cried out to Jesus, “Lord save me!”. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of Peter saying, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”. And when they got into the boat the winds ceased (see Matthew 14:29-32).

We see in the scripture passage that the disciples had encountered a rough storm on the sea. When the strong winds blew against them they became frightened. When they realized Jesus was there, He immediately told them not to be afraid. Notice the adverb immediately is used in the ESV to describe Jesus' actions - Jesus immediately tells them not to be afraid - and when Peter heads out on the water and starts to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out his hand to take hold of him.

Although they believed they were alone, Jesus came to them at once and was there for the disciples in their time of distress. He was there immediately to comfort them and rescue them from the raging storm.

There are times in life when we experience difficulties and troubles as well. Many times we feel unable to overcome the adverse conditions we are are experiencing. During such times, if we listen closely, we will hear the voice of Jesus calling us to come to him; the voice of Jesus telling us not to be afraid; the hand of Jesus reaching out to save us.

It is when we doubt that we begin to sink. There is no storm that life can bring that we cannot weather through faith in Jesus. When the storms rage and the strong winds blow, seek Him and you will hear Him calling you to come to Him. You will hear Him telling you not to fear for He is with you in your time of need. Take His hand and He will rescue you.

We receive the Lord’s saving grace through our faith. We must have faith in Jesus and know that He is truly there for us always - not only in times of distress, but at all times. He is with us always even until the end of world (see Matthew 28:20).

“For by grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2-8 ESV)

Lord Jesus, we come to you with prayers of praise and thanksgiving, You are our comfort and salvation. We trust in You and know You are there for us now and always. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

The Golden Rule

2/28/2016

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 ESV)

Commonly known as the “Golden Rule”, this is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus. This passage is often rendered as, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Many religions teach a negative version of this rule. It is common knowledge that even before Jesus, the Jewish Rabbi Hillel gave this rule in its negative form, now often referred to as the “Silver Rule”: “Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you…”. Confucius also said, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”. Instead, by stating it positively, Jesus makes the message of this teaching even more significant.

It's not hard to keep ourselves from harming others - but it is far more difficult for us to actually put forth the effort and action to do something good for them! It’s easier not to hurt others because we wouldn’t want them to hurt us. But it’s a lot harder - and takes initiative and effort - to actually do good things for other people!

The Golden Rule of Jesus is the basis of love and mercy - the same love and mercy that God shows to us every day! This example, spoken of and lived out in practice by Jesus, clearly demonstrates the model for us to live by today. Of course we need to refrain from causing harm to others, but we also need to be proactive and take the initiative to show love and mercy - and to bring joy to others!

Simply stated, we should treat others the way we would want them to treat us! That would really rock this world into a positive change - wouldn't it?! We've all heard the saying, "Nice guys finish last" - first of all, of course, that isn't true - but think about it the other way around - if we are nice to people and always go out of our way to help them and treat them positively with love and compassion, where are they going to finish? That is what we need to concern ourselves with in regard to the treatment of others. Let's make sure what we do actually makes the outcome better for others - let's make a positive impact on others and help to make things better for them!

When we love God with all out heart, all our soul, all our mind, all our strength and love our neighbor as ourself (cf. Matthew 22:37-40), we live out the Great Commandment, the Golden Rule, and the teachings of the Prophets!

This is the message that Jesus gave us - Love God and love others always! (cf. Matthew 22:37-40)

“…treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you…” (Matthew 7:12 CEB)

Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Enkindle in our hearts the fire of Your love that we may overflow with love, kindness, and mercy toward others. Help us to put the words of Your Son into practice. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. †

Ask, Seek, Knock

2/21/2016

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV)

Prayer is the means for obtaining what we need. We need to pray; and to pray often. We must be serious and diligent in our prayer.

Here Jesus teaches us persistence in prayer. Jesus does not; however, teach that God will grant us extravagant desires. We are to seek daily provision and spiritual blessing from God as we were taught by Jesus in “The Lord’s Prayer” (see Matthew 6:9-13). He expects us to remember “your will be done” (Matthew 6:10 ESV) from that prayer as we pray. Although we may not perceive an immediate response to our prayers, it is according to God’s will and master plan that all things work together for our good and the good of others. (see Romans 8:28).

As Matthew Henry commented, “Ask, as a beggar asks alms. Ask, as a traveller asks the way. Seek, as for a thing of value that we have lost; or as the merchantman that seeks goodly pearls. Knock, as he that desires to enter into the house knocks at the door. Sin has shut and barred the door against us; by prayer we knock. Whatever you pray for, according to the promise, shall be given you, if God see it fit for you, and what would you have more?”

“Ask” - we come to God in sincere humility and awareness of our needs.
“Seek” - we connect our prayer with responsible action in pursuing the true will of God.
“Knock” - we persist in prayer, remaining confident that God will provide what is best for us according to his gracious will.

God will open the door to those who keep knocking. While knocking, we must remember that divine delays do not indicate reluctance on God’s part. While waiting, we learn patience, and the intensity of our desire is put to the test. As believers, we must pray without ceasing and never give up bringing our petitions before God. God is all-knowing and He knows exactly what we need.

The promise Jesus makes is to everyone. God will answer each believer who prays persistently and earnestly. Only through prayer can we stay in constant contact with God and know what He wants us to do. Only through prayer will we have the strength to do God’s will in all areas of our life.

We are not to take Jesus’ words as a “blank check” - prayer is not a magical way to obtain whatever we want. Our prayers must be in harmony with God’s will - and we must accept His will above our own selfish desires. Only when we truly “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6) will we be truly satisfied.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV) †

Living Sacrifices

2/7/2016

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)

In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul describes the inward condition of the believer who has received God’s righteousness. Paul urges us to live our lives in a way that outwardly reflects our inner state.

When we became believers and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were transformed. We were transformed and changed from our former state much like the way a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

Rather than being conformed to the behaviors and customs of the world around us, we, as Christians, are to be transformed by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. We are to offer and dedicate ourselves entirely, not just our physical body - but our whole person, our body and our mind, to the worship and service of God. This worship is not confined to a Sunday morning worship service; it embraces our entire life.

Yes, we are called to transform from and not conform to the ways of this world. We must distance ourselves from the patterns and priorities of the present age for the sake of the transformation that the gospel provides.

That transformation takes place when we allow the Spirit to work within us. God will accomplish infinitely more than we can ever ask or even imagine (cf. Ephesians 3:20). We will be transformed by the Spirit of the Living God rather than conforming to the ways of a dying world.

As Christians living in a world which is hostile to God, transforming ourselves - renewing our minds and changing the way we think through studying God's Word and prayer - is our only safeguard.

God, our Father, we dedicate ourselves to you entirely through Jesus Christ Your Son, in whose name we pray, Amen. †

Let Your Light Shine

1/24/2016

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

In John 8:12, Jesus refers to Himself as "the light of the world”. Here in the Sermon on the Mount, He tells us that we are and that we are to be - “the light of the world”.

How awesome that we should be likened to and called to the task of our Savior by our Savior Himself! What an awesome responsibility we have been given!

Yes, in the words of Jesus Himself, we are "the light of the world”. We have been created and called to do the work of Christ. God put us here to be lights for all of the world to see; to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of this world.

We have the light of Christ inside of us by the working of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lives within us and His light shines in us and through us. We reflect on the outside who is living on the inside - Jesus!

We have been called to put our light on a lamp stand; to let that light shine like a torch - like a lighthouse; a brilliant, radiant beacon shining through the darkness to lead others to the love and protection that is found in Jesus Christ.

When we shine our light, that shining light represents Jesus Christ. When we “represent” Jesus, we “re-present” Him to others; that is, we present His love to the world once again! When we shine forth the light of Christ, others will be attracted to the very same Savior that we represent.

Light always dispels the darkness - and darkness can never extinguish the light (cf. John 1:5). So let your light shine to brighten the lives of others and give glory to God!

Shine On!

Lord Jesus, may Your light shine in us and through us so that we may reflect Your light and Your love to those in darkness. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

A Firm Foundation

1/17/2016

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
(Matthew 7:24-27 ESV)

Jesus brings His Sermon on the Mount to a close with this parable of The Two Houses. Here Jesus calls us to decide between Himself and any other foundation upon which to build our life.

The house in the parable represents our life. During the course of our life, we will encounter many trials and struggles. When our life is built upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, our Rock, we will not be shaken. We will have the confidence to know that we can endure any storm that life may bring.

Wise people build upon the solid bedrock of Jesus regardless of the ever-changing, religious and cultural views of today’s post-modern world. Though the rains will fall and the floods will come; though the winds will blow and beat upon them, they will not fall because they have built upon the Rock. (cf. Matthew 7:24-25)

Fools build upon the sand of the ever-shifting, unstable earthly foundation of this world and not upon the firm foundation of the Word of Christ. When the rains fall and the floods come; when the winds blow and beat upon them, they will certainly fall - and the fall will be devastating. (cf. Matthew 7:26-27)

When we listen to Jesus and obey His Word; when we not only hear but act and put His Word into practice, we build upon Him as the bedrock - the firm foundation that upholds us. Nothing will be able to move us from that foundation! We are kept safe on the solid foundation of Christ - no matter how hard the storms of life beat against us!

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2 ESV)

Lord Jesus, You are our rock and our refuge. You are our strength and our fortress. You are the firm foundation we choose to build our lives upon. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

A Sound Investment

1/9/2016

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

Some of us may remember the old E.F. Hutton television commercial which depicted a person in a crowded room discussing the financial advice their investment broker had given them: "My broker is E.F. Hutton and he says..." Upon saying that, the entire room stopped talking to listen. The intent of the commercial was to portray E.F. Hutton as the investment broker who gives the best investment advice. Their slogan was: "When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen".

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus gives us investment advice beyond the scope of E.F. Hutton or any other advisor - and we should all stop to listen. Jesus tells us not to invest in that which we cannot keep but, rather, to invest in that which we cannot lose.

When we invest in earthly treasures we do not become spiritually rich. The dividends and rewards of earthly investments are fleeting; they come and go - and net a loss in the end. Our unused wealth cannot be stored forever. Eventually, upon our death, all earthly treasure will be lost. On the other hand, when we store up our treasures in Heaven, we reap everlasting benefits that cannot be lost; benefits that will never be taken away.

Our attentions and devotion are given to our treasures. If our treasures are in heaven, then our commitment will be there as well.

We have a choice to make between doing that which leads to greater earthly reward in the present or doing that which stores up greater future reward in Heaven. The reward in Heaven is everlasting life - can your investment broker offer that? If your investment broker is Jesus - Yes, He can!

Lord Jesus, guide us to make sound investments with the talents You have given to us. Bless us with the wisdom to make the right choices. In Your name we pray, Amen. †

A Very Special Thank You!

12/31/2015

We would like to extend a very special THANK YOU! to everyone for your love, prayers, and continued support of our ministry this past year!

We have many new plans for Cornerstone this coming year and we hope to bear much more fruit of the Spirit for our community and throughout the world.

It is our prayer for you to have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! filled with the blessings of grace, peace, and joy through Our Lord Jesus Christ!

"Keep the Faith and Spread the Word!"

Yours in Christ,

Lori & Kevin

Rejoice! Rejoice!

12/22/2015

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

Rejoice! For the promise of God, spoken through the prophet Isaiah, has been fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ!

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23 ESV)

Jesus Christ is the reason for the season!

As we reflect on the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we recall God's promises and are again reminded of His never-ending love for us and His faithfulness to His Word.

God promised to send a Redeemer, to ransom us from captivity - the captivity of sin. Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, is the fulfillment of all God's promises made to us throughout Scripture. Once incarcerated in a prison of sin, we have been freed from our bondage by the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He has paid our sin-debt in full and has ransomed us from captivity!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel has ransomed captive Israel!

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas filled with the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Heavenly Father, we praise You in Thanksgiving today and every day. You are always faithful to Your Word. We rejoice for we know that You are truly with us always! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen †

True Faith

12/18/2015

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

Faith is a spiritual perception to sense and believe that God is truly present and at work in every moment of our lives. To have faith is to have confidence and a firm assurance that God indeed is truly caring for us at all times despite the troubles and obstacles we might seem to be experiencing.

"Faith proves to the mind, the reality of things that cannot be seen by the bodily eye." (Matthew Henry)

We demonstrate our faith by believing that God will fulfill all of His promises even if we are unable to see the fulfillment of those promises currently at work and materializing around us. God always keep His promises. God will fulfill all that He has promised to us through Christ.

We know that God makes all things work together for our good (cf. Romans 8:28). When we affirm the principle of Romans 8:28, we cultivate the soil in which our faith takes root. Although, we do not see, although we do not fully understand, we have confidence that God will always protect us and will always provide for us.

Although we cannot fathom His methods, we can always fathom that His purpose is grounded in His love for us - God is Love and His “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV).

True faith needs no signs or miracles. True faith seeks neither historical evidence nor scientific proof. Rather, true faith is rooted in the conviction that God is faithful to His Word. Without regard, true faith believes in and relies on God alone. And it is through this faith, by the grace of God, that we are saved (cf. Ephesians 2:8).

“…blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29b KJV)

Father, although we do not always see and do not fully understand, we have faith that You are always present and always in control of all that exists. You make all things work together for our good and Your love never fails us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. †