04.21.15 "You Belong to Christ, if The Spirit of Christ Lives in You!"

Romans 8: 9-13 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit,

If the Spirit of God lives in you.  And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

10 but if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation – but it’s not to the flesh, to live according to it.

13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit of you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

What touches me from todays verses is that  because Christ’s Spirit lives in me, I belong to Him!  

To know that Jesus loves me and cares for me so much that he gave his life for me!

Then also, that he wants to live in me.   He forgave me of all my sins and if I live by His Spirit he gives my body power to live a righteous and sinless life.

This makes me think of all the inflatable lawn decorations that people put out on their lawns at Christmas time.   During the daytime they are all laying flat and dead on the ground, but when the motor that blows the air into them is plugged in, they come to life!  They are all lit up and are exciting to see!

The Spirit is like the motor that pumps the air into us to keep us alive and excited about what ever we are doing, because with the Spirit we are full of his love, joy, peace, etc.   As long as we are plugged into the Holy Spirit, His Light and His Love,  flows through us, and it is so exciting! The Spirit also lifts us up off the ground, above all the stuff that holds us down.  He helps us to have hope and faith that what ever we are facing will work out!   And that God loves me no matter what!

For a long time I let myself act like those flat decorations.  I just could not get myself excited about God or life or anything!  I wanted to be joyful, but the busyness and responsibilities of  life were overwhelming!

But because I belonged to Jesus, and I had given my life to him, his Spirit was still living inside of me; although I had almost snuffed it out!   He called my name and spoke to my heart deep within, he lead me out of my own darkness, and He breathed life into me!  He gave me “Gracious Restoration” He came to me personally and ask me to come back to him.   I felt so low, I didn’t want to sink any lower or be lost completely.    I saw myself as useless with no purpose, but he saw me as his precious jewel with value and he did have a purpose for my life.   As I let my heart open up to Jesus’s leading, he showed me all that he had for me to do yet, and that there was even more that he could not reveal to me yet.   Over time I let go of my doubts and fears and by His Spirit have come to life again.  Now I enjoy life so much and look forward to what each day brings!

Are you feeling low?   Are you needing a lift?

Ask Jesus Christ to come and live in your heart, and His Spirit will come and fill you up and change your life forever!

Jesus loves you so much that he gave his life for you!  He cares for you and wants you to belong to him!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for loving me and calling me to you again and again, and never giving up on me.   Please help all who seek you to find you and to let your Spirit live inside of them!

PD

4.20.2015 "Living According to the Spirit"

Romans 8:1-8   (NIV) 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,  

⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

What does the Lord want me to hear at this time from this passage?

The first thing that gets my attention is “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.  I am free of the penalty of death for my sins because Jesus died for me.  It is a huge relief that I can live free of the burden of my punishment. However, my sin is costly.  It cost Jesus his life and it cost me peace and joy with Jesus.

My thinking does not need to be controlled by what my flesh desires because I can set my mind on what the Spirit desires.  Through the Spirit I have life and not death.  Because of the Holy Spirit in me I can please God.  However, I still have my sinful nature constantly fighting to draw me away from God and enticing me with other things that are not honoring to God.

This last week a movie came on TV and I felt the nudge that I should turn the station.   The movie was dealing with the supernatural spirits and is something God has told us to avoid.  The old nature won. I watched the movie but did not enjoy it because of the constant nagging inside.  My old self won but, Jesus did not give up on me.  I confessed my sin and was forgiven.  Jesus lovingly gave me Gracious Restoration.

Life is so much more enjoyable when we listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudging’s and obey.  Jesus does not want to deprive us but to protect us and to free us from the restraints of sin.  He is Radically Available to us all the time.  We are always Living in His Presence.

I want all of my decisions to be Honoring and Glorifying to Jesus because He alone is Worthy of the all the Honor and Glory and Praise and Obedience I can give Him.

How about you?  Are you choosing life with Jesus or the desires of the flesh?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for always loving and caring about me and for desiring the best for me.

Forgive me when I disobey and ignore you.  I need your help to let the sinful part of me die.  I desire to live in complete unity with you.  I ask you to restore and renew me so that I am free to receive all the grace, mercy, strength, power, wisdom, peace, joy, hope and LIFE you have for me.  I choose to love you, worship you and trust you in everything today.

In Jesus name I pray,   Amen

cjs

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 1

¹ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, ² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. ³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

⁴ Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

"Slave to Someone!"

This bible reading for today is from the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome, Chapter 6! "Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. ²⁰ When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. ²¹ What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!²² But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6

There is no such thing as "freedom" for a human being!  In the sense that we are absolutely subject to no one - completely independent!  Paul seems to suggest that we are either slaves to sin or slaves to God - but the idea that we are slaves to no one is not an option.  I might say, "I am not a slave to anyone, I am calling the shots over my own life!"  Paul's response, "You think you are free but you are actually enslaved to sin if you are in charge of your own life." This is a big reality that we human beings have trouble facing!  When I alone am in charge of me - sin is in charge of me!  OUCH!

It is only in accepting this reality that I will see the good news that God brings in Jesus!  God comes to the rescue and steps in as a new "master", a new "guy in charge of me"!  To put it in Paul's words, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

Are you offended but the statement "slaves to God"? I am to some extent - I mean it ruffles my ego, liberty feathers a little.  In our culture any use of the word "slave" is considered repulsive!  I understand why. But, Maybe that is why it is hard for us to really "get" christianity!  Deep inside my repulsion to "slave" to anyone is the hidden idea that I think I can be free from everyone and slave to no one!  That I can be my own boss and that would be complete freedom.  Paul says, "No!" He says, "When I am ultimately in charge - "sin" is actually in charge enslaving me!  BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!

There is another master, a really good master that was and is willing to pay for me - to buy me from the cruel slave driver of self and sin!  He is a giving master!  When He owns me I live fully alive!  I get life!  The only wages the old master (sin and self) ever paid was death and all the things that lead to death!  With my new Master I get to live - not die!  Living is being under the authority and reign of God - my new master!  When I am free of me I am free to be fully me!  I am wired to be under God's reign.

Maybe today I don't have to look to myself for the answers, the days directions, the days solutions, my self worth and my sense of being alive!  Maybe I can surrender this day to Jesus and use my energies to follow Him today!  He is my Master - I get to be free to be fully me when enslaved to Him!

What might that look like?

delton

"Miracle Moments" 4.16.15

John 20:24-31   But Thomas, sometimes the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in His hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in His side, I won’t believe it.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the room.  This time Thomas was with them.  Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then He focused His attention on Thomas.  “Take your finger and examine My hands.  Take your hand and stick it in my side.  Don’t be unbelieving.  Believe.” Thomas said, “My Master!   My God!” Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes.  Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

  Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book.  These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way He personally revealed it.”

I have heard and read this story many times in my life.  I noticed a few different things this time.

• But Thomas, sometimes the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

Don’t you hate it when you are not “in” on something “big?”   Haven’t we all had an experience when our family, or friends, or co-workers were all hanging out and just the time when we leave the room for just a few minutes, something really “exciting” happens – and we just missed it?  Or we are sick the day a huge announcement is made?  Let’s call it a “Miracle Moment.”

No matter how well the group re-tells the “thing”or “Miracle Moments” we missed, it is never quite as “real” or exciting as if we had experienced it ourselves.  So, taking Thomas’s side for just a few seconds, the poor guy missed out on however Jesus appeared to the others – bummer!  And no matter how awesome of a job they do in retelling, it is very difficult to not be a little jealous that he/we missed “it.”

Application for me – I want to  be a really good listener to other people when they share “God stories” and “Miracle Moments” that God has done in their lives, and to not be so “jealous” that I wasn’t “there” that I miss out on the magnitude of His work that I don’t “hear” or “see” it through someone else.

• “Unless I see the nail holes in His hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in His side, I won’t believe it.”

Aren’t we the same as Thomas sometimes?  We missed out on someone else’s “Miracle Moment”  and we react just like Thomas. “Well, I wasn’t there.  Well, I am not going to believe what so and so said unless I hear it with my own ears.”  I need to stop being so arrogant and close-minded.  I need to let others have the joy of seeing something, hearing something “big” about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit in their lives and take their word for it – and enjoy it and believe it – not only if I also get to hear or see the same big “Miracle Moment.”

On the flip side, many times, I have experienced “Miracle Moments” in my private Bible reading time.  I have rushed downstairs to “tell everyone” only to be stared at with blank faces, or half-hearted appreciation of what just happened to me.  It hurts.  It kind of deflates the bubble of excitement and awe that just happened.

Application for me?  Don’t do that to someone who is excited to tell me of a “Miracle Moment” in their lives. Try my best to listen and be excited and believe their eye-witness account of a miraculous event!

•  Eight days later, His disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them.  Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”  Then He focused His attention on Thomas. 

I am overwhelmed of how kind Jesus is to Thomas.  He knows that Thomas “missed” the previous “reveal.”  He must know how hard it was to be one of the Twelve, and be left out. Thomas missed the “Miracle Moment.”  Jesus also must know how hard it is for us to get excited when someone else experiences a “Miracle Moment”and we just have to take their word for it.  So, eight days later, He focused His attention on Thomas.  He gave Thomas his very own “Miracle Moment”.

Yes, I know there are many other theological applications of this story and Thomas’s doubt.

But for me today – I am seeing a different angle.  How many times in my own life, have I missed out on something “big” others got to see it but I didn’t?  Many.  And how many times did my precious Savior come back around again and give another “Miracle Moment” for me to see?   Many.

How about you? Do you have a hard time believing other people’s “Miracle Moments?”

Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe with-out seeing.  Obviously we believe He died and was raised to life!  We believe that with all of our hearts!  My goodness, if we can believe THAT "Miracle Moment", surely we can believe other people's "Miracle Moments" even if we are not there, too!

Have you had “Miracle Moments” and couldn’t find anyone to listen to and appreciate your testimony?

Do you have eyes to see the thousands of times God gives you your very own “Miracle Moment?”

Have a Miracle Moment kind of day - either someone else's - or your own!

-dawn

04.14.15 "Offer Yourself as an Instrument of Righteousness"

Romans 6:8-14 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead,

 he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ.

12 Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil  

      desires.

13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,

but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death     to life; and offered every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

14  For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law,

       but under grace.

What does this mean to you?

To me it is so freeing!  As I accept this truth that all my sins throughout my whole life are already forgiven and erased!  Jesus died to sin ONCE FOR ALL.

Then the most wonderful gift of all is that God raised him from death to life and in doing so, we also will be raised to life after we die to our earthly bodies.

In Christ I am dead to sin and alive to God!  If I truly have surrendered myself to God then his Spirit within me guides me to live a righteous life. Because of Jesus and what he did for me, I want to do what is right to God.   I want to do my best at all that God has given me to do, whether it is taking care of myself and my family, taking care of our home and property, Tasks that I don’t always like to do.

As the verse 14 states: “Sin shall no longer be your master”  I am not a slave or prisoner to my sinful nature!

In Christ I am free to live to God, offering every part of myself as an instrument of righteousness.   Choosing not to offer any part of myself to sin.

I choose to follow Jesus everyday, and I choose to live my life according to God’s will for me.

If I give into my weaknesses and follow my own will it will lead me away from God and I get off track with his plan for me.  But even if I do mess up, if I just “Fess Up” as Pastor said on Sunday,  and admit I am doing wrong and confess it to God and ask for his forgiveness, he will always forgive me.

I used to live daily under a mountain of fears.  I could hardly get up in the morning because I was afraid of what might happen to me or my family that day.  I got so depressed because I my fears were keeping me from living.

I knew that I was not doing what God wanted me to do.  I asked him to help me let go of my fears and to show me what he wanted me to do with my life.

God patiently guided me each day, encouraging me to trust him.   Gradually the dark cloud began to lift, I began to realize that I was the one holding onto it.   If it would start to drift away I would pull it back and retreat back into my safe little world.

Day by day God showed me all that I could do, he gave me the confidence to come out of my comfort zone and try something new.   Then I began to realize, it’s okay!  I can do this through Christ who strengthens me! He helped me to see that I could do a lot of things that I was too afraid to try before.  I learned that I wasn’t in control of the world around me or other people, I was only in control of myself.   I learned to let go and let life happen and face whatever with the peace and strength that God gave me.

How about you?   What do you need to let go of ?   In what ways are you offering yourself as instruments of Righteousness?

My prayer is that we all will RECEIVE the Resurrected Jesus and His Grace!  That we will be encouraged by Christ to live our lives the best we can for his Glory! That we will help each other to come out of our comfort zones, by accepting each other and loving each other as God loves us.

May Jesus lead you in the way that He wants you to go!

His Peace to you,

Patrice

4.13.15 "A New Creation"

The Scripture for today is Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?² By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ³ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— ⁷ because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

“Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?”  What a terrible thought!  Just reading that verse out loud is so abhorrent to me.  I feel that sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach – you know the one.  That feeling you get when you feel the pain of knowing that you have fallen short.  Yes, Lord – I was impatient with my loved ones.  Oh yes, Lord – I was wrapped up in my own agenda and failed to acknowledge the person in front of me who was in need of my time, talent or treasure.  I am sorry, Lord – I tended to my “to do” list and neglected time with you.  Forgive me Lord for my disobedience!  Ugh – the weight of sin is so oppressive, so repugnant and so painful.

In the midst of my pain over my imperfections – I am suddenly overcome with a new thought.  These uncomfortable and painful feelings of regret and shame are a sign of growth in me.  They are a sign that I am a new creation in Christ.  Once, I would have felt little to no regret over being impatient.  I would have felt justified in being wrapped up in my own agenda.  I would not have grieved over the loss of precious time with my Lord during a busy day.   I would not have acknowledged my disobedience to the Father’s will.  Although it is a lengthy process in my case – I am dying to my selfish ways and becoming more like my Savior.  I continue to experience freedom from sin and new life within the very core of me.  Jesus, your GRACE to this wayward and stubborn daughter is AWESOME!  You… just… love… me.  Your love for me helps me to love others.  Your patience with me helps me to be patient with others.  Your grace flowing over me helps me to give grace to others.  Your loosening of the bonds of my sins frees me to share the good news of your FREEDOM with others.  Thank you, Lord Jesus for my new life in you!

Lord Jesus, you came that I could experience life and live it to the full!  Please continue to lead me, teach me, and rebuke me so that I can be the child that you have called me to be.  Help me to reach others with the news of your love, salvation and grace.   I love you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Kelly

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    1 Corinthians 15:53-57

⁵³ For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Useless Preaching - Futile Faith....... Not!"

The Scripture reading for today is from 1 Corinthians 15, ¹² But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ¹⁵ More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. ²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

It would be my day to do the blog when the text mentions "useless preaching".  Now I know something about that........a lot of people probably wish I knew more about it.  As a "preacher" the worse thing in the world would be to have my preaching considered "useless".

The Apostle Paul says that there is a sure way to make preaching "useless" and our faith "futile"!  Deny the Resurrection!  For Paul, the Resurrection is key.... vital.... core to the christian faith and message!  He seems to be saying,"there is no christianity without the doctrine of the Resurrection - Jesus' and ours!"

Why?

I am still growing in my understanding of the importance of the resurrection! I don't want to do "useless" preaching, have a "futile" faith or empty living!  It is as if Paul knows that belief in the resurrection transforms everything - everyday!  I get to live victoriously, today, everyday and my last day!  There is something about the confidence and hope and sheer happiness that the reality of "victory" brings.  I want to learn more and more about how the reality of the Resurrection, when unleashed into every facet of my life, gives life to everything touched.  I am excited about the message series we are embracing at PoG this month, "Resurrection Unleashed"!  Paul says it is vital, importance, essential..... I want to know how to live that way!

The Resurrection........it's everything!  I know some, I want to know more!  I want to live more!

delton

4.9.15 "Two Important Questions"

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. ² By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

³ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸ and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

On Sunday past, April 5^th, we celebrated the resurrection of our LORD.  During the service we were asked to consider two important questions.  Did this really happen and if so, what does it mean?

First, did it really happen?   I have on several occasions been in a position to argue the realness of this event with those who doubt.   Ultimately after much debate one fact cannot be argued.  Something occurred that day more than 2,000 years ago.  That “something” was so significant it literally shattered the way time is itself is measured into two pieces, before the event (BC) and after the event (AD).   Absolutely nothing, not the World Wars, the atomic bomb, not even landing on the Moon can be held in comparison to this event.   For those of us who believe, the epic portion of the event was not the horrible pain and suffering of the crucifixion, it was the resurrection.

Second, what does it mean?  I am recalling another April 5^th some 30 plus years ago.  I spent most of that day at the hospital along with several other family members watching and praying for my Mom who was enduring the final stages of breast cancer.  I think the last time I had spoken to her when I knew she was coherent enough to know who I was had been the day before.  Now as we waited she slipped in and out of consciousness, her body trembling, being ravaged by the decease.  Occasionally she would moan the words “Oh LORD”.  We were told that any additional dosages of morphine would literally be fatal to her so there was nothing we could do but watch, wait, and pray.  Around 4PM I decided to run home and clean up so I could prepare for another night long vigil.  I remember being at a stop light near the hospital and suddenly having a feeling of both loss and peace at the same time.  At that moment I knew Mom was gone.  The phone was ringing at home when I walked through the door confirming my feeling. Knowing just how much she suffered was extremely painful.  Knowing that she wasn’t hurting anymore lessened ever so slightly the pain of losing her.

For those of us who believe Easter rewrites that sad ending because death is not the end.   As difficult as that day way I know there is going to be another day, a glorious day, a day of joy, a day of reunion, another time shattering epic day!   What does it mean?  One word, life!

Heavenly FATHER we give praise and thanks to YOU who executed the perfect plan to save YOUR creations from the horrors which plague this broken world.  Grant us renewed vigor, strength, and hope in the knowledge that we have victory and life because the resurrection of our SAVIOR has indeed been unleashed!  In JESUS name, amen.

Jim L

4.8.15 "LIVING WITHOUT FEAR"

Ephesians 1:18-23 New International Version (NIV) ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Three words jump out at me in this passage-Hope, Riches & Power. Sometimes, I lose hope. I’m stuck in traffic, everything is not going according to my plan, I can’t do something that I should be able to do, I try to fix something & only make it worse … I could go on. But the problem if you look back at the previous sentence is that everything on the list starts with I.

But Paul is telling the Ephesians (and me) about the hope that God is calling us to. The hope that a glory is coming. The hope that it is not my plan. The hope that it is God’s plan. The hope that all of these “catastrophes” are very small trials as He prepares me for glory beyond all comparison or comprehension. Once I decide that all of these “problems”, “trials”, “tribulations” are minimal & are God’s preparation for me to experience glory “beyond anything that I could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20); then I can relax in the knowledge that nothing is too big for me with God on my side.

He is my strength that I can draw upon. Once I make myself available to Him, then I can inherit the richness of God in my life. Nothing can take that joy & happiness away. No problem is too big. Fear has been overcome! Nothing else matters. All “problems and worries” are trivial compared to the riches & glories promised by God; if I trust Him and let Him use me as He sees fit. I can then fearlessly conquer anything that this life presents to me.

Once I acknowledge the hope that Christ offers and experience the richness of God in my life, living without fear, then I can exalt in the power of God. The power that raised Christ from the dead! With that kind of power available, no problem, no fear is too big. God’s power in my life overcomes all fear, all obstacles.

Resurrection Power overcomes! Or as pastor said on Easter-RESURRECTION UNLEASHED! With that kind of power, I can leave all problems to God. I don’t have to rely on my own shortcomings. I don’t have to rely on anyone else. And in my moments of weakness or frustrations, as long as God is on my side and in my life---I have hope, I am rich in God’s Inheritance, I have power and I AM STRONG.

A Daily Resurrection Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now to be restored in You, renewed in You and to receive all the grace, mercy, strength, power, wisdom, peace, joy, hope and LIFE you have for me today! I have no "right" to ask but I do ask, trusting in your promises graciously give to me. You promise me that You died for me and rose again so I could have Your offer of complete and total forgiveness and the many gifts of living under your rule and reign. I now receive You, Your for- giveness and Your gifts for me.                        ·

You also promise that your Resurrection applies to me and therefore I have a new life to live today and forever. I now receive You Jesus as my New Life and I receive all that the Resurrected You have for me. I realize that I can restrict Your working in my life because of pride, arrogance, unbelief and apathy. I

need your help to let that part of me die and stay dead every day so You can rise in me daily.

I choose to love You, worship You and trust You today-the best that I can! I receive You as my LIFE, please fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit!

I SURRENDER myself and my agenda for today to You, Jesus! I now RECEIVE You and Your agenda for me!

I now get to ACT like You are alive, risen from the dead and fully alive in me. WOW/Amen!

Please tell me about the hope, riches and power in your life.

Jerry

4.6.2015 CHRIST is RISEN

Luke 24:1-8   (NIV) 24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

³ but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

⁴ While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.

⁵ In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?

⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

⁷ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

 ⁸ Then they remembered his words.

CHRIST IS RISEN!   HE IS RISEN INDEED, HALLELUJAH!

Jesus had died and was quickly buried on Friday.   Now, on Sunday morning, women came early to the tomb with their spices.  The stone was rolled away.  They approached the tomb expecting to see Jesus’s body but when they went in Jesus’s body was gone.  Two men appeared with gleaming clothes to remind them that Jesus had risen and to remind them of what Jesus had told them before he died.

The stone was rolled away to allow them to see the tomb was empty.

The stone had to be rolled away so the women and later the disciples could see the empty tomb.

The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out but to let the people see that He had risen just as He said He would.

When the women and the disciples saw the stone was rolled away and remember Jesus’ words the stone of their heart, which had blocked their memory, was also rolled away.  After 3 days of grieving His death they began to hope again.  Is it true?  Is He alive?  Shortly after that Jesus did appear to them and confirmed their hope.  Then they understood and believed all he had taught them.

Sometimes I find myself, like the disciples, not fully understanding what Jesus is trying to tell me.  When I’ve been hurt or when someone I love is hurting the stone rolls in over my heart and I fear.  I need to yield to the Holy Spirit and let Him remind me of all God’s promises for me.  Then, the stone is rolled away from my heart and His truth and promises flood in and fill my heart.  I remember:

1. Jesus is alive.
2. Jesus’ resurrection is for me if I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for my sins.  When I live with the stone removed from my heart Jesus can come in.
3. Jesus is not dead and lying in a grave.  He is alive and living in heaven seated on the Throne at the right hand of God.

The stone that is rolled away shows me that.

Is the Stone rolled away from your heart so you can fully rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus?

Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for me because He loves me?

Dear Heavenly Father,   Thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and for forgiving me of all my sins.  Thank you that the stone was rolled away for me.  We get to see an empty tomb and that gives us hope, peace and joy.  Thank you, Jesus for loving us.  We love you Lord Jesus.

In the Mighty, Holy and Resurrected Name of JESUS we pray,   Amen!

CJS

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 22:1-11

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? ² My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.

³ Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. ⁴ In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. ⁵ To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

⁶ But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. ⁷ All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. ⁸ “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

⁹ Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. ¹⁰ From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

¹¹ Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

4.3.15 “…for me”

John 19:28-37 NKJV ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

³¹ Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

Dear friends, I’m sitting here at the computer…ready to type…but I don’t know where to start…but yet I do.

Yes, we could go through and mark the Messianic verses of foreshadowing and prophecy that were all fulfilled, and there significance to us all…but I feel God nudging me to share what’s on my heart…something I’ve shared with very few.

You see, some years ago, about the same time as the movie “The Passion of the Christ” came out, I saw the account of Jesus death…his crucifixion…with a new set of eyes.  It was so real to me, that my heart just ached

…to the point of tears.  The notion that this wonderful, loving, courageous Man…the Son of God…had suffered and agonized so much…and died for me…pierced my heart.  Just the thought of the agony and pain He endured…because of my sins…was almost too much to bear…because this was no ordinary man…He is the Son of God!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

It really rocks my world that Jesus patiently…obediently…endured all the atrocities and indignities heaped upon Him…even unto death, to fulfill His mission, to fulfill the will of the Father…the redemption of all mankind…that those who trust in Him, the New Covenant poured out in His precious blood…would have everlasting life!  And His death was not like that of just any mortal man…Jesus did not just expire…His death was truly a Holy Sacrificial act of mercy and grace..of love…by His choosing…“And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Even today, if I’m honest…when I read these verses…my eyes tend to well up…I even shy away from them at times, fearful of the pain, but then I remember His words, His proclamation to the world and to all the Heavenly realms…“It is finished!”…all is brought to completion…The victory over sin and death has been won!..for me…for you.

If only I could awake each and every day, and live my life with the depth of conviction afforded me that day by my Jesus, oh what a day it would be!  May we all be so Blessed!

jim

4.2.15 "Denial"

Dear God in heaven, I praise you - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  I confess to you all of my sins, and I ask you to forgive me in the name of Jesus.  Thank you, God of the universe, for creating me and the universe around me, for loving me before the world began, and for sending Jesus to suffer and die for me.  Lord, please guide and direct me now, in these next few minutes, as I read and meditate on your Word.

I ask all of this in Jesus' name.  Amen!

Peter’s First Denial

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, ¹⁶ but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

¹⁷ “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

¹⁸ It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials

²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Denial.  Denial is such a strong word.  It is the polar opposite of the 'extravagant worship' we heard about last Sunday - the way the crowd praised Jesus on Palm Sunday or Mary lavished Jesus with perfume in Bethany.  Denial says I have don't know you and I have nothing to do with you.

I'm thinking there is some significance to the fact that Peter denied Christ three times.  We know that after the Resurrection, Jesus restored Peter by asking him three times, "Do you love me?"  That Peter denied Christ multiple times but was still restored reminds me that Jesus forgives me for the many times I have 'denied' him.  For all the times I've failed to speak or act when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit.  For all the times I've gone my own way or tried to do it on my own.  For all the times I've acted as if God's not there and I've failed to call on his name.

Thank God that, if we come back to him, he will gently and lovingly restore us.

Mark

4.1.2015 "Assurance"

The Scripture for today is John 13:2-9 ² The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴ so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵ After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

⁷ Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

⁸ “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

⁹ “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

On Sunday, Pastor taught us about a king who came not with worldly might and fanfare, but in humility.  Not to conquer, but to save.  Jesus knew that God the Father had put all things under his power.  Jesus possessed ALL POWER – creation, healing, resurrection, and ultimately salvation.  Our Savior, possessing power over all things, knew that he came from God and would return to God.  WHAT ASSURANCE!  Jesus knew exactly who he was, who he came from and who he would return to.  WHAT FREEDOM!  Jesus needed no earthly thing, he was sufficient unto himself.  Jesus didn’t bask in his power, didn’t relax until the coming trial and suffering upon the cross – instead, he got up from the dinner table, removed his nice clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing the disciples’ feet.

These verses are convicting.  I do not possess power, but my Savior does.  When I am weak and weary – he is mighty and powerful.  What I cannot accomplish in my own strength – my Father can accomplish through me.  I am God’s creation, created in his own image, created to love and serve him first and foremost.  Because Jesus died for me, I will join my Father in his heavenly house.  WHAT ASSURANCE!  My Savior has prepared a place for me!  WHAT FREEDOM!  When this earthly life is over, I will be with my Father in heaven.  NOTHING came separate me from the love of God!  I am his daughter, his beloved child, - a child redeemed by the blood of my Savior.

Am I like Jesus, getting up from the table of his provision, removing my nice clothes in order to put on a towel and get my hands dirty in service to others?  Resting in the assurance and freedom found in him – do I recline at the table, seeking to be served?  OR am I seeking him and the opportunities he gives me to serve others?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the beautiful example of love, humility and service toward others.  Thank you for providing assurance and freedom – gifts that I can share with your lost ones. Help me to seek your will in service to others.  I love you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Kelly

3.30.2015 "Being Mary - Anointing His Feet"

Please find a quiet place to clear your thoughts.  As we read these verses, ask for the Holy Spirit to rid your mind of busyness, doubt, fear, worry, etc…  Let God’s truth speak to your heart! John 12:1-8

The Message (MSG)

12 ^1-3 Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.

^4-6 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

^7-8 Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”

I think it's so cool that the disciples decided that including women in their writings about Jesus was important.  Women back then had very little authority, and no legal or social standing.  The very fact that we get to hear about Mary and Martha is remarkable.

I identify with Martha.  I don't know why, except that she seems to come from a perspective that I can really relate to.  I naturally gravitate towards order, serving (preferably in the background), you know, getting things done.  I envy the Marys of this world.  I used to think they could go straight to the heart of worship without worrying about the "shoulds" that needed to be accomplished first.  After thinking about this over time, I've begun realize the "Marys" just have their priorities straight - so simple!  Mary, thankful for Jesus bringing her brother back from the dead, knew the FIRST thing she needed to do was worship Jesus - not make sure he had a nice drink, or food to eat.  And it was extravagant worship – she used the expensive ointment imported from India that was most likely reserved for use after Jesus died.  By this act, she unleashed her joy and demonstrated her faith that Jesus WAS who he said he was, the Son of God.

When Judas protested, Jesus did what he always did – he was gracious, loving, and defended Mary’s actions – “Leave her alone”.  He declared that her intentions were good and right.

Dear God, please make me more like Mary; less conscious of the “to do” list, and more conscious of the gracious, loving, way I should act towards your people.  Help me to always love you and your people first, and the things of this world last.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

kristi

Saturday's Blog

Welcome to the POG Blog! Today is Saturday which means YOU get to start the discussion on today’s scripture!  What is it saying to you today?  How does it relate to your life right now?  How does it relate to the message from Sunday?  Enjoy reading, meditating, and sharing your thoughts with others today!

Today’s Scripture is:    Psalm 27

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. ³ Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. ⁵ For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. ⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. ⁹ Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. ¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. ¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. ¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

"What am I holding on to?"

The scripture for today is from Revelation 19!

⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!    For our Lord God Almighty reigns. ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad    and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,    and his bride has made herself ready. ⁸ Fine linen, bright and clean,    was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

⁹ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰ At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

There is a lot of good news in this passage!  It is a picture of heaven at the end of all things when Jesus is like a bridegroom coming for His bride - that's all believers of all time - His church.

It's good news to me that we will be dressed in fine linen, bright and clean!  Our righteous acts will show but all our sin and failures will not be present - they won't be hanging around!  That's good news!  Really good news!  I sense Jesus is calling me today to live with an eye on this heavenly scene.  Live like I am not controlled by my sins and failures!  Live new, free and fresh - today!

I don't exactly feel new, free and fresh today!  I do not feel like fine linen, bright and clean!

Perhaps the Spirit is reminding me today that this is not heaven yet - I live in a messy battle zone still.  But perhaps He gave this picture to me to say, "delton, Keep one eye on heaven!  Don't live under the weight of sin and failure - even today - look what happens to those things in heaven.  They are gone!  They are not allowed in!"

Perhaps with one eye on this picture of heaven, today I can live a little more free from all that Jesus has cleansed me from.  If my sins and failures are not attached to me in heaven then I probably get to live a little more free of them on earth!

I do love the last line when John (the human author of Revelation) gets so excited and tries to worship the angel.  The angel tells him, "Don't do that, hold to the testimony of Jesus and worship God!"

Hold to the testimony of Jesus and Worship God!

I think I can do that today!

delton

3.26.15 "Living Ready"

Welcome to this time of reflection on God's word and connection with Him.  Before going any farther, please take some time to focus all your attention on God and his word.  I encourage you to pray that God would speak to you in these next few minutes.  Ask him to open your heart to His word and to open your mind to the mind of Christ. Come, Holy Spirit, come!  Breathe into the heart of each person who reads this blog, the words and thoughts you have for that particular person.

Matthew 25:34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The footnote in a study Bible for this section of Matthew reads as follows: "Rewards in the kingdom of heaven are given to those who serve without thought of reward.  There is no hint of merit here, for God gives out of grace, not debt."

On Sunday we learned that Jesus lives on mission…until the end!  We considered what "living ready" means for each of us, individually.  As Jesus is preaching about the sheep and the goats, when the Son of Man comes in his glory, what he is saying to me is that I need to follow his example.  In the same way that God gives out of grace, not out of a sense of debt, I am to show that same grace to those around me.  God is calling us to give drink, invite into our home, clothe people, care for the sick, and visit prisoners - all out of a feeling of thankfulness for everything He has done for us.  In doing all of that, I am not to be thinking of how I will be rewarded.  Earlier in the book of Matthew, Jesus says, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…".

Today, God may be asking each of us some questions:  Are you truly "living ready"?  Are you serving "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine"?  Are we concerned about our rewards here on this earth instead of remembering that our reward is in heaven?

Take the time to ask yourself these questions.  In any areas in which we are coming up short, may we continue to be encouraged and inspired by Jesus' example!

Mark