Sometimes I think we all watched too many episodes of “The Waltons.” Remember? At bedtime, the lights blink out, one by one, in the old farmhouse. Goodnight, John-Boy. Goodnight, Jim-Bob. Goodnight to Mama and Daddy and, of special relevance to readers here, goodnight to Papa, Goodnight Nana.
Back then, the multi generational family was the norm, we sigh. Grandpa taught the grand kids to fish; Grandma made pies and sewed curtains; everyone magically got along. Now, we often hear how we’re all too busy, too geographically dispersed, too careerist, too selfish, too something. We berate ourselves for it.
Hardly anything is more heartbreaking than having one or more of our adult children simply disappear from our lives. Yes, it seems inconceivable but it happens a lot more often than we think. The word of God says this, in the book of Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. The cruel grief of such a loss is often more than any of us parents can bear. Even the idea of such losses sounds absurd and can send most of us packing. The sadness and possible shame we bear is not something we discuss idly with fellow parents, many of whom are enjoying seemingly rich connections to their adult kids and grand kids.
It can send shivers down our spine to know that our kids are alive but not seeing us. The trauma from losing our kids in this way can be worse that losing our children to death. Such pain affects all of our relationships. Generally we may choose to not even listen to happy talk about family life, even though we very much approve of others enjoying their children and grand kids. Obviously it’s very easy to blame ourselves and ask, “What did I do wrong?” There’s no hiding from the guilt and shame. It haunts us and cannot be put into words.
We read this in Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to grow up , get married, have a couple kids ( I’ve accomplished the first three ) and grow old surrounded by my grand kids and even great grand kids, sounds like something right out of the movies doesn’t it ? You see life doesn’t always work out the way you dream it will. I’ve made many mistakes through the years as I raised my kids, and I always hoped that somehow they would be able to see past the pain and heartache that I unintentionally inflicted upon them and forgive myself and my wife, hurt was never a part of the plan. The children you are blessed with have their own free will, and us as parents can only hope and pray that we do the right things, instill the right morals, and raise them according to Gods Holy word.
What comfort and peace it brings to remember God is always in control and ever present in our children’s lives, even when we can no longer be. It’s so sad when I see people living with overwhelming sadness about children who don't call, visit or want to have them as part of their lives. We have so many ways to be happy and so many reasons for gratitude in our lives if we fill our lives with purpose and passion and, with the blessing of adult children and grandchildren when possible. When our happiness and well-being doesn't hinge entirely on family, we may find ourselves enjoying those times of closeness and connection even more.
I will close with this (one of the most comforting verses I know) it's out of the book of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. Remember this,, love your children,,always,,no matter what,,,, unconditionally. Blessings
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The Round goes to,,,,Faith vs Reason
Is there a battle between faith and reasoning, think about this for a min. No why don’t you ponder on it for a time. Take some serious time and really dive into it, is there a battle? I truly believe there is. Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Numbers 13:30 says this; Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
Faith or Reason ? I ask you could everything hinge on Faith? And who’s report are you believing and why are you believing it? as much as we hate to do it we need to realize that listening to words can bring Life and they can also result in Death.
I’ve been thinking about the difference between faith and reasoning, I wonder about Faith vs. Reasoning.the bible states that reasoning can be very good, Isaiah 1:18 says “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” But know reasoning can be a faith killer. Reasoning can focus all our attention on the limitations and the negative until we fall into the pit of doom and gloom. It can be very hard sometimes to truly trust and know just who to believe.
Faith without reasoning is as dangerous as zeal without wisdom. We need to reason, but there is a higher plane of spiritual life. let me share this short story by Charles Spurgeon, He described that Reason carries much excess luggage, and would dwarf growth. He said faith must become stronger than reason.
Faith and Reason were often fellow travelers. Faith was a healthy man and he could walk 30 to 40 miles a day without any problem. Reason was more child like and could only walk 3 or 4 miles. The whole walk Reason complained and griped each step. One day Reason asked to walk with Faith. Faith said, "Reason you cannot walk with me, we have different purposes.” Reason persisted and the journey had begun. As the journey progressed, Reason could not keep up the pace that Faith set. Faith quietly marched onward. Reason discussed all the possibilities and the potentials and lagged far behind. The two neared a large river. Reason says, "We can never cross this massive stream. Let us wait and build a bridge." Faith waded into the river and sang a song of praise, as the river was no obstacles at all. Faith and Reason approached a big, high mountain. In great despair, Reason said, "This Mountain is too great, we can’t climb this. There is no way we can climb such a great land mass. Let us sit down hear and evaluate this situation." Faith looks at Reason, and sees his value, so in order not to leave Reason behind; Faith is obliged to carry Reason over the mountain.
There is a lesson we must learn: OH, WHAT LUGGAGE REASON CAN BE TO FAITH! We need balance to understand: Faith launches, where Reason is idle.
What is faith? Does faith give credit to everything it hears? What does faith mean?
Could you define Faith in two words? I have thought on this for sometime and if I could only use two words to define faith they would be: CERTAIN and SURE.
Many times faith is discussed in the Bible. We learn lessons of those with great faith and those with little faith. Many times we find how important faith can be to the men and women of God. But there is only one place in the Bible where faith is defined. Hebrews 11:1 says this. The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.( the message) .
Consider: WORDS OF FAITH, Numbers 13: 30 says this, Caleb stills the people and said," Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Caleb has seen a situation and BY FAITH has made a determination and a statement of faith. Think about the next verse, WORDS OF REASONING Numbers 13:31 says, But the men that went up with him said, “WE ARE NOT ABLE TO GO UP against the people; for they are stronger than we. “
Now I ask you which statement was correct. Both? The reasoning words became prophetic. 40 long, hard years will follow the decision, WE CAN’T.
The story hinges upon FAITH vs Reasoning. They both saw the same thing Well, yes and no. The focus of reason was on the giants, the focus of faith was beyond what could be seen in this statement,” LET’S TRUST GOD’S PROMISES!”
Faith will birth obedience, submission, service, patient sufferings. When reasoning says whats the use? ,,Faith steps us into the unknown. Consider the faith of Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob, Daniel, Joseph, Moses.
ALL FAITH WILL BE TESTED! Faith’s testing can push one to their limit.
I can’t imagine the Faith that Abram had, as he rented a U-Haul truck for an unknown destination? The Lion’s den appears cruel to Daniel? The fiery furnace, 7 times hotter than the norm seems cruel to 3 men? Lazarus in the grave, pushes the extreme? Noah’s over a century of hard labor? --- Dad, where is the lamb? Abraham was required to place his dream on the altar? Joseph should have been bitter and mean to his brothers?
Sometimes faith asks us to endure separation, leaving our friends and family, leaving our comfort and safety zones, sometimes even changing our careers and interest. FAITH MUST OFTEN BURN ALL THE BRIDGES AND SAFETY NETS TO ACCOMPLISH A COMPLETE TRUST IN THE DIVINE
We all have sinned and fallen short,, but lets not stay there , lets rise above it and return to the PLAN of our FATHER!
All faith will be tested, learn to expect the TEST, we must learn to thrive in times of testing, Grab hold of God’s promise be an OVERCOMER! Our walk hinges on the operation of faith in a complete trust in the WORD of GOD! Blessings
Faith or Reason ? I ask you could everything hinge on Faith? And who’s report are you believing and why are you believing it? as much as we hate to do it we need to realize that listening to words can bring Life and they can also result in Death.
I’ve been thinking about the difference between faith and reasoning, I wonder about Faith vs. Reasoning.the bible states that reasoning can be very good, Isaiah 1:18 says “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” But know reasoning can be a faith killer. Reasoning can focus all our attention on the limitations and the negative until we fall into the pit of doom and gloom. It can be very hard sometimes to truly trust and know just who to believe.
Faith without reasoning is as dangerous as zeal without wisdom. We need to reason, but there is a higher plane of spiritual life. let me share this short story by Charles Spurgeon, He described that Reason carries much excess luggage, and would dwarf growth. He said faith must become stronger than reason.
Faith and Reason were often fellow travelers. Faith was a healthy man and he could walk 30 to 40 miles a day without any problem. Reason was more child like and could only walk 3 or 4 miles. The whole walk Reason complained and griped each step. One day Reason asked to walk with Faith. Faith said, "Reason you cannot walk with me, we have different purposes.” Reason persisted and the journey had begun. As the journey progressed, Reason could not keep up the pace that Faith set. Faith quietly marched onward. Reason discussed all the possibilities and the potentials and lagged far behind. The two neared a large river. Reason says, "We can never cross this massive stream. Let us wait and build a bridge." Faith waded into the river and sang a song of praise, as the river was no obstacles at all. Faith and Reason approached a big, high mountain. In great despair, Reason said, "This Mountain is too great, we can’t climb this. There is no way we can climb such a great land mass. Let us sit down hear and evaluate this situation." Faith looks at Reason, and sees his value, so in order not to leave Reason behind; Faith is obliged to carry Reason over the mountain.
There is a lesson we must learn: OH, WHAT LUGGAGE REASON CAN BE TO FAITH! We need balance to understand: Faith launches, where Reason is idle.
What is faith? Does faith give credit to everything it hears? What does faith mean?
Could you define Faith in two words? I have thought on this for sometime and if I could only use two words to define faith they would be: CERTAIN and SURE.
Many times faith is discussed in the Bible. We learn lessons of those with great faith and those with little faith. Many times we find how important faith can be to the men and women of God. But there is only one place in the Bible where faith is defined. Hebrews 11:1 says this. The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.( the message) .
Consider: WORDS OF FAITH, Numbers 13: 30 says this, Caleb stills the people and said," Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Caleb has seen a situation and BY FAITH has made a determination and a statement of faith. Think about the next verse, WORDS OF REASONING Numbers 13:31 says, But the men that went up with him said, “WE ARE NOT ABLE TO GO UP against the people; for they are stronger than we. “
Now I ask you which statement was correct. Both? The reasoning words became prophetic. 40 long, hard years will follow the decision, WE CAN’T.
The story hinges upon FAITH vs Reasoning. They both saw the same thing Well, yes and no. The focus of reason was on the giants, the focus of faith was beyond what could be seen in this statement,” LET’S TRUST GOD’S PROMISES!”
Faith will birth obedience, submission, service, patient sufferings. When reasoning says whats the use? ,,Faith steps us into the unknown. Consider the faith of Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob, Daniel, Joseph, Moses.
ALL FAITH WILL BE TESTED! Faith’s testing can push one to their limit.
I can’t imagine the Faith that Abram had, as he rented a U-Haul truck for an unknown destination? The Lion’s den appears cruel to Daniel? The fiery furnace, 7 times hotter than the norm seems cruel to 3 men? Lazarus in the grave, pushes the extreme? Noah’s over a century of hard labor? --- Dad, where is the lamb? Abraham was required to place his dream on the altar? Joseph should have been bitter and mean to his brothers?
Sometimes faith asks us to endure separation, leaving our friends and family, leaving our comfort and safety zones, sometimes even changing our careers and interest. FAITH MUST OFTEN BURN ALL THE BRIDGES AND SAFETY NETS TO ACCOMPLISH A COMPLETE TRUST IN THE DIVINE
We all have sinned and fallen short,, but lets not stay there , lets rise above it and return to the PLAN of our FATHER!
All faith will be tested, learn to expect the TEST, we must learn to thrive in times of testing, Grab hold of God’s promise be an OVERCOMER! Our walk hinges on the operation of faith in a complete trust in the WORD of GOD! Blessings
Thursday, March 19, 2015
excuses?not me,,,well,,,,,
“ I can’t, I’m too young, I’ve never done that before “ , and the list goes on. Yes you guessed it, those are all excuses. Excuses have been around since the beginning of time. In Genesis 3:11-13 we read this, And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate, so we see that Adam started the finger pointing way back in the garden with the woman who gave him an apple to eat
So why do we make these excuses up, why do we find it so easy to use them? I believe that Excuses serve to justify poor choices, disguise fear, shift responsibility or relieve guilt.
We read that Moses made excuses by saying he is unworthy, unknowing, unable. All of those things may have been true, but are not good excuses because God promised to be with him. I think Moses was just plain out afraid.
We read in the Book of Exodus 3:9-14 that God wanted to use Moses in a mighty way, God said, “The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt? I’ll be with you,” God said. “And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain.” Then Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, ‘The God of your fathers sent me to you’; and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What do I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’”
Think about this, isn’t it much easier not to take responsibility for a relationship with God? We can just accuse Him of being far away. It seems easier to point the blaming finger at the circumstances of life rather than overcome them. I make excuses about how some day, maybe I’ll have more time for God, more time to share the Gospel, more time to read the Bible. Perhaps you feel justified to use excuses because, like Moses, God is asking you to accomplish something you are unwilling, unprepared, or are afraid to do. For me, excuses masked my fear, vindicated my disobedience, and most of all consoled my guilt. My excuses and comfort zone are holding me back from finding the blessings and from being a blessing.
In John 8:12 we read this, Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” Following Jesus will require that you stop making excuses, step outside your comfort zone, claim a faith that conquers fear, and dare to cross the street. Contentment to stay in a holy huddle or rely on your excuses will keep you from discovering the courage, confidence, and protection God will provide you through faith in Christ. There is more to the Christian life than just having faith, you have to put it to the test. Play the Hand You’re Dealt
So today I encourage you my friends, Step outside your comfort zone. When you feel your heart pounding and insecurity wells up in your thoughts, then you are perilously close to the edge of your comfort zone. Take one more step over the line and remember the verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. You will be amazed what you find on the other side of fear and excuses. Put down your cards, God is calling your bluff.
Blessings Tim.J.
So why do we make these excuses up, why do we find it so easy to use them? I believe that Excuses serve to justify poor choices, disguise fear, shift responsibility or relieve guilt.
We read that Moses made excuses by saying he is unworthy, unknowing, unable. All of those things may have been true, but are not good excuses because God promised to be with him. I think Moses was just plain out afraid.
We read in the Book of Exodus 3:9-14 that God wanted to use Moses in a mighty way, God said, “The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt? I’ll be with you,” God said. “And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain.” Then Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, ‘The God of your fathers sent me to you’; and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What do I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’”
Think about this, isn’t it much easier not to take responsibility for a relationship with God? We can just accuse Him of being far away. It seems easier to point the blaming finger at the circumstances of life rather than overcome them. I make excuses about how some day, maybe I’ll have more time for God, more time to share the Gospel, more time to read the Bible. Perhaps you feel justified to use excuses because, like Moses, God is asking you to accomplish something you are unwilling, unprepared, or are afraid to do. For me, excuses masked my fear, vindicated my disobedience, and most of all consoled my guilt. My excuses and comfort zone are holding me back from finding the blessings and from being a blessing.
In John 8:12 we read this, Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” Following Jesus will require that you stop making excuses, step outside your comfort zone, claim a faith that conquers fear, and dare to cross the street. Contentment to stay in a holy huddle or rely on your excuses will keep you from discovering the courage, confidence, and protection God will provide you through faith in Christ. There is more to the Christian life than just having faith, you have to put it to the test. Play the Hand You’re Dealt
So today I encourage you my friends, Step outside your comfort zone. When you feel your heart pounding and insecurity wells up in your thoughts, then you are perilously close to the edge of your comfort zone. Take one more step over the line and remember the verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. You will be amazed what you find on the other side of fear and excuses. Put down your cards, God is calling your bluff.
Blessings Tim.J.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Agape Love,,it's the Best!!
Have you ever felt like you just don’t belong, like you aren’t part of the group? No matter how much you try to become friends and grow close you still feel like you’re on the outside looking in? Yeah sad to say it happens, and what’s even more disturbing to me is that it happens quite frequently in the church today. Yes I can hear you saying, “That’s sad but true Tim, but I’m so glad it doesn’t happen in our church”, take a closer look my friends, it happens, and it’s happening in most churches today, yes even ours.
There’s a longing in each of us to belong to find people who will accept us for who we are, not for who we pretend to be. It can be pretty tiring to feel like we have to veil or adapt who we are in order to please others.
The Bible says this in the book of John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
“But I’ve been let down by church,” you might say. It’s no secret that the church isn’t always great at loving. If you stick around long enough, you’re likely to be hurt in one way or another. But when we focus on the disappointments of our church experience, we can fall into a common pitfall in our search for belonging. We can spend so much time waiting for our church community to become what we want it to be that we forget our role in helping to make it a place marked by remarkable love.
We need to constantly be aware of the GMO’s that surround us, you say “what are GMO’s ? , they are the “greedy,miserable,obnoxious ! and yes they exist is church too. We need to surround ourselves with people that empower us, people that encourage and lift us up, there is no room in anyone’s life for those that tear you down, constantly destroying you, stay away from “fake or negative friends, you just don’t need them.
“Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, and never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
After 31 years of marriage, I love my wife more today than I did the day we said I do. The love we share grew over time ,through hardships, disappointments and moments of intense fellowship. My love for my wife is not based on what she did right and neither is her love for me. Our vows were not based upon a feeling because our feelings change daily. Over the years, I have found that love therefore, is a choice. Love is the foundation for all healthy relationships. The love I am referring to is” agape” love. Agape is wholly selfless, spiritual, and unconditional. That is the way God loves us. Regardless to how we treat him, His love never changes. Our relationships should NOT be based upon the love stories that bombard our television screens, the romance novels we read, or how good we make each other feel. Instead, our love for each other should be based solely upon the word of God. He teaches us how to love through His endless love for us. His love never fails. Love is demonstrated in our actions. An excellent example is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
My friends I’m not pointing a finger at you, because when I do that, four more are pointing back at me. We just need to be aware of our actions, are we fulfilling what God has called us to do? Are we being ambassadors for Christ as we are called to be? I make no excuses for my short comings, I have let God down more times than I care to recount, and that doesn’t make it right. What is most important is that we are aware of whom we are and what God has called us to do, and that my friend is LOVE.
Romans 8:35 & 39 says “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”. Love is the essence of God’s character and He never contradicts His own character. His love never waivers – despite personal perception or feeling – He loves us with an everlasting, unfailing love that always assures us that we have never been unloved.
Blessings. Tim
There’s a longing in each of us to belong to find people who will accept us for who we are, not for who we pretend to be. It can be pretty tiring to feel like we have to veil or adapt who we are in order to please others.
The Bible says this in the book of John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
“But I’ve been let down by church,” you might say. It’s no secret that the church isn’t always great at loving. If you stick around long enough, you’re likely to be hurt in one way or another. But when we focus on the disappointments of our church experience, we can fall into a common pitfall in our search for belonging. We can spend so much time waiting for our church community to become what we want it to be that we forget our role in helping to make it a place marked by remarkable love.
We need to constantly be aware of the GMO’s that surround us, you say “what are GMO’s ? , they are the “greedy,miserable,obnoxious ! and yes they exist is church too. We need to surround ourselves with people that empower us, people that encourage and lift us up, there is no room in anyone’s life for those that tear you down, constantly destroying you, stay away from “fake or negative friends, you just don’t need them.
“Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, and never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
After 31 years of marriage, I love my wife more today than I did the day we said I do. The love we share grew over time ,through hardships, disappointments and moments of intense fellowship. My love for my wife is not based on what she did right and neither is her love for me. Our vows were not based upon a feeling because our feelings change daily. Over the years, I have found that love therefore, is a choice. Love is the foundation for all healthy relationships. The love I am referring to is” agape” love. Agape is wholly selfless, spiritual, and unconditional. That is the way God loves us. Regardless to how we treat him, His love never changes. Our relationships should NOT be based upon the love stories that bombard our television screens, the romance novels we read, or how good we make each other feel. Instead, our love for each other should be based solely upon the word of God. He teaches us how to love through His endless love for us. His love never fails. Love is demonstrated in our actions. An excellent example is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
My friends I’m not pointing a finger at you, because when I do that, four more are pointing back at me. We just need to be aware of our actions, are we fulfilling what God has called us to do? Are we being ambassadors for Christ as we are called to be? I make no excuses for my short comings, I have let God down more times than I care to recount, and that doesn’t make it right. What is most important is that we are aware of whom we are and what God has called us to do, and that my friend is LOVE.
Romans 8:35 & 39 says “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”. Love is the essence of God’s character and He never contradicts His own character. His love never waivers – despite personal perception or feeling – He loves us with an everlasting, unfailing love that always assures us that we have never been unloved.
Blessings. Tim
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
A Year of Big Faith
Today, some of us are reflecting on a year that has passed and the New Year that lye’s before us. I’m sure that last year brought laughter and tears, successes and failures, and maybe victories and defeats. For me, 2014 was full of different challenges and changes, but overall, I reflect very fondly on all of God’s blessings during this last year. God accomplished many things in my life, my family, and in our church. I’m thankful for how God worked in and through me. There is only one question that is lingering on my mind and weighing on me as I look forward to a new year. Were there areas or instances in my life where my faith was too small? I wonder if there were miracles that I missed, and victories that I could have experienced, had I fully trusted God with every area and every instance.
We read in the book of Mathew, chapter 17 about a man who begged Jesus to help his son. Apparently, the son was demon possessed and would often experience bodily harm after falling into fires and into water. The man had already approached Jesus’ disciples, and asked them to heal his son, but they were unable to heal the boy. Jesus agreed to help. Jesus spoke and, the text says, “the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly” When Jesus spoke, the healing was instantaneous! Can you imagine the relief that this brought to the boy, the boy’s father, and the boy’s family?
Was my faith to small? That’s a question that I’m not even going to entertain. I’m not going to let this question keep me from joyfully entering into a new year .it’s not healthy to live in the past, but I am going to let it challenge me.
I want this New Year to be a year of ‘BIG faith’ A year of miracles and, undeniable God sized victories. I want every day, every moment, every decision, and every relationship to reflect a Big God who is graciously leading my life. There is nothing impossible for my God, and I’m asking God to help me live like I believe that. I hope and pray that this coming year is even more fruitful as God continues to grow my faith.
So are you with me?? Do you want this New Year, 2015 to be your year of “Big Faith”? Remember the man with the possessed son, well he wanted his son healed, and changed, and drastically different than the way he currently was ,that encounter with Jesus brought a dramatic change in their lives, in essence a “new year” was about to begin in their lives.
The Bible tells us that when a person truly encounters Christ, their life changes. Christ changes our identity and character. He also changes our values, priorities, plans, and direction. If your life doesn’t experience a change when Christ becomes a part of it, then you really need to carefully consider if you’ve truly given your life to Christ.
Some people seem pretty happy with their lives apart from Christ, and they are ok with Jesus as long as they don’t have to change much. Unfortunately Jesus is in the business of making all things new! Your life will never be the same when Jesus takes His proper place in your heart, and why would you even want it to remain the same? What Jesus has to offer is so much better than anything the world offers to us apart from Him. If you are not a Christian, then I want to warn you that making Christ the King of your life will lead to some dramatic and positive changes. If you are a Christian, embrace the change and live your new life to the glory of God!
So lets make 2015 the year of Big Faith, the year that we remember because we let God fully direct our paths, the year we get out of the way, take God by the hand and fully embrace all and everything that he wants us to have ,sound like a plan? Well it is my friend. Its Gods plan and its free,and its for you ,and for those that ask.
Blessings Tim ;-)
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
The last goodbye is not the final goodbye.
This morning as I sat at my desk and started to review my email, I was sadden to receive notice from a dear friend that their Mom had passed away. Though I had never met this person, I somehow had this overwhelming feeling of loss for my friends. I truly understand how they are feeling ,because just a few short months ago my Mom went on to be with the Lord ,and I to had to undergo the same hard ,unwanted situation of having to say “goodbye” to someone I cared so very deeply for.
We have all been in those situations where we have had to say goodbye to a friend as they move away, goodbye to children as they have grown up, or goodbye to a dying loved one. We have all been in those situations. Some have been in the situation where someone precious to you is dying such as your mother or father or husband or wife. It comes to the point where you are spending some of your last moments on earth together. You want to say something significant to each other, but the primary significance is in the loving silence that you share together. In that moment, you say goodbye and you hope you will never forget. You want to remember your last goodbyes. You may forget the actual words, but you will never forget the moment, the significance of that last time together. It’s never easy to say goodbye, yes, most “last goodbyes” are tough.
We All handle these last goodbyes, these final farewells, in different ways. Some of us are rather social, we shake hands and say goodbye. “Son, be good and take care of yourself.” Some of us are more stoical, controlling our feelings. Others of us are criers. We cry. We weep. We can’t talk because we get all choked up. Still others of us are “happy go lucky” people, and we try to make our final farewell a good time and we laugh it off. And still others of us avoid these situations all together. That is, we never get caught in the situation of having to say the last goodbye. We avoid that situation at all costs. We can’t say the last goodbyes and so we avoid the situation. Each of us handles these delicate situations differently.
Let’s look at an example of saying “goodbye” .we read about it in the book of Mathew chapter 26 starting with the 17th verse and we see the mood of the disciples. During that meal, they were so overwhelmed by the pain of the moment, they could not see the possibilities of the future. For three full years, these twelve men had learned to live and love each other. They had been together night and day for three full years, three years of meals, three years of miracles, and three years of teaching. They had shared so much life and so much death together. Jesus had trained them for three years to be his disciples. And there they were in Jerusalem together on the last night, the last meal, the last words, the last parting comments to each other, their last goodbyes. The disciples knew that Jesus was soon going to die. This was their last moment together.
So… during that last supper, the disciples listened intently to the words of Jesus, hanging onto his every word. They knew that this was their final lesson, his final word, . Words of wisdom, Gems for future generations. They listened carefully and wanted to understand and remember as much as they could.
As I endured the final days of my mother’s life, I seemed to become so absorbed in my own pain I couldn’t see the future. I didn’t understand that our relationship wasn’t over. And so it is with most of us. We are so absorbed in the pain of the moment that we cannot see the possibilities of the future, the future that God has prepared for all of us.
And so it was with the disciples. They thought they were having their last goodbyes and they didn’t comprehend his teachings. They couldn’t comprehend his words because they were so absorbed in their pain of loss. So often in life, we think it is all over and we have said our last goodbyes.
So I encourage each and every one of you, take time my friends to embrace one another, talk, say “goodbye: and remember it’s not the last goodbye. I have now come to realize that that last conversation between my mom and myself were not our last goodbye. The last goodbye is not the final goodbye. The future continues. God’s future continues. Jesus does not leave us orphans but God comes to us with his spirit who lives within us, heals us, and prepares us for the future. God’s future always overwhelms the sadness of today and yesterday. The last supper was not the last supper but the beginning of the feast for all eternity.
Blessings Tim
We have all been in those situations where we have had to say goodbye to a friend as they move away, goodbye to children as they have grown up, or goodbye to a dying loved one. We have all been in those situations. Some have been in the situation where someone precious to you is dying such as your mother or father or husband or wife. It comes to the point where you are spending some of your last moments on earth together. You want to say something significant to each other, but the primary significance is in the loving silence that you share together. In that moment, you say goodbye and you hope you will never forget. You want to remember your last goodbyes. You may forget the actual words, but you will never forget the moment, the significance of that last time together. It’s never easy to say goodbye, yes, most “last goodbyes” are tough.
We All handle these last goodbyes, these final farewells, in different ways. Some of us are rather social, we shake hands and say goodbye. “Son, be good and take care of yourself.” Some of us are more stoical, controlling our feelings. Others of us are criers. We cry. We weep. We can’t talk because we get all choked up. Still others of us are “happy go lucky” people, and we try to make our final farewell a good time and we laugh it off. And still others of us avoid these situations all together. That is, we never get caught in the situation of having to say the last goodbye. We avoid that situation at all costs. We can’t say the last goodbyes and so we avoid the situation. Each of us handles these delicate situations differently.
Let’s look at an example of saying “goodbye” .we read about it in the book of Mathew chapter 26 starting with the 17th verse and we see the mood of the disciples. During that meal, they were so overwhelmed by the pain of the moment, they could not see the possibilities of the future. For three full years, these twelve men had learned to live and love each other. They had been together night and day for three full years, three years of meals, three years of miracles, and three years of teaching. They had shared so much life and so much death together. Jesus had trained them for three years to be his disciples. And there they were in Jerusalem together on the last night, the last meal, the last words, the last parting comments to each other, their last goodbyes. The disciples knew that Jesus was soon going to die. This was their last moment together.
So… during that last supper, the disciples listened intently to the words of Jesus, hanging onto his every word. They knew that this was their final lesson, his final word, . Words of wisdom, Gems for future generations. They listened carefully and wanted to understand and remember as much as they could.
As I endured the final days of my mother’s life, I seemed to become so absorbed in my own pain I couldn’t see the future. I didn’t understand that our relationship wasn’t over. And so it is with most of us. We are so absorbed in the pain of the moment that we cannot see the possibilities of the future, the future that God has prepared for all of us.
And so it was with the disciples. They thought they were having their last goodbyes and they didn’t comprehend his teachings. They couldn’t comprehend his words because they were so absorbed in their pain of loss. So often in life, we think it is all over and we have said our last goodbyes.
So I encourage each and every one of you, take time my friends to embrace one another, talk, say “goodbye: and remember it’s not the last goodbye. I have now come to realize that that last conversation between my mom and myself were not our last goodbye. The last goodbye is not the final goodbye. The future continues. God’s future continues. Jesus does not leave us orphans but God comes to us with his spirit who lives within us, heals us, and prepares us for the future. God’s future always overwhelms the sadness of today and yesterday. The last supper was not the last supper but the beginning of the feast for all eternity.
Blessings Tim
Monday, June 9, 2014
Change,,,What?? Uhmmm,,,
We are going through a season of change at our church, and for some it is going to present to them one of the greatest challenges they have ever encountered, and for others it going to be a relatively painless procedure. You see we all encounter change on a daily basis, and that change can be difficult or easy, it’s really dependent upon the individual and their mindset during the change. So were do we look for answers when we encounter change, other people, books and commentaries, how about God? James 1:5 says, “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking”. God wants you to ask him for advice, and he wants you to be specific. He’s waiting for you to ask!
In 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 it says, therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Paul says you need to get the right perspective when you are going through a problem. Don’t look at the temporary problem; look at the long-term reward. Don’t look at the temporary pain; look at the long-term gain. Don’t look at it with the short-term view, “What’s happening to me right now?” Instead, look at the character that you are building because you haven’t given up. You’re hanging in there.
God is more interested in what you are becoming than what you accomplish. This past weekend God presented “change” to my heart. My wife Becca and I were having a very interesting and insightful conversation with some dear friends, there were some great questions presented, along with some great thought provoking answers. That’s when God asked me the question “Do you truly believe I direct your paths”? My immediate response was “of course”, and then the thought process began. I’ve always believed When God asks us to do something open and closed doors are meaningless. If He is asking you to do something He will make a way. This made me think that sometimes we may pursue things that are simply not his will, so does that mean God will close the door to prevent it from happening?
I am so grateful that God places his children in the “perfect “ place at the perfect “ Time” and that they are willing to bring forth His word ,and being a child of God is a never ending learning and growing process for which I can never be grateful enough for. I encourage each and everyone, don’t become close minded about anything, always leave room for the Holy Spirit to work within you, and possibly “change “something you thought was "unchangeable". Remember everything and every situation is first and foremost about God and His plan.
I close with this, Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Blessings !!
In 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 it says, therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Paul says you need to get the right perspective when you are going through a problem. Don’t look at the temporary problem; look at the long-term reward. Don’t look at the temporary pain; look at the long-term gain. Don’t look at it with the short-term view, “What’s happening to me right now?” Instead, look at the character that you are building because you haven’t given up. You’re hanging in there.
God is more interested in what you are becoming than what you accomplish. This past weekend God presented “change” to my heart. My wife Becca and I were having a very interesting and insightful conversation with some dear friends, there were some great questions presented, along with some great thought provoking answers. That’s when God asked me the question “Do you truly believe I direct your paths”? My immediate response was “of course”, and then the thought process began. I’ve always believed When God asks us to do something open and closed doors are meaningless. If He is asking you to do something He will make a way. This made me think that sometimes we may pursue things that are simply not his will, so does that mean God will close the door to prevent it from happening?
I am so grateful that God places his children in the “perfect “ place at the perfect “ Time” and that they are willing to bring forth His word ,and being a child of God is a never ending learning and growing process for which I can never be grateful enough for. I encourage each and everyone, don’t become close minded about anything, always leave room for the Holy Spirit to work within you, and possibly “change “something you thought was "unchangeable". Remember everything and every situation is first and foremost about God and His plan.
I close with this, Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Blessings !!
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