He is Risen

WALKING IN WISDOM – REJOICE, BECAUSE HE LIVES! (Matthew 28)

8:00 PM


 Matthew 28

Happy New Year 2021!! Are you ready for this new adventure in the Lord? I definitely am.  I know for sure I still have a lot more to learn from my failed expectations from last year, which showed me how much more I need to lean and trust in our Lord!

Today we are closing the book of Matthew and our 2020 study “Walking in Wisdom”, and we pray that each one of you who have been part of this had the opportunity to grow closer to our Heavenly Father!  We are so eager to start our new 2021 study on “Women of the Old Testament”, trusting our Lord will continue His amazing work of love in each one of us!!

As we begin reading today´s scripture we read that:“… after the Sabbath, near dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other [Mary went to look at the tomb”(28:1), and saw that the stone had been rolled away (Matt. 28:2; Mark 16:4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1 ). Entering the tomb, they saw “two men” (Luke 24:4), one of whom spoke to them (Mark 16:5) and told them:

“Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.” (28:5)

Let´s stop here for a moment and try to imagine the sorrow and fear they had experienced as they had witnessed ALL Jesus had endured; all the hopelessness; their failed expectations…What would be of their lives and their future without their Master? And then they found out He was not even there!!   

Many of us this 2020 felt the sorrow of “losing” a dear one, jobs, homes, health….  And we might look at this 2021 with “Sorrow Eyes”. I´m sharing the following post hoping it will bless you giving you hope for this New Year:

“Can you imagine the sorrow the followers of Jesus felt as they went to the tomb that first Easter morning?
SORROW’S EYES COLORED EVERYTHING THEY SAW.
The same can be true for us when we are going through difficult times. We often forget what God has promised.

● The view at the foot of the cross was fresh in their memories.
It was unimaginably horrific to see. They had placed their hopes in Jesus and their Hope had died with Him! The Light… snuffed out with His death!
“Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying”.
● Even as Mary talked to the angels she could not really see what was happening since despair and grief colored her perception of the events
● SORROW’S EYES MISS A LOT! ● Facts don’t matter when one is blinded by despair!
(As the story unfolds in John 20:13-18 Jesus himself speaks to Mary)

“Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that He had said these things to her.”
● At first, ‘sorrow’s eyes’ had blinded Mary; though her eyes functioned she did not see who was right in front of her. But the moment she heard the Master’s voice her eyes were opened and she saw with “Resurrection Eyes”!
● Without ‘Resurrection Eyes’ we see HOPELESSNESS
● But with “Resurrection Eyes’ we see HOPE
● Anything is possible when you look with “Resurrection eyes”
● Everything looks different standing in front of the risen Christ.
● Your Life begins to make sense at the mouth of the empty tomb!
● Because Jesus conquered the grave the HOPELESS have HOPE!

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 declares “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Mary left the tomb very different from how she came!
I CHALLENGE YOU TO PUT ASIDE YOUR EYES OF SORROW AND BEGIN TO SEE YOUR LIFE THROUGH ‘RESURRECTION EYES.” (Pastor Calvin Bergsma, vimeo.com/263574834)

As we begin a New Year with many uncertainties still ahead, let us be intentional to seek God’s purpose in our lives… in whatever circumstance we find ourselves: ”…for He has risen, just as He said [He would].“ (28:6). Amen! Because He lives we must not waver but keep in our hearts Jesus´ words:

-Rejoice! (28:9)

-Do not be afraid. (28:10)

-… observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (28:20b AMP-Emphasis mine)

Blessings,

Mari

-Come and praise Him with this Hymn:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzklihq_BLg




God’s plan

Where Love and Sorrow Meet (Matthew 27)

11:30 AM





Matthew 27


Last week we celebrated Christmas and pondered the birth of the Savior. This week we ponder the most pivotal event in human history: his death. As we read about the events leading up to his death we recognize the intense hatred, evil and injustice that he endured and we can’t even fully comprehend how brutal and sorrowful it was. 


The perfect, innocent lamb stood willingly in the midst of such horror and evil. Some recognized his innocence:

Judas: ““I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” (V4)

Pilate’s wife: “While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man..” (v19)

Pilate: ““Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. (V23)and he declared himself  “ ..innocent of this man’s blood” (v24)

But, truly no one is innocent of the blood of Jesus for it is our sin that required it. And it is on the cross where this perfect, innocent, holy sacrificial lamb of God transformed the sorrow of his cruel death into the purest, most selfless love the world has ever known.


It’s easy to reflect upon the birth of Christ and see the Holy and Divine. But the cross is where we see God most intimately.  At the cross is where sorrow and love are intertwined. The cross declares His humility and His majesty. As Chris Tomlinson explains:

At the cross…

…We see God’s sovereignty—reigning with absolute control over humanity’s greatest sin.

…We see God’s purpose—making known the mystery of His will prepared before time.

…We see God’s plan—to unite all things, on heaven and on earth, in Him.

…We see God’s judgment—requiring recompense for guilt.

…We see God’s holiness—demanding the perfect sacrifice.

…We see God’s power—crushing the Son of God according to the purpose of His will.

…We see God’s wrath—punishing the wretchedness of sin.

…We see God’s sorrow—wailing as only a forsaken son can.

…We see God’s mystery—the Son, as God, separated from the Father, committing His Spirit to God.

…We see God’s compassion—pleading to the Father to forgive the ignorant.

…We see God’s gift—His one and only Son, bruised and broken on our behalf.

…We see God’s mercy—making unrighteous sinners righteous.

…We see God’s love—Christ dying for sinners.

…We see God’s rescue operation—delivering us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His Son.

…We see God’s proposal—pledging Himself to His bride forever.

…We see God’s revelation—the Word of God speaking His last so He might speak on behalf of many.

…We see God’s victory—disarming His enemies, putting them to shame, and triumphing over them.

…We see God’s glory—the name of the Father being magnified for the sake of all peoples.


Do we truly ponder the purpose of the cross? Do we cherish that innocent blood that was shed on our behalf? His heart was broken and pierced that day. Has His sacrifice spiritually pierced your heart? Has the cross changed your perspective? Has it changed your will?  


When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watt

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Disciples

Watch & Pray {Matthew 26}

8:00 AM

 Matthew 26

A New Year is almost here! Are you ready for 2021? I don't think any of us anticipated all we'd face in 2020, so what about 2021? I chose this poster because I thought it depicted our future to a tee, for the truth is, no one knows what we will face next year, but are you prepared? 

There was a reason Jesus urged the disciples to remain vigilant about prayer in Matthew 26. Although, Jesus knew what He was about to face, He wanted to teach His disciples a valuable principle about the power of prayer that enables us to  experience victory over temptation;


 "Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41 emphasis mine)


If ever there was a verse of scripture that described me to a tee, it’s this one. My heart longs to bless the Lord everyday. And everyday I seek to serve Him wholeheartedly, yet find myself failing at some point. Somewhere along the way my old nature, with its prideful, selfish self, seems to take over.  


I wonder if the disciples were truly too tired after a filling meal, or did their pride tell them they could handle whatever their future held. Just imagine, Peter was willing to die for Him one moment, (Mt. 26:31-35) and the next couldn't remain vigilant in prayer. 


The truth is, beloved, Jesus understands that our flesh is contaminated by sin and weak when it comes to spiritual things. Therefore, He encourages us to seek His strength so that we may live for Him and not give in to our flesh. 


God's Holy Spirit within every believer desires for each of us to be holy and pure, so when we surrender our will to Him, we will become more like Christ. But when we depend on our own willpower and our own strength, we will succumb to temptations. 


Jesus is telling us here, that we should always be on the alert to the possibility of Satan’s temptation. Watch, in the Strong's Concordance is defined as, give strict attention, be cautious, be alert, take heed lest some calamity overtake you.

Jesus also encourages us to pray, by bringing our needs and weaknesses “specifically” and “strategically” before God's throne in order to receive His help.

The truth is, no one really knows what 2021 will bring. But if we know and follow after Jesus, we've already been given everything we need to make this next year glorious!

O, Father God, You are our Rock and our Salvation, our Fortress that cannot be shaken. I thank You for loving us in spite of knowing that we will fail You at times. Thank You for being our strength when we are weak. Thank You for sealing us with Your Holy Spirit who leads us, guides, teaches, and aligns our lives with Yours. 

Father, we don't know what our future hold, but we are so very grateful that you do, and nothing will ever take You by surprise! Father, may each of us surrender our lives to You each day, trusting that You have our very BEST interest in mind.  In our precious Savior's name; in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.


See you in 2021! 

Blessings!

sue

Lisa Thayer

Don't Be Foolish {Matthew 25}

7:27 AM

 Matthew 25


Tuesday, December 29, 2020


This is a long post, but one I believe is important to understand.  Please allow yourself some extra time to take it all in.


Have you ever walked out of a church service so emotionally moved that you knew you had to do something?  I don’t remember how many times I heard this passage, but eventually it caused me to do something!



The story of the ten virgins is a story about division.  Five are wise and five are foolish.  All 10 are waiting.  We spend a great deal of our lives waiting - we wait to get out on our own.   We wait to get married.  We wait to have children.  We wait for them to grow and mature and move on.  One of the characteristics of life which makes it worth living is this note of waiting.  There must be something beyond - something worth waiting for.  Otherwise life would become terribly purposeless.


These women were waiting for the coming of the bridgebroom - the ultimate message - they were waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ!


These women are convinced that Jesus will come again, just as He described it.  They believe that this will not be done by earthly means brought about by men.  They are all in agreement that only Jesus can accomplish this and they are hopeful that this coming will be very soon.  These women are united in this expectation that Jesus is coming soon.


In their expectation of the coming of the bridegroom, they are all equally sincere and devoted.  The only difference is five of them felt it would be wise to provide some extra oil.


This is the most significant part of this story.  United in waiting for the bridegroom’s coming and all in agreement of the importance of oil and using it for its proper purpose - the giving of light.  The slight difference was that five felt more was needed.


There’s no explanation for what delayed the bridegroom.  It seems that there’s a hint from the Lord that His absence would be long extended.  It also hints that there would be a demand for more oil.  But the delay also shows how the 10 grew weary and fell asleep.


As we wait for Christ’s return, life here on earth goes on.  It does not mean that we should be constantly peering up to heaven like some air-raid is coming.  Or constantly discussing the Lord’s return.  But while we wait, for many, it’s easy to forget.  During this waiting and watching, normal activities occur.


While these wise and foolish maidens were sleeping, their thoughts got diverted.  They were engaged in the normal activities of life.  There’s no need to feel guilty if you have not been thinking of the Lord’s return.  We have not failed because we have been busy  with normal and necessary things.  These maidens were waiting for the bridegroom - even while they slept. 


But suddenly - Behold! The Bridegroom!  The cry is sounded and all 10 are awakened.  It is clearly evident that the problem which would soon confront them did not arise out of the fact that they had fallen asleep.  They were awake in plenty of time to meet the bridegroom.


For many people, 2020 was an awareness of the Lord’s imminent return.  We are aware that the grind and routine of life is not intended to go on forever.



The crisis in the wisdom of the wise and the foolishness of the foolish is this - the long delay used up the oil and they have no more.  And they appeal to the wise; “Give us some of your oil.”  The reply of the wise indicates that the oil is not something that can be borrowed or loaned.  Whatever it may represent, it is an individual matter.


We have all felt something of this in some crisis hour when we have found our resources unequal to the demand.  We see someone else who is going through the same thing, and she appears unmoved and calm, well able to take the pressure.  We may long to borrow some of her strength, but it’s impossible.  In such an hour, each has what she has and nothing more.


So it is with these five foolish maidens. Their oil is gone and to their dismay they discover their need and there is a panicky rush to get more. But our Lord moves right on into the story, and the final movement is one of denial:


10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

 

When the foolish finally arrived, the door was shut. Are we not surprised at that? Many will probably feel that these five were unjustly treated. Why should they not be allowed into the wedding, even if they were a few moments late? This is what I needed to learn and I believe many do not quite understand.  

There is no vindictiveness in this shut door. We must be careful that we do not impose our faulty judgments into this matter. What the Lord did was right, and we must be careful to look diligently for those clues that will help us learn why He takes such action as this. There is even a note of sorrow in these words, "I do not know you." Our Lord's words are a faithful, honest revelation of something that had been true all along. Weddings are no place for strangers. Only the friends of the family are permitted to come. So to these five foolish maidens the door is shut for the Lord says, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you."

With these revealing words from the Lord we can now discover what the oil signifies. Obviously, it was the lack of an adequate supply of oil which caused these foolish maidens to be met with the words, "I do not know you." They did, of course, have some oil when they began but it was not enough. Oil, in the Old Testament, is frequently used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Kings and priests were anointed with oil as a sign of their consecrated (and, supposedly, Spirit-filled) lives. Zechariah, the prophet, was shown a vision of a great golden lampstand with two olive trees standing beside it. The trees dripped oil into the bowls of the lampstand, and Zechariah was told: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). The oil symbolized the Spirit of God by which the light of testimony could be maintained in the hour of darkness.

Can you see it now? The ministry of the Spirit is to convey to us the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In John 16:13,14, Jesus said of him: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his authority, but...will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you."

The Spirit's task then is to take the Word of God, and through it reveal Jesus Christ. But there are levels of such revelation. There is even a Spirit-born ministry of the word to those who are not true Christians. Jesus revealed this too. "When he comes, he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment" (John 16:8). Here is a ministry of the Holy Spirit available to anyone who will seek in the Scriptures to know the truth. But it is designed to take them deeper, into a fuller and permanent relationship that will involve the giving of divine life.

The great danger is that in exposure to the truth of Scripture, in the knowledge of its teaching, we should become satisfied with an intellectual portrait of Christ instead of a living Lord. It is possible to know much doctrine but never to know the Lord.  This is the problem with the foolish maidens, who represent those who gladly take enough of the oil of the Spirit to give them immediate help in their problems, or some release from fear or guilt, but who never go on to a surrender of the will to the authority of Jesus Christ.

The foolish, then, are those who have no deeper than a superficial knowledge of scriptural truth. They look for moral enlightenment or for comfort in some hour of uncertainty and doubt. They read to gain reassurance when life seems to be a senseless tangle of threads without apparent purpose. They believe in the Bible but not in the Lord of the Bible. But faith must go deeper than doctrine. Orthodox knowledge is worthless unless it leads to the surrender of self. God freely lights a lamp of knowledge for all who want to know the truth of revelation, but what Jesus indicates here is that there is a deeper level of commitment to the Spirit which is essential to meet the unexpected demands life will thrust at us.

The wise have found that deeper level. They have an extra reservoir of oil which continually feeds the flame of life, never letting it falter or gutter out in darkness, undergirding them in every hour of stress, of pressure or disaster, keeping them firm and steady in the midst of the buffeting pressures of life. They have found a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. They have a hidden supply of the mystic oil that lights the flame of life despite the circumstances, and the greater the pressure, the brighter the light shines.

Do you have those friends or family members who call on you to pray for them?  Or those who call you their ‘religious friend’?  Perhaps you have a friend or family member who will tell you and others that the only way they will get into heaven is due to your prayers.  I remember this scripture being the one that changed me forever because I never wanted to hear the Lord say that He didn’t know me.  That is when I finally understood the term “personal relationship with the Lord.”

Are you at the end of your rope?  This is the end of a strange and difficult year.  Are you seeking something greater and are you seeing that light in a family member or friend, or someone at church? Is it so appealing that you are saying, "Give me of your oil." That cannot be done. The granting of the Spirit's power to an individual is marked "Nontransferable." He cannot share it with anyone else. It has been said that there are only two ways to take a thing seriously: either to renounce it or to risk everything upon it. Is this not what Jesus meant when he said, "Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25)?

There are some who want a third choice, who are continually seeking to make a partial commitment, who try to find a compromise arrangement with God in which they may subscribe to the truth of Scripture but refuse to let it change their activities or their attitudes. That third alternative simply does not exist. That is what Jesus is saying here. That is why he says plainly to the foolish maidens, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." The end shows them for what they are. The door is shut, both to the unbeliever who never tried to get in and to the foolish person who never took God seriously.

This passage changed my life forever!  If you are struggling to understand, please do not leave!  Keep coming back here.  God does not want you to grow weary.  Keep on seeking!  Take this time to ask God for His Spirit to reveal more to you.  From the bottom of my heart, I pray that you would receive this amazing gift of life and never worry about hearing, “I never knew you.”

Blessings,

Lisa

 

 


Endure

His Glorious Return {Matthew 24}

12:00 PM



Matthew 24


As we bring this turbulent year of 2020 to a close, the holiday season is a much needed time of joy, thankfulness, and festivities. And as we celebrate the glorious birth of our Savior, it is also the perfect time to celebrate His soon glorious return. So even though Matthew 24 is full of warnings about the trials and tribulations that will mark the sign of His coming and the end of the age, it also contains some pretty awesome promises of God. Promises we can hold dear to our hearts in every season! 


“The One who endures to the end will be saved” (vs. 13)- Jesus made it clear that the life of a Christian will be filled with trials, persecution, and peril. Yet for those who stand strong in their faith until the end, no matter the circumstances, God promises deliverance from their enemies and a life spent by His side filled with eternal love and peace.


“Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (vs. 22)- The heart of man is inherently wicked and hell bent on destruction. Yet God gives us His loving promise to save those He calls His own. If not for His mercy, not only during the tribulation but each day, man in his wickedness would destroy every living thing.


“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (vs. 35)- All things have a shelf life. Even our current heaven and earth will pass away for new magnificent ones. But one thing that will never change is the Word of God. For His words are true and everlasting. They bring light and life to a darkened world. And we can trust God’s promise of not one word uttered by Him ever passing away without being fulfilled.


“Blessed is that slave whom his master so doing when he comes.” (vs. 46)- Jesus is our great Master, and has appointed us to continue His work on earth until He returns. That means we are to continue sharing the Good News of Christ and working for the kingdom of God. And in return, when we stand before the Lord  face to face, He promises to reward our efforts with blessings beyond imagining!


One of the things I love most about God is His great love for us. There is nothing we can do, buy, or earn to climb our way to the Father. So He climbed down to us. Our mighty King traded His majestic throne in heaven for a bed of wood and hay. The Lamb of God came as a humble, helpless child, but the Lion of Judah will return as our conquering King and Ruler of all. So as I give thanks this season for the birth of my Savior, I will equally give thanks for His promises and soon glorious return! 






garlic

Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with Potatoes

8:38 AM

 




Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with Potatoes


1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter divided

1pound Yukon gold potatoes sliced about 1/2 inch in thickness

3 garlic cloves minced

1 teaspoon thyme chopped

1 teaspoon rosemary chopped

1 teaspoon oregano chopped

1 1/4 pounds sirloin steak, cut into one inch cubes

Salt and pepper


Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil and butter, potatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Cook for about 3 minutes, stir and cook an additional 3 minutes or until fork tender. Remove and set aside on a plate. Turn the skillet to high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon butter and steak bites. Let the steak sear for a minute and then continue to stir the steak until they are golden brown. Top the steak with fresh chopped herbs.

Acts 4:12

Friday December 25th-Matthew 23-Emmanuel-God with us!

12:00 PM

 


Friday December 25th-Matthew 23

Merry CHRISTmas!  Emmanuel –God with us!



Today we celebrate the birth of Christ.

The festival of the Christian church observed annually on the 25th day of December, in memory of the birth of Christ,                                                               

Matthew 23 ,  is full of warnings  to those with rigid observance of external forms of religion without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion-Pharisaism. [1828 Webster’s Dictionary]   They do not practice what they preach.  There are 8 woes [judgment is coming] in this chapter.

This being the celebration of the birth of Christ I want to focus on verses 8-12.   There is only one God, one Jesus, one Holy Spirit!


 


And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Vs.8

rabbi (rab´i). A term that originally meant “my master” and that came to be used as a title by the Jews after the OT period in designation of their religious teachers. [Essential Bible Dictionary]

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  John 14:26

This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.   I John 2: 25-27

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.                    John 16:13-16

 

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Vs. 9

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven. Matt.6

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Gal. 4:6

Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.  Vs. 10                                                                            In one instance, “teacher” translates the word kathegetes, which Jesus uses to emphasize that only he, the Christ, is the true teacher (Matt. 23:10) [olive tree names of God dictionary]

Jesus was called teacher many times in the bible.

These are just a few references-Jesus was called Teacher by many.  The Scribes and Pharisees, His disciples and people called Him by that name and looked to Him to lead them. 

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Matt. 12:38

Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Mark 9:38

And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, Luke 9:38

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let us always remember that there is only One God, One Jesus and One Holy Spirit! 

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.



There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.  Is. 9:6-7

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

 II Cor. 13:14

Lyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becky Austin

The Right Attire (Matthew 22)

11:30 AM



Matthew 22


It’s Christmas Eve and I wonder how many of us truly comprehend the significance of celebrating the birth of Jesus? Christmas is a time when many get caught up in the festivities and sadly even the commercialism of this annual celebration. But do we really prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the true miracle of Christmas: do we really marvel at the amazing love shown by Our Lord that He would come to us in such a fragile form? 


In our reading today there is a parable told by Jesus of another important event, the wedding of a King’s son which symbolizes the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In this parable the initial ones invited are not interested in responding to their invitations. In fact, some violently reject the honor which means they ultimately reject the King.  ““But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.” (5-6). This is symbolic of the brutal and violent rejection of Christ as King of the Jews by the very ones who should have honored Him. 


This king decides to extend his invitation to those who would not typically expect to receive an invitation. “So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” (v10) This symbolizes the gospel being taken to not just the Jews but the Gentiles as well. It’s amazing how far reaching His invitation is throughout the world and it all started with a baby in a manger on a special night. 


In the parable there are many who attend the grand event. At weddings of that day, the bridegroom would host the celebration and provide the wedding garments. But in this story, there is one in attendance who just doesn’t belong. He is running around in disrespect and not properly dressed. The king recognizes the intruder and has him thrown out. This signifies those who may be participating in religious capacity but they lack the wedding garments that only Christ can provide.   “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”(Isaiah‬ ‭61:10‬ ) This signifies that only those clothed in Christ and His righteousness will be accepted as legitimate wedding guests by God at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.


Many take interest in the appeal of the Christian life.  They may call themselves Christians. They may attend church and perhaps even teach or hold a religious office but they lack true spiritual transformation. They have not fully grasped their radical need for what only the Christ child could offer to a fallen world. They have to humbly recognize that their personal righteousness is never enough : “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah‬ ‭64:6‬)

We must humbly recognize the significance of Christmas. Christ, God incarnate, came in human form to bring to a fallen, sinful world the only means of gaining righteousness. He invites us, as unworthy as we are, and He clothes us with His righteousness so that we can have the hope of a glorious eternity with the One who loves with a perfect, amazing, unfathomable love. 


Now that is the amazing miracle of Christmas! Merry Christmas to you all!

Blessed

Blessed is He Who Comes in The Name of the Lord {Matthew 21}

9:34 AM

 Matthew 21 


Here it is only two days until Christmas and we're reading about Palm Sunday; another special day of celebrations for all Christians everywhere! How perfect! With only two days until Christmas let us take a moment to rejoice in all our Savior has done for us! Let our hearts be light! Let's pause a bit from our busy schedules and  praise the mighty name of Jesus today! Let's turn this day into a day of celebrating our King of kings and Lord of lords! And let our hearts prepare to worship Him this Christmas! 

Are you ready?

“Jesus, You are Lord! I want to honor You as the Lord of all creation. You are Jehovah (Yahweh), the God of all the peoples of this world!

You are my God; my personal God, and I want to exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

There is nothing too hard for you. O Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands and cry out, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Yes, bless Your holy name!

With the Prophet Isaiah, I will also declare, The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has spoken–who can change His plans? When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?”

Oh, Lord, You are Almighty God; when You speak, may we be quick to listen and quick to act upon Your word, for we want to bless You, Jesus! You, who are so worthy of all our praise and worship. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords! The Alpha and Omega; the Beginning and the end; who was and is and is to come!

Abba, precious Father and Lord,

 Please take Your children right up next to Your heart this season of celebration. Keep us and make Your face shine upon us and be gracious to us, we pray. Shower us and our loved ones with an outpouring of Your blessing, Your presence, the assurance of Your favor, and Your enabling grace.

Please Father, in this next year, don’t let us go where You do not bless. Teach us Your ways and make us sensitive to Your hand on our lives. Let us know Your faithful direction at all times. Go before us to open the way where there seems to be no way. Please place before us an open door that no one can shut, according to Your sovereign will, and shut all doors outside Your will for us.

Please make a way for all us to know you better; more deeply and intimately in 2021. O please, bless us incredibly and enlarge our territory in all areas in our lives! Let Your hand be with us constantly to strengthen us and keep us from all harm and may we bring you honor and glory in the coming year! For it's in Jesus precious name we pray. Amen

Merry Christmas! 

sue

God's grace

God's Grace {Matthew20}

8:00 AM

 Matthew 20


December 22, 2020


Here we are just 3 days from celebrating the birth of Jesus!  Oh the expectation!  And as I sit here writing  (two weeks prior), I am excited for all that is to come.


Today we get to read about the parable of the worker’s in the vineyard.  “Get to”, that phrase became something I heard quite often from my husband this year.  I want to show you how this phrase helped me get to see God’s grace.


Just prior to this chapter, we read, 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[e] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But , many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.


Jesus is telling His disciples that people who lay aside their worldly possessions, their pride; their need to impress others with status and success - leave it all behind - and, free of all worldly burden follow Jesus in His mission of faith… all of these people, no matter how lowly or poverty stricken will have the same reward… a place in Heaven.



In just three days we celebrate Jesus’ coming to earth.  He gave up everything to spread this good news.  All He is asking is that we drop everything and join Him on His mission.  If you can do that, you will be allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Those who stay behind gratifying in their riches, and boasting of their successes will never know this Kingdom.


This is a difficult lesson for most people to hear.  Jesus is telling us the opposite of what society is telling us is the “right way” to live our lives.  Isn’t it positive to have financial comfort; to be successful; to be the pride and joy of the family, the company, the community because of all the great things we do?  What’s so great about a guy who doesn’t have two nickels to rub together, and who is always doing things for others even when he doesn’t get credit for it?


Being first isn’t good enough for God.  In fact, He doesn’t care about that.  He cares about life lived in faith, not a life filled with achievements.


This year many churches provided their services via live stream over the internet.  In fact, in my church, all the Christmas services will be live streamed, because if you don’t have a reservation to attend one of the services, you will not be allowed in. I have to admit, this year has caused me to struggle because of the closures of churches and businesses.  This isolation has caused a lot of side effects which many of us don’t even want to talk about.  And this phrase, “Get to” has been used and heard quite often in my home.  What have you gotten to do this year?  Where has your focus been?  Want?  Or what you get to do/have?


The parable of the worker’s in the vineyard is yet another difficult message.  Jesus tells us that our reward as Christians is solely dependent on the grace of God.  In this story, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a landowner who ignores the rules when he hands out wages at the end of the day.  He does not base the amount he pays each worker on how many hours they worked - he gives everyone the same wage whether they worked twelve hours or just one.  How can this be?  Where is the fairness here and how is the landowner like the Kingdom of Heaven if he’s not being fair?  Talk about being upside down!  Those who began work late in the day - last - get as much money as those who started at dawn - first!


The landowner represents God’s grace.  Jesus tells us that we all have an equal share of this grace: first, last or in the middle - everyone gets the same amount.  It doesn’t matter who you are, or when you started, as long as you entered the race.  Once you place your faith in God, just as Jesus placed His faith in God, your shares of God’s grace equal everyone else’s shares of grace!


Perhaps this lesson of the worker’s in the vineyard is even harder to digest than the lesson of giving up everything to follow Jesus.  Harder because, frequently, when we look around us, it is difficult to believe that we are all on equal footing; all on the same playing field.  Hard to believe that our faith, our way of life, our accomplishments are not somehow just a little, if not a lot better, or more correct, that everyone else’s.  Yet, in God’s eyes we are all equal.  God sees us all through the same lens.  Unfortunately, it is not until we all understand this - until we come to understand just what His grace is all about - it’s not until then that we can experience the peace that passes all understanding, confident in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit is with us every inch of the way, every moment of the day, no matter what our life circumstances might be.


I think the irony of this lesson is that when it comes to experiencing God’s grace, those who grasp it early in life, or first - they get to receive a fortune early in life.  How much greater a gift to live a life in, with and through Christ filled with hope and love from a very young age, than to find Christ only on one’s deathbed after a lifetime of loneliness and despair.


This is a hard lesson to learn, to accept and to live.  And they are harder lessons to achieve without faith.  Whatever your circumstances are this Christmas, you “get to” experience God’s grace.  He shows no partiality.  With faith in Him, we all get the same reward.


Blessings,

Lisa