What's Up With This?

The Tomb of Jesus......

Easter coming up this weekend will provoke a lot of music and drama and other such stuff in an effort to pay homage to "the tomb".

It's not so much the tomb as it is what took place inside the tomb.

Resurrection.

"Ta-da!"

Once dead. Stone cold dead. Three days dead, now alive.

2nd Adam made right all that the first Adam had messed up.

Power of sin was broken.

Penalty for sin was paid.

Presence of sin was dealt with.

Jesus the Christ....

Because of Him....

I can approach Father God.

Father God can look upon me.

I have become a vessel for His Holy Spirit.
I have been pulled into a 4 way conversation (prayer).

I have been given rights and blessings that come with obeying my Father.

This Sunday, a lot of attention will be on the tomb, just as this Friday focus will be on the cross.

Maybe we should be thankful for these two, but instead, focus on the call God has given to each of us to be a "holy nation...a royal priesthood serving God."

Go beyond baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and start taking up the truth of "making disciples."

It is our call to "spiritual" reproduction. We teach what we have been taught ( Kind of makes it hard if you haven't been taught or you didn't pay attention). No where do I read that we are to watch others make disciples. Something in the Kingdom of God are not optional.

I am grateful for the tomb....

My life is Jesus'.

I am grateful for the cross....

My life is Jesus'.

In Him, I find mercy in times when I need it most.

In Him, I find grace....a power...grace....a force....grace. More than unmerited favor...
Grace is....
God's empowering presence in my life that enables me to be who God created me to be and do what God has called me to do.......that, my friend, is grace.

So this weekend....celebrate Easter.

Wake up Easter morning and let the first thought in your mind be, "HE IS RISEN!" and then spend the day contemplating what this means to you. How does Jesus' resurrection truly translate into your day to day life.

Truth be known, the resurrection is so central to who we are as believers, that every day is Easter.
Everyday should be a "HE IS RISEN" day.

God on you..........

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Do You Hear What I Hear? Part III

John 19:26-27

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" and from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Jesus on the cross.A moment in time where he became the lamb to be sacrificed.Pain beyond comprehension.Misery unlike any other.Yet here in the midst of it all, we find Jesus still looking out for others.Not focused on himself and his needs.The cross reveals the love of God in the clearest picture possible.

I John 3:16 - By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

What amazing love and affection Jesus showed with his dying breath.
He loved his mother, and "the disciple" (some say it was John.

Whomever it was, he was the only male disciple at the cross during Jesus' death.

We need to understand that these who loved Jesus and had come to the cross, did so with great fear and personal risk. Jesus was a revolutionary in the eyes of Rome. He was a heretic in the eyes of the religious ruling council there in Jerusalem. Any supporter of Jesus who stood at the cross ran the risk of ridicule and arrest. It didn't matter. The women stood there. Why? They were there because they loved him. There is no other explanation. They simply loved him and did not want to desert him in his greatest hour of need. He had done so much for them that they were willing to stand by him no matter the cost.

Jesus' love was further demonstrated in that even in death, his mind and heart were set on taking care of others. He was touched by Mary's hurt and pain. In the last moments of his life upon earth, he arranged for her care.
We should realized that he is also moved by the hurt and pain we experience. Jesus is not some entity sitting off in the universe somewhere, gazing on earth with a bored expression. He is up close and personal and takes what affects us personal.

Jesus' death and resurrection secured for all who believe (Romans 10:9-10) the grace and mercy and help from God to see us through this lifetime and into eternity with Him.

Because Jesus Christ died for us, and we (his followers) died in him, he is able to heal and save and abide with us.

Wow! Think on these things.......
He is risen!

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Do You Hear What I Hear? Part II

Luke 23:43

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

This is the second time Jesus spoke from the cross.
Yesterday we began with Jesus saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

Today was see Jesus responding to one of the thieves that was crucified with him.

We still find Jesus' attention turned to others besides himself. Even in the middle of the most excruciating pain any man could endure, Jesus' heart was for the task at hand. Making sure the plan and purpose of God was carried out completely.

In the previous verses before Luke 23:43 we see two thieves also on crosses, on either side of Jesus. Both hanging there for crimes they had committed, and both mocking and deriding Jesus. What a picture of human depravity to strike out at Christ, the One who did not sin.

Somewhere during this time, one of the thieves came to his senses, turned from his sin, and found pardon and salvation in Jesus Christ. The thief acknowledged his sin and guilt (Luke 23:41). This thief passed sentence upon himself, acknowledged his wrong, did not make any excuses for his actions, and did not attempt to blame shift. This thief, hanging on a cross, saw himself correctly. This is the very heart of the gospel-- A man must see his sinful nature. Until he can see this, he will minimize, justify, make excuses, or shift blame to someone else.

Until the Holy Spirit of God opens our eyes so we can view ourselves accurately, we will never have a need for God or for salvation. This thief was brought to the end of himself. Hanging there on that cross, there was no where to run, there was no hope whatsoever of being saved by his own merits, or by his own efforts. Here in this reality, the thief turns and cries out to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom."

The thief asked Jesus to "remember me." How appropriate that the thief asked Jesus to remember him for he was an outcast of society. Who would remember him? The angry mob there at the cross would not remember this man. His friends would not remember him. His family would probably want to forget about him and all the shame he had brought down upon them. But there was One of whom the thief could ask, "Lord, remember me," and receive an immediate response. There on that cross the thief was taught and shown the greatest theology lesson in the history of mankind. The forgiveness and mercy of God!

Think on these things this week.....

He is risen!

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Do You Hear What I Hear?

Luke 23:34

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Hanging on the cross, his body racked with pain, the first words that Jesus says is about forgiveness. How incredible is that?

Jesus could have prayed that His enemies be instantly put to death.

He could have prayed that the earth open its mouth and they be swallowed into hell.

He could have prayed that they all be placed on crosses and made to suffer as He was. Instead, He prayed that they would find grace in the eyes of God, and that God would forgive them for their sins.

Jesus demonstrated what He had been teaching His disciples all along. That we are called to respond differently than the world does when we are wronged. Jesus modeled a lifestyle that was not bound by the dictates of this world, but rather by His father in heaven.

On the cross, Jesus practiced what He preached. Jesus loved His enemies, blessing those who cursed Him. Doing good to those who hated Him, and praying for those who despite fully used Him and persecuted Him. Jesus demonstrated something that we all need to realize today. Contrary to the writings of modern day psychologists, man's two main needs are not "security and significance," But rather forgiveness for sin and redemption from sin.

Think on this today....

Romans 4:7 -

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered.

Ephesians 4:32-

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

He is risen!

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A Shut Down Day

Saturday! Weather is shaping up for a good day. Lot's of sunshine. I sound like a weather man, don't I?
We aren't having services tonight as the men will be visiting a local group who enjoys putting on special events especially for those here at Rapha.

Since we aren't having the meeting, I have a day off, so to speak. I don't have to prepare a message or get up a worship set. I can just "be here" at Rapha. Do whatever is needed to be done and just enjoy the day.

Part of my day will be in the porch swing in front of the classroom.

It's a good location and one that lets you see the compound so you can kind of keep up with everything. It's also a good place because everyone passes by at one time or another during the day. Some will stop to talk which is always good. Some will merely say "howdy" and move on.

Tyler (grand son) spent the night with us last night. It's always good to have the grand kids come and visit. I don't know for sure (I had to leave early) but I bet his "aimme" made him pancakes this morning. Don't let Vicki know, but she spoils Tyler. I do too so there you go.

Next week is Easter and my thoughts always turn to the events leading up to Jesus' resurrection. It's the events and human drama that took place before his death and resurrection that have always drawn me, and this year is no different. I'm not sure exactly what is going to happen, but I do know that next Saturday's meeting will special and a little different that the way we usually conduct our services. Seth Barber will be speaking and as always, I look forward to him coming to share. Seth always brings a "right now" message that seems to hit home with the guys.
We are looking at bringing back Danny Daniels (possible in May). Danny has been with us in the past and always brings what I refer to as "the Blues and the Gospel". Also, possibly in June, Nori and Barbie Kelley will be traveling through. Nori and Barbie currently live in Japan and will be home visiting and touring. Make your plans to be with us for these two very special events. You won't want to miss them.

Verse of the Day:

Revelation 21:4

He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.

God on you..........

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A Very Hard Day

From The Book Of Job:

"The Lord gave me everything I had and the Lord has taken it away!"

"Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? So in all of this, Job said nothing wrong."

I don't understand everything that happens to people in this world.

I do know that the free will God has granted to us is misused and from our bad choices, bad consequences happen which affect others.

It is hard for us to make choices that affect only our own lives and no one else. It's not only hard, it is near impossible. Every choice has layers to it that affects people around us.

If a person decides to get drunk and then drive, because of his bad choice, he is putting everyone he comes in contact with in jeopardy.

Job, in his prayer actually says...hey God! I know that you are a perfect God and I know that this is a fallen world filled with imperfect men and women. No matter what happens, I will seek you. IF good should come my way, I will rejoice and worship you. IF bad should be my lot for the day, I will still worship you. This is where a lot of people fall off of God's bandwagon, so to speak. They are all pro-God as long as life is handing them the good stuff, but you let things start to go South and we are all up in God's business blaming him.

I am not saying that we should be all Pollyanna when bad things happen, but we do need to keep everything in perspective and in the middle of our pain and suffering, keep asking, "What are you trying to show me through this Lord?"

It seems as though this past week has been a week of sickness and death.
Death has touched us through two that we know.

One who died accidentally and another who lost a son.

Our prayers have been with these two and we continue to ask God to show mercy and compassion during this dark time.

Life will go on.

What are we going to do? Are we going to let ourselves become bitter and angry or do we allow our brokenness to draw us nearer to God. To bring all our questions and lay them at the feet of Jesus. It's not about getting answers to the "Whys" we ask, but about us falling deeper to trusting Jesus. That no matter what comes my way, I do not quit or give up but continue to follow Jesus.

The situations we face, good and bad, will draw out emotions/ feelings, but we have to look beyond what we are experiencing to what is the real truth. This is where I find strength and grace to carry on when in the past, I would have crumbled and given up. Real truth is found in Jesus. Found in Him today! No matter what you are currently going through, lean hard into Jesus and do not let go of Him. He will see you through.

Psalm 23:4 reads: Even when I walk thought the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me." Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Today, you are not alone, no matter what pain you are facing.

Today, you are not forgotten no matter how far away you feel from God.

Today, you have not been abandoned. He is there to comfort and lead you.

May you find His peace today for whatever situation you are struggling with.

Know that we pray for everyone who stops by GREEN STREET LETTERS.

We don't have to know your name or where you are from, but our prayers are for God to touch you and restore you through the few moments you spend here.

That you may run into the real, deal God and understand that He alone is the truth you have been searching for all your life.

God on you.......

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I am saddened.
I am not shocked by the attitude.

Scripture said it would be this way "in the last days."

Yet, I never thought I would see it in my lifetime.

The lack of a moral compass in my country, the United States of America.

The lines between what is acceptable and what isn't is now defined

by the human heart.

The human heart, which according to Scripture, is deceitful above all things, is now the moral, absolute compass of what is and isn't appropriate.

The human heart now defines and declares what is

acceptable and appropriate and should be embraced by all.

Behavior and words that are openly displayed for all to hear and see

now fill this nation that 10 years ago would not be tolerated or condoned as correct behavior.

A high ranking government official uses a gutter-term during

a public gathering to describe how he felt about the passage of a bill.

The same official later states, after being uncovered, that he was told that his

usage of the word made the day, so to speak.

My heart breaks for this country.

We have become so polarized through our speech that we no longer listen.

We are too busy pushing agenda's and lambasting the other side.

The name of Christ is shopped about like cheap ware in a flea market.

His named is dropped in speeches in order to get votes.

Words like "faith" and "family values" are cast around

so as to give the impression that high moral values are at play.

Why do I bring all this up?
I'm not sure, except to say that we should be praying hard and long for God's will to be made evident.

I'm not sure that things will change. After all, if you read II Timothy Chapter 3,

you'll see that in the last days certain human character defects will be more evident

than ever before.

I hold true that this is the what we are currently seeing in this nation as well as around the world.

Verse 5 states that many will "have a form of godliness" but deny the power that is found in true Godliness.

In other words, the name of Jesus will be bandied about in order to create the

appearance of being a believer.

Having such a facade only to further personal and selfish ambitions in the

business and government world.

I'm not smart enough to play these silly games.
But what I do know that there is a time when

we all will have to give an account of our life here on this planet.

CNN or Fox will not be there to cover it.

Every eye will see and hear.

ABC, NBC and CBS will not be asked to give a follow up address to put a spin on what takes place.
The final word rests with Jesus. Lord and Savior.

LORD over all who claim to be lord.
KING over all who claim to be king.

PRESIDENT over all who claim to be president.

PRIME MINISTER over all who claim to be prime minister.

In other words, no matter what the title of governmental heads....

Jesus rules above their influence...

above their power.....

Imagine what that day will look like....

God on you...

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