You can quote Jesus on this. Yes ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:14
What great news. Because I saw this really nice red muscle car the other day. I don't have the money for it. I can just ask Jesus for the new car.
Right?
If you have been studying the Bible for long, you have learned some rules of interpreting literature. Read the context. If you quote the president out of context you could make him look better or worse than he actually is. You could do the same with the Bible.
Jesus did not say this in the temple. There were many religious leaders in the temple. Most of them were out of touch with God. They were better at teaching rules, traditions and keeping their success in religion.
Jesus did not teach this to the crowds. He did tell the crowds to bring requests to God. He told them how God cared like a father cares for his children.
But, the Bible teaches that selfish prayers are not answered. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:3
Jesus told his disciples to ask for anything. In John 14, this is the night before Jesus dies on the cross. The disciples would take on the work that they had been doing, but without Jesus leading them. Most of them would die for declaring the truth about God. In prayer they would still have everything they need to do the work that God wanted them to do.
You can ask Jesus for anything if you are living in the way of the disciples. If you have decided to walk in the ways of Christ. If you live life to help people the way that Jesus did.
When I go out to help people the way Jesus did, I need his help. I need an understanding to know how God sees people around me. And yes resources as I sacrifice what I have to live on this mission.
Working to live this out today.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
There are times when prayer does not work
Does prayer work? If I ask for something, will God give it to me?
Prayer does work, but not for everyone. The Bible says if I continue in sin God does not listen. If I do not love my wife the way I should, my prayers are hindered. If I will not turn from my ways that are wicked, God does not hear.
This makes sense. As if God would help me steal something or cheat on a test. If I keep on living against God, why would I think he would help me.
When you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-- you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:3
So, as I pray today, what can I ask from God that is not selfish. This is not about me. How can I adjust my ways to move in harmony with God. Not my plan or my will.
Just thankful that we can turn from our ways and walk with God. He invites us to be part of what is good and right. I want him more than all the stuff.
Still much to learn about this. For me.
Prayer does work, but not for everyone. The Bible says if I continue in sin God does not listen. If I do not love my wife the way I should, my prayers are hindered. If I will not turn from my ways that are wicked, God does not hear.
This makes sense. As if God would help me steal something or cheat on a test. If I keep on living against God, why would I think he would help me.
When you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-- you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:3
So, as I pray today, what can I ask from God that is not selfish. This is not about me. How can I adjust my ways to move in harmony with God. Not my plan or my will.
Just thankful that we can turn from our ways and walk with God. He invites us to be part of what is good and right. I want him more than all the stuff.
Still much to learn about this. For me.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Can I believe even if I never saw one?
I hear a lot of talk about miracles. From the sunrise to a baby that is born. Are these miracles?
I have never personally had anything happen that I am not able to explain. All of my life has happened inside of the laws of nature. I do claim to walk with God in an imperfect way. Perfect on God's part. My part is more like keep getting back up to pursue him. God is at work. Just no miracles like the ones in the Bible.
I have never healed anyone or raised anyone from the dead. Many times I have gone to the hospital to encourage and pray that God would be with someone who is sick. I do pray that God would help the person to get better. I remember years ago when I went to pray with a man. But, he died while I was in the room.
Signs and Miracles were given to Jesus so that people would know that he is God. Here is a quote about miracles from the Bible- so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah- John 20:31
No one does signs and miracles like Jesus, Moses, Elijah and the apostles. Today we have the Bible that shows us everything we need to know about God. It has been confirmed by miracles. Written so that we can know and believe.
Read the book of John to see what John is talking about. So that you can believe. If you need help finding resources from history, let me know. I am not a historian, but I can find them.
and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
I have never personally had anything happen that I am not able to explain. All of my life has happened inside of the laws of nature. I do claim to walk with God in an imperfect way. Perfect on God's part. My part is more like keep getting back up to pursue him. God is at work. Just no miracles like the ones in the Bible.
I have never healed anyone or raised anyone from the dead. Many times I have gone to the hospital to encourage and pray that God would be with someone who is sick. I do pray that God would help the person to get better. I remember years ago when I went to pray with a man. But, he died while I was in the room.
Signs and Miracles were given to Jesus so that people would know that he is God. Here is a quote about miracles from the Bible- so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah- John 20:31
No one does signs and miracles like Jesus, Moses, Elijah and the apostles. Today we have the Bible that shows us everything we need to know about God. It has been confirmed by miracles. Written so that we can know and believe.
Read the book of John to see what John is talking about. So that you can believe. If you need help finding resources from history, let me know. I am not a historian, but I can find them.
and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Something to do today
Not sure what will happen today.
I am sure that God knows. I am sure that God loves people. Jesus died for everyone. God will be at work today.
God will not over rule my will. There may be things around me that are coming from the plan of God. But God will not make me adjust my will to his.
But I choose to let him lead in my life today. With his help I might even be part of the work that God will do today.
There is a guy sitting across from me. He laughed when I dropped my computer. But not in a mean way. There is a lawyer here. He comes here every week. Nice guy. Not sure of his name. 4 people at another table. Not speaking English. Brian and others are here to work.
They let me come in here, buy some coffee and do a little work. One of my favorite offices.
Sometimes God walks right into our conversation and leads us to important things that can change lives.
God is at work. Just not sure how I can be part of it yet.
God gave me a job this week. He told me he is no longer counting peoples sins against them. (I Corinthians 5:19). I should tell people that they need to receive his free gift.
Jesus died for everyone. Those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves.
On Mission.
I am sure that God knows. I am sure that God loves people. Jesus died for everyone. God will be at work today.
God will not over rule my will. There may be things around me that are coming from the plan of God. But God will not make me adjust my will to his.
But I choose to let him lead in my life today. With his help I might even be part of the work that God will do today.
There is a guy sitting across from me. He laughed when I dropped my computer. But not in a mean way. There is a lawyer here. He comes here every week. Nice guy. Not sure of his name. 4 people at another table. Not speaking English. Brian and others are here to work.
They let me come in here, buy some coffee and do a little work. One of my favorite offices.
Sometimes God walks right into our conversation and leads us to important things that can change lives.
God is at work. Just not sure how I can be part of it yet.
God gave me a job this week. He told me he is no longer counting peoples sins against them. (I Corinthians 5:19). I should tell people that they need to receive his free gift.
Jesus died for everyone. Those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves.
On Mission.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Multiply, Those who see needs and will take action
It is going to multiply.
Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. II Corinthians 5:15
Enjoyed sitting here at Starbucks talking about needs that we are noticing around Hagerstown. Thanks John and Steve for noticing others needs. I learn from these guys.
Just starting to notice people who are looking to help those who want to make a difference. Small groups meeting this week to talk about how they will serve. Definition = touching people the way Jesus does. Many are looking for people that they can serve.
If church leaders will train those who are teachable. Those who are trained will help others to grow to become mature in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13. Looking for those who want to be discipled. Making more time for those who will help train disciple makers. Let's get intentional about training leaders.
So thankful to team up with people who are taking on the mission of Christ. The Mission of the church.
Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. II Corinthians 5:15
Enjoyed sitting here at Starbucks talking about needs that we are noticing around Hagerstown. Thanks John and Steve for noticing others needs. I learn from these guys.
Just starting to notice people who are looking to help those who want to make a difference. Small groups meeting this week to talk about how they will serve. Definition = touching people the way Jesus does. Many are looking for people that they can serve.
If church leaders will train those who are teachable. Those who are trained will help others to grow to become mature in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13. Looking for those who want to be discipled. Making more time for those who will help train disciple makers. Let's get intentional about training leaders.
So thankful to team up with people who are taking on the mission of Christ. The Mission of the church.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Monday, December 30, 2013
Feisty Leader of a Church
Scotty was an elder in my church in Englewood. I was only there for 4 months as we filled in while looking.
Scotty is passionate about God and the church. What a pleasant surprise to find a friend who is also tired of churches that go through the motions. Tired of Churches that look nothing like the mission of Christ. I remember sitting in meetings with passionate discussions about how we have to make a difference in the lives of those around our church. Scotty was feisty and on a mission.
Feisty and not on a mission is selfishness. I have seen that in leaders. Both is much better.
Scotty often talked about the friends that he would visit. He would take them meals with meals on wheels. One day I went with him to see his people- delivering meals. What a great way to care for people. Scotty found a way to go into the community and show the love of Christ.
I want to be like Scotty. I want to be like Christ. I read about Jesus. I got to walk with Scotty.
Scotty is on oxygen and down to a few days to live. I am a little sad that I will not see him again.
May God make our efforts successful. May God help us understand the mission of Christ. May we number our days and make them count.
Scotty, I will see you soon. But, first I have to finish a few more things on our mission.
Scotty is passionate about God and the church. What a pleasant surprise to find a friend who is also tired of churches that go through the motions. Tired of Churches that look nothing like the mission of Christ. I remember sitting in meetings with passionate discussions about how we have to make a difference in the lives of those around our church. Scotty was feisty and on a mission.
Feisty and not on a mission is selfishness. I have seen that in leaders. Both is much better.
feist·y
ˈfīstē/
adjective
informal
- 1.(of a person, typically one who is relatively small or weak) lively, determined, and courageous."a feisty heroine who's more than a pretty face"
I want to be like Scotty. I want to be like Christ. I read about Jesus. I got to walk with Scotty.
Scotty is on oxygen and down to a few days to live. I am a little sad that I will not see him again.
May God make our efforts successful. May God help us understand the mission of Christ. May we number our days and make them count.
Scotty, I will see you soon. But, first I have to finish a few more things on our mission.
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