Buried and raised......eeeeeeee glory!

Colossians 2:11-14

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

All the former requirements were taken away!!! Glory to God! You don't have to be born Jewish in order to partake of the salvation God offers through Jesus Christ! If you ever wanted something to SHOUT about.....this is it. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee glory! We didn't qualify for the salvation of old, oh but we qualify through Jesus! I'm a "Whosoever"! As are you. Remember "whosoever" is mentioned in John 3:16. Hey, I just got an idea. I really like it too. Just for giggles, go through your bible, and read chapter 3 verse 16 of every book in the bible. I think you'll find some really neat stuff. I haven't read every single one yet........but I'm going to. I think it's a great challenge for us. 2nd Timothy 3:16 is where we're told that all scripture is God breathed. In Malachi 3:16 we find out about a book of remembrance that God has, and marks in every time we speak about Him. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee glory!!! I want my book to be big! Hehehehe. Not so I can brag about it, but so I know that Jesus was on my heart, not only in it. When you're in love, you talk about the object of your love all the time. This is a different type of love than that, but it is just as intimate, if not more so. A husband or wife cannot, did not die for your sins. Neither did either of your parents or your friends or other family. Only Jesus did that. The Lord moved me to explain something to the congregation yesterday, and I want to pass it along to you all. Do you know what it means to seek God's face? Stop for a minute, and ponder what it means to you. OK........are you done? Hehehehe. Now, this is the answer I gave yesterday. Many folks seek God's hands. They want the blessings, salvation.........all the good stuff. And that's not bad in and of itself, as long as there's a relationship. But a more intimate relationship, (which is what God wants) requires seeking His face, not only His hands. When husband and wife are in bed or "snuggling" on a couch or something........they caress one another's faces. It's intimate, and generally non-sexual. It's an expression of an intimate relationship. A strong bond. Also with children, parents will caress their faces, and kiss them all over their faces. You don't do that with just anyone. You may kiss someone else's child on the forehead or on the cheek, but your own....it's just different. Well, our relationship with God is different too. It's different than any other relationship we've ever had, or will ever have. We really are going to be with Him forever. People will promise to be with you forever........but most will not. Most don't last more than 10 years. Even friends, loves of your life, colleagues........10 years tops. Old school buddies.........fill in the blank. OK........I got a little off track this morning. We, when we're baptized (and yes, you should be baptized after you believe.....whether you were before you believed or not......that's the whole point......if it was before you believed it held little to no significance to you) we are symbolizing our death......the death of the man/woman we were before. Now we're raised up with Christ Jesus in heavenly places!!! His death on the cross paid for our salvation, and His resurrection sealed it. If you're curious, I have a whole study on the reasons for baptism and what you should know about it. These verses above are a big part of it. Jesus nailed the old way of being saved to the cross along with our old nature. Now, we know sometimes that old nature tries to creep back in.....and take over. It tries to resurrect itself. We cannot allow that. Nor can we allow religion to hinder our relationship with Christ.

Oh my.......I generally don't post on Mondays. But this was weighing on my heart.......so I had to put it into words......as much for me as for anyone else. PLEASE folks.......if you're going to take part in the Purpose Driven Life study, which starts next monday.......a week from today........get in touch with me. Those of you who have my phone number, call me.........and let me know.........email me.......whatever it takes. I'm not going to miss out if you decide not to partake.........you'll be missing out on a blessing. I know the Lord put this in my heart to do, and He will bless it mightily. I've already started the blog and you can visit at: http://purposedrivenlife4study.blogspot.com If for some reason you can't commit to the 40 days this time (please study it sometime soon.....maybe it'll be a few months like it was with me).........hopefully I'll be able to do it again some time.......but Lord only knows where I'll be in a year? Maybe I'll still be here.......maybe I'll be with Jesus already, or maybe I'll be ministering around the country. I know God is moving in my life as never before. There's an urgency about things right now. I know....everyone's said that from Paul on down........but I really feel it in my spirit. The time is getting shorter. And even if I'm wrong.......the world ends for someone everyday. Have a great day and God bless. :-) PJ

Outcasts

1st Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

We know that in this chapter Samuel anoints David to be king of Israel. Samuel was a mighty prophet, and very in tune with God's voice. BUT, he was looking at the outer appearances. He saw big strapping boys, and figured one of them was going to be the king. (Please read 16:1-13 for the full story....it's a great one, worth reading, or rereading.) We also, are guilty of looking at outer appearances, aren't we. Our "first impression" of someone begins with the outer appearance. But we can't base our judgment of them or their character by how they look on the outside. It's easy to do, as we've been doing it all our lives. Even Samuel expected God to choose a big strong guy to be king. It's hard to not carry prejudices with us in our Christian walk. (By that I don't mean racial prejudices. If anyone has any of those, they need to be left at the cross. God didn't judge us by who we were, what we did, or how we looked, He sent Jesus for all of us. He's loves each equally, but yet He wants us each to know that we are His favorite! Hehehe. Awesome.) By that I mean our preconceived notions of how people are. Seeing long hair (on a guy), tattoos, and earrings in all parts of the body means whoever we are seeing is in rebellion. And that may or may not be true. Those are preconceived notions, or prejudices that we've carried into our walk with the Lord. Ask the Lord to let you see people as He sees them. Now I've got to tell you, I still catch myself doing it, and it makes me so mad at myself when I do. Jesus ministered to the outcasts of society, the ones who were hated by the religious folks. Love doesn't mean agreement with sin. But we must be in an attitude of grace. I used to have a really hard time around homosexuals. I was very uneasy around them. Perhaps it was what happened to me as a child, or something else. But whatever the case that's how it was. I've grown in that area and have ministered to some of them in the past couple years now. They are in bondage just like a drug addict, alcoholic, or adulterer. We need to pray for them, and show them love, not cut them off and ship them away to a leper's like camp. They are truly today's outcasts. In Jesus' time it was lepers and tax collectors. Tell them Jesus loves them, pray for them, and let the Lord lead you. I want to see folks the way the Lord sees them. He didn't see David as who he was on the outside, but who he was on the inside. He saw him as who he was going to be, not as who he was at the time he was chosen. At the time I came back to the Lord, people were telling folks that it was too late for me, that there was no way that I would ever come back to Jesus. I was mean, violent, a liar, a cheater.....the list goes on and on. It was too late! But guess what? They were wrong! Even I had begun to believe that. If you are an outcast, or know one, remember that God loves you. He sent His very best (Jesus) for you. He has called you to be His child, a prince or princess. Let go of the things that separate you from Him, and run to Him. He is waiting with open arms. God has called outcasts to preach the gospel. We know that God forgives, and that only He can set us free. I played games with God for some time. I pretended. He knew. He still forgave me when I came to my senses. He doesn't hold even one of those things against me anymore. The devil wanted me to believe that it was too late, that God couldn't love me anymore. But I tell you, the devil is a big fat LIAR! God hasn't given up on you. Everyone else may have, but He has not.

"Oh Lord help me to see people the way You see them. I no longer want to prejudge anyone by the way they look or even act. Please help us to lay aside all that we've learned in the world, and trust You and Your word to guide us. Send us the outcasts and anoint us to minister life to them. Thank You Lord for not giving up on us. We won't give up on them. In Jesus' name, amen."

The captives are crying out for freedom. Their only hope is Jesus. Let them see Him in the way you live your life, by the way you love. And then share with them what He's done for you. Just sit and think about how many people will die today without knowing Jesus. Do you know any of them? Tomorrow's too late. Tell them today. TTFN and God bless. :-) PJ

You belong to Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2:13-18 New Living Translation

But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. 15By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups. 16Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. 17He has brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and to us Jews who were near. 18Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

I wanted you all to see these verses from a different perspective. Even in the New King James version it was a little cloudy.......or not real clear or understandable. But in this version if lays it out very well. I'm usually not a fan of using too many different versions but I do really like the clarity found in the NLT as opposed to other more "modern" versions. Whichever version you use......PLEASE make sure you read it. Many folks get hung up on which version to use, I being one of them. But I would rather someone read a version that I don't completely agree with than not read at all because they aren't reading with understanding. I read it in the New King James but didn't put two and two together to fully grasp that it was speaking of the former differences between Jews and Gentiles.......under or through the blood of Christ, all are the same. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free.......all are equal under the blood of Jesus. Woooooooohooooooooooo.

Isn't it funny that we, as Christians, only notice the outward appearance. It's not unusual and in fact, was quite common, even among God's greatest servants. Remember Samuel with David..........he was looking to the stronger and healthier young men......the better "looking" ones. He was sure the king of Israel was going to be one of them. But when they brought the scrawny kid out from tending the sheep, the Lord spoke to him that he should anoint him king of Israel. We too often look at outward appearances. We all have flaws........and many are unseen by the naked eye, so we assume no one knows, or no one sees them. We are quick to point fingers at Christians who may still smoke or drink.......but we neglect the hidden, less obvious flaws in ourselves........our propensity to manipulate people (which is basically witchcraft) into doing what we want them to do, gossip, hate full words, gleefully rejoicing at the downfall of someone who's wronged us........so many things we can fill in the blanks with. Perhaps you don't do any of the aforementioned things.....but you can, if you really think about, find an area where you need improving. We all do. We need to realize that we're not all the same. When I came back to the Lord and finally gave up.......the desire for the alcohol and drugs left me........but I still smoked. For some, it doesn't happen that way. Perhaps they need to go through a program in order to completely stop their habit/habits. I shouldn't look down on them because they didn't get set free the same way I did. Nor should I look down on them if they are still struggling......because I know how that feels. It's a horrible feeling. Remember Jesus' words regarding the speck in your neighbors eye? Get that plank out of yours first.......remember? If anyone had the right to look down upon anyone....it was Jesus......He is perfect, and was perfect (without sin) all His days on the earth. He could have judged anyone He wanted to........yet He had compassion. Now He wasn't so with the religious who should have known better........the ones who were supposed to be living and teaching God's word who were far from doing either. And believe me.......folks don't need to hear "You're going to hell if you're still doing _______." Jesus blood washes away all our sin. It is He who will move upon their hearts with His Holy Spirit when it is time for them to let go of the last things they're holding on to. You don't know what pain may be in their hearts........God knows. Maybe they're still afraid to completely trust the Lord with that hurt.......so they still must self medicate with the drugs, booze, or cigarettes. I've been humbled recently into realizing that it's not up to me to change anyone. There's an old saying, "The Lord says, 'You catch them, and I'll clean them.'" Of course it's He who catches them too.....but it's a funny and truthful saying. We just read that it's no longer about this regulation or that one.........but it's about the blood of Jesus washing us. Each person will know within him/herself when it's time to let go of things. And again.......for some......maybe even for most.......it will happen within the first year of their walk with the Lord. Or maybe not. I heard a story about an old preacher who for whatever reason still smoked cigarettes. One lady approached him after church and said, "Pastor, I'm praying for you." Being humbled by that, he thanked her. Then she added, "I'm praying that the Lord will snatch those nasty cigarettes from you." Afterward he smiled and added, "Yea, and I'm praying the Lord will teach you to mind your own damn business." Did that pastor have some issues he needed to deal with? Sure, and so did that meddlesome lady. As Christians we can say some pretty dumb and hurtful things. And yes.........as we read in Proverbs 26:17 "He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.....Is like one who takes a dog by the ears." What happens if you take a dog by his ears.........you're going to get bitten. Let's pray for one another.......and not belittle each other by pointing out each others visible faults. Let's pray and ask the Lord to reveal to us areas where WE need to change. Remember......you belong to Christ Jesus! Have a great day and God bless. :-) PJ

Endings.......and new beginnings

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Isn't that wonderful? God can do things that we cannot even fathom.......things we can't even think of or imagine. And I don't know about you, but I have a good imagination. I want to talk a little bit about beginnings and endings. A very good friend of mine was sworn in as citizen of the United States of America this past Friday. I had the privilege of being there. He is no longer a resident alien, but a citizen. (It's nice to see someone do it the legal way.....we live on the US Mexican border in Texas and so many enter illegally everyday.) How many of us take for granted that honor, that privilege? In a recent city election for mayor in a city close to me (a city of over 130,000 people), only 20% of the eligible voters bothered voting. (In Iraq recently 70% percent voted in their elections.......even with the threat of death........amazing.) I was so excited to see a new beginning for my friend. Yesterday morning I received a call from another friend........that our friends' dad had died and the funeral was in an hour. I jumped up and got as ready as I could......also I've been sick for the past week so it was hard to just jump up and go. I was very glad that I went. This man was wonderful picture of Christian love. He taught his children and grandchildren how to love and how to live.........and mostly how to live for Christ. It is also a new beginning for him. I told one of his sons, "You know, we're going to miss him, but he's not going to miss us........he's going to a HUGE family reunion. He can run again, and jump, and sing.........." Of course there's always grief when a loved one "graduates". It's natural and normal to grieve the loss of a loved one. That doesn't mean you grieve 20 years........but grieving is a part of life.......of endings and beginnings. Our time with our loved one has ended......momentarily.....but their being with Jesus makes it worth the wait to be with them once again. You may find it strange that I mention the word "graduate" for death. Now that's only applicable to a Christian......but it's true. The tests have come, the years have gone, and it's time to graduate. And just as my friend swore allegiance to this country, we must remain faithful to Jesus.......no matter what.

This is a new year........a grand new year. The things of yesterday are gone. There's no need whine and cry about what was or what was not last year.......let's look forward to this year. Repent, and move on. Let's love more and complain less. Let's quit shutting ourselves up in our churches and houses......and let's get out and evangelize our neighborhoods. Sometimes the greatest witness of all is being available........loving one another. My neighbor is Muslim.........a Palestinian from Palestine. He and his family are so nice to us it's amazing. We don't agree on many things.........he's more liberal, and we're conservative. We're Christian, they're Muslim. Both he and his wife are professors at colleges down here. I'm a pastor and mom is a retired school teacher. When we're out of town, they feed our dog and cats. And the last time we were out of town (Christmastime) they mowed our yard. They are offended if we offer them money or any kind of repayment. They scoff at even the thought and say, "We are neighbors.......that's what neighbors do." These folks are nicer to us than some Christians we know. It saddens me. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ........and I long to be with them. I want to help them..........they won't ask. I offer my help they pretend they don't need it. Why oh why do we have to be so dad-burn politically (perhaps the word I'm searching for is "religiously") correct? And so "self sufficient"? We are here for one another. Lean on me.........because soon I'm going to need to lean on you. Remember, Jesus told a parable about being a neighbor........remember the parable of the good Samaritan? (See Luke 10:25-37) Let's be good to our neighbors. Let's be good to everyone. Have a great day and God bless. :-) PJ

Chosen

2nd Peter 2:9-10
But your are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

You were hand picked.......chosen by God. We need to stop thinking of ourselves as unworthy of God's love, provision, and blessings. You are also a royal priesthood......not only priests, but royalty as well. You are a child of the King. And what is a child of a king generally called? A prince.......or princess, right? Does a prince or princess wallow in self loathing and feel unworthy of the blessings bestowed upon them due to their birthright? NO! Of course not. So why should we? Also, we are a holy nation. Are we holy because we did something special or put away this or that? No. We have received Jesus' righteousness.....it's not of ourselves or anything we've done or can do. We are furthermore described as His own special people........God's own special people. We belong to Him. Have you ever felt like you didn't belong. Most of the time I've felt that especially around family. Out of place........used to be, and still sometimes feel like the "black sheep" of the family. An embarrassment..........a loser. But God doesn't see me that way.......no matter who else does. The bible says that even if my own mother (which of course she wouldn't....she's the sweetest woman in the world) denied me.......or shunned me......He never will. But as I well know now..........success is not measured in dollars or things.........or even education or accomplishment.......in God's eyes it's measured in obedience to Him. Not that those things are bad.......they aren't.......but they are not what makes us a success. No one has accused me of being unhappy in seven and a half years. I'm laughing and trying to get other folks to laugh.......it's the joy of the Lord and it's contagious. At a restaurant my friends and I go to they have given me a nickname.........they call me "Mr. Giggles". We all have times of self doubt.......and we all at times have felt like the biggest loser in the world. But we're not. Oh, no we're not. God tells us who we are.......whether we feel like it or not! We were chosen by HIM!!! Not by some fluke........not out of chance. But He looked at you and said, "For him/her........I'll die for him/her." And He did. He knew you before you were even born. He knows every day of your life. He knows when you took your first breath, and when you will take your last. He knows exactly how many hairs are on your head.......and how many tears you've shed in your entire lifetime. No ones parent can say that. No ones spouse or even if you're a parent.......you can't even know those things about your own child. But God knows that about you. That's how much He loves you.....that's how special you are to Him. God is good.........all the time.
Pray about what you are planning on doing......and if the Lord gives you the OK.......then start laying the foundation for that dream.......for that goal. What's it going to take? How long will it take? What must I do? What must I stop doing? All these things are important. I don't know where you stand on current events......but it sure looks like the time may be growing short. But even if it's not.......we still need to get more serious about our walk with Christ. The world ends for someone every minute of every day. Don't take who you are in Christ for granted.........and don't forget our mission........as described above in our scripture for the day. "......that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." Proclaim what the Lord has done for you. And let them know......what He's done for you........He'll do for them. TTFN and God bless. :-) PJ