Day of Praise

Sa, Holy Week, Mar 30, "Day of Praise"

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit." - 1 Peter 3:18

When I was a teenager, I slept in a basement room with no windows. Cool.

When I was a little kid, if I'd had a basement room with no windows, that would not have been cool. I was a scaredy-cat.

I thought everything that was down low and dark had a monster or a big bad wolf living in it.

Apparently, that kind of thinking is not too far off. After all, Jesus went into a place that was down low and dark and had the worst monster ever living in it.

And Jesus went down into that low and dark place for me. And for you. And for all people. (Although tragically, not everyone believes in that place nor believes that Jesus went down there and took care of that big bully monster for us.)

Actually, the big bully monster has a legitimate claim, just as the WhIte Witch does in the Chronicles of Narnia. When we sin, when we rebel against the way that God made, then we have to appear before The Accuser, The Big Bully, and we have to pay the penalty. And you get what you deserve.

Hmmmm. What's that sound like to you? You must 1) appear before an Accuser, 2) pay a penalty, and 3) get what you deserve.

Sounds like hell to me. A living hell.

But through this night tonight, as we straddle Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we celebrate that Jesus 1) took our place, 2) paid our penalty, and 3) taught us about mercy (not getting what you deserve) and grace (getting what you don't deserve).

All this Jesus did when he went into a place that was down low and dark and had the worst monster ever living in it.

And he did it all for you!

And for me!

And for us all as God's dearly beloved children, who, if we have any sense about us, might still not want to go to the place that is down low and dark and has the worst monster ever living in it.

But as we hear in 1 Corinthians 15:57,
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit." - 1 Peter 3:18

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Holy Week, Mar 29 "Day of Praise"

"Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, 'You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.'" - John 11:49-50

Caiaphas has no idea.

He thinks that by getting rid of Jesus that he's getting rid of a political enemy.

Caiaphas is in his own little world and, therefore, has no idea of the spiritual truth that one man must die for sin so that all people could be saved through faith in the one who dies.

Caiaphas had no idea of the great sacrifice that was made for him.

Usually, I don't either. Ya know, have any idea of the great sacrifice that was made for me. Oh sure, from time to time, usually in Lent, I'll stop and think about it, especially on days like Maundy Thursday and today, Good Friday. But there are so many days that I just blow through without considering how much Jesus has done for me so that I can even have that day.

Today, I woke up.

It's another chance to consciously live thankfully. To think about and be thankful for the one who died so all the rest of us didn't have to die "permanently." There are even chances for me to worship him today, to worship Jesus, to adore him, to remember him thankfully. Here, where I live, I have at least three (3) chances to worship.

Maybe where you live, you have a chance to worship Jesus also. No matter, we all can stop, today, Good Friday, and think deeply, and gratefully, for what it means that one man, Jesus, died, so that the rest of us don't have to die, permanently. But instead we can believe that he took our place in death. And overcame it. So that we could join him in life. True Life. Abundant Life.

We want to know what he did for us. So we can Live Abundantly today and forever with him.

Knowing and believing start by doing what Caiaphas didn't, long, long ago. Knowing and believing in and being thankful for and enjoying that one man died so the rest of us wouldn't perish, it all starts by surrendering to the Holy Spirit, who touches our hearts gently, but clearly, and whispers, "Stop! And think about the gift that is your life. Today. Think about the price that was paid so that you can have the gift."

God help me to do so.

May God, in grace, help us all. Again.

"Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, 'You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.'" - John 11:49-50

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Holy Week, Mar 28, "Day of Praise"

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." - John 13:3-5

Tonight, our church, along with many others in the world, will observe Maundy Thursday with a worship service that includes Holy Communion, the stripping of the altar, and footwashing.

Our Associate Pastor, Pastor Scott Hawkins, is very gifted at Maundy Thursday sermons, which are the very first part of Maundy Thursday worship. He helps people understand the two most misunderstood parts of this day's worship, namely, the word "Maundy" and the purpose of footwashing.

"Maundy" simply means "mandate" or "command" because this is the day when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples and "commanded" them to "love one another."

And the way Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another was by washing one another's feet.

If you go to a website like www.Biblegateway.com and put "wash feet" in the search, you will easily see a theme with footwashing. From the Bible's first book of Genesis and beyond, footwashing is a means that God has ordained for giving rest to the body, renewal to the heart, and restoration to relationships.

Need I say more?

How does Jesus love us in John 13? He washes our feet to give rest, renewal, and restoration.

So it makes sense, does it not, that Jesus commands us in John 13 to love one another by stooping down in love and by washing each other's feet. For God has ordained that we share rest, renewal, and restoration to bring healing to our bodies, our hearts, and our relationships.

I pray you'll believe Jesus and find a Maundy Thursday worship service today where you can experience footwashing and, in so doing, practice what we're commanded to do everyday: stoop down and love one another as God, in Christ, stoops down and loves us.

Today on Maundy Thursday and everyday, may God grant you the sure knowledge of his love through Christ, mutual love with all people, and the rest, renewal, and restoration for which all of us long.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Holy Week, Mar 27, "Day of Praise"

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" - Ephesians 2:8

Ok, y'all.

Just stop.

Deeeeeeeeep breath.

Breathe iiiiiiiiiiin.

Breathe ouuuuuuuut.

Iiiiiiiiin.

Ouuuuuuut.

Close your eyes.

Deeeeeeeep breath.

Picture a river. The Jordan River it is.

Look out over it. All you can see is a band of angels. Comin' after you.

To protect you.

But, when an arrow is permitted through, then those angels are there to encourage you.

To turn your heart from the troubles and sorrows of the world. To gently touch and turn your face into the wind.

It's the movement of God. Coming. And yet always present. Mighty to save.

To save you.

By his grace.

From despair.

Which is hopelessness. Ya know. Throwin' in the towel.

No. Don't throw in the towel.

Just be still. And believe.

It's true. Just a bit of faith. As much as a mustard seed. Just a wee bit. Of faith. Is enough to tap into. To receive. The salvation. The right hand. The strong arm. Of the living God.

It's there. For you.

He's there. For you.

Here. For you.

To lighten the load. To give you a hope. A purpose. To hold up your arms. And strengthen your knees.

It's true. Somehow faith. In receiving the grace of God that saves.

Things just get bearable. Even peaceful. Like it's all gonna be ok. Because they are ok.

Yes, there's still a storm. But God is in the midst. Of the storm. Holding your hand. Looking in your eye. Calling you. Not with his voice. But with his eyes. His heart. A whisper to the soul. "Dance with me."

I will lead you.

In the dance.

Through the storm.

To your salvation.

Your freedom.

From thinking that your life is defined and measured and able (or not) to be enjoyed. Based on your problems and debts and regrets and challenges.

No. Instead your life is defined by the One.

Who loves you. Who died for you. And more. And was raised. To be with you. And to strengthen you. And encourage you.

And to gift you.

With grace.

Upon grace.

Upon grace.

You need only believe.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Holy Week, Mar 26, "Day of Praise"

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

It's a good thing that God is for us.

Because we are totally at the mercy of God.

In today's verse, God tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).

But where does faith come from? God tells us in Ephesians 2:8-10 that faith is a gift from God!

And why do we need this faith that God gives us?

We need this faith:
1) To believe that God even actually exists so we can believe that someone is actually there when we pray,
2) To believe that God, who exists, actually cares about what we're praying,
3) To believe that God, who cares, can actually do something for the people and about the situations in our prayers,
4) To believe that God, who can do something, may choose to actually do something that doesn't align with our timing or our will or our plans,
5) To believe that God, who may choose to do something that doesn't align with our wishes, is true to the promise of his word to actually work through all things together for good (AND THAT MEANS ALL THINGS!!!), and
6) To believe that God has confirmed all the above through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ whose shed blood made us clean from sin and whose resurrection made the Way for God to live in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Without faith (that God made us for and works in us and gives us through the Holy Spirit), there is no forgiveness or divine indwelling so there's no confidence in God's promises, so there's conflict between our plans and God's, so there's no confidence that God will act, so there's no sense that God cares, so there's little reason to believe that anybody's even listening because who knows if he even exists?

And I don't know about you, but if all the above is missing from my life, I sure don't want to ask God to bless my enemies which is the only way to be free of all bitterness and resentment which eats up my insides far more than it hurts my enemies.

And if all the above is missing from my life, I sure don't want to live generously and see the reality that even Canadian secular studies have shown where generous people have a chemical reaction in their body that actually makes them happier and calmer and more fun to be around. (Do ya think that's what God knew long before the rest of us when in 2 Corinthians 9:7 God says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"?)

I'll admit. It's a strange life that we believers live. It truly requires faith. But once you've tasted it, is there anyone who really doesn't want more?

And that's exactly what God wants to give us.

More!

Aaaaah, so that's what God means by "he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mon, Holy Week, Mar 25, "Day of Praise"

[Said Jesus,] "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." - John 9:4

When I was a kid, I didn't like to sit on the bench for any team for any sport for any game. Game time was precious, and I wanted to experience all of the game time that I could.

Jesus says that it should be the same for us as adults.

The clock is ticking on the game of life, so game time is extremely precious.

Jesus surely would've known Psalm 90, verse 12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

We do not have an infinite number of days, so God wants us to number our days. For where we know that the clock is ticking, we want to experience and to live each possible moment, with wisdom, not foolishness, guiding the way.

And it is wise for us to recognize that we don't have infinite days, so we'd best be making the most of the ones that we're blessed by God's grace to have.

So walk with God. Worship him daily. Honor his word. Love yourself as one who is loved by God. Love your neighbor as yourself. Encourage goodness. Be courageous to speak when goodness can't be found. Give your boss an honest day's work. Look for windows to invite others to Christ. Feel the rain instead of just getting wet. And add to this list as you are compelled, but add in the bounds of God's word, as one with a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

For remember, the clock is ticking. As Jesus himself clearly said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4).

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise Saturday phone update test

Hi Everyone! 2 things:
1) My phone, from which I send out the Day of Praise, did a huge periodic update of software through the night. So I'm sending this out as a test to see if any of your emails bounce back to me. You don't need to do anything, unless of course you want me to take you off the DoP list.
2) The other thing, since I'm sending out the first thing, is probably the first personal request that I've sent out to all of you and it simply is that my son, Caden, and his friends have put together a basketball trick shot video and they would love to see their "view count" go up if you're willing to go to the following link and give em a thumbs up. Thanks for your consideration. God bless you and Praise God!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z31oty24NOI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z31oty24NOI
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Mar 23, "Day of Praise"

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" - Hebrews 10:24

We say it all the time, "Have a good day!" And I'm sure we all mean it. But God's word today tells us that saying it and even meaning it are not enough.

God wants us to think about how we can help to make it happen. How can we help the person in front of us to have a good day?

Imagine if God had looked at us from heaven and said, "I hope y'all have a good day. And I hope that Savior thing works out." Can you imagine if God had only said it, even if he meant it, and then didn't do anything to help make it happen?

But God did think about it and then made it happen. God sent the Savior. And then God acted on the "good day" thing by sending the Holy Spirit so that everyday could be a good day for those who believe and live in Christ.

Oh yeah, that same Holy Spirit will be our strength and guide so we actually can "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24).

So, have a good day!

And I have a feeling it's gonna be because there's a whole bunch of us that are heading out into it and considering how we're actually gonna make it better for you!

Fun!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Mar 22, "Day of Praise"

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

Keep going, good people. In the strength of Christ keep going.

A long-time friend of mine, Christy Ethridge, posted the following on her blog (www.christyslifelessons.com), and it is said that Mother Theresa had this on her wall --
"People are often unreasonable,
illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of
Selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
False friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway."

Additionally, when asked how he could perform 2 days after being shot, the late Bob Marley, (who was/is understandably controversial to some people), said, "The people who were trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I? Light up the darkness."

So, I say again, keep going, good people. In the strength and righteousness of Christ keep going...because you strengthen our group witness and group encouragement as described in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

And one final Biblical encouragement from Romans 5:3-5, where God, through Paul, calls us to keep going even when we feel like quitting, "Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

So hang in there y'all "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Mar 21, "Day of Praise"

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." - Proverbs 12:25

Father in heaven, for Jesus' sake, give us glad and cheerful hearts this day so that we can enjoy sweet fellowship with you and your people. And yet we also pray for those whose hearts are weighed down and who need your strong and gracious hand. Grant to us, O Lord, a depth of compassion and a heart overflowing with cheer and kindness so that we may be eager and able to speak in love and lighten the load for those hearts are weighed down. All this we ask in the name of your dear Son, Jesus, whose death on the cross made a way for all our hearts to be gladdened and renewed. So please, Lord, stir our hearts to receive your Son in faith anew this day so that he would be our strength, our cheer, and our guide, always leading us to you and your people in need. Amen.

May God bless you all to have and to share a day full of cheer and gladness.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Mar 20, "Day of Praise"

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" - Ecclesiastes 9:10

My 14 year-old son and I have a running joke -- I scored 28 points in a basketball game once.

I really did score 28 in a basketball game once. But we laugh about it because I'm not very good at basketball. My dad used to say that I played with brute strength and awkwardness. In other words, I tried hard, but I wasn't smooth and talented.

This is what I understand God to mean in today's verse, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

God knows that we're not going to be smooth and talented at everything we do. But, for heaven's sake, if you're going to do something, at least try hard. And give it the best that you've got, believing that effort really does mean something to God.

So today, if you're at work, do your job with all your might. But also if someone needs a word of encouragement, even if you're shy, then at least try. When you're out and about, try with all your might to do things in a way that's pleasing to God with kindness and honesty and cheerfulness. If your church meets on Wednesday, as ours does, then try with all your might to get there, and then try with all your might to participate and speak up in the fellowship time and in the Bible study. And sing with all your might in worship. (Please do not do like somebody I used to know who used their might to tell the people around them not to sing so loud!)

In sum, you may not be very good at some of the things you have to do, but give God a chance to work through you. And "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Who knows? Maybe, as with my 28-point basketball game, you'll have one of the greatest times of your life. But you'll never know, unless you try.

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Mar 19, "Day of Praise"

"'God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" - Hebrews 13:5b

She didn't do anything wrong as I look back on it, but let me tell it from the perspective I had when I was four maybe five years old.

We were in the Kroger grocery store in Kingsport, TN. My mom was pushing the shopping cart, my baby sister was in the seat of the shopping cart, and me, well, I was following the shopping cart around, at least, until she left me.

I'm sure that it was I, who wandered off, or who maybe got mesmerized by all that sweetened cereal: Cap'n Crunch, Lucky Charms, Boo-Berry, and Cocoa Puffs.

Whatever the reason, all I know is I came to my senses and realized that she was gone; my mom was gone.

And I freaked out.

I can almost still feel the panic-adrenaline that was rushing through my veins. I started to yell "Mom! Mom! Mom!" And I distinctly remember feeling like I was in a fog in a tunnel that created an echo chamber. Nothing in the world existed except me and my lostness and seemingly miles and miles of grocery aisles. And yet as big and fast as my adrenaline rush was, it seemed as if I was going at an equally slow-motion as I raced from one empty aisle to another, looking for my mother at the Kroger grocery store in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Looking back, the whole sequence felt as if it were a scene that could've been played out by Randy "Mommy's Little Piggy" Parker in the movie "A Christmas Story." It all felt so bizarre.

After all, I was lost and left and forsaken.

And then just like that, poof, tadahhhh, she was right there. Out of thin air. There was my mom. I hadn't seen her in hours (or so it felt). And yet she said something about having been right there the whole time and that it was all okay.

In the end, all I knew was that the feeling of being lost and left and forsaken was a feeling that I never wanted to experience again.

Which is why I give thanks for God's promise 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5b).

Because just like in the Kroger, if I'm feeling lost and left and forsaken in the world, then it's probably not because my mom or my God has left me. It's probably because I wandered off, or maybe I got mesmerized by all that sweetened stuff: wantin' to be the Cap'n (Crunch) of my own life, hopin' to get Lucky (and Charms) in some lottery, tryin' to be so (Boo-)Berrrrrrrry important, and gettin' all (Cocoa) Puffs-up in my head because I think that I know everything.

As the old saying goes, "if you're feeling far, far away from God, then guess who probably moved!"

After all, "'God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5b). And you can take that promise to the bank.

And it probably wouldn't hurt to take it to the Kroger grocery store too.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Mar 18, "Day of Praise"

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Is there anyone who knows all that Jesus has done for us who doesn't want to make him happy?

In our heart of hearts, we all want to make Jesus happy. As a way of saying thank you.

In today's verse, God tells us how to make Jesus happy, which is tantamount to "fulfilling the law of Christ."

All you have to do is do something for somebody that they can't do for themselves. Or help them to do something that is more than they can do by themselves. That's what it means in today's verse to "Carry each other's burdens."

A "load" is what someone can carry by him/herself. A "burden" is too much.

That's what Jesus does for us. He helps us where it's more than we can do by ourselves, like giving us a way out of temptation. And he does for us what we can't do for ourselves, like paying for our sins.

So make Jesus happy; carry somebody's burden today. Maybe two people's. There's easy ones like, if somebody lost their house in a fire, help 'em. And there's more creative ones like, if somebody's having trouble smiling, then help 'em out--maybe say a word of encouragement or act like a fool and dance like Elaine on Seinfeld.

And just imagine if every person just did one thing a day to help somebody else with a burden. Wow!

Now that would really make Jesus happy!

Praise God!





Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Mar 16, "Day of Praise"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

The story goes something like this. I have liked sweets (a whole lot) since I was a little kid. The pediatrician said it was because my mom gave me baby food fruits before she gave me baby food vegetables.

When I got past baby food the trend continued. I liked my mom's fruit salad a whole lot more than any vegetable salad she could make. I especially came to like my mom's fruit kind-of-salad called Watergate Salad, which has pineapple (fruit!), pistachio pudding (sweet!), cool whip (suuuuweeeeeeet!), and cottage cheese (so it qualifies as a salad!).

But my favorite of all that's named above would have to be my mom's Holiday Fruit Salad. It may be exactly the same in content as her Non-Holiday Fruit Salad, but it just has to be different because it just seems tastier (sweeter) and more colorful during the holidays. There's black-red stuff and yellow-red stuff and green stuff and light purple stuff and dark purple stuff and yellow stuff and white stuff and orange stuff. Aaaah, sweeeeeet fruuuuuit salad.

I trust you get the idea that I like my mom's sweet fruit salad.

But as much as I obviously like my mom's sweet fruit salad, it cannot even begin to compare to God's sweet fruit salad, which is made up of nine sweet fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Mmmmm good! Pull out the serving spoons. Let's dig in and share the heavenly feast!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Mar 15, "Day of Praise"

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" - Galatians 1:3

Now that my oldest is twenty, I can say that, for decades, I've been asking my kids "Who's with you all day (night) long?" They reply, "Jesus!"

However, if I ask the same question to a group of preschoolers at our church, then they will say, "God and Jesus."

It's okay, and it's good. After all, Jesus is "Emmanuel" which means "God with us." And God is with us, (God makes himself known to us), through God's Son, Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This may all seem like a bunch of intellectual gobbledygook. But let's remember that Jesus, in John 17:3, says that eternal life is "knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He has sent."

So, may God help us to have a full and abundant life, indeed an eternal life, by continuing to help us understand and know God personally so that we can personally help others to know Him just the same.

Think about it!

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" - Galatians 1:3

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Mar 14, "Day of Praise"

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children" - Ephesians 5:1

One week ago, I went to a funeral for 18-year old Blake Dudchock, who died a tragic death. Blake was beloved by the masses as attested by the attendance at his funeral, where people young and old gathered to celebrate Blake's life and pay their respects to Blake's family.

I myself didn't know Blake, but Kris Dunn did. Kris is one of my dearest friends in all the world. And the following is Kris' testimony to Blake's character and encouragement to Blake's parents. (You can see the pictures with Kris' post about Blake at Kris' blog --www.hrcapitalist.com/2013/03/a-note-to-a-mom-and-dad-your-son-was-a-mentor.html.)

A Note to a Mom and Dad: Your Son Was a Mentor...

Capitalist Note - I'm getting ready to go to a funeral for a neighbor's 18-year old who died way too young.  Everyone has stories about people who have passed that they admired. This is mine. I'm sending it to the parents today.

Natalie and Alex - 

Your son passed away way too young. You've heard hundreds of stories and looked at hundreds of pictures over the last couple of days.  Here's mine.  It's online, so throw it in a gmail folder and look at it when the physical photos aren't available, or when you need to hear that Blake mattered.

My love for your son is framed from where I watched him.  This picture shows you where he had the most impact on me.  It's not an event or a conversation I had with him.

You recognize the picture.  It's looking at our street, where the neighborhood kids play.  That's your house to the left.  This is where I watched Blake.

More to the point, this is where I watched Blake take care of my oldest son - 7 years younger than your boy.  

In 2001, we moved into the neighborhood.  As anyone who knows your family would expect, everyone in your house greeted us with open arms. But - we introduced a new variable to the lives of your kids.  Here's a picture of that variable:

A roaming, sloppy 2-year old looking for attention, especially attention from older boys in the neighborhood.  The type of thing that sends most older boys running.

Part of watching your kid from the window is seeing them get rejected. That's life and it's part of growing up.

Blake was different from the pack. While many older kids would (and did) run from the kid pictured above when approached for the 1,000th time, your son remained calm.

He always had time for the kid in the boots.

Always. I saw it from the window. 

Quality time. He let the kid approach.  He talked to the kid. He let the kid play, even if it meant the game being played was effectively over. He was kind. He always found a way for the kid to feel great about himself.  He showed him how to do things. We see kindness in our kid today that looks a lot like what your son provided.

In short, he was a mentor - and didn't even know it.  Most mentors don't realize the impact they have on others.  It happens informally and it's just who they are.  

Part of that is great parenting, to be sure. Part of it was just who your son was.

When I heard the news, the only thing I could think about was that window. Hundreds of videos playing in my head of your son - taking care of the sloppy kid in boots pictured above.  

Your son was different and had impact beyond what you know. God bless your son and your family.

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children" - Ephesians 5:1

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Mar 13, "Day of Praise"

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." - Ephesians 6:10-11

Thank you all for your powerful testimonies in response to yesterday's Day of Praise. The following is one of those responses that is very practical and powerful from Suzan Adderholt. I also was moved to pass on Suzan's witness because I'm hoping many of you will strongly consider having prayer gatherings in your homes as is clearly encouraged in God's Word. A blessing is waiting! Suzan said:

I recently hosted a prayer night at my house. It was the first with this group of very special ladies. These women are amazing and bring an element of spirituality into my life that I have never experienced before.

During the day prior to us meeting, I kept finding a dozen reasons to cancel the event. Stress, too much to do, didn't feel well, house not in order, the list goes on, and finally my friend, Anne, told me that the enemy was working on me to divert our activities. She opened my eyes to the fact he was working against us through all of the nonsense of my day. Holy moly that hit me like a rock in the head. I was more determined to make it happen.

The prayer service was awesome and powerful. Healing took place and friendships in Christ were strengthened.

"I can" and I do believe God is working overtime to bring us joy and healing and happiness. What I constantly struggle against is the enemy working overtime also (with migraines and stuff) to stop us from drawing closer to God. Being aware and recognizing all of the enemy's tactics is key for me in winning the battle.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." - Ephesians 6:10-11

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Mar 12, "Day of Praise"

"'"If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" - Mark 9:23

I know we used this verse yesterday, but I have a couple more things to share. Some of you have heard these, but I think you'd agree that they bear repeating.

First, I was driving on a major road when my friend told me to turn. It was the small short road to The Red Barn. (You have got to check out www.theredbarn.org but even better is to go there.) All of a sudden, I felt this spiritual power sweep over me and through me. I slammed on the brakes and backed up the car. When I stopped, I said, "This is where the anointing of this land began." My friend said, "Well, look here to the right; it's the property line."

The testimony in this is that, as God says in the Bible, land and buildings and homes can retain a spiritual power (something like a battery). So pray for God to bless your material property so that it will be blessed and not defiled. Also pray for your material property so that it will draw people to ministry and refuge that's offered in Jesus' name.

Do you believe? "'"If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" (Mark 9:23)

The second thing I wanted to tell y'all is to believe that God is working overtime to bring you to his joy and plans and healing, which are three distinct but connected blessings from God.

This past Sunday afternoon, I thought, "Oh, I'll call Shirley [about a small matter I needed to discuss]." When I called, she said that she was literally texting me to tell me she couldn't come to our monthly healing service, (where God has been changing people's lives, like last month when a woman was healed of a skin rash that she'd been suffering for years.) Shirley said she really needed to come for prayer and the Bible-commanded laying on of hands, but she was just swept over with unbearable, shut-you-down pain from a sudden migraine and more. As we talked on the phone, she sent me the text she'd typed about not coming. So we prayed on the phone that God would cast out the pain so Shirley could come to the monthly healing service.

Not only did God relieve Shirley's pain to make coming possible, but when Shirley got there, God opened at least three doors to healing and joy and plans for Shirley that she would not have received if Shirley had stayed at home. But God orchestrated Shirley's blessings; just read back over this brief witness!

The bottom line is that God wants to give you joy, plans, and healing, according to his bidding and orchestration. Do you believe? "'"If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" (Mark 9:23)

May your day be filled with anticipation as you look in faith for what God has in store for you and also for those that you yourself call to believe.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Mar 11, "Day of Praise"

"[The father said,] 'But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.'
'"If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" - Mark 9:22b-24

When I was a kid, a very little kid, I was in love with Hayley Mills. Ya know, Disney, Pollyanna, Parent Trap. That Hayley Mills. (If you still don't know her, Google her.)

Anyway, never mind that she was eighteen years older than me, and I was like six years old, I thought Hayley Mills was the best.

So I asked God to do something about it. I believed that God could.

God didn't.

And I got over it.

Because God did do something. God made sure I didn't wind up with Hayley Mills.

I know this all sounds crazy.

It's supposed to.

Ya see, what God wants from us is a radical faith that God hears our every prayer. And moreso, God wants us to have a radical faith that God knows every movement of our heart.

And God wants us to have a radical faith that God wants what is best for our heart. And God wants us to have a radical faith that God will use God's almighty power to do or not do whatever God chooses because whatever God chooses to do or not to do is best for me and my heart.

And for everybody I care about and their hearts. And for everybody God cares about and their hearts.

Which is everybody. God cares about everybody.

And it's a good thing that God cares about everybody because caring about everybody is far more than I myself can keep up with because I miss out on way too many things to be able to keep up with everybody because (yes, I'm human, but) I'm too busy in some silly daydream about Hayley Mills. Well, at least when I was six. I think it was some actress out of Doctor Zhivago (Google it) when I was seven.

But God can.

Care about everybody, that is.

He showed it, the proverbial plain as day, when he died for everybody on a cross through Jesus. And then raised Jesus from the dead so that we'd all know that God's even got all the yucky stuff (sin, death, despair, difficulty, disappointment, dumb decisions, ridiculous day dreaming about Disney actresses, and on and on and on) in his care.

And that's all I need to know.

God can.

And God does.

Care.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Mar 9, "Day of Praise"

"On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Mark 2:17

When I was a kid, I liked going to the doctor and the dentist. Dr. White and Dr. Montgomery apparently were great at their trades. All I knew was they were nice. They never made me feel bad when something needed healing or fixing, even if it was my fault for its condition. But the bottom line, they made sure I knew if something was out of whack, and they took care of it.

Jesus does the same thing. Tell your unbelieving friends that there's no need to run from Jesus. Jesus doesn't make us feel bad when something needs healing or fixing, even if it is our fault for its condition. He makes sure we know if something is out of whack, and he takes care of it.

In sum, there's no need to act like we've got it all together, when we don't. God (in Romans 3:10) makes it clear, "There is no one righteous, not even one." We all need a doctor, the Great Physician.

I know from experience, and I hope you do too, that Jesus can make things a whole lot better. So bring him your messes, your wounds, your mistakes, your broken hearts. The Doctor is here for you!

Praise God!





Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Mar 8, "Day of Praise"

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." - 1 John 2:1

Whew! Now we can enjoy our day, knowing that if we mess up, then Jesus has got us covered!

Happy Friday!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Mar 7 "Day of Praise"

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." - James 1:22

Whenever you face trials...
When your faith is being tested...
Whenever you need faith...
When you have to persevere...
Whenever you're being pushed to mature...
When you're lacking...
Whenever you need wisdom...
When you feel unstable...
Whenever you find yourself in humble circumstances...
When you feel humiliated...
Whenever you feel "under the heat"....
When you're under trial...
Whenever temptation comes...
When anger is welling up...
Whenever evil is lurking near...
In sum, when the next round of dIfficulty and trouble come...

I have never heard anyone cry out...
Oh, I just want to study.
And I've never heard...
Oh, I just want to think.
And I've not heard...
Oh, I just want more information.
And I don't hear anyone say...
Oh, I just want to listen.

No.

Whenever you feel "under the heat"....
When you're under trial...
Whenever temptation comes...
When anger is welling up...
Whenever evil is lurking near...
In sum, when the next round of dIfficulty and trouble comes...

I always hear people say...
In some way, shape, or form...
I want to live.

That's why, God, in today's verse, says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)

So you can.

Live, that is.

Because to live is to live God's word.

Not just study it, think about it, get more information about it, or listen to it.

To live, when it's good times or bad, is to believe God at his word and then to, the proverbial, put your money where your mouth is and live what you say you believe.

I'm not making this stuff up. Read the Bible for yourself, specifically the whole of the book of James, chapter 1.

And there you'll see, in sum, whether it's hard times or good, if you want to live and live well, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)

Dear God, please help us to do so today.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Mar 6, "Day of Praise"

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:16

When I was a teenager, I would go to sleep trying not to forget all the things that I had to do the next day. I had all sorts of mnemonics, all sorts of learning techniques to aid my information retention.

For example, I'd come up with a word where every letter was the first letter of something I had to remember. So BALL might be the following: B for Bug guy is coming, A for Ask if anyone has large concrete planters, L for Look for Conner at his wax museum, and L for Lay out money for Camille's Special Equestrian fund raiser.

Sometimes I'd forget my word or forget what the letters stood for.

You'd think I'd just write it down, eh?

But actually I didn't want to write stuff down because I remembered how a Dale Carnegie book said that using your memory makes your memory better.

So let's all improve our memory by using it. Here's the incredibly short list of fifteen things that God tells us not to forget. (So they must be the most important!)

Don't forget:
1) The Lord - Deuteronomy 6:12 and 8:11
2) God has cleansed you from past sin - 2 Peter 1:9
3) God's decrees and precepts - Psalm 119:83 and Psalm 119:141
4) God's law - James 1:25
5) The covenant that God made with you. - Deuteronomy 4:23 and 2 Kings 17:38
6) The helpless - Psalm 10:12
7) The lives of your afflicted loved ones - Psalm 74:19
8) The teaching of God the Father - Proverbs 3:1
9) The things of the LORD that your eyes have seen. - Deuteronomy 4:9
10) The words of God - Proverbs 4:5
11) To blot out things that turn you from the Lord - Deuteronomy 25:19
12) To do good and to share with others - Hebrews 13:16
13) To look ahead - Philippians 3:13
14) To show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:2
15) With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. - 2 Peter 3:8.

May Almighty God, who never forgets us, help us to never forget his short list of things to remember.

Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Mar 5, "Day of Praise"

"[Jesus said,] Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." - John 14:1

I loved being a kid. Everyday, for the most part, was fun. I really don't remember ever planning anything. I just woke up, and then I either played or did what I was told to do. Of course, when I finished what I was told to do, then I could go back to playing.

What a wonderful life--being a kid and all.
And then one day, (I don't quite remember when), I grew up.

Every single day had a plan. I had to do this. I had to study for that. I couldn't forget that one thing. And I had to help out with the other thing.

Now life was filled with things that others told me to do. And then when I was done with their things, I didn't go back to playing. I needed to do my things.

I was a grown up.

There was one thing, though, that I didn't ever plan for, but it seemed to always find it's way into my schedule, namely, trouble. Heart trouble. No, not physical heart trouble, though in October 1999, I flat-lined twice, but that's a story for another day.

No, the heart trouble that found its way into my schedule was not physical. It was spiritual, relational-to-God heart trouble.

The reason the heart trouble would find its way into my schedule is because I would pretty much leave the Lord out of my schedule.

Unless, of course, the Lord was scheduled into my schedule.

Ya know, like "I gotta go to church." Or "I gotta go to Bible study." Or "I gotta...". You get the point.

But here's God's point in today's verse: God doesn't want to be scheduled into our life. He wants to be our life. He doesn't want to be, "If all else fails, then I'll try God." He wants to be our Plan!!! As in "Here's the way my day's gonna go; it's gonna go God's Way." That's why Jesus said (shortly after today's verse), "I am the Way!"

And if God is my plan for the day, if God is my Way through Christ, then when something tries to find it's way into my schedule that's not planned, namely, trouble, then guess what? I'm not gonna let it in. I'm not gonna let my heart be troubled because if God is leading my schedule, then trouble's gonna have to get through The Scheduler. And if The Scheduler lets something in, then he will also put boundaries on whatever he lets in because God is in charge of trouble and anything else that might come our way.

We need only to believe.

"[Jesus said,] Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." - John 14:1

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Mar 4, "Day of Praise"

"and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4

Some of you really need this verse from God's word today. All of God's word is useful (2 Timothy 3:16), but I just know many of you because you've kindly shared, and I pray for the hard spots that are before you today. I suppose it's kinda poetic, but it's straight from scripture. So call it what you will.

Ok, here's the deal. This is what today's verse means for your day.

Picture this. You're walking in a wilderness. A very big, dry, hot wilderness. You've been walking in that very big, dry, hot wilderness for quite a while.

You're thirsty.

Very thirsty.

God says, "Hey, there's a rock. Speak to it, and it will pour forth all the sweet, cool, satisfying water that you could ever dream of."

But you're so thirsty and sweaty hot and tired and frustrated and irritated that your will asserts itself over God's word. So you strike the rock instead of speaking to it. Yes, water comes out, but it's bitter instead of sweet. It's hot instead of cool. And it's less than satisfying instead of totally satisfying as God had promised.

This really happened with Moses and Aaron long ago, as recorded in Numbers 20. The key 6 verses are included below after our traditional and heartfelt "Praise God."

And this is what it means for you.

Sometime today, maybe at the start of your day, you're going to reach your limit. Frustrated. Irritable. You'll be in the spot between the proverbial rock and the hard place. The hard place is, well, a hard place. The rock is Christ; (remember today's verse from 1 Corinthians 10:4, "that rock was Christ.")

God's going to say to you, "Hey, there's a rock. Speak to it, and it will pour forth all the sweet, cool, satisfying water that you could ever dream of."

What God means is this. Look at your hard place. Smile. Then look at Jesus, your rock, and then speak to him, (you don't have to yell at Jesus, which is tantamount to striking the rock). You calmly say, "Lord, you're the Lord. Please do something about this."

And he will.

Your job is to believe that he will, to watch him do something about it (in his time!!!), and to chuckle, saying, "Cooooool!"

As in "sweet, cool, satisfying water" like you never could imagine or dream of.

Because it came from a rock.

"and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4

Praise God!

Numbers 20:7-12 --
The Lord said to Moses, 8 "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink."

9 So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Mar 2, "Day of Praise"

"Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them" - Psalm 106:4

Thank you all! Here's your list of God's food for us that Jesus was talking about in John 4:34-35 in yesterday's verses. This is the favor and the aid God gives us as the Psalmist is talking about in today's verse. This is what we can tell every person that they can have or keep on having everyday with God through Jesus.

1 - who would i thank when i wake every day with out Jesus?
who would be my helper as i go to work without Jesus?
who would carry me when my burdens were too heavy without Jesus?
who would i ask to keep me through the night without Jesus?

2 - Without Jesus I wouldn't have my relationship with my best friends.

3 - Without Jesus I wouldn't have a guide.

4 - Without Jesus I wouldn't believe in miracles.

5 - Without Christ, I have no forgiveness.

6 - One thing that is better in my life because of Jesus is ME, because without him, I would be a lost, sinful "filthy rag".

7 - Without Jesus I would never feel safe.

8 - Without Jesus there would be no righteous, no faith, no everlasting life.

9 - Without Jesus, 'The sunny days would have less shine, and cloudy days would be more gloomy than they already are.'

10 - EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY THING WOULD BE WORSE IN OUR LIVES WITHOUT JESUS CHRIST!

11 - With Jesus I have hope, love, and faith. Without Jesus I would be more selfish, unforgiving, and ungrateful.

12 - With Jesus, we get to see the Father more clearly through the Son. As Hebrews tells us, Jesus is "the exact imprint of his nature". What a joy to know the God of all creation through a man who walked on this earth!

13 - With Jesus, I have peace knowing that God loves me.

14 - Wow! That's thought provoking. I just can't imagine my life without Jesus. I need more of Him in my life not less.

15 - Without Jesus, I would worry constantly.

16 - Without Jesus, I would be lost, I would have no direction.

17 - I love to sing throughout my day, and if I didn't have Jesus and have hope, I wouldn't be able sing.

18 - Without Jesus, I wouldn't have Hope, Love, Faith, Grace, Peace, Eternal Life. Sorry, I can't pick just one.

19 - Without Jesus, I would have no forgiveness and no relationship with God, no salvation.

20 - Without Jesus, I would have no power in my life that is able to stop satan's attacks, and I would be in constant suffering here in time and constant torment for eternity.

21 - Without Jesus, I would have no basis for honest, true and "agape" interactions with any other human being.

22 - All things are possible thru Christ. I would not be where I am today without Christ in my life…my career, education, financially, and spiritually.

23 - Without Jesus I wouldn't have hope in the future or a reason for living.

24 - Life without Jesus is Hopeless!  We are always looking to the future in our lives, but when we have no hope, life becomes very difficult and depressing.  However, with Jesus in our life, we have a wonderful future to look forward to. Can it be any simpler or encouraging?

25 - Jesus is my anchor in this broken, sinful world. Without him, my days would
be meaningless.

26 - I wouldn't have hope and perspective when things go wrong.

27 - Love

28 - If I didn't have Jesus, death would be the end of life.

29 - Without Jesus I wouldn't know just how much my Father loves me. OUCH!!!

30 - A life without Christ would be an empty life without hope or meaning.

31 - Hope in the midst of the storm. I know in my darkest hours that Christ will
get me through.

32 - Without Christ, there would be no church in which to raise my children in a morally upright environment, instead of the cesspool the rest of the world has become.

33 - With Jesus, my life is better because I can stop worrying about where life will take me and my family since God is leading us all.

34 - Without Jesus, I wouldn't have truth.

35 - Forgiveness.

36 - I can't even imagine a life without Jesus. I wouldn't have anything.

37 - Without Jesus there would be an empty space in my heart and surely less peace.

38 - Without Jesus I couldn't be a nurse. What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.

39 - I would have no hope without Christ.

40 - Without Jesus I wouldn't have hope.

41 - I would not have peace.

42 - NO hope!

43 - Without Christ, I would be anxious all the time.

44 - Without Jesus I would never see my daddy again. Praise God I will!

45 - Life would be very dull knowing when we die that it is all over, and if we did not have Christ in our lives it would be extremely hot in the grave! Through Christ, He has given us hope and an extended family as we all are brothers n sisters in Christ!

46 - Without Jesus I would still be suffering from the guilt and shame of the past. Instead I can find peace in the fact that God has been preparing me for something and that he has a plan for my life.

47 - I could write a blog post about this...But my answer is: Jesus is the perfect example of why we are here. The verse today says it...but as I like to think of it (while I sing it) "fishers of men, fishers of men...sent out to catch them and bring them in. We'll wake them up, shake them up, teach them truth and when they're thrilled with God, filled with God we'll send them out and then They'll be fishers of fishers of fishers of fishers of men!") Without Jesus we would not know our purpose. He makes it clear and simple if we could just love God and each other. Sorry so long(:

48 - Without Jesus I wouldn't be alive today - I would be dead either by suicide or heart attack - He showed me His guardian angels keeping watch over me and I've been running to Him since that night. Praise God!!!

49 - Without Jesus I wouldn't have hope - my tears are changing from tears of sorrow to tears of joy as I grow into relationship with Him deeper every day!

50 - Without Jesus I wouldn't know the depth and power of true love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and pure joy. I would still be a very lonely soul. I am worthy of His divine love and grace!

51 - Without Jesus and His mercy, love, and forgiveness, I wouldn't be travelling over 600 miles at spring break to visit my Dad who I haven't had a relationship with in 25 years. By Him I am stronger. By Him I am healed. By Him I am loved. By Him I am forgiven, and I can forgive. By Him I can love again. Thank you Jesus!

52 - The first thing that came to my mind was that I wouldn't have Christ the King Lutheran Church. My brothers and sisters in Christ give our family so much joy, hope, encouragement, and support. My children have developed deep friendships with the youth. My husband and I have made friends for a lifetime. And women like Joy Dearing, Maizie Nelson, Jean Christie, Leschen Hamner, Barb Terlep, Carla Demsky, Lee Segrest, and Suzanne Brown provide me with constant reminders to serve with a joyful heart! I am so thankful for all of our friends at CTK!

53 - Without Christ, I would not have been born. My mother prayed for me every day, even before I was born. The doctors warned her that this last pregnancy would not go well for her or me- I would not make it, if born I would be deformed and mentally retarded.

54 - Without Christ in my life I would not have been able to withstand the daily physical pain, chronic medical problems, emotional and financial stress all my life especially these past 8 years.

55 - Without Jesus we would not have sure and certain hope of everlasting life!

56 - Without Jesus we would not have a Glorious Easter!

57 - Without Jesus we would not have a Reason for the Season!

58 - Also from the hymn: "Because He Lives!"- ...I can face tomorrow; ...all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!!!

59 - Also a Scout Song: "It Only Takes a Spark!" ...to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up to it's glowing. Chorus: That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, it's fresh like spring, you want to sing, you want to pass it on. Next verse - I wish for you my friend this happiness that I've found, You can depend on him,  It matters not where you're bound. I'll shout it from the mountain top, I want the world to know,  The Lord of LIfe has come to me, I want to pass it on.

60 - Also a song I sang at an Amateur Contest at Knoebel's Grove the summer I believe I was 14 and won like $10 - maybe more, but anyway "It Is No Secret" ...what God can do; what He's done for others, he'll do for you. With arms wide open, he'll pardon you, for it is no secret what God can do!  (This is the chorus and the verses have some real sweet messages in them , but I don't recall all the words!)  Like: For in His light there is no night, you'll never walk alone. Always feel at home, wherever you may roam. Just take Him at His promise, for I have news for you! ...(then Chorus again) For God is by your side, don't run away and hide!  (These are bits and pieces of the verses!)  Think it was a song by Hank Snow.

61 - Knowing that I need to be constantly alert to keeping my eyes on Jesus every day, I find when I do achieve that goal of keeping my eyes on Christ and trying to be like Christ (hoping to reach sanctification knowing I have lots of room to grow), my life is more peaceful and more joyous. And, it makes me sooooo happy to know I'm loved sooooooooooo much by our creator that it will bring tears to my eyes. Lots of times an overwhelming sense of joy will come in waves when I am so thankful for an answer to a prayer or blessings bestowed or just praising God for loving me so much. I don't want to face life without Him.

62 - I may not have much but I do have Jesus!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Mar 1, "Day of Praise"

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." - John 4:34-35

I want to eat the same good food as Jesus. I bet you do too.

What is his good food? In today's verses, Jesus makes it plain. His good food is to do the will of Father God who sent him. And the will of the Father is gathering the harvest, which is bringing people to a saving, life-changing, eternal relationship with the Lord through Jesus.

In sum, we'd say, if we want to eat Jesus' food, then we must bring people to Christ.

Now, don't get scared. All we need to do is make another list like we did a couple days ago. On this new list, we're simply going to put the 75-100 things that would be worse about our lives without Christ, such as "without Jesus I wouldn't have forgiveness" or "I wouldn't have hope" or "I wouldn't have a reason to live."

Seriously, let's make one more list this week. Right now. Hit "reply", and send in one thing that would be worse about your life without Christ, or make it positive with one thing that is better in your life because Jesus is in it. (Those on the internet, send it to pastor2553@tmo.blackberry.net.)

And then, what we'll send out tomorrow/Saturday with this devotion is your 75-100 reasons why people need Jesus, which will be the same 75-100 reasons why we're compelled to share Jesus with the world, one person at a time.

I look forward to hearing one thing from you. This will be fun and encouraging to us all so that we'll be a team in sharing Jesus with all people.

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." - John 4:34-35

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson