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John 21:1-17             We often wonder why some people who begin the Christian journey never seem to get too far.  Some just kind of poke along the road.  Others appear to stand around and watch fellow travelers hike on by down the highway.  There are many, sad to say, who leave the route at various junctures and head out for vague, fanciful destinations.             What is the cause for this? Let’s first eliminate one possibility.  And that would be belief or faith.  Now I do realize that some who have begun the discipleship journey get to a point (for whatever reasons) that they stop believing in Jesus, even in God.  From my experience, these are in the minority.  Many “stragglers” on the road will say something like “I still believe in God” or “I still have faith.”  The scriptures give us several examples of people who believed in Jesus and/or the gospel but failed to build on that faith and never made it (as far as we know).  So, what’s the key?  Let’s look at John 21.             Jesus has been resurrected and gone to Galilee where He said He would meet the disciples.  They had gone as instructed, but when Jesus had not yet shown Himself to them, Peter said, “I am going fishing.”  Galilee, the lake, was his old haunt, and fishing was his livelihood.  All familiar and comfortable.  Well, they caught nothing after fishing all night.  Jesus appears on the shore, tells them to cast their net on the “right-hand side of the boat,” and they haul in 153 large fish.  Of course now, they recognize the Lord.  After a charcoal-fired breakfast, Jesus is ready to talk sheep with Peter.             “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  I don’t know why so many people struggle with what the “these” is here.  It’s the key to the whole story and to devoted discipleship.  The “these” are the fish which represent Peter’s former passion and life.  Is he ready to give it all up now in order to shepherd God’s people?             “Do you love Me more than these?”  More than yourself, your own life, your husband/wife, your children, your career, your greatest passion in life...?  Jesus is alive.  He is a real person.  He gave Himself for you.  Do you love Him?  Will you follow Him?             “Do you love Me more than these?”  That is the question.                                                             ><>  Jeff

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18             Today is “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”  In 1941, when most of the world was at war, the United States was trying to stay out of the conflict.  On December seventh, the Japanese navy conducted a surprise attack on U.S. naval and army forces in Hawaii.  The next day, the United States officially entered World War II.  The lives of every American alive at that time were severely impacted.  The fallout and effects from the events of that day are still being felt in our time.             There were many days in the history of mankind which contained monumental events.  The Bible speaks of five of the most significant.  One is yet to happen.             The birth of Jesus Christ : Prophesied from the very beginning in the garden, the birth of the Son of God as Savior of the world came about when God had everything in place.  His desire for all people to have life eternal would be fulfilled through the life, ministry and death of His only begotten Son.             The baptism of Jesus : Many people overlook this day, but when Jesus was baptized by John, He unabashedly identified with sinful humanity and officially began His work to free us from the iron grip of Satan.  His Father openly acknowledged Him on that day.             The crucifixion of Jesus : This was a dark day for the human race with its wickedness on full display.  Jesus’ own people railroaded Him in a rigged trial and pressured Pilate to yield to their wishes to execute Him by crucifixion, a grisly death.  This all despite the fact that Jesus was innocent of any law-breaking, either Mosaic or Roman.             The resurrection of Jesus : This was a day of victory!  Despite its gruesome aspects, Jesus’ death was actually the sacrifice of the Son of God for the sins of the world.  He came back from the dead on this day in triumph over Satan, death and Hades.             The return of Jesus : Jesus will return at the end of the age to reward His own and take them to be with Him.  What a great day that will be!  Jesus’ enemies and unbelievers will be condemned to eternal destruction.  A sad day for them.             Do I even have to ask?  Are you ready?                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 6:1-14 , 25-35             How many meals a week do you eat?  Do you get your “three squares” a day?  That would be twenty-one meals a week.  We all know that because of crazy schedules, sometimes we miss a meal or just grab something “on the go.”  Perhaps we should reword the question: How many times a week do you eat?  Most of us (all?) also eat snacks (nutritious or not) during the day and do some snacking in the evening.  Without stretching it too much, we may be eating something 35 to 40 times a week!  That’s a lot of eating.  But we know that food (especially nutritious food) is essential to maintain good health and provide energy to work, recreate, and live life.             Jesus used the idea of food and applied it to the spiritual person.  Following His feeding of the 5000, He admonished the crowd who had followed Him for simply wanting food for the body.  He told them to work “for the food which endures to eternal life.”  In the exchange which followed, there was discussion about the manna which Israel ate in the wilderness.  Jesus reminded His listeners that the manna had come from His Father, and that “the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”  He then spoke those beautiful words: “I am the bread of life.”             Now let’s ask this question.  If we eat thirty plus times a week to feed our bodies, how many times a week do we need to feed on the Bread of Life to maintain a healthy spiritual person?  How many times a week do we need to feed on the Word and seek the Lord in prayer to receive the knowledge, strength and guidance to live the Christian life?             Perhaps the numbers comparison is not legitimate, but Jesus told His hearers to “work...for the food which endures to eternal life.”  This implies time, energy and effort.  It could be that Satan has deceived us (again) into thinking that one or two helpings on Sunday of the Bread of Life is enough to get us through the week.  Actually, that’s probably true, but God wants us to do more than just “get through the week.”  He wants us to grow and become forces for good in this evil world.  Are you getting enough of the Bread of God?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:15             Thanksgiving is our very favorite holiday.  It bothers us a great deal that it gets squeezed out (even crushed) between Halloween and Christmas.  Thanksgiving brings together faith and family, along with food (some would add football!).  To use an overworked phrase: it doesn’t get any better than that!  Although Paul encourages us to “be thankful” as a matter of course, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause from the hectic pace of daily living and reflect upon the goodness of the Lord God, our Creator.  His blessings range from the material through the spiritual.  For what things should we be thankful?  Here are just a few...   >                    the love of God.  Without it, we perish >                    the cross of our Lord Jesus.  Without it we perish >                    the resurrection of Jesus.  Without it we perish >                    the Holy Spirit.  Without Him we are in the dark >                    your parents.  They took care of you and taught you. >                    your siblings, if you had them.  Despite the squabbles. >                    the opportunity to hear and obey the gospel.  Life saving. >                    a loving and faithful wife or husband.  A true blessing. >                    children and grandkids.  What a joy! >                    God’s patience.  You didn’t always do right. >                    God’s looking out for you.  Oh my!  How many times? >          God’s bringing you through hard times.  Yes, He did. >                    Having more than enough to help others.  Humbling. >                    the Bible.  So much to learn; so little time. >                    prayer.  He is always available. >                    your church family.  They really do love you. >                    morning coffee.  Bacon.  Chocolate.  Pizza. >                    a good book.  Good music.  A good conversation. >                    Sunshine.  Fresh air.  Morning mist.  Flowers. >                    Freedom.  Hope.               What else would you add?  Be thankful.                                                             ><>  Jeff

1 Corinthians 6:9-11             It is a well-known fact in the parenting and teaching literature that children will tend to fulfill the expectations made for them.  If a child is encouraged to do well and are told they have talent and are praised for their work, then they will develop a healthy view of themselves and will persevere in life.  If a child is never encouraged, and constantly put down and never praised, they will develop a negative view of themselves and find themselves on the road to mediocrity and even failure.  Perspective is important.             This brings us to how we view ourselves as Christians.  We hear the lessons and read the texts - “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” ( Romans 3:23 ).  John reminds us that even after being baptized  that we still sin - “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.” ( 1 John 1:8 ).  So, then, Is there no difference between those outside of Christ and those in Christ?  Are we all just broken humanity?  Or does perspective matter?             If you are a Christian, are you just the same as the guy who gets plastered every weekend at the local bar?  Or the woman who racks up credit card debt because she wants the best and wants more?  Or the businessman who cheats his clients out of their money?             Of course you’re not!  But has it been drummed into our heads for so long that we are sinners, that we carry that view of ourselves around like a weight around our necks?  How do we see ourselves?               Paul wanted the church at Corinth to have the proper perspective on themselves.  After pointing out some of their own blatant failures (sins), he reminds them of a whole list of “unrighteous” who will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But then he writes this: “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”  You are now different.             Cleansed and forgiven; set apart to God; declared righteous; all this in the name of Christ and through the Holy Spirit.  This is you!             Why were so many letters addressed to “the saints” and not to  “the broken sinners?”  Hmmm?  How do you see yourself?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Acts 1:6-11             What would you do with five minutes with Jesus?  Suppose He appeared at your door one evening and asked to come in.  It was just the two of you there in the room.  Take a minute or two and give it some thought.             Did you prostrate yourself?  Kneel?  Or did you forget to show reverence to God?  Perhaps you were too stunned to do anything.  Or did you start filling the air with your questions and requests?             “Lord, what happened in 2019 when I lost my job?  It sure was a hardship on us.  We still haven’t fully recovered.”             “Lord, I don’t understand this thing about suffering.  Especially when some people just seem to get a never-ending dose of it while others don’t seem to have much trouble at all.  You know?”             “Lord, why do some parts of your word seem to be so difficult to understand?  Could you shed a little light on ...?”             “Lord, we could sure use...”             Or did you wait for Him to speak?  Did you listen intently and hang on His every word?  Did you savor the sound of His voice?  Did you observe His face as He spoke?  What did it  say?             Did you look at His hands?  See the scars?  They were there.  What did you think when you saw the very scars of which you had read and pictured in your mind so many times ... the scars which set you free and gave you life?             As you sat there in His presence did the actuality of His being real and alive flood your soul with overwhelming joy and calming peace at the same time?  Then, the time was gone, and Jesus got up to leave.  Did you want Him to go?  Did you want to go with Him?             Maybe we misunderstand the disciples.  They stood gazing into heaven after Jesus had ascended, and we don’t quite understand their reaction to His leaving in such a way.  Perhaps it was at this very moment they realized just how much they loved their Lord, and they could hardly bear the thought of His leaving them?             What about your five minutes with Jesus?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 13:53-58             Everywhere Jesus went He amazed people.  His words were authoritative, uplifting, and went deep into the heart.  They reverberated with truth.  His miracles were powerful and indisputable.  His healings were genuine and unprecedented.  He feared no man.  He sent His questioners away with more questions, but welcomed the children into His arms.  He challenged the self-righteous, but forgave sinners.  His hometown was offended at Him for they knew Him as “the carpenter’s son,” and His brothers and sisters were there with them.  Without legitimate dispute, Jesus of Nazareth has been and still is the most influential person who has ever lived.  How could this be?             Jesus held no PhD or even a high school diploma, yet He was called Teacher.             He attended no Bible college nor school of preaching, yet He knew the word of God inside out.             He owned no grain fields nor vineyards, yet people called Him Lord and Master.             He had no permanent home but never lacked a place to sleep nor food to eat.             He was not a doctor nor did He dispense medicines, but the crowds came to Him to be healed.             His words were both uplifting and challenging, and His expectations were demanding, but He never lacked for followers.             He won no military campaigns, yet He was welcomed as a conquering hero.             A king, a court, a governor and a whole array of biblical scholars were all confounded by Him.             He committed no wrong nor crime, but He was put to death as a criminal.             They sealed His body in a tomb, but He came back from the dead.             He commanded no armies nor navies yet overcame the powers of this world and now rules the nations.             Just who is this Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s Son?                                                             ><>  Jeff

2 Peter 3:17-18             Discipleship is a learning and doing process.  The Word of God styles this in many different ways: putting off the old and putting on the new; going on to perfection; growing into a mature man; bearing fruit, et al.  Even after a certain level of maturity is achieved, the learning and growing is not to stop.  A disciple can become Christ-like but never achieve the incomparable perfection of the Master.             Peter urges his readers (Note: no singling out of the babes from the mature) to avoid being carried away into error by continuing to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  In what areas do you need to keep growing?  Where are you deficient?  I know that I have areas in which I can do a lot better.  If we’re honest, each one of us can still be learning...   >                    ...the wonders of God’s creation. >                    ...my great need for prayer to my heavenly Father. >                    ...to put other people before ourselves. >                    ...to put people before things. >                    ...to trust God with my life. >                    ...to be a better servant. >                    ...the depth of the love of Christ. >                    ...when to speak up and when to keep silent. >                    ...the blessedness of being in the kingdom of God. >                    ...what to say when I do say something. >                    ...how to be a better husband or wife or parent. >                    ...how to stay focused on the spiritual and things above. >                    ...to love God wholeheartedly. >                    ...the wonders of the Word of God. >                    ...about what makes people do what they do. >                    ...how better to love other people. >                    ...to worship from the depths of my soul. >                    ...not to pre-judge other people. >                    ...to use the gifts God has given to me. >                    ...what we still need to learn.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here we go with another installment of the sayings and quotes I’ve assembled over the years.  Learn, ponder, smile and be blessed!   >                    Excuses are lies in camouflage.   >                    Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God.                                                 – Ralph Waldo Emerson   >                    Every day is a gift.  Be thankful.   >                    Never get so busy making a living that you don’t have time to make a life.   >                    What gets your heart gets your energy and your resources.  Whoever has your love has your service.                                                 – Jim McGuiggan   >                    It isn’t enough to have Christ in your life; you must have your life in Christ.   >                    A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.   >                    ...if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability...                                                 – Nick Vujicic   >                    The devil has one basic rule: hurt somebody.   >                    Doing little things adds up to great things in the kingdom.   >                    Never be ashamed to admit you were in the wrong.  It’s just another way to say you are wiser today than yesterday.                                                               ><>  Jeff

Matthew 28:1-10             On the morning of Jesus’ resurrection there was a lot of activity and excitement.  Besides Jesus’ rising from the dead (which no one observed), a great earthquake occurred when an angel of the Lord came and rolled the stone from the tomb’s entrance.  When the women came and encountered the angel they became afraid, but their fear mixed with joy when they learned of Jesus’ resurrection.             As instructed by the angel, they were on their way to tell the disciples when Jesus met them.  He also instructed them to go tell the disciples that He was alive and that they should meet Him in Galilee.  In John’s gospel, it appears that Mary Magdalene made two trips to the tomb, and he records some of the conversation which Jesus had with her.  That same evening, Jesus appeared to the eleven and showed them His wounds.  At first they were startled, thinking they had seen a spirit, but then they rejoiced when they understood it was the Lord.             It was an exciting time.  To say that the eleven disciples and the others then understood the whole meaning of Jesus’ return from the dead would be incorrect.  This didn’t happen until fifty days later when the Holy Spirit came upon the twelve and began revealing the truths of all these things to them.  But they were all amazed and overjoyed that Jesus was back with them.  Jesus was alive again!             When we read in the gospels of Jesus’ resurrection, are we filled with the same joy which thrilled those disciples?  I’m not sure that would be possible since we did not personally experience Him and all these events.  But we believers should have a deep and abiding joy in knowing that our Savior, this Jesus to whom we have pledged our lives, has indeed come back from the dead.  His resurrection shattered the silence of the grave, broke the bonds of Hades and opened the door to a glorious future for humanity with God Himself!  That’s incredible news which should continue to thrill our hearts.             Yes, I know that we’ve all heard this before.  But we should not let this become just some old, stale church teaching.  Death has been beaten!  Jesus is alive, and He’s coming back.  That’s good news. That’s great news!  That’s exciting news!!                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 3:20-21             Jesus taught the importance and absolute necessity in knowing truth: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ( John 8:31-32 ).  As a result, we search the word of Christ, the Bible, to know what that truth is.  We search to know the word of God, the doctrine of Christ, and the truth of the Spirit.  We have developed that desire to know the truth, and well we should.             However, in our diligent search to know the truth, we must realize that truth has a purpose.  Truth isn’t simply knowledge to be accumulated, but action in which to be engaged.  Truth is for doing.  Jesus said as much in His discourse in which He declared God’s love for a lost world ( John 3:16 ).  He went on to say that Light had come into the world and that those who practiced evil would shun that Light while those who practiced truth would come to it.  (The NKJV has “But he who does the truth...)  Sermons and Bible studies are necessary and Christ-honoring, but when we don’t put into practice what we learn, we just show our insincerity and the idols in our hearts.             If we learn the truth to love our neighbor, but never lift a finger nor give a dollar to help anybody, have we done the truth?             If we learn the truth to forgive each one who has wronged us, but still harbor grudges and bitterness, have we done the truth?             If we learn the truth that the Lord calls us to assemble around His table on the Lord’s Day with other believers, and we regularly choose to do other things during that time, have we done the truth?             If we learn the truth that slander and gossip are evils but we continue to engage in such talk, have we done the truth?             If we learn that we need to pray regularly and do our own study of Scripture, but do neither of those things, have we done the truth?             If we learn that Christ wants us to spread the gospel to the lost and to bring back erring sheep, and we never make any attempt to do those things, have we done the truth?             Truth is for learning and also for doing.                And that’s the truth!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 16:13-16             Somewhere near Caesarea Philippi, Peter made what we call the great confession about Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus affirmed that he spoke the truth.  It was a watershed moment for Jesus and the disciples - even for the entire world.  The Messiah had come, and God had been recognized to be among men.  What a glorious moment!             Throughout scripture, Jesus is given numerous names and titles: Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Immanuel, the Alpha and the Omega, the Son of Man, Savior, Redeemer, the Lamb of God - the list continues, long and impressive.  As we acknowledge like Peter that all of these names (and more) are rightly given to Jesus, I want us to consider something more personal for each one of us about Him.  Who is Jesus to you?   Does anything come to your mind?  Let me illustrate...   >                    Jesus is my hope. >                    Jesus is my joy. >                    Jesus is my encourager in difficult times. >                    Jesus is the One whom I love more than any other. >                    Jesus is my peace within. >                    Jesus is my protection without. >                    Jesus is my daily bread. >                    Jesus is my example in all things good. >                    Jesus is my strength when I want to quit. >                    Jesus is my armor when the devil attacks. >                    Jesus is my comfort when I hurt. >                    Jesus is my wisdom when I can’t figure it out. >                    Jesus is my shepherd when I need a guide. >                    Jesus is my light when I’m groping in the dark. >                    Jesus is my companion throughout the day. >                    Jesus is my Lord when I don’t want to. >                    Jesus is the One who hears my prayer in the night. >                    Jesus is the love in my heart.                                                             ><>  Jeff