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Matthew 16:13-17 People still struggle over  the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Just who is He?  They wrestle within themselves about Him.  They argue with others over Him.  Even some who say they believe in Him don’t seem to be fully convinced.  What say you? Let’s take a look.  He... ...walked on water ...gave sight to the blind ...made a paralytic walk ...healed a woman of a long-standing bleeding problem ...gave lepers a healthy skin ...made the best wine out of fresh water ...stilled the stormy winds ...”out fished” the fishermen with a huge catch on a slow day ...fed 5000 plus with 5 loaves and 2 fish ...raised the dead back to life ...taught the word of God with clarity, depth, and authority like no other ...stood up for the oppressed and the dispirited ...confronted the oppressors and the hypocrites ...confounded all those who tried to trap him with crafty questions about the Law ...claimed to be around before Abraham ...said God was His Father ...forgave sins ...lived in such a way that no one could convict Him of sin ...was crucified by Rome at the insistence of His own people ...was placed in a tomb, but rose to life on the third day ...sent His disciples out with a message of repentance, hope and eternal life Well, that’s a quick glimpse at this Jesus of Nazareth.  What do you think?  Peter said He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” What say you?  And what are you going to do about it? ><>  Jeff

John 1:32-46 A lone traveler was moving rapidly along the dusty road.  It was obvious that his mission was urgent for he was half running and half walking, passing by all others who were going in his direction, even those riding donkeys.  His greetings were short, if they came at all, as he brushed by others on the road. Andrew was hurrying to find his brother Simon.  His heart was pounding, his throat was dry, and his body wet from sweat; but he wasn’t about to stop for rest or water.  This was a day about which they had both talked and imagined.  It was a day for which Israel had dreamed for hundreds of years.  The dream had become reality.  The Messiah was here, on earth - in their lifetime! Andrew burst into the house panting.  “Simon!  Simon! We’ve found Messiah!” “Found who?” replied Simon who was standing in the middle of the room eating a piece of fish.  “Is something wrong?  You look terrible.  Here, have some water.” “No, nothing’s wrong.  In fact, everything’s right,” shot back Andrew between gulps of water.  “We’ve found Him!” “Found who?” “Messiah.” “Really?  And I hauled two boat loads of fish while you were away.  Has the sun finally baked your brain?” “No, truly.  John the baptizer has witnessed to us.  He saw the Spirit of God descend upon Him when he baptized Him.”  Andrew was still breathing heavily as he talked. Simon paused for a moment.  “What’s his name?” “It’s Jesus.  Of Nazareth.” “Are you sure about all this?” Simon’s voice took on a more serious tone. “Yes.  Yes, I am.  Come with me.  We know where He is staying, and He’s invited us to come.” “Very well.  Let’s go.  You can introduce me to this Jesus of Nazareth.  We’ll see if He has anything worthwhile to say.” ><>  Jeff

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Money has been the ruin of many people.  Well, that is, the love of it and craving for it.  We have read of many who ended up destitute or in prison because of greed and the desire for more and more wealth.  But Paul’s warnings in his letter to Timothy go beyond financial ruin.  He says that because of this craving for financial wealth many have “wandered away from the faith.”  Three things relative to money come to mind which can make it so dangerous. First, money can give a person a sense of power.  With money, I can begin to think that I can control what happens in my life.  I can begin to “wheel and deal” and try to impress people.  I could buy a company and run it the way I want.  I can hire and fire at will.  I can control other people.  I can control my future.  Power! Money can also give a person the feeling of freedom.  I am no longer tied to a budget.  I don’t have to be careful about spending.  I am free from having to be dependent: on relatives, on banks, on friends, on keeping a job.  I can get that new car, buy that diamond ring, take that vacation to exotic places.  Freedom! Perhaps the most dangerous feeling which money can give a person is security.  With money, I am free from worry about financial matters.  There is no trouble paying bills, having food on the table and making loan payments.  As long as I have enough money, I can feel confident about my situation and my future.  Security! These are the things about which Paul is warning his readers.  To have such views of money only cause us to want more, and consequently money becomes the god to which I look for power, freedom, and security.  Yet, the word of god teaches us that all power belongs to Christ, and He empowers His people.  The word teaches that freedom only exists when a person is free in Christ.  The word teaches that we are dependent upon the Lord for the very breath we take, and that God has promised to take care of His own. Beware!  The love of money is a deadly snare. Find your power, your freedom and your security in the Lord Jesus Christ. ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 To kick off the new year, here’s more of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected from time to time.  Read, reflect, learn and enjoy! >                    If you dwell in the past, you lose an eye.  If you forget the past, you lose both eyes. – Ancient Near Eastern proverb >                    Life is very much about how you handle Plan B. >                    “I love coaching, but anybody can coach.  My wife has just one husband, and my children have just one father.” – Danny Ainge, when he resigned as coach of the Phoenix Suns just six weeks into the 1999 season >                    You have never met a nobody. >                    Most human beings have an absolute and infinite capacity for taking things for granted.     – Aldous Huxley >                    Everybody wants to save the earth.  Nobody wants to help mom do the dishes.                    – P. J. O’Rourke >                    If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a closed room with a mosquito. – African saying >                    God loves you as you are, but loves you too much to leave you that way. >                    If you lack the courage to start, you are already done. >                                                                                            God will not be trifled with; He is Lord.         – Andree Seu ><>  Jeff

1 Peter 2:9 It feels strange to me to think of myself as holy.  What about you?  Nevertheless, Peter tells his readers that Christians are “a holy nation” and a people who are God’s own possession.  Perhaps it’s because the world has twisted the meaning of the word “holy” so much and misused it that we shy away from using it. Certainly it’s true that “holy” can mean pure and undefiled by sinful living.  God calls His people to “be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:14-16).  The meaning here is not to participate in the evils of the world.  Christians strive to achieve such a standard, and devoted disciples are diligent to apply the word in their lives to try to become like their Master Jesus.  The world often makes fun of people trying to live in this manner by using such words as “You think you’re better than everybody else” and “a holier than thou attitude.”  Little do they realize that Christians, more than any other people on earth, realize how far short of God’s holy standard they fall. The world also uses the word “holy” in reference to a particular group of people (a pastor, priest, monk, rabbi, etc.) who are total devotees to a certain religion.  “He’s a holy man” is often said of such individuals.  But God never intended for any of His church to be considered holier than any of the others.  New Testament teaching is clear on this.  Jesus Himself forbids that His followers should use such titles as “Rabbi,” “Father,” or “Teacher” since Christ is Lord over all of His followers and all Christians are to see themselves as His servants and to become servants to others (Matthew 23:8-12). As Peter uses the word in our text, “holy” means separated from the world unto God for His service and glory.  It is from the same Greek word from which we get saint and sanctification.  Every Christian is set apart from the world for God’s purposes.  “He is holy.”  “She is a saint.”  There are no ranks nor classes of people within the church, just differing responsibilities.  Nobody is holier than someone else because of what they do. Christians are a holy people unto the Lord.  Let us see ourselves in that light.  “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ><>  Jeff

Mark 1:14-15 During this holiday season, some people still go caroling.  This used to be a much more widespread tradition, but it has fallen into disuse.  There are, no doubt, many reasons for this.  People are just too busy.  People get their carols over the radio, on CD’s and various music outlets.  People just aren’t interested in Christmas carols anymore.  Traditional carols have been replaced with other kinds of “carols.”  It’s like a lot of things these days - things have changed. One thing which has not changed and never will change is the need for the world to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the grace of God.  People still need to hear of the love God has for them as seen in the death of Jesus on His cross and His resurrection from the dead.  They need to hear that they can avail themselves of Jesus’ triumph over sin and the grave through faith, repentance and baptism.  They need to hear of the promised, even guaranteed, hope of eternal life and future glory.  Just as Jesus did, and later the apostles and the early church, we, in our time, need to be telling the gospel story.  We need to be “gospeling,” if you will. On many counts, I am convinced that we have made this more difficult than it is.  We have let our fears deter us by anticipating all of the negative responses.  “What if someone makes fun of me?”  “What if they ask me a question I can’t answer?”  “What if I get tongue-tied or don’t remember what to say?”  We think we have to “preach” a whole gospel sermon.  We think we have to convert somebody on the spot.  We think...  We think...  We think too much! Just let the Holy Spirit guide you and be open to the people around you.  Here’s a couple of examples.  When someone starts talking of aches and illnesses, just mention your hope about one day having a “new body.”  When someone asks the proverbial “What do you know for sure?”, respond with, “Well, Jesus is alive from the dead.”  Just be ready and see where it goes.  Let God work. It is our privilege and should be our joy to spread the good news of salvation.  It is part of what we “signed on” to do as Christians who have been redeemed by the blood.  Let’s be gospeling. ><>  Jeff

Job 37:1-13 ‘Tis the season.  No, I’m not talking about Christmas; I’m talking about winter and snow.  We have had a few days with flurries and even some blowing snow, but no accumulation.  Snow is similar to many things we encounter in life: we either like it, or we don’t.  We can admire its beauty, or we can growl because we don’t like to drive in it.  We can marvel at its quieting effect, or we can grouch because we had to cancel our big event because of it.  However, kids in school will never grouch if they have a “snow day!” With all of our scientific knowledge and meteorological expertise, it’s easy to forget that God is the One behind the snow.  We watch maps with cold fronts, jet streams, low pressure areas and warm air masses and think it all just happens by natural forces.  It’s just the weather.  Elihu, one of Job’s visitors, would dispute such a position (see our text).  Elihu speaks of some of the majesty, wonder and power of God as seen in thunderstorms and cold, snowy weather.  In highly picturesque language, he describes the thundering of the voice of the Lord and the ice forming by His breath.  He commands the snow to “Fall on the earth,” and for the clouds laden with moisture to move about the sky.  God is clearly in charge of the elements. Elihu also speaks of God’s purposes in unleashing the rain and snow: “Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen” (v 13).  The word correction here literally means “the rod.”  It would seem that God uses storms to either bless or discipline and correct those affected by them.  In Job 38:22-23, we read of storehouses of snow and hail reserved for the “day of war and battle.” “For the world” (NKJV & ESV: land) would indicate that rain and snow are necessary for the good of the ground, water for vegetation and animal life.  Lovingkindness would show God’s faithfulness to His people in blessing them with needed water for drinking, crops, etc. Let’s remember that “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1).  He uses all things to accomplish His will. ><>  Jeff

John 15:5 It was a very special Saturday.  It was Mom & Dad’s anniversary.  Eight-year-old Casey had heard his parents talking about how they were going out for dinner that evening, but Casey wanted to give Mom and Dad an extra special surprise this morning for breakfast.  He wanted to make them pancakes.  So Casey tip-toed down the steps to the kitchen.  He had watched Dad make pancakes before (Dad always made the pancakes) so he was pretty sure he knew how to do it.  Using the step-stool, he got the mix and the mixing bowl.  The griddle was on the counter so he plugged it in and set the temperature according to the instructions on the box.  So far, so good. But Casey knocked over the measuring cup while pouring the mix, and it went all over the counter and onto the floor.  In getting the milk, he made a trail of mix from the counter to the refrigerator.  He spilled the milk while pouring from the gallon container, and it ran off the counter and onto the floor, also.  Casey walked through this mess when he went to get the eggs.  The first egg just splattered against the bowl and onto the counter.  The second egg didn’t fare much better.  He tried to wipe up the mess but only succeeded in getting it all over himself.  When Casey went to get off of the stool to get more eggs, he slipped in the goo and plopped right down in the middle of the sticky mess.  Big tears began to fill his eyes.  He had so badly wanted to surprise Mom and Dad, but now it didn’t look like he would be able to make them pancakes after all. Then he saw Dad standing in the doorway.  Dad came over, picked him up and gave him one of the biggest hugs he had ever given Casey, getting himself all messy in the process.  “Come on,” he said, “let’s make some pancakes.” Two things to learn from our little story.  1) This is exactly how a Christian father should handle such a situation.  Not to go ballistic over the mess, but to see the good that was being attempted.  2) This is exactly what happens with us when we try to do things without God’s help.  We make a mess of it, and He has to come and help us clean it up.  Jesus did that a long time ago.  He still does. ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 Here’s another installment of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected over the years. Read, reflect, enjoy and be blessed! > The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. - John Pierpont Morgan > Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and looks for the impossible. > He became what we are that we might become what He is. - Athanasius > When all else is lost, God remains. > Truth is true even if no one believes it, and falsehood is false even if everyone believes it. - I’ Ching Thomas > Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced. - James Baldwin > You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. - Old Irish proverb > We cannot fathom the mystery of a single flower. Nor is it intended that we should. - John Locke > The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the most of everything. ><> Jeff

Ephesians 5:20 Paul writes that Christians should be “always giving thanks for all things.” Usually, we do a fairly good job of being thankful to God for the “big” things, such as salvation, the church, the Bible, good health, family, job, etc. But do we remember to thank Him for all of His marvelous “little” blessings, such as... > the aroma of fresh baked bread > a hug from someone you love > morning light filling your bedroom; promise of a new day > the crunch of snow under your feet > the laughter and sounds of children playing > the sound of dry leaves skittering down the pavement > the fragrance of the lily of the valley > a stirring song played by a symphony > a zebra swallowtail grazing in your flower garden > voices raised together in praise to God Most High > a cool breeze on a hot summer day > a song sparrow’s serenade > the “Thank you so very much” said in earnest > the first daffodil in Spring > the smile on the face of someone who just opened your gift > a hot shower > a comfortable bed at the end of the day > a steaming cup of tea > a hummingbird at your feeder > stars on a moonless night > geese flying in “V” formation > a rainbow > a dinner table set with roast turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and beans, mac & cheese, and several pies - to which you are invited Truly, can we say that any of God’s blessings are “little”? ><>Jeff

John 6:1-27, 35 Sin can corrupt anything. We would think that to seek Jesus would always be a good thing, but Jesus points out in the event recorded in our text that people can seek Him for wrong purposes. Initially we observe that people were following the Lord (vv 1-2) “because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.” The signs Jesus did were, at least in part, to show that He was the Son of God. For a person simply to come around to be “entertained” by Jesus’ miracles would be to miss the point. Jesus was not a magician going around “wowing” people. Jesus saw the need of this large crowd of about five thousand which was following Him and fed them from the five loaves and two fish (you remember the story). He took care of their bodily needs. Following this miracle, Jesus separated Himself from them because they wanted to make Him king by force. First He went up a mountain to be alone, and then He started walking on the sea to cross to the other side. He joined the disciples in their boat, and “immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” However, the crowd followed Him around the lake. At this point, Jesus stands up to them with this rebuke: “...you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” Amidst all the wonderful signs which Jesus was doing, they could only think of filling their stomachs! They could not see that the signs were pointing to something greater. Jesus says, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you...” (v 27). Today we can seek Jesus for all of the “goodies”: good health, decent job, protection, long life, etc. - even salvation. Although Jesus promises to bless us, to seek Him simply to get these things is merely to indulge our desires and miss the point. And note this very carefully. Jesus did not say to seek Him for eternal life, but for the “food” which endures to eternal life. That food is Jesus Himself! “I am the bread of life.” (v35). The Giver is the real gift. Seek the Giver. Get to know Him. He will take care of you. ><> Jeff

Luke 7:31-35 There is just no satisfying some people. They are just like Goldilocks. “This porridge is too hot. This porridge is too cold. This porridge is just right ... This bed is too hard. This bed is too...” Well, you remember. Some people want everything to be “just right.” Just right, that is, according to their personal likes, beliefs and feelings. Maybe you know someone like this. Maybe you are someone like this! At times we can all be this way, but, as Christians, we need to jettison that attitude as quickly as we can (1 Timothy 6:6-8). There are, however, some people for whom there is never a “just right.” They are just not satisfied no matter what you do or say. If the porridge is just the right temperature, then it’s not sweet enough, or it’s too lumpy, or it needs milk, or... There is no satisfying. Such people have learned to be and become complainers, grumblers, opposers, antagonizers, malcontents. You name it - they don’t like it! Jesus encountered such people during His time on earth. He said His current generation was like that. (See our text.) They were like children at play who expected their playmates to do whatever they wanted them to do. When John the Baptist came with his survival diet and a message of repentance, they said “He has a demon!” Then when the Son of Man came eating and drinking with sinners, they called Him “a gluttonous man and a drunkard.” One holy man was too restrained; the other too friendly. Just no satisfying them Jesus point? There could certainly be more than one, but this is plain: we are not put here to try to satisfy other people’s likes and dislikes because some people will never be satisfied. We are not to compromise the gospel or our way of living to please other people. Some folks don’t want the gospel message no matter what you say. You can tell them that God loves them and wants to give them eternal life, but they have a comeback for that. You can tell them there is a coming judgment, and they need to repent, but they have a comeback for that. There’s no satisfying them. Their defenses are up, and they won’t let the Lord in. The devil has them under his power. So sad. Keep sharing, praying, and loving. See what God will do. ><> Jeff