In light of my belief in Jesus Christ as my personal savior and Lord, I am concerned with doing the right things on my journey through life. Jesus says, if you love me, you love the Father (John 14:20-21) and Jesus and the Father love me (us). For me, it makes sense that I would want to live a life that pleases the Father. The Bible includes instructions for how we are to live our lives - in a way that pleases God.
Are we concerned with living a life that pleases God - which calls on us to make good decisions based on biblical teachings? Which leads back to my original thought and question for followers of Jesus to consider - Do I Love Jesus?
The New Testament includes parables from Jesus about the wheat and the weeds (Matt.13), the narrow gate and the wide gate (Matt.7). So when I hear people say that Jesus is all about love, on one hand I understand that Jesus is about love. AND, he is also about calling us into accountability as his followers or he would not have shared these parables.
Do I Love Jesus?
Peace and love to you,
Pastor Jeff
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Praying For Others
Sometimes the challenges of our day are put into perspective by the challenges other people face. On Monday a little boy in Boston was waiting with anticipation to see his dad cross the finish line at the famous event called The Boston Marathon. But someone who doesn't value human life took that opportunity away for little 8 year old, Martin Richard. And this horrible tragedy, took Martin away from the people that love and care about him. Martin - we will remember you and the family and friends that love you.
Then today we awoke to find out about the people in West, Texas. A fertilizer plant caught fire then blew up. Many houses were leveled, people were killed and many others injured. While these two events aren't related to each other, they still have us wondering where God is in all of this. There are lots of things we can't or won't ever be able to explain. I believe that God was there through the fire and police departments that responded to serve and help the people. God is there in the midst of our suffering to comfort and love us through the tough times.
God's love is working through us as we pray for others and encourage each other through the challenges of life. Whatever challenge you face, I pray this day that you will be comforted in your grief, find hope for the moments ahead, and feel the love that God has imparted into each of us to share.
In God's love,
Pastor Jeff
Then today we awoke to find out about the people in West, Texas. A fertilizer plant caught fire then blew up. Many houses were leveled, people were killed and many others injured. While these two events aren't related to each other, they still have us wondering where God is in all of this. There are lots of things we can't or won't ever be able to explain. I believe that God was there through the fire and police departments that responded to serve and help the people. God is there in the midst of our suffering to comfort and love us through the tough times.
God's love is working through us as we pray for others and encourage each other through the challenges of life. Whatever challenge you face, I pray this day that you will be comforted in your grief, find hope for the moments ahead, and feel the love that God has imparted into each of us to share.
In God's love,
Pastor Jeff
Friday, March 8, 2013
Communication - The Christian Way
Social networking can be a great forum for discussions, sharing family and friend updates as well as pictures that help us communicate and stay in touch with each other.
When social networking turns to personal attacks and serves as a way to make untrue comments without consequences, the line of Christian accountability becomes crossed. When people disagree, Jesus tells us to go to one another and share our concerns, questions and to talk with each other when there are two parties that are not on the same page, or one party has hurt the other (Matthew 18).
Recently I learned that another major internet site is allowing people to post comments, share thoughts etc. about anyone or anything - true or untrue. We have learned over the past few years about comments, criticisms and statements that have hurt people - to the point where some found it too much to bear, to know many people were reading these posts that true or untrue only served one party - the person posting the comment.
Jesus is the light, the hope and the way - may his servant leadership serve as a model for all of us who want to live a life that models loving one another.
God bless you and keep you,
Pastor Jeff
When social networking turns to personal attacks and serves as a way to make untrue comments without consequences, the line of Christian accountability becomes crossed. When people disagree, Jesus tells us to go to one another and share our concerns, questions and to talk with each other when there are two parties that are not on the same page, or one party has hurt the other (Matthew 18).
Recently I learned that another major internet site is allowing people to post comments, share thoughts etc. about anyone or anything - true or untrue. We have learned over the past few years about comments, criticisms and statements that have hurt people - to the point where some found it too much to bear, to know many people were reading these posts that true or untrue only served one party - the person posting the comment.
Jesus is the light, the hope and the way - may his servant leadership serve as a model for all of us who want to live a life that models loving one another.
God bless you and keep you,
Pastor Jeff
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
E.S.P.N. or B.I.B.L.E.?
Recently I read an article from the George Barna Group that said "By more than a three-to-one margin, Americans believe professional sports players have more influence on society than do faith leaders. Overall, about two-thirds of Americans (64%) say they think pro athletes have more influence in American society today than do professional faith leaders (19%).
People are watching a lot more of ESPN and as part of that culture pay more attention to what the athletes say for advice on living their lives – and – they are tuning out the B.I.B.L.E. and the messengers bringing good news from God's revelation.
Although this doesn't look good for the home team (no pun intended) - God's Word has been around for thousands of years and has helped millions of people in providing a spiritual foundation.
It's time to turn the channel America from E.S.P.N. to the B.I.B.L.E. I am not sure that people in professional sports really want to be your source for "life advice" - and after all, God is the one who has given life to all of us.
Peace be with you, Pastor Jeff
People are watching a lot more of ESPN and as part of that culture pay more attention to what the athletes say for advice on living their lives – and – they are tuning out the B.I.B.L.E. and the messengers bringing good news from God's revelation.
Although this doesn't look good for the home team (no pun intended) - God's Word has been around for thousands of years and has helped millions of people in providing a spiritual foundation.
It's time to turn the channel America from E.S.P.N. to the B.I.B.L.E. I am not sure that people in professional sports really want to be your source for "life advice" - and after all, God is the one who has given life to all of us.
Peace be with you, Pastor Jeff
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Embrace A Vision for 2013
John Maxwell once said that when you cast a vision that others will follow it must be clear, concise and compelling.What is your vision for 2013? Have you included God in the mix about what your personal vision might look like?
When Abraham spoke to God about having no children of his own in Genesis, Chapter 15. God took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” We often do not see visions fulfilled because we do not seek God's vision for us in the first place.
In 2013, do something good... and bold. Pray about what God would have you do that will make a positive difference in your life and community. What is God calling you to do in 2013? How is God calling you into a deeper personal relationship with Him and others?
I would love to hear about your "vision" for the new year.
May peace, joy and love be yours,
Pastor Jeff
When Abraham spoke to God about having no children of his own in Genesis, Chapter 15. God took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” We often do not see visions fulfilled because we do not seek God's vision for us in the first place.
In 2013, do something good... and bold. Pray about what God would have you do that will make a positive difference in your life and community. What is God calling you to do in 2013? How is God calling you into a deeper personal relationship with Him and others?
I would love to hear about your "vision" for the new year.
May peace, joy and love be yours,
Pastor Jeff
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