March 11

Psalm 54

David had an intimate relationship with God that I dream of. The kind of relationship that whatever circumstance he was in, being on his knees is most likely where you'd find him. As I was reading this Psalm I realized that God's word became David's truth. It became the framework of reality that he saw life through and that is how I would like to learn to live my life. Only God can save your soul and deliver you. As we read through the Psalm we see David go through cries of desperation to songs of praise knowing that God alone is his helper and support. I read the Psalm a few times and felt peace come over me. With all that is happening around us and in our personal lives, God is still on His throne, our souls bare His image, and He love us. I pray we, like David, move from cries of desperation to shouts of joy and rest in the security that we have in our Lord.

Randi

Blog post 10th March

Blog post 10^th March 2020

Numbers 14:1-5:16

Mark 14: 53-72

Psalm53:1-6

Proverbs 11:4

 

 

I have spent my days with a few different types of friends and family and their seems to be a lot of atheism going on where there never used to be. We have all sinned and due to sin, no person can find God on his own. Only God can save us. When we die we refer to the day of wrath on judgement day each person will stand alone accountable for all his/her deeds. At that time no amounts of riches or charitable donations will buy reconciliation with God. On that day only love for God and obedience to him will count. Those who put their faith in Jesus will find their sins forgiven and accounts settled, Thank you Jesus.

 

People may say their is no god in order to cover their sin and define their own morality. They want to have an excuse to continue to sin and ignore the judge with no fear of his judgement. God love us all and wants a relationship with everyone. He gives us opportunities to turn from our sinful lifestyles to live for him.

However, we can see many people try to control their own lives, they may convince themselves that their is no God. They may set their own morals and become their own gods. When their lives end and God passes judgement it will be to late to apologize. When we set up our own morals to rule our lives, we become self sufficient and there will be no room for serving others. Many people are watching, think of the reputation you give God and the way you live. What your friends and neighbors think about God is more important than what they think about you.

Moses asked God to have mercy on the people who were being rebellious and prayed for those whom he was most angry. Do we pray for those who try hurt you? Or do we seek revenge. It's not our job to seek revenge. God will do that through justice.

 

We reach our own level of self-actualization when we help others. How can we help others give love to those who need it . To be honest and straightforward before God and family is simpler, easier and safer in the long run. I Pray that people don't forget Gods character, that they spend less time complaining and moving forward. May we trust God to handle all situations of life and keep trusting in God as you reach your goal no matter how frightening or tough it may be . May we evaluate any advice you receive weather we like it or not and compare it to Gods word. Our God is patient, his love is one promise we can always count on. God forgives again and again, he is merciful. May we pray for the unbelievers, obey and serve God.

 

https://youtu.be/uMsMiluCUUI

 

 

March 7: Of Crisis and Refuge

Numbers 8:1-9:23

Mark 13:14-37

Psalm 50:1-23

Proverbs 10:29-30

The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

• Proverbs 10:29

Does anyone else feel like they could use a refuge these days?  The corona virus is just the latest in what seems like a constant assault on one's sense of security.  Just year to-date, we've had locust infestations in Pakistan and East Africa, massive earthquakes in Turkey, Iran, and offshore both Jamaica and Russia, the brushfires in Australia and a volcanic eruption in the Philippines.  

Scripture tells us it is going to get worse, so much so we are to "flee to the mountains", without going back to get our cloaks.  It is going to be dreadful, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable, in "days of distress, unequaled from the beginning…and never to be equaled again".  

How wonderful then that we have a refuge - except that, like any other course, "the way of the Lord" is one we have to choose to take, to adopt, to live.  And sometimes it seems we just aren't any good at choosing wisely.  Not because it is physically difficult - but because we think we know better.  When God's instructions don't make sense to us, we dismiss them.  The psalmist accuses us of as much: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?  You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you."

We see a lot of this today - the willful misinterpretation or rejection of God's Word, plainly spoken, to excuse, justify or even idealize our sinful desires.  We see that in how society defines male and female, determines relationships, and ignores the sanctity of human life.  And, frankly, before pointing out the speck in someone else's eye, I see quite the bit of log in my own, from my inability to give Him the first fruits of my day, to my struggle to read scripture regularly, to the persistence of my signature sins, which I tend to dismiss.  

Worse, what's frustrating about my sinfulness is this: I know from experience that when I stray from the way of the Lord, I am faced with the impossibility of dealing with the challenges of my life with my own strength.  It is difficult enough trying to be a good husband, raise good children and do a good job at work on my own steam.  In the face of disease, earthquake or fire life would be even more impossible.  And yet, I persist - even worse, sometimes, I INSIST on doing it on my own.  Why then am I so surprised when I am prone to despair?  

Father, now as much as ever, we need refuge.  Teach us to choose to walk in Your paths, that whatever our circumstances, we know You are in control.  That You are our refuge. 

March 6

Psalm 49

 A riddle for you:

     How is Vladimir Putin like a lion?

How is Mike Tyson like a pit bull dog?

How is Lebron James like a giraffe?

How is Frank Perdue like a chicken?

A hint for the answer is found in Psalm 49. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beast that perishes. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves.  But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies.

A few summer ago, I received an unusual phone call. It was from a very famous and rich family in Stamford. If I were to tell you the name, you locals would all recognize it.  The patriarch of the family had died and the pastor of the church he attended was on vacation. So they needed someone to do the funeral. They must have reached the bottom of the list to call an evangelical pastor!  But I never turn down funerals.

I noticed something that day. This man, who was worth millions while he was alive, had been the envy of many people. But no one envied him that day. Now no one wanted to change places with him.

During the funeral service I shared the good news that because of Jesus' death and resurrection we can receive the gift of eternal life. But that day the gospel was not welcomed by the crowd. And so darkness, despair and death overwhelmed the mourners.

As Christians we do not fear death. Death to the believer is like going to sleep, and who is afraid of taking a nap? For the believer, death is like going on a journey. And who's afraid to go on a journey where Jesus is the captain of the ship? For the believer, death is like going home to a great family reunion. And who doesn't like reunions?

So back to the riddle…

How is Vladimir Putin like a lion?

How is Mike Tyson like a pit bull dog?

How is Lebron James like a giraffe?

How is Frank Perdue like a chicken?

The answer is they all die. That's what they have in common. But if Frank Perdue died with no more understanding than a chicken, then he's no better off than any of his chickens.

Because of Jesus and his Easter victory we know that after death there is life, after the darkness there is day.  That totally changes our perspective. It gives you wisdom, understanding and eternal hope.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, March 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-31)


In this passage above, Jesus reiterates the two Greatest Commandments: loving God and loving others. Paul comments in Romans 13:10 and Galatians 5:14 that love brings forth fulfillment of the law; that is, by acting in love, we honor God's will.

These commands are clear enough to understand but challenging to carry out. We find the world overwhelmed with negativity, doubt, frustration, anger, striving, and chaos. Psychology explains that, naturally, those who have not experienced love from others will struggle to give it to others; we cannot model what we have not seen modeled.

Yet, in our relationship with God, we have the ultimate model of love, mercy, and grace. Romans 5:8 tells us: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus explained in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Jesus shared this truth just before giving His life for His friends on the Cross, hours later.

Importantly, whenever we consider the Cross or anything that God has done on our behalf, we see clearly that love demands action. 1 John 3:16-18 summarizes: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

How can we demonstrate God's love to this hurting world? I recommend starting by connecting with God each day. We cannot give out of emptiness; rather, we need fullness of love from having connected with God. We may read God's Word for guidance and encouragement, and we seek God in prayer. We may even pray, "Lord, help me to demonstrate Your love to those around me today. Give me opportunities to shine forth in a dark place." We may then consider the question: "How may I serve here? What would make a difference?" (cf. Philippians 2:1-4) Ultimately, love comes forth from intention, as an act of the will. In this way, the love of God comes to us, and we reflect His love back to Him and to others as an expression of gratitude.

Whom could you love today? How could grow more in your love for God?


Lord God, thank You that we never need doubt Your love. You have so clearly demonstrated Your love for us on the Cross. Give us spiritual eyes to see the depth, breadth, and height of Your love. Open doors so that we may bless and love others, to Your honor and glory. Purify our hearts of any misguided motives. Help us to put others ahead of ourselves. We love You and seek You this day. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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Blog post 4th March 2020

Blog post 4^th March 2020

Numbers 2:1-3: 51

Mark 11:27 – 12:17

Psalm 47:1-9

Proverbs 10:24-25

 

Jesus became angry because God's house of worship had become a place of extortion, a barrier to gentiles who wanted to worship. However, money chargers had set up stalls making it impossible for non-Jews to spend any time in worship. Worship may be an expression of reverence, praise and shown through prayer.

We can see the many ways in which God is present in the world, he is known across all nations and will be known.  In Mark we read Jesus' profound parable of the Tenants, which shows the planned attempt on Jesus' life.  At the end of the parable Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22 & 23 "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes"

Our lives should be based upon and aligned with the true cornerstone and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do we align our lives with Jesus teaching? Do we live our lives based on Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that he will be your cornerstone now and forever?

The kind of prayer that moves mountains is a prayer for the fruitfulness of Gods Kingdom. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, but Jesus shows us that will God nothing is impossible. God will answer your prayers but not as a result of a positive mental attitude but due to: Being a believer, not holding a grudge against another person, not praying with selfish motives and your prayer must be for the good of Gods kingdom. To pray effectively you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on the request, you will be left with nothing your request if refused. Our prayers are so often motivated by our own interests and desires. Jesus prayed with God's interests in mind. If we receive answers to prayer, who will get the credit? When we pray we express our desires but we should want Gods will above ours. This makes us think, do our interests align with Gods.  A person that prays while holding a grudge is like a tree sprouting leaves and bearing no fruit (11:13). True faith changes a person's heart, Real prayer will strip pride and vengeance and be replaced with love.  So may we let go of the hurt, abandon grudges and forgive others. May we find a great sense of comfort and Joy in the word. May we express ourselves through worship and praise God, as he is the king of the World and has dominion overall.

 

"For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth." –Psalm 47:2

 

https://youtu.be/QvLxZEU02uI

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March 3 Blog Post from Theresa Telesco

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54, Mark 11:1-25, Bacon and Eggs

As I read today's scripture, it caught my attention that the Lord makes a distinction between that which is dedicated and that which is devoted. That which is dedicated could be redeemed by the one who dedicated it, but that which is devoted could not. Leviticus 24:28 states, "…everything so devoted is most holy to the Lord." So I looked to understand the difference between the two. This is some of what I found.

Dedicated - to set apart for religious purposes, consecrated for special use, without a formal commitment. This is a wholly-voluntary obligation.

Devoted is- committed entirely for a certain matter. Committed suggests that there is a pledge that binds or is obligated. This would be an exclusive, wholehearted dedication.

I found this illustration of the difference between dedicated and devoted that made me chuckle. "A pig and a chicken decide to open a restaurant together. They will call the restaurant "Bacon and Eggs". The chicken is dedicated, but the pig is committed."

"Nothing that a man devotes to the Lord…may be sold or redeemed, everything so devoted is most holy to the Lord." That which is devoted is exclusively the Lord's and may be used as He chooses.  Both dedication and devotion begin with free will and appear to be differentiated by how much you are willing to stake; however, both separate and set aside for special use.

Christ alone has the right of redemption. His blood makes us holy, wholly set aside for use as the Father chooses. By His death we are called, "…a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light… To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:9,21

Christ is looking for a church not only sanctified but also devoted and consecrated to His will. Like the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), Christ looks to the church and the fruits that it produces.  "When He reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not season for figs." I often thought this not particularly fair. It was not yet time for the fig tree to bear fruit. However, all prophesy at the time of His first coming pointed to the imminent arrival of the Messiah. The signs were in place. John the Baptist warned of the impending judgment and called for repentance and baptism. He called to the Jewish church to produce appropriate fruits of baptism. Yet when the Messiah arrived, they were not prepared.

The Bible is full of references to the second coming of Christ. If He were to come today, what would He find? The fate of the fig tree is the same as the fate of all who will not receive Christ - the same fate as those who have received and live without dedication or devotion.  A tree is judged by its fruit. What is the manifestation of our committed to the faith? What fruit will He find at His second and glorious coming?