Godly Wisdom

Paul had some trouble in Athens when he preached there. The people were more about the entertainment of philosophizing than caring about real truth. Acts 17:21 says, "All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas." The Athenians considered themselves the "intellectually elite." They had an arrogance about them that prevented them from actually learning the truth. Does that sound like some cities in the U.S. today? Do we have those who consider themselves so advanced in science and technology that they refuse to listen to the old story of the cross or about Jesus? The Bible is clear: the Word is salvation to those who believe it and foolishness to those who are perishing. Every few years what man sees as wisdom changes. Just imagine, for instance, going into the hospital and having them attach leaches to you to get the “bad blood” out. Remember? That was the apex of medical science, just a few generations back. What man knows, compared to what God knows, really isn’t a lot. Man’s wisdom will change again and again. God’s wisdom is constant. He Loves You!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

It Is Finished

When Jesus was on the cross, He spoke. In John 19:30 it says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." This is not a statement of loss, but a statement of victory. Jesus knew that His death would do some important things for us believers. First and foremost: Jesus died in our place, so that we might have an abundant life. He took the cost of our sin, which is death, and paid it in-full. He redeemed us from the curse that Adam's sin had brought upon the world, and Jesus’ work is finished! There is nothing else that needs to be done. Salvation is His free gift to all believers. Secondly: He destroyed the work of the evil one. We do have an enemy, but he is a defeated enemy. When Jesus laid down His life, He made the Holy Spirit available to all of us. We no longer fight alone against our enemy, but God's Holy Spirit works inside of us and fights with us. When Jesus cried, "It is finished," He meant it! Receive your victory today!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

He Cares

In Luke 19:41-43 it says, “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace―but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.’" Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, because He knew the trouble and pain that would be coming upon the people there. Later we read that this happens because the people did not recognize that Jesus was from God. In Luke 19:44 Jesus says, "They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Sometimes we think, “God, do you see my suffering? Where were you? Do you care?” But Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He wept when Lazarus died. He does care, and He cares very deeply. Jesus was moved to tears in this passage and lamented what was to occur to the people. He didn’t cause it; He wanted the people to receive Him. He did care. He cares.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

We Can Do This!

Do you feel proud when you see your kids playing nicely with each other―sharing their toys and watching out for each other? Well, our Heavenly Father also appreciates it when He sees His children treating each other with love and kindness. Jesus said in Luke 6:27-28, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Remember: He lived these very words out on the cross, praying for those that had participated. God's way is clear and is much the same as what we teach our children: share, play nicely, treat each other with respect. And God's way is even more encompassing; it includes loving and caring for those that are difficult to love. This is, of course, not easy. Just think how often we mess that up? But what if we Christians made an extra effort this week to be kind, quick to share what we have, and quick to help others―even those that we might not call "friends"? It’s the kind of love to which God is calling all of us. It’s how He loves us, and it’s how Jesus loves us. We can do it!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Are You Blessed?

In Genesis 26:24 God says to Isaac, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase your number for the sake of my servant Abraham." Sweet. God blesses Isaac―but why? God says, "for the sake of my servant Abraham." Isaac is being blessed by God, not because he did something magnificent, tried real hard, or has a certain special something; it’s happening for one simple reason―he is Abraham's son. That's it. He can't mess that up. No matter what he does, he will always be Abraham's son. This story is for us. God has blessed us with this same exact blessing. And it is for the same reason. We aren’t blessed because of what we did or didn't do, or how tall we are. We are blessed because we are children of God, by faith in Jesus Christ. I'm not saying this makes life perfect; Isaac still had some problems, but he overcame them. There will still be battles, but fear not, you are blessed. God did not abandon you because of something you have done. He is with you and will never leave you. Are you blessed? Say “Yes.”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Same Team!

In 2 John 1:7 it says, “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." There are warnings in the New Testament about the evil people who teach false doctrine. These false doctrines, if you keep reading, are always those who will say that Jesus isn't really God's son, or He didn’t really come in the flesh. When you change something fundamental about Jesus, well, this is bad. He is the only begotten son of God, who came in the flesh and died for our sins. These truths are not debatable. Have you noticed there are many little things that Christian churches disagree about? It's been happening for centuries. But we shouldn't call each other evil over the small stuff. Let’s stop biting on each other and just love each other. Same team! If the Jesus-believing church up the street doesn't teach the same exact message you heard on Sunday, well, be okay with that. Love that other church across town. We may not all agree on everything, but let us all agree that if someone is preaching about the Jesus we believe in, well then, they’re alright with me.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Peace Be with You

II Thessalonians 3:16 says, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way." So who is the Lord of peace? Jesus is. Peace is different than not peace. If you don't have peace at your job then you won't want to go to work. If you don't have peace in your marriage or with your family then there is fighting and no one is happy. Peace here means tranquility, safety and prosperity. Our Lord is the Prince of Peace―the prince of tranquility, safety and prosperity. Jesus told us that He gives us His peace, but in how many ways does He give us peace? Here it says our Lord wants to give us peace in every way. Not just peace in one place, but in all places of our life. And guess what? Only He could possibly accomplish that. So how do you get this peace that He is promising you? What do you have to do? Act a certain way? Jump through some hoops? Nope. Actually, it's a gift. It is something that He is giving you, which means you can’t earn it. But when you have it, people will say, "Hey, how come you're not all freaked out?" And then you'll be like, "My Lord is the Lord of peace, and He's giving it away like it grows on trees.”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

God-Believing Weirdos

Jesus says, in Mark 8:38, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Notice that it says, "in this adulterous and sinful generation." You see, it’s pretty easy to talk about Jesus and His words, when we are around believers or at church. But how are you around the world? Do you change your behavior? Do you try to "fit in" to the crowd? Do you slink down a bit when someone asks where all the Christians are? In this generation the world tries to say that if you believe in Jesus that there must be something wrong with you―that you are weak or that real smart people know better. If society thinks that people who believe in God are weird, then be a God-believing weirdo. You are not an outcast; you are a child of God, a joint heir with Christ Jesus, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. It may not be politically correct or culturally acceptable to share your faith in Jesus, but when did Jesus ever worry about being culturally acceptable? Share your faith, ‘cuz people need Jesus.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Comfort in Trouble

2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God is the God of comfort, "who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God." So first of all, we see here that God does not wish for you to be troubled. Sure, trouble comes. But our God comforts you in trouble, so that way trouble isn't um... troubling. Instead, you are rested, not nervous or stressed, and trusting God. And you get some comfort, so that when others are in trouble, it’s that comfort that you got from God that you can share. So we’re all like, "Hey. Relax bro. Keep the faith―keep praying and believing." Giving what God has given is how we love others best. We as Christians receive that comfort, and we become the rock-solid, anchored people in times of trouble. And remember, if God is comforting you in your trouble, then you can be sure He didn't bring it to you. It's tempting to say, "Oh, God brought me this trouble." But God wouldn't be working against himself. He's the God of comfort. So the next time trouble comes, don’t sweat it―just get ready for some comfort.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Take His Word for It

Romans 4:20-21 tells us that "Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what God had promised God was also able to perform." Everyone has access to God's promises for our lives through our faith in Jesus Christ. But you know, we don't all experience the promises. But Abraham did, and a secret is given to us from his example. Abraham did not waver in unbelief, but he was fully convinced that God would do what He said. I don't know what is going on in your life today, but sometimes life brings us some stink. And stink can bring us fear and doubt. So this wisdom is for you. Keep the faith. Don't accept everything you see, but instead, stick with what God has said. Don't let that unbelief creep in, and don't accept things that aren’t what God has promised. Instead, today, be fully convinced of God's promises for your life. He promises that you are blessed―blessed in the city and the country, blessed coming in and going out. You are more than an overcomer, and no weapon formed against you will prosper. But don’t take my word for it, take His word for it.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Help Me, Jesus!

In Hebrews 2:18, we’re told that "Because Jesus suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Wait. Jesus suffered from being tempted? The suffering in the Bible that Christians are called to isn’t some kind of torture or disease. It’s more like enduring.  Longsuffering: it means saying no to something that you are being tempted to do. So when the Bible refers to suffering, think of it as saying no to something that is tempting you. It’s kind of like saying no to a piece of cake, even though you really want it. Ugh! And if you start thinking about how everyone else is eating cake, well, now you’re really suffering. Fortunately, eating cake isn’t a sin, but I think you get my point. Now, Jesus is our help in times of temptation. The last place we might want to take our temptations is to Jesus, since we might be kind of ashamed. "Hey Jesus, give me a hand here, help me be strong." But it’s when we try to beat temptation on our own that we fail. When temptation comes, keep your thoughts on Jesus, and ask him for help. Say it out loud, “Help me, Jesus!”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Who's Your Boss?

Romans 6:18 says that “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Before you know Jesus, you are still a slave to sin. Sin is your boss. Sin says, "Hey, come on, let’s sin." And you're all like, "Okay." But by putting your faith in Jesus, you are now a slave to righteousness. I like that. Righteousness is now your boss. Righteousness says, "Hey, love that person." And you’re like, “Okay.” And even when we do something we shouldn't, righteousness is right there pulling on us, saying, "Hey stop that." Sin is no longer your boss! According to Romans 7:4, we’ve all "died to the law." Dying to the law is what freed you from the power of sin. Think about it—someone who dies is no longer under the law. A judge cannot issue a penalty if the accused is dead. So the without the law, there can be no sin. Then, and only then, you are able to become a servant of righteousness, which will lead you to live a better life. The right voice has all the power. You see, this way you are free to serve God and run your race for Him. Now hop to it.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

A Big Army

There is a story in 2 Kings 6 about a whole army that shows up to attack just two guys. Well, not just any two guys―one of them is a great prophet named Elisha. His servant is pretty freaked out, but Elisha says, “There are more with us than there are with them.” Then he asks God to open the servant’s eyes. Now, his servant’s eyes weren’t actually closed, but I think you get the idea. Anyway, sure enough, the servant looks again, and he too can see the massive army of God that is surrounding the attacking army. So, what can we learn from this? Well, we can be like Elisha, who, at a time that looked bad, stayed in hope. He kept his head high. He didn’t say, “Oh poor me. Where’s God now...?” Instead, he trusted God, despite what things looked like. This is an example for us. The world sometimes has trouble, but we need to be a voice of hope. We are children of God. We are the ones that trust God and say, "Hey, don’t sweat it. There are more with us than against us." Trust, boiling up from our hope, will bring us the win!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

No Works Attached

We’re told in Proverbs 20:30 that “Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.” Okay, so line up all you sinners for a good flogging. Which one of us is innocent of all impurity―sinless, blameless, holy? Who doesn’t need a hearty purging? Well, the truth is that Jesus took all of this on our behalf. He was beaten for our sins, bruised for our iniquities. Jesus is the one who stood in line for us and cleansed away our evil, and His beating purges our inmost being. You are the pure, the holy, the blameless and the righteous. These things are unattainable, and yet if you put your faith in Christ, they are a free gift to you. You may still be tempted to punish yourself in your guilt, and you might think it will help you. You might be thinking, “Well, I really deserve every bad thing that happens to me,” but that isn’t God’s strategy. If we could become “good” without Christ, then He wouldn’t have come. We can’t. It’s when you receive Him as your Savior that you are free from evil, and the inner part of you begins to change. Jesus came and brought us life. Praise Jesus!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Something To Celebrate

On Passover, the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, Jesus died for us. Three days later He was resurrected, and this is the day the world celebrates as Easter. Well then, happy Easter! This event— Jesus dying for us—is the single biggest event in human history. It changed everything. Before Jesus' death, things between God and man were very different. When sin happened someone had to pay, and the wages of sin is death. Jesus paid this debt with His life. So when you read the Bible, ask yourself the question, "In this story, has Jesus died yet?" It may be that you are studying how things used to work, before Christ died, like the story of Job, about a man who had no redeemer. This isn't you. You have a Redeemer. So what am I saying? When you read the word of God, always see it through the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus died. He got what you deserved. So now, by faith, you have access to all that He earned. You can live in His righteousness, in His holiness, and that’s something we can all celebrate!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Feed Your Happy

Psalms 1:2 talks about the man who is happy and says that he is like a tree that is bearing fruit. I want to be happy; I want to be like this tree. So he gives me the secret to this man's happiness and blessing—"His delight is on the law of the Lord, and on it he meditates day and night." This man is “feeding his happy” with the word of God. So the secret to “feeding your happy” is to love reading the Bible so much that you’re thinking about it all day and night. Now lots of people don't like reading the Bible. Others do. When I think about what I like, it seems like I don't have a choice. I think I was born not liking vegetables, and I don't like country music. But according to this, you can change what you like. God wouldn't just leave you without a chance to do what this happy guy does. God has placed in you the desire to like His word. You just have to stir up that desire. The word of God has the wisdom you need to live a happy life. You are designed to be delighted by God's word. So get out your Bible and “feed your happy!” #feedyourhappy

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Happy Is The Man

The very first Psalm in the Bible (Psalm 1:1) begins by saying, "Happy is the man," and then it goes on to talk about the things that a happy man shouldn't do, and some things that he should. God is teaching us how to “feed our happy.” So I have to ask, does God want us to be happy? Sometimes the world and even some Christians think that it is better for Christians to be miserable. But if God is giving us instructions on how to be happy, He must want us to be happy. The world will tell you that happy comes from what you have. “Well, if only I had the perfect house,” or “a bigger pay check," or “the perfect spouse,” but God's way is different. Here in Psalm 1, He is explaining that we “feed our happy” by what we do, not by what we have. I believe God wants you to have nice stuff, you’re a child of the King and a joint heir with Christ, but your happiness doesn’t hinge on what you have, but instead, on what you do. "Happy is the man who delights in the word of God." Yeah, happy is THAT guy. So get out your smile, and then get out your Bible and “feed your happy!” #feedyourhappy

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Inward Renewal

Sometimes it’s like two o’clock in the afternoon, and the day just hasn’t gone the way you had hoped it would. You know what I mean. It’s that day that seems like everything has gone wrong. Or maybe you’re just worn down, tired or stressed. 2 Corinthians 4:16, says, “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” God is renewing us from the inside out. The inside is more powerful than the outside. This is how God wins in our lives. The outward problem that pushes on us is no match for the God power that is on the inside of us. God has made you more than a conqueror on the inside. He is renewing you right now―every day a little more renewal. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is bringing you new strength, every day. So don’t be stressed out by the troubles the world brings to you. Instead, look to Jesus on the inside of you―He’s so much bigger! This is why we don’t lose heart; you and me―we just keep going. You see, with that kind of strength, we can’t be stopped.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Being Thankful

In Luke 17:11 is a story of ten men with leprosy, who beg Jesus for healing. Jesus tells them to go and show themselves to the Priests, and as they go to do this, BOOM, they are healed. After they are healed, one of them runs back, throws himself at Jesus’ feet and thanks him. This man was a Samaritan. So Jesus says, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” This is a lesson in being grateful. Every day someone will do something nice for you, like wash your clothes, give you some food, hold a door for you, or teach you something new. And every day is a new batch of air for you to breathe, a new sunrise, a new start. Every day God is doing things for you. Gratefulness is the right reaction. Out of ten people, only one is thankful. Today let that one person be you. When something good happens to you, say “Thank you.” Give it a try, right now―say, “Thank you, Pastor Jason…”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Understanding

Psalm 32:9 says, "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by a bit and bridle or they will not come to you." God wants us to be pliable, teachable and listening for his voice. When God prompts you to do something, do you respond quickly with a good attitude? Do you involve the Lord in your decisions? Do you ask Him for guidance BEFORE you make those decisions? Are you flexible and ready to be obedient to Him, regardless of where He leads you? The Lord wants us to be quick to obey and also have UNDERSTANDING. Where do we get this "understanding?" Actually, it’s hidden in the Bible, but revealed to us by the Spirit, when we read it. If we spend time studying God's word, praying for guidance and listening for His voice, we will be the type of disciples that don’t need to be told many times to do a task, and we won’t need to be coerced into doing what He desires. When we get to heaven, we want to be the disciples who hear, "Well done good and faithful servant!" I want to be that kind of disciple, and I know you do too!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

He Did Good

In Acts 10:38, we’re told that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil." So what did Jesus do? Well, he did “good.” And He was healing “all.” Yeah, not just some, but whoever came to Jesus for healing got a whole bunch of it. Blind? Healed. Leper? Healed. Lame? Healed. Okay, so pay attention to this last part—it says that He was healing all who were “under the power of the devil.” So let's make sure we all understand… the junk in our lives that needs healing… it’s from the devil! It's in his bag of tricks. It is Satan who brings destruction, sickness, disease and cruddy stuff like that. According to this verse, it is Satan that was holding them in their sickness. Jesus isn't okay with that! And, just so we’re clear, God and Satan don’t share similar traits. You see, it didn’t say that God had made some of them sick. I like how this says it better—Satan did it, and Jesus didn’t like it. So when the junk in life comes your way, remember clearly who it is that is trying to mess with you, and who it is that has saved you… and remember who is stronger.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Pearls Of Wisdom

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus tells us not to throw our pearls to pigs. So is He simply trying to stop the unnecessary feeding of fine jewelry to livestock? Well, no. First of all, pearls are defined here as words of great value, like wisdom. God gives us wisdom. Alright, so who are these pigs that we shouldn't throw our wisdom to? Well, you should know that God doesn't call people pigs the way we might think. He isn’t insulting His creation. Instead, He's describing a type of person—one who will eat anything, meaning they’ll take advice from anyone. These people ask everyone they know for advice, including you. And they don't know Jesus, yet. Does Jesus want these people to know Him? Absolutely. And will giving them your God-given wisdom get them out of their mess? Probably. But they still won’t know Jesus, which is a problem! The wisdom is hidden for believers. So if an unbeliever says, "Hey, what should I do about this problem?" Just smile and say, "Jesus. You need Jesus." Jesus was the beginning of all the wisdom God has given you. So the first thing they need from you isn’t an answer; they need the answer. They need Jesus.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

More To The Story

The book of Ruth is a story about a woman whose husband dies, and she is living with her mother-in-law, who is also a widow. They have very little, and times are hard. Ruth could have thought to herself, "Well, it's over. My life didn't turn out the way I thought it would. I'm a widow, and I have nothing. I give up." But it wasn't over, and there is more to the story. So Boaz comes along, second in line to be what was called a “kinsman redeemer.” It’s important to remember that Jesus is our redeemer. Boaz marries Ruth, and they have some kids, and wouldn’t you know it, one of her descendants is King David. Oh snap! That's huge. But it doesn't stop there. The lineage continues all the way to Joseph, who married Mary, who gave birth to Jesus. So I don't know what's happened in your life: maybe your parents abandon you, or you were abused, or you have nothing, and maybe you’ve even considered just giving up. But Jesus is your “kinsmen redeemer,” so the story ain't over—with Jesus, the story is just getting started. Just hold on, ‘cause it's about to get all kinds of good!

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Pay It Forward

In II Samuel 9:1, David asks, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" David learns that his ole buddy, Jonathan, had a son, so He gives that son all of King Saul's land, some workers, and then he invites him to eat from the king’s table for the rest of his life. David decided to show kindness. Kindness is doing something nice for someone that will probably bring you no benefit at all. Lots of times we do something based on what we will get. We go to work, because we get paid to. And we should go to work. But here, David just decided to do good because he wanted to. And it started with a decision to show kindness. In our world, kindness may seem rare. But when we do this, acting like King David, God will reward us. David's kindness here was drawn up from a moment when someone had shown him kindness. Johnathan helped David when David was in a mess; Johnathan's kindness was stored up in David's heart. So think of a time when someone showed you kindness. Let it stir you. And when you show kindness, it keeps moving, because one day, that person will probably pass that same kindness along.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Are Things What They Seem?

In John 11:25, Jesus is talking to Martha, whose brother has just died, and she is in that state of hurt, despair and loss, you know, because death stinks. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” So what He’s saying to her is that with Him, things don't have to remain as they are. We say, “It is what it is,” like we can't do anything about it. But, with Jesus, we can do something about it. Maybe your hopes have died, and you've let some dreams die, too. Maybe you've accepted what the doctors have told you as truth, or there are places in your heart that are wounded. Jesus still raises the dead, just like He raised Martha's brother. You see, with Christ, we can reject the idea that things just “are what they are.” Jesus can bring resurrection and life to your world. He says this: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live." Okay, so what do you have to do? Be good enough? Act perfect? Earn God's love through good behavior? No. Actually, Jesus did all of that for you. All YOU need to do is work on your believing. Put your faith in Christ today.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Believing Matters

I heard a song on mainstream radio that has a line about "praying to a God that I don't believe in." It's a strange statement. Why pray if you don't believe? We should send that dude a letter and tell him about Jesus. You know, many who don't believe in God have nowhere to turn when they need a miracle. When you need a prayer answered, what you believe in matters. Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." There are many important keys to effective prayer, and believing is one of them. When Peter tried to walk on water and fell in, Jesus blamed it on his lack of faith. Many times, as Jesus healed, He would tell them that it was their faith that had healed them. Faith is what you believe. Do you think that Jesus knew something about praying? Yeah, me too! Well, in this scripture the key is to believe. If Jesus taught us how to pray more effectively, it means He wants your prayers to be successful. What are you praying for? Now, start believing that you have received it.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

God's Will

Watch the news for more than five minutes and you’ll be thinking, “Man, this place is getting pretty messed up!” But did you know that “things getting messed up” isn't new? It was tough when you grew up, and WE worry about the next generation. But the next generation isn't the first to have it hard, and they won't be the last. Judges 10:6 says, "The Israelites again did evil in the LORD's sight." Yep, they did it again, which means they did some evil before, too, and then they hit the bottom, because we know that everything gets worse without God. So then later, the people returned to God, and things got better. When the people returned to God, the blessings returned, as well. So, we can see that God is a god who makes things better. Do we want things to get better? Of course we do. So the key is to get more of God into our land and more of the people’s hearts into God. It may seem like a lot to ask, but it isn’t, and we can make a difference. We, for sure, don’t want to be the “again the people did evil” generation. We want to be known as the ones who turned to the Lord. So, share the love of Christ with someone today.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Why, Why, Why?

Do you ever just wonder, “Why?” Someone asks you do something, and you ask, “Why?” “Get out of the street.” “But, why?” [Errrrrrrrrrrrr thud] Car coming! Okay, so let’s make our “whys” productive. In Mark 1:38, Jesus says, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Jesus wants us to know WHY we do what we do. The “why” helps us to identify the purpose. For instance, why do you go to school? Ah, to learn. Knowing the purpose of why you do something will help you make better decisions. It will keep you on course for the goal. If the purpose of school is to learn, then what your friends think won’t affect you as much. Some people don’t want to change schools because they won’t know anyone at a new school. Or, you might say, “If I do too well in school, my friends may not like me.” You see how easy it is to lose sight of the purpose? If the purpose is to learn, then you should learn as much as you can, while you’re there. And your friends should want you to succeed. Who really wants to spend 40 hours per week doing something to only be mediocre? When you do that, you set yourself up to lead a mediocre life. If you want extraordinary, you have to make everything you do extraordinary. So, at school, try hard, learn a lot and get good grades. It is, after all, why you go. Of course, you can still have friends; that will come naturally. But in everything you do, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” And then, don’t lose sight of the purpose. Am I out of time? I am. Then why am I still talking?

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

More Bad News?

Watch the news for more than five minutes and you’ll be thinking, “Man, this place is getting pretty messed up!” But did you know that “things getting messed up” isn't new? It was tough when you grew up, and WE worry about the next generation. But the next generation isn't the first to have it hard, and they won't be the last. Judges 10:6 says, "The Israelites again did evil in the LORD's sight." Yep, they did it again, which means they did some evil before, too, and then they hit the bottom, because we know that everything gets worse without God. So then later, the people returned to God, and things got better. When the people returned to God, the blessings returned, as well. So, we can see that God is a god who makes things better. Do we want things to get better? Of course we do. So the key is to get more of God into our land and more of the people’s hearts into God. It may seem like a lot to ask, but it isn’t, and we can make a difference. We, for sure, don’t want to be the “again the people did evil” generation. We want to be known as the ones who turned to the Lord. So, share the love of Christ with someone today.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Know God

In Exodus 5:2, Moses and Aaron are telling Pharaoh that God wants him to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh says, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord." You see, the world will not listen to God, until they know Him. Sometimes we get upset with people in the world, because they don't do things the way we think they should. Then we even get all bloggin’ and hatin’ about it. And don’t be surprised that the world publishes books, magazines and web pages, and opens companies and/or makes decisions that we think are wrong. The fight isn’t with what they are doing; the battle is in the hearts of the people. Changing the world doesn't happen by us telling them that they are all messed up sinners; instead, it starts by introducing people to God. Let God change them. Let forgiveness and compassion reign in your heart, love others, and genuinely want them to have a relationship with the Father. Jesus said that if you know Him, then you also know the Father. Introduce others to Jesus, His message, His love, His death and His resurrection. Tell them about the hope that Christ brought you. People are dying out there. Make a difference and help change the world by introducing someone to Jesus, today!