Taking a Minute - Jason Anderson

No More Grumpy

2012-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well, here is a story about attitude. In the book of Nehemiah, the Israelites have left God, worshipped other idols and have been conquered, they are serving the Persian empire and Nehemiah, himself a captive is cup bearer to the King of Persia. This is worse than having to take out the trash, or do dishes, or homework. He and all his family and friends are oppressed by another nation. Nehemiah then finds out that the walls of Jerusalem are in ruin. So the next time he approaches the king the scripture says in chapter 2 that Nehemiah had not been sad in the kings presence ever before. This means that Nehemiah was always happy. His default attitude was a good mood. Are you ever grumpy? Moody? Not Nehemiah. When he found out the wall was down it really upset him, and this was not normal. Well, so what, you might say. As the story goes, because he had never been down in front of the King before, the king takes notice. The king asks Nehemiah what is wrong. When Nehemiah tells him, the King releases Nehemiah from his service, put’s him in charge of the region of Jerusalem, and gives him the money and authority to rebuild the wall. Ahhh, now do you see the power of having a good attitude. Nehemiah was so used to having a good attitude, that when the news about the wall reached him, his only possible response was to become part of the solution, and not just another complainer. There are people who complain about things, and people who fix things. It’s the good attitude people that are out fixing things. So change your attitude, moody should be the exception, not the norm. Do I have to do another radio spot?? Ugh, oh wait, attitude.

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

2012-01-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Why did Jesus have to die for us? In a minute? Really, ok here goes. God told Adam that if he ate of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, that he would surely die. As you know, Adam ate and sinned. Now, when Adam ate, you were in Adam, so you as well sinned and when you were born into this world you were born a sinner. Sin passes through the man. But Jesus was not born of man. Mary was a virgin, and yet found with child, Jesus was the first man since Adam to be in the world but sinless. Jesus remained sinless, completely innocent. Now remember, that God had promised that Adam would surely die if he disobeyed God. But God allowed a substitute to die, an animal could be sacrificed in place of man to atone for the sin. Blood had to be shed. When the Israelites were leaving Egypt they sacrificed a lamb without blemish and painted the blood over their door posts as protection from the angel of death. Here that lamb again was dying to atone for sin. This was called the Passover feast, and is celebrated every year on the 14^th day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. This is infact the same day Jesus was crucified, 1500 years later, on the 14^th day of the first month, at the Passover celebration, He is the lamb of God, the lamb with out blemish that was sacrificed for us. When God told Adam that if he sinned he would surely die, someone had to pay that price. Jesus paid it for us, for all man, for all time. Jesus is the Lamb of God. Thank you Jesus.

Daily Chocolate Cake Compote

2012-01-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

I was tempted greatly the other day by a wonderful moist piece of warm cake filled with hot fudge and topped with ice cream. That cursed dessert called out to me from the pit to indulge and eat. Well now, not eating dessert isn’t quite in the 10 commandments, so I caved. I’m an easy target. But Jesus, after not eating for forty days was approached by Satan. Satan tempted Jesus to turn some rocks into bread and eat them. Jesus response was this “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Yes, God’s word is what gives us life. Not the same life we get from chocolate cake, or even rock bread, instead it is life that lasts eternally. It’s real life. You can be ALIVE. Hope, joy peace, patience, love; these things come from God’s bread. And like we eat every day, we need God’s bread every single day, not just on Sundays. The bible promises you a life that is full of light, that the mere meditation on God’s word will cause everything you touch to prosper. Are we reading the bible enough? Are we getting that bread? Make it interesting for yourself, do searches for words and studies. Set aside a time for God. Grey’s Anatomy is not going to add anything to your life, and it may get a whole hour. God’s word has so much more for you. Take notes on what you are learning. Really eat it. Chew it up. What do you want to learn about? Now stop listening to this and go read.

Get The Doubt Out

2012-01-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Last time I talked to you about Abraham and Sarah, being far to old to have children, they were waiting to in fact do just that. God had promised Abraham 25 years earlier that he would have child, but here at the age of 99, he still did not have that promised child. I’m sure many of Abrahams friends and acquaintances had no problem having children, some of them may have not even known or believed in God. Yet, Abraham still had no child, a promise he really desired. Most people would be pretty doubtful after 25 years that it would ever happen. Abraham however does have that child, in the very next year, at the age of 100. The miracle happens. Verse 20 of Romans 4 says that Abraham “Did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith.” Jesus told us in Matt 21 that “if you have faith and do not doubt” you can speak to mountains and have them move. So then we see how important it is to have faith in God and what he said, and also to NOT doubt. Abraham did not waver through unbelief. When we begin to doubt even just a little part of God or His Word, we are wavering. Unwavering is the key. We don’t need a lot of faith, it just needs to be the size of a mustard seed, small faith, and no doubt. If you are in need of healing, stand strong on what God said, “By Jesus stripes you have been healed” Or Jesus became poor, so that you might be made rich! God said it, then it’s true. Now you need to believe and not doubt! Unwavering Faith. Let’s get the doubt out.

I Hope You Hope

2012-01-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

Romans 4 is talking about Abraham who at the age of 75 God visits and tells him that he will have a child and be the father of many nations. 75. That’s a bit old to start having kids. What’s worse, is that 24 years later he still hasn’t had this kid. God said, but man, he’s almost 100. That is a long time to wait and pray for a promise of God. We give up in like a few days. Well, the scripture says that “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations.” So the bible is saying that ordinary people would have seen it as hopeless, but Abraham kept hoping. He’s 99. It says that his wife’s womb was dead. But God can do all things. When Jesus performed miracles he always talked about a persons faith healing them, or great faith. Hebrews 11 teaches that Faith is the substance of things hoped for. So we need hope to grow in to faith. More hope is better then. The world and people tell you to NOT get your hopes up. “Whoah, you don’t want to be let down or disappointed”…But God has a different way. Since faith is built from hope, God says, Get your hopes up. Get as much hope as you can. Jesus brings us hope. Hope of a better tomorrow, hope of healing, freedom, a financial break through, a broken heart healed. The word of God is full of promises that offer us hope. Hope that father God is taking care of us. Hope. Get your hopes up my friend. You might be saying, Oh Jason, there’s now way, I’ve prayed, I’ve tried everything. Oh well, your probably right… No wait, with God there is still HOPE!

No Saving It For Later

2012-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Mark 11:25 And if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. That is a pretty big concept Jesus just gave us. He said if you don’t forgive someone, then you don’t get forgiven. Eeeee. This is serious. Jesus died for all sins for all man. Many times we say, but you don’t know what they have done to me. Jesus on the cross said “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These were the people who crucified Jesus. Ok, so if unforgiveness is not an option, then how do we do it. Well, follow Jesus example. Pray for the individual who has wronged you, and ask God to forgive them. Now let it go. When God forgives, he casts the sin into a sea of forgetfulness. Find your sea. It doesn’t mean you get close enough so the person can hurt you again, that isn’t forgiveness. Forgivenss is when you don’t hold anything against them anymore. If someone has broken the law, then call the cops. You can forgive them and still protect the next potential victim. But, you have a responsibility to God, and that is to let it go. Let it go my friend. Don’t let the sun go down even one more time on your anger. Let it go. When you get angered at someone you have two simple options. First, you can just choose to let it go. Second, you can choose to address it, like Jesus addressed the thieves in the temple, and then let it go. But in both cases you have to let it go. No saving it for later. It’s not a dessert. That means No to go box.

Are You Popular?

2012-01-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

Jesus said in Matthew 5: “ Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus called us to do more and love more than what is normal. If someone is mean to you, then you naturally want to be mean back. But if what if you were nice to nearly everyone. Friendly with all. Complimenting and encouraging and praying for everyone you came into contact with. A business knows that it must provide consistently friendly service in order to be successful. Why? Because one angry person will tell seven people, who in turn tell three more each, making 22 people mad at your business. Well, when you are unfriendly or are talking bad about someone and make them mad, you are potentially creating 22 people who think that you are mean. As Christians, how can we influence people if they don’t like us? Instead, be friendly with everyone. If kids are making fun of a different kid, don’t get involved. Be quiet. Many kids want to be popular. Popularity is based on two simple concepts. Do people know you, and do they like you. If you are friendly, happy, and your present yourself confidently then people will begin to know you and like you. Remember that God’s favor is for you. It is a promise. It is true that nearly everyone around you is feeling insecure and awkward. What if you walked in a room and encouraged others. “Hey, great shirt. Oh, Ron, great job on the test..etc” The goal isn’t to be popular, the goal is to obey Christ. The fruit is that you gain influence, and with influence you can begin to lead others, which is something we Christians should be doing. Love everyone, even your enemies.

Kick Em In The Shins

2012-01-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Romans 10:8 says, “That is the word of faith we are proclaiming.. that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Two simple things to do, then you are saved. It isn’t going to be based on how good you are, or how many rules you can follow. Now then, the verse started with the phrase, “that is the word of faith we are proclaiming.” What does it mean to proclaim? It means to tell other people. Ah ha. So you get saved, now you have a message that you too not only can, but should proclaim. You should tell others. Who should you tell? Well, ask God. I can tell you that people you know is the best place to start. Family, friends, coworkers. No need to memorize a sermon, you just have these two points to remember. Confess with mouth, believe in heart. That’s easy. Tell people how Jesus has changed you. What is different since you did received Christ. Lead them in a simple prayer. I told a man once that my whole life changed with one simple prayer. You know what, he asked me what that prayer was. Sometimes a simple invitation to church is the best way to get someone talking about your faith. Bring them to your church, introduce them to your friends, sit with them and let the Spirit move on their heart. Be proactive in your proclaiming. Maybe tell God today that you are going to try and lead one this month. Ask God to put people in your path, then don’t be surprised when he does just that. And if they are not interested, kick em in the shins. No wait, um, love them

Fighting The Cobra Kai

2012-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

IN Exodus 16 God sends bread from heaven to the Israelites. The people looked at it and called it Manna, which means “What is it?” They went and asked Moses.. “What is this stuff.” Moses replied, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.” The bread represents God’s word, the daily bread that we need. For man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The people did not know what it was, this bread. They needed someone to explain it to them. When you and I want to learn something, and we are serious about it, it becomes necessary to get a teacher. I have started learning how to fly airplanes. This is serious business. I had to find a teacher. A good teacher. The Karate Kid needed a Mr Myaggi to help him train to fight the CobraKai. The disciples referred to Jesus as their teacher. Moses was explaining the bread to the Israelites, he was their teacher. The bread here, being God’s word, is a picture of our need for a teacher of God’s word in our life. Flying lessons are important, but how about lessons on how to live our lives. How much more important is that? So God is telling us in this story that we need a teacher. When Christ came he told the disciple Peter “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not stand against it.” Jesus death and resurrection was the beginning of the church. When life deals you some fire, and things heat up with trouble, remember that hell cannot stand against the church. Get connected to your church, find a good teacher, sit down, and listen. Now then, sweep the leg Johnny.

Different Strokes

2012-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

In John 4 Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman. This was a big deal to her, since Jewish people didn’t like Samaritan people. But Jesus shows us a better way here. He shows us to love one another regardless of our differences! The Apostle Paul teaches that in Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, but that we are all the same. Now I’m White. I don’t know if you could tell that from my voice, but yeah, I am one white dude. I have been all over the world to Mexico, India, Japan, Cambodia, and I have experienced a ton of different cultures, foods, dialects, languages, hair styles, skin colors, and I can tell you this. We are not all the same. Most everyone that is white is taller than me, but in many of the countries I’ve gone, I’m pretty tall. I’ve met a ton of people from all different backgrounds that are smarter than me, have a better tan, and can jump higher. In Thailand when I preached I needed an interpreter. We look different, talk different, run different, we are different. And yet, we all share some things in common. Like we all came from the same Adam and Eve. Wow. That makes us all like, brothers. Now my brother and I are pretty different. He’s way smarter than me at math, and better at sports. But I have better hair. No matter the differences we all have, I always notice that wherever I go people share a common desire, a desire to know God. People on the other side of the world are the same as you are. Many crying out for God. And the cry sounds the same.

Why, Why, Why?

2012-01-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why? Someone asks you do something and you say “why?” “Get out of the street..” But Why? Errrrrrrrrrrrr thud. Car coming. Now let’s make our why’s productive. In Mark 1: 38 Jesus said "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. Why helps us 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 of the goal. If the purpose of school is to learn, then what your friends think while you are at school won’t effect you as much. Some people won’t change schools because they won’t know anyone at the new school. Or You might say, well if I do to well at school my friends may not like me. You see how easy it is to lose sight of the purpose. Since the purpose is to learn, then you should learn as much as you can while you are there. And your friends should want you to succeed. Who wants to spend 40 hours per week doing something, but then only being mediocre. When you do that, you are setting yourself up to lead a mediocre life. If you want extraordinary, you will have to make everything you do extraordinary. So at school, try hard, learn a lot, 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 are you doing it and then don’t lose sight of the purpose. Am I out of time, I am, then why am I still talking?

Do You Need A Miracle?

2012-01-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

Do you need a miracle? If so you are in luck. God is in the business of doing miracles. But don’t take my word for it, just check the bible. All kinds of miracles. Walking on water kind of stuff. Red Sea parting. Do you need a financial miracle. God multiplies stuff. He multiplied food, or made it so that oil and flour didn’t run out. He brought money out of a fish's mouth, or had a whole boat load of fish jump in a net. Need healing, perfect. God sent His word, and it has healed you. Jesus heals sick, blind, even dead people. God’s word holds the entire universe together, and remember what happens when God starts throwing around “let there be!” Are you in a battle, no problem. God sends legions of angels in chariots of fire to fight for us. He sends fire from heaven. Entire wars have been won without even having to fight. The enemy destroys themselves. One time God even stopped the rotation of the earth so that it would stay light longer while the battle went on. God does miracles. He’s supernatural like that. He’s stronger than Superman, Spiderman, or any other man. He is unstoppable, immoveable, unshakable, omnipotent, alpha and omega, beginning and end. And here is more good news. Not only does he do miracles, but he is your Father, and he wants to care for you. He can do miracles, He wants to do miracles, and you qualify. That’s right, not because you have done everything right, but because you have chosen to believe in Jesus, you qualify for a miracle today. Do you believe it? Great then receive your miracle. Stand firm knowing that the answer has already come.

We Bring Em, You Preach to Em

2012-01-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

What is church? Well, church is a place that people come together to worship God, and hear His word. Okay, so who is the church? Is it the people who work at the church? No. The church is us. Ah, so now we are getting somewhere. So church is us, and it is at a place we all come together. Now, how do we make church bigger. God has asked us to help expand the kingdom of God. If there are more believers then the church will grow. Many people are waiting for the pastor to make the church grow, or the music ministry to be so good that church grows. Or others might be thinking that the marketing needs to be better, or being on television is the key. None of these are quite right though. The pastor defines the vision of the church, the staff keeps the church on that vision, but it is the members actions that decides the action of the church. If the people of a church decide to grow the church, then the church will grow. The largest church in the world, located in Korea, was grown when the people began to grow the church. There was no advertising, and during much of the growth the pastor was in and out, often sickly. But Dr. Yong E Cho persevered. It was when the people united to lead their community to the Lord that the church grew, and church then was doing exactly what it is supposed to do. You should get plugged into a good church, and then go out into your world and invite others to your church, a great weekly reminder of what we are all here to do. Let the pastor know, “hey we bring em, you preach to em.”

Treasure or Pleasure

2012-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Matthew 13:44 The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” You see, in this story, no matter what the man enjoyed about his life, none of it compared to the treasures that God has. People sometimes think that following Christ means giving up the things you enjoy. But the truth is, that the things of God are so much better that you yourself will want to give up everything for the Lord. His treasure far surpasses anything you have experienced. With out him you could never truly be happy, since he is the source of Joy. Any happiness you experience apart from God is fleeting and is barely a shadow of what God has. When you finally find it, you will be ready to, like the man in the story, begin a whole new life in a new place, and put all of your value in the new found treasure that are the things of God. The peace and happiness God gives you far surpass drinking or drugs. The love of your life that you marry and spend your whole life in intimacy in a godly marriage where two can fully give themselves to each other is far more pleasurable than the moments of passion people find that leaves them confused, empty and alone. God’s treasures lead to life, the worlds pleasures lead to destruction. Treasures are hidden, and if you want to find one you must seek it. Search. Seek God. Receive Christ today, you have absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And when you find that treasurer, you will know what I mean.

Live The Fairy Tale

2012-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

An old fairy tells of a twins boys separated at birth, one was stolen from his parents and destitute in a village. Before his 13^th birthday he was magically reunited with his parents, who as it turned out, were the King and Queen of the land. His parents dressed him in finest of robes and he was moved into the palace with great wealth. Well that’s a fairy tale, what about real life? Well Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” You are an heir of God, co-heir with Christ who is the King of Kings. Now I don’t know about the palace in the fairy tale, but God is not afraid of being wealthy. God isn’t worried that his streets are too nice, or that someone spent to much on the temple. His streets are gold. Now what if the boy in our story found out who he was, but decided to live outside the palace anyways? You see, many Christians do just this. God is calling you to enter the Kingdom of God, to inherit all that he promised. Abraham inherited the promises before he died. The promises are for you now, while you are still here, since you entered into eternity the moment you receive Christ. And as it says in Galations 3: “Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to us Through Christ Jesus.” So do you need a place to stay? God has one. He’s put you in a robe of righteousness. Come on inside.

Young Love.. ewwww

2012-01-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

When I was in the first grade I had a girl friend at church. She was blonde, and 6 years old. We kissed under the monkey bars. Ahhhh, young love. I thought it would be forever. We seemed to have that spark that would last. Dating in the first grade seems a bit premature. So when is the right age to get into in a serious relationship. How old is old enough to really fall madly in love? We can fall in love in the first grade, since God designed us to love. But that may be a bit young for tying the not. In the bible, Jacob went looking for a wife when he was ready to get married. Ok, so maybe some kids date a bit, and keep it light, but sometimes you start dating someone for a long time, and then your all “I love you.” So, how young is too young? Well, a simple question should give you the answer. Are you ready to get married? That is, would you get married this year if you met the right person? Ok, if not, then how old do you want to be when you get married? Most say about 25. So if you want to get married at 25, and you only need a year or so to get to know someone, then you can start serious dating at age 23 or 24. Until then have fun, enjoy your friends, meet different people, and don’t get serious until you are good and ready to get married. God has a perfect person for you, be patient they will still be available when it is time. It’s what Jacob did, and he and Rachael made it work. Oh, and no kissing in the first grade!

The Ghost Within

2012-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

In John 14:17 Jesus is telling the disciples that He is going to be leaving, but he is sending the Holy Spirit. He goes on to say “You know him, for He lives with you, and will be in you.” Man could not receive the Holy Spirit inside until Jesus had completed the work. After Jesus died and resurrected he breathed on the disciples and said “Receive the Holy Spirit.” We know also that in Acts 2 they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. This is important stuff, the Spirit that lived in Jesus, lives in you. That is, the Spirit of God. The Spirit that used to live in the Ark of the Covenant that was in the temple, you remember from Indiana Jones, yeah, you are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus could heal the sick and walk on water, but he said even greater things will you do. Now I know some get a little weird when talking about the Holy Spirit living in you, but I don’t. They might say things like “well, I’m not sure about all that stuff..” But I don’t listen to what people say, I listen to what God says. The entire new testament is for me, and is full of the Spirit, and when I receive Christ I receive the Spirit of God with in me, and I’m good with that. Jesus said the spirit will lead me to truth, and remind me of things that Jesus said. Well I could use some leading and reminding from time to time. And when I pray for my kid to not be sick, I know it isn’t me that heals, but the Spirit of God within me. There are gifts of the Spirit, and fruit of the spirit. And who wouldn’t want gifts and fruit. I like strawberries.

Another Beginning

2011-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Christmas is in December. This has me reflecting a bit on the change Christ brings us. Think about it, a year is ending, and a new year is beginning. Christ changed everything. In just a few years of teaching and ministry the world continues to expand the message he spoke. There are more believers today than there were 100 years ago, or 1000 years ago. The message is so large that the whole world stands up and recognizes Christmas, whether they want to or not. And His life, death, and then life brought us new life. A new day, a new season for all of mankind. A new year is upon us, and it relates to what Christ brings. He brings hope for tomorrow. He has made us a brand new creation, old things have passed away. Paul teaches us to forget the past and press on to the future. I’m not sure what your year has been filled with, some victories, some crash and burns. Maybe some tragedy, and some moments of great happiness. Lets face forward together, lets join hands and march into the unknown future strong, with expectations of glory, with God at the helm we know that nothing is impossible. It’s a great big world, and we’ve got a lot to do.

Get This Place Cleaned Up

2011-12-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

Alright wrapping paper all over the floor, stuff strewn, food left out, pajamas un-shaven un-ready half asleep, lights, tree, it’s time to get this place cleaned up… the house has gotten messy. You know, you and I get a little like that house sometimes. II Timothy 2:20 says “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. ²¹ Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Yeah your house has some messy stuff in it. Oh ok, mine too. This doesn’t make your house bad. Just need to take out the trash is all. And the more trash we get cleansed of, the more work we get to do. Well that doesn’t sound like fun, but if it comes from God, you can bet it will be fun. He’s not in the business of making your miserable for serving Him. And if you ask, Jesus, the word of God will help you clean up. In fact there is no better cleaner than the word of God. It’s like nuclear powered pinesol. Boom, clean. And it’s free.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed the trend to take the word Christ out of Christmas. I see the Happy Holidays all over the place. But here’s some good news about that. Holiday is taken from the phrase Holy Day. And Holy means to be set apart for God’s plans and purposes. So now all over the world we are announcing a joyful set of days dedicated to God. So hey, Jesus still wins. Yeah. But even so, if we want to guard the Christ in Christmas for the world, the best way to do this is just to get more Jesus into the hearts of the people. God shows us a tremendous wisdom by sending Jesus into our lives. He shows us that the world cannot be changed by bringing a bunch of rules down from the mountain, the world is only changed by getting the seed of God into the hearts of man. You see, God is changing us from the inside out. And if we want to change the world it also happens from the inside out. We shouldn’t be surprised when the world does things we don’t agree with, they don’t know any better. And telling them the rules may not help. But giving them the seed of Jesus Christ, ah yes, this is the key to change.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

2011-12-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Jesus put you in the Jelly of the month club? The gift that keeps on giving the whole year through. Check this out, John 14:15 Jesus has come to the earth, ministered, healed, raised the dead, now he’s telling his disciples that He’s gotta go. And here is what He says will happen after He goes… “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth” he goes on to explain about the Holy Spirit. This is the same Spirit that is poured out in Acts 2. the Holy Spirit is full of gifts of the Spirit. You see, the gift that keeps on giving. Now I’m not saying the Holy Spirit is Jelly, The Holy Spirit is our counselor, our comforter, and can lead us into truth. Jelly is just something you put on toast. The Holy Spirit quickens our mortal bodies, and cries out to God “Abba Father”. And Jesus said in Luke 11:13 “How much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask.” Well I don’t know what you asked for Christmas, but if you haven’t already, you may just want to ask for the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round.

A Running Theme

2011-12-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate Christmas, and remember Jesus coming to the world as a man, well, we should remember His message. Just after starting His ministry Jesus sets up the platform He stood for, the famous sermon on the mount. Here he says things like, forgive your brother, be meek, pray for your enemies and, If someone asks you for some orange juice (I’m paraphrasing here), give him the whole bottle. Now we can’t cover the whole message in a minute, but we can summarize it with a passage in John 15:12 “My command is this, love one another as I have loved you.” And How did Christ love us? Well, he was willing to give up everything for us. Let’s try that this week, I mean really try. Husbands lay down your life for your wife, for your children. Wives, you too. Let’s all slow down a bit this week and remember the gift we can give Jesus, to really show our love to Him, is to love each other. As He taught us in that same teaching. If you love me, you will obey my command… and what was His command? Ah yes, love each other. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I can promise you what Jesus promised, it will lead to life.

Why Sing?

2011-12-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

So Mary has been told by the angel that she’s going to give birth to the Christ, and that Elizabeth her relative is going to have a baby too, she goes to visit her, and when they see each other Mary spontaneously goes into a song. It’s like a scene from a musical or something. I dunno about you, but I have never been chatting to my brother and then began to sing a song. But Mary does. Then, later Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband starts singing too. And when the baby Jesus is born the angels are singing. I’m seeing a trend here. Praising God is important to do in a song. Why? Well, I can’t explain it in a minute, so let’s learn together through experience. So your listening to the radio, k, for the next song, roll down the window and sing along. And look for others doing it. Sing it loud. Sing praises to God. Now look at all the crazy Christians like you singing a long. Listen, Just like Mary, you have the seed of God in you. You are highly favored, blessed of God, a child of the king. And maybe you’re not feeling it today cause you ain't tried singing it. Get to church on time on Sunday so you can sing it out with the family. Sing more.

Know When To Fold Em

2011-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

So Jesus has arrived on the planet, angels sang, treasures were given, and suddenly King Herod decides to Kill Jesus. What? Jesus is barely here and already they want him dead. We can learn something from this. When you are going to make an impact on this world, you are going to have some people and events try and stop you. Think about this, I mean, it’s Jesus, wouldn’t everything just go smooth for him. You know, not a problem. In Matthew 2:13 an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and mother and escape to Egypt.” So He does. You see God was keeping them safe. God was the solution to the trouble. You will have some King Herods in your life. Look, when you are in a position to make a huge impact, well the darkness is not going to be too happy about your light; you set out to do something good, and along comes trouble. But what we learn from this story is that God has a solution for you. And the answer came to Joseph as he slept. So relax, don’t stress out, take a deep breath, get some sleep even. You do the possible, let God handle the rest.