A Do-Over

As I was working on the bulletin this past Sunday I noticed that the previous week the date was January 21, 2017....my first thought was, with a chuckle...."like starting the whole year over!"
A do-over!  and then I thought....do we want a do over?!

We talk about the new year as a clean slate, starting over....but do we think about the previous year as needing a do-over?
Do we wish for one? Do we need one? Should we even worry about wanting one?

Maybe some of us think...."my life should be a do over"
If you have accepted Christ.....guess what ....YOU GOT IT!
not that you will not make mistakes or even flounder at times...but

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.          2 Corinthians 5:14-19

We are a new creation...the OLD is GONE!  NEW has come....a DO OVER!

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,  in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:1-13

 We have been brought near and made alive by the blood of Christ!

His forgiveness removes our sins

as far as the east is from the west,    so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Live each day for Him, so that there are no regrets...no desires for a do-over. So that when the new year or even a new day arrives we can say "it is well with my soul" 

End your day praising Him for ALL He blessed you with and asking for forgiveness for those things which went against His desire for you, and seeking His wisdom for tomorrow, doing this with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. (more on that next week!)

This is my prayer for you!

Concerning the Condition of My Soul

I have been reading...well listening to, Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan every morning on my way to work. SO many things strike me as I listen.  SO much scripture used and great imagery.
It is only natural that I would have some thoughts come to mind in which to share.  So probably for a few weeks this book may be the inspiration and reference for some of my blogs.
A quote from the book....

"Do you mean how I first became concerned about the condition of my soul?”  said by Hopeful, Christians companion on his pilgrimage.  What a statement!!
That moment in our lives when we became concerned about the condition of our soul and knew that we had to do something about it!
Oh I think there are those, who for a moment, or maybe for a time, have a passing concern: the death of someone close or near their age; someone poses the question "where will you go when you die?"; a dire illness or injury; make them think about their spiritual status...only to be distracted by life, things of this world, selfish ambition....what ever it may be.. they forget, or don't care enough to allow the concern for their soul to propel them into  life changing action.
 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror  and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:23-24
How tragic...

When we consider the condition of our soul we should be completely overwhelmed by the sorry state in which it is.  We can do nothing of consequence on our own, we are sinful by nature, and unclean.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25

THE ONLY thing that can remove the sin, create cleanliness, is the blood of Christ,

"Well, He died 2000 years ago....how can His blood help me now?"

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11
The POWER of His resurrection through faith in Him and through HIS righteousness is for TODAY! for right now!
But we MUST be concerned enough about our spiritual state to do something about it....that we allow Christ to show us who we really are, we SEE ourselves ....and then do something about it!

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25
 I pray that you consider the condition of your soul today....and your response is "My sorry soul has been redeemed by the blood!" AMEN!

As We Honor Martin Luther King Jr

MLK Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service, MLK Jr. Day of Service
It has many names  but ...
Martin Luther King Jr Day was signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986....1994 the King Holiday and Service Act  was signed into law challenging American citizens to volunteer or do other acts of service to honor Martin Luther King and his accomplishments in civil rights and  non violence.

This year it falls on his actual birthday.  Happy Birthday Martin Luther King!

So I hope that today...whether in your job or where ever ...you are able to volunteer or are able to perform some acts of service to help your community or others.

But as Christians let's take that further!

Christ came to serve ...and we are called to do the same!

"just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:28
He gave many examples of how to serve those around us...but one of my favorites is;

 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:4-17
In humility, love and compassion we are called to serve those around us, our "fellow man"  whom ever that may be; the clean neat and tidy or the stinky, dirty beggar.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

Can we all say we have the same "dream" as the Reverend Dr. King?

"I have a dream today ... I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. " (I Have A Dream copyright 1963 Martin Luther King)  which comes from Isaiah 40:4-6.

Do we not dream that one day ALL will see the Glory of the LORD!?!  

Until that day....we can show the glory of the Lord by serving all those around us humbly, in love and in Jesus' name!

Codependent?

Much discussion these days about codependency and how we shouldn't be codependent or enablers to the codependent.
And I had a thought (of course!);
Aren't we designed to be codependent?  on Christ? Or more specifically other believers in Christ?

We are going to define codependent in it's loosest sense;
"The definition of codependent is a situation where two people mutually rely on each other."
Read more at (http://www.yourdictionary.com/codependent#QUI6vGTWtbCtXvoo.99)
Isn't that what Christians should be to each other...but in the positive sense?  God designed us to be a community.
 From the very beginning God said it was not good for man to be alone! (Genesis 2:10) I know that with that He meant a helpmate....but the concept, that from creation we were not meant to be solitary individuals but be dependent on others.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:
 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 


With Christ it is more a dependent relationship than co-dependent...as He existed long before us and will continue... But He does desire a relationship with us!

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. Romans 6:8

 His existence is NOT dependent on us....but ours certainly is on Him! 
 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Without Christ all our works, all we strive for our very  existence has no real meaning.
We are created by Him for His works (Ephesians 2:10).


I pray that my dependency on Christ is utterly complete!  and I pray that for you too!
and that I realize my need for others in my life, the codependency I have with others, that they are dependent on me as well, for my encouragement, prayer, friendship, love.  I need to remember that and not neglect those God has put in my life!



It is not my intention to downplay or disrespect the meaning of codependency and issues with addiction and unhealthy behavior or the people that struggle with it daily.
But maybe if some one is stuck in that sort of cycle, that sort of relationship, that sort of life; understanding our great need for Jesus Christ, our dependency on Him for all things in our life....that could be a help to move them away from that sort of behavior.  Also, that being dependent on others for Godly, positive, healthy support, encouragement, daily contact, spiritual uplifting, guidance and direction and accountability could also help in moving in the right direction and staying on that path.

I Forgot Baby Jesus!

This blog came to me before christmas. And I knew it should be my first after Christmas.  And then I thought
But wait it is New Years Day....shouldn't I do something pertinent to that?
And then the thought came..."that is extremely pertinent for the new year!
So here goes;
While getting ready for our little Christmas production at church, I was there early bustling around making sure we were all set before the children arrive for rehearsal.
I had several lists going...had made coppies the script at least 3 different times...as I kept finding errors or wanted to tweek it's appearance (mind you, this involved 10 kids and maybe 7 speaking parts..to last all of 15 minutes!)
Anyway...rushing down the stairs for one more prop, I called my friend, co director, lifesaver, encourager, better half of almost all my thought processes...(you get what I mean?!  I pray you all have at least one in your life!)
And basically hollered breathlessly," I forgot Baby Jesus!  Have you left your house yet?" ( the doll we needed for our manger)
She laughed and I immediately said "that has got to be a blog!"
Because in making that statment out loud I realized in all my hurry and rush ..how true that statement could be!
Our simple little program ...retelling of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"  has Charlie Brown yelling "Doesn't ANYONE know the real meaning of Christmas!?"
The answer...BABY JESUS!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke2:8-18 (KJV)

 I pray this is not a statement as to  how your Christmas was.
That in all the bustle and craziness that seems to come with the holiday you did NOT forget Baby Jesus...why we have Christmas festivities in the first place.  The birth of Christ should have been at the center...a focus daily.  Oh, I am not saying we should forgo all that we do (but that is something we should reflect on and pray about ...and make changes if necessary)
But IN all that we do can people see that Christ is why we celebrate.  Can people tell our holiday spirit comes from a joy within that only Christ can give.  Does our giving reflect genuine overflowing from a full spirit and not a stress on our bank account.
Do we feel spiritually uplifted after Christmas?  Instead of let down, or overwhelmed by the chaos. 
As we step out of Christmas and into the New Year we should make sure our center is Christ and all the activities, projects, opportunities, relationships revolve around that Center!
 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord,Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians8:5-7

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! Philippians 1:20-22

My prayer is you DO know....that you live today...this year... for Christ!  And find all the JOY and PEACE that brings!