Finding Restoration and New Life in Jesus

Friday, May 30, 2025

As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:16-20

Finding Restoration and New Life in Jesus

Peter was a character. He was a fisherman, disciple, one of Jesus’ closest friends, outspoken, and sometimes got himself in trouble when he would say something or act before thinking. He heard about Jesus from his brother Andrew, who had heard John the Baptist say that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Jesus came upon Peter and Andrew fishing, and he called to them and said, “Follow me.” They left immediately to follow him as did James and John, two brothers who were fishing with their father.

During Jesus’ trial, Peter denied knowing him as Jesus told him would happen. Peter did not want to believe he would ever deny knowing Jesus, but he did. He didn’t even get to talk to Jesus again before he was crucified. I can’t imagine how his heart must have hurt, but Jesus knew. When he rose from the dead, Jesus wanted Peter to know. He told the women who had come to his tomb and found it empty: But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you. Mark 16:7 Jesus names Peter specifically because he knew that Peter needed to hear the good news. 

After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to the disciples. Some of them had gone back to fishing, maybe because they felt lost and didn’t know what else to do. The resurrected Jesus met them there on the beach and cooked them breakfast. Peter was likely still feeling the pressure of his betrayal to Jesus and Jesus was there to set things right. 

Jesus asked Peter "Do you love me?" three times after his resurrection to confirm his faith and restore him after his three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion. By asking Peter to "feed my sheep," Jesus was entrusting Peter with leadership within the church, implying his responsibility to guide and disciple believers.

I love that Jesus’ last visit with Peter and some of the other disciples was on the beach just as was his first encounter with them. In Luke Chapter 5, in telling the account of Jesus calling his first disciples, he told Peter to let down his nets in deeper water. They had not caught anything all night but now the nets were so full they were beginning to break. The resurrected Jesus did the same thing for the disciples that day when he made them breakfast on the beach. They were in their boats and had caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side, and they did, and their nets were bursting. 

Jesus ends his time with those few disciples the same way he began. He addressed Peter as Simon, which is what his name was before Jesus changed his name. Peter was back to Simon, but Jesus restored him, gave him a new identity and purpose just as he did in the very beginning. And he wrapped it up with some of his very first words to Peter - Follow me.  

What about you? Have you gone back to what you knew was safe because you do not feel worthy or capable to step into your calling from Jesus? Have you put on your old identity because you think you are not worthy of your identity in Christ? Once you make the decision to follow Jesus, that identity if yours forever and it trumps every other identity you have ever had.

The most beautiful thing about this story is that Jesus came back for Peter. He cooked him breakfast. He restored him and gave him new direction. Peter probably didn’t see that coming. Peter failed Jesus by denying that he knew him, but Jesus forgave him.  Jesus loves us and he will not leave us in the boat. When we let him he will always restore us and give us new life and purpose no matter how many times we fail. It is never too late to return to Jesus, confess, ask for forgiveness, repent, and find restoration.

What Do You Have in Your Hand?

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand—  “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

Every day there are many that are being called by God to do something special and they ignore it.  They quickly say “Not me, Lord I am too busy, or I’m not equipped. I don’t have what it takes.” If God calls you to something, He will equip you to do whatever it is He has called you to do. So, the truth is, you might be already equipped. 

What Do You Have in Your Hand?

Moses was called by God to do an important job – lead the Children of Israel out of bondage and in to the Promised Land.  It was a big job of utmost importance and requiring the greatest responsibility.  Moses didn’t feelqualified, so he bucked God on this.  When God appeared to Moses and told him this, Moses was tending some sheep, so he had his shepherd’s staff in his hand.  God told Moses what He wanted him to do and Moses’ response was, “I can’t do that! I’m not qualified, and they will never believe me when I tell them God appeared to me and told me to be their leader.” Then God asked Moses, “What do you have in your hand?”  Moses responded that it was a staff.  God told him to throw it down on the ground and when he did, it turned into a snake.  Moses moved away quickly but God said, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.”  When Moses reached out and grabbed it, it turned back to his staff. Then God said, “This is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has appeared to you.”  In other words, this sign should make them listen to you.  

God used something that Moses already had…his staff.  God used Moses’ staff as an instrument of authority in his leading of the Children of Israel many times.  It was part of his identity to begin with as a shepherd.  It was a tool that he used to make a living.  It was a tool of influence physically with the sheep, and when Moses surrendered to God it was a symbol of influence in his leadership.  

The key here is that Moses had to lay it down before God could use it.  He couldn’t see the power of God in that stick until he put it down. Moses had to surrender to God before God could use what He already had given him.  When Moses did this, the staff was no longer Moses’ shepherding staff. It became God’s staff and Moses was the instrument through which it would be used.  

What do you have in your hand today?  Is your fist tightly closed, wrapped around a gift or tool that you have that could be used for God’s glory?  Are you hiding away something you don’t want known because you don’t feel adequate to use it?  Lay it down. He can’t use what is not offered. Surrender it to Him and your life will be blessed.  

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   1 Peter 4:10-11

What Are You Sowing?

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Israel cries out to me, “My God, we know you! ”Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will pursue him. They have installed kings, but not through me. They have appointed leaders, but without my approval. They make their silver and gold into idols for themselves for their own destruction. Your calf-idol  is rejected, Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For this thing is from Israel — a craftsman made it, and it is not God. The calf of Samaria will be smashed to bits! Indeed, they sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. Hosea 8:2-7a

What Are You Sowing? 

As a Christian, we have access to the only thing that will ever bring us fullness and joy, and that is abundant life in Jesus Christ. As humans, we seek that abundance in other places, and it always leads to destruction, brokenness, and loss. The nation of Israel was no different.  They sinned against God and their actions led to God’s judgement. 

Hosea lived and prophesied during a time known as "the Divided Kingdom" in Israel. The nation of Israel had been through a civil war and split into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel, where Hosea lived, and the southern kingdom of Judah. God called Hosea to minister to this broken and morally declining nation, while also instructing him to take a prostitute for his wife and to remain faithful to her even while she remained in her sin. Hosea was willing to sacrifice to be this powerful illustration of God’s love and to point others to him. This relationship was meant to be symbolic of God’s endless love for a people who were unfaithful to him. They had turned to other gods for answers, and to other nations for help instead of turning to God. Through the prophet Hosea, God sent them a warning and a call to repentance with an invitation to return to him. God wanted to restore his relationship with Israel. Much like what happens to us when we have sin in our lives, Israel was blinded and confused by sin. They were caught in a cycle of sin that had caused them to forget their one true God and his love. 

In the passage above Hosea compares Israel’s rebellion to sowing the wind, meaning emptiness. No matter how hard you grab, when you are trying to get a fistful of wind, you end up with nothing. That is what it is like to reach for fulfillment and satisfaction anywhere else but in Jesus. Worse, when we sow the wind, we reap the whirlwind. When we live our life pursuing and following anything else but Jesus, not only will we end up emptier than before, but there will also be consequences if we don’t stop, repent, and follow Jesus. This was the warning Hosea gave Israel from God. Their worshipping of false gods, empty pursuits, and refusal to align with God would bring discipline from God. 

Hosea’s prophecy and story are for us as well. Let us not forget that true fullness and joy only comes from surrendering our own desires and will and following Jesus. The world and all it offers – idols, drugs, sex, money, things – never satisfy or bring that fullness and joy we so desperately seek. We are sowing wind when we turn to all these things instead of him. Let us also not forget the faithfulness and unending love our Heavenly Father has for us. Just as was depicted in Hosea’s story – even when we are unfaithful to him, he seeks to restore our relationship with him. He chased after his people – Israel – and in his perfect love, he disciplined them to lead them away from their own undoing and back to his open arms. 

What are you sowing? Are you sowing wind? Are you willing to sacrifice for his glory and the good of others? If so, surrender to him today and start following him where you will find fullness and joy and true abundant life. 

Finding True Fullness and Joy

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. John 21:15-19

Finding True Fullness and Joy

The disciples had been through so much – Jesus telling them he was leaving them, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus trials and beatings, Peter’s denials, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the visits by the resurrected Jesus. So much had happened and now, not knowing what they needed to do next, Peter and some of the other disciples went fishing, back to what they knew was safe. 

A man standing on the shore called out to them to drop their nets on the other side of the boat.  They were frustrated with the results they were getting and decided they had nothing to lose by following the stranger’s advice.  They cast their nets on the other side of the boat and they caught so many fish that they could barely drag the net into the boat.  Immediately they knew who the stranger on the beach was. It was Jesus. John shouted, “It is the Lord!”  Jesus had been seen twice since His resurrection and this makes the third time.  Jesus’ response to that was “Come and eat breakfast.” Breakfast on the beach with Jesus. What an amazing invitation! Peter thought about how he had denied Jesus as he stepped out of the boat. How could he face Jesus?  Would Jesus bring it up?  

Jesus did bring it up, but not the way Peter expected. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Some think Jesus was giving Peter the opportunity to proclaim three times out loud his love for Jesus, just as he had denied him three times. He was also subtly reminding Peter of his sin while giving him an important job to carry on, assuring Peter of His love for him and His trust in him to lead others.  In fact, Jesus entrusted Peter with something that was very important to Him – feeding His sheep. What Jesus meant by that was that He was entrusting Peter with shepherding His flock - Christians. He was working to get Peter’s focus back where it needed to be – on him.  

Jesus had the chance to condemn Peter, but He didn’t. Instead, He welcomed him with open arms, cooked him a meal, sat and visited with him, taught him something new and challenged him. Most of all, He loved him, and Peter knew that he was loved and forgiven.  He knew that Jesus loved him even when he denied Him. 

Instead of condemning, he told Peter that he had a job for him, but he needed to make sure that Peter would hold steady in his faith. He called Peter to follow him – again – just like he called him the very first time. He called him to surrender everything and follow him forever. Now He is calling Peter to be a shepherd for the people.

Jesus is asking Peter to love Him more than the life Peter has known. Jesus is also asking us to love Him more than anything else. He equipped Peter by sending His Holy Spirit to fill and empower Peter for his calling and he will always equip us for the work he has for us. We have the gift of His Holy Spirit inside us and his Word to continually guide us.

When we fail, the Lord gives us a new name and new identity just as he did for Peter. He restores us with new purpose, and he asks us to follow him. He asks us to surrender everything and follow him forever. Only when we do this will we truly find fullness and joy. Only when we surrender our failures to him – past and present – will he be able to use us. When we feel the Lord convicting us of sin, pointing out our failings or uncovering our weaknesses, it's never because he wants to shame us. He wants to forgive us. He wants to heal us. He wants to set us free so we can be all he designed and called us to be.

When we lose ourselves for Jesus’ sake, we will find everything. We have to die to all our idols, to all the things we have put our hope in. We have to die to all our own dreams and desires. We die to everything we love more than him. 

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? Mark 8:34-37  

True fullness and joy for Christians is found when we completely surrender to him in obedience, giving up our own selfish desires and trusting him completely. We can let go of the ideals we hang onto and surrender to his plan, knowing that he will always do what is the very best for us. We can receive this by surrender and live in it by obeying.  

Greater Love

Monday, May 26, 2025    

The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.  Proverbs 10:7 

Greater Love

Sacrifice. The surrender of something for the sake of something else. Every sacrifice takes a greater love than we possess on our own. It is the kind of love our Heavenly Father gave to us in the sacrifice of His son, Jesus. His shed blood bought our freedom from sin, death, and hell, and replaced them all with salvation and promised eternal life. 

Today is the official Memorial Day holiday, the last Monday of May.  Many people see it as just a 3-day weekend, a time for cookouts and parties. But for those who have lost someone because of war or military action, it means much more than a day off. Every American ought to recognize this day in honor of those who spilled their blood to make America what she is today-free, strong, and a nation worth fighting for. 

I cannot help but think that this Memorial Day freedom means a lot more to us because our freedom has been compromised in the last couple of years. These events have brought a new perspective on how much freedom we really have when just a little is taken.  It stings.  We are blessed in America and we are blessed because of those who fought to give us what we have – precious freedom.

True Patriotism

Merriam Webster defines patriot as “one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests.”  Note the first key phrase: “One who loves…” Patriotism is an expression of LOVE. Love calls us to sacrifice, and who has sacrificed more than the American Soldier? John 15:13 says, “No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.”

·         In just over two-hundred years more than one million men and women have given their lives opposing tyranny and defending the helpless and oppressed. 

·         These patriots have freely and valiantly sacrificed their lives upon the altar of freedom for you and for me.

Because men and women have died for this country, we have the right to 
preach God’s word freely; to live at peace in our own homes. 
We have the right to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness.

The cost of freedom is blood. 

On Memorial Day we give thanks for sacrifice. All the heroic acts on battlefields throughout history have made our country what it is today. We enjoy freedom and wealth that are unequaled. Our freedom and our luxuries have come and been maintained at a great price.  All of us are not called upon to die heroically or sacrificially.  We should never be ashamed that we are alive, yet many abuse the liberty we have received by selfish indulgence on pleasures that weaken the moral strength of this great nation.

The Freedom the Cross Bought

Every day we enjoy and take for granted the freedoms that soldiers have bought with their blood.  But we also have another freedom that was bought with blood.  The person responsible for giving us this freedom didn’t wear fatigues; he wore a crown of thorns. He won the war against Satan and sin for us with His shed blood on Calvary. He waged war and fought for us and because of His sacrifice we can be free from the bondage of sin and an eternal prison in hell.  

So on this Memorial Day remember the soldiers who have fought in wars over the years.  Think about the way you live, what you have, and what freedoms you enjoy.  We are a blessed nation.  We don’t realize how blessed we are because we do not know any different.  Today, and every day, remember those who sacrificed to give this to you and your family.  Don’t take it for granted.  Many lost their lives so we can live as we do.  

Thank God for your freedom and thank Him for the sacrifice of His son.  Thank Him for freedom from sin and for the gift of everlasting life.  

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Q&A: What Does Jesus Ask of Us? “Do You Love Me?”

Q&A: What Does Jesus Ask of Us?
“Do You Love Me?”
John 21:15-22 (CSB)

 

- Key Truth: “Jesus’ questions can bring hope, life, and purpose to any who would dare to answer.”

Main Question: How does Jesus’ call to surrender lead to a life of fullness and joy?   

1.    Surrender leads to reconciliation.  (John 21:15-17)

2.    Surrender leads to sacrifice.  (John 21:18-19)

3.    Surrender leads to obedience.  (John 21:20-22)

After the Message: 

Read John 21:15-22. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus as Savior and King? If so, are you living a life of sacrifice for His glory and the good of others by following Him daily? If not, what needs to change in your life to make that happen this week? 

As Long As We Believe

Friday, May 23, 2025

Then he said, Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full. II Kings 4:3-4

As Long As We Believe

This scripture holds the story of a woman who was the widow of one of the Sons of the Prophets. The Sons of the Prophets was a group mentioned usually in association with the Prophet Elisha’s ministry. They were likely leaders at this time who were devoted to God and served Him. 

This widow had debt and no way to pay. Because of the legal system in Israel, she could not declare bankruptcy, so she had to give her sons over as servants to her creditor to pay her debts. The Mosaic Law allowed for a creditor to enslave a debtor and their children to work off a debt. How awful that must have felt to that mother. 

The widow called out to Elisha asking him to help her. Elisha asked her what she had, and the lady said nothing but a jar of oil. This was probably a small jar of oil for anointing, rather than a large jar of oil for cooking – so not much oil at all. Elisha told her to go borrow jars from her neighbors, a lot of jars. This kind of behavior likely made her neighbors think she had gone off the deep end. They were sure to ask questions – why on earth would she need THIS many jars? She didn’t care, because she did it in faith. She trusted the word of God through the prophet, and she was desperate to see the promise fulfilled. Sometimes we have to be desperate to be spurred into action. 

Elisha told the woman to take what she had – one jar of oil – and pour that out into the borrowed vessels. As she did this, the oil miraculously kept pouring from her small jar until all the borrowed jars were filled. When she was done, she had so much oil! Like the story of the armies in chapter 3 who dug the trenches when there was no rain in sight, she gathered jars trusting the promise that God would fulfill His promise. She had to step out in faith. She had to do the thing that did not make sense to anyone else. 

This is the picture of God's provision for our debts. Note that there was enough in the pouring jar to fill to the level of the faith of the woman. As long as she continued to pour, for as long as she had empty jars, the oil kept coming. As long as we trust and believe completely in God to fulfill His promises in our lives, He will. It may not be the way we want Him to do it, but it will be the very best way – the way that is the best for us. 

You think your life is irreparable? God is in the business of big answers. He likes to come through in impossible situations because He is glorified, and the testimony of faith is great. What are you calling out about? What debt? Are you collecting jars because you believe wholeheartedly in His promises? Maybe it is time to do something that no one understands because you are so tired of living under the pressure of the debts. It is there for us when our faith vision is ready to engage and respond. 

You have God in the measure in which you desire Him. Only remember that the desire that brings God must be more than a feeble, fleeting wish. Wishing is one thing; willing is quite another. Lazily wishing and strenuously desiring are two entirely different postures of mind; the former gets nothing, and the latter gets everything, gets God, and with God all that God can bring.  (MacLaren)

Knowing God

Thursday, May 22, 2025

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Do we the Church, and as individual Christians know who God is? The slow and self-destructive path that we as a nation of "so called Christians" are on may be directly related to the fact we have forgotten who God is, and are not allowing Him to influence our lives, individually and collectively. 

Knowing God - God's Word is clear when it comes to knowing God. Knowledge of God is based on what God has said and shown about Himself – not what man has accepted. When we seek knowledge of God in the proper way, a relationship with the person of God will be a natural result.

So the question at hand is, GOD: WHO IS HE? Most people today, whether religious or non-religious would acknowledge the existence of God. But the concept of who God is differs widely among people. 

God’s identity is found in His experience with those who have gone before us.  How does this knowledge of God come to people?  

For many it is the basis of experience.  Comfort, forgiveness, and mercy in experience.  People love to talk about of what God has done for sickness, sin, and uncertainty. But there is only one place we can go to find a true concept of who God is, and that is the Bible, where God reveals Himself to man.  We find in Exodus 3:13-14, that Moses asks the basic question we are asking, Who is God?

God Is One Who Comes Near & Invites Us to Know Him  

The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush…Exodus 3:1-6  

Moses was tending sheep in the desert and was approached by God who identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses knew the history of God appearing and intervening on the behalf of His people.  It had been through God appearing to Abraham that a nation was born. Though each generation must discover God for themselves, He does not have to reveal Himself the same way repeatedly.  Many have had “burning bush” experiences without a flame but God still comes near.  After Moses, God kept coming nearer until ultimately, He came near through the incarnation of His Son Jesus Christ through whom we are invited to come near to Him. God is not some imaginary being who floats around up in the recess of outer space, He makes Himself known to His people, asking them to come near to Him. 

Where is God meeting you?  Look for Him in your everyday places and listen for Him calling out to you.  And go to His living word to find Him also. The very words the Bible contains are spoken by God for our comprehending the truth about Him and to lead us in righteousness. God has spoken and continues to speak to us through His living word.

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

Do You Know The Living God?

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? “Who do people say the Son of Man is? ”They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say  Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:13-17 CSB

Do You Know The Living God?

In Matthew chapter 16, we are given Matthew’s account of the questions that Jesus asked the disciples at Caesarea Philippi. When Jesus asked what people said about him, the disciples responded with John the Baptist; Elijah; and Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers Jesus with “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

They were standing in Caesarea Philippi, a center of Greek and Roman pagan worship. Peter’s response that he was the Messiah; the Son of the living God is a stark contrast to the dead idols these people were worshipping. Also, the living God is a much more powerful and true Messiah than the dead apostles and prophets. They were dead. They could not save anyone. But when people cannot make sense of something, they create theories in their own understanding. 

Another story of an apostle standing in the midst of a pagan city full of idol worshippers was Paul in Athens. (Acts 17:22-27) Athens was full of idols and idol worshippers, and Paul was distressed so much so that he was compelled to address the people in Athens about who the true and living God is. 

Paul began by telling the people of Athens that he could see they were “extremely religious” as he observed all the objects of their worship as he passed through the streets. They even had an altar to an “unknown god.” They worshipped idols that they didn’t even know. Paul told the people of Athens that they were worshipping gods made with human hands, but the true God, creator of heaven and earth, is not confined by temples built with human hands. He doesn’t need us to serve him; he is God no matter what. Not only does he not need us to make him God, but he also gave us life and breath and everything else. 

Paul was talking to a community of people who were worshipping dead gods. These gods could not ever satisfy the longings in their hearts. These gods would never love them or care about them. These gods could do absolutely nothing for them. But a living God… the living God could fulfill every need they could ever have. The living God gave them life and breath and everything else. The living God loved them and cared about them and would always be with them through every circumstance. The living God would hear them when they cried out and would respond. An idol or false god will never respond to our real need. A living God answers prayers. 

Paul went on to say:

For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ Since, then, we are God’s offspring, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. Acts 17:28-29

Everything we need comes from him. He gives life and he is life. He is the source of life for all things. He gives spiritual life and eternal life through faith in him. As his child, we live and move and have our being in him. I love that verse because some days it feels hard to live and move and be at all. There are idols that can get you through those days, but you will be worse off in the end. Those days we need to be wrapped up in him and what he can give, no idol will ever be able to give. Idols only take; they never give even when it feels like they are giving. 

What do Peter’s words say about how we are to think and live? How will you apply them to everything you do in the coming week? How will you share the truth of these words with others?

When the one true and living God is our God, we live and move and have our being in him. All of us – every part – is filtered through the truth of who he is. All we think and do and say will glorify him and point others to him when we abide in him. The way we live our lives shows others what we believe, which is our living testimony. Are you abiding in him – the living God?

Who or what do you call Messiah in your life? 

Do you serve the one true God or many little gods?

Do you have an altar to an unnamed god in your life? 

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Monday, May 19, 2025

Jesus went out with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am? ” They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am? ” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he strictly warned them to tell no one about him.  Mark 8:27-30 CSB

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Jesus and the disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, when Jesus asked them two very important questions: “Who do people say that I am,” and “Who do you say that I am?” The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, living with him, eating with him, learning from him and watching him perform signs and wonders. They had even been sent out on their own, two by two, to do the work Jesus had taught them, but they had yet to proclaim that Jesus was truly the son of God.

When Jesus asked the disciples what people were saying about who he is, they answered with what they had heard - John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets. Then Jesus personalized the question and directed it at the disciples - But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am? Peter answered You are the Messiah. Peter did more than just identify Jesus as the Christ; he also proclaimed Jesus’ divine nature: “You are the Messiah.”

How does Jesus’ question in Caesarea Philippi become the foundation for how we can see and live life?   

How long have you known Jesus? Just like the disciples, we know him, and we may even use words to “say” what we know to be true about him, but have we proclaimed him as our Messiah? To proclaim is to acknowledge and to acknowledge, to yield to or surrender. When we are in a relationship with him, we can say we know him – and he knows us too. I think many of us are good and going through the motions but not fully proclaiming him Lord over our hearts and lives, because we don’t really believe it. We allow him to be Lord over some parts of our lives, but we hold tightly to the control of another.  

We have to answer this first fundamental question in our own hearts before we can begin to grow in a relationship with him. It is possible to live a long life without answering this question. What we believe to be true about Jesus will change how we live our whole lives. What we believe will be lived out in our lives every day. Our beliefs will shape what we say and what we do and every step we take. It is important that the world sees us living out our lives in the Jesus way and if we allow him to be Lord over our whole lives we will. What we say and how we live will align. 

When we say Jesus is our Messiah and Lord and truly believe it, we have everything we ever needed. When the trials come, he is there. When it is time to rejoice, he is there. He is asking this question of us just as he did the disciples: Who do you say that I am. How we answer this question determines how we live our lives – either proclaiming him with every step, word, and action, or not truly surrendering to him as our Messiah. We have seen his miracle working power in our own lives, in the lives of loved ones, and throughout history, which is all the evidence we need to know he is who he says he is!      

Do you believe that you can trust him? When we fully surrender to him as Lord over our lies, we can trust him and follow through with obedience. We can trust him with our hearts - he will never betray or forsake us. We can trust him in our trials and know he loves us and is with us every step of the way. Who do you say Jesus is?

Q&A: What Does Jesus Ask of Us? “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Q&A: What Does Jesus Ask of Us?
“Who Do You Say That I Am?”
Mark 8:27-30 (CSB)

 

- Key Truth: “Jesus’ questions can bring hope, life, and purpose to any who would dare to answer.”

Main Question: How does Jesus’ question in Caesarea Philippi become the foundation for how we can see and live life?   

1.    The general question.  (Mark 8:27-28)

2.    The ultimate question.  (Mark 8:29a)

3.    The appropriate response.  (Mark 8:29b-30)

After the Message: 

Read Matthew 16:16. What do Peter’s words say about how we are to think and live? How will you apply them to everything you do in the coming week? How will you share the truth of these words with others? 

How To Keep From Sinking When Your Faith Is Exhausted

Friday, May 16, 2025

Immediately He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while He sent the crowds away. After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat [by this time] was already a long distance from land, tossed and battered by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 a.m.) Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.  But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!” Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped Him [with awe-inspired reverence], saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:22-32

How To Keep From Sinking When Your Faith Is Exhausted

This past Sunday we heard the story of Jesus asleep in the boat with the disciples. There is another story where Jesus had fed the 5000 and sent the disciples to go ahead of him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he went up on the mountain to pray. He would follow them and meet them on the other side when he was ready. The disciples set out but were fighting against strong wind and the waves. It took them a very long time and during the fourth watch of the night, which was between 3-6 am, they were still fighting their way across. They looked up and saw Jesus coming toward them, walking on the sea. They were afraid, not sure at first what they were seeing. But Jesus spoke to them and assured them they did not need to fear. 

We have all had long nights, long days, weeks, months, and even years where we have been fighting our way through every second. Those times are a beating. We lose sleep. We probably don’t eat right. We worry and are constantly stressed. We lose faith and hope. The disciples had to be so exhausted. They were probably worried and a little scared that they may not actually reach the other side. They had not been able to sleep now their eyes were playing tricks on them, seeing things that were not really there – such as a ghost walking toward them on the water. They realize it was Jesus and Peter immediately challenged that if it really was Jesus he would command him to come to him on the water. Jesus said “Come!” Peter did and walked on the water toward Jesus. Only when he looked down  at the waves at his feet did he begin to sink. He called out to Jesus, and he caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Jesus waited until the fourth watch of the night to come to the disciples. This was the darkest part of the night, a time of struggle and fear for the disciples. When all hope is lost, in the darkest times, God brings light and deliverance. The disciples were exhausted and defeated, having battled the weather most of the night with every ounce of their human strength. It felt like the storm was going to defeat them, but Jesus came and spoke the words that calmed the sea and changed everything.

The disciples were physically exhausted. Their prayers were exhausted. Their expectations were exhausted. Their hope was exhausted. Their faith was exhausted. Jesus wasn’t coming or he already would have been there. Have you felt this way before? When it seems there is no reason to hope at all, does your faith feel weak? Do you ever feel like Jesus isn’t coming or has abandoned you?

In the darkest part of the night, when it feels all hope is lost and we have tried everything, and when it feels like Jesus isn’t coming for us, it is time to surrender all to him and stand on our faith. When our faith feels the weakest, that’s when he is the strongest. He wants us to trust him with our exhausted prayers, expectations, hopes and faith. We need to keep our eyes on him and not the waves at our feet threatening to drown us. And like Peter, when we do begin to sink, we can call out to him and he will catch us. 

Fill Your Horn and Go

Thursday, May 15, 2025

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way’. 1 Samuel 16:1 

Fill Your Horn and Go

In the passage above, Israel had rejected God as their King because they wanted a human king sitting on a real-life throne.  God answered Israel’s prayers and appointed Samuel to anoint Saul as their king. Somewhere along the way, Saul turned and rebelled against God.  In deliberate disobedience he went against the Lord’s commands to destroy all of the Amalekite’s cattle and spared the best of them for offering. Saul’s rebellion against God resulted in him being rejected by God as King over Israel.  

Samuel was heartbroken.  He had a special connection with Saul. He had anointed him, as God had appointed him to do. They had history and now things had changed. Samuel mourned.  And mourned.  And mourned.  Finally, God basically asked Samuel, How long do you plan on mourning this situation?  It is not going to change, and I have more work for you ahead.  Then He said these little known but highly profound words:  Fill your horn with oil and go.  Samuel had been given another command from God.  He didn’t want to go.  He was holding out hope that this situation with Saul would fix itself by some miracle.  But God had plans for Samuel ahead.  He needed him to move on.  He needed him and also had wonderful and great things for him ahead. 

We all can probably sympathize a little with Samuel, some of us more than others.  How long have we held on to something that was permanently broke, hoping we could fix it?   How long have we stayed in the dead waters of a church, marriage, friendship, business, etc. waiting for life to come back again?  Sometimes God has us waiting for a reason, but sometimes He is waiting on us to move on, to fill our horn with oil and go.  Fear can certainly keep us in a warm, comfortable, but terribly wrong place.  It can paralyze us to moving in blind faith, because so often when we move in faith our eyes are completely blinded to what is ahead.  But what are we missing out on?  We may be missing incredible things that God is waiting to do through us or in our lives.  It is hard to let go, especially when we are attached, good or bad, to what we are holding tight to.  We won’t stop God’s plans by not moving on when He wants us to, but we will miss out. 

What has the Lord asked of you lately?  Has He asked you to let go of something you don’t want to let go of?  Please do not misunderstand this devotional as a word from the Lord to quit your family, or ministry, or any hard thing you just don’t want to do.  This is a message to you to listen and evaluate.  Are you hanging on to anything you shouldn’t be hanging on to?  There could be wonderful things ahead.  Listen for His calling – Fill your horn with oil and be on your way… Wherever the Lord leads is a good way to go.  

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land… Isaiah 1:19 

How Strong Is Your Faith?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. Hebrews 11:1

How Strong Is Your Faith?

The dictionary defines faith as 1.) complete trust or confidence in someone or something, or a strong belief in God or 2.) strong belief in God or the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. The author of Hebrews defines faith for us:  Now faith is the substance: Just as our physical eyesight is the sense that gives us evidence of the material world, faith is the “sense” that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world. Hebrews 11:1

For believers, faith in Jesus is trusting in Jesus. It cannot be felt with our hands, measured by any modern scientific instrument, or seen with our eyes. It is intangible and absolutely necessary to sustain us and move forward at all times. Sometimes it is only by faith that we can take the next step. Faith is like a muscle - the more we use it the stronger it grows. It also grows as we grow in spiritual maturity and in relationship with him. 

We may struggle to have faith because we live in an instant society. Whatever you want, if you have the means, you can get it very fast. We don’t have to wait for much so when we are required to wait, as in wait on Jesus, we get frustrated. Faith requires patience and perseverance. It requires us to trust in Jesus, a person we have never seen with our eyes. 

When we have faith to believe he exists, we, in faith, make a commitment to trust him as the Lord of our lives. In faith we make a commitment to follow him. Our faith in him helps us walk through our lives, stepping where he steps, while learning to live and love like him. It helps us make decisions and choose which path we need to take, and sometimes it is not the easiest path. Faith gives us the strength and courage to follow his way every time, having complete assurance and trust in him.  Faith is believing in his promises before we experience their fulfillment. 

Though we cannot see, hear, or touch faith, others can see faith lived out in our lives, as we can see it lived out in others lives. How strong is your faith? Does it keep you afloat during the floods of trials? Does it keep you from sinking into a deep spiral? We can have strong faith and still struggle because we are human. It is hard to take a step into the blinding darkness of uncertainty, trusting that he will guide our step to a secure landing in him. We must remember what we know about Jesus to be true, which led to our faith in him. We must remember what he has done in our lives and in the lives of those we love, as well as the stories we read in the Bible. 

Where are you struggling to place your faith in Jesus?

What areas do you need to surrender to Him and trust that He can bring calm and order? 

What is one way you can take a step of faith today?