Who is Jesus? #88 (From the Apocalypse)

"But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God," (Hebrews 10:12).
No former high priest could even come close to making this claim. The Hebrews writer in the previous verse makes reference to the fact that those priests had to offer sacrifices in behalf of the people, continually. "They can never take away sin."
What greater power could there be than a "once for all" sacrifice? And, no priest had ever offered himself as the sacrifice! What a High Priest!
I can imagine the conversation occurring in heaven.
God: I have to make these people righteous by taking away their sins.
Jesus: That will require a sacrifice, Father.
God: I know and I need someone to go to them and make them aware of their need for a sacrifice for sin.
Jesus: I will go, Father.
God: Which of these functions will you perform?
Jesus: I will do them both. I will lay down my life for their sins and intercede for them before you.
God: You will be both the priest and the sacrifice.
Jesus: Yes, if that's what it takes.

We know the rest of that story; or, do we?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #87 (From the Apocalypse)

I do not believe we have said enough until we give Jesus, his rightful priestly title. For He is not just priest, but He is High Priest. There is no doubt that scripture teaches us that all Christians are priests (I Peter 2:9). We have both a blessing and responsibility to go to God in behalf of people...the fundamental duty of a priest.
But Jesus, He is High Priest. I remember some of those High Priests from history. The first one was Aaron. When it came to affairs and rituals of the temple, he was boss. It was up to him to see that things were carried out according to God's law. He was followed by Eleazar. Then there was Eli, don't know what kind of High Priest he was, but apparently he wasn't a good father (I Samuel 2:12). Jesus was put to death under the high priesthood of Caiaphas.
Our High Priest, Jesus, is so different from these in the Levitical priesthood. The Hebrews writer tell us that Jesus is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (7:17). Puzzling?? Why would he not compare Jesus' High Priesthood to that of Aaron's. The one who was High Priest over God's people. All High Priests had to be of Aaron lineage. It was the first qualification. Jesus was not from that tribe of Israel. He was of the tribe of Judah.
What was different about His priesthood? I will need more time for this exploration.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #86 (From the Apocalypse)

The priest was one who went to God in behalf of the people. They, the people, brought the priest their sacrifices and offerings and he, in turn, presented them to God, according to the law, in behalf of the people.
The priest was a real stand-in or go-between as the people went through him to the Father. John saw Jesus in priestly garments (Revelation 1:13) and mentioned that first in his wonderful description of Jesus.
One who goes to God in behalf of His people... that is a very accurate description of the ministry and purpose of Jesus Christ.
I remember on a couple of occasions Jesus going to God in behalf of a lot of hungry people. I remember Him going to God in behalf of those twelve disciples who would receive kingdom responsibilities when He was no longer with them(John 17). I remember Him going to God in behalf of the very ones who put Him on that cross, "Father, forgive them..."(Luke 23:345).
Now it appears to be His fulltime job (Hebrews 7:25).
I need Jesus to go to the Father in my behalf. Yes, I have access to the Father myself because of what Jesus did on that cross, but I feel at time unworthy to approach the Father because of my sin and frailties. How wonderful to know that Jesus is going to Him for me...saying what I cannot say...expressing my soul's longings that I cannot put into words.
If I confess Him before man, he confessed me before the Father(Matthew 10:32). That is hard to even think about...my name be dropped in front of the Creator of the Universe. I am glad that Jesus is in such a priestly position to be able to do that.
I need Him to keep going to God in my behalf.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #85 (From the Apocalypse)

He was, "dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet with a golden sash around His chest, (Revelation 1:13).
A priest! John saw the vestiture of a priest on "the son of Man." These garments are described for us in detail in the Old Testament. We won't go there right now.
I find it both interesting and thrilling that this is what John describes for us first. He sees Jesus as priest. This is something that we are exposed to over and over again in the New Testament...the priesthood of Jesus.
Just exactly what did/does a priest do? Again, the Old Testament is full of details, sometimes gory details, of the functions and responsibilities of the priests.
The first thing that comes to my mind is that the priests were a unique group of servants that were set apart and specialized in service to God. Only a priest could execute the duties of the priest. We probably see them as offering sacrifices, primarily, but they had other responsibilities; pronouncing people clean or unclean, sanctification/purification rites and more.
The tribe of Levi, from which the priests came, were not even numbered among the people when a census was taken. Their cities were given to them, they didn't have to "take" them.
I believe their function can be best described as ones who went to God in behalf of the people. I often contrast them with prophets who went to the people in behalf of God.
The priests were appointed by God for their office.
Jesus serves as one. John saw that.
I wonder if the people to whom John was writing had forgotten that Jesus was constantly going to God in their behalf (Hebrews 7:25).
I wonder if we have forgotten. I wonder if I have forgotten.
The must be more to explore about this one in the long robe and golden sash!
Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #84 (From the Apocalypse)

"and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man,' dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with golden sash around his chest." (Revelation 1:13).
He was right there among the gold lampstands, the churches. John gets this marvelous vision of Jesus and sees him as "someone like a son of man." What's that, John - a son of man?
No matter what other people called Jesus - The Messiah, The Christ, Savior, or Son of God, the way Jesus most often referred to Himself was with this appellation...the son of man. To call Him the "Son of God" was certainly accurate. He, indeed, was the Messiah. He was the Christ.
What about this son of man? Could it be that through this name, Jesus most closely relates to me? In calling Himself the son of man, He is reaching out to me...right where I live. He is saying, "Larry, I know what you are going through. I know what you are dealing with. I know you made a wrong turn back there, but I am still with you. I understand the temptations and trials of life. I went through them, too. I know you feel like you have failed, but I was there to pick you up. I took the form of a servant, a man, to be able to reach out to you."
Without this description of Jesus... The Son of Man... where would I be? How would I know that He knows? The important thing about a Relationship with Him is that He can Relate. He not only knows what I am going through and doing, but He knows and is the remedy!
Thanks for being The Son of Man.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #83 (From the Apocalypse)

".. and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man' dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest," (Revelation 1:13).
I can't go on without more about these lampstands. I know that they represent churches; specifically, the seven churches that are in Asia. These churches, as far as I can tell, are representative of all the churches at that time.
But, why lampstands and not lamps? If God's people are the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), then why aren't they pictured as or symbolized by lamps/lights?
I think it could be that, because of the persecution that most were experiencing, that it appeared that their lights/lamps were being extinguished. The world was seeing, or perhaps wanted to see, churches that was diminishing and eventually would go away.
But maybe there is another reason.
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is the lamp," (Revelation 21:23). This is the key message. The light that we have is simply a reflection of the source of the light - Jesus. "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men," (John 1:4).
There was light with those lampstands. Just because there was no lamp on them, doesn't mean that there was no light. Further, these churches, along with myself, needed to remember that they/I am not the source of the light. We simply reflect the light.
Jesus gives light to all that are in the world.
Lord, please light up my life!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #82 (From the Apocalypse)

"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man'" (Rev. 1:12-13).

The "ever-presence" of Jesus - that is what is pictured for the reader here. In order to get a grasp of what is going on here, we must understand the "lampstands." Revelation 1:20 says, "... and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." Lampstands represent churches - in particular the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1: 11) whose individual letters are recorded for us in the second and third chapters of Revelation.
Lampstands were used to support oil burning lamps. Jesus mentioned this in the Sermon on the Mount. "neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house," (Matthew 5:15).
It is important that we see Jesus in and among these lampstands (churches). The Christians of this day, when John was seeing the apocalypse, were undergoing all kinds of persecution because of their belief in and obedience to God. Jesus had not distanced himself from them, but was right there with them. He knew what they were going through. He was going through it with them. Their persecution was His persecution.
Remember when Jesus confronted Saul on the road to Damascus and asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? (Acts 9:4). Saul's persecution of the church was taken personally by Jesus.
No matter what I am going through, Jesus has not forsaken me. He is right here and right now. Satan would like me to believe that Jesus leaves me in my troubles and misery - but that is a Devil's lie.
John saw Jesus right where He needed to be - right in the middle of His people. That is exactly where I need Him.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #81 (From the Apocalypse)

The first thing that grabbed John's attention about Jesus was "the voice." "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet"(Revelation 1:10)" Then he reacted to that voice. "I turned and around to see the voice..."(Revelation 1:12).
The voice of Jesus caught John's attention though at the moment he heard it he may not have realized whose voice it was. "A loud voice like a trumpet" would certainly attracts my attention.
In John's day, a trumpet was usually used for some type of signal or announcement. The king arrives and a trumpet or trumpets sound. The army attacks or retreats and the trumpet blares out the appropriate signal.
In John's case maybe the trumpeting voice was doing both. This certainly announced the presence of The King of Kings! Jesus was right there and that fact needed to be brought to John's attention. Turn around, John, and look who it is that the trumpet is announcing. It is Jesus, your king!
So many of us respond to the voice of Jesus in so many different ways. However, no one responds with indifference. Some come to Jesus at the sound of His voice and some run away from Him.
The writer of Hebrews, quoting from the Psalmist, David, says "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7). You see, some reject Jesus when they hear His voice.
Jesus said that there will come a time "when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man and those who hear will live" (John 5:25).
A voice that brings life to some and breeds rejection and hearts of stone in others.
I pray that I may hear and have life.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #80 (From the Apocalypse)

John received in his vision recorded in the first chapter of Revelation, a picture of Jesus that is so powerful, so awesome and so frightening that he "fell down as though dead." This image of Christ is fresh on my mind, because we began a study of Revelation 4 weeks ago and just now made it through chapter one.
Everything, it appears, that we ever learned about Jesus from the rest of the New Testament is incorporated into this image that is in the middle of the seven golden lampstands. Here is what John saw as recorded in Revelation 1:12-18.

12. I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when
I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13. and among the lampstands
was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his
feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14. His head and hair were
white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.
15. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the
sound of rushing waters. 16. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of
his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining
in all its brilliance. 17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then
he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and
the Last. 18. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever
and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

I have to dig into this passage and see what all of these symbols mean as they apply to my Lord and Savior. After reading this and meditating on it, why am I still sitting in this chair? Why have I not fallen on the floor of my office as if I were dead? Could it be I have never really died to self?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #79 (No one like Him)

Jesus, lover of my soul.

Jesus, I will never let you go.

You've taken me from the miry clay

Set my feet upon a rock and now I know.

I love you

I need you

Though my world will fall

I'll never let you go.

My savior, my friend

I will worship you until the very end

There is so much to say about the one and only Jesus. This is the song (done by Darlene Zschech) that is currently playing in my office as I work through several things as this work week begins. The song speaks of so many things Jesus has done for me, and my response to those things. He "loves my soul," has taken me from...and set my feet...," "my Savior, my friend." He is all that and more. He has done for me what He promised to do.

How have I responded. The song says "I love you, I need you," "I'll never let you go," and "I will worship you until the very end."

Are these just mindless words coming out of my mouth or do they reflect the life of commitment to the Savior that I so desperately want to live.

Jesus, thank you for being the, "Lover of my soul."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #78 (No one like Him)

No other religion that I can think of has a Savior. Many have martyrs. Almost all have prophets - a long line of prophets. Hundreds, maybe thousands, have modern day teachers/scholars/heralds/proponents. No one has a Savior except Christians. He was more that just a good man, though "He went around doing good (Acts 10:38)." He was a potent teacher, "He taught as one who had authority, (Matthew 7:29). Even the woman at the well could see that He was a prophet (John 4:19). If His death didn't save us, then he would only have been a martyr. He would have given his life for his cause. BUT HE DIDN'T! He gave His life for my cause! "I serve a risen Savior" as the old song goes. Prophets are great. Teachers are needed. Martyrs are admired (by some). But a Savior -- a Savior changes things. No, a Savior changes me! Hallelujah, what a Savior! Be Strong and Courageous, L.T.

Who is Jesus? #77 (No one like Him)

Certainly, no one loved like Jesus loved. Of course He was a direct reflection of His father and "God is love! (I John 4:8)." To reflect God is to reflect His love; and, "God so loved the world...... (John 3:16)."
The uniqueness of all of this is how Jesus showed that love. Jesus wept at the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus, and the people repsonded with, "See how He loved him! (John 11:36)."
The words of Jesus in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Jesus lived the very words that He spoke. If dying for your friends is the greatest expression of love and Jesus died for me, than I say, "Look, see how He loved me!"
We look into the scriptures and see how He loved his family. He obviously loved His friends. He loved those twelve, sometimes disappointing, disciples. He loved the woman at the well. He loved Zacchaeus. He loved the woman caught in adultery. He loved the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
No one fell outside of the love of Christ.
But he didn't stand on top of mountain or a tall building and yell through a bull horn, "I love you!" Instead it was on top of a garbage heap, nailed to a rough and rugged cross. When He said, "It is finished," I can almost hear Him say, "See, I told you I love you."
No greater love for someone like me.

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.

Who is Jesus? #76 (No one like Him)

No one but no one had the "reach" of Jesus. For some reason an old song is going through my mind this afternoon. "Reach out to Jesus." The song has two really powerful verses and then comes the refrain:
"He is always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true.
Walking by His side, in His love we hide all the day through.
When you get discouraged, just remember what to do;
Reach out to Jesus. He's reaching out to you."
Those last five words are what get me. They are the summary of who Jesus is. He is reaching out to you/me. I see Him reaching out to the very young and the very old. I see Him reach out to the popular and the rejected. He reaches out to the intelligent and unlearned. He reached out to both blue collar and white collar workers. He reached out to the super-religious and to those ignorant of God. He reached out to the proud and to the lowly. His reach was to the happy and to "those that mourn." I see Him reaching for those who were alone and those who had a plethora of friends. He reaches to the kings as well as to the shepherds. He reaches out to the tax collector and well as to the governor.
No one escapes His reaching, but have I, in turn, reached out to Him?
Please, Lord, keep on reaching, I will take hold.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #75 (No one like Him)

Just returned from the Harding Lectures in Searcy, AR. I believe that this was the best lectureship I have ever attended. The theme was "Tell Me the Story of Jesus!" That got me to thinking, no one has a story like Jesus!
His biography is pretty short - all things considered. We know almost nothing about His early life. The gospel accounts of Jesus focus on the last three years of His life.
But look at what they do say! He was born like no one else. He had a mission like no one else. He loved like no on else. He lived like no one else. He struggled like no one else. He died like no on else. He was raised like no one else. Though these aren't the titles of the keynote lectures, they are the essence of them.
It all came into focus at the end of three powerful days.
Tell me the story of Jesus! Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious. sweetest that ever was heard.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #74 (No one like Him)

No one came into the world quite like Jesus. I guess maybe John the Baptizer was close as his "ministry" on earth was delcared prior to his birth. But, Jesus was going to "save his people from their sins." His death was automatically announced in his birth announcement or pre-birth announcement. I am sure they didn't understand it that way; i.e. that to accomplish His mission He would have to die. Who would have understood it - except maybe those who had intently and honestly looked into the prophesies concerning the Messiah?
I know how excited I was when my wife informed me that "we" were pregnant with our children. There were four (not all at the same time) and the excitement never diminished. We prayed, before they were born, that they would be about God's business, that they would find the godly spouses that God was preparing for them, etc. But we could not have outlined their life in detail at the time they were born.
Jesus' life's work was wrapped up in His pre-birth proclamation "he will save His people from their sins." Thus they called him, "Savior."

Who is Jesus? #73 (No one like Him)

There has never been, nor will there ever be anyone who taught like Jesus taught! NO ONE!
Let's see - He made the religious scholars scratch their heads (questions about John the Baptist) and ultimately made them mad enough to kill him ("Woe to you scribes, hypocrites, den of snakes..."). He continually confused His disciples not because of what He said, but, from their perspective, what He wasn't saying.
There is a verse that I have always found interesting. Matthew 7:28-29, "When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority and NOT AS THEIR TEACHERS OF THE LAW! It is as if they knew that the teachings of their "scholars" were powerless, but that was all they had. It was a bunch of words with no dynamite behind it.
Jesus comes on the scene and they recognize in what He said and the way He said it that He was speaking in behalf of an authority above Himself. They had never heard anything like it and neither have I.
I have sat at the feet of some great teachers, but not one of them gave their life for me. Could it be that His teachings were more than just teachings, but they were a description of His life - right down to the ultimate point of SACRIFICE?
Lord, you are the master teacher, Rabbi; now, please help me to be the master student.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #72 (No one like Him)

No one gave people HOPE like Jesus! He met with the hopeless and downtrodden. He interacted with those who were at the end of their rope. He saw those who seemed to be wandering like aimless, shepherdless sheep and He gave them hope.
The HOPE he gave was/is something you could/can hang your life on. It was sure. It was real. It was available. Hope from Jesus is not a whim or a wish. It's an "anchor for the soul,"(Heb. 6:19). You can secure your life there.
It was "today" in paradise with Jesus for that thief. If was "go and sin no more" to the adulterous woman. He said a word of hope and the nobleman's son was healed.
The faithful Jew knew that the Messiah was their only hope and they expected Him to be just exactly that.
I sing the song, "My Only Hope is You," without really thinking about what I am saying. No one, nowhere at no time offers HOPE like Jews.
Jesus, my only Hope is You!


Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #71 (No one like Him)

No one knew, like Jesus, when it was time to speak and when it was time to be silent. What a lesson that I need to learn.
At one point during His excuse for a trial, Jesus said nothing (Matthew 26:63). That is not what I would have done. I would have been trying to defend myself.
The gospel of John records several things that Jesus said during his trial. None of them were attempts to refute the false charges but all were direct and to the point. They did nothing to "improve" the situation as far as his end was concerned. He was still going to the cross.
To speak or not to speak. On one occasion, Jesus walked right through a crowd ready to take his life for what he had been saying (Luke 4:30)
The power of Jesus came across even in silence.
The Bible records only seven things that Jesus said from the cross: the last, perhaps the most earth-shattering. "It is finished." With those three words (one word in Greek) a complete summary of His mission was pronounced.
Lord, please give me the wisdom to speak and to not speak and what I do say, may it be by You and Your power.

Be Strong and Courageous,


L.T.

Who is Jesus? #70 (No one like Him)

No one, but no one, stood up to false teachers and false teaching like Jesus did! Of course, He knew a false teacher when He saw one and He knew false teaching when He heard it.
False teachers were those who were deliberately leading people off into a belief in something other than the unadulterated Word of God. It wasn't that they were accidentally wrong or mistaken.
False teachers promoted their false teachings in order to draw people to themselves - to have a following.
Jesus nailed them with words like, hypocrites, den of snakes and "do as I say do, not as I do."
People's souls were at stake and Jesus couldn't just stand by and let false teachers have their way with the hearts of the people.
What I need to recognize is that a false teacher is not somebody who simply disagrees with me, but who intentionally leads people away from the truth of God's Word and into their own flock of believers.
The caution here is for me not to be a false teacher.
Father, sanctify me in Your truth.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #69 (No one like Him)

No one except Jesus could look right through a person and see the condition of his/her heart.
"Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." Our Lord made this observation about Nathaniel as he was being brought to Jesus by Philip.
Jesus, like His father, looks at the heart and see what is really there.
So often, we are duped by looking on the outside and "judging: right or wrong" what is on the inside. Jesus never misses. He is right on target.
Jesus saw who the Pharisees and Saducees really were. They, "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." He knew the hearts of his accusers before whom He underwent a mockery of a trial - a "jealous heart."
Two items for meditation,
1. Therefore, Jesus knows my heart. I can't fake Him out. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." I want Jesus to see a cleansed heart when He looks inside me.
2. Since I don't have this acute ability like Jesus, maybe I should stay out of the heart-judging business. Wait, I have been commanded NOT to do that: Matt 7:1ff!
Search my heart, O Lord and make it pure before You!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #68 (No one like Him)

No one ever showed compassion for people like Jesus. The woman caught in adultery was a "dead duck" save for the compassion of Jesus. Only he could convict her of sin and still exude compassion for her.
He cried passionately over the city of Jerusalem because she had been given all the chances in the world to connect with God and didn't do it. Her rejection of Him didn't cause anger, but grief. They were sheep without a shepherd, not because there was no shepherd available, but because they had said "no" to the Great Shepherd.
His heart goes out to those at the tomb of Lazarus. They didn't understand His capabilities or His power. He wept because of that.
We get bent all out of shape with righteous indignation, even anger: completely skipping the compassion necessary to meet people where they are. Therefore we do not know how to help, how to comfort, how to instruct how to show people how to let God change their heart.
Compassion, I pray that Jesus looks down on me with compassion.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #67 (No one like Him)

Jesus was the only one who has ever lived who was totally in submission to the will of His Father.
There is probably not much difference between yesterday's blog and today's because perfect understanding of the will of God will lead to perfect and total submission - perhaps a debatable point.
Why was Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age? Because that is where God wanted Him.
Why did he confront the existing religious establishment? Because that is what God wanted Him to do.
Why was He tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting? Because God knew He had to go through that experience.
Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave? Because God, not Jesus, had to receive glory.
Why was Jesus denied and rejected by His own followers:?Because God knew His son had to go through this alone.
Why did He go through a sorry excuse for a trial? Because God needed the sacrifice of an innocent lamb.
Why did he die on the cross? Because needed a perfect sacrifice for our sins and Jesus was the only one.
My submission to the Father may not be on par with that of Jesus. But His submission gives me an example and encouragement.
"Lord, I surrender all."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #66 (No one like Him)

Jesus was and is the only person who has ever lived or ever will live who understood the will of God, perfectly. So often he reminded his hearers, usually the twelve, that He had to be about doing the will of His Father. Those apostles didn't understand that. I am sure I wouldn't have either. I certainly don't have perfect understanding of it today.
There was nothing He did or said, that was outside of the will of His Father. Every breath He took was an expression of His Father. The will of the Father was the driving force in His life!
From being about His Father's business at age twelve until praying that the will of His Father be done while sweating drops of blood as though it were sweat, it was all about His Father's will and purpose. His Father's will for Him was the cross. There was no denying it and no avoiding it for Him.
He, unlike me, understood it perfectly.
Father grant me further and deeper insights into your will. I thirst!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #65 (No one like Him)

He is the only man who had perfect faith in God. He trusted His Father with every ounce of His being. He prayed to be spared from the cruel death that awaited Him, but was perfectly aligned with the will of His Father. At 12 he was "about His Father's business" because He knew that was the mission statement for His entire being. He not only trusted God who gave Him His assignment, but He trusted Him to equip Him to do it. He trusted God that things would carry on after He was gone.
It was indeed a perfect faith, never wavering, always on target, always moving toward the cross.
I am overwhelmed with the admonition to be like Him.
Father, I trust you to help me be more like Him.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #64 (No one like Him)

He is the one and only man ever born by way of God putting a seed in the womb of a virgin (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35). Everything about His birth was perfect: the time, the place, the audience, the circumstances, the rejoicing, the glory. We know the verse; John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." He is unique. There is/was no one else like Him. From the very beginning, He was unique.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

P.S. Now that Summer is over, blogging continues.

Who is Jesus? #63 (Forgiver Cont.)

It was a penetrating and practical question. "How can I forgive someone if I hold a grudge against them for what they did to me?" The discussion ensued then regarding whether we can forget even if we do forgive.
I could only think of the Savior's forgiveness of me. He holds no grudge though I rebelled against Him. I was just as guilty as anyone else who mocked Him, beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. He looked down on me from that cross and said, "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." He "remembers our sins no more."
I am not Him. He is perfect! He is awesome! He is all powerful! I am feeble, inconsistent and imperfect. Do I use that as an excuse not to forgive - truly forgive?
As far as my sins are concerned, I am glad He is forgetful.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #62 (Forgiver Cont.)

He was a common thief. Who knows how long he had been engaged in that lifestyle. Maybe he had been a thief since his childhood. Maybe he had only stolen one time, but got caught. He was punished for his law breaking right at the side of the Savior.
What right did He have to ask for forgiveness? "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:42). No, Jesus. Don't do it!. He hadn't remembered you or your father with his life. What is this - a last minute confession and repentance?
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," (vs. 43). Jesus did it. He forgave him!
You know, we are not any different. It makes no difference when we come to Jesus to be forgiven. What is important/urgent is that we do it!
If I don't have the heart to "allow" the thief to be forgiven, then I do not understand Forgiveness or the Forgiver.
Today, Jesus, remember me!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #61 (Forgiver Cont.)

It is almost an impossible situation. Someone says there is no way that Jesus will forgive me. He doesn't know all I have done. I have been too terrible - too black - too sinfull - too rebellious. He will just look right past me.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Random Reflections

In the last couple of weeks, much has happened in our lives.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #60 (Forgiver Cont.)

I wonder if the paralytic man knew he was in need of forgiveness?? Did he really have any idea of what was about to happen to him? Does what Jesus did even make sense?
I come to Jesus when I need help - when I am looking for encouragement, when I am needing to be strengthened. Maybe what I really need is forgiveness.
Could it be that my helplessness, discouragement and weakness have entered my life because I have given into sin? I have let Satan have the smallest of footholds and he has taken the greatest advantage of that "lapse."
What the paralytic thought he needed from Jesus was really secondary. Primarily he needed forgiveness.
When it comes right down to it, my spiritual health will get me a lot further than my physical health.
Please forgive!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #59 (Forgiver Cont.)

Two big F's that somehow go together - faith and forgiveness. Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought the paralytic and forgave his sins; He healed him later.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #58 (Forgiver Cont.)

Why is it that sometimes, I don't feel "forgiven?" Is it because my sin is so great that I can't accept the fact that I am forgiven? Is it because I am looking for a "cleansed" feeling that only happens over time? Jesus came to forgive. I need forgiveness. Why don't I feel forgiven?

Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #57 (Forgiver Cont.)

"...how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Peter asks a legalistic question from a heart that does not understand forgiveness. Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" is not an indicator of limited forgiveness. Jesus is not playing a numbers game here when it comes to being forgiven.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #56 (Forgiver Cont.)

So, what if I sin and know good and well what I am doing? How can Jesus forgive out and out rebellion? How can He forgive me when I, in essence, am shaking my fist in His face and saying, "you're not big enough to make me stop."
I have done that. How can Jesus forgive that?
I am glad we have the example of Peter. The angel addresses the women at the empty tomb and says,"...He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter,....." (Mark 16:6-7).
Peter is specifically mentioned. None of the other disciples are mentioned by name here - not even the one that Jesus loved. This is the Peter that said he would die for Jesus but ended up denying he even knew Him. That denial made Peter remorseful - he wept bitterly. How he must have felt total rejection - failure - outcast.
But Jesus mentions him by name as one that needs to hear the news. Jesus brings him back into His good graces. This is acceptance - this is forgiveness.
Can I hear Jesus call me by name and encourage me back into His forgiving arms?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #55 (Forgiver Cont.)

A real forgiver of sins is one who will forgive me even when I do not know what I am doing. These are the exact words of Jesus from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." They didn't know they were nailing Jesus to the cross?? They didn't know they were exposing my Lord to the worst shame and disgrace imaginable?? They didn't know that this was the most agonizing death imaginable??
They knew, but what they didn't know was that they were playing a part in an eternal scenario that would bring forgiveness to the entire world.
But, there are times when I sin not knowing what I am doing. I am counting on, though I do not deserve, the complete forgiveness of the Master.
I wonder how many times He has observed me and turned to His Father and said, "Forgive him, he doesn't know what he is doing."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L. T.

Who is Jesus? #54 (Forgiver Cont.)

Forgiveness. I can't think of anything in my life that I have more earnestly coveted/needed than forgiveness. There was a time in my life when I offended and disappointed many people. I wanted their forgiveness and I needed God's.
David said it this way. "For the sake of your name O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great," (Psalm 25:11).
It is amazing how that the tremendous burden of sin can be lifted once I accept the forgiveness of God. How refreshing - a sense of stating over. Only God can do that.
The forgiveness of men is sometimes slow in coming, but God's is quick to remove the guilt from a penitent heart.
He will forgive, "though my iniquity is great."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #53 (Forgiver Cont.)

Are there conditions for receiving the forgiveness of Jesus? Does He just offer it to everyone? Is it free of charge? Are there those who are disqualified from receiving it?
There was the man who was forgiven a huge debt and, in turn, refused to forgive his debtor a minimal debt, (Matthew 18:23-35). It would be like the bank writing off a $1,000,000 debt that I owed and then I turn around and refuse to forgive someone who owed me lunch money.
There must be something being taught here for me. Is my ability to receive forgiveness based on my willingness to forgive others?
If I do not forgive, I am losing something very important. Maybe it is the thought that if I am not a forgiver, I cannot fully understand and appreciate being forgiven.
Jesus concluded this story by saying, "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart," (Matt. 18:35).
I don't want to be treated this way. I don't want forgiveness withdrawn! I need it and I need it desperately!.
Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #52 (Forgiver Cont.)

What does it cost to be a forgiver? The Bible makes one things perfectly clear. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," (Hebrews 9:22).
That's a pretty high price to pay. To shed blood means to sacrifice, give up one's life - to die. But I haven't shed any blood. My blood hasn't been spilled to forgive my sins or anyone elses. Forgiveness only comes after bloodshed.
Whose then? My sins but whose blood? I am seeking forgiveness at the expense of whose blood? Who would do that for me?
The cost of forgiveness is too great! Who would offer to pay such a high price and why would He/they do it?
In this life, if I think something costs too much, I don't get it. I won't pay it. I almost feel like parking my car because of the price of a gallon of gas.
Forgiveness comes with a high price tag.
Where's the blood?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #51 (Forgiver Cont.)

Is it possible that Jesus knows what I "really" need while I only know what I "think" I need? This paralyzed man, and his friends, came to Jesus for His power to heal physically and received that only after they experienced His power to heal spiritually.
What a bonus! Not! That was what he needed, first and foremost. It was his physical healing that was the bonus! He needed his soul cleansed and then, and only then, could he be healed physically.
Those lawyers were right - only God can forgive sins and He did exactly that on this occassion. Jesus, when I come to you with what I think I need, please give me what I really need - please forigve.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #50 (Forgiver of sins)

".... but so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," (Luke 5:24). Forgiveness of sins - something that must be "known?"
The experts in the law didn't believe Jesus could forgive sins. I'm not sure that the people around Him believed that He could either. What do I believe about it? Do I even believe I needed it.
Four, apparently very good friends, bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus - or, at least, attempt to do so. They couldn't come in the normal way, so they knock a hole in the roof and lower him right into the very presence of the Son of God.
A change in plot, here. They were expecting physical healing for their paralyzed friend, and he received spiritual healing. Confusion erupts on the part of some, perhaps even anger, at the very least, a lack of understanding.
What does forgiveness have to do with healing? Perhaps more than we think.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #49 (Savior Cont.)

Not a soft Savior, but a solid Savior.
Not an indecisive Savior, but a resolute Savior.
Not a quitting Savior, but a fulfilling Savior.
Not a selective Savior, but a "once for all" Savior.
Not a selfish Savior, but a selfless Savior.
Not a "one among many" Savior, but the only Savior.
Not a physical savior, but a soul Savior.
Not a "I told you so" Savior, but a merciful Savior.
Not a conditional Savior, but a "I will take you as you are" Savior.
Not a distant Savior, but a personal Savior.
Not an unknowable Savior, but a "longing to be known" Savior.
Not a hesitant Savior, but a "take action" Savior.
Not an unnecessary Savior, but a very necessary Savior.
Not a "I give up" Savior, but a "I will do what it takes" Savior.

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #48 (Savior Cont.)

"He saved us..." (Titus 3:5). Our Savior wasn't waiting on us to make the right move to be saved. Titus goes on to say that He saved us, "not because of righteous things we had done." When we were in our desperate "unsaved" position, there wasn't anything we could do that was good enough or powerful enough or strong enough or complicated enough or religious enough to even think about saving ourselves. Putting God in debt to us? - unthinkable!
Saving comes from Him and Him alone. He did it! That's why He wears the name. That's why we call Him, Savior!
It is not good works that "gets" me saved. It is being saved that motivates the good works (Eph. 2:10). The only thing I deserved was eternal separation from Him. He saved me!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #47 (Savior Cont.)

I guess in this physical world I've never been in a condition where I needed to escape (I have had to go and hide from a couple of tornadoes) - but many have. POWs escape from their captors. Hostages escape from their abductors. People escape the devastation of an earthquake, hurricane or flood. Escape means there was a life critical/threatening situation that had to be averted. Leaving was the only way to survive.
There is still another threat out there. How about the evil of the world? How about the temptations to do evil that are out there in front of us every day and put us in peril - both body and soul. How do we escape that?
Peter says it comes by knowing our Savior (2 Peter 2:20). A knowledge of the Savior is the way of escape. It is provided both by and through the Savior.
He holds the door open so we can escape. Let's get out of here!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #46 (Savior Cont.)

"..eagerly awaiting a Savior..." Paul said that we should be eagerly looking for the Savior (Philippians 3:20) Why? What is going to happen? Paul says our bodies will be transformed so that "they will be like His glorious body."
Sounds like our Savior is not through with us until the very end.
In the beginning, he took my miserable body of flesh and gave me salvation. He put His spirit in my body. But in the end, we will be just alike. I will have a body like His.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #45 (Savior Cont.)

"Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:25).
I can "almost" conceive of a Savior whose blood washed away all past sins - the sins committed by those who either were dead before his sacrifice or the "current" sins of those who were alive at the time of His death.
When He said "it is finished" He had accomplished such a complete sacrifice that it took care of sins not yet committed by those who were not even born yet. That's what I call "finishing" the task.
Day after day, year after year, people keep coming to Jesus and He "saves completely!" What amazing and powerful blood!. It washes away past sins as well as those sins yet to come. That is complete salvation - being saved completely.
Keep that blood flowing 'cause I will need it!

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.

Who is Jesus #44 (Savior Cont.)

"It is finished." (John 19:30). What was finished? The perfect and perfecting sacrifice had been made. (Hebrews 10:10). It was ONE sacrifice for ALL sins of everyone. (Hebrews 10:12). It is a sacrifice that makes us holy. (Hebrews 10:14).
There was/is so much I needed/need that could only be done through the death of Jesus on the cross.
The sacrifice was complete/finished. The purpose/mission of Jesus was complete. His obedience to the Father was complete. His perfection was complete. His atonement was complete - atonement for us.
Sometimes, I say something is "finished" when I really mean I am going to stop working on it now or I have done all I can do. It's not really finished, I've just gone as far as I can go. As far as I am concerned, it is done.
When Jesus said it is finished, it was complete is every way. There was nothing left for some else to do or "clean up."
Thank you, Jesus, for being so thorough

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #43 (Savior Cont.)

"He saved others," they said, "but He can't save himself!" (Matt. 27:42). It was intended as a taunt by those standing near the cross. They were trying to make fun of Him -- tempting Him to just jump off that cross.
What they intended as a taunt is, in reality, a fervent truth. If He was going to save others, He would have to die. Salvation for me came through his horrible death on the cross. They were right! It was either Him or me - His choice. He chose me!
In order to save others, He couldn't save Himself.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T>

Who is Jesus #42 (Savior Cont.)

Don't know whether it was a stomach bug or food poisoning, but yesterday I needed saving from whatever it was. My wife had been in and out of bed all night with regular trips to the bathroom and "it" grabbed hold of me, too, and forced me out of bed about 4:30 A.M.
In the bathroom, I went completely dark and, for the first time in my life, I passed out. That was a scary thing. I hit my head on the side of the toilet and tumbled to the floor. My wife heard all of this from her bathroom, but didn't know what had happened and couldn't have helped anyway because of her condition.
Today is much better. I felt so good, I couldn't think of an excuse not to come to work.
I needed relief from the pain, dizziness and fever.
What about the pain, dizziness and fever of life? We need saving from those things. They are caused by sin. The only remedy is the Savior. Once we know what we need saving from, the Savior becomes more visible.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #41 (Savior Cont.)

"Lord, save me!" - the ernest cry of a man about to drown in the sea though he had stepped out of the boat at the word of the Savior, (Matthew 14:30).
This salvation thing was brought really close to home for Peter. As his feeble body sank and the sea rose, he recognized his desperate situation.
Fortunately for him he was headed in the direction of the Savior; and, there He was to reach out a saving hand. How much better a Savior than a life preserver??
I must continually march toward the Savior. In Him and Him alone is the salvation that I need - desperately need.
There will be those times that I will begin to sink into the sea of life, business, non-important/urgent things. I pray I will continually reach out to the Savior.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #40 (Savior Cont.)

"Lord, save us!" - a fervent cry from the disciples to Jesus who was asleep in the bottom of the boat (Matthew 8:23-27). Once they saw their desperate plight, they knew not only that they needed saving, but what they needed saving from - the sea, the wind, the elements. Fortunately, for them, the Savior was close at hand. Their predicament became crystal clear.
I wonder if ours/mine has. Once I realize my desperate plight - my sinful ways - then, and only then, can I reach out to the Savior for salvation. Then I see the man on the cross as the one and only Savior - through Him and none other can I calm the storm of sin in my life. He responds to my cry of, "Lord, save me!"

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #39 (Savior Cont.)

Two men, who have become very dear brothers, and I are in a very intense study of discipleship. Our time together this week will be around the story that has come to be known as "The Prodigal Son." We find this in Luke 15:11-32.
The son found salvation, but what was he saved from? He pridefully strolled up to his father and demanded what was rightfully his, but it wasn't his yet - for his Father was still alive. He got what he asked for and went away and lost it all. He found himself in the pig pen wishing he could eat what the pigs were eating. A most telling phrase is found in verse 17, "when he came to his senses." Another version will say, "He came to himself."
This young man needed saving from himself - his pride - his arrogance - his attitude - his decisions. I do, too. My pride gets in the way and paves the way for sin to enter my life. Sin finds a seat at my table because I think I know a better way - a better way than the Savior's way.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #38 (Savior Cont.)

Maybe the problem is that I do not know what I need saving from. The annoucement from the angel said, "He will save His people from their sins." I can think of a lot of things I might need saving from, but what is this sin thing?
I need to be saved from fear, from procrastination (when I get around to it), from the threat of terrorism,, etc. Maybe, most of all, I need to be saved from myself.
Sin is what has separated me from God. That's it! I need to be saved from the position I have assumed realtive to God because of my sin.
Is it sin that produces the fear? Is it sin that that make me put things off? It is sin that affects the relationship I have with God.
I do need saving from myself. I let sin inside. Jesus is the only way for it to get out. He washes it away and I stand before God cleansed, not because of me but because of Him - the Savior.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #37 (Savior Cont.)

I wonder if, because it sounds like a spiritually neat thing to do, If I have ever invited Jesus in without really listening to what He has to say. Yeah, kind of "hang" in His company to make pseudo-spiritual impressions on people. Wow, "he's such a Jesus person!"
When in reality I didn't/don't listen to what He has to say.
I guess Zacchaeus could have done that. "O.K., Jesus. If you insist on going home with me, let's go and get it over with." It would probably be good for the neighborhood to have you around. We'll be making all the "right" noises, but as soon as you leave, things will get back to normal."
For the Savior to do the Saving, He must reach my heart. Then, and ony then, will salvation come to my house.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #36 (Savior Cont.)

One thing that amazes me in the story of Zacchaeus, is that the Savior - Son of God - sits right down in fellowship with the tax collector.
When Jesus saw Zac. up in that tree, He could have said, "Come down, I need to talk to you." He could have said nothing. He could have said, "Come down, all of these people you have cheated want to see you." What he did say was - in so many words - I want to be with you and you need to be with me. "I'm going to your house."
Fellowship with the Son of God! That thought boggles my feeble mind.
Maybe, just maybe, that is the way it has to be before salvation can come. Why not just sit down with Jesus and learn about Him, talk with Him, even laugh with Him? Get to know Him and what He has to offer.
Come on in Jesus, though not as good as what you have to offer, my house is Your house.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #35 (Savior Cont.)

He will seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This is the mission of Jesus. Not only is He a Savior but also a seeker. He found Zacchaeus - told him, "I'm going to your house today." Zacchaeus didn't even know he was in need of saving; that is, until confronted by Jesus.
What a salvation blessing - to know that Jesus is not only waiting to save me, but He is seeking me in order to save me. I am not sure what a stationary savior would be like, but I don't have to worry about that with Jesus. He is a seeking Savior.
Kind of a two way salvation highway then. I seek Jesus, He seeks me. If both those are in place, then there is no way I can miss.
Keep looking for me, Jesus. I am here somewhere and I know I need you in ways I haven't even thought about, yet.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #34 (Savior Cont.)

"Today salvation has come to this house." I wonder how that made Zacchaeus feel as these words came from the mouth of the Savior (Luke 19:9)? As a cheating/extorting tax collector, Zacchaeus may have never thought about it: salvation, that is. It appears he knew the difference between right and wrong as he alludes to his, "cheating" of people. He new it was wrong. Maybe he thought that was just the way things went. But then something happened. Someone came to his house.
The Savior came to his house. Following right behind the Savior, right on His heals, was salvation. The Savior came, salvation came and, for that time and place, the ministry of the Savior was accomplished as the last verse in the text says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost (v.10).
A lot to think about, here, but has Jesus been to my house and did He leave behind salvation? Have I allowed Him to fulfill His ministry in me and my household?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #33 (Savior Cont.)

There was that time when I was stuck out on 635-LBJ late in the afternoon and trying to get home from work and my car died and would not start. That's a pretty unnerving situation. Hundreds - thousands - of cars zipping by as fast a traffic would allow (which at that time on LBJ in Dallas, TX is not all that fast). There were those who would honk and wave as they drove by.
This was before I owned a cell phone, so I had leave my car on the side of the road and walk up the embankment to an IHOP and call for a tow truck.
I hadn't been back to my car for very long when this white pick-up pulled over and out jumped Bob. I hadn't seen Bob in a long time. We had been good buddies but our lives had taken us in different directions.
About the time he arrived, the tow truck came on the scene and the two of them worked together on my car. My car needed more help than I thought it did.
I hadn't expected Bob to drop by and I wasn't really aware of how badly I needed help.
"But when the time had fully come, God sent His son, born of a woman, ....(Galatians 4:4). God sent my soul saving deliverer at just the right time - right when I and the entire world could see Him for who He was and is and He saved us from "stuff" that we didn't even know was wrong.
He knew what was wrong and came to the rescue and we didn't even expect it.

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.

Who is Jesus #32 (Savior Cont.)

He was called "Savior" before He did any saving. Maybe - maybe not.
From our mere human point of view and perspective it may appear that way. As commanded, Joseph and Mary named their baby "Jesus." O.K. - after about thirty years He begins His ministry of bringing salvation to the people and ultimately dies on the cross to release us from the quilt of our sins.
What is going through my mind is God knew in His eternal mind that it was already a done deal before His son's feet hit terra firma. What we call foretelling the future, God sees as present tense and happening. That certainly blows me away.
In the mind of the Father, Jesus had already accomplished it and so he had the great prophets like Isaiah foretell it for our sake. Maybe that is why, in past tense, Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely he took our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God..." "He was pierced for our transgressions," (Isaiah 53:5). It is told like it already happened. Who but only the God of the universe could have known that.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #31 (Savior Cont.)

Maybe everything is in a name! It was that way for the Jews. Their names meant something. People were named because of a characteristic or a promise. Sometimes their names were changed when major events took place in their lives. The names of their cities and towns had significance. They were named according to the significance of events that took place there or to describe their location and appearance. Bethel was "house of God" (Gen. 28:19). Jacob was named "heel grabber" (Gen. 1:26). Things significant and noteworthy about people and places impacted what they would be called.
The Messiah's name we "Jesus." It is the Greek equivalent of the name "Joshua." Now, what's in a name? Both of those names mean "deliverer/savior" or "the Lord delivers/saves." It appears to me that somebody knew something.
He was called "Savior" before He did any "saving." Or, was/did He?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #30 (Savior Cont.)

Some needed saving from their blindness. There are those who wanted deliverance from demons who possessed their spirits. There were times Jesus saved lives from storms. A woman had been bleeding forever and he saved her from that malady. He saved a tax collector from a life that would continue to cheat people and extort money.

"He will save His people from their sins," (Matthew 1:21).

I may not understand how he saved the people mentioned above from their particular conditions or situations, but it is described for us in the book. It is pretty straight forward?

But, how about this "sin" thing? What is the deal, here? Is that harder than salvation from physical things? Is it just as straight forward as the physical?

Is there or can there be spiritual blindness? Does/can the prince of demons dwell in my heart? Is there a "storm of sin" in my life that needs quieting? Am I bleeding internally because of the spiritual sickness that is inside of me? How does the Savior take care of this mess?

Must explore this further.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #29 (Savior Cont.)

"She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

(Matthew 1:21)

No wonder the angel had to explain things to Joseph. He didn't understand it in the least. That makes me feel a little better because I am right there with you, Joseph. Explain it to me. I need an angel to come and explain it to me. Oh, I believe it, but it all blows me away.
Call Him Jesus. The same name as Joshua - Deliverer - Savior.

What are you going to "save" me from? Or are you going to save me "for" something? And, why do I need saving, anyway? While we are at it, what is it going to take to save me and why does it have to be you do the saving?

Where's that angel, anyway?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #28 (Savior)

Trying to save "stuff" gets pretty involved these days. I don't like to waste things, but I am not one to save every little thing either.
My wife got one of those vacuum food savers for Christmas and it works pretty good. We found out that we can even make a bag of chips last longer by "sucking" the air out of the bag and then resealing it. We use it quite often to save leftovers.
So, do we go back to the freezer and get those leftovers, nuke them in the microwave and eat them all over again? Sometimes, most of the time, not! We still prefer the fresh - new - never been used stuff.
Jesus is my Savior! He has made me fresh and new. A new creature - a new man - a new purpose - a new direction. That's what I call saving!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #27 (Bread Cont.)

It was well worth waiting for. The family sat around the table as mom brought the fresh piping hot homemade bread straight out of the oven. It had been especially prepared with them in mind.
Dad said, "Well, I don't know about this. The shape of the loaf is not all that even. We all know how the loaves of bread look at the store. This doesn't look like the bread I am used to."
The son said, "I think we really need to look into the recipe mom used for this bread. How do we know that she really knows how to make bread? We shouldn't eat until we are sure what this bread has to offer."
The daughter said, " Bread is supposed to be soft, but this bread has a hard crust on the outside. How do I know that it is not like that on the inside? If it were like that, it would be one very disappointing experience."
As the family talked about and discussed the bread, it was eventually removed from the table by the one who prepared it especially for them.
In John 6, people were doing entirely too much talking about the Bread of Life and completely forgetting or unwilling to partake of what had been prepared especially for them.
Lord, Bread of Life, please help me do less talking and a lot more eating!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #26 (Bread Cont.)

Bread everywhere. I'm not sure what else you would find to eat in an average meal during the time of Jesus, but there would be bread. There was always bread. Bread for everyone.
The same is said of Jesus. The religious scholars of the day tried to fault the Bread of Life for being found in the presence of sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, the poor ect.
The bread was everywhere. No one was too bad, too sick, too poor or too uneducated to be unqualified for the Bread of Life.
He travelled everywhere speaking to everyone. They all deserved Bread and it was available.
Not sure what they were seeking when they came to Jesus, but they found Bread.
I am not disqualified. The Bread is for me, too.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #25 (Bread Cont.)

He had to have been hungry! He had been out in the wilderness for forty days and had eaten nothing. That's hard to relate to. Satan said, "turn these stones into bread." Makes sense to me. He could have done it. "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God," (Matt. 4:4) was our Lord's reply. Maybe I have finally made a connection here. Just maybe.
Man lives by every WORD that comes from God. (Matt. 4:4)
In the beginning was the WORD .... and the WORD was God. (John 1:1)
The WORD became flesh and lived among us. (John 1:14)
Eat the WORD'S flesh. (John 6:53-56)
Ah! THE BREAD from HEAVEN! (John 6:58)

It does all connect!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #24 (Bread Cont.)

She was probably doing what she thought needed to be done at the time -- and, it was a good thing. She was in the kitchen attending to a meal that would be served to the guests who had showed up at her door. She was probably making bread as a part of that meal.
However, she was frustrated that her sister was not helping her get ready to feed these people that showed up. Mary, the sister, was in the family room listening to what one of the guests was saying - hanging on every word. "Why wasn't Mary in the kitchen helping her," she wondered? "I would like to be out there visiting myself, but then the work wouldn't get done."
So, she confronts her sister in front of Jesus saying, "...tell her to help me."
Jesus' response says that it was better that Mary partake of the "bread of life" then help Martha prepare physical bread. This short episode is recorded in John 10:38-42.
There are so many things that I need to be dong that "sound" good. They sound like the right thing to be doing. But really, when it gets right down to it, they amount to busy work and a distraction from the truly important thing - listening to Jesus; taking in the bread of life.
It is so urgent that I do the things that are "far better!"

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #23 (Bread Cont.)

Hearty Italian Bread, Honey Oat, Italian White Bread, Italian Herbs and Cheese, Monterey Cheddar, Parmesan Oregano, Roasted Garlic, and Wheat and are just some of the bread choices you can have at a certain place that serves submarine sandwiches. Jared knows. Why all the choices? It's simple. So everybody can get just what they want. Quite frankly, before Atkins, I had a hard time making up my mind so I just stuck with wheat. At any rate, here it is. Come have the bread of your choice. We can make you happy.
The "Bread of Life" came here and said partake of me. There's only one - the genuine - the authentic. We don't need several options in order to please each individual taste or preference. Just one will do. He is the one. Each one can find eternal pleasure. There is something here that is uniquely offered to each individual. So, what's your pleasure? You will be fulfilled here. How can He help you?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #22 (Bread Cont.)

Well, I could ramble on about my new granddaughter, Emily; but, back to Jesus as the Bread of Life that comes down from Heaven.
I just finished reading, re-reading, the account of Jesus sharing, for the first time, with His apostles what we have come to call the Lord's Supper. They were observing the Passover meal as any good Jew would be doing; but, this was different. The Passover bread/meal was there and in the middle of this sacred feast, Jesus adds something to it.
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body'"(Matt. 26:26). The Bread of Life takes the bread and says, "This is me."
The Lord's Supper offers a very special time for us to remember - meditate - worship - the Bread of Life. The "bread" of the supper points us to the "Bread' of life. It is all tied together somehow; I can't figure it out - but it is Awesome.
It will have an impact on me the next time I have the blessing to partake.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

My New Granddaughter

Yes, this is one of those interruptions. God has created life again! This time it is very close to home! I now have a granddaughter. This is my first. I am so excited and thankful.
So many thoughts go through my head. Little Emily is so precious and innocent. How could anyone not love her? How could anyone ever think about taking the life of an unborn child - of any child at any age?
I am drawn to the words of Jesus, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4). Why is that? Is it because of their innocence? Is it because of their sponge-like minds? Is it because then, and only then, as little children Jesus has first crack at winning our hearts and souls?
I have a hard time imagining myself as little Emily. That is what Jesus requires.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Emily Trcka
Born - February 27, 2005 6:22 P.M. Texas Time
Weight - 8 lb. 13 oz.
Length - 20"

Who is Jesus #21 (Bread Cont.)

666 - a bad number. A sinister number. An evil number. There is a verse in the Bible with that number - John 6:66. I wonder if that was an accident or not, that the number of this verse is 666?? That verse says, "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." What a bad, sinister, evil verse!
They got up and walked away from the table! The BREAD OF LIFE was right there in front of them. Not only did they refuse to partake and indulge, but they left.
I remember as kid the only time I left the table while my plate was still full was when my parents told to me to "leave the table" because of something I had said or done. Usually that was followed with applying the board of education to the seat of the problem. Beyond those occasions, when a full plate was in front of me, I ate.
My heart cries out to these people in John 6. "Don't get up from the table!" "Your bread is served and ready to eat."
Of course, my thoughts then turn to my own life and how I have gotten up and left the table while the bread of life was served fresh and piping hot. I guess I thought I had something more important to do than partake. Maybe I thought I didn't need it or it wasn't for me. Hum - I might have even thought there was better bread - bread easier to swallow - somewhere else. What a fool I was!
Don't leave the table when the bread of life is being served!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #20 (Bread Cont.)

A little rambling here - which is usual. The model prayer - the prayer Jesus gave the apostles when they asked him, "Lord, teach us to pray..."(Luke 11:2). What a simple yet powerful yet all inclusive prayer!
In the middle of this prayer is "give us our daily bread"(Luke 11:3). For some of the people Jesus was talking to, they probably didn't know where their bread for the next day was coming from. Jesus says to pray for daily bread - bread for the day at hand - bread for the moment - not tomorrow's bread, but today's bread and God will provide.
Now, add to that thought the fact that Jesus is the bread of life - the bread that came down from heaven. How about a daily dose of Jesus? Sometimes I look too far ahead even with the bread from heaven.
Jesus, I need you today and right now. I need you today in my life and I have faith that you will be there tomorrow.
Give me this day my daily bread. I don't know what tomorrow may bring but I need Jesus right the middle of my today -- and God has promised that He will be right there.
Thanks to my brothers in the Lord, Richard and Greg, for this thought. May God bless both of you, today, with His daily bread.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #19 (Bread Cont.)

Hunger drives me to eat. If I am hungry and can't eat, it frustrates me and makes me uncomfortable, irritable, and unhappy. I have been told that if a person goes without food long enough that the hunger pains go away. Your body tries to sustain itself from its internal resources. I don't like to feel hungry. If I am, I try to satisfy the hunger as soon as possible. I hunger for nourishment.
The bread of life is available to satisfy my deepest inner spiritual hunger.
What did Jesus have in mind when he said, "You're blessed when you have worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat." (Matthew 5:6 The Message)? There is a hunger that is built into our makeup - our very being. It is a hunger and thirst for God. It is a hunger that only God can satisfy. It is a good hunger. It is a hunger that keeps us looking and moving in the right direction. It is also a hunger that, if continually ignored, will go away. The godly prodding will cease. Then where will we find nourishment? "...hunger and thirst after righteousness" and you will be filled!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #18 (Bread Cont.)

Last night, my wife prepared a wonderful meal. We had roast made out of a pork tenderloin that she slow-cooked all day long with just the right blend of spices. It was so tender it just fell apart in my plate. Along side that was green beans. She has started roasting green beans in the oven. Again, toss on the right spices and stick them in a shallow pan in the oven for a few minutes and you have green beans like you have never had before. We also had a nice tossed salad. It was a great meal and it was Atkins friendly.
It wouldn't have made any sense for my wife to have prepared such a good meal, put it on the table in front of me and for me not to partake. All kinds of excuses come to mind. "The meal looks good, dear, but I am really too busy to eat it" "As good as it looks and smells, it is not really what I was expecting or anticipating, so I'm not going to eat it." "We had this same meal a couple of months ago, I remember how it was then, so I don't need to eat it tonight." Ridiculous!
How many times in my life do I push the "Bread of life" aside with similar excuses? God worked his miraculous will to bring "bread" to the table at just the right time in all it's/His wonder and splendor. It couldn't have been done any better. It's right there before me. I am too full of excuses which keep me from being full of Him. Thanks for the bread, Father, I will eat now.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #17 (Bread Cont.)

Maybe this is oversimplification. The manna was there - provided by God - so, Israel, eat it! That's what it is there for. Don't talk about it. Don't just look at it. Don't analyze it. Just partake of what God has given to you. You didn't have to work for it. You don't deserve it. Just eat!
No doubt where this is going. I have the bread of life, too -- much better than what the Israelites were given. I sit around and talk about it/Him, analyze it/Him, discuss it/Him, read about it/Him, forget about it/Him, rationalize it/Him, and legalize it/Him. Some of that is O.K. but, God provided my bread of life for me to partake. It's past time! 'Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you,"'(John 6: 53). The bread is there - eat - indulge - partake - live! Would you join me, please?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #16 (Bread cont.)

"No one is to keep any of it (manna) until the morning,"(Exodus 16:19). Verse 20 informs us that "some of them paid no attention" and "they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to spoil." They had been told how much to gather and what they gathered would be enough. "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little," (Verse 18). God's daily care was perfect - exactly what was needed. That was the physical bread from heaven.
Jesus - perfect - exactly what we need for everyday living one day at a time. He is sufficient. What more do we need? He came at exactly the right time and exactly the right place for exactly the right reason to obtain the right results.
Now, where our comparison with manna breaks down is that you can't get enough of Jesus. As a matter of fact "spoilage" occurs when we limit our intake of Jesus. Our life turns grey and smelly when Jesus is not a part of it.
Have you had your healthly helping of the spiritual bread of life today? Take it all in! Don't live one moment without Him!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #15 (Bread cont.)

"When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor," (Exodus 16:14). In order to see the provision of the Lord, the Israelites would have to wait for the dew to clear. Then, and only then, could they clearly see what God had provided for them and take advantage of the blessing.
To see our bread from heaven, Jesus, we have to let things clear, also. We have to get rid of our preconceptions or misconceptions of who He is. We may have to ignore what other people say about Him. It may be like the blind man that Jesus healed who at first could only see "something that looked like trees walking around (Mark 8:24)" when he saw people, but ultimately Jesus made him to where he could see clearly.
There is so much that "fogs" and "clouds" the picture. We don't get the clearest view of Jesus that we can because of so much interference.
Let's focus in on the bread of life - see Him for who he clearly is - and then take advantage of the blessing.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #14 (Bread cont.)

Manna - every day - like clockwork. Exodus 16 records the promise and the regulations regarding the manna. Every morning it would be there. On the sixth day, enough could be gathered for both the sixth and seventh days so the nation of Israel would not have to gather any on the Sabbath and keep that day holy before the Lord.
There was no need in gathering too much because the excess would spoil. Beyond that, they didn't need to gather more than they needed for the day. What they needed was to have faith that tomorrow's provision of manna would be there just as God promised. God didn't need any help here. He was the provider -- daily provider. The daily bread was always there and what God provided was enough.
I hope I don't miss the application here. Jesus is my daily bread -- provided by God. He is there every day in every way in every situation. This is the promise.
I don't have to (and I can't) make it on my own. I can go to Him and He is there. God said so and I can rely on that. That will be enough.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #13 (Bread cont.)

Recovering from the flu or a flu-like virus today. Still a little droopy but I think I will live.
The Jewish people couldn't imagine a day without bread. It was a staple. It was part of every meal. When Jesus did His "multiply the food" miracle he used the lunch of a little boy consisting of fish and bread. They couldn't imagine a day without bread. It wouldn't be a normal day without bread. It wouldn't be a good day without bread.
I wonder if we feel the same way about our "bread of life." It is just not a normal day without it/Him. I don't want a day without Him. It would not be a good day without Him. I have come to depend on that daily bread. It gives me spiritual sustenance for the day.
How about you? There's plenty to go around! Help yourself!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #12 (Bread cont.)

In the context of John 6, the Manna of the Old Testament was brought up. The people reminded Jesus (as if He needed reminding) that Moses (Jesus corrects them here - it was God) provided Manna (bread) for the Israelites in the wilderness.
What do we know about this manna?

1. The word manna means "what is it?"
2. It was provided for them every morning.
3. When the dew dried up the manna would appear.
4. When the sun came up the manna would melt away.
5. The Israelites were to gather only enough for that day's needs.
6. They were to gather two days worth on Friday in order to not work on the Sabbath.
7. Any unused extra that was gathered would spoil.
8. That that was held over from the sixth day to the sabbath did not spoil

The manna that God provided the Israelites was an example of His daily care for His people. Jesus claims that He is now the bread sent from heaven by God for the provision of His people. It seems that the Jews of His day didn't want to hear it. Why would they not want to take advantage of this blessing from God?
We will have to explore that further.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #11 (Bread)

Surely everything that could be said about Jesus as Immanuel has not been said, but now bread is on my mind. Bread - a basic food. However, it is something I cannot eat at this time because I am doing the Atkins thing. I miss bread - especially hot dinner rolls. I am getting used to eating "bunless" hamburgers.
Jesus, in John 6, claims to be bread from heaven (41), the bread of life (35), the bread of God (33) and living bread (51).
I want to do some thinking about bread - not dinner rolls, hamburger buns or cornbread (all of which I love) but I want to explore all of the aspects of Jesus being "bread" in upcoming blogs.
Bread for the Jews was a staple. It was a part of every meal and at times it may have been the meal. Among the poor, daily bread was just that - daily. The man of the house would earn money enough to buy bread for the next day.
Bread meant sustenance. If there was no bread it meant there was no means to get it.
Are there other ways these jews might relate to Jesus' teachings on the "Bread of life?" How does it relate to us?
It will be worth exploring.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #10 (Immanuel cont.)

"And they will call His name Immanuel which means 'God with us'" So, what does that mean to me personally?
1. God wanted to live and walk among His people as they went about their daily lives.
2. Everything that Jesus did and said in during His ministry was a demostration of the actions and speech of God.
3. God himself knows what it is that we are dealing with and struggling with each day because He himself has been there and done that.
4. WWJD (what would Jesus do?) beomes a little easier to handle because we saw God in action on this earth.
5. Gathering us, His people, under His wings was/is something God Himself wants to do.
6. It means that in my daily struggles, God is there to pick me up and carry me.
7. It means He is the bond that keeps me connected to fellow disciples.

What a blessing of blessings to have God with us. Thank you, Jesus.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #9 (Immanuel cont.)

What if God didn't want to be among us? Bad news -- really bad!
I can think of a time when He withdrew His presence from His people. Read Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4; 10:18-19; 11:22. Ezekiel saw, in his vision, the Glory of the Lord - step by step - gradually being taken away. The Glory of the Lord had presented itself above the mercy seat over the Ark of the Covenant. Ezekiel sees that glory remove itself from there and move to the threshold of the temple. From there it moved to above the cherubim. The last we see is the Glory of the Lord leaving the temple and city entirely and stopping on the mountain east of the city. God was GONE!
This was to symbolize to Ezekiel and the Israelites that God was no longer with them. We know the history here. The nation was taken captive into Babylon for 70 years.
That would be only one of the ramifications/curses of not having God with them. Their beautiful city would be overrun and the temple destroyed.
Life would be different without God. That's the point. I don't want to live without Him! Though I fear Him, I need Him in my life.
He has paved the way for His presence in our lives through the blood of Jesus. Don't be like the nation of Israel and invite Him to leave - for He just might do it.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #8 (Immanuel cont.)

O.K. - back to the concept of Immanuel and God being with us - which still blows me away when I think about it.
It occurred to me over the weekend (remember no blogging on Sat. and Sun) that we see Jesus among us at the end of the New Testament just as he was announced as God with us at the beginning of the New Testament.
John saw Him in the book of Revelation. He saw Him in a way that he had never seen Him before. Revelation 1: 17 says that when John saw him he .."fell at this feet as though dead." We will explore this amazing manifestation that John witnessed in future blogs.
As John turned to see the source of the voice that said, "write" he saw that the voice came from one (like the son of man) among the seven golden lampstands.
The seven golden lampstands were symbols for the churches (Rev. 1:20). So, where is it that we see Jesus? He is right there among His churches. He was prophesied to be "God with us." He was God among the people during His ministry; and now, as the New Testament closes out, we see Him still among His people, His body, the church.
That sight sent John to the ground. How do you react to the thought - the reality - of God/Jesus among us today? He is still with us today, you know!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who Is Jesus? (Immanuel int.)

I will put the Immanuel series of blogs on hold for the moment. Today my thoughts about who Jesus is are going in several different directions. I am with about 60 Christian men at the foot of Sierra Blanca just outside Ruidoso, NM.
I am learning about Jesus through their experiences with Him - both good and bad. Many have had struggles in their walk with God, but they all understand how God saw them through it.
For some Jesus was a the great rescuer.
For others, He was the light in the darkness.
Others saw Him as the ladder of hope and escape from the darkness of the pit.
Others saw Jesus come to them on the water of life while they were experiencing their personal storms.
All of us needed Jesus to come into our lives and turn over the tables of dishonesty, pride and laziness to be or become the temple in which He could dwell.
Jesus means different things to different people though for all who would come to Him, he is Savior.
The event this weekend that has touched my heart is called Higher Ground. If your interested try www.highergroundministry.us.
Learn about Jesus from others.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #7 (Immanuel cont.)

A thinking person interested in spiritual things would say that having God among us would be great! Why wouldn't we want Him among us?? Unless....
Unless giving him total absolute Lordship in our lives is something we are trying to avoid.
Unless we are involved in sinful activities that we don't want Him to "see."
Unless we don't want to be confronted by the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Unless we don't want to be confronted with our own sinful lifestyle.
Unless we don't want to be challenged to greater levels of service and love for Him in our lives.
Unless we don't want to be seen in His company.
Unless we can't handle His expectations (which we can't on our own).
Unless we JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND who He is!
I wonder what was going through Simon's mind when he told Jesus "Go away..."(Luke 5:8)?
Not deserving to have Him among us is one thing. Not wanting Him among us is something else.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #6 (Immanuel cont.)

The idea of God being with us, even wanting to be with us, just blows me away. Why would He do that? After all, He's God and we're...uh...just...us. Why? Why? Why?
Is there anything He couldn't do, see or learn from His eternal dwelling place? Or to ask the question in reverse; was there something he could do, see or learn living among His people that He couldn't do from heaven?
I think the key word is "demonstrate." He certainly could love us, forgive us, nurture us, encourage us from heaven. But "God with us" could demonstrate all of that. He could model it! We could see it and, in turn, model it ourselves.
It is one thing to say I love you. It is quite another thing to show it.
Paul put it this way in Romans 5:8. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Thank you, Immanuel.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #5 (Immanuel cont.)

God was frustrated! Immanuel asked, "How long shall I put up with you?" Here in Matthew 17:17, out of exasperation, "God with us" asks, "How long shall I stay with you?" His disciples' lack of faith had brought Him to this point. He was with them, but how long was He going to have to be with them like this? They were still unbelievers. When would they begin to believe and then act like believers?
I know there are times, many times, that I have made Immanuel ask the same question about me. O.K., Tittle, how long am I going to have to put with you and your weak, ineffective, stagnant faith? When are you going to live and act like a believer?
It is a good thing that He is "God with us!" Otherwise we would have no hope. In the situation above from scripture, though frustrated, He did not abandon them. He was still "God with them."
I have lived in such a way as to make my life ineffective for Him. I have tried to manipulate, and twist events to work out the way I wanted to. I have failed to pray, study, meditate, and serve. My belief was so weak. But, God remained with me. He stays with you, too, no matter how much you may disappoint Him and frustrate him. Amazing grace!
Those disciples of weak faith mentioned above became pillars of strength and faithfulness in the kingdom later on. So, there's hope for me. God with us!

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.

Who is Jesus? #4 (Immanuel cont.)

Jesus told his disciples on one occassion (Matt. 26:11), "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me (with you - LT). Wait! What's this? Jesus was/is "God with us." How can he say he would not be with them always? Does He all-of-a-sudden lose his "Immanuel" status? In what we have called the "Great Commission" he said he would always be with them (Matt. 28:20).
What's the deal here, Jesus? Why would you not be with them?. The obvious answer is that, at some point, they would not see his phycial presence anymore (when he ascended into heaven) but His spirit...His essence....His truth....His spiritual presence would always be with them.
The point Jesus is making in the Matthew 26 passage is that He would be gone from their presence phycially so they had better keep focused on Him, His minsitry and what they were to be learning from Him. Now was the time to keep their eyes...hearts...thoughts fixed on him!
So here we are today. You have Jesus with you now. I don't want Him to ever leave.

Who is Jesus? #3 (Immanuel)

".. and they will call Him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us.' (Matthew 1: 23)." Surely our Heavenly Father knew who Jesus was. The name He gave Jesus through the pronouncement of this angel was Immanuel which means God with us. Jesus was/is God among His people.
Had God not been among His people before? We can think of many times in the Old Testament when the presence of God brought fear and trembling into the heart of the people. His presence was positioned on the mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant.
This "God with us" presence was different. There was a very special purpose for this presence and because of that purpose we see God crying, God walking, God laughing, God purging, God teaching, God praying and God dying.
Jesus is first introduced to us as "God with us." What does that mean to you? Don't you feel God reaching out to you saying, "I don't want to be distant and removed from you. Why do you want to be distant and removed from me?" "I gave you my presence in my son. Now, how about giving me your presence?"

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who Is Jesus? #2

Would you believe that in some people's minds, Jesus was Satan himself? It happened after he had driven a demon out of a man who had been unable to speak. The religious scholars (Pharisees) of the day said he could only do this if he was prince of demons. What audacity! What blindness! The "prince of peace" is called the "prince of demons." Some people will do or say anything to not believe.
Two different mindsets witness the demon-possession healing and react in two different ways. Some were amazed because they had never seen anything like that before. Others, who also had never seen anything like it, crowned him prince of demons.
Who is Jesus to you. What is your reaction to the miracles he performed in the Bible and to the miracles he performs today?
Are you amazed? Are you blown away? Or are you ready to credit the works of God to some evil power - anyone but Jesus? Where are you? Who is Jesus to you?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus?

The theme for our church for this year (2005) is, "It's all about You, Jesus." It probably wouldn't surprise you to learn that our theme song is, "Heart of Worship," from which the key phrase is taken.
It is a tough theme. It will be tough to carry out in our lives. For most of us, our lives are all about us. It is a "me" world.
The next few blogs will be ramblings about this theme and then on to trying to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" Ask that question in any group and see what the response is. You will get some answers that you expect: Savior, Lord, Redeemer, Son of God, etc. Some will have no answer. Every now and then, someone gives you their heartfelt answer.
One young man recently answered that question by saying for him, Jesus was his "scapegoat." Think about that one for a while and we will continue tomorrow.

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.