Released from Finger Pointing

It’s easy to point a finger at people with a lifestyle or actions that aren’t ethical or morally faithful to the life God desires for us.  Thankfully, God removed the burden of being a finger pointer when He sent his Spirit to “convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment,” John 16:8. 

When God’s Spirit took over as the Counselor who works to convict on the hard stuff; we were given the mission is to tell others about God’s grace and Christ’s work to clean us of sin—we can keep our hands in our pocket.  It takes courage, but it’s the kindest act we can do.  

 

Hands in pocket, telling the good news,

Owen <><

Where Your Name is Written Mattters

 
 

 

Though it seems odd to many, one of the kindest things I can do is to point out what happens to those who decide against accepting Christ Jesus as Savior.

You see, to tell you about the streets of gold in heaven and a wonderful eternity is only ½ of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   ....   The other ½ is the recognition of sin, not the bad things we do but the rejection of Christ and repentance (turning your life around from everything else to the Lord) and then live in moral faithfulness.  Once God sees a heart faithful to salvation alone in Christ, your name is written in the Jesus’ or the Lamb’s Book of Life.

“This is the second death, the lake of fire.

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life,

he was thrown into the lake of fire.”  

Revelation 20:14-15 ESV

 

Worried? That Gives You Nothing

Jesus engaged us to think, asking:
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

This is a wonderful Word of God. A Word often quoted, yet rarely applied.  Anxious is to be nervous, worried, concerned, uneasy, … the opposite of clam, the peace God gives us.

 

We don't seem to know how to fully live in Biblical humility (complete reliance on God) and surrender.  Nor do we “receive” into our very being the fullness of assurance in the blessed hope, verses such as Jerimiah 29:11, the power of prayer—God’s promise that it is answered, the exercise of prayer, and indeed the focus to pray at an intense level in the Spirit.  And, lastly, we believe that we’re to have a faith for salvation in a simplistic form as a child would; but, we can’t do so with all of the before mentioned empowerment that comes with salvation.  Receive the blessing, not things; receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit who seals us into salvation and hope—removing anxiety and our self-reliance. 

Uptight, worried?  Jesus reminds us:
that isn’t going to do you any good.

Through the Cross,

Owen <><

How or what do you do to live the good life?

The Bible says we in Christ are to reveal the Spirit of God’s fruit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). 
How do you accomplish that?  You can't, God’s Spirit can.  

Being open to the Spirit’s leading is how it happens in life.  It is can happen when you enjoy a sunrise, pray, read the Bible, see people’s spiritual need; in moments you’re alone or with others.  When the Spirit of God bears his “fruit,” those who are nourished can rise up and walk in Him.

Through Christ we have eternal life and His Spirit in us; we then, are to live a life—a walk—in the Spirit’s fruit; as Paul said, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25 ESV). 

Walking in the Spirit,

Owen 

 

Read:  Galatians 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (ESV)

My Prayer, By His Power

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

I have no might or power, only my Lord's Holy Spirit can manifest a good work, indeed bring a miracle to pass.  … … I can never again pray for help, to ask God to empower me, and never can I ask to help accomplish Christ’s work.

I can only pray with a surrendered will and life to my Lord, in hope that he will use me as an open conduit, through which His Holy Spirit’s power accomplishes the will of my Father.

So, I pray, “Not I, not by what my will desires, but in the will and by the power of the Lord God Almighty’s Spirit may God’s will be manifest. In the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, so be it, Amen and Amen.” 

“Father, … yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

In Christ alone, a conduit of His Spirit,
Owen <><

Tattered Bible

As believers we need God’s inspired Word as a guide.  Scripture guides and encourages us in all aspects of life. When the Bible doesn’t direct our life we can become misguided or dilute its truths.  Having biblical truth in our heart enables us to recognize it being used within a false agenda, to such Jesus said, “And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others” (Mark 7:13 NLT).   

 

To follow Christ is to have more than a casual acquaintance with God’s Word; or you’ll never fully grasp all the blessing of God’s love relationship with you.  To be immersed in a love relationship with Christ is to have God’s Word flourish in your heart.  The strength of God’s truth in you comes to light when your Bible is tattered and dust free.
 

Living with God’s Word in my heart,

Owen <><  

 

 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  ~ Jesus, Mark 13:31

LIVING LIKE JESUS—Without Belittling and Hurtful Words or Actions

I have had the pleasure of befriending and spending time with many people; a few of whom would cause “good church folk” to get all worked up over and condemn me.  I have been honored to have dined, been in the homes, and had fellowship with Hindus, Muslims (in fact one was an evangelist), Buddhist, Jews, and atheist.  I have shared meals and friendship, and attended a lesbian wedding.  I have chatted with young people who have all sorts of piercings and tattoos; with young people in the gothic culture, with some who were just plain scary and mean looking; and satanic worshipers. 

I have, in a Christlike manner shown respect to them; not that I accepted their faith, nor lifestyle.  But, there is no other way to lead one to the Lord—they must see I care, and they must hear the gospel, and that requires my open friendship with them; not avoidance and words that are hateful. 

It is similar to a Bible story, when Levi, a despised tax collector, invited Jesus and his disciples to eat at his house and Jesus accepted.  When the religious people in town saw all the “sinners” at the house, they asked Jesus’ disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”  But, Jesus overheard and answered them, “Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. I not have come to call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32 ) 

It isn’t about your dis-belief; it is all about your belief in a merciful God who by grace and love brought healing to your spirit through Christ.  This is why no one should go with out hearing the gospel form each of us.  I cannot forget that Jesus said to, "go and make disciples, (Matthew 28:19).  while doing that, use the empowerment he has given you to tell the gospel of Christ to people next door and in your home town, those folks who are like you; then stretch yourself and go to those people you don't like and honestly, you hold prejudice toward; but, the fact is, just share the gospel with anyone along the way in your life, the world (cf., Acts 1:8).    

Following Jesus, not offended by not offensive to the Christ-less,

Owen <><

Life is Good and Rich, and laced with good memories

When I was a kid, about 4 and 5, my dad was career Air Force and at the time was stationed in Loan, France. We often went to a café, where I was always greeted warmly by the owner, because I was his "little American boy who liked escargot."

For me it was simple, I thought eating snails was cool.  But, because I liked them, I always got a free order. 
The owner would say,
“Petit garçon, Bon Appetite!”
May answer was,
“Mercie beaucoup Monsieur!”

Life is Good make the best of it,
... in doing so, serve the Lord.

 

Acts 10:14-15
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

Pray Often, Anywhere

“Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions

with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind,
be alert
and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Ephesians 6:18

Easter Afternoon Walk: Travel the Road That Leaves Your Heart Burning

After the resurrection, Jesus simply walked down the road leading to the town of Emmaus.  He joined two men walking the Emmaus Road who were talking about Passover week and the crucifixion of Jesus.  As Jesus walked along with them “they were kept from recognizing him.”  Then, he asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” (Luke 24:13-17); they thought he was a stranger to the area and explained all that had happed from Friday to Sunday morning.  Jesus then began to teach the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and the prophets.

As they came to Emmaus the men asked him to stay at their home.  Jesus accepted and “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight” (vv. 30-32).  When Jesus had left them—“disappeared”—they cherished the experience with Him and said, “Our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v 32). 

Too often we only think of Jesus as being far off in heaven, at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33), but, Jesus is not restricted to heaven—as Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20).  Jesus is on the road, at the table, in the room, everywhere with you this very moment.  As you pray, worship, praise, read Scripture, attend Biblical teaching, or while at work, school, store, etc., you can experience Jesus Christ.  Although it seems that Jesus has disappeared out of sight, He is nonetheless ever present.

Those who receive God’s grace by faith in Christ will find that He is alive and in you, because God placed His Spirit in you.  Jesus is on the road you call life—let your life be an Emmaus Road where you walk with Christ and listen to the Word that cleanses and baptizes your heart with fire, and your heart will forever burn for Jesus Christ.    

My heart is burning as I walk the Emmaus Road,  

Owen <><

Easter Morning Surprise–Surpassing Painted Hardboiled Eggs

Very early on Sunday morning, the women from Galilee—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others—by tradition took spices the tomb; there they found the stone rolled away from the tomb and upon entering it did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. They then went and told others, to include the skeptical Eleven Apostles (Matt 28:1-19; Luke 24:1-10). 

Later, after Peter and others came to the tomb, “Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
‘They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him.’
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

‘Woman, he said, ‘why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’

Thinking he was the gardener, she said,
‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’                                              

 

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”

What a glorious story!  As promised in prophecy, by Jesus’ teaching, and by the power of God, Jesus had resurrected—He was the Christ, He who is restored from the dead and had risen from the grave.

What joy, what hope,

Owen <><

(John 20:11-16)

What is so good about Good Friday?

By Jewish tradition Friday began at (what we today consider to be) about 6 p.m. on Thursday.  Jesus’ Friday began with dinner to “celebrate the Passover” (Mt 26:17-30)—the Last Supper—with the Eleven Apostles and Judas.  After Judas left the gathering to collect his blood money in betrayal of Jesus from the synagogue leaders, the remaining Apostles went with Jesus to the garden of Gethsemane for prayer.  In the dark hours of Friday morning, the temple guard came and arrested Jesus on charges rooted in lies.  So far, Friday was not so good.

Jesus was then taken before the religious leaders who condemn him.  Without legal authority to execute their Messiah, whom they reject, they take a path of corruption and political correctness by sending Jesus before a Roman court.  Jesus—the Holy and Righteous One, who is without sin, and who judges the world (2 Cor 5:10; Jude 14, 15)—has been judged and sentenced to death by his own and the Roman (world) system by a politician, Pilate.  Pilate even stated, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”  Yet, by custom and in fear of political riots he gave in to the crowd shouting “Crucify him!”  Then he handed Jesus over to soldiers who beat him beyond human recognition to prepare him for crucifying on a cross.  So far, Friday was not so good.

After a long day of beatings and then in the agony being nailed to and hung on a cross Jesus said, “It is finished.” And, “With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30)—Jesus died. … … Why is this Friday so good?

It was good because Jesus Christ’s mission was to be the atonement—that mission “is finished” and He, His blood, is the only acceptable and required sacrifice to God for forgiveness of sin.  People had an opportunity to accept the Messiah (the One true King who would rule earth) or reject him, we rejected him.  So, then human law took over, which was to murder God.  That is why in his last breaths of life Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are dong” (Luke 23:34).  But, yes but, the resurrection and the promise of those who believe in Christ and His promise is coming.  In all that happened to Jesus, the love of God still gave us another chance in being eternally judged to enter heaven and not hell.  Jesus Christ’s blood covers all sin before God, because “whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  That is why “Good Friday” is so very good.

In Christ,

Owen <><

Read:  Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 13-24, John 13-21  

In 2015 Between Palm Sunday & Easters is April Fool’s Day

As the pastor spoke today at the Methodist church in Wynnewood, Oklahoma; it became obvious from his words that the loss of David Lindsey had a way of revealing Christ.  Yes the family was sad with the loss of David.  He left us after only eighty-five years; yet, there is peace and encouragement for the family.  What did the minister say that encouraged us through Christ Jesus?

First, David passed from this world on Sunday, Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem.   Christ was revealed in how David entered with his triumphant entry to heaven, a foretaste of the New Jerusalem. 

Second, as we look forward to Easter Sunday, when we celebrate the hope in the resurrection.  Easter brings to mind the glory of both Christ’s resurrection, which we celebrate with praise and worship on Easter; and the celebration that David to will enjoy the resurrection as Jesus promised.

Third, today was David’s funeral, it was Wednesday, April 1^st – a day called April Fool’s Day.  But!  There is victory over death through Christ our Lord who declares, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death, is your victory?” (1 Cor. 15:54-55).  Jesus taught, of the "resurrection of the dead ... [and God said] 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ... [He is] not the God of the dead but of the living" (Matt 22:31-32) – He is also God of David, and many you love, he is the God of the living.  Yes Satan, father of death, April fool on you. 

Looking to Easter’s Promise, the resurrection,
Owen <><

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Have Faith and Do Not Doubt: Appearances Do Not Bear Fruit

Between Palm Sunday and the Cross

An encouraging lesson was taught by Jesus to his followers, a teaching for them, us, to have a real life of faith.  The story unfolds when a fig tree was fruitless during the time it should have been bearing fruit; it was only bearing leaves to identify it as a fruit tree.  Jesus said to the tree, “May you never bear fruit again!” and the tree withered immediately to its Creator’s words.

An odd thing had occurred and the disciples were amazed and perplexed.  Then Jesus began to explain that what he had done to the fig tree could be done by Christ followers.  Jesus added that with faith His disciples can tell a mountain to “throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.”  The lesson was that we, like the tree having leaves that identified it as a tree that bears fruit, can dress up to appear as a faithful follower, but, just like the tree with nothing more than leaves we are nonetheless fruitless.  God wants his creation to bear fruit, not covering or label that gives no nourishment.  Only fruit gives nourishment.  It is through faith we give nourishment to all around us, not by our religious appearance, but by faith filled prayers.  Which is why Jesus then said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

It is your day to bear fruit for this generation, believe and accomplish our Lord’s will in all you pray for.  Cleanse your temple, pray with unwavering faith, and God will use you to bear fruit.

Owen <><

Read: Matthew 21:18-22

First Things: Prepare to Worship God’s Passover Lamb

 

After entering Jerusalem “on a donkey, a colt” to the people’s shouts of "Hosanna” (Matthew 21:1-9) Jesus goes to the temple to prepare for worship of the Passover week.  Then, with authority, He cleanses the Temple a second time during his ministry. 

“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there” (Matthew 21:12); he was grieved by “robbers” in God’s house and all who had filled it with corruption.  Jesus, then declared to everyone the Scriptures, "My house will be called a house of prayer.”

As we prepare to honor the Lord Jesus, who is our Passover from eternal death, may we remember what Apostle Paul taught:  “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”   Let us, as Christ followers, cleanse our human temple again; making yourself “a house of prayer.”  Be prepared by prayer to worship Christ with a holy life—set apart from sin and dedicated to God.  Then on Easter Sunday, worship him with a renewed spirit and cleansed temple.

Cleansing myself for the presence Christ’s Holy Spirit,

Owen <><

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Hosanna in the highest!"