IS JESUS ENOUGH?

John 21:15 “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?”

If Jesus was all you had, would Jesus be enough for you? While that may sound like an odd question it really isn't. You see, many believers, today, are in love with the things of the Lord, but they are not in love with the Lord Himself. Many Christian workers and preachers are in love with the Lord's work. Almost without realizing it, the work of the Lord becomes more important than the Lord of the work.

People seek new teachings or new ideas. The more they receive the more they want.

They are seeking things – words, teachings visions, dreams – but they are not seeking the Lord Himself. Is Jesus enough?

When Christians gather together most of the activity is focused on “one another”. This is important, but it's not the most important thing. Fellowship is good, but is Jesus enough?

Meetings are good, but is Jesus enough? Special speakers and special music are good, but is Jesus enough? Even singing hymns, songs and choruses to Him, it is possible to sing about Jesus and not truly worship Him. With preaching and teaching it is possible to talk about Jesus and not truly meet Jesus in what is shared. In prayer it is possible to talk about our needs and never actually commune with Jesus Himself.

I have learned through the years that stress, strife, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, bitterness, anger, hurt, misunderstanding and confusion come from everything said and done by religious people about the Lord, and in the Name of the Lord, but does not, in fact, have anything to do with Jesus Himself.

How much of your focus is directed to the things of God, and not to God Himself? How much of your discussion centers on things about Jesus, and not Jesus Himself? Look around the Christian world. This brother is focused on end time events. This sister is devoted to hospitality. One is primarily interested in spiritual warfare, while another is interested in theological discussions. Yet another one is in love with Christian music.  One movement emphasizes this particular thing, and another group stands for another thing. Yet there is only one Jesus!

Just as some people can't see the forest for the trees, perhaps most sinners can't see Jesus for the Christians. Perhaps most Christians can't see Jesus for the church. Is Jesus enough?

The call of the Lord is not more important than the Lord of the call. The work of the Lord must not replace the Lord of the work. Knowing the Word of God does not necessarily mean we know the God of the Word. Everyone wants to go and do something for God, but few people are willing to stay and do nothing for Him. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God...”

Jesus asked Peter, “Am I enough for you? Do you love Me more than everything else? Do you love Me more than you love the things about Me?” A few weeks later, when Peter stood with John before the religious rulers to explain the healing of a man who had never walked, “...they marveled and they took knowledge of them (Peter and John), that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13b). If we will be with Jesus, then Jesus will be with us!

The secret to the power of the New Testament church, was they had been with Jesus.

Some Christians, today, are more in love with methods and ministries than they are in love with Jesus. Remember Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-41). We should learn to quietly spend time in His presence “sitting at His feet”.

When missionaries love church planting and mission work more than Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When evangelists love traveling, preaching, and holding meetings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When pastors love their church services and building programs more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. When teachers love their teachings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. When preachers love their preaching more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. When ministers love their ministry more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. When musicians love their music more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. When writers love their writings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying Jesus is not enough. And when the simplest disciples grow tired of just being with Jesus, and begin to long for something bigger, something better, something greater, something more powerful, something other than what they have in Jesus already, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough.

If Jesus was all you had, would Jesus be enough for you? Or do you have to have all the “trappings” of Christianity, all the bells and whistles, all the toys and trinkets.?

Make no mistake, there is no life in the things that are about Jesus. There is life only in Jesus Himself.

If you are dissatisfied and disappointed with your Christian walk today, it is only because of one thing: Jesus is not enough for you. Somewhere along the line, something else became more important than Jesus. Maybe you've become focused on the things about Jesus that are not Jesus. There is but one solution. You do not need more of the Lord, because He has already given Himself completely to you already. You just need less of everything else!

Remember the Church of Ephesus. Rev. 2:2-5 “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how that canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and has patience, and for My Name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Remember what it was like to be so filled with passion and love for Jesus, that you wanted nothing more than to sit at His feet, and hear His Word? Remember when you was so infatuated with Jesus that you didn't want to do anything else? Remember what it was like to just be with Jesus? Go back to the time when all you had was Him. Go back to the time when there was no work, no ministry, no vision, no special calling – except Jesus calling you to be with Him.

Remember when you said, “He's all I need!” What if you quit doing everything God never told you to do?

I pray the Lord will draw us after Himself and make us thoroughly sick and tired of things – especially the things that are about Him, but are not Him. Remember, IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!

Is Jesus enough for you?

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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JONAH AND THE WORM

We all know the story of the Old Testament Prophet, Jonah. God wanted him to go to Nineveh to but he didn't want to. He knew if he went that God would have mercy on them and they would repent. There was this big fish...well you know the story. The bottom line is Jonah finally followed God's will and the entire city – including the government leaders – repented! One would think this would have excited Jonah. But you would be wrong. Instead, Jonah sat sulking on a very hot day.

We know the familiar story about Jonah and the whale, but what about this worm God used to get Jonah's attention as he sat sulking? You can check it out in Jonah 4:5-11.

From this passage we see God responded in tenderness toward the prophet. The Lord extended grace to Jonah, even when his heart was obviously not right with God. The Lord graciously allowed a vine to grow over the prophet's hut to give him shelter and comfort. Isn't it a blessing to know that even when we walk outside the will of the Lord, God still looks after us and blesses us? How many times has He continued to bless and use you even when you were out of His will?

God also responded by teaching about priorities. Just as Jonah was beginning to enjoy the vine, God sent a worm to destroy the vine. Jonah gets even angrier. This time, God sets the record straight! He reminds Jonah that Jonah cared more about a vine than he did the souls of the people of Nineveh. People made in the image of God and people who would have perished had He not intervened!

We tend to get upset about things that simply don't matter. Think about the last thing that made you mad. Now, ask yourself this question: What will it matter in 100 years?

Folks, the only thing that really matters as we pass through this life is finding God's will and walking in it! People are going to hell and we are worrying about vines and other comforts. Our priorities need to be refocused and narrowed until we want only what He wants in our lives.

What has your attention today? Jonah didn't care about the eternal destiny of the people of Nineveh! All he cared about was his reputation as a prophet and the foolish prejudices he carried with him through life. He learned, or at least we hope he did, that God's will in this world is all that really matters.

Isn't it time we put aside all the things that cloud our vision of His will? Isn't it time we put aside our hurts, our desires and our wills so that we might be better able to do His will in our lives?

Jonah suffered because he didn't care about God's will. What do you care about today? If anything is more important to you than doing the will of God, then you are in need of refocusing your priorities.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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THANKSGIVING AND PEACE

Phil 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Three kinds of peace are mentioned in the Bible. They are Peace with God, Peace of God and Peace on earth. Peace with God comes at salvation. Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The peace of God comes with surrender (Phil 4:7). Peace on earth will come at Jesus' second coming (Isaiah 2:1-4).

Our focus today is on the peace of God. We're talking about peace in times of trouble. Paul says we are to stop worrying. That's easier said than done at times

The key to having the peace of God is having a thankful heart. Why is thanksgiving the key to peace?

Thanksgiving calls for looking up. Storms in life may make thanksgiving difficult

We all go through times of trouble. Jesus said in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

The Pilgrims endured many hardships. Sickness, loneliness was common place. Nearly half of them died the first winter. A summer drought caused them to look up to God in prayer. A gentle rain came in answer to that prayer. A good harvest resulted in the first Thanksgiving. Looking up to God, our Helper, causes us to be a thankful people.

Thanksgiving calls for looking around. We all have many blessings and ought to give thanks for them. Consider Psalm 103, the psalm of thanksgiving. “...Forget not all His benefits...” These benefits include forgiven sins, daily health, food, family, church family, friends. We ought to start each day thankful for His many benefits. The benefits of God's love and grace. The benefit of salvation by faith. The benefit of having a Bible. We have the privilege of prayer. We don't have to be worrisome, because prayer makes God's blessings available. Thanksgiving adds expectation to prayer and allows faith to expect answers

Thanksgiving calls for looking ahead. Doubt cringes and cowers, afraid of what tomorrow may bring. Faith welcomes the future with optimism, expecting the best. Paul reveals what a thankful heart contains. It contains things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous (Phil 4:8). Thanksgiving allows us to believe the best is yet to come. Is your mind a place for thankful thoughts to dwell?

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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HOW BIG IS GOD?

We all face problems bigger than ourselves. We all go through things we didn't think we would. Some even go through things they didn't think they could. Where do we turn when we're out of our league? How do we cope with fears that go beyond out courage to fight? How do we tap God's power when our faith is small? How do we pay bills that are greater than our income or savings? How do we conquer enemies who are too strong for us?

Enter: God Almighty!

God is bigger than our fears. Isaiah 41:10  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”  Fear is common to all in one way or another. Fear was the first evidence of the fall. Genesis 3:10 “And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and hid myself.” God was here before fear came on the scene. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” God will be here when all the fears of the ages have departed. Rev. 21:6 “And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”

God guarantees He is greater than all our fears (for I am with thee). Consider all the “fear nots” in the Bible. Remember people of faith who conquered their fears (Moses, Joshua, David, etc.). The resurrection of Jesus declares He has overcome our greatest fear.

God is better than our faith. Matthew 17:20 “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed ye shall say to this mountain, Remove thence to yonder place; and it shall remover; and nothing shall be impossible to you”. It's not the size of our faith but the strength of our Lord that makes the difference. Mountain moving faith rests in our omnipotent God. Meek Moses lifted his rod and God parted the Red Sea.. Fearful grieving Martha saw Lazarus rise at Jesus' call (John 11:43-44)

God is richer than our debts. Phil. 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Our rich Heavenly Father has no shortage of funds. No creditor has anything on his ledger beyond what God can provide. Sometimes in giving, we tap Gods' boundless supply

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

God is stronger than our enemies. Psalm 18:3 “So shall I be saved from mine enemies”. How did the psalmist plan to find safety from his enemies? He said he would find safety by calling on the Lord. We as Christians have the armor of God to protect us from all our foes. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The believer's victory is assured in the Gospel. Since Jesus died and rose again, He achieved the ultimate victory. The One who saved us is able to keep us all the way to heaven!God is big enough to meet all the needs of those who trust Him!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO IN YOUR LIFE

Phil 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perfomr it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

What do you want to do with your life? Most of us have hopes and dreams. Some have plans and schemes. Some people have selfish desires while some long to help others.

What does God want to do in your life? This is a more important question. How we respond to this question affects both here and in eternity. What is the answer to this question?

God desires to begin a work in your life. “He which hath begun”. This is surprising, but true. God wants to work in the lives of sinners without a doubt. God wants to work in the lives of believers, as well. Here is amazing grace ready to work in us.

This is the opposite of what we naturally want. We want to reach for the stars. We want to achieve financial success. We want to climb higher and higher. God, on the other hand, wants to reach down. He wants to meet and change sinners. He wants to seal us as His own. God wants to start His work in you!

God desires to begin a good work in your life. “He which hath begun a GOOD work in you”. God's work in us may not seem good at the beginning. He begins this work by making us aware of our sins (Romans 3:10-23). We learn that our good works are worthless. Isaiah wrote, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...” (Isaiah 64:6) . We learn that we have earned only death. Rom 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”

However, grace – God's grace - brings us hope. God loves us unconditionally. Jesus died for us – once for all. It is through this we move from conviction to conversion. Faith in Jesus brings many good things to us. Forgiveness of sins, assurance of heaven, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We now have a purpose to live - for the glory of God

God desires to perform a permanent work in your life. “...will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”. Paul was confident this good work would last. What God starts, He completes!

Have you sensed God working in your life? The God who began a good work within us continues it through our lives and will finish it when we meet Him face to face.

God's work for us began when Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. God's work in us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Jesus every day. Paul is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that begins when we accept Jesus as our Savior and continues until Jesus returns.

Do you sometimes feel as if you'll never make progress in your spiritual life? When God starts a project He finishes it! So when you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you!! He promises to finish the work He has begun. When you feel incomplete, unfinished, or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision.

Don't let your present condition rob you of the joy of knowing Jesus or keep you from growing closer to Him.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Phil 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Our thoughts reveal who we really are. Solomon wrote, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). You see the reality is we are not what we think we are. Rather, what we think, is what we are. Paul called for thoughts centered in praise. He rejects negative, critical thinking as improper for believers. “...if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Why are our thought patterns so important to God? What we think determines what we say and do. A thought is the father of every word. Every word that brings blessings to others originates with a thought. Every word that inspires and encourages originates with a thought. Every word that discourages and destroys originates with a thought. Every word that cultivates hate and hurt originates with a thought.

A thought is the father of every act. Every act of kindness and love originates with a thought. Every act of crime and violence originates with a thought. Every lustful and adulterous act originates with a thought. No wonder God is interested in the topics about which we choose to think. No wonder the psalmist asked the Lord to know his thoughts (Ps 139:23).

How can we tell if our thought patterns are pleasing to God? Paul summarizes the focus of our thoughts if they are to please God. He gives a picture of the Christian mind as it ought to be. Our thoughts should be of things that are true (truthful). Our thoughts should be of things that are honest (noble). Our thoughts should be of things that are just (right, good). Our thoughts should be of things that are pure.  Our thoughts should be of things that are lovely and of good report. Our thoughts should be of the best in others. Our thoughts should be focused on praising God.

How can we conform our thought patterns to God's will? Right thoughts come from hearts that are right with God (Psalm 139:23-24). We must confess our wrong thoughts to the Lord and be forgiven (1 John 1:9). We must produce mental input that produces good thoughts. What's happening with your devotional life?. What's happening in your worship of Jesus?. How much time do you spend taking in God's Word? How much time in front of the tv? How much time reading things that don't edify? Remember...garbage in, garbage out!

If Jesus returns today, what will He find on your mind? What will you change in your life to have thoughts pleasing to God? Will you commit to developing thought patterns of praise?

I like the way The Message reads on this verse. “Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Phil 4:8 - The Message)

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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MY ASSESSMENT

Here in the United States we just completed an election cycle.  As is often the case over the last few years it was a divisive campaign.  Based on the voting totals across the country it's safe to say the United States is a divided nation.  The two major parties have had little good to say about one another over the course of the last few months.  

With the elections behind us, the bitterness continues.  To hear some talk, they literally hate one another.  Emotions are high.  Some believe, based on the outcome, that America is headed for decimation.  Some have called for or see in the future God's judgement on our nation.

While this is not a political blog, I would like to give my assessment.  Yes, I did cast my ballot and exercise my right to vote.  

First of all, I woke up this morning to the wonderful fact that GOD IS STILL GOD!  He wasn't up for re-election.  He has been and always will be God no matter who is in the White House.  I find great peace in that knowledge.

Secondly, JESUS IS STILL LORD and He's sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.  There is no politician or government official that I would want pleading my case for me.  That's the job of Jesus and He does it so well.  What a thrill it is to know He's still on the throne as my intercessorer.  

Thirdly, the HOLY SPIRIT IS STILL IN THE EARTH LEADING, GUIDING, BAPTIZING AND EMPOWERING BELIEVERS.  How awesome is that?  Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit...and He did!  The Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost and He's been here ever since.  He takes up residence within each believer.  God has equipped us to win!

Fourth, the BIBLE IS STILL THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD!  Within it's pages we find answers that allude us when we look elsewhere.  God speaks to us through His Word.  The Bible is a written account of God's faithfulness to His people through the years.  Truth is found within it's pages.

We've all heard and seen the various political ads.  Unlike political campaign promises, Jesus fulfills His promises!   God is a God of His word! 

Like the old hymn says, "This world is not my home I'm just a passing through..."  That's the way I see it.  As believers, we are in the world, but not of it.  We are ambassadors for God here on earth.  My home is in heaven.   So is yours if you are a believer.

Let's not get all wrapped up in the hype of what is going on here on earth.  Instead, let's pray for our leaders as the Scripture says we are to do.  Let's pray for God's direction and for God to lead them.  And let's do our part to lead others to Jesus.  That's the most important thing we can do.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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ORGANIZED RELIGION IS DYSFUNCTIONAL

You know, the more I am around organized structured church folks the more I realize just how dysfunctional they are.  According to Scripture we are to function together as one.  Harmony and unity was prevalent in the New Testament Church.

Today, however, we don't see that so much.  Well, let me qualify that statement.  As long as things are going the way we think they should be going there will be harmony and unity. We have a "my way or the highway" mentality.  Does this please God?

This applies to what God desires for us as well.  Let God come in to our midst and try to move us to greater freedom in Him or to a new level in Him then the walls go up!  I've often said I want all that God has for me.  I don't mean I want all that God has for me as long as it fits into the realm of what I want.  I simply want all He has for me.

Perhaps its the structure of the organized churches, today, that feeds this mentality.  We have church boards, trustees, deacons who think they should run the church, committees and so-called pastors who run the church as a dictator.  Most churches, today, are incorporated with their state government.  Then we get wrapped up in our traditions, our pews and even our buildings.  No wonder God doesn't move in our midst.  We are so wrapped up in everything else that we don't have our minds on the Lord when we do gather.

I believe it's time we just rely on Jesus!  After all, its HIS church, is it not?  Forget the building.  Do away with the one man  show. Dissolve corporations and church boards. Let's allow Jesus to lead His church and have His way in our gatherings!  Let's loose God's people to minister to one another - a genuine body ministry!

Do these things sound radical to you?  Well, the New Testament church was a radical church!  It's time we be radicals for Jesus.  Let's lose the baggage of organized structured religion and enjoy the freedom of serving Jesus in uninhibited ways!

Who's with me?  Think of what God would do through those who would take this step.  In fact, a recent Barna Report tells us the fasting growing segment of Christianity is the "Out of Church" Christians.  People are leaving the organized church due to it's ineffectiveness and structure for opportunities to gather in freedom and without restraint to serve Jesus.  Sounds radical to me!  Let's be radicals!

Until next time...enjoy the journey.

Ray

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