One of the most touching moments thus far in our study of the book of Mark, is how Jesus interfaces with those who have “special needs.” I call it “special needs” because we have witnessed Him performing many great miracles for a multitude who have come to Him for healing. That is not the group to whom I am referring. Every now and then Jesus happens on a moment. Not just any moment, but a moment that carries with it special circumstances; and invariably each time before He takes action, the Bible says He was moved with compassion. The woman with the issue of blood, the widow of Nain and many others. There is a lesson inside of the lesson and it’s simply this. We don’t have to perform the miracles of Jesus in order to show compassion to others. We need to see those as two separate actions. In each of these cases before a miraculous healing occurred, it was preceded by the compassion of Jesus. One of the beautiful aspects of Jesus is His total engagement with all humans, not just people who fit into a particular category. Case in point, the woman at the well, and the woman caught in adultery. In each case, if He had acted differently, his Jewish audience would have been totally supportive of His actions. But Jesus came to die for all men, not just a select few. So, what would be the result if we would lead with compassion, instead of judgment (which is a natural human reaction). God is calling his people to be a people of compassion. Not just to some. Not just to those like us. Not just to those we like, but to all people we encounter at all times, because they all have one thing in common. They are all humans loved by the same God that loves us. If anyone has anything to say about us, let it be said that we are a loving compassionate people.
Blessings! Lamar This morning our message is a continuation from last week as we talked about Mustard Seed Faith. From these messages I have given much thought to the attack of Satan, on the faith of believers.
Society is besieged by the work of the evil one. Sadly, his effort has reached far- even into the church. The world seems so different now. After three years, Covid is still a discussion in society as during this time many have walked away from God. Others are shouting “there is no God”, while some are saying, “who is God?” In addition, society is also feeling a strange pressure of war. Not that war is anything new (quite the contrary), but this war is escalating into something that may require us to move all of our church services to heaven. The “N” word is becoming more and more commonplace after multiple countries are threatening to use nuclear weapons. The price of gas is up, and the stock market is down. The world around us appears to be unraveling. In the midst of this maddening chaos there is a place which God, in his infinite wisdom, has prepared for us. As the song says, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Whatever comes against me, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Whatever is taken from me, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Regardless what is said about me, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Regardless how large the bomb dropped on my house, the joy of the Lord is still my strength. The beautiful reality of being in Christ is that NOTHING can touch the joy God has placed in us. As things continue to unravel, just remember - the joy of the Lord is our strength! Blessings! Lamar Often, I look around and the words of Solomon come to mind: “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Today things are so bizarre, sometimes it’s hard to believe Solomon’s statement can be true - but it is. The deeper we look into biblical history, we not only find they shared many of the same ills as our society, but in some instances, they were worse. Perhaps it would be better understood to think in terms of: same content in a different wrapper.
What does this all mean to us? The answer is simple. The same gospel that converted many in days past, will do the same in ours. Despite the frustrations of Christians today as we watch society walk further and further away from God, we must keep in mind there are still those who are looking to find the cross, even as daily they walk in darkness. What this all means to us is, we cannot allow ourselves to be sidetracked by anything which will pull us away from our purpose. To remain effective for the Kingdom, we must utilize the 3P’s. The first “P” is Praying that God will put someone in our path who is looking for the cross. The second “P”: Be Prepared for this encounter through study, and a bold willingness to share the word of God with any and everyone. Finally, the last ”P”: Praise him for using you as a vessel and tool in his hand. Living the 3P’s will keep us from being barren, and unfruitful in the work of the master. Blessings! Lamar There are few passages that empower us as much as these words written by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:31. I know you have read them often, but have you ever paused long enough to ponder the depths of their meaning? We know that God is all powerful and there is nothing in all of creation that can thwart, side-track or stop anything He sets into motion. It’s easier to understand it as we think about the universe and nature, but how does it relate to you and I? At first glance, it gives the impression that God is on our side (like a big brother) and no one can mess with us without first dealing with big brother. In that way of thinking, God is our protector. However, if we apply this same thinking to our desires (since He is on OUR side), could it mean no one can keep us from getting whatever we want, in that He is our provider? However, if we push this thinking to the maximum, He becomes someone like Santa Claus in our minds: the only requirement is to be good, and He will only give us good things. What about the misguided thought that because He is on our side, we will never face disappointment, opposition or failure? It’s easy to see how many ways this scripture can be interpreted and stretched, so let’s give thought to exactly what Paul is expressing in this text.
In context, the verse is preceded by Paul’s assertion that God has good purposes for the Christian. It is followed by a statement that no one can bring a charge against the Christian, since it is God who justifies. Paul rounds it out by proclaiming that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Therefore, in context, Paul’s question of “who can be against us” appears to be asking who can bring condemnation against the Christian. The answer is no one. God has chosen us as His children and heirs. God is the judge. If He is for us, no one can condemn us. Therefore, we are secure in Christ. What that looks like in application is what God has done in us through Christ, and what God has promised us in Christ; nothing and no one can take that away. Yes, we will face hardships, opposition and hurt, but these pale in comparison to what awaits us in eternity. If we take a human view we miss his point, however if we take an eternal view, we see his point clearly- and we rejoice! Blessings! Lamar Our theme this week centers around what it means to thirst for God. It was our text this morning that inspired the lyrics which inspired songwriter Martin J. Nystrom. Read the words to the song and let them speak to you.
As the deer panteth for the water So my soul longeth after Thee You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee As the deer panteth for the water So my soul longeth after Thee You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee You're my friend And You are my brother Even though You are a King I love You more than any other So much more than anything You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship Thee Be Blessed! Lamar As we near the end of 2022, we are entering the “Season of Thanks Living.” What is Thanks Living you ask? Simply, it begins with a personal inventory where blessings are counted and realized. It is from those blessings, our gratefulness flows as we share our blessings with others. Typically, the season of Thanks Living begins with Thanksgiving and extends all the way to the end of the year. During the month of November our focus shifts to that which we are thankful for: family, friends, blessings from God, etc. Originally, it all began during this season of harvest, after a summer of heavenly blessings of sunshine and rain, with farmers engaging in a moment of reflection followed by offering thanks to God for the blessing of a successful harvest. This thanksgiving meal is the prelude to the coming of a long winter after a summer of great labor. Although few of us are farmers, we too have the ability to count our blessings as we sup with family and friends. Traditionally, it has also become a time where we share our physical blessings with those who are less fortunate. This carries us into Christmas, the season where we give and exchange gifts with family, friends, co-workers, etc. This too is a time when we extend our hearts to those who are less fortunate through financial donations, gifts or other means.
As you make your plans during this season, I appeal to you to consider the needs and work of the kingdom of God. There is much we can do, but we are limited by our financial reach. If we all do our very best, I am confident we will have more than enough to accomplish our goals in reaching the lost in winning souls for Jesus. Remember the 5,000 were fed with just 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, and that is all God is asking of you. Not a great amount beyond your ability, but just that which He has purposed to bless the kingdom. As you take inventory of your life, and the blessings of God, don’t forget to include the kingdom. I assure you your generosity will not only bless others but will also grow your faith as you put more of your trust in God. Just remember that God is able, and he works through the hearts of men and women like us. Blessings to all as we enter this wonderful season of giving! Lamar Plans are in progress for a new class which will begin within the next two weeks. This class will be uniquely different from the ones currently offered, because it is geared toward new converts, as well as those who are interested in knowing more about God. It will be taught on a beginner's level; therefore its design is to help those in attendance make the decision to follow Christ. It will be held in the home of Lamar & Jodie; the day and time are yet to be determined.
If this is a class that sounds interesting to you, let Lamar know. Space is limited so we want to ensure we can accommodate as many who are interested as possible. Also, I would like to encourage others to host classes in your homes so we can reach more with the message of Christ. If this sounds of interest to you, contact Lamar. Finally, if you would like to host a class but cannot, there is something important you can do. Please dedicate yourself to be in prayer for those in attendance in these classes that their hearts will be pricked, and they will surrender their lives to the cross. I am convinced there are many who are looking for Christ but don’t know where to look. Let us be about our Fathers’ business in leading all to the cross. Blessings! Lamar “And when they had come to the place Calvary, there they crucified Him” Lk 23:33
Jennie Hussey lived most of her life in a farmhouse where four generations of her Quaker ancestry had lived in New Hampshire. Much of her time was devoted to her helpless, invalid sister, but Jenny wasn’t known to complain and grumble. Whenever weary, she would open her Bible and turn to the story of Calvary, finding there fresh strength. She herself eventually became disabled and deformed through arthritis, but her attitude remained positive, because she wanted to bear her cross. It was out of that experience that she wrote the song “Lead Me to Calvary.” She wrote: King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary. Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid, Tenderly mourned and wept; Angels in robes of light arrayed Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept. Let me like Mary, through the gloom, Come with a gift to Thee; Show to me now the empty tomb, Lead me to Calvary. May I be willing, Lord, to bear, Daily my cross for Thee; Even the cup of grief to share, Thou has born all for me.” (Refrain): Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary. Jennie was later baptized and told the preacher, “I’ve spent so much of my life hidden away in the country, and I’d like to have the opportunity before God takes me home to tell everybody that I love Jesus.” Her request was fulfilled in this famous hymn and she remained faithful writing over 150 songs proclaiming her love of Jesus. Blessings! Lamar How many times have you heard someone complaining about their life and what isn’t going according to their plans? Life isn’t fair. We all have heard this said a thousand times - but who said life was fair? Life is life and, in most cases, life is what you make it. There are typically two reactions to life. Those who complain about what is not going the way they want, and those who take what comes and make the best of it.
It’s fair to say that life is a challenge. Each day brings with it various challenges which hold the potential to make us better in some way. They either help us build character, fortitude, and maturity, or sink us to “woe is me” despair. What is interesting is the perspective thinking of what I am going through is always worse than what others are. It is only when we take the time to consider what others are enduring, that we discover our situation isn’t as bad as we thought. Again, it’s all perspective. It just takes a walk in the footsteps of others that we realize how good we have it. One of my favorite sayings is “I once complained about not having any shoes until I met a man that didn’t have any feet.” Living in Christ addresses this situation in various ways. First, we are taught to be content whatever our situation because regardless of what it is, we know it is only temporary as eternity awaits us. Our struggles, disappointments, and frustrations are all overcome by Christ, Who gives us hope beyond our present condition. Secondly (and I think most important), it gives us compassionate eyes for what others are going through. When we see the struggles of others, our thoughts are not, better him than me, but how can I be Jesus to this person. It is this attitude that brings glory to God as we reach out to others who lack a relationship with the Savior. Remember the eyes of Jesus require perspective. Blessings! Lamar We featured the first part of this prayer last week. If you missed it, go back, read it, and be blessed.
“When I am overwhelmed, confused, unsure, and restless, help me run to Your Word. May Your Word come alive to me so that it is a living guide in every situation. Help me, Lord, to remember the promises of your Word and bring the right passage to my remembrance for the situation. I acknowledge Lord that I need to spend more time with You reading and praying so that I am prepared for whatever the day brings. Lord, I know that Your Word is indeed a light unto my feet and a light unto my path. Remove fear and anxiety. As believers, You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. So when we are fearful, may we remember Your love for us and use that love as the impetus to love others and see situations differently; may we tap into the power that You have given us – for we are never alone because You never leave us comfortless. May Your wisdom be the underpinnings for our sound minds. May we remember that we don’t have to be anxious and when we are tempted to be anxious or worrisome, may we verbalize our concerns to You and then leave them there as you instructed us. Our worry does us no good and limits us, and You do more with our worry than we ever could. So help us to turn all of our anxious thoughts and nerve-wracking situations over to You; to truly do that and trust that You are working. That You are working all things together for our good because You love us; that You are working in ways that we cannot comprehend because Your ways supersede ours. And that in this working You are molding us continually into masterpieces fit for Your use. You are increasing our faith and our capacity to love. As a child of Yours Lord, I know that I am Your masterpiece though I feel so far from it. Help me to remember my worth in You when I’m faced with challenging situations. When I feel depressed, help me to remember that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image – a replica of You and that You loved me so much You thought that I was worth dying for. I don’t know too many people that would die for me, but You did, and I’m eternally grateful and humbled. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Father. Energize me for Your work because You know how tired these bones are. Awaken me to the wonder of Your salvation and quicken my spirit to the reality of Your work in my life. Lord, my mind is filled with creative ideas, but they’re all jumbled. Holy Spirit, come and hover over my mind like You hovered over the waters at creation and speak order out of the chaos! Help me to cease striving and to trust that You will give me all I need today to do the work You’ve given me to do. You will be faithful to complete the good work You’ve started, and as I step out into my day, I declare Your sovereignty over every area of my life. I entrust myself to You and ask that You use me however You see fit. This day is Yours. My body is Yours. My mind is Yours. Everything I am is Yours. May You be pleased with me. Amen” Blessings! Lamar |
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