Checking in with Dad

Son, David, is on some school travel out of the country, and for the first 36 hours, we hadn't heard if he made it, or what he’d been up to since he left Indianapolis. Dad's would like to know! Are you OK? Do you need anything? Are you living like you should and enjoying life?

My Operation Timothy guys and I were talking about prayer and praying last Friday morning. Prayer is really just talking with God. If you are a Christ follower, it means “checking in with Dad,” your Heavenly Father. He’d like you to report in, “Are we OK? Do you want to ask for anything? Are you living like you should, and enjoying life?”

We studied on Friday that if we're struggling with life” we can draw near to the throne of Grace with boldness, to receive mercy and grace in a time of need.” We were reminded that “if we talk to Dad, and confess our mistakes, He'll forgive us and clean us up.”

Last Thursday, David Sherron reminded us that it's good to Praise before we Petition. Tell Dad you still love Him, that you're thankful for your life, blessings, and opportunities, before you give Him your laundry list of needs. And of course, Operation Timothy talks about the A.C.T.S. of prayer: Adoration or Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplications. Are you current with your dad? Any of these areas you two should have a good talk about?

Have you checked in with Dad recently? He'd like to hear from you!

Being a Christ Follower

Pastor Bruce says,

There are 5 key aspects of being a disciple, or follower of Jesus Christ:

1. DEDICATION: Living to please God versus ourselves. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Romans 8:8

2. OCCUPATION: Working for God not only in serving at church or in the community, but viewing our career, and how we operate at work as if we are working for the LORD. Colossians 3:23

3. EDUCATION: Growing in our knowledge of God, His ways, and learning how to live successfully. 2 Peter 3:18

4. INSPIRATION: Being empowered by God to live the Christian life. Walking in the Spirit. Romans 8:4

5. CELEBRATION: Giving praise to God. Glorifying God and living a life of thankfulness. Psalm 30:4

This is genuine Christianity, being a Jesus follower, or disciple. To be a fisher of men means to be a disciple maker. Matthew 28:19-20 Helping others, family and friends live a successful, joyful life in Christ, with dedication, occupation, education, inspiration, and celebration is the real deal.

It's a great calling, and rewarding life purpose. Go for it Fishersmen!

Love Your Mother?

I saw a green bumper sticker on a car the other day that made me think. It said “Love Your Mother,” and had a picture of the earth. It made me think, “ We should love our father (Heavenly Father) that made our mother “earth” and breathed life into man long ago.

Earth Day corresponded to Good Friday this year and it made me think. The earth was cursed along with man when Adam and Eve sinned. The earth was perfect, but now it has some problems. The Bible says that creation groans, waiting for its redemption by a Savior. It made me think, on Good Friday, Earth Day, The Savior died for the sins of man, and not only redeems man, but sets the stage for the redemption of creation, including the future recreation of a new heaven and new earth.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it makes me think. Gee, I’m thankful for my mother. A woman who loved, cared for, and sacrificed her own will many times to raise me. It made me think, “I want the Savior to bless my mother,” and, “I’m so thankful for her!”

Love Your Mother?

Love Your Mother!

Thank Dad for your mother this weekend. Tell your mother thanks, and that you love her. Tell her that Jesus loves her even more.

It makes you think!

Easter Thoughts

I hope you had as good an Easter weekend as I did. Yes, there was family and good food. But I was also blessed around this Easter with encouraging and inspirational messages by God’s people.

At the Billy Graham Evangelical Association meeting I was privileged to attend, Franklin Graham shared an update on his family, and some neat things BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse are doing to share Jesus Christ with the world. He spoke of “Boldness” in taking a little risk to tell others that Jesus loves them before they are lost without Him forever.

Most of my family attended Heartland Church on the Northeast side, and we enjoyed a very uplifting service with a well crafted message for seekers, communicating that to God, “Everyone is welcome,” to receive forgiveness and eternal life. Also, that with God, “Anything is possible.”

They also shared a very simple, but accurate mnemonic for a person coming to Christ, and meeting Jesus through a sinner’s prayer: I Know. I’m Sorry. And, I’m Ready. I know that Jesus is the Son of God, who He said He was. I’m sorry for my sin, and I know I need a Savior. I’m finally ready to accept and receive Him as my Lord and Savior, and ready to stop driving my own life and let Him change me.

In an article in a recent cbmc publication, there was a great reminder of the uniqueness and power of Jesus Christ. Bible stories that tell us:

· Jesus loves the unlovely Luke 19-1-10 (A TAX COLLECTOR)

· Jesus is willing to forgive the lowest sinner John 8:1-11 (A PROSTITUTE, OR ADULTERER)

· Jesus can provide for your need Matthew 14:15-21 (FEED A MULTITUDE)

· Jesus can heal your hurt Luke 17:11-19 (LEPROSY)

· Jesus can give you eternal life John 11:1-44 (RAISING A DEAD MAN)

Finally, in a recent book by Billy Graham, he and son, Franklin explain why millions of people have been willing to listen to Billy over the past 60 years. “It’s not what I have to say, but what God’s Word has to say to them.” That’s why they come out by the thousands into stadiums over all over the world for 3 generations.

Give your friends, family and acquaintances God’s word with boldness. Let them know everone is welcome, and anything is possible. Tell them about Jesus, why He’s special and unique. And , if they know, are sorry, and ready, help them open the door of their hearts to Him.