Sunday, May 21, 2017

As we approach Memorial Day...

...we want to give thanks for the men and women who have given their lives in the military to keep us all safe. We still have those who are serving and we still here on a regular basis those who are dying to defend our freedom. Also, thank you to those of you who were willing to lay down your lives by serving in the armed services. I see such a parallel between our military and believers who are called to fight the good fight. 
As I thought about this I was reminded of the Warriors Ethos (Part of the Soldiers Creed of the US Army).
A. I will always put the mission first. Soldiers are called to put the mission first. They know that nothing takes priority over winning the battle and defending the great USA! As believers, we should absolutely know that our Commander in Chief Jesus has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. That is our first priority…our mission.
B. I will never accept defeat. Those in the military know that there has to be this “Never say die” attitude when it comes to securing the victory. As Christ’s soldiers we know Jesus has already secured the victory for us so we keep marching toward the prize.
C. I will never quit. One thing I continue to love about those who volunteer in the U S Military, is that, the men and women who serve and fight are the best of the best and they do not quit. God, please help the church to rise up with the power of Holy Spirit and never give up!
D. I will never leave a fallen comrade. This has to be one of the most honorable commitments that our soldiers make because it means my personal safety is not an issue, getting my friends home is. I pray we all have the same attitude of making sure no one is left behind! 
May all of us give thanks this Memorial Day for the blood bought freedom we have!

Sunday, May 14, 2017

When Jesus therefore saw His mother...

In John 19:26-27 (NKJV)  When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. Jesus turns to John and says, take care of her, and looks at his mother and says, let him stand in my place as your son.  John lived a very long life, and I believe he took care of Mary until she went to heaven. Jesus is on the cross, bearing the weight of the sins of the whole world on His shoulders, yet He sees to it to make sure His mother is taken care of after He is gone!  As God, Jesus is dealing with eternal matters, but as a man, He’s showing all of us today how important it is to take care and love our mothers! Here are seven ways we can build her identity.
1. Love her by what you say!
2. Love her by your touch!
3. Love her by being patient!
4.  Love her by your willingness to hear her heart!
5. Love her gratefully!
6. Love her generously!
7. Love her honorably.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NLT)  “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:
If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”