Fearing God

"Always Be Zealous For The Fear Of The LORD" Proverbs 23:17 NIV

We have living back in Oregon 4 years now. A recent mission trip for me to Mexico worked a renewal of something. Zeal. Jesus had zeal. Today he is eager to find lost sheep. He serves his brothers and sisters by "washing feet". How can he do this if he is in heaven? Through us! Am I fervent to do this?

From 2002 to 2008 the occupation of "missionary" meant for me 6 months of service in Mexico and 6 months of tent making (work) . It took a lot of intensity to "make it happen". Some people who have known me for the last 4 yrs have said that I have enthusiasm and passion for seeing souls saved, and for all kinds of other good things. God knows my heart and I know what struggles there have been for me. Feeling lukewarm in my own personal walk, and a coldness of heart is what has been on the inside. The need for renewal in me has been to overcome apathy. Yes, there has been some good fruit come of some efforts to serve in the kingdom, but on the inside there has been rebellion to obey what Holy Spirit has been wanting to lead me in. Things like sanctification. Intercession. Fervent prayer. There is a prophesy of Jesus in Psalm 69 "zeal for your house consumes me," NIV When he made a whip of cords and drove out the animals and he turned over the tables of the merchants in the temple. Jesus put to action what was in his heart. He cleansed the temple of fraud and scandal, saying, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!" John 2:16 NIV

So, for Jesus to be telling me to be zealous is no problem. Zealous for what though? I have been zealous for things like football, hunting, romance, even serving other Christians. The "Fear of the LORD" is more than a term. It is an experience. Fearing God can be an emotion, a way of thinking, and a good perspective to have. Fear has to be in my relationship with Almighty God. What is this "fear of the LORD" that I am to be so passionate about? The scriptures explain that when we fear God we are going to learn wisdom. Passages speak of how we can be choosing to have a healthy respect for his discipline, even his wrath and punishment. I have been asking God for knowledge and wisdom. Isaiah 33 says that a reverence for God is like having an arsenal or a treasure room that I can draw from in life's circumstances.

There is a saying "no fear" and " fear no evil". I am not sure what it means to different young people. Fearing God is to turn away from evil. To hate evil and pride. I hate saying bad things. Gossip, swearing, all of it. I do it and don't want to any more.

Father, show me what it means to " number my days" Your promises for me if I fear you are a long life. I want to fear you more. I want to live a fulfilled life. Make me like you Jesus. Its your joy to obey Father. Please give me that kind of joy.

May we all be choosing to fear Jesus more than ever. May we be learning what it means to always fear God, to continually live in fear of him. Sounds unhealthy doesn't it? Listen, there was a king in Judah who told the Judges of the land: "Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the LORD. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes."" - 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 NLT

I have prayed many times " Jesus, I want to fear you more than men. To seek your approval way above the favor and honor that I receive from other people." May the justice of our land come from leaders who are not partial but want to please God. Jesus promises to be with his disciples to the very end.Proverbs 28:14 says we have his blessing over our lives because we fear him. G.W.

 

Who Do You Say That I Am? Matthew 16:15

Who Do You Say That I Am?    Matthew 16:15

Years ago I heard of   "Bailey's Jesus." She was a young three year old girl that attended an Easter Pageant that was held in a large Auditorium. From Jesus birth to his resurrection; his life was played out with live animals and nearly a hundred  cast members in realistic costumes. This granddaughter was not just watching but involved as if she were a player. When Jesus, on a young donkey, descends the steps from the back of the auditorium, depicting His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Bailey was ecstatic.  When Jesus, riding on a young donkey passed by her isle she began jumping up and down, screaming, " Jesus, Jesus! There's Jesus!" Not just saying the words, but exclaiming them with every fiber of her being.

Bailey had her answer for who Jesus is. To my family and friends I must ask, who do you say Jesus is? I have been trying to answer this question myself.  The need I have is to give an answer from my heart and who I believe he is. Even though I have never seen him.  I believe what I have read, heard, and seen testified of  him. He was born of the virgin Mary was crucified, dead and buried.  Just as Thomas when saw him,  resurrected in a glorified body, I also bow down and worship him as my Lord and my God.

He and Father have made my soul their dwelling place. This is the spirit that groans from within me3. My Jesus lives now in intercession for me. There are  unseen eternal things he has shown me. Things that I could not have found out on my own.

  There are practical things I have has his help with. When I have just gotten on the freeway for a long trip he has reminded me that I need to go back to get something important  like my wallet.

 Even though I have not seen Jesus, I love him I am trying to obey him, and it is by Holy Spirit working in me that I am able to even want  to do the things that bring Jesus great pleasure.  There is a conviction that hold to, He would return  as he has promised. He will be King over all kings. He will and make judgment of every word and action in my life.

Many people who knew Jesus when he lived in Isreal were expecting a King to deliver them from the Romans. Even one Mother thought that his reign would be in the realm that we now know, and that Jesus would become a ruler right then.  She requested of Jesus that he should grant the top two positions to her adult sons! When Jesus returns, I believe that the same misconception could be prominent in the minds of many. Many could be thinking Jesus will return as a Savior. Some one to deliver them from the tribulations of the earth and the wrath of God which will outpoured upon the generation that will be on earth when he returns; only to be surprised to see him descending as a ruling king. A ruler to which every living soul will submit to and say that, “Jesus is Lord.”

Jesus became a living real Savior to me in 1979. I realized that he was not just healing me of hurts that others had wounded me with. I needed a Savior from the wrath and punishment that I deserved for my offences made toward others. It was time to do a 180 degree turn from my rebellious ways. I was causing him more    grief  than I did my own mother.  Leaving the sex and drugs and “Rock and Roll” lifestyle was a joy to him, my mother, and a whole multitude of Angels.  More importantly I had a need to be submitting to Jesus as my Master. He is my Lord. Like a boss that rightfully has authority over everything in my life.

Years ago there was a game show called, "To Tell The Truth." The central character was accompanied by two impostors who pretended to be the central character. The celebrity panelists questioned the three contestants; the impostors were allowed to lie but the central character was sworn "to tell the truth."  After questioning, the panel attempted to identify which of the three challengers  was telling the truth.

In the final points of this  devotion I would like to point out in the scriptures the many people who errored in their understanding of who Jesus was and is. There were also many who knew Jesus correctly. This is a strong conviction for me these days. To not be wrongly relating to Jesus, and when he returns be saying to me, : I never knew you. I might know who he is, but does he know me as a close friend?

Just like that game show, many people in our present day that are trying to decern who is the real Jesus.   Doctrines of Demons are imitating Jesus, but in truth they are anti Christ.

Followers of  the Muslim practice have posted Jesus on a time line as a good man, and a prophet that preceded Mohamed.  This is a gospel  that teaches that Jesus did not die!  To a Later Day Saint Jesus is not the word of God or God himself.  This religion  teaches that Jesus and Satan contended to be the one who would take on flesh, being born of Mary and then be able to be the redeemer of mankind. This is a different Jesus that we are warned about. The scriptures declares to us also not to put up with this preaching.8

 About 2 million Americans say they believe the Watchtower doctrine about Jesus. These false teachers say he was Michael the Angel who was born of a virgin. These folks declare themselves to be Jehovah's witnesses, but they are in truth identified by a friend of mine as "False Witnesses" confessing that Jesus  is only a spirit now, after being raised from the dead.  Over 1.2  million of  these members have achieved the status of an "active publisher"  In 2010 over 7 million world wide are not able to confess that Jesus came in the flesh as God, but that he is only a god.

 By the grace of God I want to be testifying to anyone I can that Jesus came in the flesh. The scriptures declare that he was God and that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelled in him bodily. I believe that after Jesus was raised from the dead  he was a real bodily person.  There are about a dozen references to these truths.

Here is some more of Bailey's encounter with Jesus. There is a lesson for us to learn from this childas her grandma told it.   In the arrest scene  the soldiers shoved and slapped Jesus.  Bailey responded as if she were in the crowd of women, with terror and anger. "Stop it!" she screamed. "Bad soldiers, stop it!" "In a most powerful scene, the soldiers led Jesus carrying the cross down the steps of the auditorium from the back. They were yelling, whipping, and cursing at Jesus, who was bloodied and beaten. Bailey was now hysterical. "Stop it! Soldiers! Stop it!" she screamed. She must have been wondering why all these people did nothing. She then began to cry instead of scream. "Jesus, Oh, Jesus!" People all around us began to weep as we all watched this devoted little disciple see her Jesus beaten and killed as those first century disciples had. Going back and forth between her mother's lap and mine for comfort, she was distraught. I kept saying, "Bailey, it's OK. Jesus is going to be OK. These are just people pretending to be soldiers. She looked at me like I was crazy. Bailey perceived what to her was the real Jesus right before her eyes."
To Bailey, he was real, and his hurt became her tears. His resurrection became a living joy and  after the play she ran up and clinged to his feet. I want to have a real relationship that causes me to have a childlike faith in Jesus. Can I relate to him as real person who really wants to be involved in every thing I do?  Does he  really  have a say so in every relationship I have? Does he really care about me and the circumstances that I am in?  The scriptures describe the encounters many had with Jesus and who they understood him to be. The Pharasies declared that Jesus was demon possessed. In the midst of a storm that was about to sink their boat  his disciples marveled at Jesus and said, " What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" Matthew 8:27  Later on  Jesus walked on the water toward the disciples. He picked up Peter from sinking when Peter tried to walk on water also. When they both got into the boat the disciples worshiped him, saying,  “truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew 14

The demons believe and tremble. Perhaps better they are able to believe better than most of us.  Here are a few accounts of their ability to know who Jesus is.  Jesus stepped out of a boat to be met by a man who had been demon-possessed. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?   From Mark 5 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are--the Holy One of God!" - Luke 4: 33,34

The Centurion that saw Jesus die before him confessed, "truly this was the son of God."  Pilot published that Jesus was King of the Jews.  Jesus asked His disciples, “ who do men say that I am? They answered, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." Then Jesus asked the question again.   "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ." Matthew 16
 Peter knew Jesus by revelation from Our Father.   It has taken Divine intervention for me to know him also.

When many turned back from following Jesus he asked if his disciples if they would also want to go away.   Peter answered him and said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God" - John 6

Jesus said, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of me.”  Matthew 11 Many of us have expected things from God. We have been looking for answers to prayer and were disapointed in a “no” or “wait” answer. So many little things have  tripped up many believers I have met. A major crisis in my life has done the same thing. I could not see his love and care for me to be greater than the immdiate circumstance.  A personal injury like the ones that I have had can do it. A  loss of  a job, loss of house, loss of spouse, or death of a loved one can set back so hard!

Jesus met  up with his disciples on the mountain where he ascended to heaven. There they worshiped Him. "But some doubted." Here he was after 3 yrs of living and serving them, dying and then was raised back to life. How could they doubt?  May we not doubt that Jesus is really who he should be to us.

John the Baptist doubted. He had declared Jesus to be “the lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.”  But in his last days he sent messengers from his prison cell to ask Jesus, " Are you the one to come or should we look for another?"

Are you searching for who the real Jesus is? If you have come to know him, who do you say that he is?  May we know in our hearts and be ready to give an answer to anyone of the hope Jesus has given to us.  May we have the courage to confess to others who he is, and that we know him. G.W.

A Wise Heart Proverbs 23.15

A Wise Heart Proverbs 23.15

My Friend had a note to himself on the door to his shop, " Work harder" At the time he was managing a business that, at the time, had a potential of growing to annual income of 6 digits. How could he be saying to himself to work harder? I am not sure of all of the implications to the motto. I think that most of it was to be an example to his sons. To be faithful to his family. Even though the shop was grossing more than just a few hundred some days, and most of the time by noon, some thing of the work ethic was in moral fiber of my friend.

Mean while I had had returned to the U.S.A. From the slow lane, in a foreign country, like living back in time, spending most of the week in a small village of a few hundred people. Getting out a few days a week and doing 40 mph out on the four lane highway seemed just fine to me. Now I was trying to make a go of it, make ends meet, and earn an honest living. For me, $20 an hour, in the construction sites seemed like plenty, but we were having trouble making ends meet, and we were not even paying rent! Marianne started working part time, and that was humbling. We had always done well with my wages from the woods. I had very little understanding of the seismic shift that was coming to our economy. I found myself working Saturdays. I even stayed home from church a couple Sunday's to be able to get a few things done around our home, which at that time was only 2 travel trailers.

The Lord had spoken to me years in advance a word that I needed and still need as I just turned 50 this year.

" Work smarter, not harder." For those who know me, hard work has never been a stranger to me. But wisdom in business management has always been something that I could use more of.

This fall another word came to me from Proverbs 23:15

My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; NIV

At first I took this to be some guidance in praying for my sons, for them to have wisdom, and for me to blessed with joy in seeing them succeed and enjoy the abundant life they have been promised in Christ. Today, after meditating on this and digesting the context, I can hear our Lord saying to me, " work smarter today, not harder, and my heart with rejoice over you, with singing!"

This summer I was in a real struggle to keep it together, mentally and emotionally. I was determined to work hard at paying down our debt. We are doing great in a few areas, and have never had struggles with a few of our accounts. By Gods grace we have never been late or behind on any payments. We have paid down certain loans, but one credit card keeps running up there. In July, we took on a few new cleaning contracts with our cleaning business. I had promised Marianne that I would quit working in the day, and only concentrate on the cleaning hours , so she would not have to work so much. Well, it did not happen. I worked my self to a frazzle, and debt did not go down. $30 an hour work kept coming in and I chose, not to say "no" except to a few really good big projects.

I have called it, " burning the candle at both ends." Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that he and his team worked night and day to not be a burden to the body there.¹ This is a great example of " spending and being spent"² for the sake of others being served in love and for the increase of faith in the hearts of Christs disciples, true?

May we each be led, as we know we are capable of doing, to serve one another with a pure heart. A mind that is protected by the peace that passes all understanding can be had for each of us, "today"; if we will give everything over to Our Father in Prayer. Look to see what he hands back to you on the to do list for today, and do not worry about the rest, ok? The following thoughts are describing more of what I have learned in the last couple months. May they be food for your soul. :) If there be anything note worthy of what Christ has wrought in me, all glory to him! G.W.

A Tender Heart An entry to my Face book wall, November 26^th 2011

Well, lately I have had a troubled heart. For a week, I was so stressed I did not feel safe driving. Yea, Greg, me having fears of being hit, or not able to concentrate enough so much that I was concerned that I might hit some one. I did hit a power pole and take my mirror off. AND locked the keys in my van 2X. Oh, well, its past and I am walking more humble than ever. Did you see the movie "Brave Heart"? Cool. What about all the broken hearts out there, anyone ever see one? I see them almost every day. Had one myself a time or two. The following is an excerpt from lesson 24 in the BLBible Institute course. I am learning from about 15 other teachers, some maturity and stability that I need in my own walk. A Tender Heart is what Jesus had³, and still has. I pass this on in hopes that it might encourage a few of my face book friends, and perhaps a family member or two also:

...maybe you have been betrayed by someone who you thought was a friend or a loved one. That hurts so deeply. Perhaps someone has undermined you, lied about you, or stabbed you in the back, who you thought was a strong supporter. Now, I am sure it has happened to most of us to one degree or another. If it has not, it will. It is just one of those guaranteed things.

But the question is: how do I react? How do I respond when I have been hurt, betrayed, or attacked? That is when it is the hardest to love. Do I harden my heart? I have been hurt so I want to harden my heart. Or do I become calloused and negative? If so, then God’s love is choked out. Do I become bitter, close my heart, or hold on to ill feelings? It is easy to do that, isn’t it? It is very natural, but it is not supernatural.

Jesus said, “As I have loved you, even so, love one another” (John 13:34). It is not a natural love. It is a supernatural love. If we become bitter, if we harden ourselves, if we get callused or cynical, even as pastors, then God’s love is choked out. It cannot flow. So the Lord wants me to run to Him. Only with His love can my heart be strong and yet tender at the same time. How do you keep a tender heart in this world? It is really easy to see how people get hardened in this world and how people get cynical or closed off. But with Christ, we cannot afford to do that because He has called us to love. We can keep a tender heart and yet be strong through the power of His love as He heals us.

Servant Leadership – Lesson 24 The Supremacy of Love by Wayne Taylor

1For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. - 1 Thessalonians 2:9 KJV

2And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. - 2 Corinthians 12:15 KJV

3 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Abiding In Jesus John 15:1-10

This summer I was able to grow some corn. Not in our garden area, but in a new place that came by divine provision. In 2008 we moved into our little house with a partial lot, and that being steep in parts. Out by the street corner it is beyond our property line. It belongs to the city or the state, but we get to maintain it. In my heart I had really wanted to level that piece of ground and hoped that one day I could request some company or the city dump some kind of free fill there. In May my hearts desire was fulfilled when a contractor friend called wanting to know where he could dump a few load of top soil.

We had been parking our motor home and my pickup in this area, but now it seemed appropriate to make use of this ideal soil and sunny area, to grow some corn. The year before a friend of our had given us a bunch of corn seed and we grew a little in the garden patch below, but now it was time to get serious.

Two 40 ft rows planted by hand started growing as June and July went by. I was learning some important lessons about farming, but also about how Jesus is the Vine and how I need to abide in Him. What does this mean? It means we draw our life from him. When we bear fruit he prunes us back to bear even more fruit. It means that what I do or who I am is because of Him, my life source.

With the Corn, I learned to side dress it with some 16-16-16. Whew! That made it sprout up fast and be bright and shiny green. How much fertilizer is applied and how and when is very important. With Tomatoes one can have a huge plant with lots of growth, but little or no fruit. We as disciples of Christ can be tempted to be "religious" and as Ecclesiastes 7:16 says, "overly righteous." ¹ The Lord spoke this word many times to me in Mexico, to balance out missions and ministry with family time and values. He has also been impressing me lately that just like the corn or most anything else we grow in our garden, to much water is not good.

Can we get to much of Gods word? If we are only taking it in and our heads are gettting bigger and bigger with knowledge and we are not practicing what we preach, we need to take heed.

"Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: - Matthew 7:22-24 NKJV

What happens when crops or veggie gardens get to much water? Fungus, bugs, and all kinds of things can hinder good fruit. So I learned that watering in cycles helps good root growth. What may seem to be a dry time spiritually, is intended by the husbandman, or the vine dresser to be a strengthening or what is called in sports, "physical conditioning."

There is also another important aspect to consider:

When we live as branches abiding in the Vine, we will suffer.²

We get pruned or disciplined so that we can bear even more fruit. I experienced a little of this 9.13.2008 when I fell 25 ft out of a tree. No broken bones but months of pain and lots of sleep less nights. In 2010 on the exact same date, I fell playing basket ball and injured a different part of my back even worse. 3 days immobilized and 2 weeks of recovery gave me time to re-think, "what is it that I am not learning here?"

First, I tend to cram to many things into my life and try to accomplish more than is feasible. If I would have planted all the corn 2-3" apart and left it all in that way, there would have been little or no fruit come September. As it grew, I kept thinning it out to recommended spacing of 15" to 24". Each day I set out to check of lists of things to do. Trying to keep the most important at the top. Usually half gets done, but a lot of little distractions pop up every day. Climbing trees and trimming them is still something I do, but with a lot more caution. Basketball at 6 a.m. is history now. Just jogging and swimming will meet my need for exercise. Even though they are boring, they increase my need for self discipline to get up and get out.

Spiritually speaking in 2008 the opportunity came to make marriage and family a larger priority in my life. This included not returning to live and serve in Mexico another season. We were still able to be involved in sending a couple shipping containers of wheat to NK and both Marianne and I have been able to take long trips back to our village and the Christian School in Mexico. Personally, dealing with pain management has been a point of trust in the Lord like never before in my life. New temptations have come, but nothing that is not ordinary³ or that cannot be overcome.

Has there been a relationship or a circumstance that you have taken as evil but it was really for the good that God allowed it in your life? I found what I thought was a serious blight on the corn. I rushed off to wikipedia to find that it is a common fungus or a mushroom. It is edible and Huitlacoche is a delicacy in Mexico. I fried some up with onions and other garden veggies, and it was just like mushrooms. I would not have been full of joy if this would have taken over the whole patch, but I am for the few that appeared this year. Through this I learned that the difficult relationships in my life are allowed by God so that I can bear more patience, understanding, or choose to separate from evil, even if I loose a friend. What ever it take to serve the Lord, I want to be willing to be rid of it. Watching football this season was one a few things that I sensed needed to go. By faith, we can encounter the good that the husbandman wants to replace the pruned back area with. Receiving an encouraging call from a life time friend yesterday was my answer to a specific prayer. I asked for any kind of a blessing that I trusted Jesus for in place of self- pity and indulging in unneeded food. I needed something unseen, a fulfillment of hope that Jesus would bless me if I obeyed. That is faith.

What is it that you are wanting to do or be for the Lord? None of us, who have come to believe in Christ should refrain from being disciplined or pruned. It helps us to abide even more. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. - John 15:3-4 NKJV

I am tired of the Chritian -ease and I am hungry for the deep waters of the Spirit. I long for good accountablity, but also hearts knit together in real love and care.

Amos 6:1 gives a warning to those that are "at ease in Zion." To me, the "Fear of the Lord " needs to be impacting me enough so that I won't be like a goat⁴ on the last day. Or as Luke 12:45 delares, living for my own pleasure and feasting when my brothers and sisters are not cared for.

" I just want a rescue shop, next to the gates of hell." John Marr

Jesus, " I want to be your disciple and make disciples. Not just chalk up "decisions for Christ."

May we grow in our faith or trust by obeying in areas that have not been bearing much fruit. May we be bold in asking for the desire of our heart to our loving and caring Father. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ... "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. - John 15:5, 7 NKJV

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. - John 15:8-10 NKJV

Obedience leads us under the covering of Gods love. May we all find more grace for it.

G.W.

1 Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself? Ecclesiastes 7:16 NKJV

2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. - John 15:1-2 NKJV For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, - Philippians 1:29 NKJV

3 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

4 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. "And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 'Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 'for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 'I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." - Matthew 25:31-46 NKJV

Are you Listening? Deuteronomy 30:8-17

Are You Listening? Deuteronomy 30:8-17

It was a Wednesday night, and there I was fumbling through my Bible as the worship team was leading about 20 of us in some really nice songs. I was about to share with our church youth group on "Hearing God". My note book had two pages of notes, but still there was something missing. Where was that verse at? " His thoughts are higher than our thoughts...." This verse and several others came to mind, as I struggled to be better prepared to share. Having enough material to talk for 30 minutes was not the question. The few times that I know that my thoughts were the voice of God in my head and the circumstances proved it were clearly noted down.

Conveying what was really on my heart, and being able to concord with God-s particular intent to communicate with this varied group was really my need. You see, I have been a poor listener over the years. With my parents, with employers and teachers. Hearing and understanding what is being said is one thing. Doing and obeying is the second part that fulfills the purpose of having ears in the first place.

So finally the moment came to get up and start speaking. Thank God for angels. I have never really met or seen the spiritual kind, but many of the human kind have helped me very much. A brother had sat down by me and quickly offered from memory the verse in Isaiah 55, about God's thoughts and ways. I was less nervous than ever, yet, as normal, not knowing just which way this message was going to go. Sharing in my own church with out my family felt odd. No one asked, "Where is Marianne?" She and one of our daughters were working. One son was talking his GED test and our youngest boy was in an college class. I talked a lot about God, and came up with a few good illustrations. Never have I felt so un-accomplished. As I spoke we covered the subject Inductively, especially the pitfalls and the basic ways that God speaks to us. Many folks said "Way to go" like I just finished a good ball game. But the Scripture declares, " what sorrow awaits you when all men speak well of you" NLT I know that great teaching alone is not enough. The real need is to connect with these young adults and disciple them. They will be the church of the next generation. I thank God for our Pastors, Ray and Julie, who are the coaches of a great ministry team to the youth. They broke into small groups to discuss this area of life and pray together. Meanwhile I was able to connect with a new visitor, one of my grey haired age.

What would you do if you were standing on the tracks and you heard a train coming? Any of us would say we would jump off or run away from the tracks. But, how many of us linger, or test the Lord, just to see the train first, or how many of us rub against the fence of boundaries that he has laid out for us in life? Other times we deceive ourselves into believing that God's outline for us is too hard to understand or not even attainable. Here is what the Lord spoke to the nation of Isreal about listening to Him:

"And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; " Dueteronomy 30: 8-17

I know that my Father had not worked this area in my own life as much as he desires. I left that meeting with more need to draw closer to him and be listening like I should. A strong desire has been growing to really let Jesus have his say in every area of my life.There are so many other voices are playing in my mind. The radio, the TV, the Klove loop, ect... Marianne shared with me the other night that the things that people have said over the years have echoed in here mind from time to time. There are accusations and criticisms from loved ones that have stuck on her for years. Jesus said," The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63b Are my words bringing life to others?

Jesus memorized scripture and quoted it. He used it to resist temptation, and it used it to reason with skeptics. He taught "new doctrine" that was always based on the intents that were already written. He pointed out that the purpose in studying was to know him personally.¹ Christianity is not a performance based religion. Its about relationship. Redemption is not achieved, especially in our acquiring knowledge about God. Any vital relationship requires two way communication. We work out our salvation², but "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints"³ is not a self improvement program, it's a gifted relationship. A friendship with Thee Almighty results in a godly, reverent, love and joy filled life.

Our Father has sent Holy Spirit to guide us into the truth. He will not speak on his own and lead us astray one degree from God's perfect will.⁴ May we hear that still small voice saying "This is the way, walk ye in it" ⁵ May we be listening when our Elders or parents say "I really don't think that is the best thing for you." If we are followers of Jesus, we will hear his voice.⁶ Whether it be spoken through Elders, angels, or the written word jumping off the page. Just keep reading and be familiar with things Jesus said, like "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life John 5:24 NKJV Then when real life events or relationship issues come up, we can know when our thoughts are His thoughts. Our Father's heart desire for us is that our choices will cause our ways to become his ways for our own good and for His glory. G.W.

1See John 5:39

2See Philippians 2: 12,13

3Jude 1:3

4See John 16:13

5See Isaiah 30:20,21

6John 10:27

Free Worms 2 Corinthians 1:20

Free Worms 2 Corinthians 1:20

A few weeks ago it rained and rained and rained in Eastern Oregon, where we live.

One day I noticed that there were worms all over the street in front of our house.

Another rainy day came and even though I was in my normal rush to get to work, I took a “flower smelling” time out. Dozens of worms were all over the street again, so I grabbed some gloves, a kitchen spatula, and bucket to cash in on a great deal; for a fisherman.

Only one other time in my life do I remember this same phenomena occurring. When I was about 14 some really rainy days came where my family lived in Nebraska. My Dad and my little brother walked for what seemed like hours scooping up the worms that had surfaced in the standing water around the barn yard.

Our life in Christ is like the free worms that surface only under special conditions.

If Christ be not risen then our faith is in vain. 1 Cor 15:14 The effective condition to our faith is that Christ has risen. Witness's on several sides have confirmed the fact of his resurrection. You can read the Jewish historian, Josephus's account if you only believe the papers and magazines. When researching what is going on in various countries I have read congressional reports that confirm what VOM or other biographies have stated.

In Hebrews 11 the scriptures declare that the heroes of faith did NOT receive the promise that has come to us.

We have the once for all atonement.¹ A final sacrifice has been made for our sins. We have a hope of a resurrection from the dead. Because Jesus has risen, we are assured of the same resurrection on the final day.

For many years have been paying high prices for worms at the convenience store. This last year the prices and a few other things grieved me more than ever. I would check the Styrofoam cups and find that many of the containers were 1/2 empty from thieves, or the essential contents was very poor quality.

My experience in turning over boards or digging somewhere out in the garden has not been very good either.

Here are a few secrets - mystery = truth unveiled about getting worms when its not raining cats and dogs. These are truths that I have known, but have not put into practice. In like manner we are so quick to forget all the good things that come from above.²

Water the yard really good in the late afternoon or evening.

As soon as its dark, walk around the yard with a flash light or a lantern. The worms should be there in the grass waiting for you.

If its day time and your needing to get going...here is what my father in law did;
Get out the battery charger or be brave enough to hook up some 110 wired to a metal stake.

Head out to the yard and give them worms a reason to come fishing with you!

( not recommended- only shared as science )

Are we plugged into the wall of 110 or 220; but not shining our light, not running a fan that can cool off a weary person?

The abundant life is peace, faith, joy and if I don’t don't have it, may be its because the worms are still laying there on the street or just going stale in the bucket that I now have them stored in.

Feeding them coffee grounds compost, newspaper, leaves will make 2 buckets by the time fishing gets going. We can, in the same way, cultivate the promises and provision from our heavenly Father.

Here are a few ways this can happen; Reading the word every day. Memorizing it. Together. Putting into practice one thing at a time, in my own life. Reviewing prophecies and seeing the fulfillments as the revelation of faithfulness and love of our God. Making prayer lists and seeing them answered.

There is fishing = missions some where in the world all the time. If its not perfect conditions now where you are, then tie flies, dig worms, and get ready.

What are the promises of God that he has spoken to you personally? If your not hearing any, or only remember a very few that were from a long time ago, then its time to pour 2 cups of tea and drink yours while the Lord has your time and attention. He has much more to say to us, and a lot more to share with us, if we will just listen.

There are fish to be caught. If your willing to be Jesus disciple it does NOT mean that you have to go on foreign missions, or fulfill the office of an evangelist. BUT he will make you a fisher of men.³ As you follow him, "there will always be people in your life that have room in their heart for more of Christ."⁴

Gathering worms is like getting a job offer. Until you fill out the application, get through the interview, get hired and show up for work; there is no paycheck. The worms are free, in God's economy. In order for us to enjoy the fish, the worm has to get on the hook and in the water.

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 1 Corinthians 1:20 NKV

May you find the worms in your yard and the fish that you enjoy catching and eating. G.W.

1By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all]. Hebrews 10:10

2Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

3 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

4William Hawkins 2006

Thoughts On Missions

Thoughts On Missions Matthew 28:19-20

It's been almost a week since I just returned from a 10 day mission trip. Lots of Folks are asking how it went. The short answer is, " it went really, really well." Team members grew in faith, and I even matured some more. People that we served were uplifted, emotionally, spiritually, and with practical physical help. No radical conversions were seen, but I believe that God was glorified in most everything that happened. A few of the highlights will have to settle into me before I can write them in detail. The rest of this blog entry was written just before the trip.

In 2002 one of my sons presented me with a bi-lingual bible. a couple weeks ago I was cleaning out the office and finally threw the tattered torn book away. I usually try to transfer any notes I can from one bible to the new one, and review what God has spoken to me during the seasons that I have had that last copy. Not this time. For three days I had been cleaning my office and getting rid of any thing that could possibly go. This time there was not time to even take a look at the "best highlights." The words are holy, not the pages or the book. One of the quotes written in the pages did get saved. I tore it out just before I tossed the book along with a huge pile of papers in my cluttered office.

" Preaching the gospel is like attending a birth. With most of our 9 children, I have been just as exhausted as Marianne by the time the birthing process is over. Only the Holy Spirit can give birth to some one. Only the convicted person experiences the birth. We, as attendants, labor also, and experience the energy and exhilaration and exhaustion after."

In obedience to go, make disciples,baptize, and teaching others to obey Jesus, we find a promise. Jesus knew we would need his comfort and assurance when times of adverse circumstances tempt us to be doubting him. When we are facing persecution and suffering for doing the right things, Jesus proclaimed that he is with us.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. - Mat 28:19-20 NKJV

Learning to have the right priorities first is so important in our daily walk, and as we seek to serve others in the kingdom. Here is another note that I kept back from the "burn pile". John Piper once wrote,

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. When this age is over, countless millions of the redeemed will fall on their faces before the throne of God, and missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever. Worship, therefore is the fuel and the goal of missions. Worship is the goal in missions. Because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white hot enjoyment of Gods glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God."

Thirdly, I would like to quote from a devotional that had been a real help to me in learning how to serve. "My Utmost For His Highest" March 11th, Oswald Chambers, Acts 26:19

"If we lose the vision, we alone are responsible, and the way we lose the vision is by spiritual leakage. If we do not run our belief about God into practical issues, it is all up with the vision God has given. The only way to be obedient to the heavenly vision is to give our utmost for God's highest, and this can be done by continually and resolutely recalling the vision. The test is 60 seconds of every minute, and the sixty minutes of every hour, not our times of prayer and devotional meetings."

What is the vision that you have received? If you have not received a vision of what God has called you to, or you've struggled keeping the most vision your main priority, like I have been struggling with the last couple years, you are in grave danger. Where there is no vision, the people perish: prov 29:18

My vision is to run the race of following Jesus as his disciple. To continue in the right direction to obtain the completeness that I have been called to; Philippians 3:12.13 If new births occur and disciples are made along the way, then all glory be to Our Father. He is the only one that can open the eyes of our heart and draw us to Jesus. See Matthew 16:17 and John 6:44 May Holy Spirit be using us more than ever in this rescuing and caring for His sheep. G.W.