"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5-6
I use to work for a cellular phone company and it was an amazing experience. It was the most intense, stressful but most rewarding job that I have ever had outside of my ministry.
"I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps My Word, he will never see death" John 8:51
There is absolutely nobody better than Jesus at telling the truth. After all, He is The Way, The Truth and The Life, right? Right!!!
"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement." John 7:24
Ever had to make one of those difficult judgement calls? Ever been wrong? If you answered the last question "no", please stop reading because I am not worthy of your time.
"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become the children of God." John 1:12
What a wonderful verse, full of promise and grace. God promises to make you His child, when by faith you receive Him as Lord of your life. He would never mislead you. God is trustworthy and His Word is trustworthy. So if this is indeed true, why are His children so different?
"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 NASB
I have a confession to make - I’m part of the Face Book community.... Go ahead; I'll give yourself some time to compose yourself from laughing so hard. Hopefully, you didn't fall out of your chair like my friend did when I told him...So, are we good to move forward? Great! :-)
"Jesus wept." John 11:35
When I was a child growing up my father taught me, that men do not cry nor do they show emotions. Any sign of emotion was a sign of weakness, any sign of weakness meant that you would be beaten and destroyed in this game we play called "LIFE." Certain words were not allowed in my vocabulary - "Can't, Quit, Pain & Fear."
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Well, its that time of the year- FOOTBALL ! We get to watch these teams try to out hit, run, throw and out strategize the other team. There's nothing more exciting than to see a tackle that totally rocks the person hit or to see the quarterback connect with his receiver for a long pass or how about the running back that runs down the field for a touchdown. But you know what? Before any of us sees these exciting moments during the game, these teams have spent many hours practicing and learning what their opponents were going to do during that game. In fact they knew what their tendencies would be for each and every down at any point on the football field. They knew exactly what it would take to beat them and to have a major victory over their opponent.
"Jesus said: 'I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO MAN can come to the Father except through ME.'" John 14:6
God’s Word is very clear as to how many roads lead to God… only ONE. And that ONE is His dearly beloved only Son, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it assuring that you don’t have to worry about such things? God made it simple and He made it abundantly clear over and over again that there was only one way to be reconciled with Him, only one sacrifice that was pure enough and perfect enough to pay the penalty for the sins of the world. By putting your full confidence, trust and faith in the name and redeeming work of Jesus Christ, you can have complete peace and know that you are saved!
Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Now for something a little different. We have recently focused some on character traits and Godly attitudes, but this time we will tune in to a very real aspect of our faith... The True Life. In the world we live in, we are constantly exposed to a false life that, on the surface, seems exciting and fulfilling but, in reality, is shallow and empty. Advertisements often claim to bring meaning to life and living but always offer only temporary or even ungodly solutions to the troubles and problems of life. Only the Word of God and Jesus Himself have the answers to living life. Since He is the Way the Truth and the Life doesn't it follow that He would be the source of true life? If I did not know Christ as my Savior, I don't know that my life would have any meaning.
"Whoever serves me must follow me, for where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." John 12:26
I thank God today for several of the time-tested institutions of America- marriage, the Armed Services, and even the Boy Scouts of America. All of these have two things in common that come to mind. One, they are all seemingly under attack, and two, they all have the word “honor” as part of their creed.
"Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work."
John 4:34
A dear friend of mine forwards the devotions from Pastor Greg Laurie, and last week, one theme really caught my eye. Pastor Greg was talking about its not as important as how you start but that you FINISH that counts, and that is all so true in our spiritual lives as well as our physical lives. He quoted G. K. Chesterton who said, "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and not tried." If someone says they have tried Christianity and it didn't work for them, it is because they never had a true encounter with the living God. I agree with Pastor Greg and believe any person who has really met Jesus Christ will continue to grow spiritually. It may not always be easy, but we are called to FINISH our work, and that is what we should all purpose to do each and every day.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Picture listening in on a conversation happening between a father and his daughter... Erica insisted, "...that in a true court of law, if the facts were known(and if she could explain the whole story),the real truth would come out." Her father decided to convene court immediately and called to order, Morris Family Court. Erica was summoned to the witness stand to be sworn in. Erica noted, "This is not a real court, Daddy!" (not knowing exactly what her dad was up to this time, undoubtedly to make a point, but what point?.) "Let's go ahead; you'll see..." her father said. "I'm innocent!" She exclaimed, playing along. "Order in the court!" her father said, and asked her to put her hand on the Bible. Erica recognized the Bible. It was the one her grandma gave her six years ago on her eighth birthday. A "Precious Moments" Bible that was coming out of its cover from several years of devotions and Sunday school, Day Camp and pretty much everywhere she went – even to school a few times. She hadn't looked at it in a year or two because she was using the Teen Devotional Bible her Youth Pastor gave her at Summer Camp two years ago, when she accepted Christ as her Savior. Suddenly she was jolted back into the courtroom with her dad's voice repeating "Erica, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" The words went straight through her heart, and she, for some reason thought them out, phrase by phrase. "Erica...", [That's me, Erica Christine Morris, a child of God, born again at Jr. High Summer Camp 2009], "solemnly swear..." [as serious as I can be, deep, deep in my heart, with Jesus standing right there,before God and everybody, including grandma] "to tell the truth..." [to confess, reveal, speak it] "the whole Truth..." [everything, not holding anything back to protect myself, or make anything up on the spur of the moment – let it all out] "nothing but the truth..." [What, no exaggerations, no minimizing, no twisting words, leaving parts out that aren't known, no making it seem like no big deal?] "so help you God." [so help me, God….. I don't want to be in this court. I don't want to explain anything to anybody right now... Can I plead the fifth? Don't I have the right to remain silent or something?] A long pause and she was jolted again by the sound of her father saying her name, "Erica?" "Yes, Daddy?" she said. "Put your hand on the Bible." he gently requested. "Dad, I'm sorry for my part in what happened today; I shouldn't have been where I was, doing what I did or saying what I said", she confessed. "Thank you, honey. Charges dropped – record cleared – no sentence – court adjourned!" he sternly stated in his deepest voice. They laughed, but Erica realized right then and there that there was only one source of truth, and that was God and His Word. Regardless of all the facts, all the opinions, all the explanations, all the data, sound bytes, experts, reliable sources, videotape at 11, and any and all other spins on any of life's experiences, there is but one truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life – no man comes to the Father but by me." His truth is perfect and absolute. We live in a world of too much information and too little truth. Picture yourself like Erica, before God. Be thankful today for His mercy and His grace. Don't worry so much about your rights or about due Process, or all the technicalities of our alleged innocence. Instead, consider His glory, His justice, and His absolute Truth. Our God is the only true God, and He is Sovereign. Aren’t we glad that He is the only true Judge too.
Appreciating the mercy and grace of our loving Heavenly Father,
Pastor Fred
John 3:27-30 "John (the Baptist) answered, 'No one can have anything unless God gives it.' You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of Him.' 'The bridgegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; the the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegrooms's voice.' 'This is how my own happiness is made complete.' 'He must become more important while I become less important.'"
John the Baptist in this passage is responding to a comment made to him by some who were following his teachings and the baptism for repentance and were letting him know that Jesus was teaching and many people were following Him. He, in effect, is saying that the reason people are following Jesus is because that is what God the Father wants and is giving that response to the Christ. John then reiterates his position that he is not the Messiah, but points to the Messiah. Then he gives this beautiful illustration about how he is the bridegroom's friend and that all those who follow are the bride and therefore he is doing just as the Lord wants...... pointing the way and serving His Lord.
The words that are part of the title of today's devotional resonate with me. Complete happiness is made complete when people see Jesus. Inscribed on many pulpits that I have preached from are the simple words, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Good counsel. Those who truly serve Him do not do so to draw attention to themselves but to point to Jesus. I am happiest when that happens. When anyone is drawn closer to Him by the ministry He has called me to, I am happiest. Absolutely I would say that my joy is complete only at those times. Throughout our lives we must become less important as He becomes more important.
So here is the question of the day. Do you want complete happiness, total joy and absolute fulfillment? Serve the Lord. Point to Him. Become less so He can become more. Be glad when you hear His voice. Help Him to be one with His Bride. The beautiful illustration that John the Baptist shares with us is one that paints a picture of total surrender to God's will. When we are willing to give our lives completely to the service of the Lord, there is a happiness like no other that will fill our hearts.
As a shepherd or pastor I love the sheep. But they are His sheep. I am His sheep too. As pastor we don't own, possess or hold any power or sway over His flock. We merely serve Him and are happiest when believers draw closer to Christ. Soooooo...... not only is it not about the pastor, it is not about one particular church either. All pastors point to Him, wherever the sheep go, as long as they call Him Lord, that is a good thing. I am blessed to be the pastor of Grace Harbor Church and I want to serve the bridegroom in any way I can to make His relationship with His bride possible. May you draw even closer to Him. That would make me completely happy.
For Him,
Pastor Fred
John 13:33 "If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."
When we are not loving to one another as believers it is the worst hypocrisy. God is love. He sent His only Son to save us because of His love for us. He then commanded us to love one another. We say in our minds that you can't make people love each other. Love is not some magic feeling that wells up inside us and spills mysteriously over onto people. Love is a choice. I don't love because I feel anything in particular. I love because God loves. He gives me love to share. He loves through me. I love that.
It is a biblical mandate that we must love one another. Scores of times in the teachings of Jesus and throughout the Word of God, we are told that we should love one another. Plain and simple. Get over your emotions and do something about being loving. Can you love just because it is the right thing to do? Sure you can. Love is not a matter of preference or something that is supposed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Love is unconditional commitment and devotion. It is a verb that needs to be expressed from choice. When I choose to love, that is special because no one has to earn it. Neither do I have to earn it.
Granted, it is easier to love some than others. But we are not talking about ease, we are talking about commitment. I am committed to this ministry, to my marriage, to my principles out of love, not because it is easy. Love doesn't have to be rewarding or fun. We shouldn't expect reciprocation or mutuality. It is truly unconditional and no strings attached. Different than the overwhelming majority of games we play with our emotions and feelings.
Love is words, but not only words. Love is action, but must be genuine and sincere. Sounds more and more difficult doesn't it? Love is an opportunity to glorify God. Love is a free gift. Love is real. We have so romanticized and fantasized and emotionalized love that we have put ourselves in the position of not knowing how to share it. So we don't. We either 'like' or 'don't like' instead. Like ice cream flavors. Love means the sum total of grace and mercy together. God is love because He is the sum total of all that is good. Ask God's help to love. He knows how and can teach you how to love. Begin with Him, then yourself, like He loves you and then others like He loves you.
I hope we can be more loving. A good starting point is to stop being unloving. You know...... unkind, rude, mean, gossipy, cruel, harsh and generally not nice. I am going to make a concerted effort to love more and be unloving less. How about you? Will you join me in making this verse a reality in our lives? After all, they will know we are Christians by our love, and it was Jesus himself who asked us. He surely loves us enough to ask. Can't really be a disciple unless we try harder.
With His Love and Mine,
Pastor Fred
Our Friday Devotion comes to us from Council Member, John Adams:
Why should we study the Word of God as if our life depends on it?
Because it does. Many Christian surveys and polls have revealed that the great majority of professing Christians today in the United States spend very little, or no time, studying their Bibles. As a result, most are shockingly ignorant regarding even the most basic elements of the Gospel and the key doctrines of their faith.
The Bible predicted that times would come when people would have "...a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof", and we wonder why the Church in America seems so impotent to impact our culture.
Grace Harbor Church and School is committed to encouraging all of its members to start reversing this disturbing trend by becoming actively and regularly involved in some form of systematic Bible study.
Why? Because without God's Word, we are literally dead, powerless, and without hope.
Jesus said He was "...the Way, the Truth, and the Life" and that no one could come to the Father except through Him. In fact, Jesus himself is "the Word", as clearly stated in...
John 1:1-2 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
As the Lord's brother James urged believers, "don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created" James 1:16-18.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus refused to be baited into any displays of His miraculous divine powers, but instead He rebuked Satan and drove him off SIMPLY BY SPEAKING THE WORD.
As Christ told His doubting disciples, "The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are Life" John 6:63.
Pastor Rick Warren, in his best selling book, "The Purpose Driven Life" perhaps said it best when he wrote, "The Bible is far more than a doctrinal guide book. God's Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptations, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings [good] things into being, and guarantees our future forever! We cannot live without the Word of God. Never take it for granted. You should consider it as essential to your life as food."
If we would only devote 15 minutes a day to reading God's Word, we would read through the entire Bible in one year. In just 30 minutes a day, we could complete it in just six months. We think of nothing to devoting hours to recreational activities, watching television and movies, pursuing hobbies, or just doing nothing.
I would urge us all to reevaluate our priorities and make a firm commitment to spend consistent. focused, and life-giving time each day to the Word of God and see just how God might revive and empower His people and His Church.
God Bless each one of you.
John Adams
“Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:20-26
It was the day after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. He had ridden into the city on a donkey, palm branches had been thrown in His pathway, and the people had flocked around Him, cheering for Him, hailing Him as their king. The beginning of John 12 shows us this scene, and it records that the disciples didn’t know what to make of all the commotion (verse 16). People just wanted a glimpse of this Jesus; they had heard the rumors, they had probably known or heard of Lazarus who was raised from the dead, it seemed as if everyone in the busy town of Jerusalem had heard that this Jesus was here and they all wanted to see for themselves, locals and foreigners alike. In the midst of this commotion, did Jesus seize the moment and give a compelling speech about the grandeur of heaven? No, Jesus began to teach about being a servant. Instead of focusing on the apparent “success” of His earthly ministry, He begins by talking about a lone grain of wheat, falling to the ground and dying. Not a very cheery sermon topic. But everything that Jesus said was for a reason, every single word. Why did He mention a tiny seed? He was referring to Himself, and He was also referring to the beautiful sacrificial heart of a servant.
In the gospel accounts of the Last Supper on the night in which He was betrayed (Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:14-23), we see the Lamb of God Who came to take away the sins of the world, humbling Himself, stooping down, picking up a basin of water, kneeling at the feet of His disciples and taking on the Servant’s role of washing their dirty smelly feet. After three years of walking and talking and teaching and reaching the people, Jesus demonstrates the most direct example possible . This is not at all the only example of Jesus' Servant-God approach, but it is the most direct. "When He had finished washing their feet, He put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:12-17
Jesus told them that now that they knew these things, that they would be BLESSED if they did them. This direction is for us today as well. A servant of Christ chooses to be like Christ and serve others. Servants do it in whatever way is needed, but prefer doing it in person. They see freedom not as a great way of doing something for themselves, but as the freedom to do what's needed to lift someone else who needs it. The servant forgives those who do them wrong, since God forgave them in Jesus. Most of all, the servant is actually looking for helpful ways to serve, to give, and to build up. They're happy to do it.
Why is service so central to Christian belief? Because we follow a God Who values service and demonstrates that He Himself has this attribute in His Person. Think about that for a moment. The GOD of the Universe, the One Who made heaven and earth… has a Nature that includes serving the needs of others. He sees our weak human frailty and provides all that we need to live and thrive. He gives you the air to breathe, water to drink, a heart that beats strongly within your chest. He provided eyes to see the beauty of His creation, ears to hear the songs of the birds. He saw the need for a sacrifice that would cover the sins of the world, and He provided His Son, which broke His heart but He did it for us. Even more, we follow His Son, Jesus Christ, who loves others. And we have in us a Holy Spirit who gives us gifts expressly for the purpose of building up other people and serving one another. We are told to be like Jesus Christ, to take on His attributes, and remember: He Is God! Many times He told us that if we had seen Him, we had seen the Father… so what do you observe Jesus doing during His earthly mission? Healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, binding up the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, He came to model what God’s desire was for us as His creation, to be His children, to follow in HIS footsteps. To say, Not My will, but THINE be done…. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus demonstrated this when He said, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:9-13. Consider what this world would be like if we all followed I Corinthians 13 and demonstrated God’s love living and breathing through us, through our hands and feet, through our words and deeds. When God’s people truly understand and grasp and accept God’s Will in their lives to serve one another, what a place this would be… heaven on earth!!!
Paul reminds us that it is not out of obligation or resentment that we are called to serve but through LOVE that we serve one another. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serves one another.” Galatians 5:13. We can be servants of God and do the work He has given to us with true joy in our hearts! When you have a servant’s heart, you are humble. As servants, we must die to ourselves and our flesh that demands to have rights. As a servant, you are called to follow the directives of the one you serve…. Basically, you simply do as you’re told. You respect those in charge. You serve faithfully and quietly. There can be times a servant’s only task is to do nothing but watch and wait for the master’s call. Have you asked the Lord to give you something more to do for Him—something big? As you wait for that something big, seek to serve Him and grow in your Christian walk. Remain content with where he has put you, while continuing to watch for his leading. Stand before Him available to do anything He might require of you, alert to His guidance, and ready to walk in obedience to His will. Serve the Lord with Gladness, and whatever your hands find to do, do it all for the glory of God.
"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4
Be like that tiny grain of wheat, and let Jesus be glorified as you serve Him faithfully until He returns.
Shalom, sister Lahoma
Our Friday devotion comes to us from Council Member, Kim Caldwell:
John 15:7 --- If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Do you ever find yourself wondering whether you are truly loved by anyone………even God ??
Does God say to cast all your cares on Him ??
The word of God is God-breathed (just think about that for a second)
2 Timothy 3:16 says: All scripture is inspired (God breathed) by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
When God speaks on any given issue, what He speaks is truth. What He commands is to be obeyed. God has spoken and it stands. We are to believe and obey.
Being a Christian is more than merely believing promises and obeying commands. Christianity isn’t a religion, it is a relationship and a relationship requires a high commitment to communication. That is why it is so important to daily spend time in Gods word THE BIBLE……..and pray COMMUNICATE. Think about the daily demands in our lives, the decisions we make, the wisdom we need, the resources we require, the relationships that need so much tending…….we need strength, wisdom and love of the Lord in our lives so desperately.
In my own life lately I have been learning what it is like to fully lay on God……..in the past I have prayed, read the bible and felt I did my good deed for the day……..but that is not what God is asking…….he says to pray without ceasing…….that means all day long I better be in communication with Him. He says to be in His word (that means to read it and claim it) God loves us so much and all you need to do is open His word, sit back and take a deep breath and let God be God. He is good all the time.
Please start taking the time everyday to make God first in your life – when you wake up……..thank God for letting you wake up and then talk to him all day and then before you close your eyes……..thank Him again for being with you that day. Pray without ceasing my friends.
In Gods hands………Kim Caldwell
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