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One of the main goals here at Crossroads Mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to share the good news of his miraculous birth, his remarkable life, his sacrificial death to give humanity the gift of salvation, and his triumphant resurrection.  We try hard to ensure that each guest hears the Word of God at least once.  (Visit our Ministry page for more on what goes on at Crossroads Mission.)  Our Executive Director, Myra Garlit, is personally involved in making this happen as she continually teaches on God's basic principles for our life, to both guests and employees.

We have created this page in efforts to continue to spread the Gospel, and to share with you some of our staff and Myra's thoughts.  We are open for comments and or suggestions, contact us at crmission@roadrunner.com

These are the March 2013 devotions that were submitted by Crossroads staff and board members in honor of Easter and this year's theme of "About My Father's Business".  We hope you enjoy reading them!

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE!
 

March 28 2013 - By Gordon Block, Treatment Director

NAIL IT TO THE CROSS

I do not want to come across by preaching because that is not what I am about. I am not an ordained minister, deacon or much of a church goer…I can only share my story for that is all I got…

When I was introduced to the bible I was taught that it was most often written in a problem solution manner. Describe the problem, what to do about and what the results are. I related to this method of writing, it sounded scientific; mathematical of sorts.

I had heard of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” I saw this in other people and desired what they had. But I did not know how to receive such FRUIT. So I went back to the problem solution manner of reading and read the verses before the FRUIT (Galatians 5:19-21).

I found out when I follow by own nature, based upon my own thoughts and by own means the results were very clear; immorality, lust, hostility, jealousy, anger, envy, drunkenness, wild parties and the list could go on. I identified with the problems and problems owned me. They consumed me and I was obsessed. I was living a life that could only result in ruin and I was already a wreck. Something had to Change…

Then the Solution…

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature and crucified them there” Galatians 5:24

And I love what the Bible tells us at the end of the Fruit of the Spirit, “There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:23)
 

March 27, 2013 - By Azucena Solorzano, Graphics Coordinator

Scripture: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

When I was a teenager and first started going to church there used to be monthly "business meetings" I had to attend. I felt that this was my responsibility as an "official" member of the church. The phrase of being "about my Father's business" found in Luke 2:49 was very clear to me… or so I thought. Over the years I've learned that my Heavenly Father conducts his business anywhere and everywhere - not just once a month inside a church. As a result, my concept of being involved in God's "enterprise" changed dramatically.

Today I'm about my Father's business when I decide to help rather than ignore. When I decide to forgive rather than forever hold a grudge. When I decide to love rather than to hate, or simply dislike. When I decide to do the right thing rather than what I want to do. All of these things are what being involved in God's kingdom is all about. Is it easy? Absolutely not! Believe me, I want to stay mad and throw tantrums. I want to feel self righteous and superior. But it's a daily, each-and-every-moment decision to do my best to BE like Jesus.

The business of being a Christian begins in the mind. When we fix our thoughts on God the rest will follow. Decide today to love, to forgive, and to go after righteousness in your life. Go out and BE ABOUT God's business.

Prayer: "Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be involved in your business here on earth. Help me to love like you love and to forgive like you forgive. Give me of your wisdom to conduct myself in a way that pleases you. Give me courage and boldness to proclaim you and honor you. May today be all about you! In Jesus Name - Amen."

March 26, 2013 - By Gordon Block, Treatment Director

GOD GAVE ME BRAINS TO USE

In the Bible and other Christian Authored books I have read and I have learned that the most powerful action that I can personally take on is prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the message says, “Pray without Ceasing.” But what if the answer does not come? I pray again! And it the answer does not come… I pray again…and if the answer does not come? Just what am I to do?

I make a decision because God gave me brains to use. I may want to talk to someone about my decision and rely on their experience as well as my own. But if I read the verse before and after it says, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Another author writes, “A sign of Spiritual Maturity is to be glad for all things; good and bad!” A prayer I frequently use, “My Creator I am now willing that you have all of me, good and bad… “

So if I make a decision and it is bad, I will learn from that decision and do not take the actions from that decision again. That just might be the answer for my prayer in the first place! I have learned a lesson. If I make a decision and it is good I rejoice to God for giving me brains to use!
 

March 25, 2013 - By Chris Bolin, Activities Coordinator

Galatians 6:9- And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It’s easy for us to quit before we have achieved our ultimate desires. We often fall short of the ultimate good, of the things in life that would bring us ultimate joy. In doing so we trade the true desires of our soul, for the things that we can have now. Anything in life that is worth having will take time, work, and perseverance. (Easy is the way to death and destruction, but hard is the way that leads to life. Matt. 7:13-14.) If we chose the things that will bring us immediate satisfaction we are choosing temporary happiness over lasting joy. Jesus himself was tempted to stop short of the ultimate good. In Mark 14:36 Jesus cried out, “Abba father all things are possible for you, take this cup from me.” Jesus was scared. Jesus was tempted to choose immediate satisfaction. He did not want to do what he knew that he needed to do. In the same verse Jesus also said, “Not what I want but what you want.” Jesus had faith in the fact that by not losing heart, by perseverance until the end, He would achieve lasting joy. Fight for what is good. Do not lose heart, and do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for all that you have done in my life. Thank you for the relationship that I have with you. I desire to do what is pleasing to you Lord. Help me have the courage and the commitment that I need to have to live the life that you desire for me. Help me to continue to make the sacrifices I need to make to achieve the things that I want to achieve. Thank you Father.
In Jesus name I pray, amen.

March 22, 2013 - By Hazel Best-Shaw, Human Resources Coordinator

Scripture- Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV).

There are times in our lives that we look around us and we see a world that is flecked with uncertainty, doubt, and discontent. In a world where resources are becoming more and more limited, and the unfortunate and disenfranchised have to look harder for material sources that can help their loved ones survive, hope is a necessity. This is where we come to a crossroads and we look within ourselves to find a source that has never forsaken us – no matter how hard the times have gotten. So, this is Faith. Faith that He will never let us go; Faith that He will never let us suffer any more than we can handle; Faith that life is a gift from Him and it is the most precious gift that anyone can receive; and Faith that He did not die in vain, and we are saved from our sins.

For all our sorrow and all of our joys, we truly must believe that the things we hope for that are good and righteous, are ours to be had. Why? Because of our unconditional faith in God, who has never left us or let us down. He awakens us each morning to a new and better day. He heals our bodies; clears the path less trodden, so that we don’t stumble and fall; and loves us, too, unconditionally. So, why do we doubt Him? Why do we question Him when things don’t go our way? Well, remember when you were a child and you believed that your earthly father would never let you down; that he would always be there to catch you before you fell. Well, that’s the kind of faith we must sustain as Christians. This faith can propel us toward a life of peace and security, because He has told us that it will be. So, with each breaking dawn, we know that our Heavenly Father has loosed His power to show us His love for us. And, with each act of kindness that we show to another, we show Him our unconditional faith and love.

Beckon Him through prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for all that you do to sustain us. We thank you for the gifts you give that we don’t readily see, but we know that you have provided. We praise you for all your kindness toward us. We praise you for the love that you show us with each breath that we take. You bring us joy with each new day, and we give you all the praise and glory. Dear Heavenly Father, grant us a place in your kingdom when our earthly days are done, so that we may bask in your love for all eternity. Faith is our sustenance. We ask you these blessings in your son Jesus’ name. Amen.
 

March 21, 2013 - By Ralph Williams, Board Member

A CONVERSATION TO REMEMBER

Once, the Apostle Paul was in Athens. At the time Athens was a leading center for intellectuals. The discussions among the learned men were lively. There were two prominent schools of philosophical thought. One school taught that the best way to live was to seek happiness by indulging in as many pleasurable activities as possible. The other school taught that the best way to be happy was to avoid both pleasure and pain.

Both philosophical schools and most Greeks worshiped many Gods. Their Gods had both divine and human characteristics. The people built monuments to better worship their idols. Paul was disturbed with their practices and the “men of Athens” were curious about what Paul was teaching. They were not afraid to engage in a discussion.

As an object lesson, Paul pointed to one of their monuments, which was labeled “To an Unknown God”. He pointed out that they could get to know this God who was not known to them. This God created the world and everything in it. He is the giver of life and breath. This God desires that all people seek him. We are all God’s offspring. As such, we should not try to capture his image in gold, silver or stone. He commands all people everywhere to realize who he really is.

To seal the deal, he sent his only son, Jesus, to be his representative on earth. The fact that Jesus lived among us did not seem unusual. He shook up the power structure of the day, by proclaiming that he was the long promised Messiah. It was the Roman way to execute trouble makers by crucifixion. Both the Romans and the Jewish leaders thought that they would not hear of Jesus again. But this God, who was not known to the Greek philosophers, performed the most remarkable thing that has ever happened. He raised Jesus from the dead.

Some of the men and women of Athens joined Paul in his belief. Others rejected his message. We can look for the same message today in Acts, Chapter 17, verses 16 through 34.
 

March 20, 2013 - By Melanie Barnett, JOBS Coordinator

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

I take this as, let me live by example what God’s will is my life. Let me strive to be like him and to share through my acts, the love of Christ. Let me show my faith in him by trusting his word, and let me glorify him by serving his people. I know that I may touch people’s lives through my actions and I am honored to be able to do so. Just like someone first showed me the unconditional love of Christ, that I was worthy and deserving of, I hope to show others. I believe that God’s will for me is to share what I have been given and to honor him every day by being an example of how he can change the lost and faithless into believers. I pray that I may inspire someone to open up to what God has planned for them. Let me strive to show his works through mine and to give all the glory to God.

My Prayer
“Lord let your will be my will and give me guidance and courage to reach out to others in all the ways you have showed me. Give me strength and knowledge to overcome the evils that attack me. Lord keep me focused. Show me how to love others unconditionally as you do and let me be a vessel of your light, Amen”
 

 March 14, 2013 - By Gilbert Taeger, Spiritual Counselor

What ‘must’ you do? I must get to work on time. I must get encounters done. I must get my one on one daps, group daps, assessments, etc. done and done correctly. I MUST GET MY FIX’EMs DONE, AND DONE ON TIME. But there are greater must’s to be done in view of our appointed assignment by God.

Luke 2:49 KJV (Jesus speaking to his parents) “Did you not know, I must be about my Father’s business?” “Be in my Father’s house. Be involved in my Father’s business?”

Scripture explained: Jesus was only 12 years old and his parents had left Jerusalem and traveled for one day before they realized HE was not with them. They returned and three days later, Dr. Luke says, they found Him in the Temple talking with the religious teachers. In His reply to His parents he used the little word ‘dei’ translated as ‘must.’ In means in part, that which is of moral necessity, that which is absolutely necessary, that which must be done, accomplished. Jesus also said in John 3:7, “You must be born again.” In John 4:4 HE said, “I must needs go through Samaria.” He had a divine appointment as you recall with the ‘woman at the well.’ Jesus used this powerful little word many times to emphasize how important it was for him to go and do what the Father led Him to do. He said in Luke 4:43, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, for therefore I am sent.” Also again in Luke 24:7, God’s Word says, “Remember Jesus said, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

Reflection: Are you like me, very elated Jesus had some things HE ‘MUST’ Do? And HE did them? YES, I say YES!!!!
 

Actions to take! First, everyone must be born again, Jesus stated. I have been born again, how about you? Read all of John 3 if you need to be ‘born again.’ Ask for help if you need to pray the “Sinner’s Prayer.”

Second action to take! Based on the Bible, what ‘must’ we, you and I, do? WE must be about our Father’s BUSINESS. We must allow Jesus to make HIMSELF known through us at CRM. I believe, WE MUST LIVE AND SHARE JESUS daily.
 

March 12 & 13, 2013 - By Chris Hoppstetter, Board Member

Scripture: And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”  Luke 2:49

At age twelve, Jesus went to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover. Instead of departing with them to Nazareth, He stayed behind talking with the teachers in the temple. When they found Him, He responded to His mother's question saying: "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business" (Lk. 2:49)?

The fact that Jesus said "My Father's business" denotes that there is business that is not His Father's. John says: "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother" (1 Jn. 3:10). In other words, those who are practicing righteousness are about God's business, but, those who do not practice righteousness are about the devil's business.

Pause and think about these questions: Whose child am I - God's or the devil's? Am I about God's business or the devil's business?

Consider these “Four Aspects” of being about God's business. First we must prepare to be about our Father's business. Have you ever met an earthly son engaging in His father's business without training and preparation? A son generally has a special place in his father's business. As a part of being about his father's business he engages in an intensive training program perhaps going to college and working in the factory, administrative offices, inside sales, and outside sales. A son about his father's business faithfully looks out for his father's interests.

Secondly, those involved in their Father's business must endure suffering. Jesus is our example of suffering: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pet. 2:21-24). And Paul says: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

Third, God strengthens us to do His will (Eph. 3:16-20; Col. 1:11) while rejoicing in trials and tribulations (Rom. 5:3f; Jas. 1:2-4). God has set in motion the spiritual forces of the universe so that no temptation can overtake us without their being a way of escape provided (1 Cor. 10:13). He works all things together for good (Rom. 8:28) and abundantly supplies for every good work (2 Cor. 9:6-11). The only reason for not being about our Father's business is a lack of desire, commitment, and devotion toward God.

Fourth, there is a reward for those about their Father's business. On earth, a son about his father's business receives a reward - an inheritance. But, a son not about his father's business does not receive a reward. Likewise, those about God's business receive an inheritance - eternal life. Paul says: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Are you about your Father's business? Are you enduring the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this world to accomplish His will in your life? Are you a faithful child of God sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise guaranteeing your inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14)?

March 11, 2013 - By Teresa Gribble, Executive Coordinator

Scripture: For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in the same way. This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven- makes us right in God’s sight – when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.” - Romans 1:16 & 17

Crossroads Mission’s theme for the month of March is “about my Father’s business.” What is my Father’s business? The resurrected Jesus before He ascended into heaven told His disciples (I am a disciple of Jesus Christ) in Matthew 28:18-20 to go, tell and make disciples. To share the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Good News) that is the Great Commission given to all Christians. As a teenager in the early 1970’s, there was a song I would sing in church written by Baynard L. Fox entitled “I’ll Tell the World That I’m,  a Christian.” The lyrics go like this.

             I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian – I’m not ashamed His name to bear;

             I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian – I’ll take Him with me anywhere.

            I’ll tell the world how Jesus saved me, and how He gave me a life brand-new;

            And I know that if you trust Him, that all He gave me He’ll give to you.

           I’ll tell the world that He’s my Savior; No other one could love me so;

           My life my all is His forever and where He leads me I will go.

           I’ll tell the world that He is coming – it may be near or far away;

           But we must live as if His coming would be tomorrow or today.

           For when He comes and life is over, for those who love Him, there’s more to be;

           Eyes have never seen the wonders that He’s preparing for you and me.

What is my Father’s business and my job? It is to invite YOU to go to heaven with me.  Do YOU want to know more? Please ask me.

My prayer:  “Holy God in Jesus name help me not to be ashamed or afraid to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation with others. May anyone reading these words be led by the Holy Spirit to seek, ask and be saved by the cleansing blood of Jesus.  Amen.

March 8, 2013 - By Summer Mellon, Board Member

Scripture: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17 NIV

I love this scripture because it reminds me to get out of my own perspective and look at circumstances through Jesus' eyes. Every large or menial task that I do can be in my strength or His. Where I choose to focus my heart and spirit determines which. Do not miss that every moment of our lives carries in it the opportunity to honor God and bring glory to HIm. It isn't something that we do once the day's work and challenges have been met. Instead it is choosing to be tuned into His "heavenly" channel as you face the circumstances of each day. Something as simple as making a PBJ sandwich for your child, performing maintenance on a building or having courtesy toward others can be an offering to God and being His hands and feet in this world. It all depends on how we choose to approach it. Be encouraged that He desires to be in every moment with you if you choose to include Him and that everything that we do can bring honor to Him. What an awesome thing to look back at your day and say, "I served God and brought honor to Him with this whole day just by turning the business of my day, into being about His business".

Heavenly Father I thank you so much for each new day. Open my eyes to see the opportunities of this day to serve you and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Grow my strength and faith to remember that you are with me in every challenge and triumph. Through Jesus you have saved me with selfless love and I am overwhelmed. Teach me to do everything in your name. I desire to bring honor and glory to you. I dedicate this day as an offering to you, teach me to be about your business. Amen
 

March 7, 2013 - By Myra E. Garlit, Executive Director

Scripture: Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (KJV)

Crossroads has many programs and services for the homeless, the hurting, the neglected, the abused, and the addicted. With these programs, come a range of requirements from the State and Federal government. Many times these audits and reviews are extensive and complex exercises of paperwork. Recently, staff members told me that no matter what we have to do to meet the requirements; we still have the great privilege and responsibility to minister to those who seek services from Crossroads.

That reminded me of the scripture in Luke 2. Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus wasn’t with them well into a trip they were taking. They had assumed that he was in the crowd of folks traveling with them. Three days later, they found him in the temple. I can just imagine the anxiety that Mary had been suffering. When she questioned him, his response was basically, “didn’t you know that I’d be ABOUT my Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49, KJV)

We can get lost in the day-to-day requirements of work and home but our bottom line is that we should be “about our Father’s business”. In the last chapters of Matthew and Mark, we read that Jesus’ last commandment to his disciples was to “go into the world and preach the gospel to every living creature.” (Paraphrased) Crossroad’s theme this year is “…About My Father’s Business”. We always want to be reminded of our Father’s business!

I hope you enjoy the devotionals for this March. Please remember Crossroads in your prayers as we continue to be About Our Father’s Business.”

Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father: Help us to be ever mindful of the work that you have called us to do. May we always role model the heart and attitude of Jesus Christ. Help us to continue to minister to everyone who walks on the grounds and into the facilities of Crossroads. We are here to spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s redemptive salvation for everyone. Amen.”

May 17, 2011

The Race is On

Sometimes, I get bogged down with so much “stuff” that I have a hard time deciding what really needs to be done.  I haven’t blogged or put anything online for the “Gospel” link on the Crossroads web site for months.  Conviction finally won out and I’m working today to get caught up with several things that have been put off for way too long!

Don’t take me wrong!  It’s not like I’ve been sitting around with nothing to do.  I know that I have accomplished many tasks over the past few months.  Many of those tasks have been centered around the family shelter project, funding for the recovery program, audits, reports, and mountains of other requirements.  It seems that every task has a deadline.  At Crossroads, we are in constant motion but we should never be so busy that we can’t put prayer, reading the Word, and fellowship as priorities in our lives.  Keeping fit spiritually must be a priority.  As a Christian, I must set my priorities and keep them to keep spiritually fit.  I find it too easy to put off what’s good for me.   While God has ordained my position in this daily “race”, it’s up to me to make sure that I’m making every effort to keep myself spiritually fit.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul is speaking directly to Timothy.  He’s telling Timothy that he’s  “fought the good fight” and that he finished the race.  He kept the faith.  Wow!  That gives us every indication that when we keep THE faith we will have fought a good fight and will finish the race.  Notice he doesn’t say that he came in first.  He says that he finished the race! 

Over the past few months, keeping the faith for me has been difficult at times.  When we had to reapply for the million dollar grant for the family shelter; when we were facing funding cuts from the state; when the economy was in a crisis state and the requests for services increased dramatically; and that list could go on--many times I just plain lacked faith.  Suddenly, I found my “spiritual tank” needle running into the red zone and seeking faith from my reserve tank that was empty!  I immediately turned to the source and that was prayer to the giver of all my resources, God the Father!

For a certainty, I am human!  I am determined to continue this race until God tells me I’m finished with this one.  Hebrews 12:1 reads of the “great cloud of witnesses” that we can follow as examples of others just like us who have also fought a good fight.  Those folks were just like me and you but we esteem them as being so special that we think that we could never be like them.  That crowd of witnesses included Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and others.  They were no different than everyday people like you and me.  Paul’s referring to them and encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. 

My prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Help me to persevere, to fight the good fight, and to cast off anything that will hinder me like procrastination.  Thank you that you have the race marked for me and are with me every step of the way! 

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

September 20, 2010

Doubt Free - Be Sure of Your Salvation

Our brains are powerful! The human brain is the most complex object in the universe. Each one of us carries within our skulls a three-pound lump of fats and proteins with the consistency of jelly that we call a brain. Our brain contains 100 billion neurons that link to one another in a pattern more complex and unique than our fingerprints. Our brain has the power to learn new languages, perceive beauty and remember tens of thousands of individual bits of information. The vast and incredible power of the human brain is only beginning to be understood by scientists and neurologists.

Our brain holds information from experiences and perceptions of life happenings that can affect our self-esteem. We are basically logical beings who have the ability to think, imagine, and to question. God made us to be free-thinkers. We’re not robots. We have the ability to make decisions. We can hate or we can love. We can choose what is evil or we can choose what is good. With this basic makeup, doubting seems to come natural to us. Some of us doubt more than others. Doubt is the opposite of certainty.

Doubt affects many people’s ability to have or keep a life in Christ Jesus. I’ve talked to numerous people who want to or have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior only to later reject the idea or doubt their experience of salvation. If you are one of the folks that doubts your salvation or if you think that you can’t be saved because of the bad things that you have done—give that thinking up! Stop doubting! You can take action to move you from doubt to certainty!

First John 5:12 says “Whoever has the son has life. Whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” YOU CAN BE ASSURED OF YOUR SALVATION. Say the sinner’s prayer: Father, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me of those sins. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead victorious over death, sin, and hell. Now live in that prayer. Tell someone about it.

Then in the next verse (1 John 5:13) we read: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
You can live your life doubt-free. Now you can stand on the confidence that you are saved. If you feel that you're weak and may not have a “doubt-free” existence, memorize that scripture and others that can increase your faith which will bring you to certainty.

I like this analogy by Bill Hybels who wrote Too Busy Not To Pray, IVP, p. 113.

Sometimes when you're in an airport, observe the difference between passengers who hold confirmed tickets and those who are on standby. The ones with confirmed tickets read newspapers, chat with their friends or sleep. The ones on standby hang around the ticket counter, pace and smoke, smoke and pace. The difference is caused by the confidence factor. If you knew that in fifteen minutes you would have to stand in judgment before the Holy God and learn your eternal destiny, what would your reaction be? Would you smoke and pace? Would you say to yourself, "I don't know what God's going to say--will it be 'Welcome home, child,' or will it be 'Depart from me; I never knew you'?

Are you a pacer or are you confident in your salvation? Sometimes we just have to believe. Many of you remember Dorothy holding her dog Toto, in The Wizard of Oz. The secret was in her ruby, red shoes. She had been told that when the time was right to click her ruby, red shoes together and she could get back to Kansas. She started clicking those shoes together and with her eyes closed, she started saying “There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home.” She got back to Kansas. Silly illustration but it’s a good illustration on that first step of faith. Dorothy had to act on what she had been told. She took action and got home.

Where faith is weak, doubt can creep in. By definition faith is “a trust in God: belief in and devotion to God. We see an excellent example of faith in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion came to Jesus because his servant was sick.

5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."

8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
 

When Jesus told him that he would go heal his servant, the Centurion said that he wasn’t worthy of that kind of act. He said the understood authority. He knew that all Jesus had to do was to say so and his servant would be healed. Even Jesus spoke of being amazed at his faith.

Do you live in doubt? There’s nothing wrong with doubting. Doubting is in our DNA. When doubt cripples us and we can’t act or fail to act, we need to step out past those doubtful thoughts. Do you doubt that you can be saved? Do you doubt that Jesus will hear you if you call? Do you doubt that you are worthy of being saved?

Memorize First John 5:12-13 and say it every time the doubt of your salvation comes into your mind.

“Whoever has the Son has life. Whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Live in certainty of your salvation through Jesus Christ sacrifice. After all, you were bought for a price! That price was Jesus dying on the cross.
 

August 9, 2010

Ordinary Disciples for an Extra-Ordinary God

          I attended a leadership conference this week that was refreshing, encouraging, and filled with help for church leaders -especially pastors.  As the director of a rescue mission, I can see how my job is much like that of a pastor.  There’s always counseling to do, staff hiring, firing, development, budgets, fund raising, seeking donors who will come along side the mission of the mission to help support our cause, and many more important aspects of running a church.  Most important is ensuring that we witness as Jesus called us to do so that people aren’t lost to sin and go out of this world to an eternity of hell.  Some people get it; some don’t.  Many sessions of the leadership conference spoke to my heart!

          One of the speakers at the conference talked about how Jesus took ordinary men to help establish his purpose on earth.  His purpose was to bring a new way to look at the Old Testament rules.  He preached and lived a life of nonviolence with an attitude of "love your neighbor as you love yourself".  He taught that the greatest commandment was LOVE.  His teachings ignited great controversy among the Jewish people.  He was on the “outside” of what was considered the “normal”, traditional Jewish way of life. 

    The Jews were very rule-bound and followed strict rituals.  Basically, they had two different categories of laws:  moral law and ritual law.  Moral law is about what is right and wrong and about the way we treat God and other people.   Ritual law or ceremonial law were rules that the Israelites were to live by simply because they were God’s people.  They didn’t necessarily mean that they were right or wrong but if someone failed to follow these  laws, they were deemed “unclean” and couldn’t join others in worshiping God until they were "clean".

          Jesus’ entire purpose to be on earth was to teach others the New Testament way of living and to die as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.  He knew that from an early age.  He knew his intended purpose.  We don’t read of any hesitation on Jesus part on his intended purpose.  Early in his ministry, he began selecting those men he wanted to follow him.  His purpose for them was to spread the word of salvation long after his death.  That word continues through today because of the impact he had on them and then the impact they had on the world!  But who were these men?

Let’s take a quick look at those twelve. 

Now isn’t it interesting that when Jesus set out to choosing those who would follow him, he chose ordinary men. He didn’t go to the Jewish leaders or those in power or those with influence. He chose those people who were common people, poor people, people who were despised, people who were just ordinary. Jesus picked ordinary men of meager means.

The tax collectors were hated because they really worked for the Romans. The fishermen were smelly and hardened by the elements. He was leader to a pessimist, an antagonist, a loud-mouth impulsive man. I can just imagine the ones that we don’t know much about were shy or liked staying in the background but yet he picked them to be those first chosen 12.

Look at Peter for instance. His given name was ‘Simon”. He was bold, aggressive, inquisitive, outspoken and self-confident; he had the characteristics of a leader. Christ molded him and once told him he was the “ROCK” on which he could build his church but there was other times that he rebuked Peter even saying to him “Get behind me Satan!” because Peter was shooting off his mouth and didn’t know what he was talking about. I think it’s funny that when Jesus was going to rebuke him, he always called him Simon and not Peter. That’s just like our parents when they called us by the name that we knew we were in trouble.

I am gripped by the fact that these twelve were ORDINARY people! They were no different than you or me. Jesus was here to establish a new way of thinking and didn’t go to the top for the leaders. Fascinatingly, their leadership skills really didn’t develop until Jesus was no longer with them but that’s a topic for another devotion.
 

June 21, 2010

Hell Advisory

I read with interest the Crossroads advertisement in the local paper which was entitled “Heat Advisory”.  The desert brings dangers each summer:  snakes, spiders, scorpions, and HEAT!  Each summer, we start a heat advisory campaign to make sure that the homeless understand the risks of not staying hydrated and staying out of the sun.  We normally close the shelters from 7 AM until 2 PM but during this season the shelters remain open.  How tragic it would be to die from heat exhaustion or sun stroke!

As I contemplated the advertisement, I thought about the scripture in Matthew 10:42.  Jesus was sending the disciples out to continue his good works.  his final words in that chapter are:  And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." How astounding that Jesus was interested in giving someone a cup of cold water!

At Crossroads, we want to make sure that everyone who is in any danger gets the help they need at anytime and not just in the summer time.  We sometimes forget that the greatest danger of all is the “heat advisory” we send out about HELL!  In Luke 16:24 (NIV) we read  So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.  The rich man had not paid attention to the “heat advisory” and was calling out from hell. 

Some of our homeless folks don’t pay attention to the heat advisory.  Many  folks from the community don’t pay attention to the heat advisory.  Many folks refuse to pay attention to the “hell” advisory.  We know that it’s “appointed for men to die and after that the judgment.”

How about you?  Have you paid heed to the hell advisory?  If you died today would you be with Jesus or would you be with the rich man crying out for water?  Salvation through Jesus Christ is as easy as A, B, C.  Accept, believe, and confess!  Accept Jesus as your savior; believe that he rose from the dead; and then confess that to someone.  There’s no dues, no fees, only a promise of hope for eternity in heaven!  God bless you and please stay hydrated during these summer months!

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May 30, 2010

A Nation Whose God is the Lord?

This Memorial Day we face many problems as a nation.  Wars, immigration issues, poverty, national debt now listed in the trillions, terrorists that have been born and raised in America—the list can go on.  Our politicians, no matter their affiliation, are scrambling to make this “ship” upright again.  Debates, controversy, and everyone entitled to their own opinion are making for many news stories.  What can we do? 

That answer is easy.  As a nation, we have gotten away from our Christian roots.  This country was founded and grounded in Biblical standards.  Now, we are far from those roots.  As Christians, we have allowed leaders and people who exercise their right to voice their opinions to use the very laws that made us strong against us.  Now we are seeing the results of our silent voices and “let someone else do it” attitudes.  We’re a nation under siege, held hostage by sin that has run rampant.  Our history shows our tracks of getting away from our heritage.   

I’m quoting some facts from a brochure I read printed by *America, Living Waters Publications. 

Adultery:  USA today reported that 50 to 60% of married couples admit to adultery.

Fornication:  According to the Oklahoma State department of Health, 45 million individuals are infected with virus that causes genital herpes.  That’s one in five people in the United States.

Pornography:  UPI News in 1997 reported that video rentals soared to 665 million in 1996.  That’s a little over 13% of all video rentals in America.

Abortion:  The Centers for Disease Control and prevention reported 1,267,415 abortions in 1998.  There have been over 40 million abortions since Roe vs Wade.  That’s since 1973. 

Theft:  It’s estimated that theft costs this country $500 billion each year.

Greed:  Focus on the Family reports that Americans visit casinos more often than they attend professional sporting events.  As a nation, we loose in excess of $50 bill each year to lotteries, horse and do tracks, casinos, and through other gambling opportunities. 

Murder:  According to FBI statistics, more than 18,000 people were murdered in 1997.  We had an average of 20,000 per year during the 1990s. 

Drunkenness:  Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association estimates that the social costs of alcohol addiction amounts to $100 billion with loss in productivity and health care. 

Hate crimes, spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, racial prejudices, child pornography, sex crimes, trafficking in humans are all symptoms of the “disease” of our nation. 

All of these situations make it seem hopeless for our nation on this Memorial Day, 2010.  It is very fitting and right that we remember the ones who paid the full price for our freedom.  It is fitting and right that we offer up prayers of thanksgiving for those who fought for our freedom.  It is fitting and right that we NEVER forget the price of freedom.  It is also fitting and right that we remember where we came from as a nation of heritage rich in Christian laws and traditions.

As Christians, we have a duty to hold this nation up in prayer.  We need to speak out as Christians and become actively involved by sending e-mails and letters to our senators and representatives whether at the state level or national level.  Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord! Can you make a difference?  I believe that you can!  The Bible promises us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  It’s our responsibility as Christians. Please remember this on Memorial Day, 2010. 

October 18, 2009

My Words: A Reflection of My Heart

I have a pet peeve which isn’t surprising to all who really know me—I have several.  The one that bothers me the most is swear words, curse words, bad language, and filthy words. Call it whatever you want, it bothers me.  I’m not pious over this type of behavior. Curse words are not beyond my behaviors.  I can let them fly that’s for sure but I feel badly when I do.  I always try to ask for forgiveness right away.  I know that when I was living a sinful life I thought that language added “salt” to what I said.  Those words made me look worldly, mature, and tough! Now that I’m much older and much wiser and with a heart for Jesus those words sting when I hear them.  I think they sound harsh and depending on what’s going on at the time, they sound violent.

I was attending a seminar just recently.  A beautiful woman in her late forties was speaking about her life. She “peppered” her speech with words that I felt were offensive.  I lost the focus of what she had accomplished, the things that she had been through, and the injustices that she had suffered because of her language. She overcame a lifetime of problems but it was all lost to me.  It was a good lesson for me.  Watch my adjectives!

I have worked in the restaurant business for many years.  I was amazed at the old folks who came in for service.  Many used swear words as freely as they breathed air.  When I worked in a nursing home, I was shocked at the elderly who were at death’s door but used swear words almost every other word they spoke.  They were often bitter, hateful people who had many few people visiting them.  I wondered if there was a direct correlation to their words, attitude, and people who were left in their lives.

When I was the principal of a charter school and the “scholars” were referred to me because of their bad language, I would often ask them if their mother taught them to talk like that.  Did their dad teach them that language?  I remember one young man’s answer when I asked him if his grandma had taught him that kind of language.  He thought for a moment and then answered, “Well, yes!”

After using those kinds of words during my rebellious twenties and my non-conforming thirties, I decided that those kinds of words make the initiator look very uneducated.   Don’t get me wrong.  I still struggle with those words.  I find that the more I’m around others who talk like that the more those words remain on the surface of my thinking.  They’ll slip out if I’m not especially careful about what I’m going to say.  I don’t want to be caught up in that language anymore.  It’s old behavior for me and it is something that I struggle to overcome.  Most importantly, I understand that the words that are coming out of my mouth are a direct reflection of what’s going on in my heart. When I’m not spending time in prayer, when I’m not fellowshipping with other believers, when I don’t meditate on the Word, I gravitate toward the world.

Word abusers, who get caught up in using four-lettered words, are limiting their vocabulary.  My mom told me that every word that we speak is bottled up and we will give an account of those words when we stand at judgment!  Ugh! I pity everyone standing in line behind me because it’s going to take a while when it’s my turn! I don’t know if that’s scriptural or not but I want to be judged on my encouraging words; words that I used to lift up people.  Seriously, the Bible tells us in Psalm 19:14 (NIV) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Most of us “practice” at using swear words when we first start that kind of language.  We think if we add that word here or put this word in there it will give us some authority, some respect, like we’re in control.  I believe that the things that we put into our minds can get bolded just like the “bold” key we use on the computer.  When we bold stamp those words on our brain they remain there.  I know!  I have to apologize for my language.  I ask God to help me before I speak.  I ask for forgiveness when I slip.  Most importantly, I know when I memorize scripture, when I increase my vocabulary by learning new words that are good words, when I practice thinking before I speak; I do a much better job at speaking.  That woman I told you about earlier could just have easily been me.  I don’t want to be remembered for my filthy mouth.  I want to be remembered for being positive, educated, and eloquent when I speak.  I want to reflect Jesus Christ through my language.  Proverbs 8:8 “All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.” And one last thing my grandmother taught me, “Keep your words soft and sweet, because you never know when you’ll have to eat them!” God bless you!

Devotions, June 3, 2009

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Being Blessed and the 10 Commandments

God is like other parents.  He wants to do good things for His children.  God’s love towards his children isn’t earned; you can’t work hard and get God to love you—He loves you anyway.  You can try to be the best you can be and fail at it—He loves you anyway.  He desires that we love Him because He is God or Abba Father.  (Abba Father is only used 3 times in the Bible.  It is a Hebrew term which doesn’t translate well into English.  The closest translations mean expressing “warm affection and confidence”. 

In His love for us, God set down rules that we need to follow.  What parent doesn’t give their children rules that need to be followed?  Those rules for God’s children are the 10 commandments.  Interestingly, when we follow those 10 commandments, we are blessed by Abba Father.  God has a plan for our lives.  We can live outside the rules and will most certainly suffer consequences.  We can live inside the rules and be blessed.  God doesn’t promise that we won’t have troubles or trials but he will bless us.

We can live our lives within the boundaries of God or under that “umbrella of blessings” and invite those blessings from Abba Father.  We have a will and God allows us to follow that will.  He doesn’t make us do anything.  He wants us to love Him and worship Him, and obey His commandments because we want to. 

Compare living by honoring God to how you lived as an adolescent.  We knew when were “good” our parents would be different toward us.  If we weren’t good, there was friction or disapproval and you could just feel it in the air.  Remember how your mom would call you by your name.  If she used your first name, you probably weren’t in trouble.  But if she used your first name and middle name, you knew something was up.  If she used your whole given name, your heart might sink to your toes because you knew you had done something.  Most of you knew exactly what to do to stay in or get back in the good graces of your parents. 

God whose love is perfect, loves His kids but in perfection.  We can’t understand this kind of perfect love.  As the perfect parent, He wants to bless His children.  Blessings follow obedience.  When we obey God, we’re saying that we trust Him and agree that He has the best plan for our lives.  When we disobey Him, we are saying that we disagree with His plan and that we don’t need Him.  We want to take control of our own lives.  When we live in obedience we open up those parental possibilities of being blessed.   

The “rules” to follow for God’s blessings are simple.  The 10 Commandments were given years ago.  When you get those 10 RULES in your mind and learn to live them, you are going to be blessed by Abba Father. 

In Exodus 20, we can read the Ten Commandments (paraphrased):

1.     You shall have no other gods before Me.

2.     You shall not make for yourself a cared image…

3.     You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4.     Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5.     Honor your father and your mother…      

6.     You shall not murder.

7.     You shall not commit adultery.

8.     You shall not steal.

9.     You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10.                        You shall not covet…

Lots of people I talk to think that it’s too hard to follow the 10 Commandments.  But I want you to really think about how hard this is to do.  There are some of these things that many of you will not do today—or any other day for that matter. 

Are any of you going to commit murder today?  Are any of you planning on committing adultery today?  Since it’s not Sunday today, you don’t really have to worry about keeping it holy today although every day should pay honor to the Father.  Are any of you planning on lying about your neighbor today?  Are any of you of planning on stealing today? 

Personally, I think the first commandments are the hardest ones to keep.  Take the first one.  You might think that’s an easy one to follow.  You shall have no other gods before Me.  When you first think about it, you might think there’s no way you’re going to break that one.  BUT…what do you pay honor too?  What takes up space in your brain?  What is it that you devote your time too?  Sports, food, electronic games, television and this list could go on and on. 

That first commandment falls into line with the 2^nd one:  You shall not make for yourself a carved image.  When you think that there are only 10 commandments and God has made a special effort to emphasize not having any god above him or making other gods, you might want to take special note that He means business about that!

I heard a man speaking on the 10 commandments and he said that the first commandment was for God.  If we followed that one, we wouldn’t need the other 9.  God was just giving us more detail on what the rules were because we’re human and need to have it explained!  Think about that!  If we choose to live without any other gods before us, would we covet; would we commit adultery, would we murder, we would honor our father and mothers.  That’s amazing!

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is “to love your neighbor as yourself”.  I believe that this love commandment goes with 1 and 2:  if we have no other gods before God we’re in right relationship with the Father and we will love our neighbor.

As with everything that God does, He has a plan for our lives.  He wants to bless us.  When we love Him because He first loved us; when we learn to live within the boundaries of His rules, blessings are assured. 

December 12, 2008

Ambassador’s Praise and Worship

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Seek Him!  Seek Who?  Seek Him!

v Are you curious about God? 

v Do you feel that something is missing in your life?

v Do you feel that everything is okay and you just want to be you?

v Have you asked yourself who God is?

v Have you wondered who you are in Christ?

v What is your purpose?

v Are you where you should be spiritually?

v Can you grow?  Do you want to grow?

v Do you feel your life would be better if you were closer to God?

v Are you depressed?

v Are you truly satisfied?

v Do you have peace?

v Do you have joy?

I hope that you find at least one of those questions thought provoking.  I’ve been praying for guidance to help employees with character building qualities that are pleasing to God.  The only way to please God is to seek Him!   We get so caught up in what we should get done that we don’t take time to do the one thing that will help us get everything done and that’s seeking God!

In Galatians 5, Paul is writing about being free in Jesus Christ and not being bound by slavery.  While we don’t experience slavery in our small world, we do become slaves to many “things”:  food, sex, shopping, drugs, alcohol, television and the list goes on.   Paul cites being bound by a yoke of slavery.  When we seek God, we desire to throw off those yokes of bondage and to be free.  Repentance is moving away from sin.

Paul says in verse 16 that we must live by the Spirit and then we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  I believe that when we truly seek the face of the Father we want to move away from sin.

Have you ever played with your children when they walk up behind you and you refuse to look at them?  You can turn your head and move all around.  They take their little hands and will literally grab your face to turn it towards their face.  They are seeking the face of their “father.”  They sense that importance of getting that connection with the facial expressions; the eyes, the mouth, or the “look at me”.  They want to be able to have their parent look directly at them.  There’s a connection going on; a physical connection and an emotional connection.

When we want to see the face of our Heavenly Father, we do much the same as our children.  Many of us wait to seek His face when we have trouble, when we’re depressed, or when it’s on our time.  Our heavenly Father wants us to seek Him.  As we seek Him, we make that connection with His face much like that of our children.

Our faith increases.  We think more on good things.  We’re not as easily distracted by evil.  When trouble comes we don’t have to be ashamed of going to the throne to ask for help.  Many of us wait so long to approach the Father that we are shy, ashamed, and even guilty because we haven’t made an appearance.  We haven’t sought His face!  As we seek His face, we learn that “Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.”  (Good and evil can’t inhabit the same dwelling place.  God is good.)

Truly seeking God’s face takes determination, diligence, a desire for that physical and emotional connection.  It’s not difficult to seek God’s face.  As we accept Christ as our Savior and have that seed of faith spring forth in us, growing spiritually becomes important.  It’s a hunger planted in us.   IF YOU DON’T FEEL IT, PRAY FOR IT!  THEN EXPECT IT! 

Paul tells the Corinthians in 3:2 that he “gave them milk, not solid food, for they weren’t ready for it.”   We can’t get to the SOLID FOOD until we’ve made it past the milk.   In Hebrews 5:12 the writer says that someone “needs to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.”  He tells them they need milk, not solid food!  In Hebrews 5:13, he goes on to say that “anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”  Seek Him!  In I Peter 2:2, “like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”  Seek Him!  Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to communicate with God through prayer and meditation.  Seek Him!  SEEK that hierarchy of spiritual freedom.

When we seek Him in truth, determination, honestly wanting to know God, we don’t want to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  The acts of the sinful nature are obvious according to Galatians 5:19:  

 sexual immorality,

 impurity and debauchery,

 idolatry and witchcraft,

 hatred,

 discord,

 jealousy,

 fits of rage,

 selfish ambition,

 dissensions,

 factions and envy,

 drunkenness, orgies—those who live like this will not make it to heaven.

But ultimately, when we seek His face, we seek that spiritual freendom in Him, we spend time with the father, we can’t help but repeat the fruits of “hanging with His spirit: 

v LOVE,

v JOY,

v PEACE,

v PATIENCE,

v KINDNESS,

v GOODNESS,

v FAITHFULNESS,

v GENTLENESS and

v SELF-CONTROL.

 Seeking Him is living by the spirit.  Living by the spirit gives us that voice of “watch out,” “danger” “go back” “turn around” and “come closer” “seek my face”.

Are you seeking Him?