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Net Worth

11/6/2022

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44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46

Looking at these parables in a new way, we are the pearl God finds. He gave everything to have us as His. God says we are priceless. 


"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

You are worth the life of Christ!

"Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life." Isaiah 43:4

God cares, God loves, God treasures you.

"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

"2 for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2

We cannot be reproduced. From the very beginning we were treasured by God.

"So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

Unworthy does not equal worthless.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.​" Romans 5:8

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Assets=eternal life  Liabilities=paid in full by Christ. Only Contribution from us is acceptance and belief.

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12

Living a Priceless Life: How do we honor this life?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25

The Pearl of Great Value

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24

Complete the task God has given you. 

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8

Therefore -- Live!

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

We live how God wants us to live.

"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

"you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20
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Serpents and Doves

7/31/2022

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​
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Wolves are intentionally hostile to sheep. They do not hide their hostility. They do not disguise it. They are predators. They do not care for the welfare of the sheep -- in fact they disdain it. The world can be a hostile place -- full of wolves.

Serpents -- 
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made." Genesis 3:1a

If a snake doesn't want to be seen, it won't be seen. If necessary a snake will fight, but usually it just leaves when there is a threat.

Doves --
"and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”[b]" Luke 3:22

The example of Christ:
"a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;" Mathew 12:20

Jesus as a dove is easy to picture.

"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 14:14

32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Matthew 15:32

You gotta be gentle in speaking about Jesus. Gentleness is strength when used correctly (not by being a doormat). 

Innocence of Christ
46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:46-47

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him." John 18:37-38

The wolves were always after Jesus.

​
 'The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.'
Mark 8:11

"And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Mark 10:2

"And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk." Mark 12:13

At first he tried to share the word with the Pharisees, but they refused to listen.

Jesus's response to the wolves?  Wisdom. 

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Matthew 13:10-13

How were the disciples sent?
"And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. " Mathew 10:1

Jesus gave them power to do what He does. He gave the opportunity to minister. His power is a threat to the world. We are not to go out as conqueroring warriors.

7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’[c] 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,[d] cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics[e] or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town." Matthew 10:7-14

The wise part = if they don't receive you, just leave. Walk away. Do it Jesus's way. Use Discernment. There are places where no one will listen. Just leave then.  Be blameless.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain." Philippians 2:14-16

Why do stars shine? Because they're in the darkness. Gotta be different than the darkness to shine, to be seen.

2 Do not be conformed to this world,[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[b]" Romans 12:2

Let your love abound.

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11
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Jehova Tsaba -- Warrior

6/12/2022

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"David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45

One of God's names is Jehova Tsaba -- the Warrior God. Jesus is also the Warrior God! Always has been. And will come back this way.

 "Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:
“I will sing to the Lord,
    for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver
    he has hurled into the sea.
2 “The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3 The Lord is a warrior;
    the Lord is his name." Exodus 15:1-3

(This is the first published poet by a woman)

Here God saves His people. They are not warriors. They've been slaves for hundreds of years. That's all they know. He is showing them Himself as a Warrior, a Fighter on their behalf.

"David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45

Here God's name is Jehova Sabaoth which means Lord of Hosts or Lord of the Angel Armies.

Lord Almighty = Warrior God.

"This is what the Lord says,
he who appoints the sun
    to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars
    to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea
    so that its waves roar--
    the Lord Almighty is his name:" Jeremiah 31:35

God is a God of Power.

"Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in." Psalm 24:7-9 

The War Continues today

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13

We're serving the Warrior God. If you have a commander you respect you will do anything for Him. 

Jesus does not smell like hand lotion! We need to remember who He really is -- a Warrior. He is not wimpy. Not a doormat. He is mighty\ 

"36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'" John 18:36-37

He speaks with authority. He always speaks with authority. He never backs down. He is the Lion of Judah:

"5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'" Revelation 5:5

Jesus will come back as a conqueroring Warrior.

A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass." Proverbs 19:12

He voluntarily became the Lamb. He surrendered His power to save us. He was still the Son of God.

The Return of the King!

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." Revelation 19:11-14

Jesus challenged Leaders.

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30

 "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Matthew 12:34

Jesus the Conqueror

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." Revelation 1:17-18

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

We are also conquerors through Jesus. 

Are we followers of the Warrior King?

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

What did Moses, Joshua and David do? They listened to God. They spoke to God. They did what He asked them to do. And they called on Him when they were in trouble.

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47
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Weeds

4/10/2022

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Gardening catalogues show the fruit and flowers and vegetables at their ideal state -- vibrant and colorful. Weeding is vital to successful gardening. When God created the Garden of Eden there were no weeds. We because of sin brought weeds and everything else evil into this world. 

"Then God said, “Let the land produce plants. Let them produce their own seeds. And let there be trees on the land that grow fruit with seeds in it. Let each kind of plant or tree have its own kind of seeds.” And that’s exactly what happened. 12 So the land produced plants. Each kind of plant had its own kind of seeds. And the land produced trees that grew fruit with seeds in it. Each kind of tree had its own kind of seeds. God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:11-12

 "Jesus also said, “Here is what God’s kingdom is like. A farmer scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day the seed comes up and grows. It happens whether the farmer sleeps or gets up. He doesn’t know how it happens. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk comes up. Then the head appears. Finally, the full grain appears in the head. 29 Before long the grain ripens. So the farmer cuts it down, because the harvest is ready.'" Mark 4:26-29

God is the gardener.
We plant. God grows it. This year will be tough -- up front costs will be high. 

"Jesus told the crowd another story. “Here is what the kingdom of heaven is like,” he said. “A man planted good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came. The enemy planted weeds among the wheat and then went away. 26 The wheat began to grow and form grain. At the same time, weeds appeared. 27 “The owner’s slaves came to him. They said, ‘Sir, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ 28 “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The slaves asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ 29 “ ‘No,’ the owner answered. ‘While you are pulling up the weeds, you might pull up the wheat with them." Matthew 13:24-29

"Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him. They said, “Explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who planted the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world. The good seed stands for the people who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. 39 The enemy who plants them is the devil. The harvest is judgment day. And the workers are angels." Matthew 13:36-39
There are two kinds of people on this earth -- people who belong to God and people who belong to Satan. 

The Harvest
“The weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire. That is how it will be on judgment day. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin. They will also get rid of all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace. There people will weep and grind their teeth. 43 Then God’s people will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Whoever has ears should listen." Matthew 13:40-43

This is a warning. Jesus was talking to His disciples -- to Believers. 

Why wait?

"First, I want you to pray for all people. Ask God to help and bless them. Give thanks for them. 2 Pray for kings. Pray for everyone who is in authority. Pray that we can live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior. 4 He wants all people to be saved. He wants them to come to know the truth. 5 There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave himself to pay for the sins of all people. We have been told this message at just the right time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6

God doesn't want to lose anybody. He's giving us time to bring people to Him. He's giving people time to repent. 

"But now God has shown us his saving power without the help of the law. But the Law and the Prophets tell us about this. 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived." Romans 3:21-25

We are all naturally weeds. Only through Christ can we become fruit-bearing plants. 

Death and Salvation

"When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done." Romans 6:23

"You can’t be saved by believing in anyone else. God has given people no other name under heaven that will save them.'" Acts 4:12

Your challenge:
1, Abide in the Vine (John 15)

2. Expect to be pruned.

3. Bear Fruit. 

4. Ask yourself - are you listening to God or Satan and the wiorld? 

Don't be afraid of the weeds.

"You will call out to me for help.
    And I will answer you.
You will cry out.
    And I will say, ‘Here I am.’
“Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down.
    Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong.
    Stop saying harmful things about them.
10 Work hard to feed hungry people.
    Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed.
Then my blessing will light up your darkness.
    And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun.
11 I will always guide you.
    I will satisfy your needs in a land baked by the sun.
    I will make you stronger.
You will be like a garden that has plenty of water.
    You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry." Isaiah 58:9-11

These verses are the perfect blueprint of how we need to live:
1. Call for help.
2. Do away with oppression
3. Don't point fingers at others and don't commit slander.
4. Take care of others.
5. Then our lights will shine.
6. The Lord will guide us always.

God is telling us something. God wants us to bear fruit. Bear enough to give it away. 

Challenge: Get into the Word and see what God has to say to you.

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What are you worth?

1/23/2022

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"And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands." Deuteronomy 26:18

The world likes to tell you you aren't good enough, but we don't get our value from the world. We get it from God. God says we are because He loves us. 

Plenty of people felt unworthy in the BIble:

Moses:
"12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[a] will worship God on this mountain.”13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘ What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”" Exodus 3:12-13

Jeremiah:
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 1:6-8

It's easy to look from the world's point of view -- we always hear the "not good enough" message.

Our worth is not set by the world but by God

"And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands." Deuteronomy 26:18

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

You are Chosen by God!

"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6

God loved us first. Don't take this light. You are chosen. You are chosen.

"4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6

Before the beginning of time He knew I was going to mess up and sin and do wrong things and there would be no way I could be with Him. That wasn't acceptable to God!

Nothing can separate us from God.

"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Nothing and no one conquers God! God is The Conqueror of all!

It's hard to accept love sometimes because we think we don't deserve it. Love isn't about deserving love. That is called work/employment. Love is about love.

Know the Source

"17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," Ephesians 1:17-18

"31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Children of God

Every person is a creation of God and every person is loved by God. But we aren't children of God until we believe in Jesus.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:1-2

 "12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13

Our Father

"32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

"15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”" Romans 8:15

Live as Children of God
Stop doubting yourself. Go to God for strength. Live in the environment of heaven within.

"16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17

The world doesn't know God. The world can't understand God.

Live like a child.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

The world needs peacemakers. The world needs us to be peacemakers. The entire world is yelling and no one is listening. God doesn't want this. Be a peacemaker.

Family resemblance. We should look like Jesus.

"1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Respond to people as Jesus did/does.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:35

We are not meant to be misers -- be lavish in your love toward others.

The prayer and desire of Jesus for you and me:
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-- 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

The world needs to see Jesus through His people. The world needs the light of Jesus in us.
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1/16/2022

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"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-5

Labels that society and we put on each other divide us and are not what Jesus does. We are to see people not dismiss them. Simon only saw what this woman was known for -- labeled her as a sinful woman -- didn't actually see her as a person created and loved by God.

Simon didn't show Jesus common courtesy. The woman went above and beyond common courtesy. She showed him love. 

Don't follow society's practice of using labels. It is comfortable placing people in categories. Then you can predict what they will do (not really, but that is what we think). We only then see categories, impersonal groups we love or hate.

Examples of Label Using in the BIble:

John 4 -- The Samaritan Woman
John 8 -- The woman caught in adultery -- seen only as an adulterous
Acts 4:13 -- Uneducated, common people "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

Don't be a Label Maker/Caller

 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2

And don't limit yourself with labels either. 

Here are 3 labels you have that you can and should embrace:

#1 I am forgiven. 

#2 I am capable (I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13)

#3 I am dearly loved. (Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

#4 I am a child of God. ( 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13)

Live in Humility. We are not meant to be part of the labeling trend.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43::1b

We need to be unifiers.
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The New Year

1/2/2022

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"1 Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither--
    whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

Instead of making New Year's Resolutions this year, we ought to seek new revelations from Jesus Christ. Revelations about Him.

Looking back at 2021 we should remember what God did for us this past year:
-- Answered prayers
-- healings
-- direction
-- Promises kept
-- Restoration and renewal
-- Food, clothing, jobs, children, shelter, life

Let's seek New Year's Revelations!
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it." John 1:1-5

We can start at the beginning as in the above verses. Start with Jesus!

First
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

Start with seeking God and His kingdom.

'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' Jeremiah 29:13

"Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call on him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6

Stand Firm

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Give yourself fully to seeking Jesus. Thinking of living for the Lord as your profession, your job. We do everything for our jobs. We always show up. We set the alarm. We work around our job. We make sacrifices -- why not do all this and more for your relationship with Jesus Christ?

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

We must know the Word to be able to handle it correctly. Get into your word. Write it down. That may help you remember it.

Stay the Course

 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7

Keep your eyes on the finish line.

Everyone looks good at the beginning of a race. You gotta know where the finish line is to run well. 

"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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is the finish line.

"Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

​
'Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]' Proverbs 3:3-6

 New Indeed!
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”" Lamentations 3:22-24

Take what God gives

Are you going to invest in your plans or His plans?


"11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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A Glimpse of Heaven

11/28/2021

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If you intend to go on vacation you do a lot of planning: what you will wear; the weather; buy tickets; talk about your vacation enthusiastically very likely; look forward to it daily until you go. We need to do this with our eternal destination -- heaven!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

They are two separate places.

"Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16

We all long for heaven. This is our true home.

God gave us a travel brochure -- the Word of God.

"22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." Revelation 21:22-27

​ "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him." Revelation 22:1-3

How to set your travel plans:

"25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”" John 11:25-26

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.' Romans 10:9-10

Gotta have your ticket -- Jesus Christ.

Longing for Heaven

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2

The Way Home

​6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

It will be al set up for you -- your home in heaven. You have to go through the Door.

Living Today for Heaven

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33-34

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4

We need to act now as the people we are:

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3;20-21
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Individualism

11/21/2021

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

The American love for being a rugged individual, a person who "pulls himself up by his bootstraps" or thinking a person is a "self-made man (or woman)" is not Biblical. We are not on our own. A self-made person is impossible.....

Folly of thinking we can do it all ourselves

"Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe." Proverbs 28:26

"There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

We can lead ourselves astray (and others) when we go on ourselves without God's guidance.

It is Either/Or. Either God or the World. 100%

"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 2:14

Even if we are Believers we can dampen the Spirit's voice. We can ignore His voice. We can even shut Him up when we refuse to follow His leading. This is a very dangerous thing to do.

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." Romans 8:5-7

What God says is always the right thing to do.

Where do We Start?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools[a] despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

This is just the beginning. We have to be learning the Word. Grow or die.

"Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" Matthew 4:4

Carry On, Forward

"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:17-18

Grow in grace -- this is the next step. You're either growing or you're dead. You gotta study the Word.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Either conform to the World or be transformed by God's word. Will you conform or be transformed?

We are not called to be combating people! People are not the enemy. Refuse to do this. Refuse to take sides. This kind of behavior is conforming to the world's ways. Grow in the Word; distance ourselves from the world. Without knowledge your faith might wobble. 

Remember

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Let God drive or let the world drive. Lean on the Spirit -- now more than ever.

'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Everyone who follows their own wisdom thinks they are right. The world is speeding up in downhill descent.

Follow God or Follow the World

Where we are:

 "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25

Absolute Truths -- Hold On
 "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

He wants  you. He is the Door. He is giving you another option -- you don't have to choose to go to hell. Choose Him.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." romans 8:28

In the end the Believers will be standing.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13

​Have compassion not anger toward those who don't follow Jesus. You gotta get into the Fight with the Sword.

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One on One

11/7/2021

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Relationships are all that matter -- one on one.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

One on One with Jesus

He didn't need us but we need Him.

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

You can't do this collectively. You have to meet Jesus yourself and have a relationship with Him.

Are you looking to get to know Jesus better than you do?

"3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:3

If you know Jesus, you know the Father.

"6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6

"15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

Read the Word, listen and let the Spirit guide you.

One on One with Christian brothers and sisters
We need to get involved and engaged with each other.

"11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

"A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Proverbs 17:17

"Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

There will be suffering. The world will overcome us if we don't have Jesus. With Jesus we can overcome the world. 

One on One with the Lost

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

Look at Jesus's example with: Zacchaeus, the paralytic, the woman at the well and Peter.

And Jesus physically touched people when he didn't have to: Peter's mother, the lepers, the blind -- The untouchables were touched by Jesus.
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

Follow the steps of Jesus
"21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

Do life as Jesus does. If you have received, give. If you received give it. How much did Jesus give for me? Sacrifice yourself for others always. Be last.

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:1-4
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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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