This is the season that we are suppose to be recognizing and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, by all accounts, many gift givers haven't considered putting Jesus on their list.
Matthew 2:10-11
God inspired this tradition of gift giving when He directed and guided the wise men to the location of Jesus as a young child. The birth of Jesus represents a change in the ages. The measurement of time in our culture is separated into BC and AD. BC means Before Christ, and AD means after His Death and Resurrection. Jesus lived upon the earth in flesh, a mere 33 years, but in that time, He changed all of life for an eternity.
The first Christmas "presents" really were birthday "presents". God provided for Jesus, by sending these wise men with valuable gifts that Joseph and Mary could use to provide for their family. The wise men brought Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. They did not bring toys and gifts of pleasure and indulgence. God knew that He would be directing Joseph and Mary to take the young Jesus into Egypt for His protection, a journey that would require some resources .
Modern day Christians and the world have turned Christmas into a time to exchange gifts of pleasure and indulgence with each other. It is way past time that we reconsider our ways when it comes to Christmas. It' s Not Our Birthday! Maybe it's time that we put the Christ back into Christmas, and begin to sacrifice our traditions and desires for the cause of Jesus Christ. Maybe it's time for us to put Jesus at the top of the list, and better yet the only one on the list.
Let's come to church to worship Jesus, and bring all the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the church that it might be used in the service and missions of the church. Christmas needs to be a time of sacrificial giving by the body of Christ, to the body of Christ for the work of our Father. Well maybe not literally, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, but the modern day equivalents. These items were the currency of the day used in trade. We would all be better off if we sacrificed the money we spend on the many gifts given and put that into our offering we present to the Lord. It is His Birthday, and after all, maybe we need to bring him the presents.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
What is it that you want?
John 1:29-42
John baptized and taught his disciples about the coming of the Messiah (the Christ). He exalted the one who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. When John saw Jesus coming, he exclaimed "Behold the Lamb of God". It was Jesus, just as God had revealed to John, Christ would be the one upon whom the Spirit rested. God revealed himself to John. John witnessed to a truth he had never seen, but believed by faith. How truly, excited and joyful John must have been at the sight of Jesus. After proclaiming throughout the land, that Jesus is Coming, now was the time, and today was the day.
On the next day John was with two of his disciples, one being Andrew, and Jesus appeared, and again John exclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God", then these two disciples turn and begin to follow Jesus as He walks on His way. They begin to follow Jesus without saying a word, He turns to them and asks, "What is it that you want?", in other words, why are you following me.
What is it that you really want? Why was it that you began to follow Jesus? Have you continued in the way or have you fallen away? These men had been disciples of John, as they were called, but truly they were being trained to be disciples of Christ. They followed John, until the time that John had prepared them for, and without doubt or question, when John testified that Jesus is the one, they turned and followed Jesus. As Pastors, Ministers and Teachers we are just like John, our goal is not to get people to follow us, but to follow Jesus. Our mission is to reveal the Glory of God, so that a sin sick generation can be led to the Light and become witnesses of that Light.
All these men desired was to see and be touched by the Light, to sit and be ministered to by His Word. Is your "primary" desire to hear and learn of Jesus or is there some "hidden agenda" in your heart? These men met with Jesus, then went to tell of their experience, that they had found just what they had been looking for "the Messiah" the one called Jesus "the Christ", the World's Only Savior!
If you've found Jesus, then go and tell your brother. If you're still looking, Come let me tell you about Jesus who died, and then was raised from the dead by God...
J.W.O.S.
Spread The Word
John baptized and taught his disciples about the coming of the Messiah (the Christ). He exalted the one who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. When John saw Jesus coming, he exclaimed "Behold the Lamb of God". It was Jesus, just as God had revealed to John, Christ would be the one upon whom the Spirit rested. God revealed himself to John. John witnessed to a truth he had never seen, but believed by faith. How truly, excited and joyful John must have been at the sight of Jesus. After proclaiming throughout the land, that Jesus is Coming, now was the time, and today was the day.
On the next day John was with two of his disciples, one being Andrew, and Jesus appeared, and again John exclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God", then these two disciples turn and begin to follow Jesus as He walks on His way. They begin to follow Jesus without saying a word, He turns to them and asks, "What is it that you want?", in other words, why are you following me.
What is it that you really want? Why was it that you began to follow Jesus? Have you continued in the way or have you fallen away? These men had been disciples of John, as they were called, but truly they were being trained to be disciples of Christ. They followed John, until the time that John had prepared them for, and without doubt or question, when John testified that Jesus is the one, they turned and followed Jesus. As Pastors, Ministers and Teachers we are just like John, our goal is not to get people to follow us, but to follow Jesus. Our mission is to reveal the Glory of God, so that a sin sick generation can be led to the Light and become witnesses of that Light.
All these men desired was to see and be touched by the Light, to sit and be ministered to by His Word. Is your "primary" desire to hear and learn of Jesus or is there some "hidden agenda" in your heart? These men met with Jesus, then went to tell of their experience, that they had found just what they had been looking for "the Messiah" the one called Jesus "the Christ", the World's Only Savior!
If you've found Jesus, then go and tell your brother. If you're still looking, Come let me tell you about Jesus who died, and then was raised from the dead by God...
J.W.O.S.
Spread The Word
Saturday, October 01, 2011
You must not know about me?
John 17:20-26
In the 17th Chapter of John, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers. In verse 25, Jesus declares that the "world" does not know God, then He commits to revealing the glory of God to this and all generations to come. Jesus makes it clear that believers are known by their testimony(verse 20). The world does not know God because it does not testify of Him, these worldly ways are self indulgent. A world that "knows" God would be self sacrificing, humble, and loving.
This world is selfish and egocentric. In 2006, Beyonce Knowles released the Album "B Day" with a song named "Irreplaceable", a pop hit that characterizes a popular current world view. We live in a world that is disposable and replaceable. Most things are easily discarded. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, a real problematic attitude is revealed. In this song, Beyonce declares that she "could have another you in a minute", and it's true. When all you want is trash, you can find it anywhere. I ask , after dealing with a low-down, 2 timing partner, why should you want to settle for another one? But this is the message that the "world" is teaching. A throw-away world that simply tries something else, not something different. Insanity has often been defined as trying the same thing over and over, in the same way, and expecting different results.
Jesus is irreplaceable. There is only one. Jesus is the World's Only Savior. It's time to try something the world won't tell you about. The witness of all believers, must testify of the love of God through Christ our Savior. Real love is discovered through faith and Christian values. Don't replace one bad relationship for another. When you clean house, and take the trash out, don't bring in someone else's trash. Starting over means starting with Christ. When you realize that you're in a bad relationship, get into a great relationship with Christ. Let Christ replace the "Love" in your life.
I'm certainly not suggesting that men or women who are in church, make better partners. There are plenty of wolves in sheep clothing. Jesus establishes the perfect test for all potential relationship partners. What is their testimony? Believers have a testimony of Christ that is indisputable. Their testimony reflects the light of Christ, the sanctified life and ways of Christ. Real believers, act like it. They won't be perfect, but they will be headed in the right direction under the proper leadership. Don't choose to live your life without Christ, nor "bind" it with a "non-believer". If you say "I believe", act like it. If you know Christ, then tell someone! The mission of Christ is to spread the love of God to the world through the testimony of believers and the power of the Holy Spirit.
My sincere desire is to know Christ. Phil 3:1-11
How Well Do You Know God?
Take this test to find out quick.
www.GodTest.com
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
In the 17th Chapter of John, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers. In verse 25, Jesus declares that the "world" does not know God, then He commits to revealing the glory of God to this and all generations to come. Jesus makes it clear that believers are known by their testimony(verse 20). The world does not know God because it does not testify of Him, these worldly ways are self indulgent. A world that "knows" God would be self sacrificing, humble, and loving.
This world is selfish and egocentric. In 2006, Beyonce Knowles released the Album "B Day" with a song named "Irreplaceable", a pop hit that characterizes a popular current world view. We live in a world that is disposable and replaceable. Most things are easily discarded. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, a real problematic attitude is revealed. In this song, Beyonce declares that she "could have another you in a minute", and it's true. When all you want is trash, you can find it anywhere. I ask , after dealing with a low-down, 2 timing partner, why should you want to settle for another one? But this is the message that the "world" is teaching. A throw-away world that simply tries something else, not something different. Insanity has often been defined as trying the same thing over and over, in the same way, and expecting different results.
Jesus is irreplaceable. There is only one. Jesus is the World's Only Savior. It's time to try something the world won't tell you about. The witness of all believers, must testify of the love of God through Christ our Savior. Real love is discovered through faith and Christian values. Don't replace one bad relationship for another. When you clean house, and take the trash out, don't bring in someone else's trash. Starting over means starting with Christ. When you realize that you're in a bad relationship, get into a great relationship with Christ. Let Christ replace the "Love" in your life.
I'm certainly not suggesting that men or women who are in church, make better partners. There are plenty of wolves in sheep clothing. Jesus establishes the perfect test for all potential relationship partners. What is their testimony? Believers have a testimony of Christ that is indisputable. Their testimony reflects the light of Christ, the sanctified life and ways of Christ. Real believers, act like it. They won't be perfect, but they will be headed in the right direction under the proper leadership. Don't choose to live your life without Christ, nor "bind" it with a "non-believer". If you say "I believe", act like it. If you know Christ, then tell someone! The mission of Christ is to spread the love of God to the world through the testimony of believers and the power of the Holy Spirit.
My sincere desire is to know Christ. Phil 3:1-11
How Well Do You Know God?
Take this test to find out quick.
www.GodTest.com
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Wow, It Sure Sounded Real Good to Me
At the time, it really sounded good, but it just didn't work out that way for me.
Proverbs 14: 11-13
Proverbs 16: 24-26
Why do we as Christians struggle daily with sin? Every day Christians fight with the sinful nature to lie, cheat, steal and engage in all manner of sexual immorality. Haven’t you ever had the urge to… (I’ll let you finish the sentence). The voices in your head keep telling you, that “it will be alright just this one time.” Your desire takes over, you lose all your self control, and now you’re in deep trouble. What happened?
Unfortunately, when we get saved we are not totally delivered. Salvation is a process. It begins with justification. We are justified by Christ when we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our life. Justification restores our standing with God. Jesus cleanses us from the penalty of sin, so that, we may stand righteously before the throne of God.
Jesus then begins the work of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification frees us from the power of sin in our life. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and our Teacher. The Holy Spirit works within us, to teach, train and eliminate the power of sin in our lives. The Holy Spirit can and will remove sin from our lives, if we yield to His power and presence. We accept Christ once, but we must yield control of our lives daily to the Holy Spirit.
What may seem right to our carnal mind is usually contradictory to the ways of God. If you accept Jesus as Lord, then you must obey his commandments. In order to obey the commands, you must first read the orders. These orders and commands are found in the Bible. Reading and Studying the Bible is the best offence to the attacks of the sinful nature. The Bible teaches us that we must hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.
Studying God’s Word prepares us to answer the sinful nature, with the ways of God, rather than the ways of man. Our ways will seem right to us because they satisfy our natural desires and the lusts of our flesh. God’s Word keeps us focused upon those things that are right and pure. Sin will always flee from the presence of God. Sin cannot stand in His Light. Whenever you shine the Light of God upon sin it will flee from you. Don’t believe me, try God for yourself.
When we try to satisfy our own desires, we will always get ourselves into trouble. Self indulgence is the “landmark sign” of the ways of man. The Bible teaches us that we must first seek the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and then all of these other desires of the hearts shall be added unto you. There are 2 important principles to always remember, number 1,”Only Seek God and His Righteousness”. The scripture doesn’t say to seek God, and then seek the desires of your heart. Number 2, Your Blessing is Given to You by God. The satisfaction of your desire is given to you by God, in response to your obedience to his commandments.
If you seek to satisfy your own desires, rather than to “wait upon the Lord”, then what you called a blessing will become a curse. It may look like a blessing, it may sound good, but if God didn’t give it to you, then you might want to let it go. I can’t tell you how you know the difference. But just like being “in love”, no one can tell you, you just know. You know when it’s from God, or when you worked it out on your own, and you were just trying to give God the credit. We dishonor God when we try to put our mess off on Him, in order to cover up our disobedience.
If you truly love Jesus, then obey his commands. Pray continually, read and study God’s word. Yield to the Holy Spirit in your daily living by praising and honoring God through your daily walk. The struggles with temptation may never leave you until you are glorified at the Day of Judgment, but if you allow the Holy Spirit to fight your battles, then you will have a winning record.
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Proverbs 14: 11-13
Proverbs 16: 24-26
Why do we as Christians struggle daily with sin? Every day Christians fight with the sinful nature to lie, cheat, steal and engage in all manner of sexual immorality. Haven’t you ever had the urge to… (I’ll let you finish the sentence). The voices in your head keep telling you, that “it will be alright just this one time.” Your desire takes over, you lose all your self control, and now you’re in deep trouble. What happened?
Unfortunately, when we get saved we are not totally delivered. Salvation is a process. It begins with justification. We are justified by Christ when we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our life. Justification restores our standing with God. Jesus cleanses us from the penalty of sin, so that, we may stand righteously before the throne of God.
Jesus then begins the work of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification frees us from the power of sin in our life. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and our Teacher. The Holy Spirit works within us, to teach, train and eliminate the power of sin in our lives. The Holy Spirit can and will remove sin from our lives, if we yield to His power and presence. We accept Christ once, but we must yield control of our lives daily to the Holy Spirit.
What may seem right to our carnal mind is usually contradictory to the ways of God. If you accept Jesus as Lord, then you must obey his commandments. In order to obey the commands, you must first read the orders. These orders and commands are found in the Bible. Reading and Studying the Bible is the best offence to the attacks of the sinful nature. The Bible teaches us that we must hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.
Studying God’s Word prepares us to answer the sinful nature, with the ways of God, rather than the ways of man. Our ways will seem right to us because they satisfy our natural desires and the lusts of our flesh. God’s Word keeps us focused upon those things that are right and pure. Sin will always flee from the presence of God. Sin cannot stand in His Light. Whenever you shine the Light of God upon sin it will flee from you. Don’t believe me, try God for yourself.
When we try to satisfy our own desires, we will always get ourselves into trouble. Self indulgence is the “landmark sign” of the ways of man. The Bible teaches us that we must first seek the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and then all of these other desires of the hearts shall be added unto you. There are 2 important principles to always remember, number 1,”Only Seek God and His Righteousness”. The scripture doesn’t say to seek God, and then seek the desires of your heart. Number 2, Your Blessing is Given to You by God. The satisfaction of your desire is given to you by God, in response to your obedience to his commandments.
If you seek to satisfy your own desires, rather than to “wait upon the Lord”, then what you called a blessing will become a curse. It may look like a blessing, it may sound good, but if God didn’t give it to you, then you might want to let it go. I can’t tell you how you know the difference. But just like being “in love”, no one can tell you, you just know. You know when it’s from God, or when you worked it out on your own, and you were just trying to give God the credit. We dishonor God when we try to put our mess off on Him, in order to cover up our disobedience.
If you truly love Jesus, then obey his commands. Pray continually, read and study God’s word. Yield to the Holy Spirit in your daily living by praising and honoring God through your daily walk. The struggles with temptation may never leave you until you are glorified at the Day of Judgment, but if you allow the Holy Spirit to fight your battles, then you will have a winning record.
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Monday, August 01, 2011
Listen to me...
Proverbs 7:24-27
Well not really to me, but to the Word of God. God says here in Proverbs, let me get your attention. Pay close attention to what I'm about to say. In other words, "DON'T MISS THIS!" Typically, the problem is that we stop reading, listening, and getting a clear understanding of His Word, when we think, it sounds like He's talking to someone else. The Truth is that there is Life in every Word of God. Our mission is to seek the Truth in His Word and apply His Word properly in the submission of our life to Christ.
So I ask, What are Her Ways, Her Victims, Her House, Her Destiny? How has she made her paths so attractive that they lead unsuspecting victims to the house of destruction, which she has built so elegantly!
Well not really to me, but to the Word of God. God says here in Proverbs, let me get your attention. Pay close attention to what I'm about to say. In other words, "DON'T MISS THIS!" Typically, the problem is that we stop reading, listening, and getting a clear understanding of His Word, when we think, it sounds like He's talking to someone else. The Truth is that there is Life in every Word of God. Our mission is to seek the Truth in His Word and apply His Word properly in the submission of our life to Christ.
So I ask, What are Her Ways, Her Victims, Her House, Her Destiny? How has she made her paths so attractive that they lead unsuspecting victims to the house of destruction, which she has built so elegantly!
Friday, July 01, 2011
More than Enough?
2 Kings 4:1-7
A Ministers wife was widowed with 2 sons. The widow was left with a debt that she could not see how she could pay. Her husband's creditor was threatening her with taking her 2 sons as indentured servants to pay the debt. So she cried out to Elisha. Elisha asked her what she had in her home, and she replied that she had just a pot of oil. Elisha directs her to borrow as many vessels as she can, from her neighbors and to fill these vessels with the oil from her pot. Having filled all the vessels, Elisha then directs her to sell the oil, pay the creditor, and live on the balance of the earnings.
While this text contains many lessons, in the midst of this miracle is an important lesson of why many of us are missing our blessings. God has given each of us more than enough. When Elisha asked the women what she had in her house, it really didn't matter that it was a pot of oil. The pot of oil was not a magic pot. God will work with each of us with just what we have, in our house. God accepts us just as we are, but are we willing to bring to God, just what we have? The widow didn't think much of the pot of oil, but as time would prove, it would be more than enough. What do you have in your house that the Lord could use?
This is a lesson of faith in action, obedience. Obedience unlocked the blessing that God poured out for the widow. When directed to go and borrow, she didn't complain about who might be willing to let her borrow a vessel. Nor did she question Elisha as to why she would need so many vessels, since she only had one pot of oil. She didn't mumble, grumble or complain, about why Elisha, didn't just give her the money she needed to pay the debt.
Our biggest problem is that we have to be able to see it, understand it, rationalize it, and comprehend it, before we perform it. Godly Obedience is very different from rational obedience. Rational obedience recognizes the reasonable expectation of benefit, and performs the requested action because of the reasonable expectation of gain. This is not really obedience, Godly obedience operates by faith. Faith in God recognizes that what I am unable to perceive really doesn't matter, because I have faith that " is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrew 11:1). Godly Obedience submits fully to the authority of God and His ways. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Also take note that the widow did not require the entire plan before performing the first task. She did not ask Elisha what she would need to do after filling all the bottles. Nor did she decide after filling them to take matters into her own hands. The widow returned to Elisha for further instructions. How often do we get a task from God and fail to check in after we've completed the next step? We have to maintain our communication with God on a routine basis to be sure we are proceeding in a Godly direction. Don't take Godly inspiration and revelation and mix it with your own imagination. This can result in a dangerous combination. Be sure that all your steps are ordered by the Lord.
God gives us more than enough, but that doesn't mean you won't need friends and neighbors so be a good and faithful friend or neighbor. God gives us more than enough, but it doesn't mean that you won't have to lend or to borrow or to sell what God has loaned to you, so be a good steward over God's property. The widow and her sons may have thought that their father and her husband had left them with nothing, but they had the best inheritance that any of us can leave our family, FAITH. Got Faith? Get some Godly Faith and pass on your faith in God; it will be more than enough. Money, property, and wealth will waste and decay. However, Faith in God will endure, and no matter what, when times get rough, Faith will bring you through, but remember to put Faith into action requires Godly Obedience.
Do you have more than enough Faith? God has given each of us the measure of faith that we require. (Romans 12:3) It's not how much, or how big, that matters, it's how we exercise our faith. Put your faith into action through Godly obedience, and watch the miracle that God will work in your life. Faith must be pure, and when exercised in obedience to God, it accomplishes all things (Mat 17:20, Phil 4:13) . If you have Jesus, what you have is more than enough .
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
A Ministers wife was widowed with 2 sons. The widow was left with a debt that she could not see how she could pay. Her husband's creditor was threatening her with taking her 2 sons as indentured servants to pay the debt. So she cried out to Elisha. Elisha asked her what she had in her home, and she replied that she had just a pot of oil. Elisha directs her to borrow as many vessels as she can, from her neighbors and to fill these vessels with the oil from her pot. Having filled all the vessels, Elisha then directs her to sell the oil, pay the creditor, and live on the balance of the earnings.
While this text contains many lessons, in the midst of this miracle is an important lesson of why many of us are missing our blessings. God has given each of us more than enough. When Elisha asked the women what she had in her house, it really didn't matter that it was a pot of oil. The pot of oil was not a magic pot. God will work with each of us with just what we have, in our house. God accepts us just as we are, but are we willing to bring to God, just what we have? The widow didn't think much of the pot of oil, but as time would prove, it would be more than enough. What do you have in your house that the Lord could use?
This is a lesson of faith in action, obedience. Obedience unlocked the blessing that God poured out for the widow. When directed to go and borrow, she didn't complain about who might be willing to let her borrow a vessel. Nor did she question Elisha as to why she would need so many vessels, since she only had one pot of oil. She didn't mumble, grumble or complain, about why Elisha, didn't just give her the money she needed to pay the debt.
Our biggest problem is that we have to be able to see it, understand it, rationalize it, and comprehend it, before we perform it. Godly Obedience is very different from rational obedience. Rational obedience recognizes the reasonable expectation of benefit, and performs the requested action because of the reasonable expectation of gain. This is not really obedience, Godly obedience operates by faith. Faith in God recognizes that what I am unable to perceive really doesn't matter, because I have faith that " is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrew 11:1). Godly Obedience submits fully to the authority of God and His ways. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Also take note that the widow did not require the entire plan before performing the first task. She did not ask Elisha what she would need to do after filling all the bottles. Nor did she decide after filling them to take matters into her own hands. The widow returned to Elisha for further instructions. How often do we get a task from God and fail to check in after we've completed the next step? We have to maintain our communication with God on a routine basis to be sure we are proceeding in a Godly direction. Don't take Godly inspiration and revelation and mix it with your own imagination. This can result in a dangerous combination. Be sure that all your steps are ordered by the Lord.
God gives us more than enough, but that doesn't mean you won't need friends and neighbors so be a good and faithful friend or neighbor. God gives us more than enough, but it doesn't mean that you won't have to lend or to borrow or to sell what God has loaned to you, so be a good steward over God's property. The widow and her sons may have thought that their father and her husband had left them with nothing, but they had the best inheritance that any of us can leave our family, FAITH. Got Faith? Get some Godly Faith and pass on your faith in God; it will be more than enough. Money, property, and wealth will waste and decay. However, Faith in God will endure, and no matter what, when times get rough, Faith will bring you through, but remember to put Faith into action requires Godly Obedience.
Do you have more than enough Faith? God has given each of us the measure of faith that we require. (Romans 12:3) It's not how much, or how big, that matters, it's how we exercise our faith. Put your faith into action through Godly obedience, and watch the miracle that God will work in your life. Faith must be pure, and when exercised in obedience to God, it accomplishes all things (Mat 17:20, Phil 4:13) . If you have Jesus, what you have is more than enough .
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
I Just Don't Care.
I can still hear the words echoing in my mind; "You don't care what happens to me!" These accusations and guilt laden words are often heaped upon us by loved ones who don't believe we are behaving in a way that meets their best interest. Oftentimes my biggest mistakes have been made when I supposedly was trying to care for someone elses needs and feelings over my own.
How is it that I've failed so miserably, when I am trying to be helpful. The scriptures reveal a clear explanation for my misguided methods. I've discovered that a more spiritually carefree attitude will bring peace, joy and satisfaction in my life.
I Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Read this scripture carefully, a couple of times, let your heart meditate on this Word until you can honestly and humbly say "I Don't Care." After prayerful reflection, I realized that caring too much and trying to be a Mr. Fix-it is really another form of worry. Everyone knows how important it is to guard against worry.
When we care so much about the circumstances of our brothers and the world, that we have to take some immediate action, without the direction of God, this places us in an irresponsible position. When we are constantly getting wrapped up in helping other people fix their problems, sometimes we get in God's way. Rather than being an instrument in His service, we become a hindrance to His Plan and His Purpose.
Don,t misunderstand my point, Yes, God does use each of us to help our brothers and sisters. But do we wait to be dispatched by God? Rather, do we jump on our high horse and ride off to slay every impending dragon we hear about? Do we wait upon the Lord, or by our own means and methods trot off to be the next knight in shining armor, ready to rescue every damsel in distress?
God said "Ive Got this", "Follow Me". He might just be able to use me if I would just humble myself , "under His mighty hand". Every time someone comes to me for help, doesn't mean God sent them. If God doesn't send me, I will no longer go. Maybe it sounds harsh, but I Just Don't Care, because God does, and when He needs my participation, I'm certain He will let me know during one of our daily conversations.
Clearly God spoke through Peter to let me know, that the cares of this world belong to Him and Him alone. He's already worked it out, and what ever He needs of me He'll let me know in due time. So if God didn't send you, don't bother me, because I Just Don't Care. Cast all your cares upon Him, for He is the one who cares and is able to bless you beyond measure.
Oftentimes we go to the servants of God because we feel ashamed to see the Master for ourselves. However, Jesus has prepared the way. No matter what our transgression, if we believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, confess and repent of Sin, then we shall be saved. Justification places us in right standing before God, so that we may ask in Jesus' name anything of the Father. God really cares for us, so much "Love", that He gave His only begotten... that we might have everlasting Life.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
How is it that I've failed so miserably, when I am trying to be helpful. The scriptures reveal a clear explanation for my misguided methods. I've discovered that a more spiritually carefree attitude will bring peace, joy and satisfaction in my life.
I Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Read this scripture carefully, a couple of times, let your heart meditate on this Word until you can honestly and humbly say "I Don't Care." After prayerful reflection, I realized that caring too much and trying to be a Mr. Fix-it is really another form of worry. Everyone knows how important it is to guard against worry.
When we care so much about the circumstances of our brothers and the world, that we have to take some immediate action, without the direction of God, this places us in an irresponsible position. When we are constantly getting wrapped up in helping other people fix their problems, sometimes we get in God's way. Rather than being an instrument in His service, we become a hindrance to His Plan and His Purpose.
Don,t misunderstand my point, Yes, God does use each of us to help our brothers and sisters. But do we wait to be dispatched by God? Rather, do we jump on our high horse and ride off to slay every impending dragon we hear about? Do we wait upon the Lord, or by our own means and methods trot off to be the next knight in shining armor, ready to rescue every damsel in distress?
God said "Ive Got this", "Follow Me". He might just be able to use me if I would just humble myself , "under His mighty hand". Every time someone comes to me for help, doesn't mean God sent them. If God doesn't send me, I will no longer go. Maybe it sounds harsh, but I Just Don't Care, because God does, and when He needs my participation, I'm certain He will let me know during one of our daily conversations.
Clearly God spoke through Peter to let me know, that the cares of this world belong to Him and Him alone. He's already worked it out, and what ever He needs of me He'll let me know in due time. So if God didn't send you, don't bother me, because I Just Don't Care. Cast all your cares upon Him, for He is the one who cares and is able to bless you beyond measure.
Oftentimes we go to the servants of God because we feel ashamed to see the Master for ourselves. However, Jesus has prepared the way. No matter what our transgression, if we believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, confess and repent of Sin, then we shall be saved. Justification places us in right standing before God, so that we may ask in Jesus' name anything of the Father. God really cares for us, so much "Love", that He gave His only begotten... that we might have everlasting Life.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Sunday, May 01, 2011
It's In Your Hands!
What has God given to you, that you just haven't been able to handle. It's time to put your faith into action, because, ready or not here He comes.
Luke 19:12-15
Jesus was describing the coming of God's Kingdom in this parable. He that has ears, listen! Jesus is represented in this parable as a nobleman, who departs to a far land, in order to accept his rightful inheritance to the kingdom. Upon his departure, the nobleman leaves behind 10 servants to act as stewards over his possessions. The nobleman gives 1 pound of money to each of ten servants. Upon his return, he calls upon these stewards for an accounting of their actions and activities regarding what he had placed into their hands.
Jesus makes it clear in this parable, that he has given each of us exactly what we need to prosper. What we must accomplish is to properly, invest, trade and build utilizing the foundation he has provided. Keep in mind that the prosperity gained from the initial investment still belongs to the nobleman. Thus, he calls us to account, our reward is in Jesus' hands. Based upon our stewardship of the little He has given, He rewards us bountifully from His Kingdom.
Whatever the Lord has placed into your hands, put it to work for the cause of Jesus Christ. Don't worry that you won't have enough, in faith, remember that God provides the increase. If you fail to put what God has given you to work, what little you have will be taken from you. Don't allow fear to nullify your blessings. God put it in your hands, now you need to do something with it. As the nobleman said to the slothful servant, you could at least, invest it with someone, who knows how to make it grow.
If God can trust you with a little, only then will He trust you with more. God gives us a job to provide for our needs and our family. All God asks is that we deliver 10% of our salary, that He has provided, to the Church of our choice. Don't be surprised that when we fail continuously, to deliver upon His simple request, that His provisions begin to fail you. God never fails us, it is we who fail God.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Luke 19:12-15
Jesus was describing the coming of God's Kingdom in this parable. He that has ears, listen! Jesus is represented in this parable as a nobleman, who departs to a far land, in order to accept his rightful inheritance to the kingdom. Upon his departure, the nobleman leaves behind 10 servants to act as stewards over his possessions. The nobleman gives 1 pound of money to each of ten servants. Upon his return, he calls upon these stewards for an accounting of their actions and activities regarding what he had placed into their hands.
Jesus makes it clear in this parable, that he has given each of us exactly what we need to prosper. What we must accomplish is to properly, invest, trade and build utilizing the foundation he has provided. Keep in mind that the prosperity gained from the initial investment still belongs to the nobleman. Thus, he calls us to account, our reward is in Jesus' hands. Based upon our stewardship of the little He has given, He rewards us bountifully from His Kingdom.
Whatever the Lord has placed into your hands, put it to work for the cause of Jesus Christ. Don't worry that you won't have enough, in faith, remember that God provides the increase. If you fail to put what God has given you to work, what little you have will be taken from you. Don't allow fear to nullify your blessings. God put it in your hands, now you need to do something with it. As the nobleman said to the slothful servant, you could at least, invest it with someone, who knows how to make it grow.
If God can trust you with a little, only then will He trust you with more. God gives us a job to provide for our needs and our family. All God asks is that we deliver 10% of our salary, that He has provided, to the Church of our choice. Don't be surprised that when we fail continuously, to deliver upon His simple request, that His provisions begin to fail you. God never fails us, it is we who fail God.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Friday, April 01, 2011
If This Doesn't Fix It, Nothing Else Will!
I thought I needed to be loved, what I discover was I already had IT...
John 3:16
For a long time, I've been trying to figure out why I've become increasingly unhappy. I thought it was my job, or my family, or my marriage, or my friends, or my enemies... I've examined every aspect of my life, I've tweaked, trimmed, and turned them all upside down and inside out. But I still grow increasingly unhappy, day by day.
I am faithful to God, and I serve diligently in the church. I have a great career, a wonderful and successful spouse. I have a good home, obedient children, I have everything in life that should make one happy. I thought I had it all, but still, that elusive "happy" keeps slipping away. I know because I used to be happy all the time. Even bad times didn't make me unhappy. Something happened and IT all began to slip away.
Something is troubling me, and I just don't know what IT is. I've fasted, I've prayed and I've promised. You that are "spiritual", you know the drill. When Jonah was in the "Great Fish" for 3 days, he prayed and was delivered from the deep. Maybe I've lost something, and I just can't seem to get IT back, whatever IT is. What is happy anyway? What is sad? Emotions are something you feel, just sometimes hard to describe and hard to determine their source. Isn't it funny how sometimes the same things that will make you happy, will make you sad at other times. Maybe I didn't lose IT, Heaven forbid, I never had IT; wouldn't that be a kick.
I sure would like to fix this situation. Well, "Diagnose the problem, then prescribe the solution"; Sounds like a plan. Maybe, I am suffering from the Jonah syndrome, God told Jonah, to go to Nineveh, and he went in another direction. I'm always going in another direction. Sometimes 2 or 3 directions at the same time. Maybe, there is something I've forgotten to take care of that I've been directed to do by God. Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, but I can't think of anything like that. It would have to be something I've overlooked, or ignored.
More like Balaam, who besought the Lord until the Lord agreed with his plan to follow Balak's princes back to Moab. God told Balaam to go, but in the morning as Balaam prepared to depart, the angel of the Lord opposed him. Yes, maybe, it's Balaam syndrome. Maybe like Balaam, I've approached my mission with the wrong spirit, and now I've fallen out of step with God. Nothing will put you out of sorts like disobeying God.
Thank God for His grace. Even though Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, God's grace was sufficient. God didn't dispose of Jonah and simply select another prophet. Certainly God could have raised up an army of Prophets to replace Jonah. But God's grace allowed Jonah to wander, and in his wandering, sailors on their way from Joppa to Tarshish worshipped the true God, and made vows to Him. Jonah records a powerful prayer of repentance and commitment to the Lord. God's compassion and mercy is revealed as the Ninevites, repent upon hearing the Word of God, and God delays his destruction of this great city.
Why as Christian are we unable to express this same character of grace to our brethren? Sometimes it seems as though we just wait for our brethren to be "overtaken in a fault", so we can say "I told you so.." To be Christian is to have the desire to be like Christ in character and deed. Love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and faith are important characteristics to develop in a Christian disciple.
What we want most of all as men and women is to love and be loved. When we don't feel loved and desired, it may be blamed as the source of our unhappiness. What I've concluded is that whatever love we seek, the Love of God should be first. God Loves each of us, as much as He Loves the world or that great city of Nineveh. But we must love Him back. Until we learn to truly Love God, we will not be capable of honestly expressing Love to each other. As long as we're unfaithful to God, it's impossible to be faithful to each other in our personal relationships. What does it mean to Love God? Without Faith it is impossible to please God. Do you want to please God? Do you want to make God smile? When you say you love God, what do you really mean?
Are you "In Love" with God, or just trapped in a relationship of convenience or necessity. Be honest with yourself. Because if this doesn't fix it, nothing else will. If you really want to be delivered, get real with God right now, answer truthfully, because God will Love you regardless, His grace is sufficient, but you don't have to suffer another day, because you've been fooling yourself. Be honest with God and let Him teach you what real Love is all about. God's Love is real. The love that we've learned from the world is a cheap substitute that will not stand the test of time. Until you are "IN Love" with God, you have no love to share with anyone else. At least no real love, a cheap and false Idol god type of love, that will lead to destruction.
GOD'S LOVE has established the Kingdom of Heaven, founded upon the Gospel of Christ, Jesus was born, lived, died and resurrected for the salvation of mankind. Even Jonah knew while he was in the belly of the fish, that "Salvation comes from the Lord". Be sure that you're "saved". You must have a real relationship of Love with God. You know when you're "In Love" or not. If you're not "In Love" with God then I suggest you might want to have a sincere talk with Jesus about your salvation.
God is always in love with us, even when He puts us through tribulations and trials, it's all for our good. Like a good Shepard that see's His wandering sheep, His rod and His staff gently prods us back into the correct path. Let us not become angry with our circumstances and situations that we run from God. Wherever we run to, God will be there before we can arrive. You can run from God, but you'll never be able to leave his presence, until the day of Judgment. If you turn from God long enough, then God Himself, will gives you just what you've desired. Only God can cast you from His presence. However, the destination may not be pleasant or to your liking, and I here it's a one-way ticket.
If you don't have IT, you need to get in a hurry and get IT! IT is a real relationship with God. God suffered and died so that we might have a right to the Tree of Life. God went through "all that" just for me and you. I refuse to ignore Him, neglect Him, forsake Him and act like I don't even know Him. I will worship Him, praise Him, thank Him, pray to Him, study His Word, His Ways and admire His creation. When you realize that God's Love is all the love you really need, then you'll feel a whole lot better about all of life's circumstances and situations.
Family or friends will come and go, but God will always be here, even when we turn our back on Him, the way our family and friends turn from us. But when we turn back from our evil ways, God's compassion will welcome us home. It's unlikely the same is true of family or friends, that is unless they've been truly saved. Then and only then can the foundations of God's love; grace, forgiveness, and mercy, be shared with the brethren. If this doesn't fix it nothing else will!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
John 3:16
For a long time, I've been trying to figure out why I've become increasingly unhappy. I thought it was my job, or my family, or my marriage, or my friends, or my enemies... I've examined every aspect of my life, I've tweaked, trimmed, and turned them all upside down and inside out. But I still grow increasingly unhappy, day by day.
I am faithful to God, and I serve diligently in the church. I have a great career, a wonderful and successful spouse. I have a good home, obedient children, I have everything in life that should make one happy. I thought I had it all, but still, that elusive "happy" keeps slipping away. I know because I used to be happy all the time. Even bad times didn't make me unhappy. Something happened and IT all began to slip away.
Something is troubling me, and I just don't know what IT is. I've fasted, I've prayed and I've promised. You that are "spiritual", you know the drill. When Jonah was in the "Great Fish" for 3 days, he prayed and was delivered from the deep. Maybe I've lost something, and I just can't seem to get IT back, whatever IT is. What is happy anyway? What is sad? Emotions are something you feel, just sometimes hard to describe and hard to determine their source. Isn't it funny how sometimes the same things that will make you happy, will make you sad at other times. Maybe I didn't lose IT, Heaven forbid, I never had IT; wouldn't that be a kick.
I sure would like to fix this situation. Well, "Diagnose the problem, then prescribe the solution"; Sounds like a plan. Maybe, I am suffering from the Jonah syndrome, God told Jonah, to go to Nineveh, and he went in another direction. I'm always going in another direction. Sometimes 2 or 3 directions at the same time. Maybe, there is something I've forgotten to take care of that I've been directed to do by God. Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, but I can't think of anything like that. It would have to be something I've overlooked, or ignored.
More like Balaam, who besought the Lord until the Lord agreed with his plan to follow Balak's princes back to Moab. God told Balaam to go, but in the morning as Balaam prepared to depart, the angel of the Lord opposed him. Yes, maybe, it's Balaam syndrome. Maybe like Balaam, I've approached my mission with the wrong spirit, and now I've fallen out of step with God. Nothing will put you out of sorts like disobeying God.
Thank God for His grace. Even though Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, God's grace was sufficient. God didn't dispose of Jonah and simply select another prophet. Certainly God could have raised up an army of Prophets to replace Jonah. But God's grace allowed Jonah to wander, and in his wandering, sailors on their way from Joppa to Tarshish worshipped the true God, and made vows to Him. Jonah records a powerful prayer of repentance and commitment to the Lord. God's compassion and mercy is revealed as the Ninevites, repent upon hearing the Word of God, and God delays his destruction of this great city.
Why as Christian are we unable to express this same character of grace to our brethren? Sometimes it seems as though we just wait for our brethren to be "overtaken in a fault", so we can say "I told you so.." To be Christian is to have the desire to be like Christ in character and deed. Love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and faith are important characteristics to develop in a Christian disciple.
What we want most of all as men and women is to love and be loved. When we don't feel loved and desired, it may be blamed as the source of our unhappiness. What I've concluded is that whatever love we seek, the Love of God should be first. God Loves each of us, as much as He Loves the world or that great city of Nineveh. But we must love Him back. Until we learn to truly Love God, we will not be capable of honestly expressing Love to each other. As long as we're unfaithful to God, it's impossible to be faithful to each other in our personal relationships. What does it mean to Love God? Without Faith it is impossible to please God. Do you want to please God? Do you want to make God smile? When you say you love God, what do you really mean?
Are you "In Love" with God, or just trapped in a relationship of convenience or necessity. Be honest with yourself. Because if this doesn't fix it, nothing else will. If you really want to be delivered, get real with God right now, answer truthfully, because God will Love you regardless, His grace is sufficient, but you don't have to suffer another day, because you've been fooling yourself. Be honest with God and let Him teach you what real Love is all about. God's Love is real. The love that we've learned from the world is a cheap substitute that will not stand the test of time. Until you are "IN Love" with God, you have no love to share with anyone else. At least no real love, a cheap and false Idol god type of love, that will lead to destruction.
GOD'S LOVE has established the Kingdom of Heaven, founded upon the Gospel of Christ, Jesus was born, lived, died and resurrected for the salvation of mankind. Even Jonah knew while he was in the belly of the fish, that "Salvation comes from the Lord". Be sure that you're "saved". You must have a real relationship of Love with God. You know when you're "In Love" or not. If you're not "In Love" with God then I suggest you might want to have a sincere talk with Jesus about your salvation.
God is always in love with us, even when He puts us through tribulations and trials, it's all for our good. Like a good Shepard that see's His wandering sheep, His rod and His staff gently prods us back into the correct path. Let us not become angry with our circumstances and situations that we run from God. Wherever we run to, God will be there before we can arrive. You can run from God, but you'll never be able to leave his presence, until the day of Judgment. If you turn from God long enough, then God Himself, will gives you just what you've desired. Only God can cast you from His presence. However, the destination may not be pleasant or to your liking, and I here it's a one-way ticket.
If you don't have IT, you need to get in a hurry and get IT! IT is a real relationship with God. God suffered and died so that we might have a right to the Tree of Life. God went through "all that" just for me and you. I refuse to ignore Him, neglect Him, forsake Him and act like I don't even know Him. I will worship Him, praise Him, thank Him, pray to Him, study His Word, His Ways and admire His creation. When you realize that God's Love is all the love you really need, then you'll feel a whole lot better about all of life's circumstances and situations.
Family or friends will come and go, but God will always be here, even when we turn our back on Him, the way our family and friends turn from us. But when we turn back from our evil ways, God's compassion will welcome us home. It's unlikely the same is true of family or friends, that is unless they've been truly saved. Then and only then can the foundations of God's love; grace, forgiveness, and mercy, be shared with the brethren. If this doesn't fix it nothing else will!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Detour Ahead: Beware of Dangerous Routes
Jesus said, "Follow Me"! When we meet Jesus along life's pathway, and we try to avoid Him, it can be a dangerous maneuver . Taking a detour rather than confronting the reality that Jesus presents in our life, is a poor choice. We should make the better choice; Stop, Turn around and Follow Jesus.
Matthew 16:24
You may be at a crossroad in your life right now. It could be a change in employment, relationships or health. Whatever the opportunity that you are faced with, you will always come out better when you allow Jesus to lead you.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...Oftentimes we don't consider ourselves when we consider who's "counsel" we've been listening. The ungodly are simply those whose fail to include God in their thinking, planning, preparations and actions. Even the "saved", can behave ungodly when we fail to seek God, and His righteousness, rather than the things of this world.
Jesus explains that He is the way, the truth and the life... Jesus knows the way because He is the way. The way to Joy, Happiness, Love, Contentment, Peace, Pleasure, Prosperity. God declares to those that will hear, Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will provide the desires of your Heart. Jesus said If you love me you will obey my commandments...
So then do you really love Jesus? Are you willing to obey his commands? If you are "saved" the Holy Spirit resides in you and is ready to lead you in the ways of God. But each of us must yield our free will to the will of the spirit. We must walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. The ungodly nature in us walks after the lusts of the flesh. These lusts must be crucified on the cross, and sacrificed for the will of our Father.
If you are not "saved" then you should:
Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Savior,
Believe that Jesus died, and was raised by God for the remission of our sins,
Confess and Repent your sins before God,
then invite Jesus into your heart and soul and accept Him as Savior and Lord of your Life,
and then you shall be Saved.... Now, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Matthew 16:24
You may be at a crossroad in your life right now. It could be a change in employment, relationships or health. Whatever the opportunity that you are faced with, you will always come out better when you allow Jesus to lead you.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...Oftentimes we don't consider ourselves when we consider who's "counsel" we've been listening. The ungodly are simply those whose fail to include God in their thinking, planning, preparations and actions. Even the "saved", can behave ungodly when we fail to seek God, and His righteousness, rather than the things of this world.
Jesus explains that He is the way, the truth and the life... Jesus knows the way because He is the way. The way to Joy, Happiness, Love, Contentment, Peace, Pleasure, Prosperity. God declares to those that will hear, Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will provide the desires of your Heart. Jesus said If you love me you will obey my commandments...
So then do you really love Jesus? Are you willing to obey his commands? If you are "saved" the Holy Spirit resides in you and is ready to lead you in the ways of God. But each of us must yield our free will to the will of the spirit. We must walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. The ungodly nature in us walks after the lusts of the flesh. These lusts must be crucified on the cross, and sacrificed for the will of our Father.
If you are not "saved" then you should:
Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Savior,
Believe that Jesus died, and was raised by God for the remission of our sins,
Confess and Repent your sins before God,
then invite Jesus into your heart and soul and accept Him as Savior and Lord of your Life,
and then you shall be Saved.... Now, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
What Do You Call Love?
God gave us His Son, then sacrificed Him on the cross, Love is what you do, not something you say. God's forgiveness is the greatest act of Love...
John 3:16
If you haven't read "If this doesn't fix it, then nothing will", please read that post first. This is a continuation of the previous message.
Forgiving is what we do by the grace of God. Without forgiveness we cannot maintain relationships. It's God's forgiveness that restores our relationship with Him. The secular world in the movie "Love Story", promoted a concept that Love is "...never having to say I'm Sorry". But real people who really Love will make mistakes, and the best thing to do when you mess up, is to admit your guilty condition in humility, repent, and say "I'm Sorry". What would happen if we simply, never told God, "I'm Sorry!" Sorry and Thanks are two words that we should never forget to use repeatedly in our conversations with God.
To forgive and forget is the reason God sacrificed His own Son on the Cross. This great act of Love was made in order that God could forgive and forget the great enormous number of transgressions that we have made against Him. As Christians, we have to learn how to forgive and forget. We say that we forgive, but most will argue that forget principle to death. The truth is that God has established this act of love with the Highest standards. However, let me make a distinction between forgetting and not remembering.
Memory is like your computer, once written it will always leave an impression. It is impossible to completely erase information from a computer. Many criminals have found out the hard way that erase does not always mean what you think it means. Spiritual forgiveness is about not recalling the memories that you've decided to forgive. It's a choice we must make, to maintain relationships. If my brother steals from me, and I forgive him, I can't remind him every time he enters my house. There is no point in forgiving the past, if it doesn't effect the future. Yes, it does open us up to perpetual disappointment, when the one forgiven, continues to trample on our grace. But is that any different than, how we trample on God's grace, since
He forgave us completely?
What do you call love? How do you show someone else that you love them. How do you put your Love into action. What is it that you can give? How or what do you sacrifice to show your love. Do we give our time, our money or our abilities. Did you ever consider that all of these things that we try to give were first given to us. We give time, which doesn't belong to us, We give money that doesn't belong to us. Forgiveness is a unique gift that when given truly from the heart gives more to the giver than to the recipient.
Forgiveness is a gift of relationship restoration, and reconciliation. The one forgiven, must still accept this valuable gift, in the manner given. Just like we must accept God's gift of salvation, before it becomes a reality in our lives, so must the forgiven in our relationships. So why do we bother to forgive those, who seemingly don't want it or deserve it?
Our obedience to our Father, who commands that we must forgive as He has forgiven us. Our failure to forgive nullifies our own forgiveness with the Father. Forgiveness is God's greatest act of Love. God sacrificed His only Son, that we might be forgiven. What greater act of Love can we show each other?
I'm sorry... and I forgive you....
For what? For everything!
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again! J.W.O.S. Spread the Word. Rev. Brian K. Shobe
John 3:16
If you haven't read "If this doesn't fix it, then nothing will", please read that post first. This is a continuation of the previous message.
Forgiving is what we do by the grace of God. Without forgiveness we cannot maintain relationships. It's God's forgiveness that restores our relationship with Him. The secular world in the movie "Love Story", promoted a concept that Love is "...never having to say I'm Sorry". But real people who really Love will make mistakes, and the best thing to do when you mess up, is to admit your guilty condition in humility, repent, and say "I'm Sorry". What would happen if we simply, never told God, "I'm Sorry!" Sorry and Thanks are two words that we should never forget to use repeatedly in our conversations with God.
To forgive and forget is the reason God sacrificed His own Son on the Cross. This great act of Love was made in order that God could forgive and forget the great enormous number of transgressions that we have made against Him. As Christians, we have to learn how to forgive and forget. We say that we forgive, but most will argue that forget principle to death. The truth is that God has established this act of love with the Highest standards. However, let me make a distinction between forgetting and not remembering.
Memory is like your computer, once written it will always leave an impression. It is impossible to completely erase information from a computer. Many criminals have found out the hard way that erase does not always mean what you think it means. Spiritual forgiveness is about not recalling the memories that you've decided to forgive. It's a choice we must make, to maintain relationships. If my brother steals from me, and I forgive him, I can't remind him every time he enters my house. There is no point in forgiving the past, if it doesn't effect the future. Yes, it does open us up to perpetual disappointment, when the one forgiven, continues to trample on our grace. But is that any different than, how we trample on God's grace, since
He forgave us completely?What do you call love? How do you show someone else that you love them. How do you put your Love into action. What is it that you can give? How or what do you sacrifice to show your love. Do we give our time, our money or our abilities. Did you ever consider that all of these things that we try to give were first given to us. We give time, which doesn't belong to us, We give money that doesn't belong to us. Forgiveness is a unique gift that when given truly from the heart gives more to the giver than to the recipient.
Forgiveness is a gift of relationship restoration, and reconciliation. The one forgiven, must still accept this valuable gift, in the manner given. Just like we must accept God's gift of salvation, before it becomes a reality in our lives, so must the forgiven in our relationships. So why do we bother to forgive those, who seemingly don't want it or deserve it?
Our obedience to our Father, who commands that we must forgive as He has forgiven us. Our failure to forgive nullifies our own forgiveness with the Father. Forgiveness is God's greatest act of Love. God sacrificed His only Son, that we might be forgiven. What greater act of Love can we show each other?
I'm sorry... and I forgive you....
For what? For everything!
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again! J.W.O.S. Spread the Word. Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Brothers, What shall we do?
Acts 2:21-39
In these 19 scriptures, Peter succinctly sums up the Gospel of Christ. Peter makes it plain that Jesus lived a life that revealed His true identity through signs, and wonders; that evil men plotted to crucify Jesus without cause, except that it was with the foreknowledge and purpose of God; that God raised Jesus from the grave, and delivered Him from death. Now, Men, Fathers, and Brethren, having heard this Gospel preached, what shall we do?
Shall we accept Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life? Shall we repent from our sinful nature and be baptized in the Holy Spirit? Shall we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, and be baptized into the Church, submitting to water baptism? What shall we do?
Shall we commit our lives to be servants of God? Shall we sacrifice of our time, our talents and our money for the growth and edification of the Body of Christ? Shall we commit ourselves to the study of God's Word? Seriously, what shall we do?
Shall we submit ourselves to the authority of the Church and the Pastor? Shall we commit ourselves to ministry and missionary work? Shall we purchase Bibles, study materials, and reference books? Will we read them? Will we teach from them? Shall we share the gospel at home, work, & school? What shall we do?
Shall we thank God for His grace and His mercy? Shall we accept His Gift of the Holy Spirit and yield to His power in our lives? Shall we see His Glory?
Yes, we shall, but, only if we believe by Faith.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
In these 19 scriptures, Peter succinctly sums up the Gospel of Christ. Peter makes it plain that Jesus lived a life that revealed His true identity through signs, and wonders; that evil men plotted to crucify Jesus without cause, except that it was with the foreknowledge and purpose of God; that God raised Jesus from the grave, and delivered Him from death. Now, Men, Fathers, and Brethren, having heard this Gospel preached, what shall we do?
Shall we accept Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life? Shall we repent from our sinful nature and be baptized in the Holy Spirit? Shall we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, and be baptized into the Church, submitting to water baptism? What shall we do?
Shall we commit our lives to be servants of God? Shall we sacrifice of our time, our talents and our money for the growth and edification of the Body of Christ? Shall we commit ourselves to the study of God's Word? Seriously, what shall we do?
Shall we submit ourselves to the authority of the Church and the Pastor? Shall we commit ourselves to ministry and missionary work? Shall we purchase Bibles, study materials, and reference books? Will we read them? Will we teach from them? Shall we share the gospel at home, work, & school? What shall we do?
Shall we thank God for His grace and His mercy? Shall we accept His Gift of the Holy Spirit and yield to His power in our lives? Shall we see His Glory?
Yes, we shall, but, only if we believe by Faith.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
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