- Each week I will post a past video of a study series I shared at a local fellowship. This Series was called "ALIVE" and this focus was on having our "Eyes Wide Open to Your Present". The date is November 4, 2012 and the Scripture used is Romans 6:1-23.
Feel Free to give some Feedback. - Daily Devos Blog #2 - May 8, 2016 -- MOTHER'S DAY
John 19:25-26 NIV
25 But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother ...
26 ... when Jesus saw his mother ... he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!"In these two striking verses of Scripture, the word "Mother" appears three times. But interestingly, in all four Gospels, John's is the only with these words. It's not found in Matthew, nor Mark, or even Luke. Only here in John's Gospel. But that doesn't negate it's importance. Because when repetition occurs in the Word of God, it becomes extremely important! So, the word "Mother" found three times in two short verses jumps out big time. But did you notice that it was John saying it in his writing. Jesus in His speaking to her uses the word, "Woman". Certainly He wasn't trying to evade the word "Mom" because even though he said "Woman", He still uses "your son" in the context ... thus the conclusion to us - He addressing His Mother!This is a unique situation taking place, but not uncommon. A mother seeing her child perish is something all parent's wish to avoid. I have seen first hand three incidents where this has occurred and it's gut-wrenching. My Grandmother had the awful reality of her son passing suddenly at an early age due to a massive heart attack Every one agreed my uncle was the picture of health. It was a shocker. Then, my dear Mother-in-Law witnessed her eldest daughter's passing due to a horrible disease. Mom buried her daughter just a few short years after saying goodbye to Dad. It was rough, as you can imagine. Then recently, dear friends lost their 19 year old son who was stationed in Afghanistan when a freak attack took place stealing this young boy's life much too early. This family had West Pointers in their background. They were pro-USA military loving family. But even so, that loss was hard. He was a recent HS grad and just in deployment for a few months. No mother wants to bury their children, but at times, it happens. This is what Mary, the mother of Jesus was facing.Although the situation isn't unique - this Son is unique! In fact, His death would lead to the most exciting result in all of human history. My sister-in-law is still in her grave. My uncle remains in his. My friend's son is still buried ... But Jesus, He burst forth ALIVE after three days of entombment! And that unique act, as was mentioned to Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, made Jesus the "Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25). That Unique, Exciting, Result in all of Human History is ... YES, the Resurrection => leading to Eternal Life! When Jesus said to Mary, "Woman, behold your son", He was giving her a glimpse of what death looks like but allowing her to, by faith, see what a resurrected, living life would look like; because in three days she would see Him again, alive, unbattered, healed, talking and breathing!Because that occurred, Jesus, the "Resurrection and the Life", provided life-eternal to all who would believe that He is the Son of God, Deity Himself! Knowing personally all three children buried by their moms way too soon, I can say with confidence (based on their testimony of faith in Christ), they too will raise to life eternal.This Mother's Day is not only a day to celebrate our mothers but a day to reflect on the Son who changed the course of human history. And if you have not put your trust in God's gift to mankind, His Son Jesus, trust Him today. The Savior of the world is excited to take your life and make it new. Ask Him. Believe Him to be God. Receive Him into your life. Allow Him to renew your with resurrection power. Repent of your ways of sin and see Him make you new - yes, even today. John 1:12 is the promise along with 11:25.0
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- Psalm 90:1-2 NLT
A prayer of Moses, the man of God.
1 Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!
2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.How confident are you in the presence of God? Even if you don't feel or sense His presence, can you say with confidence, "God is my Home"? Or, "God is my Dwelling Place"? Or, "God is here"? Of course there are times God 'feels' distant - but, HAS HE MOVED from us? The message of Moses in Psalm 90:1-2 is that the Eternal God is constant, whether you feel Him or not ... HE IS ALWAYS THERE! Life circumstances deal hardships that shake our sense of God's nearness. Could Moses, who experienced those occasional hardships, have written with confidence that God was his Dwelling Place without being shaken?May I remind you that Moses led the Hebrew Nation into the wilderness of wandering with grumpy, griping Israelites relentlessly telling him of their disappointments? God's eternal presence became a force of strength for Moses even in the midst of their murmurings. He kept on with God as his confidence and continued to lead Israel. He was fearless in those years of wandering. Further, he was fearless as he stood on the edge of the Dead Sea with the Hebrew captives encamped with all their animals and belongings - seeing the Egyptian army of Pharaoh chasing them down in the distance. Moses' confidence in God as his Home-Dweller empowered him to do that which was not natural. Fearlessly and unshakened, Moses trusted God, why? Psalm 90:1-2! Everlasting and eternal God, who never leaves us but dwells and abides with us, promises His people to be their God and do His work.You are either experiencing His dwelling and delight or you are knowing defeat and discouragement. Repeating the words of Psalm 90:1-2 repeatedly and making them a life-changing reality, will empower you to be fearless and unshaken through life circumstances. Life can be challenging at times, but God's eternal presence looks challenges in the eye and says "Try Me"! Do you believe it? "From everlasting to everlasting" (v2b - NIV) - that is before you existed and after you exist - "He is God"!
Yes, He is!0
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- New Things in Florida (for the Tremblays that is)!
Here we are! It was exactly three weeks ago today we left NH for the 1500 mile drive to FL. We had all our belongings (clothes, memories, vital files, guitar and Cat) under the cap in back of the pickup truck. Mike had just completed 6 years and 9 months of Team Leadership at Amazing Grace Fellowship. In May of last year, he returned to work at Walmart in Tilton, NH foreseeing a future move and needed job transfer which is exactly what occurred. He now works in the Poinciana Store in Kissimmee, FL which is a 5 mile, 10 min drive from the new homstead.We've prayed about God's leading and how to serve the many in this Orlando Metro area. At the moment, God seems to be softening our hearts for downtown Kissimmee and the large Hispanic community here. ALL of Mike's co-workers (even immediate supervisors) are Latino. It's a whole new culture to learn about and share the love of Jesus!God is a laying a foundation and we will follow His leading. New Things are coming! In 2005, this exciting verse in Isaiah was the new promise God gave us and continues to show us as we follow Him ..."Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in thewilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)New state ... new culture ... new opportunities ... the same exciting message and mission: the Kingdom of God!To get on our new email list ... contact us: lifejourneyconnection@gmail.comComments are welcome below.0
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- THE JOURNEY
On Monday, April 13th, Kat and I (along with our belongings and Kitty Cat, Luigi) left our New Hampshire homestead of sixteen years to begin the 1500 mile journey to the Orlando, Florida area. Talk about two completely different ends of the United States East Coast and weather variations. We left NH when mud season was in full swing and snow piles were still high. Ice still covered the lakes and nights still experienced winter chill temperatures. When we arrived early Wednesday, for a visit around Hilton Head Island, SC (a favorite spot for us), we knew the hoodies, sweatshirts and the heat switch in the truck had to go! The spring we've been longing for was all around us with the green grass, leafed trees and flowering plants.The Mud The Snow Piles We Left Behind in New HampshireAfter a great lunch at a local HHI Mexican Restaurant, we proceeded on the final five hour trip to Kissimmee, Florida -- our new home. By the time we neared Daytona Beach, the warm southern skies burst forth torrential rains that were so severe, many stopped (including us for about 5 min) or slowed to 20 MPH just to be driving safely as it was so hard to see. Even with that small delay, we made it to our destination by 10 pm. Luigi was so glad to exit his three-day old cage home in the back of the pickup!So we've been here now two full weeks. In the past, after visiting and vacationing this would be about the time we'd begin the return trip. But the Rumney, NH house is in the final stages of being sold and the job I had in Tilton, NH was transferred down here to Poinciana, FL.One thing has not changed in these 1500 miles of travel and that is our mission for the Kingdom of Christ. In fact, just today, Kat and I viewed via our cell phones the 2015 Exponential Conference taking place in nearby Tampa. The things we both heard confirmed the calling and desire to "Love God, Love Others and Make Disciples" all in the context of the Culture and Community we live. So, God has set before us the Mission: "Celebrate - Connect - Contribute" => I call it ... "The 3 Cs". God is paving a path for us even in unfamiliar (to us) but extremely needy (for God) Osceola County, Florida. In my next post, I will talk more about that ... but for now it's Life Journey Connection in Central Florida => The 3 Cs!0
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- FREE #4 - The Faith Factor
Galatians 5:5-6 (NIV) 5 “For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”Paul’s words here speak to a Vital Factor in the fight for your soul … Essentially the Enemy wants you in Bondage – Jesus Christ wants you Set Free. Paul states then the PRIMARY FACET IS FAITH.**FAITH IS THE KEY THAT UNLOCKS THE HANDCUFFS OF BONDAGE** …FAITH DEFINITION: HEB 11:1 (AMP) “NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”There are Three Strategic Components to FAITH:(1) You are Assured of What You Can’t See [Faith is TRUST];(2) You have Hope and Inward Proof of What is Unseen [Faith is CONFIDENCE];(3) You Perceive as Fact What is Not Revealed by the Senses [Faith is CONVICTION].OLD TESTAMENT EVIDENCE OF FAITH (and How it Sets Free)A. GENESIS 6:9-22 NOAH & THE FLOOD = Freedom from DrowningB. GENESIS 22:3-18 ABRAHAM’S TEST = Freedom from Son's DeathC. EXODUS 14:10-28 MOSES’ FIRM STAND= Freedom From Pharaoh's Killer ArmyYou see, The FAITH FACTOR involves the Holy Spirit of God “For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith” v5a1. THE SPIRIT GIVES FAITH Gal 5:5 “For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” There are Three Key Elements expressed here: (1) FAITH: God’s Spirit knows Faith Doesn’t Come Easy. It’s a Special Gift to FULLY, ABANDONLY TRUST WITH YOUR WHOLE BEING! And God gives His Spirit to Fortify Your Faith! Romans 8:24-26a (NIV) 24 “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. The 2nd Key Element is (2) RIGHTEOUSNESS: “await by faith the righteousness...” The HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD. So HE is All About Righteousness, Holiness and Perfection. You will Never on this Earth Be Perfect But By Faith and in the Might of God’s Spirit You Strive for that. THE FAITH FACTOR: Righteousness! Right Living. And By Faith You Trust the HS to make You More & More Sanctified and Righteous! And Then The Final Key Element ... (3) HOPE: “await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” Hope is What We Need. We were all born into a World of Hopelessness. Do You Realize the “Handcuffs of Bondage” Have a Word that Describes them Perfectly; HOPELESSNESS. Let Me Tell You that FREEDOM IS IN THE FAITH FACTOR And the Result is HOPE! => Freedom through the Spirit: Your FAITH FACTOR!2. THE SON HONORS FAITH Gal 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” And Here are Three Key Considerations: (1) LAW: FUNDAMENTAL FACT=> “… no value …” There is No Reason to Stick with Law (neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value)! Paul’s Words are Significant: “For in Christ Jesus” means you have the Essence of the FAITH FACTOR in Your Savior! It’s Not the Law – It’s Not Tradition – It’s Not Religion – It’s Not Even the Organized Church! IT IS IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS X! (2) FAITH (here is that word again): “the only thing that counts is faith” THE FAITH FACTOR is Wrapped Up in the Person of Jesus X! We are NOT talking about an Arbitrary Belief or Trust in Religiousness or Church or Good Efforts. It is an Abandoned Selfless Reliance upon the Very Person of God Himself == the Lord Jesus Christ! True Freedom comes from True Faith in X Jesus! (3) LOVE: “faith expressing itself through love” Now get this right! … Paul is NOT suggesting Faith and Love are Equal Elements and pose your status greatly before God. NO, he is saying THE FAITH FACTOR RESULTS IN LOVE; Christ's Love (in Greek the word is agape)! This is Awesome! => The Value of the FAITH FACTOR Is Your Freedom!Three Final Suggests to Consider >1. TRUE FAITH LEADS TO ABANDONED OBEDIENCE RESULTING TO BLESSING FROM GOD - FREEDOM!2. TRUE FAITH LEADS OT ABUNDANT LIFE – NOT COMFORTABLE LIFE – CAUSING FREEDOM!3. TRUE FAITH BRINGS PROTECTION, PROSPERITY (Spiritual not Material) AND PURPOSE - FREEDOM!Comments are always encouraged!0
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- Here's the last MMB for July, 28 2014!
You can't control the weather ...
... but you can control the temperature of your soul!
You can't control life circumstances ...
... but you can control your spiritual reactions!
Followers of Jesus have CONTROL ISSUES! If they are NOT under the Spirit's Control ...
- Thunderstorms break out!
- Hurricanes Form
- Lightening strikes causing fire pockets
- wind and hail stir up and causing frightful damage
Even though you can't control the outside weather -- you most certainly can control (under the Holy Spirit's power) the SPIRITUAL weather of your life!
- SUNNY DAYS => under the Spirit's Control - you bear Fruit! Gal 5:22-23
- WARM CALM NIGHTS => under the Spirit's Control - you have Mind Renewal! Phil 4:4-8
- BREEZY AFTERNOONS => under the Spirit's Control ... you have Victory! Rom 8:5ff
- STIRRING MORNING SUNRISE => under the Spirit's Control ... you have a Testimony! Acts 24-26
Comments are always welcome!0
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- FREE OF RELIGIOUS RITUALISM - Galatians 5:2-4
Paul speaks of the shackles of the "Law" when he refers to the Jewish Religious Ritual (and Requirement ... before Christ came) of circumcision. He does so to compare the Law with Grace. Essentially the Law was a bondage ... a burden; because no one could keep it acceptably. One could try but any failure caused the whole thing to be labeled "FAILURE".God provided freedom from the bounds of the law in Jesus Christ (who, by the way, is the only one who kept the Law perfectly, being impeccable Himself - without sin). Freedom in Christ Jesus erases all facets of bondage included religiousness! The words Paul wrote, he wrote from the Holy Spirit who used Paul's own experience as a Hebrew and Jewish Leader. See what he says in verses 2-4. (NIV) 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
God's design was that the law was good and necessary in pointing all mankind to their need for the "Perfect One", Jesus Christ. No one but Christ himself ever kept the Law fully. He became our substitute for fulfilling the Law - so in reality ... Christ is better! Christ via "Grace" broke the demands of the Law. Exodus 20 shows the demands of the Law (10 Commandments) while Ephesians 2 display the marvel of Grace ( 8 "for by grace you've been saved through faith ... it is the gift of God")!
There is provided for all a Grace Liberation! And it's a Grace Freedom Reality! Jesus Himself is that Grace Reality that sets man free. God's blueprint for setting man free is GRACE. God's pattern for man's freedom from the Law is GRACE. God's plan for releasing man fro shackles of sin is GRACE. GRACE FREEDOM REALITY is in the very person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Freedom comes gift-wrapped to you from the Almighty in a Five-Letter Word: G-R-A-C-E!0
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- I cannot help but think of Jesus among the crowds this morning as I sit at my local Monday morning eatery and seeing the people sitting in here. The heart of the Savior was broken as he saw the crowds of needy people ... some who knew and the others who didn't. I am reminded of my own life "B.C." (before knowing Christ!) - there was a void there. Even though I was a 14 year old, I knew something was missing. I tried, as many do, to fill it with "things" that I thought were the answer to filling the void. For me, at that time, it was music. Playing in a rock and roll band and making it big was my attempt to fill that void.
Later that year, I found Jesus to be the answer to my search. I still enjoyed doing music, but I had a great new reality in my life that revised my focus. THANK YOU, JESUS!
Now here I am, many years later, sitting in this cafe seeing folk who's lives are out-of-focus. There's a young couple across from me with a little bald-headed baby. Could be they are on vacation or they out out for a beginning-of-the-week morning breakfast. At AGF yesterday (where I serve as pastor) I shared some words from Luke 18:15-17 that spoke of people bringing their children (even infants - see ESV) to Jesus. That tender sweet baby is one that Jesus adores and loves.
In a table close by is a younger couple (a few years younger than me I suspect) with her mother sitting with them. I am surmising that it's her Mom because they look strikingly similar, but a stark age difference. Mom just asked the waitress what kind of chardonnay they had and the sample showed them was acceptable and the round was served. A click of the glass, a sip and food delivered (which the daughter is sharing the Mom and husband's meal), happiness is there. Now that I think of it, the man and women may be brother and sister?!?!
I am grateful for my wait staff. The cook also comes see me when I arrive. He knows I like my coffee bolder than normal and he announced today that he was having a pot of "dark magic" brewed immediately. The waitress I was able to thank when she cleared a recently emptied table, for taking time to brew my coffee.
Moments ago the store owner greeted me with a hello and waive. Much like Jesus did in His day, I see this place as a mission field, ripe for harvest. So it's seed planting for me, on Jesus' mission! I am loving my morning in being in a place and around the lost to be able to shine the light of Christ. This part of my life journey today is just beginning. Maybe ... more of this story will be told!
JUST NOTE >>>
Sunday worship leads to Monday worship. Properly dealing with the vertical (our connection with God) causes us to properly deal with the horizontal (people within our sphere of influence). Let us connect with Jesus and others. Lots of voids are here. Christ fulfills that void and your story of Him filling yours NEEDS TO BE TOLD! >>>Hey! It's MISSION MONDAY!0
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