Scripture of the day: Thursday, August 8, 2002
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"Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
--Luke 5:11

A word from the Word: Read Matthew 28
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." --Matthew 28:19-20

Food for Thought: Go and Make New Pew Warmers...
     One of the last things that Jesus told us before He left earth was to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that He commanded. Simple enough right? Before you answer that question, I want you to look again at the command that Christ gave us.
     Go. Get out of the comfortable, cozy pew your sitting in and take the Gospel to those in your world. Your workplace. Your school. The drive-thru window. At the mall. Every where you go, you are an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Even if you don't want the responsibility of being an example of the Lord Jesus, you are because you bear the name of Christ. How are you doing in showing Jesus to the world? I think we all need to improve in this area.
     Make Disciples. A disciple is someone who follows the teaching and example of those they are following. The first disciples were sharing what they themselves had seen and heard Jesus do and say. They were emulating Jesus and those they encountered would in turn emulate the witness that the disciples had displayed. Making disciples involves building relationships with others. Those that make disciples mentor others how to live.
     Baptizing them in name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Let me just say this, if you are honest with yourself, there is no way to get around Baptism in the New Testament. I believe baptism to be essential. Unfortunately in the church today, baptism is one of the most disputed and misunderstood doctrines of the church today. To our shame, churches have divided over this issue. What then is baptism? Baptism is more than getting wet. You see, when you are immersed, you are dying with Christ and then when you come out of the water, you are being raised to life just like Jesus. This is symbolic of the new birth. (Romans 6:3-4ff, Col. 3:3, 2 Cor. 5:17.) Faith is a central element in a person's baptism. For if the person had no faith, why would then would they be baptized. Baptism is not something a person does, no, on the contrary, baptism occurs to the person. Hence, the person is being immersed into the death of Christ and raised to walk in the newness of life. But, let me make this real clear...the making of disciples comes before a person is baptized. For good reason, you see, far to often, people are converted to the church, and then baptized and then that's it. Instead, a person through effective discipleship is converted to Christ, and then baptized, and then these new Christians need continue discipleship.
     Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. This is where effective mentoring, and even shepherding is needed. New Christians need training, and ideally they will be taken under someone's wing who is mature in the faith, and someone who themselves is a contagious Christian. Effective discipleship is continual. All of us need someone to learn from. When we stop learning, we stop growing.
     Someone once said that you maybe the only Jesus a person sees. How are you doing at representing Jesus to the world around you? In the car, do you yell at those you deem inferior? How are you in the check-out line in a grocery store? Everywhere, every contact, someone sees the Jesus you portray. People in our world need genuine Christ followers today. The church needs genuine Christ followers today. Will you attempt to get up of the warm pew, and step up to the challenge to be a Christ follower? Jesus chose you, will you choose Him? Amen.

Scripture of the day: Wednesday, August 13, 2002

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" Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits"--Psalms 103:2 (NIV)

A word from the Word: Read Luke 5:27-31

"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him...But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"  --Luke 5:27-28; 30

Food for Thought: You've Asked The Same Question?

       Why does Jesus eat with and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Holiness mixing with unholiness. The Divine dining with the down and outs. It doesn't make sense. But it's true. There is something fascinating about Jesus being in the midst of sinners. Sinners like you and me are the reason Jesus gave up the crown in heaven for the crown of thorns. Your sin, was Christ's invitation to the cross. Oh, He didn't have to come to earth. But He did come.

      Some 2000 years ago the first disciples were normal everyday people, just like you and us. Some were fisherman, some were tax collectors, and all of them shared something similar, all were sinners. Guess what? Some 2000 years later, Jesus still calls normal everyday people, people like you and me. Sinners then, and sinners now. Maybe, the time spent among us sinners, was to reveal the heart of God for humanity. Jesus did say that He came to seek and save the lost. After all, it is the sick who need a doctor. Our sickness is our sin. Our Great Physician is Jesus Christ.

      So, when you begin to wonder why in the world would Jesus use someone like you. Remember you are not the first person to ask that question, nor will you be the last. "But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 

      Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." --Luke 5:30-32 (NIV). My guess is your like me. You are still in great need of a Great Savior, and we have such a Savior in Jesus. Amen.

8.15.02 -- Thursday

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Wednesday, July 24, 2002
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"Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
--Psalm 50:14-15

A word from the Word: Read Matthew 9:14-17
"Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." --Matthew 9:17

Food for Thought: When New Wine Mixes With Old Wineskins...
     If you have ever left church God starved, please try not to lose heart. Your not alone. Dare I suggest that we have tried to put God in a box? Is our understanding of God better than His own? God is bigger than our feeble attempt to limit Him to one hour on Sunday morning. We seem to crave Apple Bee's more than we crave a deeper relationship with Christ. Have we got so accustomed to a "certain" religious expression, or forms of worship that we have altogther missed the function of worship?
   The teaching of Jesus was a fresh wind in His day to a stifling system of religious rules and regulations. Christ brought an intimacy with God that the Pharisees had altogether missed. Instead of focusing on God, the Pharisees were self-absorbed, they were the center of their own universe. They altogether missed the offer of grace that Christ offered. Have we got so wrapped up in doing everything right, they we too have missed the wonder and awe of God?
     Jesus taught about new wine being poured into old wineskins. They result was a bursted wine skin. It is better to pour new wine into new wineskins. The new wine that Jesus was talking about was the Gospel, the good news of the Lamb of God sent to take away the sins of the world. Jesus was the new wine. His life and teaching was unlike anything that Israel had ever seen before. The old wine skins were the rigid religious expression of the Religious elite. Jesus' new wine, and these old skins just didn't sit well together.
     Though far removed from first century Israel, there is still relevance in this passage about the newness Christ brings. One of the clearest expressions of new wine and old wineskins is the generation gap that exists in the church. The older generation grew up one way, singing certain songs, doing certain activities, dressing a certain way for service, and though times have changed the older generation are comfortable with what they are accustomed to. The younger generation doesn't understand the terminology in the old hymns of faith, their language is more post 17th century, and their ideas of worship are more emotional in nature, hands raised to heaven, and eyes closed. Both groups love Jesus, but neither is content when the other leads service. There is a need within the church to reach a common ground. Let me suggest that the common ground is Jesus Christ. The sinful pride of both groups can damage the church. Jesus wants us to seek first His kingdom. Christ's message was refreshing, and I believe that the message of the gospel needs to be presented in refreshing way to the people of the 21st century. If we need to reexamine the needs of our congregations and sing a new song, may we see the opportunity to grow. It is my prayer that our experience at church will be one that fills our appetites for our God, instead of leaving the worshipper starving for the Savior. Amen.

Scripture of the day: Weekend Edition

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"For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,

     my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling"

--Psalms 116:8 (NIV)

A word from the Word: Read Luke 15:1-10

4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not

leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he

finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and

goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice

with me; I have found my lost sheep.' --Luke 15:4-6 (NIV)

"And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says,

'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' --Luke 15:9 (NIV)

Food for Thought: That Which Is Lost Is Found...

        I was caught off guard this morning as I read through Luke 15:1-10. I

know that we have looked at these passages before, but something caught my

attention like never before. Two stories of lost goods. A sheep, and a coin.

Both were precious in the sight of their owner. Both caused much grief, when the

news came that such was lost. I would like to point out that in both stories,

the finding of the lost goods is not a matter of if, but a matter when. Look at

the first part of verse 5, "And when he finds it..." We know, that the Shepherd

rejoiced with his neighbors when he brought the strayed sheep back into the

fold.

       The story of the lost coin. The same is true. It's not a matter of if she

finds the coin, but "when she finds it." The discovery of that which is lost

leads to rejoicing. Heaven rejoices when sinners turn their hearts to home.

       May I suggest to you that when a Christian strays from the safety of the

sheep pen, His Shepherd notices he is missing, and goes out to find him.

According to this story, it's not a matter of whether or not he is found, but

when he is found. The Shepherd doesn't punish the sheep for wandering off, no,

he gently places him behind his neck and carries him safely home. How many times

has your Shepherd done that for you? I know He has done it for me over and over

again. Amen.

8.17.02--Weekend Edition

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Thursday, July 25, 2002
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"Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord 's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him."
--Psalm 32:10

A word from the Word: Read Psalm 32
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." --Psalm 32:7

Food for Thought: God Is Faithful To Forgive...
      I can't explain it. My feeble mind doesn't comprehend the depth of it all. I doesn't make sense, but it's true. God forgives sin.
Read through the Old Testament, and you will read about animal sacrifice, and how forgiveness was granted based on the blood of the animal being slaughtered. Then along comes Jesus, the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. His death on the cross appeased the wrath of God for all of humanity's sin. His blood makes the blemished lives of you and I spotless.
   Eden's forbidden fruit.
        Cain's murder.
             Peter's denial.
                  Paul's persecution.
                       Your sin of ______ (you fill in the blank).                   
   Every vile act ever committed from the beginning of time, to the end of time, God has nailed to the cross. Let me be clear, sin is a serious matter. We all are to avoid sin, but all sin. God is faithful to forgive.
   Allow me to introduce you to three views of forgiveness.
1. Those that take forgiveness lightly. When sin is committed, they just go own with their lives. These people don't see the need to change sinful behavior. Sin is not taken seriously.
2. These people wrestle with the notion of God forgiving them. Instead of accepting God's pardoning of their sin, they live with constant guilt, and shame. The Christian life is not enjoyable to these Christians.
3. These people see their need for God's grace everyday. They recognize that they are sinners and have accepted the forgiveness God has offered. They don't allow sin to be a stumbling block, but a stepping stone. These people live a joyous Christian life.
   In Psalm 32, David shares his heart with us. Like us, David had sinned. Like us, David needed to confess his sin to God. Like us, for whatever reason, his confession seems to have been postponed. Maybe, guilt stricken David felt like he was no longer able to pray. You have been there, sin has snuck up on you, and you took a bite of the forbidden fruit. Guilt overwhelmed you. Your shame was just to much, instead of running to the One that is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, you run from Him. Instead of dealing with his sin, he found a way to hide from the healing in confession. Look at verses 3-4, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." David seems to be painting us a picture of someone who is depressed. Life is no longer enjoyable. God seemed like a distant deity instead of close companion. Despairing, David confesses his sin, and the dark cloud of depression is lifted. Look at verse 5, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord "- and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Did you see that? David didn't question whether or not God would forgive his sin. He knew that he had sinned, and he also knew that God was faithful to forgive. Friend, I don't where you are in your walk with Christ, but I do know this, if you have sinned, you can be forgiven. Yesterday's yuck, can be turned into today's triumph. Give forgiveness a chance, you will be amazed by grace. Amen.

Scripture of the day: Tuesday, August 20, 2002

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"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

--2 Cor 5:15 (NIV)

A word from the Word: Read James 1:2-3, 12; 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds"

--James 1:2 (NIV)

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."--1 Cor 10:13 (NIV)

Food for Thought: Life's Tears...

       All us at one point or another will encounter difficulties in their lives. Whether it be the stress of planning a wedding, and finding the money to cover all the expenses or beginning a new job, the stress and strain can really add up, and life can seem almost unbearable. And that is the lie that Satan wants us to believe. When life is difficult, when life is tough, the devil loves to lure Christians in taking their focus off of the spiritual and placing their focus on the things of this world. The things that here today and gone tomorrow. In the parable of the Sower Jesus made mention of one such group of people who receive the Word of God and as they go about their life, life's worries, riches and pleasure up and a once vibrant faith takes back seat to a worldly lust. Indeed, when Satan can cause Christians to focus on stuff instead of the Savior, the stuff of this world can hinder a person from growing closer to God.

       Hard times will surely come. Tears will be shed at one time or another for this reason or that reason. How we view tough times speaks to who we are as a people. Should God's people respond differently to trials and circumstances? I believe so. Apparently James thought so too, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" -- James 1:2. Consider it pure joy? That's right, when life deals you a bad hand, we are to consider it pure joy, because of who we belong to. When we let God be God we don't have to worry about this and that. Consider it pure joy. God is God and we are not. Consider it pure joy, we have a home in heaven. Consider it pure joy, God sent His Son to redeem sinners from the law of sin and death. Consider it pure joy that God demonstrates his love to us by giving us the cross. Consider it pure joy when trials come, because we have a Lord who went through far worse and yet remained faithful. Consider it pure joy, we have His Spirit living in us. James adds, that "the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Perseverance, is staying power. Perseverance helps us to wait out life's storm because we know that God is our strong tower.

      No temptation that you face is uniquely your own. Sorry to disappoint you. Your temptation regardless of what is, has been fought against by countless Christians. That same temptation is yet another tool by our adversary the devil to get you to take your mind off Jesus, and onto the here and now. Remember, that temptation is not sin, it's just temptation, and secondly God is faithful, and He will, if you let Him, provide a place for you stand under this temptation. The reaches of God's wondrous grace know no boundaries. So, if you have been ensnared by a scheme of the evil one, there is a God in Heaven who loves to throw a party for His strayed sheep. God is faithful despite all that is unstable, and unpredictable in this old world. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..." --Heb. 12:2. Amen.

8.20.02 -- Tuesday

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Wednesday, December 4, 2002

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^"9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

1 Peter 2:9-10

A word from the Word: Read Colossians 1

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him?" Col 1:19

Food for Thought: More Than a Baby?

    It has been a long time since I have sent an e-mail devotional. I have same really big news to share with all of you. First, I got married to a beautiful woman named Jennifer in September of this year, and my wife and I are expecting our first child. It's crazy, I know, but it is wonderful! Just a about two weeks ago, Jenn and I went to the hospital to have her undergo an ultrasound. What we saw was the most amazing thing I have ever seen thus far in the 25 years God has granted me. We saw our very first portrait of our child at 8 weeks old. I was unprepared for what happened next. The nurse allowed us to hear our child's heartbeat. It was indescribable. Simply breath-taking.

    I have read Psalm 139 and the account of the psalmist being known by God in his mother's womb. I just sort of read over those passages and I never really pondered those verses until I saw our little one in the ultra sound photo. This child doesn't yet know his/her parents and yet we love our baby so with an unconditional love. Of course Jenn and I are extremely excited, and old dad had a huge smile from ear to ear when we saw and heard that the little one is okay and doing just fine. The whole time while my little child is developing in the womb the Creator of the Universe knows my little baby. I can only imagine His joy when He saw our faces the day we learned we were having a baby. And oh the joy He must had when He sent His angel to Mary to announce the birth of His Son. I know I don't know how God felt, but I can only imagine that as any proud parent would be, the Father beamed even brighter at the thought of His Son coming to earth to accomplish His purposes for man.

    The baby Mary would birth was more than the son of Carpenter. Indeed, Mary's baby would be Immanuel, God with us. Little baby Jesus was more than a baby. His life was destined to be one of service, one of sacrifice, and one of suffering. Whether or not Mary ever knew at first who her son was, she must have been one proud mother. This little baby has changed the course of the world. Has the birth of the Christ changed you? Open your heart to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords today. Amen.

12.04.02 -- Wednesday

JasonScripture of the day: Weekend Edition 1.11.03-1.12.03

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"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,

the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured the cross,

scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

-- Heb. 12:2

A word from the Word: Read Hebrews 12

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (Heb. 12:3-4)

Food for Thought: When All Else Fails?

    When all else in life fails, "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb 12:3). Life just doesn't seem to be so overwhelming when we fix our lives on Christ. The bills don't seem stacked so high, the trouble student, the angry neighbor, all of these can't change our salvation. So many of us as Christians tend to be unforgiving, we tend to worry, we tend to do all the things that God has told has not to, and yet we do it anyway and wonder why our lives our in disarray. Just imagine for a moment, what your life would be like, if everyday, you made it a point to spend time in God's Word, and on your knees in prayer? Imagine, what life would be like if we really did focus on Christ and not the things that annoy us about certain people, or the problems at our churches. Christ's plan for your life does not include, worry, un-forgiveness, bickering, sin, etc., Christ came so that we might have life abundantly (Jn. 10:10).

    I have come to the conclusion that Christians everywhere struggle. My struggles may not be the same as yours, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Christians experience temptation, sin, sorrow, and grief, so we are definitely not alone in these struggles, and the writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep this thought in mind, "In your struggle against sin, you have not resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Heb 12:4).

    Following on in Hebrews 12:5-6, the author admonishes his readers to endure hardship as discipline. For the Lord disciplines the ones he loves. God is treating us as sons. What son is not disciplined by his father? All of the struggles that we endure or experience all point to the  Father's love.

    Could it be, that all of these trials we encounter are brought to us to reveal the depths of God's love? Yes! For when we struggle with whatever it maybe, we are receiving an opportunity to rely on  our God. When were you were a child, when you had a problem, you would want your dad to fix it, well isn't that the way we are with God?

    I like when the various authors of Scripture make mention of of the struggle that all believers encounter. We are all faced with temptations and we all have or do still struggle with sin, or if you are like me, sins. The writer of Hebrews wants us to focus our hearts, our minds, our strength, our souls, every ounce of the fabric of our being on Jesus Christ. He knows what it is like to be man, to be tempted, and live without sin. He knows the difficulties of life, and He understands your pain, and He cares for you. Let's start this New Year off right, let's run the race that has set before us. Let us keep in step with Jesus. Amen.

1.11.03 -- Weekend Edition

Jason M. Retherford

 Scripture of the day: Weekend Edition 02.22.03--02.23.03

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"How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?"

--Psalm 13:2

A word from the Word: Read Philippians 1

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?" -- Philippians 1:27a

Food for Thought: You Have Turned My Mourning Into Dancing?

    Last Friday night in Gatlinburg really really opened my eyes. The speaker's message was convicting. He talked about who is in charge, about laying down whatever it may be that needs laying down. The thing that hit me the hardest was the 27th verse of the first chapter of the Book of Philippians. "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?" -- Philippians 1:27a. See the whole way to Gatlinburg I hemmed and hawed over the previous two weeks and the confusion over this youth trip. The amazing thing is that it was like the speaker was speaking to an audience of one. There are over 6,000 teenagers in the same auditorium, but everything this guy said pierced my heart, it was like he had spent the previous two weeks watching all that happened and my reaction.. Everything said was a reminder of God's wondrous grace.

    Grace or not, I have to be honest. My mind was involved in a might struggle. Bitterness and anger vs. forgiveness and grace. God won again. By the end of the evening, I was finally able to let go, and let God. I also have to confess that there was a person who I was avoiding due to my fears of confrontation. Well, God provided an opportunity to deal with those fears, and all because of His grace, and His power, this situation that was dreadful, ended with a hug, and love.

    It's amazing that all along God was working out the details and I was worried and wondering how I could be mistreated (at least I felt I was). I still have a lot to learn about God, and trusting my Heavenly Father. As the speaker continued to speak, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's circumstances as he penned these words so many years ago. He was in prison, and was beaten time after time. Other Believers were tortured, or killed, and here I am, whining because of a situation that was a misunderstanding, you know, all of a sudden my trials aren't so big. Nothing that we go through is to big for our God.

    That weekend in Gatlinburg, I decided that God was using the Book of the Philippians to remind me of some things that are of utmost importance and to move me into a deeper relationship with Him. Several times in Scripture we are encouraged to set our minds on things above. Earthly things slow us down, they make our journey burdensome, and day after day we wind up weary wanderers. Maybe  you can relate this struggle I continually find myself in, why do I try to work out my own problems instead of turning to God? Philippians 4:6-7, Paul urges us to pray not just about sick loves ones, financial woes, or difficult people, but to pray about everything. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Amen.

02.22.03 -- Saturday

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Monday, February 24, 2003

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"I said to the LORD , 'You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing' " (Psalm 16:2).

A word from the Word: Read Philippians 1

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." -- Phil. 1:19, emphasis mine.

Food for Thought: Sometimes All We Can Do Is Pray?Whatever?

    Recently at a youth rally I attended the theme of the weekend was the book of Philippians, and it has served me to read it, and read, and read it again. For I am truly amazed at what my eyes discover. In the first chapter and the 19th verse Paul writes, "Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." Paul seems to be remembering his struggles, and instead of complaining, he focuses not on his tears, nor his grief, but on God. He is confident that what he has endured will turn out the way that God has directed. He is aware that others are praying for him and it eases his heart, and he assures his audience that their concern for him, and the help given by the Spirit of Christ will turn out for his deliverance. Maybe, your like me, and it warms your heart as well to know that others are praying for you. Friend, no matter what you are going through right now, there are people wrestling, even anguishing in prayer for you, all because they love you, and care about you. I believe that the most powerful thing in the universe that a Christian can do for someone else is to approach the throne of God on behalf of someone else. Let me ask you a favor, will you pray for me? I need all the help I can get. Know that I too, will be praying for you.

    What Paul wrote in Phil. 1:19, mimics what He writes in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him?" The context of Paul's Philippians letter seems to indicate the possibility of death, for he writes, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in now way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." So even in the face of death, Paul knew that whatever happened to him, would turn out for his deliverance.

    After reflecting some on his own predicament, and determining his course (the straight and narrow), he turns his attention once again to Philippians church and he urges them to remain steadfast, or to stand firm.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?" (Phi. 1:27). How are you doing conducting yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? If the truth be told, would you stand up with joy or would you hide, holding your head in shame? I think all of us need to be reminded to keep our eyes focused, and no matter what happens, we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Christ." Early in chapter in 1, Paul mentions the beginning of the Christian life, and later on his letter he will talk about the end, (Phil 3. the promise of heaven), but here in verse 27, Paul deals with where you and are, the in between. For some of us right now, they are things that we haven't shared with anyone, burdens to heavy to be shouldered by ourselves, fears that we are running from, whatever it may be, we are told to conduct ourselves in manner worthy of Christ in whatever happens. I truly believe that it is in these unpredictable whatevers that we are provided with an opportunity for growth. The trying times our a time of shaping in the Master's hands. Though uncomfortable for a time, He is only perfecting His image in us. Amen. 

02.24.03 – Monday Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Tuesday, February 25, 2003

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"Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings."

--Psalm 17:8

A word from the Word: Read Philippians 2

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 2:5

Food for Thought: Imitate Christ?(Gatlinburg trip -- part 3)

    In the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippian church, he encourages them to imitate Christ. He uses phrases like, "be like minded", "have the same love", "be in one spirit and purpose." The clincher, however is in verse 5 and following, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Our attitudes should be that of a humble servant obedient to our Master. Servants are not paid for the service, there is an expectation that the servant will do what he is asked willingly.

    I can't tell you the number of times on this trip I have found myself unhappy with my travel companions over small issues, or unhappy with circumstances, namely our delayed travel plans due to near blizzard like conditions back home. Paul's answer to my grumblings "Whatever happens conduct your self in a worthy manner of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27), and "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:14-15). A timely reminder that my life, and the circumstances around me are in the hands of the one who gave the sun it's first light. Friday night at the convention center one of our teens showed me the back of her tee-shirt, and it was amusing because just several hours before we were having a conversation in which we were both complaining, well the verse on the back of her tee-shirt read, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:14-15). Out of the thousands of teens and youth leaders at the convention center, every message seemed to be directed to me and what I was dealing with at the time.

    Despite all the trials and temptations on this trip, I have learned that I still have a lot to learn. When things don't go the way I planned, it's ok, I am not in control. Paul touches on this when he wrote, "?continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Phil. 2:12-13). The Christian life is a process, and God will bring to completion what he began in us (Phil. 1:6). I am a lump of clay in the Master's hands. In I want to leave with you two things about the Potter and his work. 1) That which is being formed is handled with care and crafted by the Master's own hands. Each area of his work bears his fingerprints. 2) Times of testing are just as important as the shaping times. The fire is necessary. The right temperature, the right time and the potter examines his work. Similarly, the silversmith, asked about the refining process said, "I know when the impurities are gone, I know this when I am able to see his reflection in the metal. How true for the Christian, God is working in us to rid us of impurities, with the goal of his reflection in us. Amen.

02.25.03-- Tuesday

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Wednesday, March 5, 2003

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"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

--Joshua 1:9

A word from the Word: Read Luke 23

"But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will." -- Luke 23:23-25

Food for Thought: Friends, Murderer, and Messiah?

    I have been reading the Gospel of Luke and I came across a familiar passage. Two scenes at the end of Christ's life. We've read them before. But this time, two incidents jumped out me. By this time in the drama of His last few hours before His crucifixion, Jesus had been presented to Pilate, sent to Herod, and Herod finding no fault in Him, sent Him back to Pilate. The One who is always Just, subjected to a mockery of justice. Jesus was bounced back and forth, at the mercy of the mad crowd. Prior to this day, Herod and Pilate were enemies. They were political rivals, but this day was different. Isn't it interesting that this man whom stood before them united them in friendship? Friends they may have become, but friends with Christ? I think not. They remind me of those in the world who have heard about Jesus, know people that follow Christ, but their allegiance is to something or someone else other than to the King of Kings.

    The second scene from Luke 23, that struck me today was the final trial of Christ and the subsequent release of Barabbas. Jesus, having been returned Pilate and found innocent, Pilate tries to release Jesus.

"¹³Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, ¹⁴and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. ¹⁵Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. ¹⁶Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."^[3]
18With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" ¹⁹(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
²⁰Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. ²¹But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
²²For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."
²³But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. ²⁴So Pilate decided to grant their demand. ²⁵He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will."

    The blood thirsty crowd, seized with fury demanded Jesus be crucified. The opportunity had come, the Religious leaders sprang on their prey as a snake strikes it's victim, so the sting of man's sinfulness struck the heel of the seed of the woman. Standing in front of them all, Jesus innocent from any wrongdoing was sentenced to death, the hellish crowd pleaded for the release of a political insurrectionist, and murderer. Innocence trading places with the guilty. A murderer set free and the Messiah given the death penalty. Irony? Maybe. The essence of the Gospel? indeed!

    I wonder if Barabbas, and Jesus were within view of each other. If so, I wonder if the eyes of Christ gazed lovingly and long at this man who was on death row. I wonder the thoughts on Barabbas's mind as his eyes caught the glare of God. Dirty and defeated Barabbas may have felt, but with each moment that passed, I wonder if a peace washed over the political criminal. We don't know what happened to Barabbas after this story ends. I know, that I would like to think that he gave His life to Christ. Only Heaven knows. However, Jesus did trade places with a sin soaked soul. Has he done anything less for you, and for me? Amen.

03.05.03-- Wednesday

Jason M. Retherford

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Scripture of the day: Thursday, March 6, 2003

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"There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

--Luke 23:38

A word from the Word: Read Luke 23:26-56

" But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things." -- Luke 23:49

Food for Thought: Mockery or Majesty?

    Yesterday we looked at the trial of Messiah. Today I want to turn our attention more specifically to His crucifixion and some events surrounding the cross.

1) Simon of Cyrene was made to carry the cross of Christ. When Christ needed a friend the most, He was given Simon who helped bear the load of the cross. Do you have Simons in your life?

2) Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Once again the Holy One is found in the midst of sinners.

3) There was an audience that witnessed the crucifixion, some followers of Jesus, and others, blood thirsty spectators. These that watched in anticipation of bloodshed  were more concerned with the death of Christ than the Words, and Hope of Christ.

4) One criminal cursed Christ, the other condemned man defended His Deity and would find life even at the point of death.

5) Though mankind is utterly soaked in sin, the Good Shepherd still searches for His strayed sheep.

6) A sign, meant to make a mockery of the majesty of Christ, hung above His sacrificial humanity.

7) A torn curtain, symbolizing our access to God because of Christ's broken body on the cross. 

8) Even a centurion was aware that One who hung between two criminals was a righteous man.

9) The One who was robed in Righteousness was given His final garments to wear, burial clothes.

10) What irony, the One who hung the stars, hung from a Roman cross.

11) What irony, the Author of Life, now tasting the sting of death.

God is good?

    All the time. Amen.

03.06.03 -- Thursday

Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Monday, March 10, 2003
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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 

-- Joshua 1:9

A word from the Word: Read Luke 12:25-35

^"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." -- Luke 14:27

Food for Thought: Follow me, even far away...
    When we decided to be followers of Christ, we had no idea what this would mean, or even where following Christ would lead us. I know I had no idea. I never imagined I would be working with teenagers, preaching the gospel, writing devotions, performing weddings, preaching funerals, counseling folks. Me, speak in front of crowds, some strangers. No way. Growing up, I stuttered real bad, and the last thing I wanted to do was to speak in front of others. Boy, have the times changed. I am at home in the pulpit, and my stuttering isn't a barrier any more. God uses our weaknesses for His glory.
    The last week has been a very emotional week for my wife and I. The weekend before we had gone to Duncan, Oklahoma for a job interview at the Chisholm Trail Church of Christ for the position of Youth Minister. I was overwhelmed by the love, and the people of the congregation. From the first meeting with the congregation, they made Jen and I feel at home. It was like we belonged there. Before, we left Sunday night to return to Oklahoma City, the elders had offered me the Youth Minister position. I was astonished. Several months earlier I never imagined I would be sitting in a room with that congregation's elders discussing when I could start ministering there. As a matter of fact, I sent my resume only to see what would happen. I have always wondered if Youth Ministry is my calling, and well after 15 resumes being sent, I just sat back and wondered. I began to get phone calls from various churches that were interested in me, but none of them invited me to visit with them. The church in Duncan, sent me back some questions to be answered by their search committee. I put off answering because, I didn't think they would call back. About two days before the deadline, I had shared with my wife my decision to let this opportunity slip away, and like any good wife would do, she told me to send in the answers anyway, "What's it going to hurt, Jason"? So I did. When the called me back several weeks later to set up a phone interview, my stomach was in knots. This Youth Minister thing was for real. My unbelief was in for another dose of reality, when they the church called me back to invite me to interview with them in person. Wow! I was shocked.
    Now, one week removed from this interview, the emotions are still strong. I don't recall ever making a decision so difficult before. To leave Ohio means to leave behind family and friends. To leave my current home and congregation, is to place all my trust and faith in God's leading, and His plan. I still wonder if I am crazy. I have accepted the Church's offer, and it appears Jen will be moving in July.
   There are those who are going to really miss Jennifer and I when we are gone. But friendships don't end when a person moves. I have tried to take the mindset, that this adventure that Jen and I are embarking on, is only the next chapter in the book of our lives. The main characters in the story will see each other again, everyone will live happily ever after, the sun will set and the saga will continue. The hard part for me will be moving so far away from home. But, I have to take the mindset that the world is not really my home anyway, I am just passing through. God is allowing me to tour the country where I reside, and I ought to make the most of it.
    All of God's children have to make life changing decisions at one time or another. Sometimes these decisions will lead a person away from his family and friends, but God is faithful and He will provide what His children need. Whether it be a place to live, food to eat, or a shoulder to cry on. Regardless of the cost, God wants us to choose Him.
    We still have about 4-5 months before we move. I hope that we all can make the most of these few months together, and remember, goodbyes are never final for Christians.

Scripture of the day; Tuesday, March 11, 2003
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"The Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."

--Deuteronomy 7:9

A word from the Word: Read Hebrews 11
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. "

-- Hebrews 11:6-10

Food for Thought: Obedience Demands Action...
   I cannot stress enough how much I believe that some of the things that God calls us to, are just plain difficult. Some things may even seem to be impossible. You and I are not the only ones ever called to task, bigger than they could ever imagine.
   I wonder the thoughts  Noah had the day before God called him to the task of building an arc. Maybe Noah spent time in prayer for his family, and friends. He may have gone though his day much like he always had, working, taking care of his wife and kids. Then his all came. He had never seen rain, but he did what God asked him to do. How foolish he must have seemed to his neighbors as he began amassing tons of timber in his backyard. You can almost hear their teasing, "Hey Noah, what are you doing?" Building an arc, eh! for what? Oh, yeah, your one of those religious weirdoes. Excuse me Mr. Righteous. I am going to go have a drink, come and live it up, you only live once." Noah, paid no attention to them, and and he set his hand and heart to the Lord's call.
   How about Abraham? I can relate to him. God asked him to pack up his belongings and his family go to the place that He would show them. Abe wasn't given any travel plans. There were no  resorts on his agenda. Abraham didn't know where he was going, he only knew that God said he would show him where to go, and that was all Abraham needed. Instead of a travel plan, Abraham had faith and trust in God.
   This wouldn't be the first time Abraham walked by faith and not by sight. Do you remember the incident with is son Isaac? The heaviness that must have weighed down on Abraham's heart as he was told to sacrifice his beloved son. Scooping his son in his arms, Abraham lifted him to the altar, would this be his last embrace with his son? What kind of faith is this, Abraham's most prized possession being asked of him? The lesson in faith Isaac must have learned from his father!  Do you think he shared this lesson with his two boys?
   The story of people trusting God doesn't stop with these two fellows. The story of God's people is one of calling, and choice. Following God isn't easy. It may require leaving loved ones behind, traveling to a distant country, wandering in the wilderness, or even walking on water. When followers of God determine to abandon self and occupy their selves with God's plan, they will experience things they never dreamed. If people dare to dream a life lead by the Sprit of God, dreams can become reality.
   I want to live my life ins the shadow of the cross, where every act of service no matter how big or small will bring glory to God. I am at a critical moment in my life. Will I accept God's invitation to minister in a new land or will I let my fears fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of leaving loved ones) keep me from going to place that God will show me? Amen.

03.11.03 -- Tuesday
Jason M. Retherford

Scripture of the day: Monday, March 17, 2003

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   "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

--Colossians 3:12

A word from the Word: Read Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 'You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.'" -- Matthew 5:13-14

Food for Thought: More Than a Badge?

    I have a badge. It doesn't carry with it the weight of a officer's emblem. My badge identifies me with a certain group of people. My badge allows me entrance to places that most have never been. What is this badge? It is my clergy badge. It is my ticket into the hospital's hallways and patience rooms. I am sometimes permitted where family cannot go. I maybe even allowed places that nurses aren't? This badge identifies me as a minister. People that see me wearing my clergy badge recognize that I am on a mission. A mission to offer words of hope, words of comfort, and a reassuring hug. It's easy to be a Christian when I am wearing my clergy badge. How do I do the rest of the week when I am not wearing my badge? I struggle just like you do.

    Christ has called us to be salt and light. We are in essence the flavor and illumination of Christ in this world. How do we do in this endeavor? If you're honest with yourself, you would recognize that we don't always do a good job as the salt of the earth. Our light doesn't always shine the brightest for Jesus. Maybe if we all could wear a badge that served as our identification we could live the Christian life with ease? Would an I.D. really serve this purpose. I doubt it. We do have an identification that we wear. It may not be a neat little printed out tag that rests in a plastic holder. No the way we live, our conduct, our speech, our actions serves as our I.D. We are ambassadors of Jesus Christ everywhere we go. At the mall, at school, out with our friends. The way we live reveals who we're living for. We are either living for God, or we're not. There is no fence sitting in the kingdom of God. We can't one day decide to be salt and light, and then the next day decide that we don't want too. As the salt of the earth, we need to go into every situation with the mindset that we are Christ's ambassadors. We very well may be the only Jesus a person sees. It his message we bear, and it's His image we are revealing to a lost and dark world. Philippians 2:14-15, reminds us of the importance of how what we claim we believe matches how we carry ourselves, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." There is no doubt that the world we live in is crooked and depraved. Sin is everywhere it seems ready to entice us and drag us away from our first love, but despite the sin that is so prevalent in our world, we as Christians shine like stars in the universe. With this in mind, let us approach the rest of this week mindful of the need to illuminate, and add the flavor of Christ to our neighbors, and communities. Amen.

Scripture of the day: Tuesday, March 18, 2003

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"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

--Ephesians 6:11

A word from the Word: Read Ephesians 6:10-20

Food for Thought: The War Within?

    Nations are tense. War is on the brink. Diplomacy has run it's course. Negotiations and resolutions, have divided alliances. The world once again on the brink of war. Our nation was forged in the heat of war, but not just us. Every great Empire has been involved in war at one time or another. War is a product of the fall. Ever since the beginning man has been warring against God.

    We too are at war. Our battlefield is not a desert or a jungle. Our weapons are different. Our enemy is a crafty. He is tyrant. A brutal, deceptive demon. His language is that of lies, and his prey are those of us that pray. Our enemy is the devil, and he prowls around like a lion looking for Christians to devour. His trick, is to tempt us to openly rebel against God. He will use anything to get us to sin. Our families, friends, our churches, illness, financial difficulties.

    The Apostle mentions this spiritual struggle believers encounter. "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" (Ephesians 6:12).  Paul also writes in Romans 7:21-23, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members."

    Lets face it, sometimes in our struggle against sin, we get wounded. The fiery darts of the devil find their way into our lives. Maybe in a moment of weakness, or right after a great spiritual victory, we will and do sin. Paul admitted he too wrestled with his will. Look at his words in Romans 7:14-20, "¹⁴We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." What was his remedy for all of this? Look at the verse 24-25, "²⁴What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

    There is some good news in the battle were engaged in. In this war, we don't go to battle unarmed, or least we shouldn't. Each day let's make sure we "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). Let's look at this armor in Ephesians 6.

    v. 14. - belt of truth.

    v. 14. - breastplate of righteousness.

    v. 15. - feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

    v. 16. - shield of faith (to defend against the and "extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.)

    v. 17. - helmet of salvation

    v. 17. - sword of the spirit (the Word of God)

    v. 18. - prayer

    Of our weapons listed, we've two offensive weapons, the Word of God, and prayer. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-­edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12). What about prayer? "¹³Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. ¹⁴Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:13-16). Prayer makes the sick well, has a hand in forgiveness, gets troubled people out of trouble.

    Thankfully we are not alone in the battle. The Battle belongs to the Lord. Our commander in chief is the Maker of Heaven and earth. His ways are perfect, His love amazing, and His grace offered for you and me. Amen.