LIFE-CHANGING!                                                                             

What surprised you most in 2016?

• Was it the National Presidential Election?
• Was it the number of God-seekers that came our way to worship with us?
• Was it having 8 nations represented in many of our Sunday morning services?
• Was it the appointing of both shepherds and deacons for the first time ever?
• Was it welcoming 4 newborns into our midst between October 2 - November 10?
• Was it Patti leaving Minnesota for 5 months to teach one semester in Indiana?

(That last one really surprised me!)

     Perhaps the world’s greatest surprise ever was when a young virgin girl, around 13 or 14 years old, gave birth to the Creator of the world!  Although in retrospect  it shouldn’t have been such a surprise; Christ’s virgin birth was announced over 700 years beforehand by the prophet, Isaiah (7:14).  "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and    bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”     

     The Gospel writer, Matthew, refers to Isaiah’s prophesy when he documents Christ’s birth: 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”  (Matthew 1:18-23)

     

     While the exact day of Jesus’ birth is unknown, the forever effect of the Incarnation, God coming in the flesh and living among us, is almost as life-changing as God’s ultimate desire to live within us!  WHY?  GOD’S INTENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO TRANSFORM US FROM THE INSIDE OUT (1Corinthians 6:19-20)  INTO BECOMING MORE AND MORE LIKE HIS SON!  Surprised?

LIFE-CHANGING!                                       God is good all the time.  Mr. Steve

       WORTHY                                                                             

• What is the most expensive item you’ve ever owned?
• Who is the most important person you’ve ever known?
• What is most precious to you -- your greatest treasure?

     When I was 14 years old I got my first pair of new shoes.  I’d had shoes before but they were usually hand-me-downs from my brother or from the children’s home storeroom.  These shoes were brand new, right off the shelf!  i still remember their new smell, color and style to this day.  I also remember polishing them over and over -- even the soles!  Since my parents paid for the shoes, I don’t remember their cost; all I know is, at that time, they were my most treasured possession.

     Fast forward 50 years.  I’ve had many a new pair of shoes since I was 14 and of course, my value meter has changed.  But the question, what do I value above all else.... is still most necessary. 

     I believe many times my actions have betrayed the value and worth my heart has placed on my Lord.  Evidently, there was a time when Jesus wasn’t the apostles’ greatest treasure either.  In Matthew, Mark and John’s accounts, Jesus came up second to a year’s wages!  Even more, His being anointed with such an expensive perfume was in their own words, “Such a waste!” 

“While he (Jesus) was eating dinner, a woman came up carrying a bottle of very 

expensive perfume. Opening the bottle, she poured it on his head. Some of the guests became furious among themselves. “That’s criminal! A sheer waste! This perfume could have been sold for well over a year’s wages and handed out to the poor.” Mk 14:3-5

     Besides Matthew 26, Mark 14 and John 12, I’ve been reading the book, “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee and an article by Steven Cole entitled, “Wasting Your Life On Jesus.”  Many questions!  Do I treasure Jesus more than my stuff?  Do I treasure Jesus more than my pride?  Do I treasure Jesus more than my reputation?  Have I even come close to the point of pouring myself out.... wasting my life on Jesus?  Mary understood the value of her Lord.  WORTHY!

     At age 14 it was a pair of shoes.  At age 64.... my comfort zone.  Isn’t Jesus worthy of all of me?  My heart?  My passion?  If I say no .... then what a waste! 
God is good all the time.  Mr. Steve

“I’M GLAD YOU SEE”                                                   

A HUGE REASON TO BE THANKFUL CONTINUALLY                                        

What if you majored in adhering to law where “an eye for an eye” literally meant “AN EYE FOR AN EYE!”? What if you didn’t believe in angels or spirits?  What if you didn’t believe in the resurrection – either Jesus’ or you own? 

When I was growing up, my mother told me about an aristocratic group of priests in the Bible called SADDUCEES that supported the above beliefs.  “Stevie,” she said, “If you didn’t believe in angels or in the resurrection of the dead – you, too, would be SAD…. YOU SEE!”  I’ve always remembered her play on words, but never more than when re-reading Peter’s second sermon found in Acts 3:12-26.

Peter opens his discourse following a miracle and the observers’ misplaced amazement.  Peter redirects their amazement to, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers (verse 13).”  “HE IS NOT THE GOD OF THE DEAD BUT OF THE LIVING! (Matthew 22:32).” 

Then in less than 15 verses, Peter unfolds the Gospel story in a very unique way.  Like a mender of nets, Peter amazingly weaves God’s redemptive work using divine thread by penning the following ten descriptors of His Son: 

• His servant Jesus
• The Holy and Righteous One
• The Prince of life
• The One whom God raised from the dead 
• Jesus
• His Christ
• The Lord
• Jesus the Christ
• A Prophet
• (and back to the beginning) His Servant!  

Nearing conclusion, Peter exhorts his audience, some of them Sadducees, to repent and turn back to God!  Why? 1) That your sins may be wiped away.   2) That times of refreshing may come.  3) That God may send Jesus for you!  

JESUS IS NOT DEAD!  JESUS IS RISEN AND I’M GLAD….YOU SEE!  A HUGE REASON TO BE THANKFUL CONTINUALLY!

God is good all the time!  Mr. Steve

LIGHT CHECK

Six years ago, I shut my front door and realized too late that I had just locked myself out of my own house!  That very morning, I had been studying one of Paul’s exhortations to the church at Thessalonica: “In everything give thanks.”   Since this passage was so fresh on my mind, I just started thanking God for having a house I could lock myself out!  Later, after getting help to get back inside and recover my keys, I met Bruce, a friend of mine, and told him my story.  After that, whenever we’d get together, Bruce would usually reply to anything I shared – “OK, but were you thankful?!”  We’d both smile.

A few months after locking myself out of my house, I was standing by Bruce at a groundbreaking. As the person in charge was jokingly sharing how he had really been the first one to “break ground” on the property by getting his suburban stuck near the entrance – Bruce turned to me with a twinkle in his blue eyes and said, “Yes, but was he thankful?”  I laughed.

Our song of the month of November is “Sanctuary” by Third Day: “O Lord, prepare me – to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.”  

In other words:

• Lord, prepare me to be pure and holy
• Lord, try me to be pure and holy
• And through it all, Lord, help me to always be thankful!

Part of the Lord’s preparation of our being sanctuaries for Him is our learning to be thankful in ALL circumstances.  Tall order but extremely necessary.  

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”  Romans 1:21

It appears that honoring God and giving thanks helps keep “the light on” in our sanctuaries – otherwise hearts are darkened!  LIGHT CHECK!        God is good all the time. Mr. Steve

LIGHT CHECK

Six years ago, I shut my front door and realized too late that I had just locked myself out of my own house!  That very morning, I had been studying one of Paul’s exhortations to the church at Thessalonica: “In everything give thanks.”   Since this passage was so fresh on my mind, I just started thanking God for having a house I could lock myself out!  Later, after getting help to get back inside and recover my keys, I met Bruce, a friend of mine, and told him my story.  After that, whenever we’d get together, Bruce would usually reply to anything I shared – “OK, but were you thankful?!”  We’d both smile.

A few months after locking myself out of my house, I was standing by Bruce at a groundbreaking. As the person in charge was jokingly sharing how he had really been the first one to “break ground” on the property by getting his suburban stuck near the entrance – Bruce turned to me with a twinkle in his blue eyes and said, “Yes, but was he thankful?”  I laughed.

Our song of the month of November is “Sanctuary” by Third Day: “O Lord, prepare me – to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.”  

In other words:

• Lord, prepare me to be pure and holy
• Lord, try me to be pure and holy
• And through it all, Lord, help me to always be thankful!

Part of the Lord’s preparation of our being sanctuaries for Him is our learning to be thankful in ALL circumstances.  Tall order but extremely necessary.  

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”  Romans 1:21

It appears that honoring God and giving thanks helps keep “the light on” in our sanctuaries – otherwise hearts are darkened!  LIGHT CHECK!        God is good all the time. Mr. Steve

“SO THAT THE WORKS OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED”

I was a student at Harding College from 1972-1975.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Harding and have many amazing memories.  One of those memories was of a student who continually ministered and intentionally connected with blind students on campus.  I’d see him walking side-by-side with them to classes, assisting them in the cafeteria, library, chapel, etc.   I have to tell you I was convicted and impressed.  

Fast-forward 15 years.  In 1988 I received a call from an elder, in Colorado, inviting our little Sikes’ family to come for the weekend and speak to their congregation about Cornhusker Christian Children’s Home (CCCH).  At the time I was CCCH’s Assistant Superintendent and gladly accepted his invitation.  Our family travelled from western Nebraska to Colorado, on Friday night.  We spent most of Saturday with the elder and his wife on their farm before Sunday’s speaking engagement.

What I most vividly remember were the guide wires everywhere, so the elder could navigate safely around his 12-acre farm.  “This network of guide wires were strung out just a little over head-high, from the house to the workshop, from the workshop to the pasture and from the sheep shed to the pigpen.  Bells were placed on certain “problem” animals – the rambunctious ram and the over-stimulated steer – to alert (the elder) when he was in harm’s way.”  (Turning Darkness Into Light, Christian Chronicle, 2010)

Our time on the farm with our little children was such a blessing.  It was literally an outdoor playground for all ages with a tree house, rope swing, zip line, sack swing, as well as a petting zoo (with certain animals)!  I discovered later that it was also a place for “troubled youth to come and learn responsibility and Christian values.” 

As I’m sure you’ve now surmised, the elder on whose farm we were staying was blind and had been for many years as a result of congenital cataracts.  On Saturday, after a long conversation with him and his wife, I wandered into their living room and began looking at all the family pictures that covered their wall.  Surprisingly, in many of the pictures I found the face of the young man I had observed, at Harding College, who continually ministered to the blind!  Then, it hit me!  Eureka!   This was his farmhouse growing up…. these were his parents…. his own father…. blind!  

The son’s name is Dr. David Bland, now professor of Homiletics and Director of D.Min. at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tenn.  The “blind farmer and his wife” -- Bob and Helen Bland.  Bob served as an elder for the Meadowlark Church of Christ in Fort Collins, CO for about 30 years.   David’s experience of growing up with a father going blind did not make him bitter, but better.  His intentional choice to serve the blind while on Harding’s campus opened the eyes of many – including my own – “so that the works of God might be displayed....” (John 9:9) God is good.  Mr. Steve

NEW HEART!

In February, 2014, I drove to Lincoln, Nebraska, to be with my oldest son to watch the University of Nebraska men’s basketball team play the Indiana Hoosiers. Before the game, a highly reputable Indiana cardiologist, Dr. Larry Rink (who has now been IU’s team doctor for the past 39 years) walked by my seat. I instantly said, “Dr. Rink, thank you for helping save my brother-in-law’s life.” The doctor stopped, shook my hand and asked who it was he had helped. I reminded him of the story that took place (now over 31 years ago) that forever tied three cities together:  Bloomington, IN, Rochester, MN & Indianapolis, IN. 

In May 1985, Dr. Rink was my brother-in-law’s cardiologist and after giving him an echocardiogram, immediately arranged a private jet to transport my brother-in-law (in his late 20’s), my sister-in-law, a registered nurse, a pilot, and me to Rochester, Minnesota. While a team of Mayo Clinic doctors stabilized my brother-in-law’s heart, Boots Young prepared a place for my sister-in-law to stay. It just so happened that a new ministry had begun called “Hands Of Compassion” (HOC), and a room was provided for my wife’s sister during her week-plus stay in Rochester. She was HOC’s first houseguest! 

Meanwhile, I flew back to Bloomington, Indiana with the pilot and nurse, and less than two weeks later, my brother-in-law was transported from Rochester to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, to await a new heart.  On Memorial Day weekend, 1985, the Lord most graciously provided my brother-in-law with a strong and vibrant 24-year-old heart.  The doctors gave him, on the average, three years to live.  However, by God’s grace, over thirty-one years later, my brother-in-law and my wife’s sister, remain alive and well, praising the Lord!

For sometime now we have been praying for Brent Hanson -- for God to heal his heart, or by God’s mercy and grace, give him a new one!  Brent and Becky came to us from northern Minnesota and have stayed at our houses of compassion several times over the years.  This week, Brent and Becky are scheduled to fly to Mayo in Arizona as they continue to await God’s heart decision.

Much has happened since my brother-in-law was jetted to Rochester in 1985:  my older brother, Stacy, came and worked 15 years for HOC; a second HOC house was built; I was hired to begin ministry here in August, 2013; and three days before we arrived, Stacy and Carol moved up to northern Minnesota where he met an EMT pastor in need of a new heart -- Brent Hanson!  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  Mr. Steve

"HEROES OF FAITH"

I have many heroes of faith -- men and women I’ve personally known and loved, who have lived their lives for the Lord and are now eternally with Him.  They are souls I long to meet again and live with forever!  Of course Jessica and my Dad are part of my great “Cloud of Witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), but there really are a host of others who have deeply inspired me to keep on keeping on when I’ve wanted to just stop, give up, give in, and give over.

Last Thursday afternoon I opened up my mail and perused a bulletin from a congregation my family and I loved and worshipped with years ago in Texas.  Inside was this sentence: “Lois E______ passed away Sunday night at AGH.”  Lois was 102 years old when she died. She and her husband, J.D., were great encouragers to me at a time I needed them most.  When I spoke at J.D.’s funeral, over 15 years ago this week, they had been married four months shy of 70 years.  (Remind you of anyone....i.e. Richard & Margaret?!)

Today is the one-year anniversary of Sam H__________’s death.  I did not know Sam long, but I will long remember him!  Sam and Tracy and their family came to worship with us over a year ago while Sam was undergoing treatment here at Mayo. Many of us remember Sam’s positive attitude of faith -- even after suffering multiple amputations of his hands, feet and legs, while undergoing many other complications and difficulties.  Yet, Sam encouraged us all by his love for the Lord and his family, along with his great passion for praising God in song.  Sam H___________ is definitely one of my heroes of faith.

Embedded forever in my mind is the picture of Sam raising his “stubs” to the heavens in praise of our Lord and King!  Early on October 9, 2015, Sam was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22), where I believe all my heroes of faith to dwell.  Someday we will all be carried away.  I have to tell you that I long for that day!  Blessings to Tracy and her family and to all who long for Jesus’ appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).  

God is good.  Mr. Steve

“TEN LITTLE STATEMENTS OF A RESURRECTED LIFE”

Almost four years ago I took notes as I sat at the feet of Dr. Little. The following are ten of my top LITTLE statements shared:

10.  On the Spiritual Discipline of Detachment: “In order to believe in God, we have to detach ourselves from things that keep us from knowing God.”

9.  On the Spiritual Discipline of Confession: “Why is confession so powerful?   Because when something is hidden in the dark, Satan still has power and control.”

8.  On the Spiritual Discipline of Submission: “Submission is freedom; you must relinquish things that pull you away from God.” 

7.  On the power of a transformed life: “You are the 67^th book in the Bible; you are the Spirit-filled living testament of Jesus Christ!”

6.  On Leadership: “Leadership has to come from the overflow of a spiritually formed heart.  As a leader, am I praying that God’s name be hallowed not mine?”

5.  On Truth: “All truth is God’s truth; the term ‘Christian scientist’ should be a redundant term.”

4.  On Spiritual Formation: “We don’t form people; the Holy Spirit forms people.”

3.  On Shepherding: “If an eldership’s highest value is peace – they won’t go far because the tyranny of those easily offended will control.  If you’re going to be a good shepherd, you’re not going to model laws, traditions and customs, but a Christ-centered life!”  

2.  On how to reach young adults: “Three things young adults are seeking: Authenticity, Transparency and Community. This generation needs to: Experience the love of Christ before Explanation; Belong before Believe; Identify before Influence; and Image comes before Word.”

1.  On the Bible: “The Bible doesn’t tell us all there is about God, but only what humans can fathom; the Bible is a window to God.  The Bible is not for our information but our transformation.”

God is good!  Mr. Steve

Thank you, GOD, for…

• JESUS!
• The HOLY SPIRIT, who lives within us and moves among us, who convicts, leads, transforms, empowers, heals, encourages, comforts, intercedes, helps, gifts, teaches, bears witness, indwells, bears fruit, fills, influences, invites, renews, …
• Bringing Patti and Jessica and I to Rochester, MN to live and worship three years ago, August 17, 2013.
• Rising up seven godly men who have accepted becoming deacons this day, August 28, 2016, in our church family.  As You know, God, we "have not passed this way before" -- appointing deacons in this church family.  Thank you also for our 3 shepherds who were appointed just 4 months ago, April 24, 2016.
• Bringing so many God-seekers among us in the last 3 years from China, India, Africa, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines, America (even Texas!) smile…
• The 55 adults and children who have come our way since August 2013
• All the babies and young children in our congregation; the four mothers among us who are now pregnant; all parents passing on a sticky faith to their children
• The loved ones we’ve lost, who suffered well, and now dwell with You forever.
• Those whom we love who moved away and left a big hole in our hearts & family
• Our new babes in Christ (one who shared the gospel with a co-worker, baptizing him before the co-worker went back home to China.)
• Our older saints and widows in Christ Jesus
• Weekly guests from our two houses of Compassion and those who serve them
• Workers from Mexico who come 6 months out of the year and encourage us
• Mayo residents, nurses, employees and their families 
• Our unity along with our diversity of race, ethnicity, religious backgrounds
• Those who have been members here for over 10, 20, 30 or more years
• All our marriages, ranging from 1 to over 50, 60, and recently 71+ years.
• Having our own Mayo chaplain who is loving, caring and so qualified to minister
• Those who volunteer to clean the bathrooms, vacuum the building, provide rides for our shut-ins, fix our frozen pipes in winter, take care of the premises…
• The different ministries of crocheting afghans, quilting, HOC, providing school supplies in Mexico, housing for the needy, serving those with special needs, …
• All our grace-gifted servants, givers, mercy showers, encouragers, teachers, song leaders, speakers, exhorters, shepherds, evangelists, administrators, helpers, and those given to hospitality. 
• Our middle school and high schoolers who are maturing in their desire to seek GOD and serve HIM in a multitude of ways. We're witnessing THE WORD being shared, along with many acts of service, including cutting grass, landscaping, babysitting, cleaning, making cards, etc.
• Those outside of Rochester who have supplemented Steve's salary and professional expenses budget over the last 3 years.

      THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD!  Mr. Steve

LETTER TO GOD

Below is a letter (I just ran across) that I wrote to God on February 27, 2012.  It’s raw and humbling, but it’s also exactly what I was feeling at the time.

Dear God,

     It’s been a long time, too long.  I repent.  The spray of the waves, the roar of the wind, the turbulence of the waters wrapping around my legs captured my focus and attention.  Interestingly enough, even though drowning, being overwhelmed, and finding myself powerless to save –     I failed crying out to You!  For so long, I have kept trying with all my human resources and inner strength to keep my face above water.

     What kept me from crying to You for help?  My anger.  My frustration and hurt for the pain in my life and family.  The pain in so many families!  So, I judged You for the storm!  Oh my!  Who am I but a worm and not a man?  Forgive me.

     I’m back to square one in need of being poor in spirit and mourning over my own sin!  I know this is to be a continual state of the heart within me but I’ve gone into my “nothing” box so many times instead of before Your throne and into Your arms. 

     I am so prideful and stupid!  I have given up and given in.  I have been greatly tempted to give over to my own wants and desires.  Escape!  Leave the ministry!  Find a solitary place that is best for Jessica and with Patti -- live quietly, peacefully and in solitude!  Oh, it sounds so pleasing to my flesh.  To be completely honest, if I was financially able to do this I daresay it would have already happened!

     However, You just led me to read 2 Timothy.  I needed to hear Your wisdom through Paul to Timothy.  Thank You.

     Paul was abandoned, talked evil of, imprisoned, beaten – yet, he remained faithful to the end.  Not only that – he didn’t lose sight of those You had put in his path to disciple, equip, train, and mentor.

     Who have You put before me?  

Mike; Charlie; Shawn; John; Derrick; Jonathan; Brian; Troy; Tim; Dimitri; Tim; Steve; Bill; Bob; Brian....

     Not my will but Your will be done.  God, have mercy.  You are good.

                                                                                                                               Mr. Steve  

IN MY BOOK, SHE IS AMAZING!

When someone has gone through as much difficulty as she has and continues to pursue God --  amazing is the word that comes to mind.

Over the years, she and her husband have lost three children due to medical complications.  I said, “THREE CHILDREN!”  I’m not doing very good after the loss of one child.  I can’t begin to imagine losing three!

She’s had multiple surgeries, suffered a stroke, had many tumors removed -- even one that was located on her larynx or “voice box.”  And even now, with a “whisper” of a voice and great difficulty in swallowing,  she continues to praise God and not give up on life.

She and her husband are neighbors with another family who worship with us.  Her sister was here this past week from TN and even brought her granddaughter to witness Thursday night’s incredible event: her sister’s baptism into Christ.

Yes!  Brenda was baptized into Christ last Thursday.  Her spiritual birthday will be easy to remember.  It is the same day as 3 other of our family members physical birthdays! 

Brenda was born in MN.  She married her husband as soon as he came out of basic training almost 43 years ago, September 4, 1972.  Her husband is retired military after being in the Army for over 20 years. 

But again, the most amazing truth about Brenda’s story is her continual pursuance of God, no matter the difficulty.  Brenda has a strong, determined spirit of wanting to do what is right. She certainly did that last Thursday night!

Welcome to the Rochester church of Christ family, Brenda.  God has already taken away your sins (Acts 2:38), given you His Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32), and added you to the saved (Acts 2:47).  NOW THAT’S AMAZING... GRACE!

    

God is good.  Mr. Steve

“And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”  Acts 5:32

WHAT STIRS YOU UP SPIRITUALLY? 

Peter made it a point to stir up his readers by reminding them: 

• They had the true knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord
• The deeper their relationship with the Lord, the more grace & peace
• They had everything they needed for life and godliness 
• They had been granted God’s precious and magnificent promises
• They were partakers of the divine nature
• They had escaped the corruption that was in the world by lust
• If they continued to grow and increase in their faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love -- they would be fruitful and make an eternal difference
• They would never stumble if they continued to grow in these graces
• Their entrance into the kingdom of God would be abundantly supplied
• They should never forget they had been purified from their former sins

2 Peter 1:12-13 “Therefore, I will always be ready to REMIND you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to STIR YOU UP by way of REMINDER...”

 “Remind Me Dear Lord” by Dottie Rambo

The things that I love and hold dear to my heart

Are just borrowed they're not mine at all

Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life

So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then

Show me where you brought me from

And where I could have been

Remember I'm human, and humans forget

So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Nothing good have I done to deserve God's own Son

I'm not worthy of the scars in his hands

Yet he chose the road to Calvary to die in my stead

Why he loved me I can't understand

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then

Show me where you brought me from 

And where I could have been

Remember I'm human, and humans forget

So remind me, remind me dear Lord; So remind me, remind me dear Lord

                                              God is good.  Mr. Steve

THE GOOD LIFE

The Good Life: What is it?  Let me guess... It’s having all the money you need, with a nice house, financial security, travel, and friends (you will surely have people around you with all that money!)  It’s health and little to no worries.  It’s having a voice where people stop and listen.  It’s sounding good, looking good, feeling good, but.... is this really the good life?  How much would you give for this kind of life?  Most people I believe would say “Everything!”

Jesus had no place to even lay His head. He was financially dependent on others -- supported by several wealthy women and friends. He didn’t look good and probably didn’t smell very good either.  He spent most of His growing up with at least six siblings in a disrespected poverty-laden village learning how to work with wood.  He had a voice at first but later was disrespected, left alone, betrayed, persecuted, and murdered. How many want a life like this?

Questions:

Who taught you about living?  Where did you learn how to live? When did you buy into how you are living now as the way to live out the rest of your life?  What have you discovered about life and it’s meaning and purpose?  What is (to you) true living?

Dallas Willard in his book “The Divine Conspiracy” believes that the Sermon on the Mount can be divided into two parts, answering the following 2 questions: 

• 1)What is the Good life?  (Matt 5:1-21)
• 2)Who has it? (Matt 5:22-7:24)

Christians, he says, for the most part consider the primary function of Christianity to be admittance to heaven.  Willard refutes this "fire escape" mentality by exploring the true nature of the teachings of Jesus, who intended that His followers become His disciples.  He taught that we have access now to the life we are only too eager to relegate to the hereafter.

Consider what is missing in this Good Life:

Pride; wrath; lying; lust for more and more and....; life of misery; animosities; bad will for others; jealousies; grudges; evil desires; uncleanness; covetousness; shame; guilt; hypocrisy; filthy language; fornications; inward frustrations; controlling spirits; fear of being different; fear of being persecuted; fear of death.

Consider what is included in this Good Life:

Joy; humility; love; hunger for good; freedom from the rat race, self, & other’s expectations; purity; desire for your fellowman’s highest good; rejoicing and serving even in the midst of suffering; and experiencing THE FLAVOR OF GOD AND THE LIGHT OF GOD ON THE EARTH!

Consider these Good Life promises:

Partaking of the kingdom of heaven (now); comfort; inheritance (now); satisfaction; mercy; having a personal, indwelling, transforming, and empowering relationship with God (now)!                                                   

Do you have the Good Life?  Are you pursuing Jesus and HIS lifestyle?  

God is good.  Mr. Steve

WHAT IS YOUR RALLYING CRY?  

I began this Mr. Steve article on Friday, July 15, 2016, at 2:10 a.m. out of concern for men and women, brothers and sisters, families of all nationalities, and anyone in authority, who were said to be in harms way on the so-named, “Nationwide Day of Rage.”  I’m thankful to God that almost all of what was predicted (37 nationwide protests in 37 major cities across America) was, for the most part, a hoax -- albeit, a reminder of the power of a "single" voice.

Over 2,000 years ago, one silversmith had such a voice!  Workers in Ephesus and the surrounding area were losing their businesses, and their way of life was being severely threatened. The leader of the protest, Demetrius, made a very emotionally stirring speech and the following events transacted:

“When they (the crowd) heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. Also some of the Asiarchs (political or religious officials) who were friends of his sent  to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.... (later) a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:28-32, 34 

Interestingly enough, years later, Paul wrote to Timothy, who was living in this same city of Ephesus, and reminded him of the great truth we need all rally around!

“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: 

God was manifested in the flesh

Justified in the Spirit

Seen by angels

Preached among the Gentiles

Believed on in the world

Received up in glory.”    1 Timothy 3:14-16

What is Paul saying to Timothy?  Others can rally around themselves, their rights, their injustices (great as they are), and/or their gods of fame & fortune, pleasure, health, degrees, etc.  But the Christian's conduct and lifestyle must be centered on JESUS AND HIS HOLINESS ... Our Banner is The Incarnate One; The One shown to be true -- Justified in the Spirit; The One Seen by angels; Preached, Believed and Received up in glory!  Without question -- Without controversy -- GREAT IS JESUS -- CHRIST IN YOU, OUR HOPE OF GLORY (Colossians 1:24-27).  
Be encouraged.

      

God is good all the time.  Mr. Steve