MIRACLES III: Poolside Miracle

What's your spiritual handicap? What is it that is keeping you from experiencing all that God has for you, what we call Real Life? Answer the three questions in this message to be that much closer to a miracle.

coming this Sunday!

1 Corinthians 14 / Oct 31 - Words mean something

Well, I'm back...and what a day I picked! Of all the issues that the church struggles with this is one that causes an incredible amount of ire and at the same time makes only a tiny bit of difference.

Speaking in other languages (tongues) seems to be a personal issue unless it is done in the church but should ONLY be done if there is an interpreter. And is used as a tool for the unbeliever. I suppose it goes without saying that if there is no one in church that does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ then there would be no need or call for speaking in another language.

I use the term language because that is how most Bibles interpret this word and Paul makes it clear that there are "all sorts of languages in the world yet none of them is without meaning." Clearly Paul intended that his hearers would understand that this "tongue" was a language, had a meaning and could be interpreted by someone who was gifted to "interpret" or could speak the language already.

I have heard stories of ministers in other countries who "spoke in tongues" only to have someone come to them and say that they spoke perfect (fill in the blank) language and wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

I do not say that "tongues" doesn't exist or that it is nothing. However, it is clear to me that the idea that a person "has to" speak in tongues to prove the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is completely unBiblical. Paul clearly indicates in his writings that all different people have all different gifts. There is no gift that everybody has unless the ability to believe to in Jesus - faith - could be considered a gift.

So, in words that can be understood, be strengthened in your faith as you continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. And I'll see you Sunday!

MIRACLES: Casting out the Evil Spirit - 10/26/08

On a scale of 1-10 where is your faith? Do you sometimes find yourself believeing that God Can do what you've asked, but you're not really sure that He will? In this message Corey discusses how to develop real faith. And it's real easy!

1 Corinthians 3 / Oct 23 - solid foundation

This chapter really speaks to me as I think about the future of Real Life. Just so you know and there is no question... neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
I've said this before but it bears repeating over and over. I am no one special, just a guy who God is using to connect people to a place to connect to His Son Jesus Christ. You all however, are God building - which is way cool!
I am doing my best to lay ONLY the foundation of Jesus Christ in a way that connects people do not currently know him.

I think that the gold, silver, costly materials, wood, hay and straw all will burn in the fire the only thing that will last is Jesus. So, should we sit on the ground with no projector, instruments, etc.? I don't believe so. If we did we would not have a very big crowd. Without a crowd there is no one to connect to and no lives for Jesus to change. So we will continue to try and update and find new and innovative ways to attract the un-churched and under-churched to Real Life so they can experience Eternal life.

But please know... Real Life is about Jesus, connecting with others to connect others to Him. That's the foundation and we will build no other foundation than that.

thanks for allowing me to do what God has called me to do and thanks for being a great "building" for God!

1 Corinthians 1 - October 22 / foolishness

Do you remember being a kid and coming home thinking that there was something incredibly important but no one else in the family did? TJ is always coming in with some incredible story about dirt or some toy...or his favorite thing is to talk about some scene from a silly Disney channel show. It seems that we are constantly telling him "if this is about a Disney show we don't want to hear it!"

From our perspective TJ's story is unimportant. But from his perspective, so close to the floor, it is very important! So important that he wants to share it with us!

The same thing happens in spiritual matters...what is important to me as a believer, what I want to share from what I've heard or seen doesn't seem very important to someone who doesn't share my perspective of Jesus Christ.

What I say "seems" like foolishness to them, but to me - and perhaps you to - it is the power of God for the salvation of our souls and even for those who think it is "foolishness."

So, here's to being foolish! and enjoying Real Life!

MIRACLES: Calming the Storm 10-19-08

Are there any storms in your life? Are you drowning in the midst of bills? Pain? Fear? Health issues? Have you cried out ot God to calm the storms in your life? Find out some reasons why we go through the storms in life and what the outcome can be. Are you ready for a Miracle?

Sunday's coming!

He opened blind eyes. Raised the dead. Calmed the storm. Cast out demons and made bodies whole... think He's done?

Jesus still calms the storms in this life. It's called a miracle.

Romans 3 / October 15 - do and believe

So, everybody knows the passage that says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... but do you know the other half...and how the two are connected?

My children do things to each other that I don't like and that they get in trouble for. Each of them do it. They don't really set out to do these things, but they happen. My guess is that it happens in your family too. It's not intentional- but it does happen.

...and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

...and they love each other and will help each other whenever the need arises because they are a part of the Landreth family - they share the name.

You and I will sin, not because we necessarily want to but because we are not as strong spiritually as we might want to be. And quite frankly, we sin...bottom line...because we want to. Which is why I am so grateful that I am not justified by what I do, but by my association with the name of Jesus Christ (Christian) and the grace that come through His blood. Which is the same for my kids. They are going to say and do things that hurt each other but in the end they are blood and that connection is strong.

Thank you God for this insight and for judging us, your children, by faith and not by deeds.

October 14 - addendum to Romans 1

Hey all, if you haven't read it yet...after today's post (Romans 1) you need to read verse 13 from Romans 2. The whole righteousness by faith hangs on this verse.

Romans 2:13

Notice that it is not in just "hearing" where righteousness by faith is found but in...get ready for this..."OBEYING" what you hear. In fact, the Christian life begins with obedience. Believe, Repent, Confess and be Baptised aren't suggestions...they are part of that obedience that connects us to the Son of God. Not because we completely understand it all, but because we believe enough to obey, even when we don't understand.

it's called faith.

Romans 1 / October 14 - It's a faith thing

Let's kick of Romans!
Having just finished Acts (I read even when I didn't post), you might be wondering where Romans fits... since Paul is already in Rome. Well, Paul's letter to the Romans was actually written between the 18th and 21st chapters of Acts, right before Paul actually gets there (actually several months/a year before).

Paul is pretty clear in this chapter so I won't bore you with what you can plainly and directly read for yourself.
But I want to focus your attention on verses 16,17 where Paul says "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

First, why should we (Christianity as a whole) be ashamed of what is the greatest expression of the power of God - Salvation through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. The message went first to the Jews, who did not all wholeheartedly receive it, and then to the Gentiles where it exploded into the rest of the world.

But look at the last statement. In the message of hope concerning Jesus (the Gospel - Bible) there is a righteousness from God that is about faith. and then Paul quotes the Old Testament, the righteous will live by faith.

Here's the bottom line. Your church attendance won't save you. Your money, tithes and offerings, won't save you. Your "morals" or "ethics" won't save you. Your family history or genealogy won't save you. Your kids, grandma, parents or dog won't save you.

Only your faith in the one and only Son of God will save you. Did He die on the cross for you? Did He rise from the dead? Did He go to His father in Heaven? Did His death on the cross pay your price and free you from the guilt and punishment for sin?

then you are well on your way to a righteousness that comes through faith. Live like it!

Habakkuk Part III - Climbing out.

In this final message we see Habakkuk climbing out of the spiritual dip. If you are struggling with what God is doing in your life this message can help.

October 10th - got bugs?

As you know I work a part time job and what I do requires a computer. Okay, I realize that many jobs today require a computer. But if our computers shut down we are dead in the water. First, 90% of the orders we receive come to us through the Internet and into our email. We process the orders through a software program and run credit cards through that same software. We also use the computer to process shipping through UPS, FedEx and USPS. So if the system goes down we all just sit around and twiddle our thumbs.

The last few weeks we have had one computer issue after another. Two new pc's and we're still having issues. Tuesday one of the employees came out and said, "I think we've got a bug." Meaning, we've got a virus of some sort that kicks our individual pc's off the network and shuts us down.

I was thinking this am (while being frustrated by some issues with my own new laptop!) that our spiritual lives are kind of like our pc's and networks.

How is your connection with God and His Son Jesus Christ? Do you feel like you've been getting "kicked off" the spiritual network that was established when you gave your life to Jesus? Maybe you've got a bug, a sin that lays in wait until an opening is found and then attaches it self to you in some way and that connection is dismantled.

If you've found your connection lacking maybe it is time to re-boot. How? Well you reset your spiritual hard drive by recommitting your life to Christ and His will for your life. Romans says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world (living with bugs) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (resetting your spiritual hard drive)."

If you need to recommit take this opportunity to make it public. You can comment on this post and we'll pray for you and your decision!

Some encouragement

It's late Wednesday night...pretty tired but wanted to share with you a bit from a meeting I had with some members of my advisory board through the Christian Evangelising Association (their the guys who help to support me so the church can put it's money in other things).

The two guys I met with are the lead pastors and church planters from Lifestream in Gardner, KS. and Dave Henry from New Community in Salina. They know what their doing. Dave's church in Salina is 10 years old and is averaging in the 300's. Russ' church will be 4 years old this Sunday and they are running mid 100's I believe.

What I took away from our meeting was that while we may not be where I thought we would at one year we are doing very well. We are right where each of these other churches were at one year. In fact, where our giving is concerned we are averagaing about $14 per person, per week in attendance for the year - that's incredible!!!

Now, we do need to look at some of the things we are doing and re-evaluate what we're doing verses what we really want to do (good exercise!) and I'm starting to get ready for our first annual meeting which we'll have in January.

So, pat yourselves on the back, We are doing a good job and most importantly, we are doing exactly what God wants of us! Have a great Thursday!

Acts 22 / Oct 8 - You were chosen

When I asked Andi to marry me and she said "yes" (and yes she said it right away and didn't have to ponder or question!) I felt like the richest guy in the world! I was so happy, so wanted, so wonderful! (okay, that was mushy)... um...I felt really, really good.

Everyone wants to be wanted. Everyone wants to be included. Everyone wants to be chosen. I know it may be hard for you to believe but there have been a few times in my life when I was the last chosen...picked by default.

I want you to know today, in the middle of the week, in the midst of all the junk you are going through, that you ARE wanted. You ARE chosen. You ARE just the one He's looking for.

In Acts 22 there are a just a few lines that stick in my mind...I can't get off these two statements. The first came from Jesus (yes, Jesus was the one talking to Paul (Saul) in the light). And there through the light Jesus speaks to a man who is "persecuting Him." And there Jesus makes this incredible statement, "you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." That word, assigned, is just incredible. And it's not just for Paul.

The second statement that draws me in comes from Ananias when he says "God...has chosen you." Wow! Two statements, two words, assigned and chosen.

Here's what you need to catch. Your name might not be Paul, but YOU have also been ASSIGNED a role in the kingdom. I believe mine is to preach and through the Spirit, lead Christ's church. I'm not sure what yours is but I KNOW that God has an assignment for you. YOU have been chosen. In fact, the Bible in another place says that you and I were chosen by God. God desperately wants you to know Him and His Will (Word) and to live and do what you have been assigned to do.

You are here because you were chosen and you have an assigned task or several (Andi is great musically and she does an incredible job speaking to women about faith and family - though you might not know it!). So this is YOU: CHOSEN/ASSIGNED

See you tomorrow!

Habakkuk part II - In the Dip

In this message Corey Habakkuk answers the question, "what do you do when you're in the spiritual dip?" You've been there before and if you haven't you will be. When what you see in your life doesn't line up with what you believe about your faith or about God you're in the dip. Here's what you can do to help yourself make it through the dip so that you can have the opportunity to mature in your faith and grow closer to God.

Just a little interesting

Didn't want to let this get away so wanted to write it down. In this case you all get to share it with me!

It was about 11:15 - 11:30 when I was getting off the plane in Wichita last night (Friday). I was extremely tired. Hungry. And ready to be home...but alas (throw back to the old days) I had to get my car out of the long-term parking and drive it home.

So I get my bag and head out to the parking lot, no big deal...except I can't remember where I parked. I was in a hurry when I got there on Wednesday morning so I just jumped out and grabbed my stuff and headed for the US Airways terminal.

Now it's late, my eyes hurt, I'm tired and I don't know where I parked. Besides that I had just spent three days in Vegas...which a lot of people would have thought was cool...not me. I wanted my wife. Was surrounded by sex and sin or at least the opportunity to do either, which could be both. I just felt bad...spiritually and emotionally and physically.

So, here I am walking in the near dark looking for my car carrying all my bags which were getting heavy and not having much luck.

I stopped to put the shoulder strap back on my duffel bag since I had taken it off when I checked it ($15) and started to put it on. I kind of bent over and stuck the bag between my legs while I messed with the clasp...one side done...then had to take a step, turn the bag and click the other side. While in that motion I just said God, I know where I've been and I know that You have no good reason to, but I would like to find my sub...

Yeah. You know what happened. As I was bent over and in mid-prayer I looked up and having taken that extra step to secure the strap to the other side of the bag it put me in just the right spot to see the bumper sticker that says "God said it...that settles it" on the back window of the suburban.

I stood up, smiled at God and said, "thank you."

Acts 17 / October 3 - "O, woah, close to you..."

I am sitting in the airport watching people mill around and and talk and a guy just asked a lady across the aisle for the sports page...there is a lady sitting directly opposite me (my back) who has a pony tail and she keeps moving her head and flicking me with it...she has no idea. There are people speaking other languages and on their cell phones. Old and young. Male and female. Poor and wealthy, modest and darn near exhibitionistic.
And guess what? Acts 17 says that God is right here. In the midst of all this commotion and the constant din of slot machines and conversations He's here.
It's easy to forget that sometimes with all the commotion in our lives...easy for me this last three days... but He never left, right there the whole time.

I wonder how many know Him? I wonder who He is talking to right how? Anyone? Me? You?

God, help me to never loose sight of the fact that you are right here, every moment, every day. You desire to be in every thought, every decision. You see what I see and you hear what I hear and know what I think. Help me not to disappoint.

I'll see you all Sunday, a little happier. a little poorer and perhaps a little closer.

Habakkuk 1 - Sept 28, 2008

You see it every day. Bad people, taking advantage of the weak. Good people hurting. The innocent, suffering. War. Injustice.

Does it ever seem like God is unfair?

Join us for the next two weeks as we continue to look at the life of Habakkuk for the inspiration we need to continue, when God seems unfair.

what a day...

Well folks, I made it to Las Vegas. It is an incredible town but I noticed a few things.
1. The glitz of Vegas is seen by most at night. But at night you have a more difficult time seeing the garbage. Trash on the street, tons of construction and mess. The size and beauty of the buildings is matched only by the stark contrast of empty lots, homeless and a dirty underbelly to this glamorous city.
2. The people here work really hard to keep their hotels and casinos clean and looking very nice, tons of money on construction and amenities...but as soon as you walk out side and off hotel property (walking the strip) you are faced with potentially hundreds of men and women silently and persistently trying to get you to take a small business card with their "escort" service information on it. I walked down one side of the strip today, about a mile total (there and back) and was confronted by at least 50 of these people.
3. I met a guy who looked like Jesus. Well, he had the robe and the sandals (Nike) and a beard and he began to speak to us about how the Lord had come to America because we needed him the most because of places like Vegas (he called it Babylon) and how we needed to repent and not be here but find better places to go. And it all sounded good...until he said that we needed to make sure we only ate vegetables because God loves the animals too and He created them. I almost stopped and said, have you ever even read the Bible?

So here is my synopsis.
1. If you want to be tempted there is no better place then Vegas.
2. All the glitz and glamour can't hide the stain of sin.
3. If Jesus came to Vegas he would love people and help them find life...not tell them to become vegetarians.

I love you Andi. wish you were here with me...or better yet, wish I were there with you.

God protect me and every believer who comes to this town and buys into the lie that you can do things here and no one has to know. What happens in Vegas...just might stay with you the rest of your life.

PS. I actually thought about getting a tattoo while I am here. That way I can say, what happens in Vegas (the tattoo) stays with you...whether you can see it or not! What do you think?! Any ideas! it would be a great conversation starter and lead to a great object lesson!

What do you think I should get honey?

Acts 15 / Oct 1 - the greatest leadership quality

This is a great chapter... why you ask? well, if you give me a second I'll tell you.
You have in this chapter the church at it's very beginning. In this chapter you see both people who are serving Christ and following Him and you have some people who seem to think they can gain control or maintain power by pushing undo rules and regulations on the new Christians (btw this is exactly what they were doing under the Old Testament!).

So, while they argued they also showed humility in the church. When they argued and couldn't come to a conclusion they went to Jerusalem, which was the center of Christianity at the time. It was there that some Apostles, along with James the brother of Jesus who would become the leader of the church in the known world, as well as Elders who had been appointed, presumably by the Apostles.

They went to Jerusalem, gave their side of the story and then the Apostles and Elders met together and came to a conclusion with the help of the Holy Spirit.

But notice, Paul and Barnabas were the ones who were arguing and they also went and set on the "board" when the Apostles and Elders met. But there was no issue there. They trusted each other, to an extent, even when they were on opposite sides of the issue.

And in the end a very positive decision for the church was reached. It did not segregate but brought people together, not because they believed the same thing, but because they agreed willingly to submit themselves, in humility to these leaders.

Even here there is humility and submission. Great lesson for leadership.

PS: Please say a prayer for me today. I should be on the plane, when you read this, heading to Vegas. The school I teach for, National American University, is sending me to Vegas for a conference. It is an honor to go but I am a bit apprehensive. I have never been to "sin" city before and do not like traveling without Andi. So... you get the idea. Pray also for Andi and the kids - lots to do with one less pair of hands!

Acts 14 / Sept 30 - God confirmed it

Well, greetings friends! I've missed you!
Today we get back to Acts with a piece of history that really has several things we could talk about. The continued power to heal displayed by the Apostles. The Irony that Barnabas and Paul show up to tell the people about the God of the universe and they end up trying to keep the people from sacrificing and worshiping them. Or how about Paul's death...or so it seemed. The Jews stone him (they hit him with big rocks until he was dead) and then they dragged him out of the city supposing that he was dead. Then the Apostles come and pray over Paul and he gets up, walks back into the city and leaves the next day. Lots of stuff we could discuss.

But I don't want to talk about any of that. I want you to consider verse 3. It says that God confirmed the message, that was being boldly delivered by His apostles, by enabling them to perform miracles. This is something that is often forgotten. The miracles that the apostles and that Jesus performed were not for the benefit of those who believed or to make the apostles more popular, they were to confirm the message.

When I say something about God I can pull out the bible and say "see, here's what God did." You see it in His Word and so you believe. They didn't have that in the first century. The message was not confirmed by the truth of the Word but by the astonishment of the miracles. If you heard someone talk and all you got was words...then another guy comes along and talks and then heals someone who are you going to listen to?

But remember and please realize. Miracles were not the thing that was important. The miracles were simply confirmation that was was being said, the Word was true. Consider this; many Christians were sick and died in the New Testament when there were ample opportunities for the Apostles to heal them. Including one guy who Paul says was a great help to him...but he is not healed. Why? because He and those around them already believed. They didn't need the confirmation of the Word because they accepted and believed the Word.

What do you need to believe? Are you always looking for some physical confirmation? Or do you accept the Word? Jesus told Thomas, blessed are those who believe but have not seen.

Good to be back with you!

by the way, for those of you who know me and my family...I got to play catch with a football with my son, Trent, this afternoon. I was late to NAU to teach because I was having such a good time. We stood in the living room and tossed the ball back and forth and he caught it at least as good as T.O. and threw, well, he didn't throw very well. But he's 10 and it is the first time we ever played catch. He was laughing and we had a great time. Thanks God for simple times and simply confirmations that you are there and you care.

Here's the illustration video we missed last sunday!

This is the illustration video I didn't have time for last Sunday. It fits with the first Sunday's message in the new series, Habakkuk.

Acts 7 / Sept 26th - No bible reading post this am

I just got finished editing the video illustration for Sunday and Andi is leaving for the Women's retreat in the am.

Let's pray that the women this weekend really make a connection with God, that they are able to be free for a few days of the distractions and plans and duties of their lives and focus, if even for a minute just on Jesus.

Enjoy your time ladies and we'll be praying for you!

Acts 6 / Sept 25 - Here's to service!

In the church there are many duties or function. One of those is discussed in this chapter of Acts. The "position" is not given a name here but the function and the position and name are all synonymous so it really is irrelevant.
Here's the deal. The members of the early church would, from time to time, sell some possessions and bring the money to the apostles who would distribute the money to those who were in need.
Now it appears that they had some sort of mechanism in place to distribute the food but they also realized that overseeing this ministry was taking them away from their more important job of prayer and preaching. It wasn't that this "job" was not important, in the grand scheme of things they were neglecting a "more important" role in order to do something that someone else could easily do.
So they considered among the church at the time that it would take about 7 men to oversee this big ministry and so they wanted to find 7 guys who were "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom."
They did find 7 men, who are named here, and this became their job and also introduced us to the role of Deacon.
The word deacon literally means servant and so the role, the function and the name all mean the same thing.
In some churches this "position" is formal and is an elected position.
Here at Real Life this is a role or position that we believe should be the function of every believer. Deacon or Deaconess (the female version) should be the aspiration of us all, even if we fill other positions or functions or roles in the church.
Here's to a church full of servants!, er, I mean Deacons and Deaconesses.

Diry Jobs part IV - God's Mud Puddle

In this message we wrap up the Dirty Jobs Series by looking at the church which can, at times, look more like a mud puddle then the pristine, white, clean bride of Christ. In this message Corey will look at the purpose of the church and how you and I, the church, fit into that purpose and plan.

Sorry it took so long...technical difficulties. I actually had to go back into the church and record teh last 15 min of the message. See if you can tell when it changes! I left subtle hints, differences to see if anyone would pick up on it. If you can find the differences in the background, clothing, lighting, etc. comment on this post and tell you if you got one...or not!

Acts 4 / Sept 23rd - what would you like boldness for?

There are a couple of lines here that would be great in a movie!

You've got the bad guys, the religious leaders, threatening the apostles and commanding them not to speak about Jesus anymore.

Here's part of their reply: We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard... Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness...

Wow! Sign me up! right! I want to be a part of whatever they're a part of! And others must have felt the same way 'cause here where it their faith and stand ends up...

All the believers were one in heart and mind...With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

So what about you? Can you say what they said? We can't help speaking about... what we've seen and heard? ...Jesus? ...church? ...the changes in my life?

Can you make this a part of your prayer? "enable your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness. If made this our prayer, we might experience some of what the early church did!

Have a great Tuesday!

Acts 3 / Sept 22 - what you have...or don't

I was thinking while reading this chapter how neat it would be to say to someone, "get up and walk." But then something else caught my attention.

When I am faced with someone who wants something from me I often focus on what I don't have. You want some food? I'm hungry too. Need a car? Mine is broke. If you're looking for money, don't look here.

But what do I have? We often leave that out.

I don't have enough money, but I pretty much buy whatever I want.
I don't have an extra car, but some people don't any vehicles.
I don't have all the food I want or like, but I'm not hungry.

So Peter says, "I don't have any money to give you, but what I do have I will give to you." What did Peter have that you and I have? A connection with Jesus Christ. Peter was plugged in to Jesus so he could give this man what he had, the Name of Jesus and a relationship with Him.

So next time I am faced with the delimma of not having what someone needs I hope to stop and think, "what do I have in Jesus that this person might need?"

Then I am not relying on my ability to meet anyone's needs but instead, I'll be relying on the power of Jesus to meet the needs of the people I come in contact with.

What do you have in Christ that someone this week might need?

Acts 1 / Sept 19 - some history

Let's start with the first paragraph of Acts. There are some tid-bits you don't want to miss.

first, Luke is the writter of Acts and was probably the most educated disciple and is somtimes refered to as Dr. Luke. He is the author of the book of Luke as well. Acts is a technical history of what happened after Jesus' resurection.

Theophilus is perhaps the money behind the account. People were often hired to catalouge someone's life for the benefit of others. This guy probably had money and wanted to know what was up with this new sect called Christianity.

The other thing you need to know is that the disciples still didn't have a clue about what was going on. Even after the resurection but before the church really begins they still think Jesus is going to usher in some physical Jewish rule over the world.

they also go back to 12 disciples with Matthias and if you noticed, Jesus brothers have now joined the crew of believers...one of them, James will come into play later.

So in the book of Acts Luke takes us from the resurection through the beginning of the church.

Hang on it's going to be a great ride! I love this book!

John 21 / Sept 19 - "Do you know what the meaning of life is? One thing, that's what you've got to figure out..." Curly

So, I've been working on the blog until about midnight every evening this week. I think I'm starting to get grouchy b/c I just got into a little tiff with Andi, I don't like that. So, it must be catching up to me. 6 hours of sleep or a little less each night is not something I'm used to.

If you have the website saved, you might want to go back and make sure it is saved as www.reallifecc.us and not reallifecc.us/drupal, since that site is no longer with us.

Now, let's see what God has to say to us today.

You've heard me talk in this blog about Peter, an impetuous man (though I don't really know what that means!). He was like a 30 year old 12 year old. Again in this passage we see him act first and think later. When Jesus is seen on the shore Peter thinks the boat won't get there fast enough and dives in, about a hundred yards from shore and swims in. But it is not clear from the text whether he beat the boat or not!

Perhaps becasue of Peter's in-your-face behavior Jesus chose him to ask mutiple times if he loved him. Knowing Peter would get defensive and anxious about the answer. In the end Jesus gets to the point, "Peter, your job is to follow me."

Now, being the Peter that Peter was, he looks back and sees another disciple "the one Jesus loved" following them while they walked (everyone was probably following them but Peter seems to have an issue with this particular one so he singles him out) and asks Jesus, "what about him?"

I guess Peter's question was two-fold. He wanted to know first why Jesus didn't ask the other guy three times if he love Him. And second, he may have been asking if Jesus was going to instruct this other guy to "follow Me."

The other disciple Peter is refereing to is the writter of this book, John. So, it is only natural that John wants to quickly add "He didn't say that I would live forever, but only that if He wanted me to I would..." John is trying to be careful with his position as the "one Jesus loved."

Two points to keep in mind as you go about the rest of this day and week.
1. Quit worrying about other people. What they're doing, what they're not, why and how and when. If Jesus wants to do something with them it's up to Him, not you anyway. They don't need your permission to follow God's leading in their life.
B. You worry about just one thing (think of Curly from the City Slickers movie holding up one knurly finger) You...follow...Him. Today, follow Him. When you are at work, follow Him. When you're driving down the road, follow Him. When you're arguing with your wife, follow Him. You, follow Him.

That is all.

sorry

Hey gang, sorry I haven't posted for a few days. I'm tired and been really working on the website, etc. seems like everything is coming due all at the same time!
I will do my best to post for Thursday.

thanks for all the props by the way!

John 17 / Sept 15 - Jesus prayed for you.

In this chapter Jesus prays for His disciples and for you and I too. He knew what was coming to them, the pain and persecution but His prayer was not that they be removed from the world...which would have been great for them, but the rest of us would be lost. So Jesus prays that God would, while we are still on this earth, protect us from Satan. And He has done that, He tells us that when we are tempted to sin He always provides us a way to stand up under it.
That "way" is the truth and the truth is God's Word. When we live by the Word of God we can stand up to Satan's attacks while we remain on this earth to do what He has called us to do, to point people to Jesus.
So, you are here for a reason. To continue to carry out the mission of God, the Gospel (good news) about Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sin. And don't worry, Jesus has prayed for you, that God would sustain you and protect you by the truth, His Word.
So, get into the Word, remain strong, Stand up and find comfort in the fact that Jesus prayed for you.
Have a great Monday!!!!! Go Cowboys!

Dirty Jobs Part 3 - Keeping It Clean

Today we discuss the difficult job of keeping ourselves clean in a dirty world. We are bombarded everyday with opportunities and temptations to sin, to get dirty and at the same time drag the name of Jesus through the mud. In this issue of Dirty Jobs we will look at the ways we get dirty and also at the three ways we can keep clean.

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doing some work on the website and want to see if I can still upload...

John 13 / Sept 12 -

short one tonight:

I hope you remember this narrative because we just discussed it in the message last Sunday. But I want to focus on something that I didn't really get to talk about on Sunday.

During the dinner Jesus took some bread and let his disciples know that the bread represented his own body, which would be sacrificed for them (and us). After that he took some wine and blessed it and let the guys know that the wine represented Jesus' blood which he knew would be spilled for the forgiveness of their sins (and ours).

Near the end of the meal Jesus is troubled and reminds the disciples that he really is going to be betrayed to his death. But this time He is ready to reveal quite pointedly who it is.

The one who Jesus gives the bread dipped in wine. Just think of this, the bread represents His body the wine His blood. Didn't Jesus just symbolically hand himself over to be "devoured" by His betrayer?

Jesus willingly went to the cross and symbolically handed himself over. What a great love He must have for us.

Prayers

Just got word from Ja Carson that her little brother, Mike, has been diagnosed with M.S. Mike lives in Wyoming and has two children (one grown). Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Also remember Doug Enge, who suffered another stroke about 14 days ago.

I'll update later.

Sept 11 - Where were you?

I just realized that today is the 7th anniversary of the horrific attack on our country on Sept. 11th, 2001.
I remember that morning. I was in the bathroom and Andi and the kids were getting ready to leave the house and she hollers at me and says that something is happening. That morning I barely left the TV as I watched, what at the time seemed like a crazy action movie.

Right now, I'm watching the re-cap on Fox News of the events of that morning...still as terrifying as it was that day 7 years ago. Can imagine reading a book to some elementary school children when an aid comes in and tells you the country is under attack.

What an incredible day that changed the course of this country and several others. Not only have the lives of Americans changed; recall what it took to board a plane 7 years and one day ago. The lives of those who lost family and friends. But we also have the lives of our military families after going into Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon. The field where the folks on flight United 93 ended their lives.

In an instant. In the blink of an eye life has a way of changing. Our plans, our plots all come to nothing in these moments.

So today, what does your life count for? Have you continued to put off things you know you need to do? it doesn't have to be a plane and a tower, in fact the vast majority of the time it isn't, it could be a car, a medical issue, some other accident. You never know. Take care of what you need to today, don't put it off, it may not ever get done.

those are my struggled ramblings this difficult morning.

John 12 / Sept 11 - what do you see?

There is a line in this chapter that cuts to the heart of the Christian life. It comes at a point where Jesus is frustrated with some religious leaders who believed He was the Christ but would not verbalize their faith for fear they would loose their position in the Jewish community. Verse 43 tells us that they "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

Jesus then "cries out" in an attempt to get these folks to understand, it wasn't just about Him but about His Father. If you believed in Jesus, you believe in God...so it was imperative that you believe in Jesus. And in verse 45 Jesus says "When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me."

And that is the heart of the issue. When people looked at Jesus they saw His Father because the two were one. When people look at you and I who do they see? Are we close enough to Jesus that they see Him when they look at us? And if they see Him what they are really seeing is the Father. So we become the lens through which others see our God. How clear is the lens of your life?

Sunday Tease

Just a little hint about the message this Sunday... did it for facebook but I didn't want to leave my blogging buddies out of the loop so here you go!

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this is a test...if this were a real emergency I would not be sitting here typing this... this is only a test.

Hey all, I tried to post a "I'm not blogging tonight" post but it wouldn't go through, weird. anyway, it is working now so hopefully we will be okay for tomorrow!

Love you all!

Sept 10

(this wouldn't post last night...some problem with the site I guess)

Hey all you faithful readers of coreyblog (okay, hey you two faithful readers of coreyblog!)

I'm wiped out! It's late, Andi is in bed and I think that I will head that way too, by the way, she is doing great after eye surgery! We took the bandage off today at about 4 and she could see w/o her glasses or contacts!!! YEAH!!! (though Shane says that once she can see she is going to dump me!)

Have a good Wednesday! 4 days to go to church!

John 10 / Sept 9 - following the shepherd

Jesus uses a socially current metaphor for those who follow him; sheep and shepherd. But what I want to focus on is his statement that the sheep know him and so follow him.

here's my challenge to the people of Real Life, that always and no matter what, we follow the shepherd.

Now, personally I've been in spots when I didn't think I wanted to follow Jesus, but I'm glad I did. It wasn't always easy, it hasn't been always financially, emotionally or physically beneficial to me but I was always the right thing to do.

So, I make you this promise; I will always try to do what Jesus wants and not be afraid or follow any other shepherd. And if you are willing to go with me and follow Him we'll see some incredible things get to hear those wonderful words when we see Him face to face, "well done, good and faithful servant."

So here's to following without hesitation our shepherd, Jesus.

John 9 / Sept 8 - a changed life, changes your life.

This whole chapter is about a guy who was born blind and remained blind until he met Jesus. At that point his life was changed. When you live your life without seeing and then you see your life has changed.
This is what Jesus does best. He changes lives.
Whether you are physically blind or spiritually blind Jesus has the ability to give you sight. To change your life. and Real Life is experiencing life as God intended, with sight, with the ability to see the truth and live with your eyes wide open.
Would you like to see? give Jesus a try! (that rhymed and I didn't even plan it!)
Have a great Monday with your eyes wide open!

Dirty Jobs Part 2 - Let's Get Dirty

In this message we ask the question how did Jesus live his life? If we are to "walk as Jesus did" then we need to know how Jesus lived His life so that we can follow His example. Join the folks from Real Life Christian Church as we get dirty.

John 5 / Sept 5 - what pleases you?

When I was a kid I tried to please my parents (okay, when I was really young!) by doing the things I knew they would like and be proud of me for. When Andi and I were dating and first married I though a lot about what would make her proud and how I could please her. I try to please my kids... not that I do what they want, but I try to make them proud of me. I even seek to please the folks of Real Life.

All of this is good and hopefully on some level I have succeeded in each of those relationships but look at what Jesus said in the last half of verse 30, "I do not seek to please myself, but Him who sent me."

Who are you seeking to please? Yourself? Your family? Your church?

What if you could please only one person? Who would you choose? I think I'd make it God. And in the end, it would be best for my family, my parents, my church and even myself.

Have a great Friday!

John 4 / Sept 4 - would you like a million dollars?

Okay, let's be honest with each other, you've sent on those emails that promise Bill Gates and Microsoft are going to give you $1 for every time you, or someone you forward it to, forward this email!

If you knew someone was giving out $100 dollar bills to anyone "who asked for one" you'd tell everybody, wouldn't you! Strangers, friends, it wouldn't matter - you'd tell everybody!

In this chapter Jesus sits by a well and woman comes to get water and he says, I know where to get water for you so that you will never thirst again. She wanted to know where! And she told her friends... and strangers!

Were not talking about money or water. Were talking about quenching that spiritual thirst and you know where to get it! Don't you think that someone you may come in contact with might want to know what you know? And maybe just one of the people you tell might go back to their home town and tell everyone there and just maybe, they'll believe too!

Here's to handing out what we have, they want and we know how to get... Real Life!

John 3 / Sept 3 - it's a math thing...

In verse 30 John says something profound, Jesus must increase and I must decrease.

Up to the time when Jesus began His ministry John was the man. He spoke for God and to the people. thousands of people came to hear John speak during his short ministry span and all the sudden there was a new guy in town. Today we might say that Jesus "stole John's thunder."

But John's response is only, He must increase in the eyes of the people and I must decrease.

This is always a difficult thing but it is always, only and all about Jesus. He must increase. It's not about me so I must try and slowly decrease so that He can increase in my life, in my job in my work at the church.

Today, I'll try and find a way that I can decrease so that He can increase in the eyes of those around me.

John 2 / Sept 2 - the best has come

Well everyone, I hope you had a GREAT holiday weekend! Aside from the Coffee house, church, birthday stuff, I created a facebook site and updated the Real Life group page as a means to continue to connect with people we aren't already connected to. I also figured out how to post sermons online, so if you are in the nursery or doing children's church you can log on to the blog and watch the sermon! Cool huh!

Let's get to John 2. It starts out with the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Now, I never could figure out why that story was in the Bible, but a thought came to me today... the master of the party told the bridegroom "most people serve the best wine first and then the cheaper stuff later, but you've saved the best for last."

Here's my thought, maybe the wine represented Jesus? Everything that came before was just water, but when Jesus came it was the "best." God didn't send His Son first, it wasn't time, people needed to figure out that they couldn't get to God by themselves. Jesus came and completely changed the way things were done! Jesus changed the paradigm and I'm so glad that He did!

Have a good day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Great Sunday!

Hey all, as you can see I put the video of worship yesterday on the blog last night. I also started a facebook profile and updated the Real Life christian church group...didn't know we had one did you!

Anyway, tell your friends about the site (and you tell them about the church!) let's see if God can use this tool to help us tell others about Jesus! Hey, it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it!

See you all tomorrow (virtually!)

PRAYER: Please remember to keep Doug E in your prayers. He suffered a mild stroke on Thursday and is in the VA hospital for tests and rehab.

Dirty Jobs Series: Knee Deep

8/31/08

Luke 22 / August 29 - you can be an activator!

The second half of verse 32 deserves a second look. Here Jesus says to Peter "when you turn back strengthen your brothers."

When you use a glue stuff called JB Weld you have to add an activator to the paste to get it to hold or "weld" things together. Peter is used to activate the brothers because he could say "I've been there, its okay, God can still use you to do incredible things if you are willing."

I know many believers, maybe you are one, who don't think they can encourage or help others in their walk because of the missteps and failures in their own lives. This is absolutly not the case.

There are people that only you can reach becasue you've been where they are. Youre failures as a christian can actually make you better able to speak to and share the gospel with others.

Now, don't go out and sin so that you can connect with someone! But don't assume that you aren't able to either.

Like Peter who sinned by disowning God you too can "turn back and strengthen others." Be an activator of others so that they can "stick like glue" in their faith and overcome their failures to be used by God.

No post this am

Sorry folks, rough evening.

Just one thing. You might say a prayer for Maddux McCarthy who is sick and has a touch of pnemonia and been in and out of the hospital since last Thursday. He is home and doing a bit better but a prayer wouldn't hurt! thanks!

Luke 20 / August 27 -

It's late and I'm tired.

Jesus tells a story about a tenant who mistreats those sent to collect a "portion" of what is owed the land owner. In the end the owner sends His son, whom He loves and they kill him.

The owner is God. His son is Jesus. The tenants are the religious leaders and the Jews who (through their forefathers) killed the prophets and those sent by God somehow thinking they would be in charge if the owner were out of the way or too scared to collect what was owed.

His final statement is just to remind those who were listening. No one escapes from God. Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus or are "broken to pieces" are restored and made whole and cleansed. But those who try to do it all on their own and reject Jesus will be crushed.

Here's the bottom line: you can't outwit God. You can't hide from Him, you can't keep what is His, you can't get there on your own. What's God's is God's and one way or another He will always get what is His.

Don't try and hide or keep what rightfully belongs to Him (that's all of you!).

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

Luke 19 / August - excuses, excuses...

Hey guys, great day yesterday! It was an exciting day and a good start to the fall season. You all did a great job making our guests feel welcome and wanted and want to come back.

Today I want to put the Zaccheaus narrative and the parable of the "minas" (coins/$$).

First, Zacch: Here's a guy that was too short to see over the crowd and so he climbed up a tree in order to see Jesus and we know that Jesus was concerned about little Zacch because he stopped and wanted to have dinner with him. Because Zacch was short he had difficulty seeing Jesus. It was a disability to him because it kept him from seeing or doing what he wanted to. There are a lot of people who have issues and challenges in seeing Jesus in today's world too. It may not be their height but could be a past experience with the church or a "christian" family member. It could be the time, the building, the people, the music, etc., etc. We hear lots of things like, "all they want is my money." "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian." These are all excuses but the bottom line is people want to see Jesus and they will find a way to overcome their "disability" in order to see HIM.

In the Parable of the minas it is impossible to miss the point, Jesus expects us to use what we have been given to reap a benefit for Him. And He will hold us responsible for what we did with what we had. (please note that we are not held responsible for what we don't have but only for what we do have.) So in the end Jesus is going to want to know, did you have access to a step-ladder? That's right, did you have the ability to help someone "see" Jesus, and did you employ it?

What have we been given? What are we doing with it? What have you been given? What are you doing with it? You've heard me say many times that people have lots of excuses (disabilities) as to why they don't come to church, instead of fighting it, let's get a ladder (or plant a sycamore tree!)

Just to help people see Jesus - Corey

Luke 18 / August 25 - the little children

There are a few sentences here where Jesus has an encounter with little children. Which is kind of strange seeing that the Bible says there was nothing about Jesus that would cause someone to look twice at him, in fact He was apparently not very handsome. So to have little children want to come and sit with him is strange, except that, few kids know a stranger and they also have a keen way of knowing, intuitively, if someone is a "good" or "bad" person. So they came to Jesus and sat on His lap (presumably) and He touched them and spoke gently to them.



But the disciples didn't think this was right so they told off the kids and their parents. They told them to, "leave the master alone. Can't you see He's busy?"



And while the disciples are getting on the kids Jesus begins to get onto the disciples and tells them, "the kingdom belongs to such as these." But what does He mean? God's Kingdom belongs to a bunch of children? We all have to become little children if we want to get to heaven? How is that possible?



I think the idea is NOT that we must become children but the key is in the words He uses, "to such as these." Children have faith, they do not always need to "see" with their eyes but they believe with their hearts. Have you ever seen a little kid on Christmas Eve who runs to bed because he knows he can't be up or Santa won't come? And on Christmas morning he absolutely believes Santa has been there!

What kind of faith do you have? Jesus says that we must have, the faith of a child. Not blind faith but complete faith, total faith, absolute faith.

How's your faith today?

Luke 16 / August 23 - what will it take

The very last verse of this chapter (31) says a lot. The story that precedes it tells of a dead man who wants someone to raise from the dead to go and tell his family what awaits them if they don't believe. Abraham tells him If they didn't believe Moses and the Prophets, they won't believe even if someone rises from the dead.

Now the story is about a beggar named Lazarus who the rich man wants Abraham to send back to tell his family, but you have to assume that who Abraham is talking about is Jesus rising from the dead and those same ones who wouldn't believe Moses or the prophets won't be convinced even when Jesus rises from the dead.

The bottom line is that some people just aren't going to believe. The Bible says that no one comes to the Son unless the Father draws them. And the sad truth is that not every one who hears will believe, even though someone rose from the dead. But just because no every person who hears will believe is no reason for us not to try and tell EVERYONE about the One who can save anyone and who knows, someone may believe and when they do, we will celebrate with all of heaven.

So we'll try anything and risk everything to win anyone to the one who can save everyone. See you Sunday!

Luke 15 / August 22 -

The first 7 verses of this chapter I just love. Because it reminds me of who I am to Christ; yes I know that I am important and so are you and that He loves me and died for me and all that stuff that makes me His child. But who I am in Christ also means that I get to take a back seat to every one else who He loves.

See, I've been in and heard of lots of church who after a while as the people grow and mature they also begin to think that because they are such "good" Christans or have been in that particular church for a long time it makes them more important. So as a minister you have to appease the people who are already there and spend all your time taking care of the sheep in the pen that you don't have any time to grow the fold.

Okay, let's just be honest. Every church that is looking for a new minister says that they want to grow and bring in new people, but few are willing to really do anything that will help that happen. It's one of those things that we Christians say 'cause it makes us sound good and holy but we don't really mean it. It doesn't take long to figure out that many Christans think the minister is doing a good job if he is meeting their needs but they don't stop to think about the needs of the people who are on the path to Hell.

In this parable Jesus states clearly that His focus is not the sheep in the pen, but the sheep that are "lost." And as His church that ought to be our focus too! We should never get so comfortable that we think church is about us or for us but we should constantly be thinking, how can we put our wants aside to meet the needs of the people who are not here yet. Why? cause we are already going to heaven! Our salvation is as sure as our faith but there are those who do not have that confidence. Jesus wants those people to have peace in their relationship with Him.

So what do I say to myself and to the church? (close your ears this is harsh!) Shut up and quite whining! It's not about you and what makes you comfortable, its about those people who are lost who need Jesus, not about those of us who already are in the pen.

Have a great Friday!

Luke 14 / August 21 - don't get side tracked!

There should be no question that Jesus is talking the about Jewish nation who were the ones that God had chosen and to whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to first with the offer of salvation through faith or belief in Him.

It is interesting that this parable (or warning) begins with a statement from one of the guests with Jesus. And the statement was true, it would be a blessing to eat at the table in the kingdom. But you see, the people that Jesus was eating with believed that based on their station in life they would surely be the ones who would be eating with God in His kingdom.

The story Jesus tells is one that would not have been lost on them...It just occurred to me that the original statement by the guest with Jesus may have been prompted by Jesus opening statements in this chapter. He may have been feeling like Jesus was attacking him (which He was) and so he wanted to assert his place at the table.

So Jesus says that there is going to indeed be a banquet but when the guests are called they will have what seems like justifiable excuses; wedding, death in the family, I have to do my hair, etc. But the bottom line is that they aren't there, they were too busy, too many more important things to do. So, others are called who come and still more from even farther away come. Why could they come? They didn't have anything better to do. They were hungry. They were thirsty. They didn't have comfortable lives and a packed social calendar. So they came and they filled the house.

What's the moral? Those who thought they were going to eat at the table all had other things to do and so passed on the invite. But God is not going to have an empty table, so the message, call to believe went out to others and they accepted the invitation.

I know you are busy, I know that life is full and there are so many things that could occupy your time and mine, but we must make time for God. Don't miss your opportunity to accept the invitation (faith in Jesus) and so secure your place at the table. Make time for God!

Luke 13 / August 20 - when it's time to heal

I'm going to make it short today.

When Jesus or the disciples healed it was two things, immediate and complete. Now I know that someone who reads this will say, "what about the blind guy whom Jesus healed and he saw people that looked like trees walking around." Well, it's been proven that that was a normal process of someone who had never seen before. But look, leprosy, gone. bleeding, stopped. Deaf, hear. Blind, see. crippled, made whole. Possessed, freed. Boom. that's it.

When Jesus heals it is complete and immediate but it was also dignified. Did you know that no where in Scripture did anyone who was healed, or "touched" fall down on the ground and shake or fall back or pass out or get "slain in the Spirit." Surely you have seen the healers on TV put their hand on the person, say some unintelligible thing and the person needing healing falls back on the ground and has some sort of mild to severe convulsion. Never happened in the Bible, at least it was never recorded.

What was recorded was the immediacy and the completeness of the healing. Oh, and one more thing. Many times they didn't fall down, they jumped up and down and praised God and thanked Jesus. Does God heal by knocking people down on the ground? I suppose He could if he wanted, but what is the purpose? Jesus always did everything on purpose, so what is the purpose of someone falling? Today it is used as a "sign" that the person has been "healed" or received the Spirit or something. But for me, the lame restored. The crippled made whole. The demon possessed freed. The deaf and blind and bleeding made to hear, see and stop. That's what I want to see. That's what Jesus does.

Luke 12 / August 19 - What did He say?

Did you ever notice that sometimes people say one thing but mean another? That happens in marriage and in other relationships. But Jesus never said anything that He didn't mean.

In verses 49,50 Jesus does just this. He says one thing but it is not to be taken at face value.

In Jesus' first statement he speaks of coming to bring fire on the earth and how He wishes it was already kindled.

• Given his previous statement about the servant who doesn't do his job one might think Jesus is talking about the fire of wrath or anger.
• Given the statement following these verses you might think it is a fire of disagreement between family members.
• But I think a better opinion is that the fire represents the Holy Spirit that came in Acts 2 as "tongues of fire."
• This makes sense for two reasons. 1-Jesus was not looking forward to His death but the Holy Spirit would only come after His death and resurrection, so Jesus the terrible death Jesus knew He would suffer would be over if the "fire" were already kindled. 2- Jesus knew that for the church/Kingdom to move forward the Holy Spirit would need to come and live "in" His followers.

Jesus next speaks of a baptism that He needed to undergo, but His immersion had already happened. So what baptism is He speaking of? It is the baptism of pain and death that He would need to undergo before the "fire" could come.

here's the deal. Jesus wanted us to have the Holy Spirit because He knew it would be better for us, to have Him "in" us. But the pain He would undergo could only be expressed as a complete immersion in pain. Jesus could have stopped it. He could have said no. But He knew the only way the plan would work is if He gave Him self willingly to the death that would usher in the Christian age.

He did this for you. He suffered so that we could have the "down payment guaranteeing our inheritance in heaven." Thank you Jesus for your willing submission to this baptism so that we could receive the "fire."

Luke 11 / August 18 -

Good morning everyone. After preaching yesterday morning Jack and I went to see Doug Enge who is in the VA hospital in Wichita awaiting a hearth cath to determine the severity of some blockage. I'll let you know how all that goes.

When I got home I had to take the oldest two kids to the local sports store for some things as they will be starting volleyball and cross country tomorrow.

When I got home Trent and I had another struggle and I have just been wiped out every since. It's about 15 after 9 and I am heading to bed. So, I'll read Luke 10 with you this morning and should be ready to go tomorrow!

Have a great Monday in Real Life!

Luke 9 / August 16 - can you say, "Can of Worms?"

It's Saturday morning and tomorrow is Sunday and I'm feeling a little spunky. The first few verses of this text tell of when Jesus gave the 12 apostles power to drive out demons and "cure diseases." This is the only time when Jesus gives anyone specific power. While this chapter speaks of others who can "drive out demons" no one else is given power to heal.

Now, this is a special ability/power. What Jesus in effect did was give carte blanche ability to heal. No prayer apparently. No questioning. Just blanket ability to heal and drive out demons. Notice that the apostles were a little trigger happy by verse 54 they wanted to "call down fire" on a town. They knew they had power.

Okay, now let me stir the pot. My opinion here...(notice I said OPINION!) is that the ability to heal on demand-such as the apostles had-died with the apostles and what I call 2nd generation healers. All the apostles had the ability to heal (Peter and Paul actually could heal by their shadow falling on someone) and there were some to whom the apostles gave the power to but there is no Biblical record of any 2nd generation healer. We have Jesus giving the power to the apostles. the Apostles gave it to a few others, but no one else was ever given the power.

Today we have some folks who claim they are descended from an apostle and so have power to heal or drive out demons. There are some who claim that they are a modern day apostle. (I actually had a guy breath on me one time and told me I just received a double portion of the Holy Spirit. I think he had a little too much "sauce" and there was no change that I could tell in my Spiritual life or ability, oh, and his breath smelled bad!)

If you ask me if I believe that people today have the carte blanche ability to heal? My opinion is NO. Do I believe that people are healed today? YES!!!! The difference? Heeling's come today through prayer, not merely some individuals whim, as with the Apostles.

So, would anyone like to throw the first stone? Maybe Benny Hinn?

Luke 8 / August 15 - 12 years of shame...gone.

It's Friday!!!
Once again we read about the woman who was "subject to bleeding" for 12 years come and touch Jesus. It occurred to me as I read this that this was a much worse problem then I originally thought.

Perhaps you've seen the commercials on TV about young girls in some third world country who had to miss school during their period because they didn't have any hygiene products. Imagine that for 12 years. You see this ladies bleeding was like a constant period. Which is troublesome by itself. But she also had been to many doctors and none of them could help. You can read the text here.

Imagine having a toothache for 12 years, nagging pain that won't go away. Everywhere you go and everything you do that toothache is just right there, always with you. I guess (sorry ladies) that this might be close to what this lady was going through. But there is a bigger issue for her.

In Jewish culture a woman on her period was considered unclean. in Leviticus chapter 15 the rules for a woman on her period and/or a discharge other than her period are found. But what being unclean means is that you can't worship. You can't be involved with others. You can't be in a public place. Anyone who touched you or anything you wore or came in contact with would be considered unclean. This woman was an outcast among her own people. In fact, if everyone in the group that was "crushing" Jesus would have known about her bleeding it is possible they would have killed her for making them all unclean. She was taking a huge risk. But then again no risk, no reward. In the end of the text you read that she came "trembling" and fell at His feet in front of all the people-how scary.

So, this is not just a woman who had a cut that would not stop bleeding. She was unclean. She was a cast out. She was desperate. She was trying one last time...

Friends, this is what Jesus does. He picks one out of the crowd. He touches the outcast. He offers hope. He is the only one who can help. Jesus is in the business of taking the unclean and making them clean. Maybe you need the touch of Jesus today. Maybe you're scared of those that are around. What will they say. What will they do? Does it really matter? You can be healed. You can be clean. You can life, real life, more and better than you ever imagined.

Are you ready for cleansing touch of Christ?

Luke 7 / August 14 - trying to button it up.

Hey, so I'm reading today's text and two things hit me and reminded me of some previous posts. Let's look at this as an example of what I was talking about in the earlier posts.

First on August 2nd I wrote about baptism and Jesus question about whether John's baptism was from God or man. If you don't remember it you can take a look at it by right clicking here and say "open in new tab" so you don't loose this post.

There are some verses here that really speak to the heart of that post. It says that the tax collectors and "all the people" believed Jesus (acknowledged God's way was right) BECAUSE they had been baptized by John. They understood that John was the modern Elijah who was prophesied to come before the Messiah. But the Pharisees did not understand or believe BECAUSE they had not been baptized by John.

So, once again we have confirmation of the importance of baptism as it affected and is credited as the reason people believed Jesus words about John.

The second thing to look at comes when some of John's followers go and ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Instead of Jesus just saying, "yes." Which he could have done. And instead of saying, "well, duh." Which he could have said. He defines the post from yesterday. Jesus just shows (fruit) what the two needed to know. and when he was done he said, go and tell John, the blind see, the dead are raised, the deaf hear, the demons are dispatched.

Jesus let his fruit speak for him.

Have a good Thursday. School is back in session...Yeah!

Luke 6 / August 13 - Believers should be a little fruity...

One of the things that you see in believers if you spend much time with them is their fruit. Now, I realize that I may be a little hard on us Christians but think of this. I am sitting here watching the Olympics and all these young girls doing gymnastics (I'm watching with Andi) and they have chosen to be gymnasts at this level and have to expect a great deal of scrutiny. You and I have chosen to align ourselves with Christ and so we must expect the scrutiny of the world. Think of it this way, the Olympic committee decided to let china, a Communist, smog ridden country host this years games. Now, many are complaining about the pollution and the human rights issue has almost taken the top platform during the games. What did we expect? As Christians we should expect, even relish, the watchful eye of the world. It is when people are watching that we have the opportunity to shine and then, hopefully they not be seeing us but Christ.

Jesus, in verses 43-45, talks of fruit. He says that every good tree bears good fruit and every bad tree bears bad fruit. Jesus is being a little critical of believers. A Christian needs to produce good fruit. Fruit like love and grace and peace and mercy. There are far too many believers who try to show their good fruit on Sunday but on Monday that fruit shows that it is rotten.

We are not to judge people, we are to judge fruit. We ought to look at our fruit, check it twice and then spray for bugs.

Have a Great rest of the week!

Luke 5 / August 12 - this one just hit me...

Okay, I realize that I am not a scholar. I don't claim to be. I do the best I can with what I have, a bit of knowledge a little common sense and the will to tell someone about it. That being said, I saw something today that has stumped me for years. I have never gotten a real satisfactory answer, and don't know what I would do if I got one of those ivory tower answers anyway. But maybe you've seen this before and wondered about it, so let's look at it together and see what we can come up with.

In verse 17 we find Jesus sitting with a group of guys who don't like him very well and there is a little tag at the end of that verse that I have never figured out. It says that "the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick." Did you catch that? Luke felt it necessary to tell us that there was some power that was there (don't really know how he knew) that led or urged or prompted Jesus to heal.

Okay...I know what you're thinking, cause I am thinking it too! THIS IS JESUS! GOD'S SON! HE HAS THE POWER! I don't get it? Why was it necessary for Luke to tell us that at this particular time, this particular place, there was something that hadn't been there before so that Jesus was able? willing? directed? (take your pick) to heal.

Remember when we were going through Matthew? I just remembered and looked it up. In chapter 13, verse 58 it says that Jesus didn't many miracles because of their lack of faith. So, in that case, Jesus seems to be limited in his miraculous healing ability not because of any inability on His part, but because of "their" lack of faith.

And here, Luke points out that there was some sign, some feeling, some smell or visible thing or some thing that was just understood so that Jesus perceived power to heal. But still. Isn't the power of Jesus to heal, create, fly, transform, curse a bush and get angry with the thieves inhabiting the temple, completely and totally separate from anything else going on? Doesn't Jesus just have the power to do? Can't Jesus just do whatever, whenever? Come on! The Bible tells that by "Him" everything was created. Can't this guy do anything he wants, whenever he wants?!

The answer to that question is both YES and NO. Jesus, remember is the poster child for humility, which some have said is strength, under control. A team of horses, powerful and fast under the control of a small piece of leather or a bit. Jesus absolutely has the power and the ability to heal and do whatever else He wants, whenever He wants. But He doesn't. Why? we find that portion of the answer in John 5:19 where Jesus says I can do nothing by myself. I can do only what I see the Father doing because what the Father does, I do. (that was all my paraphrase, click on the link to see if just like Jesus said it).

Jesus had the power to heal, but didn't because the Father did not want it, for some reason, perhaps only He knows fully. In Luke 5 Jesus healed, not because he got some special telegram from God giving him permission, but because it was what God wanted at that moment. Jesus gives over control of His power and ability to His Father.

What a perfect picture for you and I. We CAN do anything we want, but it shouldn't be just about what we want, it should be about what HE wants. You see, God has our best interest at heart, so if we follow Him and act in HIS will, we will never go wrong and we will in all practicality be acting just like Jesus. What would Jesus Do? whatever His Father wanted him to.
Have a good Tuesday!

Aug 9th

Hey all. It is late Friday night and I am tired and so I'll just read the text with you today. See you Sunday!!!!

Luke 1 / August 8th - foundation for faith

Good Friday friends!

I want to talk to you about faith. I am one of those people that says, faith is NOT just a step into nothing. I don't believe in a "leap" of faith which infers that there is some gap that you have to "leap" over to get to saving faith.

If you read the first 4 verses of Luke 1 you will see that this "leap" is not something Luke was interested in either. He says that he wants to write an orderly account of the life of Christ so that his benefactor (Theophilus) would "know the certainty" of the things he had been taught. Luke is saying, don't just believe because someone said it, let me lay out the history from eyewitnesses and from my own account so that your faith will have a foundation in the truth.

You see I believe. When someone on TV says that the casket of "Christ" has been found with his bones in it I laugh and turn the channel. I have faith. But it is not blind faith. It is not pie-in-the-sky faith. I believe because there is historical fact. Because there is no other credible option. Because evolution has been completely debunked. Because there has to be more to life than birth, a few years, and death.

So my faith is supported by reality. Truth. Fact.

There are no bones. The tomb is empty. The eyewitnesses are countless. The historical data is inescapable. So my faith has foundation... but even if it didn't, I'd still believe!

See you Sunday!

Mark 16 / Aug 6 - in case you don't know...

((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.))

Perhaps you noticed this statement in your Bible reading this morning. Or maybe you knew it was there. Well, here's what you need to know. The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses don't include Mark 16:9-20.

Here's the really simple version. The Bible as we have it today has been put together from manuscripts that have been saved and protected through generations. Nothing we have dates to the time of Jesus but the Dead Sea scrolls went back farther than any previous manuscripts and were more complete (as I recall from my OCC days). So some of the manuscripts we had prior to the Dead Sea scrolls contained Mark 16:9-20, but when the older manuscripts were found, proved to be accurate and then compared to the earlier manuscripts there were some discrepancies. This is one, and another one at John 7:53-8:11.

Instead of just removing the text it was left in with this caveat, "these are not the most reliable."

So this is what I do... I only use these texts as support material, to help reinforce a passage that says the same thing, just maybe in a different way. I do not, nor do I plan on, preaching directly from these texts as they are not among the most reliable.

We can talk more about this later if you're interested. I'll dig out my notes!

Mark 15 / Aug 6 - what you want is an eye witness...

If you've ever been in an accident or hauled off to court (no, not just you Joyce) what you want is an eye witness right? Someone who was there, who saw the whole thing, who's testimony can be trusted.

Why is the story of a man who claimed to be the Son of God still talked about today? Eyewitnesses. Everything Jesus did was in full view of everyone, everyone saw it and when things are done in the open they are hard to dispute.

Jesus death was in plain view and the names of those who saw it are listed. And there are some women here in this chapter here who saw it all. There were two women that watched Jesus die and they saw where he was put in the ground. They said, "that is where it happened. This is where we were standing. Here is where we fell and wept on the ground. And that tomb, that one right there, that is where they laid him, that's the stone that they rolled over the opening."

You can't discount an eye witness. And yet you and I must remember what Jesus said, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." I didn't see, but I believe those who did. What about you?

Mark 14 / Aug 5 - not that it matters...

I want you to take a second look at verse 26. This portion of Scripture is powerful when it comes to Jesus and His incredible example of servanthood and love. But I want to skip all that. In fact, this whole chapter is loaded with all kinds of things that it would take weeks to discuss each item of importance. But we won't look at any of that.

We're going to look at this silly verse that doesn't change the passage one little bit. So, why would we waste time on it? Well, I just got curious. This verse says that they "sang a hymn" and went outside. And I've heard this argument lots of times about why Praise songs aren't biblical or if you sing hymns you're more spiritual or something and this passage along with others is used.

Well, the bible says that we are to sing "songs, hymns and spiritual songs." Or, "I will sing hymns to your name." I mean, even Paul and Silas sang "hymns" while they were in jail. So, as you can see, Hymns are the more spiritual way to worship God. So, I've heard this kind of thing not just about hymns but other pet issues too. So, I decided to poke around the word a little bit.

Did you know that the word hymn may have actually come from the Greek god of marriage, hymen. And a wedding song that was sung. It also literally means, a song of praise; a song of praise or joy and a song or ode in praise to gods or heroes. What this all means is that the word hymn was around before the Biblical writers used it to describe what was going on. It did not originate with the Bible and simply described what was being done. It was a certain kind of song - sung to gods or about heroes.

So, isn't this exactly what is going on today? People singing songs of praise or joy to God? What is different? Hymns tell stories, some of them good and some not so good. The modern day hymn expresses the emotional or "feeling" side of our relationship with God. So, let's put this issue to rest shall we? You say potatoe and I say potato but we're both talking about the same famous brown (or sometimes red) meaty thing that you pull up out of the ground and then make french fries out of!

Have a good Tuesday!

Mark 13 / Aug 4 - does one little sentance change it?

Hey all. I'm ready to trust a little more, do a little more and sin a little less this week!

Okay, so I'm reading through this chapter and have read it before and know that some people will put this passage with some from the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation and talk about when Christ is going to come back.

We read about false christs and supposed prophets and this "abomination that causes desolation" and how horrible it will be and many think that this is a reference to the end times, you know, Armageddon and all that Revelation stuff. But I wonder if people stop a bit too soon?

Did you read verse 30? Did you notice that Jesus tells of all these horrible things and then he says that "I tell you the truth." which always means, pay attention. Listen up! Heed my words. (not just "I'm not lying.) "This generation will not pass away until all these things have happened."

So, what does that mean? well... discovering that is part of Biblical interpretation. But aside from a whole bunch of study, it seems to mean that all these things will happen in your life time. And again, without getting into a huge post here, they did happen. The Temple was destroyed, a guy who didn't believe in God stood in the Temple compound, the Jewish people fled into the hills and lived in caves. This all happened 40 years later, around 70AD, at the hands of the Roman empire.

Is this a prophecy of the end times as some suspect? Is it a warning to the disciple (a few were alive to at least hear of it though most had already left Jerusalem because of the persecution)?John wrote the book of Revelation on the exile Island of Patmos about 90AD so he was certainly alive, though it is hard to know if he had received word of it or not.

Read carefully! See you tomorrow!

Mark 11 / Aug 2 - What's the big deal?

In the end of this chapter Jesus asks a question of the religious leaders who were trying to trap him.

It was a question about baptism. Now, John came with a message of repentance because "the kingdom of heaven is near." Part of John's message was the act of immersion as a "sign" of their repentance and desire to be prepared for Jesus (though they didn't completely understand that the Messiah was coming so quickly). John baptized many people, and many more people beleived that John was a prophet, some even thought he might be the Messiah.

So Jesus asks the stuffed shirts where the baptism of John came from. Was it from God, in which case they would be dissobeying. Or was it from man, in which case they people would have been stupid for believing his message.

The guys say they don't know, so Jesus says he won't tell them where His power comes from.

What I want to know is, why would Jesus ask this question in the first place? Jesus power came from God which is the connection with John's baptism. If the religious leaders couldn't tell where John's baptism came from they would not be willing to accept that Jesus' was God's Son.

So, does this mean that baptism is from God? or just some silly thing that we "men" made up?