Bible Names For Jesus: The Word

I would like to end this alphabetic series on "Biblical names of Jesus Christ" with "The Word".  This is an extremely important title for Christ as it "absolutely" attaches Jesus Christ to the trinity.  In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   This passage of scripture in John 1:1-18 is very poetic and important for our positive understanding of who Jesus Christ really is.  The "Trinity" is flawlessly connected here for all to see.

As can be seen, the first three words that John uses as he starts his gospel, help us to understand that EVERYTHING has been established "In the beginning" and that Jesus Christ, the second part of the Trinity was there for the event.  He is the creator of everything that was created.

Today was a very anxious day as I started chemotherapy again today.  Of course, they pre-medicate you so as to prevent any unforeseen "reactions" to the drugs they use to poison the cancer cells in the human body.  But today was a different day.  The pre-meds obviously had NO effect on what was to happen to my body on this day.  Within the first hour of treatment, I began to shake, my body ice cold.  I was told that at one point the shaking became so radical that it was moving my lounge chair.  I cannot remember what took place from that point until I opened my eyes and they finally found their way to my Oncology Doctor who was standing there to observe the actions of the nurses.  They all did a wonderful job of getting me through this reaction and finally, when I recognized my doctor, I said "Hi Doc" (that's how I greet him always).  His respond was simple and comforting...he said "he's back."  He verbalized a few orders and left the room.  I cannot tell you where I may have gone (I'm confident I was safely 'tucked' within the arms of Christ), but it was relieving to hear the doctor announce my return to the nurses.

Here's what I do know:  John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."  Wherever I might have gone for that few moments really doesn't matter because the "Word that became flesh" dwelt among ME as this incident unfolded (not the doctor, Jesus Christ).  Once I was back, was breathing on my own and no longer "raddling the daylights out of my chair",  I recognized the peace of Jesus Christ dwelling with me in that place.

Yes it was an anxious situation, as there are many in our lives, but once my mind and heart returned it's focus on Christ, everything was peaceful. 

A VERY exhausting and unpleasant day, indeed.  However, the "Word dwelt among us" and peace and grace was His result.

The Word, a wonderful way to present our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to those we call friends and loved ones.  I cannot tell you what would have been my response to that incident, had "The Word" not dwelt with me today.  All I can say is that I am grateful for His love and grace in my life.  God bless you all.  We'll do it all over in 10 or 12 days.  And I am sure, I'll have "good" company.

Dave

(Thanks for letting me share this series of Biblical Names for Jesus Christ. All of the thoughts for this series came from God's inspiration to me, however some of my research came from George W. Knight, author of "The Names of God".  All other information and facts came from God's Word, of course)

Today Is Chemo Day

By the time you read this post, I will be at the Chemotherapy Lounge in Scottsdale, beginning a new series of therapy to attempt to "retard" the protein cells which are growing in my bone marrow (not supposed to be).  Anyway, just wanted to say that I appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my wife and I as we begin another journey for which we do not know the outcome (come to think of it, none of us know the outcomes of our journeys).

Our God is an AWESOME God, and He is in control of every aspect of our lives so we have no fear for we know we are in His hands.  This series of therapy will only last for 4 weeks just for the purpose of seeing if we can slow down the Leukemia growth for now.  I don't know when the next biopsy will be but will keep you posted.

You have all be extremely encouraging and because of you and God, I am at peace.  Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayerful support for us.  We love you all.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus: Vine

John 15:5 says "I am the vine, and you are the branches;  He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing."

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night of His arrest.  He know that they would have to be "attached" to Him, strongly in order to survive the upcoming events.  We've all hear the stories about the vines and the pruning process.  We are the (His) branches and sometimes we need pruning in our lives in order to grow.  Maybe that's were some of the pain I spoke about last night comes from.

The idea Jesus wanted to get across was that we are the weaker branches that are attached to the strong vine (Himself) as we go through different stage in life, sometimes being pruned back, perhaps even farther than we wish to be.  However there is always a reason.  He (Jesus) as the vine, would sustain and nourish us so we would bear "much fruit" in the days ahead.

Jesus is the "Vine" and we are the "branches" all for a good reason.  Jesus was called the "Vine."  Now why couldn't I have thought of that?

Dave

Names For Jesus Christ: Truth

When Jesus encountered Thomas in the upper room, He used this name for Himself in their conversation.  If fact, this is the only place where Jesus is referred to as "truth".  In modern days society, when we use the word "truth" we are usually referring to "words" or "speech".  A good example would be "When I have fellowship with my close friend, he always shares the truth.  Telling the truth is a good thing.  Some believe that it is easier to "sugarcoat" than speak the truth in love which usually ends up getting us into more trouble than if we had just said the truth in the first place.  This was our Lord Jesus Christ.  Every word that proceeded from His lips was "truth".  He would always express the truth even if it was a hard thing to accept.

But even more so than speaking the truth, it is important that we "act out" the truth and again, this is the sense in which we see Jesus as He communicates to Thomas.

I believe that I tell the truth for the most part.  I am confident that my wife does as well.  An example would be when people ask my wife how I am feeling.  Because she lives with me 24/7 she is keenly aware of every singe ache and pain I experience.  In fact, I am up writing this tonight because of some very severe leg cramps that woke me up and made my legs feel like they were in "vice grips" and being squeezed severely.  Tomorrow morning my wife, because of her love for me will make it known to those who pray for us how difficult my night was.  In the same way, if I am asked how I am feeling, in the midst of some very severe leg pain,  "I feel fine".  Barb lives with a "realistic" attitude whereas I live in an "ideal" world.  Both of us are sharing the truth, just from different perspectives.

Our world is so materialistic today that sometimes it is difficult to discern what the truth really is. Society tries to convince us that we need money and possessions to obtain the "essence" of truth and have the path to "a good life."  In fact, what is truth for one person is not necessarily truth for another because there is no absolute truth (or so the world would have us believe so).

When Pilate pronounced the death sentence onto Jesus Christ, Pilate was told by Jesus that  He came into the world to "bear witness unto the truth" (Jn 18:37).  And this is when Pilate ask a most critical question and that was "what is truth?"  The truth was that Pilate was standing so close to the "truth" that he could have reached out and touched it.  But because of his unbelief, he missed it.  What a tragic event in the life of Pilate!  And what an accurate picture of a sinful and unbelieving world.  And this is the arena that we as Christians are thrust into to bear witness of the Truth.

I happen to believe, along with large numbers of my Christian brothers and sisters "THAT THERE IS" absolute truth and we find that in Jesus Christ, our Lord.  The truth is that I have had a VERY TERRIBLE NIGHT as my wife would express out of love and compassion.  But if you asked me directly I would want you to know that no matter how bad this night was, I am "held up by the almighty" and given that fact, feeling fine far outweighs the pain and suffering we experience day in and day out.  Hope that's not confusing.

The truth in this situation for Barb would be Jesus holding out His hands and side toward Thomas and telling him to touch the wounds and believe.  And for me the truth is, I ride on the shoulders of the greatest Man who every walked on this earth, and even if I were to fall, I have confidence that I would not reach the ground without His assistance.

Yes it is possible to be in severe pain and still be just fine.  You need go no farther than the Cross of Christ to see just how painfully fine He was.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Son Of Mary

So many different names in the Bible for Jesus that it is hard to decide which one to comment on.  Savior, Savior of all men,  Savior of the world, Second man, Seed of David and the list goes on and on.

But after doing a little reading about this reference to a Name of Jesus (Son Of Mary) I thought this one was most befitting our Savior.

In the time of Christ, it was customary that a child be called after his father.  Jesus was referred to as the "Son of Mary" and only in one place in the Bible.  Mark 6:3 says "Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?  And are not his sisters here with us?  and they were offended at him."

Yeah, another "Hurdle" for Christ.  The people of the day could not believe that the "only begotten of the Father" could possibly have grown up in their midst.  They knew Him simply as a carpenter and the Son of Mary.

Of course, Mary knew from the beginning who this Jesus was and what was important about Him.  Within her womb she was introduced to the very special gift that God had given the world.  And she brought him up just like all of His siblings.

Mary knew of His special powers as was evidenced when in John 2:5, at the Wedding Feast of Canaan, she told the servants to "do whatever He tells you (turning the water into wine).

Did she know He would be executed like a common criminal.  Not sure about that because the Bible does not make that point clear for us, however, she knew that He was a special child and we find her at the foot of His cross on the day of His crucifixion and Jesus takes the time to care for His mother by giving authority to John to care for her (John 19).

Jesus Christ was indeed, the Son of Mary, for a very important reason.

Dave

Bible Name For Jesus Christ: Root And Offspring Of David

"I have sent My angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16)  There are so many names for Christ that start with an "R" that I could have used, however this name has a "dual" meaning and a precious balance.

Jesus was the divine Son of God; the one who served as the agent of creation which makes Him David's creator, naturally, the "Root of David" but He came to earth in human form and because of this he is also David's descendant, or Offspring (the Messiah from the line of David reigning over the spiritual kingdom that He came to establish).  Making Jesus both superior to David and the rightful heir to his throne. 

Stay with me here for just a moment because it is not as difficult as it sounds.  Jesus used this name for Himself in the closing verses of the final chapter of the last book  of the Bible.  Don't you feel that may have some importance?  It's as if He used His last opportunity to tell the world who He is and what His life and ministry are all about.

Here we can see that Jesus Christ, our Lord, was both the Son or Offspring of King David (making the lineage complete) and yet He was also superior to or Master of King David.

Do any of us even realize the bargain we received when once, we received Jesus Christ into our lives?

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Our Passover

I chose this name "Our Passover" because of its emotional significance.  It was He, Jesus who instituted the Passover in the Old Testament and the significance that came with it.  When words fail me, and I can think of nothing more, I can always remember that God provided "My Passover", Jesus The Christ, sufficient for all of my needs and my deeds.  Do you understand the importance and significance of that statement?  He, Jesus, Our Messiah, Our Deliverer, The One Who Died In Our Place, was indeed, "The Passover". 

And what did He provide with this "passing over", as such?  He gave us our eternal life, free from the bondage's of sin and grief.  If that's not enough for you, something in your heart is missing, however, His gift of "passing over" provided us with our mansions in glory that we might all share together someday in Heaven.

Take a moment and think about how, Jesus, being "our passover" has treasured your life.  If you cannot think of some things it has done, then you may need to go back to the cross and start over (once saved, always saved still applies here).

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Jesus Of Nazereth

Just a little historical fact that the significance of these names given to the Christ, "Jesus of Galilee and Jesus of Nazareth would signify the proof of His historicity.  He was not a make-believe figure who emerged from a fiction writer's imagination.  Jesus Christ was a real, "touchable" person, who grew up in humble circumstances and spent most of His ministry among the common people.

As for me, I am very proud of the historicity of Christ.  It is humbling but re-assuring that He grew up as a commoner just as I.  "Had Jesus been created as a fictional character, He would have most likely been brought up by society's upper class within the influential city of Jerusalem" (George W. Knight).  Jesus of Galilee or Jesus of Nazareth rolls off the tongue just as David of Fontana (no comparable intent).

Jesus of Nazareth, the Man whom God sent to save me from myself.  "Philip found Nathanael, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph"  (John 1:45).

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Man Of Sorrows

"He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."  (Isaiah 53: 3-4

Why would Jesus have been called the "man of sorrows"?  He came to fulfill prophecy which meant it necessary to "take on" or assume all of our griefs.  All of our sorrows.  Some of you wrestle tonight with sorrow of an unbearable nature.  Some have lost loved ones.  Some have bridges of dissension within the family that separates loved ones.  Some of you are "well acquainted with grief" however, always remember that He, Jesus, came to accumulate these griefs and place them on His shoulders and when, at the cross, He declared, "It Is Finished", He took those sufferings from you, bearing them on himself so that you might be free.  Oh, you may never get over the loss of that little child or beloved spouse but Jesus is this "man of sorrows" who holds those emotions for just a certain time when you are strong enough to release them.

Jesus did not immerse Himself in this state of remorse or regret.  He was an overcomer, a victor and His actions show us that He has led us out of grief into His everlasting life.

Just as the sufferings Jesus felt real on the cross, so are those that we endure daily and He has overcome the world.  Be of great joy. Jesus Christ has chosen to take your burden from you.  So today, try to lighten your load by recognizing that Jesus, The Christ has become THAT "man of sorrow" so that you need not.

Praise His Holy Name "man of sorrow"

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Lord

"And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow you wherever you go" (Luke 9:57 NIV).  As it turns out, this man had no intention of following the Lord ( he was obviously not looking for a Lord or Master) as he explains that he must "bury his father."  Jesus' rebuke was to allow the dead to bury the dead, you get up and follow me.

One of the most famous names He was called was "Lord".  This name was used as a term of respect such as mister or sir.  By the time of his resurrection and ascension the name became more of  "the Lord of history, the Lord of the church, and the Lord of each individual Christian.

There are so many names recorded for Jesus Christ in the "L" category, however my feeling is the use of the word "Lord" is most intimate, most enduring and close to ones heart.

Lord won't you watch over us today as we seek to fulfill Your will for us this day?

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: King Of Kings

On of the most profound picture of our Lord is found in Revelation 19 as he is depicted as "King of King" as He makes His triumphal return written in verse 16.

The song of Moses and the song of the Lamb are songs of redemption and deliverance.  The song of Moses celebrates the redemption of God's people from the slavery of Egypt (Exodus 15:1-19)  and the song of the Lamb proclaims the deliverance from the bondage of Satan, sin, and death here in Revelation.

King of Kings...has a very nice "ring" (of salvation) to it, don't you think?  If we belong to Him we should be subject to His kingdom and if so, He is already our "King of Kings"!

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: Jesus

In early Jewish custom, a male child was circumcised on the eighth day of his life and given a name.  This was also true in the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  You may notice in my writing that I refer to Jesus as "our Lord, Jesus Christ" and I do so for good reason.  Even more important than a former President of the United States of America continues to hold the title of "Mr. President" so too, it is with our Lord.

You may recall that even before our Lord was born, an angel appeared to Joseph and Mary and informed them that He would be called "Jesus" (Matt 1:21).

In the beginning of the Bible (the fourth word in Genesis) God was called "God (Elohim)" which means "A God of power" however by the second chapter of the book He was referred to as "Lord God (Jehovah Elohim)" which means "a God of power and perfection; A finishing God"!  That would be the "God in the flesh" we refer to, in the New Testament as "Jesus".

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; There's just something about that name! Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain..." and so the song continues.

Jesus!  Jesus Christ, our Lord. Seems fitting and proper to me.  And so it is, "Jesus Christ our Lord" to me.  I will never tire of calling Him by that name.  I love our Lord!  Do you want to reach out to Him today?  He is patiently waiting to hear from you; His name is "Jesus"!  Call upon Him, won't you?

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "I Am"

Jesus said, "Whom do you seek"?  They answered Him, Jesus the Nazarene.  He said to them, "I am He" (John 4 & 5).

One of the greatest names of all for God the Father was used here in the Garden when Jesus replied "I am He"!  A name that precludes all other names given by God to Himself as He originally spoke to Moses when he asked God back at the "burning bush" of God; "and whom shall I say sent me" and God's reply was you tell them "I AM" sent you.  It's always been my favorite saying as we respond to our own personal needs:  What do you need?  You need hope, "I AM" hope. You need strength, "I AM" strength.  You need courage, "I AM" courage.  I AM whatever you need in life.

As Jesus used this name for Himself, to those who would contain Him, this was the ultimate blasphemy to the Jewish leaders of the day requiring the picking up of stones to execute the man who said it.

Of course, we know through scripture that Jesus was in control of His "time" and so it would not be until He had reached and controlled His own execution, would He lay His life down.

What do you need today.  Take the time to call out to the GREAT I AM to supply your needs.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Hope of Glory"

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).  I am a Gentile.  And I, for one, am grateful that God's main purpose for the Apostle Paul was to reach out to those of us that are not descended from the Jews.  Otherwise, I may not be sitting here writing to you this morning.  I am grateful for the Salvation that was so richly bestowed upon me, regardless of my worthiness.  I feel as though I am one of those people who could never find enough words, or efforts, or praise, for the one who died in my place.

As the Apostle Paul wrote his letters that eventually made their way into the written word, his "flavor" was that of this title "The Hope Of Glory" because as he "bobbed a day and night in the sea", as he was "beat with rods",  as he was "shipwrecked", as he was "let down in a basket" to escape, as he experienced life as an enemy of the religious establishment, he continued to share the "Hope of Glory" with all his churches and people he ran across throughout his ministry in life.  I would be grateful for an accolade such as that.

Knowing Christ as our Savior is an assurance of living eternity with "The Hope Of Glory" which is what Paul referred to Christ as here in Colossians 1: 27.  When we "Hope" for something it means that we look forward to, with great expectation, to that very fulfillment.  Paul actually says in this verse, "Christ in you" is your Hope of Glory. 

You can be certain that heaven awaits you if you have this constant presence of Jesus Christ in your life.

Here are a couple of other scripture verses to reflect on related to Jesus Christ as our "Hope of Glory":

• "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope" (Ro. 15:13)
• "Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard" (Col. 1: 23)
• "Being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3: 7)

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "God With Us"

When I think of the phrase "God with us" I think of the Christmas season because during this time of year, this name for Jesus Christ is one of the most popular.  It is actually the word "Immanuel" or "Emmanuel" and the name is foretold in Luke 1:31 where it is said: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."  And of course, the name Jesus is referrenced back to Isaiah 7:14 which says, "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."

Centuries before Joseph and Mary would even arrive on the scene, the prophet Isaiah would be proclaiming the name of Christ as Immanuel, God with us!  Matthew 1:23 actually gives us the literal translation "God with us."  What a celebration of a Savior arriving, "God with us!"  Are there times in your Christian walk when you feel so alone that you can hear absolutely nothing?  Remember "God with us"!  Immanuel/Emmanuel was the gift given to mankind with the reassurance that God is with us.  Kind of hard to overlook as a Christian brother or sister, huh?

Listen to this promise quoted from Psalm 139: 9,10 where David says, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me".  A couple of months ago a niece of mine wrote me an email asking me about "Eternal Security".  I wish I would have referred her to such a passage as this as it is so simply illustrated.

Naturally these promises of God were realized in His Son Jesus Christ, arriving as a little "babe in a manger" a normal human being, born of normal human parents to grow up around His people and hurt, bleed and cry with them, only to find His way, eventually to an old dirty rugged cross, to pay the ultimate sacrifice in order to be known as "God with us."  Can you close your eyes and see these truths?

And it is very fitting that the Gospel of Matthew begins with the confirmation that we have "God with us" (Immanuel/Emmanuel) and also fitting that the same Gospel should end with these words: "And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age"  (Matt. 2820).

I found this very fitting fourth century expression by Saint Patrick:  "Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart;  Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me, never to part.  Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife;  Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life."

Are you experiencing some difficulties tonight that you do not know how to work through?  Remember this promise from "God with us":  "I am with you and will rescue you" (Jeremiah 1:8)

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Friend of Publicans and Sinners"

One would think that here would be a good place to use the word "Flesh" as Jesus Christ was referred to as "Flesh" however, I believe that more appropriately is the phrase "Friend of Publicans and Sinners."

Jesus Christ said in Mark 2:17, "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.)  Now here is an action verse that we can sink our teeth into.  After all, at the end of Christ's earthly ministry, His call to us was to lead the way of a sinful world to a loving Savior.

Jesus took it on the chin, so to speak because He was constantly found with the Publicians and Sinners of the world.  But Jesus Christ took the criticism of those who would throw rocks at Him, as a compliment.  These are the people He came to pour out His love for (so if you find yourself taking on "rocks" for Christ, consider it a compliment)!

In some of His final thoughts in the Gospel of John, Jesus says to them, "Henceforth I call you not servants...but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15).

Be sure to check out Matthew 11:19.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Everlasting Light"

As you look into the following verse you can see the prophet Isaiah looking ahead to the end time, when Christ will dwell with His people in heaven:  "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto the an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory" (Isaiah 60:19).  It is the Apostle John who picks up on this prophecy of Isaiah's in Revelation 21:23 and in 22:5).

You may recall back on the second day of creation that God echoed these words: "Let there be light, and there was light" however there was no sun or moon yet created.  It is Jesus Christ who will provide the life-giving, luminous body for the light we will have in eternity.  Scientists predict that the sun will burn out in about five billion years, however the light of Jesus Christ will be from everlasting to everlasting.

When the sun finally drys up, grows dark and eventually disappears it will be the reign of Jesus that will continue to be our "light".

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Deliverer"

"and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob."" (Romans 11:26 NASB).  Here Paul is referring back to Psalm 14:7 which is a messianic psalm written many years before.  The salvation of God's people would come from Zion, or Jerusalem.  Jesus being born in Bethlehem and not Jerusalem makes this an unusual reference to the Messiah, however Jesus was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem. 

Another reference to this passage and the name of "Deliverer" was that this is where the day of Pentecost was born which can be seen in Acts 2:1-41).

As "The Deliverer" He is the finished work performing the rescue of us from our sin.  His action is what set us free from the guilt that associates us with our sin and separates us from God.  He constantly delivers us from that evil one, Satan, who continues to tempt us to fall back into our old life (Eph. 6:11-13).  And of course, Galatians 1:4 helps us to see that when He comes for His church, He will deliver us from a world of sin and claim us as His own.

God Himself is referred to as "The Deliverer" in the Old Testament but His work continues in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Carpenter"

Of all the names we read about Jesus in the Bible, I believe that "Carpenter" is one of the most recognizable ones.  We know that Jesus learned His skill from His father, Joseph (His earthly father).  The name used here was mostly used in a negative way but actually the name showed His honor and dignity.  I can envision that Jesus probably worked side-by-side with His father in the carpentry shop and He probably kept this profession for fifteen to twenty years until His public ministry began as we can see in Luke 3:23 where it says, "And when He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age..."

Jesus gave dignity to labor as one working with His hands and along side the common man.  It is no wonder that the "common people enjoyed listening to him gladly" in Mark 12:37.  Jesus Christ spoke in a language they understood and used parables in everyday life to teach.

Jesus Christ was called "The Carpenter from Nazareth" because His teachings could reach the common man.  He was also referred to as "The Carpenter's Son."

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ. "Bread

Back in antiquity, bread was a main source of sustenance for life and therefore a very important part of everyday life.  You may remember that back in Exodus the Lord kept His people alive by supplying them with "manna from heaven" a bread substitute, so that they would not starve.  Once again, providing the very "essentials" of life to His children.

You might want to read up on the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 13:3-10).  The bread was "unleavened" because they didn't have the time to allow the bread to rise, therefore "unleavened" or yeast-less bread.  Another passage discussing unleavened bread is found in Numbers 1:6-9).  And of course, just as Jesus provided food for them in the wilderness, He also provides spiritual sustenance for His people today.  God's Word is referred to as "The Bread of life".  Jesus Christ continues to provide this life giving substance to those claiming Him as their Savior and declares in John 6:58, "Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead:  he that eats of this bread shall live for ever".  The emphasis is on living on the Word of God.

Jesus used four different names for Himself that involve the imagery of bread in John 6.  He refers to the "Bread of Heaven" and "the bread of God.  He also mentions "the bread of life and "living bread".

However mentioned, it is important that Jesus Christ was the supplier and sustainer of life for those who wandered in the desert and He is still providing that support in His Holy Word today.  Pick up the book and see if you don't feel fed from His spiritual inspiration.

And of course we would be unwise if we failed to mention the "miracle of the five loaves and two small fish", which Jesus turned into a feast for over 5,000 people in John 6.  What an important name for our Lord as He daily feeds us from His Holy Word.  Wanna bite?  Open God's word and have a snack.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ! "Advocate"

For more years than I can remember, I have been impressed with the many names given in God's Word for, not only God, but for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as well. I thought it might be nice to write a little about some of the names given to our God.

In our legal system, when you find yourself in trouble with the law, you acquire an attorney and you tell your attorney the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It is important, no matter what the situation, that your attorney know what is the "absolute" truth of your case. This way, and this way only can the defendants attorney adequately represent his client.

That brings me to one of the names given to our Lord, Jesus Christ which is an "Advocate". I looked up the word Advocate in the dictionary and these are the main definitions I found: 1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause; an advocate of peace. 2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor. 3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.

John the Apostle, in his very first epistle wrote "If we confess our sins, His is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV). This is why, Christians MUST be honest with the Lord when we encounter sin, if it is our intention to have Him as our "Advocate.  Just one more thought:  Here is another scriptural truth about our heavenly "defense attorney" which says, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1 NASB)

Dave

A Moment Of Weakness!

It appears that I need to apologize and explain a previous "rant" in which (being a stronger Christian than that), I allowed Satan to get a "foothold" to my emotions concerning my extended family (siblings) and I got carried away.

I know that with Christ, I am a much stronger person.  In fact, I had just set up a system of future devotions to display for our Lord, and in a time of weakness, "I fell".  That's about the only way I can express it.  I took God's responsibility out of His hands and decided for myself what their punishment would be.  I know that those of you who follow my blog know what kind of person I am and can understand the lapse in emotional stamina.  Please let me say how sorry I am that I "vomited" all over such a beautiful work of God because I was upset and literally devastated by other's behavior.  I had no right.  Please forgive me. 

I am placing this word of apology right over that blog so that it is completely gone from my work.  In my lapse of strength, this is all I should have said:

I know that Jesus Christ, stepped down from His throne in Heaven, and came to earth as a helpless little child.  He lived among us for some 33 sinless years.  He freely gave His life to die for our sins.  Was crucified, buried and His body lay in a borrowed tomb for 3 days while His spirit went to "hell" and freed those captive and then at the right moment, He rose from the grave (a feat no other human being has been able to do).  Presently He sits at the right hand of the Father making intersession for you and me.  Someday,  and probably very soon, He's coming back for those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Him. 

If you haven't taken that step yet, I would consider it soon as it looks very close now.  I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  I hope you do t

If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I am working on several devotions about the "Names Of Jesus Christ"  This will be a Hugh undertaking and I want and request your prayers of support.

Once again, having made peace with God over the situation, I would simply ask you to remember I am human and sometimes my emotions are stronger than my "fingers" and I didn't mean to offend anyone.

I love you all,

Dave

Fellowship

Finally we come to "Fellowship".  Fellowship with the saints of God.  Where would we be or where could we go without the fellowship and encouragement of other Christian men and women?  I think, "Nowhere!"

We are constantly encourage to join into fellowship with other believers.  After all, isn't that where we develop our Christian walk and learn how to speak to God and how to hear from Him?  The Bible says "do not forsake the assembling of the saints" (paraphrased).

The Christian that is Spirit directed enjoys the fellowship with God's people all over the world.  He enjoys a great love for the Church (body of believers) and he involves himself in it.  With this involvement he succeeds in helping to spread the Great Commission throughout the planet.

If you are not in fellowship with other believers, I believe that you are probably "out of your work area" so to speak.  This is the stuff that tough saints are made of i.e: Fellowship--this is what energizes you to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matt. 28:19,20.

Here are some additional verses to review:  2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 5:18-21; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 2:8-12.

So we have taken the time to review eleven attributes or characteristics of the Christian man and woman and they are Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership, and Fellowship.  Naturally there can be others but these are of "Natural Growth Experience". 

As the great Wizard of Oz once said, "NOW GO!"

Love ya,

Dave

As a point of reference, all of the information I submitted in these 11 devotions came directly from my New American Standard Bible.

Leadership

What is your view of Leadership?  For the Christian, we view leadership based on the gift or gifts that the Lord has given us to use here on earth.  Some have the gift of "helps" so they lead out in that direction.  Another may have the gift of teaching and so they lead in the area of teaching and the discipleship of other Christian men and women.  And as such, the Christian is consistent in his encouragement and action by the leadership of the Holy Spirit to work and mobilize others in an ongoing movement to help fulfill the Great Commission. 

Very simple.  If you have the gift of "evangelism" you will most likely lead out in instructing other the skill of sharing Christ with others along with your own witnessing skills being used everyday.  When we go out for dinner I like to ask our server, "if you die before you get home tonight, do you know you are going to heaven?"  You can imagine how "good" and sometimes how "bad" questions like that can be.  Nobody has ever hit me, though! 

But seriously.  Think about your leadership role.  If you don't ask that question, who's to say anyone in this world will every get the opportunity to ask that person?  Try praying on your knees on a cold chemotherapy room floor with shorts on.  Sometimes those witnessing experiences get rather long (sore knees...ha ha).

Look at Mark 12: 42-44 where it says, "...Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in our of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and she had to live on."   Boy, I guess this poor widow "lead" all the others right into shame.

Read some of these scriptures:  Luke 6:12, 13; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 2:8-12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:2,3.

Until tomorrow,

Dave

Vision

What can be said about our "vision"?  As Christians we view the world, its problems, its needs, and the opportunities of life from God's eyes, from His perspective.  As we pray for "vision" I think our prayer should sound something like this:  "Lord, if You were me, what would You be doing and planning in the Holy Spirit?"  We acknowledge that our abilities, talents, and dreams are gifts from the Father in heaven and so we should offer them back to the Lord Jesus, as we trust Him for the fulfillment of each.

The last part of Joel 2:28 says "Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions."  May we never lose our dreams or see our visions.  God depends on us to hear Him as He instructs our hearts toward His vision for us.

More verses!  Isn't this great?  Ps. 2:8; Luke 19:10; Eph. 1:18, 19; 3:20, 21.

God help me see your will today.  Amen!

Dave

Love

Ever think of the word "unconditional"?   How about the word "supernatural"?  As we live our lives as Christian men and women, we experience the unconditional, supernatural love of Christ.  Remember in John 18:22  where they "punched Jesus in the face" and when He hung on the cross without putting up a fight.  You know its been said "He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me"!

That's unconditional!  That's supernatural!  That's the kind of love that only God could provide for us.  And we as Christians experience that unconditional, supernatural love in our everyday lives as we walk with the Lord.  And we are taught that we need to express that same quality of love (agape) in meaningful ways to family, friends and acquaintances, believers and nonbelievers alike.  That's tough, I know.  Some of us can't even get along with our own families let alone extending that love toward others.  But this is the "Love" that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, has taught us through His word and His commands.

Luke 10:27 says, "...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  Boy, that's a tough one, huh?  Here's a few other verses to review:  Eph. 5:12; Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:8.

"Love is a many splendid thing"...and so much more.

Dave

Action

We as Christian men and women view our lives as an opportunity to serve the Lord in an active manner.  Even though out salvation is not based on our "works" we strive to be consistently trying to win others to Christ and build the kingdom of God.  As we do our "normal traffic pattern" of life, we strive to help others in building their faith in God and then sending them out as spiritual multipliers to win even more.  In this manner we are consistently winning and building others for the cause of Christ.  This is the "action" which Jesus Christ called us to when He commanded us to "go into all the world..." helping to fulfill the Great Commission and help to change the world.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  Here are some other verses that talk about "action.  Acts 26:18; Col. 1:10, 3:23.  And what about Philippians 1:27 which says: "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..."  Paul was obviously very serious here in his dissertation about our need to "act" upon our faith.

If you follow Christ then you are of "one mind" with all the others who strive to take "action" toward the spread of the gospel of Christ.

See ya,

Dave

Direction

I don't know about you, but I can't find my way out of the Mall if I've been inside there more than 10 minutes.  That's why I only go when my wife makes me go.  I'd never find my truck without her.

With all the road blocks and things in my life, I NEED direction.  And so the Spirit-directed Christian depends on the Word of God for direction and guidance in every circumstance.  He accepts the Bible as his final authority; his source of knowledge about God, others, and himself.  I know I do.  My Bible has become, although very "tattered", the most valuable GPS system for my life.

Look at Joshua 1:8 & 9; "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  What an appropriate verse for my "Mall" illustration.  It's like, I am strong and courageous and I do not tremble and am not dismayed at the Mall, as long as Barb is there with me...LOL.

Let me offer you additional study verses:  [Ps. 119:5 & 6;  Matt. 4:4;  Col. 1:9;  1 Thess. 5:15;  2 Tim. 2:15].

Okay everyone, grab your Bible.  We're going to the Mall.  You know I've had the opportunity to walk through a few malls presenting the Gospel of God as I went.  What a great time.

Dave

Obedience

Do you find yourself strongly desiring to obey God daily?  Yeah, I know.  It is difficult for me, too.  However, as the Christian understands the commands and desires of God, he is willing to submit to them and make them his own desires.  You've heard the old saying "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything"?  Yeah we're on the same page here!  The Christian realizes that obedience to his heavenly Father involves submission to those who are placed in authority over him.  Proverbs 3:5 & 6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (good memory verse...of course they all are).   Kind of like golf.  I can drive a golf ball a long way, but I have a wicked "slice".  However when someone shows me how to stand just right, nice and straight, right down the fairway.

How about a couple more verses to bring this point home:  [Matt. 26:39;  John 4:34;  8:29;  Phil. 2:5-8;  Heb. 5:8].

See you tomorrow,

Dave

Prayer

The fourth characteristic of the Man or Woman of God is "Prayer".  Probably one of our most usable and defensible tools in the quest to become "more like Christ".  The Spirit filled Christian, following the example of our Lord, the disciples, and Christian leaders throughout the centuries, places a special priority on prayer and on his daily communication with God.  I remember long ago a friend of mine, Denny Scott, said "Well David!  If you are driving down the road and you, by faith, recognize that the Lord is with you always, you don't want to ignore Him now, do you?  So we talk...EVERYWHERE!

The Christian realizes that God delights in his fellowship, desires his worship, and welcomes his requests.  Well, what the heck.  You've got a powerful God who can grant you all of your wishes according to His will...it would be a terrible waste to not confide in Him.  Right?

Matthew 26:41 says,  "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Ain't that the truth.  You know, I've heard it said that for the average Christian man, the devil continues to stride down the street wearing very "tight" jeans.  You talk about not entering into temptation...What a great time to strike up a conversation with God, huh? 

Here's a few more scripture verses to study:  [Acts 5:4;  Eph. 6:18;  Phil. 4:4-7;  Col. 4:2].

Your well on your way to developing solid Christians characteristics.

Dave

Power

In using the word "Power" here, the Christian allows the Holy Spirit, who indwells him, to control his daily life.  That includes EVERY aspect of life, i.e; Job, Family, Church, Relationships, Money, Possessions, etc.  So he becomes more and more in character like our Lord Jesus Christ.  Second Corinthians 12:9 says, And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Wow, that's a pretty bold statement.  We experience a weak moment in life, ask Jesus to handle it, and His power is perfected in us, THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES!  What a gift!   He gives us power to allow the Holy Spirit to control all of these areas of our life and then Jesus tells us that "His grace is sufficient...". 

Here are some additional verses to review concerning the "Power" in a Christian life:  [Eph. 3:14-21;  Phil. 4:13;  Col. 1:29).

Are you starting to get the picture of how much the Holy Spirit directs us?

Later,

Dave

Stewardship

The Spirit-directed Christian allows Christ to be Lord in EVERY area of his life--his mind/body relationships, talents, and material possessions.   He recognizes that all he has is ultimately a gift of God, and he considers himself a responsible steward of these blessings.  Romans 12: 2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

The use if the word here "transformed" is similar to the cocoon and the butterfly.  You see the caterpillar knows that there is a far better life in store for him/her and so as an act of obedience and of course it's nature, he wraps himself up in a cocoon and waits patiently on the Lord to "transform" him into the beautiful creature that his original creation was designed to turn out to be.  The same thing applies to us as Christians.  By "Faith" we wrap ourselves in the Holy Spirit of God and it is He who "transforms" our minds and spirits as we follow Him.

Here are some other verses that will help to better understand: [1 Cor. 2:16; 6:20;  Phil. 4:8;  1 Peter 4:10;  2 Peter 1:5-8]  (and everyone always believes that stewardship is "forevermore" the discussion of money, Ha, Ha!)

Dave

Character Traits of the Man or Woman of God (Part 1)

Tonight I want to do something constructive and give new Christians and "seasoned" Christians more "food for thought" as they walk through this life with Christ as their Lord. I'm going to list 11 attributes or characteristics of the individual Christian and hopefully it will produce more study and desire to learn more about their walk. Hope this is useful.
From the very second you became a Christian you begin a life-long adventure of becoming conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. Each day, as you surrender moment by moment to the lordship of Christ and give Him full access of your life and allow the fullness of His Holy Spirit to live through you, he helps to manifest the character qualities of Himself in you. Make no mistake! This is a difficult task and takes dedication and endurance with the desire to please Him in our every day lives.

Over the next 11 nights, I will try to list some of these attributes and give references where this study can be brought to life in you. In Phil. 1:6 Paul said, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus".

I. FAITH: The Spirit-directed Christian is consistently aware of the character of the Triune God (three in one), on God manifest in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit He draws upon the infinite resources of God by faith in order to live the Christian life (very difficult to live "Christlike" without faith). You understand that faith is your response to all that God is and all that He promises to those who trust and obey Him. Look up and review these scripture verses for affirmation: [Rom. 10:17, Gal. 2:20, Phil. 3:7-11, Heb. 11:6; 12:1 & 2]

See you tomorrow night!

Dave

PS. Your comments welcome.

I'm Praying For God's Job For Me

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

I have a close friend who I had a long visit with some time back and he is a devoted Christian man, trying to be involved in church and wanting to be obedient to God and he said to me that he has been praying for some time now, searching for an answer from God as to what ministry He wants for him and just cannot seem to hear God's leadership at this point in his life. Well, I could not let it go unsaid, and so I said it. You don't have to pray for God's leadership in your life.  It's naturally good practice to keep God in the loop, but He already commanded you in the verses above, and I might say, above everything else in ministry life to "spread the Word" of God!  In most cases with Christians today, that seems to me to be just another method of delaying the obvious in our Christian walks. God has told us very plainly, in the above verses that we have an obligation to "GO" and "Share" and "Teach" EVERYONE "...to observe all that has been commanded to us..."  People will say, "I'm too inexperienced in sharing the Gospel."  Of course they don't seem to be too inexperienced to share EVERYTHING ABOUT THEMSELVES" on Facebook.

I look at this as what I was taught to be a "normal traffic pattern" of life. As we "Go" we "Share"; as we "Share" we "Teach"; as we "Teach" we "Win" the lost of the world over to the Lord and they become His disciples so He can command "Them" to "Go, Make, & Teach" the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure there are other things that need to be done within and outside of the church, like feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, ministering to the lonely, (we delivered chemo "Goodies Baskets" to a handful of patients every time I went for treatment) but we didn't have to pray about that need.  God just revealed it to us and we did it.  He has made it very clear. "Go, Make & Teach" disciples about My love so they can go in return and do the same for someone else. What we fail to see is that God never said, as you fellowship within the confines of the church building "Go, Make, & Teach"

In the book of Acts, chapter 1:8 He says "...you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth". That pretty much covered the entire map at that time. Don't find yourself so "heavenly conscious that you are, no earthly good"! You don't have to pray about sharing your relationship with God. Everything you do inside and outside of the church is secondary to the action which Jesus gave to us when He said "GO".

So what does "Normal Traffic Pattern of Life" mean, anyway? Well, it means that when you are standing around the water cooler at work, the football game last night should not be the "hottest" topic. It means when you share lunch time with someone who is hurting, helping them find a "life mate" is not what God wants. It means that you must, without fear, and with the strongest conviction, open your mouth and introduce Christ as the "end all, fix all" to this life's difficulties and disasters. Don't be afraid to say what you know about Christ. The blind man who received his sight, knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and he walked away from that event declaring, "...all I know is that once I was blind and now I see." Do you see the events of the world today? They are one disaster after another and we all sit back and say, "Man, Jesus must be coming back soon." But do we believe it? Do we need to pray about it? I don't believe so.

Here's my story! All I know is Jesus! Once I was blind and then I could see (Jesus)...because someone introduced Him to me. I've knelt on a cold chemotherapy room floor in front of a chair of a lady receiving her treatment while I had a needle stuck in my chest receiving my own treatment and we prayed and asked Jesus to save her, and guess what? HE DID! Her discomfort turned to peace all at once and nothing else really mattered. I don't know how many people God has put in front of me but I have tried to be obedient to each and every command to "Go, Make, & Teach" every one about the Lord.   Have you experienced that joy? In the "Normal Traffic Pattern of Life" God has commanded us to "Go". And when we "Go" tell His story.

What are you waiting for?

Have your friends search the scriptures. See if what I have said is not the truth. Then let them pass it on to their friends and tell them they got it from you. Wouldn't it be terrible on that day you stand before God and one of your closest friends stands along side of you and says "If you knew this truth, why didn't you share it with me?" 

DON'T JUST SIT THERE AND WAIT FOR GOD TO SPEAK!  HE HAS ALREADY SPOKEN!  Study the scriptures.  You'll find out that I am right.

Dave

Corner Bakery Church

Last night, Barb and I went to church at the corner of Bell Road and Paradise Lane at a little place called "The Corner Bakery" with some friends.  It was a wonderful time.  We prayed and eat a meal together and then we spent over 3 hours enjoying each other's company, talking and cutting up and enjoying the Lord in our time of fellowship.

We talked about how the Lord was helping us through some difficult times and even some good times and it was such a time of ministry and healing (even if just for a short while).  We captured some Bible verses and facts and chewed on them for a while and just had an altogether great time of fun, food and fellowship.

We remembered in our hearts that the Bible tells us that "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst" (Matt. 18:20 NASB).  And so we honored God as we had communion with each other and the Lord, we had sweet fellowship together and also spent time ministering to one another and I know I said earlier that we went to a church, but truthfully, it was a little cafe that we sat at and worshipped the Father in heaven with these friends.  One of the sweetest parts of the conversation was coming together in agreement on our deep, deep desire to see the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  What a spiritual blessing the whole night was.  There was not a church in the city, last night, that would have been able to compete with the fellowship and spiritual uplifting we received.

You see, you don't have to have or build a building and bring in a "Praise Band", add screens for "note taking" in the front and have a Pastor lead in a Biblical Exegetical study to find yourself "in church" and loving it.

You should try it sometime.  Just find a few friends and sit down most anywhere and call upon the Lord to, not only sanction your fellowship together but to join in as well.  What a blessing the Holy Spirit was as we communed together and I really enjoyed it.  And don't be naive.  In our 21st Century America, this may become the only church you will be able to achieve and the scripture you study may only be that portion that you have "hidden in your heart."

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."  Yes, last night, Friday night, we went to church, and it was one of the best services I have ever attended.  Praise the Lord in heaven.

Christian brothers and sisters, (better yet "fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ") I hope this little note inspires you enough to go out and find some "like minded" brothers and sisters to do the same.

Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).

Dave (blessed to the bone).

Checkin' For "Chinks" In The Armor!

Well, like Barb said in her email tonight, we are pleasantly "tucked' into our new residence in Surprise, Arizona at the Sunflower RV Resort.  We left the beautiful mountains of Prescott Valley this morning and it was raining.  Something we have not seen for a while now and it was a little disappointing to have to leave.  However, the weather greeting us was NOT unpleasant and even more comfortable in the evening.  Everything is plugged in and working as it should and I am looking forward to our stay here at Sunflower.

When we arrived at our RV spot, I parked the 5th wheel and then walked around it (as I always do after traveling) to make sure there were not "nicks" or "dings" in our home on wheels and of course, it is certainly holding up well (with a few inside exceptions which are being handled).  Anyway, as I surveyed the RV checking it's sturdiness I was reminded of a passage of scripture in Ephesians:

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:13-20 NASB).

So, as I walked around the RV I noticed that there were a couple of "nicks' probably caused by flying rocks on the highway and on the driver's side of the coach were a few minor scratches that were perhaps caused by the brushing by of tree branches as I drove out of the park, however no "dents" or real damage to the integrity of it's structure for which I was thankful (you have to see it; it is a BEAUTIFUL coach and just what God ordered for Barb and I).

Again God prompted me back to the above verses and this time He was telling me to take an inventory of my own "nicks" and "dings" as Barb and I have been driven through some very thick forests in the past and perhaps we needed to make sure our structural integrity was still "intact"!

So I looked again at the above verses and noticed that my "loins were still girded with the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I noticed also that my Breastplate of Righteousness was still on and straight.  I did notice a few dents and scratches on it from being "hit" a number of times by the evil one, however it still maintained it's "shine" and sturdiness with the continued ability to deflect any of the darts that Satan would sling my way.

Then I looked down at my feet to see that they were still "shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The soles on the bottom of my shoes were a good bit worn but still capable of addressing anyone who wanted to know about God's presence.  I also noticed that I still had hold of my "shield of faith" and even though it was somewhat "warped" from being banged on and protecting me, it was still shining and very much able to protect me in the "throws of battle".  I also noticed a few black or "burned" marks on my shield but nothing to be concerned about.  And still possessing my "helmet of faith" and the "sword" being the Word of God  I was still completely ready in and out of season, to tell of the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yes, today I took a good look and evaluation of my own "armor of faith" and found it "used" but still plenty able to be used much, much more for the Gospel of Christ.  And to that end, we wear our suit of armor, deflecting the darts and arrows that might otherwise damage our ability to express our faith in Christ as we (all who are in Christ) have been called to do.

So, let's take a survey to see when the last time it was that you inspected your "armor of God" being ready "in season and out" to spread His Holy Word.  A word to the wise: don't ever walk out the door without your suit of armor on.  You never know who is lurking around the corner.

Dave

BTW, I have never made this request before but this is so very important.  Please share this with a friend or loved one.  Perhaps posting it on your Facebook page will really help to reach a lot of people who need this type of evaluation in their lives.  You will be doing them a favor.  God loves them too.

Better Is One Day!

I went to bed a short while ago and of course, I love to put on the headphones and listen to Steve Green.  He was singing one of my favorite songs, "Broken and Spilled Out" and it made me think of a scripture verse (imagine that).  Anyway the verse was Psalms 84:10 and it says "For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside.  I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

We use to sing a song about that verse: "better is one day in your court, better is one day in your house, better is one day in your court, than a thousand elsewhere."  Anyway you get the picture.  I find myself "yearning" for the Lord to return more and more each day.  I don't know, perhaps it's just that all of these medical problems are a "drag" on the emotions but I believe that yearning for His return is a good thing.

So as I was listening to this song by Steve Green the line came along, "In sweet abandon, Lord You were spilled out, and used up for me,"  and I thought how precious that God did that for me, and even if I were the only one here, He still would have done that for me.  I can somewhat relate.  Sometime (most of the time) I feel broken and spilled all over the ground.  So many non-functional body parts anymore from the cancer and chemotherapy thing.  My bones are beginning to hurt (don't yet know if that is the cancer or just plain "old age" setting in). 

However, there is still one thing in me that is still functioning perfectly.  That is my spirit.  I do so rejoice in the Lord and think of Him often.  So one day I'll sit in His court and rejoice because the "thousand" that I'd spent outside of His court will be finally over.

Can you praise the Lord in the middle of your weakness?  It's okay, you know!  In fact, it takes my mind off all the other things that aren't doing quite as well.  He loves you very much.  Hope you can show Him your love in return tonight.

God bless,

Dave

Ever Wonder About Crowns In Heaven?

Here's an interesting point of view:  In the final day, as we stand before Christ He will not be saying "Well done, good and successful servant."  No, He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..."

When we reach that day of judgement our acts on earth will NOT be judged on how successful we were in the tasks we handled for the Lord, so much as we will be judged for our faithfulness to Him and His call. 

*A crown of rejoicing:  Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:19-20).   Isn't it awesome when you read and realize that one of our crowns in heaven will be that of ourselves within the presence of the Lord.  He will be so proud for all of your efforts.  Again, success is not the issue but rather the faithfulness to follow His command.

*A crown of life:  James wrote in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him".  This would be the crown promised to the man or woman who has resisted temptation and has patiently endured testing and trials.  There are people who suffer from physical infirmities or bad marriages or poverty or emotional trials that are no fault of their own.  Others suffer for their testimony of Jesus Christ in different parts of the world.  I kinda feel like I may fit into this category and maybe get a crown like this because most of the time I feel like I look like a "burnt match stick" from all the medical problems, blood draws, transfusions, tests, x-rays, chemotherapy and all that stuff.  And sometimes it is very hard for me to hold my face up and glorify God, however I can say with assurance that I have done my very best.   It's like God is saying, "I have a special crown for you who have endured difficult situations and consistently resisted temptation."

*A crown of righteousness:  Shortly before Paul was executed in a Roman dungeon, he wrote these words to his good friend Timothy:  "The time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).  I think this crown will go out to those who specifically served God with a heart looking toward heaven.

Do you long for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord?  If so, I believe that there is a crown waiting for you.  There is also a crown waiting for you if you have remained faithful to the Lord, and finished the race he set out before you.  I am slow and continuing to get slower, however, I will remain on the race track until I have "finished the race" regardless of the place in which I finish.  My hearts desire and God's prompting is to finish the race.

So make every day of your life count folks.  Keep one of your feet in heaven and the other on the earth, and be ready to meet your God.  He's coming soon!

Dave
*excerpts from "Signs of the Times" by Pastor Greg Laurie.

How Can I?

A couple of days ago, I received a question from a precious niece of mine and I tried, with the blessed Word of God, to answer her question with conviction, courage toward the truth as written by God, and easy to understand.  I hope I have done that for her.  I recently met her husband and they are a precious couple with beautiful children and grand child.  I appreciate when someone ask questions concerning the Word of God because it prompts more and more study of His Word for me.  Thank you, sweet Jackie.

As I thought about that tonight I was prompted about another question that I am sure is asked over and over again, not only in America but all over the world and that question is:  "How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?"  I would like to address this question tonight because it can never be given enough attention before the return of our Lord and Savior.  And as the events of the world identify with His soon return, it seems really applicable now.

"How can I have my sins forgiven and live with Jesus Christ for all of eternity?"

A.   The Bible prompts us to admit that we have a need.  We all are sinners and in need of a savior.  Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  From all the way back in the Garden of Eden, inherited sin has been a human issue and flaw in our ability to relate to our Father in heaven.  And so Paul tells us simply that "All" have sinned!  In order for us to clear a path to forgiveness, we must first recognize that we ARE sinners.

B.   Once we have come to that point in our lives then we have to be willing to repent, or turn from our sins.  Repent means to "turn around and go in the opposite direction."  The Bible tells us in Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore, and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."   After we recognize our sin, it is necessary for us to be willing to "turn" from that sin in order to come to God.

C.   After repentance comes believing:  Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."  That comes from John 3:16 and is probably the most popular Bible verse around the world.   You see, it's not just enough to recognize sin in your life and then turn from that sin.  There is this powerful Hope that our God has provided for us and that was to give up the One He loved most so that He could love you just as much.  And praise the Lord, He was willing to die not only for you and I, but for everyone who would someday fall to his/her knees and ask Jesus into their lives.

D.   Finally, there is a "gift receiving" ceremony that takes place.  You see, God is offering you a gift.  The gift of eternal life and security in heaven with Jesus Christ.  But in order to complete the process you must reach out and accept that gift.  In the Gospel of John 1:12, John explains it like this:  "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."  It is through prayer that we invite Jesus Christ to come into our lives and control our life through the Holy Spirit.

So to sum up:  We must "Confess, Repent, Believe and Receive!"

Here is a simple little prayer you can use right now to come to God and have all of your sin forgiven for all of eternity:  "Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.  I believe that You died for my sins.  I want to turn from my sins.  I now receive You into my heart and life.  I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.  In Jesus' name, Amen."  You see, you may be reading this and think like my big brother thinks, "I'm too bad for God to help me.  He'll never forgive me for all the bad things I've done so why bother."  Well, I know a lot of people who have been much worse than my big brother and God saved them.  He can save you too.  No matter how bad you believe you are.  Go back and read through these thoughts again and then go before a Holy and Loving God and ask Him.  Remember too that we don't go looking for God.  He came to us to offer His Son as a sacrifice for however bad you think you have been.

I hope, with God's Love, that you take this message serious.  Your very eternity depends on it.  And if you are reading this and are already "set up" in the Kingdom of God, then pray for others as they take the time to find out for themselves, what it is like to be in Love with God.

Dave 

I Can Count All Of My Bones!

There are 31 verses below. Please read them and ponder the message given:
 
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.  O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest.  Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.  In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them.  To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.  But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people.  All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,  " Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."  Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.  Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother's womb.  Be not far from me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help.  Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.  They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.  I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.  My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.  For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.  I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me;  They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.  But You, O LORD, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance.  Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog.  Save me from the lion's mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.  I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.  You who fear the LORD, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.  For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.  From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.  The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!  All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You.  For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations.  All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.  Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.  They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.  (Psa 22:1-31 NASB)
 
Ever have a day when you feel something like this.  I don't propose to know how deeply our Lord suffered however, I do feel days like it says in verse 17 when "I can count all of my bones" because it is so painful.  I have friends today and others who have already gone home to be with the Lord who have expressed this level of pain in their bodies and I pray.
 
I have been up all night unable to sleep because of the "bone counting" going on in my body.  Sometimes it feels like someone is twisting them and allowing them to "fling" back into position which really hurts.  I have taken enough pain and sleeping aids to put a horse to sleep and my guess is that God had a message for me. 
 
Although, on a daily basis, the pain develops more and more, I continue to trust in God, who is, indeed, the Author and Finisher of my Faith, for my final outcome in this life.  And at the appointed time which God has set for me, it is my hope that people would have found me enjoyable to be with, funny, candid, and just an all around good fellow.  But my greatest desire is that those people would recognize the "God Man" within me and the earnest desire to share His love with others.
 
This world is hurting like nothing we have ever experienced before in any of our live times and I see this as a signal from our Father in Heaven, to look up, and call out His name.  Maybe you are in such pain that you cannot utter a word.  Our Lord hears your groaning and loves and desires to minister to you.
 
Won't you turn to God and receive His grace; even as you suffer terrible afflictions tonight.  I have.  And now that I have shared this with you, I feel better.  Tonight I feel the need to lift up my children and grandchildren to the Lord for His blessing.
 
You've heard it said before, "Let go and let God."  Well I say "Let go and experience the results of His Glory."
 
I pray for your suffering this very night.  God bless you,
 
Dave

You Are The Light Of The World!

Listen to this passage of scripture. "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  (Matt. 5 14-16 NASB)

Here's another one.  "...if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."  (1 John 1:7 NASB)

Hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this.  Here's a good one.  "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light..."  (Ephesians 5:8 NASB)

Let's just add one more to the mix.  "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."  (2 Cor. 4:4 NASB)

Thanks for sticking with me.  What do all these verses have in common?  They talk about the "light of the world."  And what would that light be?  That light is the Lord Jesus Christ living within you.   You don't "hide the light" so that it cannot be seen; you don't fail to "expose" the light as you fellowship with one another;  even though you used to be in darkness, your light shines brightly for others to witness; and your light is not covered to discount the light of Jesus in your life.  You, as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ "cannot" hide it, you "cannot" help but expose it, you shine with Christ's love to those around you and you "do not" discount your light in Christ as you share with others.

When Paul was speaking to the servants of Christ in the church at Corinth he said, "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God."  (1 Cor. 4:5 NASB)

I've taken some verses of scripture that focus specifically on "the light of the world" and I want to make a comparison here.  We do, daily what we do, as Christian men and women because the light of God lives within us and we cannot help ourselves.  Take a moment and think about it.  Has there ever been a time when someone has walked up to you and said, "there's something different about you!"  What is it that makes you smile when the doctor tells you that the news is not good?  Why do you live life like everything is really OK?"  You can't tell me it hasn't happened to you.

Well what it is specifically is the "light" of God being exposed as you live your life.  That's right.  In your everyday, normal traffic pattern of life, God is shining through the pours in your body as He testifies of Himself to the world.  Let me take you to another verse of scripture and see if it makes all of this come together better.

Go all the way back to the beginning.  Look at the first book of the Bible - Genesis.  Look in the first chapter and in the 3rd recorded verse of God's Marvelous Word He declares "Let there be light; and there was light."   Okay, now one more passage and I'm going to tie this all together.  In Genesis 1:14-19 God creates the Sun and Moon.  One to govern by day (the sun) and one to govern the night (the moon).

Okay so you all can count and now you realize that the 3rd verse of the Bible tells us that God turned on the light but He didn't create the light-bearing vehicles until the 4th day.  So we understand that "From God" we receive the light of the world which is different from the light of day.  Well, that's what the other verses above are associated with.  We are the "light of the world" (we expose the darkness) because we walk around illuminating the light of God all the way back from the beginning.  When Jesus says that you are "the light of the world" back in Matthew 5, He's not calling you a lamp or lantern or even a spotlight.  He is telling you that you, as a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believer in Jesus Christ are emitting the "light of God" as you share your life with others. 

SO!  If you are truly what you say you are (a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as a Christian) you are a walking, talking, breathing, born again, believing "light" to a dark and dying world.  You need to see this for what it is because you are truly the light that God intended to use to share Himself to the world with.  And your job is to shine, even though you have no "light-bearing" capability.

I am the light of the world.  That is what I understand the Bible to say to me.  So I want to be guilty of exposing the darkness in every room I enter, every moment of every day of my life.  There is no need to flip a switch.  Sometimes I don't feel "so bright", sometimes I'm rather sickly from all of the things my body experiences however, that is not my concern.  God said I am the light of the world.  So what is my goal?  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

All of the above verses lead us back to the beginning with God when He says "Let there be light; and there was light!"

Okay, the lights are on...is anybody home?

Dave

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Well as most of you probably know by now, Barb and I are parked and comfortably taking up residence in beautiful downtown Dewey, Arizona up in the mountains of Arizona where the temperature never reaches 100 degrees.  The coach air conditioner works rather well up here and we "love it!"  Oh sure, we miss the kids and grand kids but they are a mere 75 miles away, just an hours drive from here anytime we need our fill of our family.

Tonight we got a chance to share dinner with Med and Gail, Barb's sister and brother-in-law and we had a wonderful time together being able to walk out in the city without the aid of any inhalers or SVN machines to help breathe this beautiful clean air.

And as we drove back to our new residence I noticed that we could actually see the stars in the sky and I noticed them "twinkling" in the sky and it made me think of our Lord and how He was up there helping us live our lives here.  What a beautiful site it is just to be able to see something in the sky besides smog.

I went to bed and put on my headphones as I normally do and tonight decided to listed to an old Eagles album on my ipod and I came to a song called "Life in the fast lane" and it drew my attention to our lives.  We all live "in the fast lane" and sometimes we have to or we get left behind in life.  And sometimes it causes us to miss some things that should be more precious to us than trying to get some adrenaline out of every moment of these lives.  For instance, I looked on Face Book earlier tonight and notice that my son wrote that he had a "bad tennis" day today.  I didn't think much of it until I sat down here to write and thought, "well, at least he had a tennis day."  So some of his day was good even if he was "off" of his game.

Then, naturally because I could not fall asleep, God prompted me to get up and read from His Word.  I came across 2 Thessalonians 5:16,17, & 18 which simply say "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"  (NASB).

Well I thought about those verses and wondered how I fit into Paul's instruction:  I mostly rejoice (some may think I complain alot but I mostly rejoice in life).  I don't find that I "pray without ceasing" but I seem to be in a constant state of communication with the Lord over life in general.  And I think that there are VERY FEW things that I do NOT give thanks for.  I know I wasn't really rejoicing when our 5th wheel had a flat tire and we were out of state.  I didn't jump up and down when it was necessary to travel to Wal-Mart twice to fix a leak in the tank lines today and I certainly don't remember thanking God for the money that was available to get that line fixed.  But now that I think back on the day, it was pretty rejoicing, enjoyable and pleasant to visit with family.

So some days we DO INDEED, "live in the fast lane" and it is at times, difficult to slow down long enough to give God glory even when all the air is out of the tire.  But I did have a great day and I think Brad, my son, even though he was not "on his game" rejoiced in the opportunity to take some time away from a busy work schedule to get some tennis in.

Verse 21 says "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good..."  and that, we try very hard to do.  The oncologist office called yesterday and it seems that a blood test (called an M-spike test) came back too high and he wants to discuss it with me so now we have to go down the hill next week to see about that problem.  Seems that the M-spike test is a measure of the cancer, possibly, "sticking it's ugly head up" for a look around and I'm sure he just wants to stay ahead of it.  "Rejoice always!"  Okay, I'm very thankful that he found that so we could discuss my options and continue praying without ceasing while I am thankful that there are tests like this to keep my health in line.  Boy, some of these instructions are hard to carry out.  I don't want to go to the doctor, I don't want to have more tests, I don't want to go through chemotherapy again, but I thank God that He is in control and not me.

"Life in the fast lane" sometimes slaps us right in the face and of course, another line in the song is "surely you could lose your mind".

So where am I going with this or am I just rambling because I can't sleep?  Well actually I got up to tell all of you that I am "Rejoicing always; praying without ceasing; and giving thanks in everything for this is God's will for ME in Christ Jesus!"  Will the strength of your faith allow you to say that tonight?

Dave

Hop On The Bus!

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.  Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 ).

Well Barb and I finally made it up to Prescott Valley, Arizona.  I've always wanted to see what it was like to live in a mountain area and it is absolutely beautiful up here.  We got checked into the RV Park here and are looking into deciding if this will be our home (for at least a year) and I'm hooked already.  We played bingo with some of the other tenants tonight and noticed that we looked as though we were teen-agers compared to some in the room, but what the heck, they were young once too.

Last Monday I wrote about an old family friend who was not doing so well.  She was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that I have just a year ago and this afternoon she breathed her last breathe here and went home to be with the Lord (we will miss you Kathy-Marie).  Now the news is not all bad either.  Since she had given up her own heart to live for Christ, she was accepted in heaven with our Lord today.  That is very good news because John 14: 1ff says "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going."  Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?  Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. (John 14: 1-6 NASB).

So this is the way I look at my own situation each and every day of my life.  I am here trying, daily, to express the Love of Christ to others on my journey and while I do that, My Lord is "preparing a place for me"!  Now some people would, out of habit, drag this to it's negative conclusion because that is the way they look at life.  On the other hand, there are those of us who look at "this life" as a type of "bus depot" and we are only waiting here to catch the bus that will deliver us to our eternal resting place.  With me, that is in heaven with my Heavenly Father (along with Kathy-Marie and my very own earthly Father).  

So to the Tarvin/Hixon family I would simply say "Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice" for that loved one whom you feel you have lost is now in heaven with a hammer in her hand, helping our Lord "prepare your place" for that time in life with your bus arrives.  Be joyful and rest in knowing that she no longer suffers, and is overfilled with joy in her heart tonight as she kneels at the feet of Jesus Christ.

We love you, Kathy-Marie,

Dave & Barb Stallings