What Jesus did for me Funny how things go!? I wonder how often I forget things. lately i forgot to journal my spiritual journey. Last night I watched the first half of the Passion of the Christ movie. I have read and imagined those scenes in my mind before. I did not have the same images. But I do like the emotive elements constructed in this movie. Emotionally I felt like Jesus agonized over what He was about to do for me and for the whole world. I John 2:2 says in the Message paraphrase
"When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good--not only ours, but the whole world's." What did Jesus do? Jesus put himself on the cross. He did voluntarily. He did it for you and me.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom to many (Matthew 20:28). Jesus also said, No on can kill me without my consent--I lay down my life voluntarily. For I have the right and power to lay it down when I want to and also the right and power to take it again. For the Father has given me this right (John 10:18). Not only did Jesus put himself on the cross, but he also did it to pay for my sins--for your sins. The Bible says,
We--everyone of us--have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God's path to follow our own. Yet God on him the guilt and sins of every one of us! (Isaiah 53:6)Each of us chooses to follow our own path. Yet God's path can be taken only when we choose to believe that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty for sins. He chose to die on the cross for you and me. Jesus' death on the cross proves His power over death. That may sound weird. How can someone who dies have power over death. The Bible says,
...and by being raised from the dead he was proved to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God himself (Romans 1:4). Jesus was raised from the dead by God Himself. The Bible bears testimonies of His resurrection. Thus he overcame death. Not only did Jesus put himself on the cross, paid the penalty for my sins, and proved His power over death, he prepares a place for me in heaven. The Bible records what Jesus said to his followers, There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so taht you can always be with me where I am. If this weren't so, I would tell you plainly (John 14:2-3). Jesus prepares a place for His followers. I am a follower of Christ. He means so much to me. In fact He means everything to me. Now you may not be as convinced as I am. That's okay. Just consider this; Jesus did all these things for you...that's right, for you. He want you to join him in heaven. So what does Jesus mean to you? He could mean nothing, and that's fine. You may need to keep thinking about His claims because this is the first time you've considered what Jesus did for you. Or Jesus could mean something to you. You may have heard some things about Jesus and you need more information. I suggest you read the book of John in the Bible to discover more about who Jesus claimed to be and what He does. Read his story. Think about it. Then decide what he means to you. For me, Jesus is everything. He put himself on the cross paying my penalty for sins and proved His power over death and prepared a place for me in heaven to be with Him. I am so grateful. Let me know what you think. Post your comments. 'Til next time. What Jesus did for me

The Cross of Christ
In discipleship I led students to take time to reflect on the cross. As we sang songs about our devotion to God, we ended with "How Great is Our God." God is so great that he gave his one and only son to die on the cross so that I could have a forever relationship with God. So the cross is a big deal to me. Together we carried a wooden cross outside the church grounds listing sins on index cards with the purpose of burning them as a visual of our sins being removed. Then we took the cool ashes and marked our cheeks with a cross. Both the smell of ash and the mark on one another's cheeks reinforced the fact of the cross of Christ.
Often I come to the Passion Week and the Easter Week with a mindset of just getting through it. I needed to come up with something different to help me refocus. I trust the students saw the cross in a unique light. My hope is that each Easter season becomes more meaningful for students as they grow in their discipleship and life experience in Christ. I know that each Easter becomes more meaningful to me. I pray that God continues to move me as I make time to reflect on what Jesus has done for me.
Have you taken a few moments in quiet silence to ask yourself what Jesus has done for you? You need to thank Him. Go ahead. Just do it.

Sharing Christ with others
As the Easter season approaches, I want to discover students who want to share with their friends where each one is at on the spiritual journey to be more like Christ. Some may discover that they are just spectators, watching and observing those on the journey. Others may discern that they are just starting out. Few may feel they are moving quite well on the pathway. Still I feel sometimes that I struggle on this journey in Christ. Especially as I consider my desire to share Christ with students. My greater joy would be to equip students to share Christ with their friends. I often feel that students "expect" me to share Christ. I do share Christ. But I pray that each student would feel compelled to share Christ with their friends. They know their friends best. Each student can tailor their sharing to speak to their friends in a much better way than I could. I don't have the magic words because I am a pastor. I do have the message of the Master of the Universe--He wants to have a close relationship with everyone. I have that message to share. You get to share that message as well. So please share. Until later, peace--out.

Baptism
Before Jesus departed to go to heaven, He left behind physical acts which are symbols or pictures of important teachings that He wanted us to practice. These practical truths were and are so important that He commanded us to repeat these acts over and over until He returns.
I believe Christ instituted and commanded His followers to continue to practice two symbolic acts which remind us of great spiritual truths. Our church celebrates the baptism of believers and the communion service. We practice the baptism of believers by immersing the person three times and we practice the threefold communion service, which includes the washing of another Christ followers feet, the Lord's Supper (or Love Feast), and the Eucharist (the bread and the cup).
This past Sunday night I read the testimonies of students who wanted to show others in a public manner that they love Christ by getting baptized. There is no greater pleasure than witnessing Christ followers taking the next step of making their faith their own by obeying the Bible's teaching (read Matthew 28:19-20). I want to list the names of these believers who wanted to make public their love for Christ:

Ashley Marie Conley; Elijah Geist; Clara Gingrich; Kristen Gunter; Katyauna Morrow; Kendra Morrow; Sean Morrow; Robert Ng; Sadie Wiegert.

The Empty Tomb
As I complete the life of Christ readings, I am amazed at what I did not notice before in previous readings. I forget that those who went to take care of Jesus' body upon burial were worried about not finding his body. They were looking for his body when the angel told them that Jesus rose from the dead. Even when the disciples, Peter and John, went to the tomb, they looked for the body of Jesus. They wondered where someone placed Jesus' body--they did not yet know that Jesus had risen again (read John 20:9). The followers of Jesus may have felt more than grief that Jesus had died. They may have experienced greater loss and intense grief because now his body was gone. Their emotions set the stage for Jesus to appear to them--alive from the dead! How cool! I can allow my emotions to linger and to engage my feelings in this life because they set the stage for Jesus to appear in my life--how cool! May God help you draw closer to Him by waiting for Jesus to come to you in the midst of your feelings whether high or low, happy or sad, mad or glad. God will come to you in your pain and happiness--wait for Him to come.

Buried, But Rising Again
As I reviewed Jesus' burial, I noticed how two "secret" disciples emerge to publicly make preparations for Jesus' burial. Both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea step forward to take care of Jesus' body. In contrast, the eleven most public and closest disciples ran away. God uses even the "secret" disciple to advance His Kingdom. So don't think you have to always speak up. Maybe God wants you to remain a "secret" disciple so that you can step up later in a public way to advance His Kingdom.
God, may I seek to do your will and advance Your Kingdom. Help me to grow as a disciple of Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.

Know the truth
I realize more and more that I need to keep reading the Bible to retain truth. During Jesus' trial before his crucifixion, Pilate asked Jesus this question; "What is truth?" Truth is revealed to you and I from God in the Bible. II Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed," i.e. God shared what He wanted us to know and spoke His words for us to read, to hear, and to obey. In I Peter 1:21, "The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God." God's Spirit guided men to write down His words in the Bible. Jesus even says God's word is truth (John 17:17). To know the truth is to read the truth found in the Bible. So pick up the Bible and start reading a chapter in Proverbs (read the chapter corresponding to the date of the month; e.g. if it is the third of the month, then read chapter 3; if it is the ninth, read chapter 9; etc.)
May your Word light our way O God. Help me to hide your Word in my heart that I may not sin against you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Doing God's will
I find that my spiritual journey with God is active and moving. Sometimes I make time for God and other times I leave out God. If my blog history reflects my spiritual journey then one could surmise that I am leaving God out of my life. But God doesn't see my spiritual journey that way. He sees me as a work in progress. Philippians 1:6 says, "God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns (Message)." He is always working on me whether I realize it or not. It is always for my good. So as I journey along with God. He is directing my steps as I make my plans. I praise God for His on-going work in my life.

Life is short
I received news that my aunt Mary-Louise went to be with Jesus at 3am Sunday morning. I know that being sad is alright. But as I get older I am getting more sad as I get the news of people dying. I know God rules over death. In fact the Bible says in Romans 6:9-10, "knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives to God." Jesus rules over death. He conquered death once for all. So even though I may get sad it's okay. Jesus got sad. He even cried at the news of the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). So when you receive news of someone's death, take courage that Jesus knows about it and He even conquered it for you. Life is short but Jesus rules over death.

Two Houses
Jesus tells the parable of two homebuilders. One builds on the foundation of rock. The other on a foundation of sand. Torrential rain, rising floodwaters, and strong winds buffet each house. The house on the rock stands firm. The house on the sand collapses.

The main point here is what distinguishes the consequences. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24, "Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock." Those who hear and obey Jesus' teachings is wise. Those who refuse to hear and refuse to obey are foolish. The end is determined by the means. You listen and follow God's words then your house or life will stand the thunderstorms, the flashfloods, and the strong winds of life. I trust you will decide to obey what you know about God. I know that I will try harder.

Betrayed and Alone
Do you ever wonder how Jesus proceeded to the cross knowing full well that he would do so without His Disciples' personal presence? Yes, Peter tried his best to stand up for Christ--even cutting a person's ear off to defend Jesus (Luke 22:50). But all left him and ran away (Matthew 26:56). Still, Jesus went forward betrayed and all alone...just for you. I marvel at the sacrifice of Jesus. He not only acted this way for me, but also for you. He chose to go ahead and suffer to die for your sins and to offer you forgiveness and grace. Jesus wanted you to be with Him forever. I trust you can rejoice with me for Jesus' lonely walk to the cross for you and for me.

Jesus never gives up on you

I discovered something new in my time with God today (er, yesterday). I read how Jesus told His followers that they would desert Him--leave him all alone (Mark 14: 26-31). Still they denied that they would (see Matthew 26:35b). In fact they made death-vows to stand with Jesus no matter what (verse 29-31). However, Jesus predicted their failure and He did not hurt them more by bringing it up again. Jesus merely stated the facts, then shared with them their rendevous point (to Galilee)! I have read this account a bunch of times but skimmed over verse 28 in Mark chapter 14; "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." He still believed in them no matter if they failed and left him. Jesus said in a matter of words, "You will be scattered and leave me all alone, but I will see you in Galilee. I haven't given up on you. I will see you later--to Galilee we will meet again." I find that so encouraging.

Despite your profound shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with you later. In spite of my great shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with me later. He never gives up on you. He never gave up on the Disciples. He wants you to remain on the journey--TO GALILEE!

Jesus demonstrates His love

In my readings of the life of Jesus in the Gospel books of the Bible, I just read that Jesus knows who is going to betray Him. Despite this knowledge, Jesus continues to treat Judas with respect and includes Him in the beginning of the Last Supper. Jesus tells His Disciples that He loves them and that they in turn can love one another. I believe He had Judas in mind. Even though the emotion of the betray is real for Jesus, Jesus demonstrates His love by washing the Disciples feet and challenging them to love Him. It is at this time also that Jesus tells Judas to go do what he needs to do and where Jesus informs Peter that Peter will betray Him three times despite Peter's fervent response to the contrary. At the end of the meal Jesus institutes the Bread and the Cup as a memorial ceremony to remember what Jesus would do on the cross in a few days. Jesus tells them that He loves them and wants them to demonstrate that love to one another. Jesus challenges them to serve one another in love. Wow! Jesus had to work through his emotions to do the right thing. You can do the right things just like Jesus.

Standing up for God
You can stand up for God, even when it's tough. This morning's challenge to every student. You can't stand up for God all on your own. You need extra help and support from time to time. We can depend on God and on God's people in the church to give us assistance as we need it. We can seek God and His help, we will find it. We can follow God even when it feels like we just can't. We can have the aid of fellow believers in Christ if we just ask. No matter the challenge, you can stand up for God, even when it's tough.

Philippians 4:12-14 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. (13) Christ gives me the strength to face anything. (14) It was good of you to help me when I was having such a hard time [CEV].

God provides
Melissa and I are praising God for answering our prayers. We are proceeding with orthodontia for our son Micah. The initial payment requires $395. God provided $400. He is GREAT!
The bible says in Philippians 4:19, "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." He provided what we needed.

In the Old Testament, God's name is "Jehovah-Jireh," the-God-Who-Sees-To-It; i.e. the God who sees to it that we are provided with what we need at the right time. In Genesis 22 the story of God providing a sacrifice for Abraham is recounted. No matter how crazy life may get, God provides His followers with what they need.

God provides what you need. Just trust Him. He can provide in tangible ways. Remember He gives us what we NEED, not always what we WANT.

Making time for Jesus
As I look over my day I find great things to be excited about. I completed many things. I did a lot of work. But as I take inventory I sense God whispering--"Hey pastor, did you make time for me?"
I made time to be with Jesus while I drove to work today, rehearsing the tasks for the day and the people I scheduled to meet. I made time to be with Jesus by keeping the radio off and sharing with Him how I hoped the day would go.
I thank Jesus for His help today. As I review my day I am glad I made time to talk with Jesus in prayer. He is always with me, even when I can't see Him.

At church on my day off
I am helping to facilitate a Students Opposed to Drugs & Alcohol Seminar (SODA) for the Hilliard Middle Schools. It is our strategy to host community events at our church to increase the visibility of our ministry to students.
I trust you can pray that those students who visit our church facility will one day get invited to come to one of our activities. Ask God to help us be friendly and welcoming to all new student visitors.

Retreat Weekend
I spent the weekend at the Eastside Grace Brethren Church as their retreat speaker. I taught about how to win student life battles. The Bible teaches that we have an enemy, Satan, our Adversary (Job 1:6). He seeks to mess up our lives. In fact, the Bible teaches that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking those that he may devour (I Peter 5:8). Every Christian has armor to fight or to resist Satan's attacks and schemes (Ephesians 6:10-20). I shared how students can be armed and dangerous with the spiritual weapons that God provides for every Christian.

I need to armor-up. It does not matter if I am a pastor or not. Satan attacks. I can resist him and his schemes. I can fight back in God's power and in the Lord's armor. So each morning picture in your mind, getting God's armor on for the spiritual warfare that awaits you each day. With God's help you can win life's battles.

I have been reading the life of Christ lately in my devotional time with God. I find re-reading what Jesus did for me helps my spiritual walk get better.

As I read and reflect on Jesus' life, I discover so much that I don't remember. Whether tiny details or big picture stuff, God's truth stretches me.

Presently I am reading A Harmony of the Gospels by Thomas & Gundry where the prophecies in preparation for the death of Jesus are recorded. Jesus had purposeful focus. Even when His own disciples questioned Him alone, Jesus repeated His purpose was to die according to God's plan.

I find myself falling short, failing often because I choose to do my thing rather than God's. I want to follow Christ better and more consistently. I need Jesus' help and example to keep purposeful focus on God. I trust you can join the journey with me in exploring how to follow God better.

Welcome to our first blog site.

Share your spiritual journey with your church family. I will share my spiritual journey with you, my church family.

I will try to post regularly. I trust you will post regularly too. As you post your thoughts you will begin to discover meaning in your spiritual life. You'll begin to enter the world of your inner thoughts, and in time, you will begin to sort out your thoughts and feelings regarding your spiritual journey. You'll begin to feel more comfortable with the act of posting and more confident in your ability to express yourself. So blog on!