The Dingy Dozen

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Luke 22:24

God never uses people with halos over their heads. Instead He consistently chooses to use imperfect people with dingy characters to show how His power is made perfect in their weaknesses (2^nd Corinthians 12:9).

Jesus chose twelve disciples who were obviously flawed in character. They were vain and ambitious (Luke 22:24, Mark 9:33-34), impulsive (Matthew 16:22, 14:28-29), doubting (Luke 24:13-35, John 20:25), given to wrath (Luke 9:54, John 18:10), and even one He called a devil (John 6:70).

When He chose disciples to become the nucleus of His ministry He didn't go to the Temple or the best Jewish educational institutions. He went to the lakeside and called fishermen, to the booth of a tax collector, He called an Israeli freedom fighter, and even the one who would betray Him. They were all flawed, but amazingly, He immediately named this dingy dozen Apostles (Luke 6:13).

They proved loyal to a point, that is, until His arrest, then they ran like deer and went into hiding. They remained so until He appeared to them after His resurrection. Boldness came on the day of Pentecost when they received the promised power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). These formerly timid men became spiritual lions and champions of the faith, turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

From dingy to delight, Christ Jesus loves revealing Himself through us when we know we can't do it on our own. He upholds us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). To us be all the strength. To Him be all the glory. He will be faithful to do it. Amen.

Ken

Spoiler Alert

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2^nd Timothy 3:1

If you follow the news you have seen the difficulty our nation is in. We are more polarized and divided than anytime since our American Civil War. We are definitely in times of great difficulty.

Students of Scripture will not be surprised when 2000 years ago Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said in the last days people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power (2nd Timothy 3:1-9). Sounds like it just came off a news feed of today, doesn't it? 

What does it all mean and how does Jesus commend us to live in these perilous times? He said He had all authority and to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey Him, promising to ever be with us (Matthew 28:18-20).

But what can we do now? It is obvious what 60 years of the majority remaining silent has brought our nation. To say Christians shouldn't speak up and get involved in the operation of our city, state, and federal governments rather defeats the purpose. Everything we do revolves around laws enacted by those governmental branches. Do you want to have a say in how you're treated? Be involved in the process. Be heard through voice or vote. I'm not telling anyone which political party to belong to or how to vote. Study the character of God and decide for yourself.

Inspired Scripture teaches God will remain in complete control of all things and will judge Earth's wickedness with righteous judgment. Then Jesus will return to Earth with His saints (All who have believed in Him), and His righteous kingdom will be established forever.

We can only keep our eyes on Jesus and the prize of life eternal, studying the Word of God to know how we should think, act, and be ready to answer anyone who asks us about our faith. Whatever happens may we not be overcome with 'world worry.'

As bad as things can look, take heart. The final book has been written. The Book of Revelation. Receive a blessing by reading and studying it (Revelation 1:3). Spoiler Alert: We win!

Ken

The Benchmark to Victory

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 

My chosen class in track was the 100 yard dash. Those who ran in any track class always tried to be as 'light as possible.' When we dressed out for any practice or meet, the first order in the locker room was to remove anything that would add weight. To run any race with weight would have been unthinkable and a sure bet for being last across the finish line.

Sin can weigh heavily upon us in so many ways. The Bible tells us it's wages is death (Romans 6:23). We often try to justify reasons to carry that weight as we push off the chocks and attempt to head down the track. It can wear us down to a slow walk toward the finish line.

The race can only be run by renouncing our sin and looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. That means seeking help for our addictions, tempers, or ending any illicit relational involvement, physical or emotional, outside of the one one we committed to. To repent means to turn away from the sins that cling and so easily hinders us.

The Lord Jesus Christ makes the offer to take His 'yoke,' or burden, onto ourselves for it is lighter than our sins. He says in doing so to learn from Him for in His humility and humble heart we will find rest for our souls. He says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” (Matthew 11:29).

We're all in it for the long-haul, whether in Christ, or not. We can run with what we've chosen to weigh ourselves down with or make the choice to trade in the weight of sin that so easily besets us for a burden that is lighter than light. If we want to be quick off the chocks, running with endurance, then dropping our weights and taking on His light yoke is the sure benchmark to victory.

Ken

What's in it for Me?

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2^nd Timothy 4:8

I heard a funny story out of the 'What's In It For Me Generation' textbook. An arrogant man walked into a popular church and said to the pastor, “I'm looking to get involved in a church as a pastor. I want to know what your church can do for me.” He asked the wrong guy. This pastor was a retired Marine. He said, “I'll tell you exactly what this church can do for you. It can let the door hit your behind on your way out.”

The Good News of redemption is never about power or gain. The highest goal I can attain to is to preach sound doctrine and Christ and Him crucified (1^st Corinthians 2:2). My eye is not upon power or wealth but upon the Crown of Righteousness I will receive from the hand of Christ. To hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will be enough.

If you have believed on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and look for His soon appearing, you too will receive a Crown of Righteousness that will include you in an eternity with Him (John 14:3). Money and personal ambition will perish as all things do. Look to things above, storing up treasures in heaven where things do not become corrupted (Matthew 6:19). Use money wisely, but put your store into a Crown of Righteousness that will never perish. “Well done, good and faithful servant” will be His words to you as He bestows on you your Crown of Righteousness. That's something money can't buy.

Ken

Now What?

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2^nd Timothy 2:15

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2^nd Corinthians 5:17). If you have believed on Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you might be wondering what do I do next?

First, be encouraged. You were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promise of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit is living in you and will lead you into all truth.

Second, get yourself a Bible. I would recommend beginning to read the gospel of John. If you are coming from a Jewish background the new testament is completely Jewish and I would encourage you to read the Book of Matthew, with an introduction to the Jewish roots of Yeshua beginning with Abraham. The New Testament is a continuation of the Tanakh. You will find yourself immersed in writings by Jews.  But don't take my word for it.  Check it for yourself.

Find yourself a church that is doctrinally sound, preferably one that teaches through the Bible from cover to cover. While you are searching out a church there are several Christian growth websites I recommend. The Word For Today, with teaching through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (the C3000 series) with Pastor Chuck Smith. Another is 'Cornerstone Chapel,' with Pastor Gary Hamrick, based in Leesburg, VA. Both are excellent resources.

You may immediately find a Christian or Messianic fellowship (church or synagogue) where you can find growth in your Christian faith. You may need to try out a few churches until you find a fit. I attended several in my town until I found a fellowship that met my needs for growth and discipleship.

The LORD wants you to grow in your faith. Remember, Christianity isn't religion, it's personal relationship; relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Grow in grace and truth, letting the Holy Spirit lead you to rightly understand and grow in God's word. What do you do now? Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. I commend you on your journey. God bless.

Ken

Bark Without Bite

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

Did you know there is an estimated 3.04 trillion trees on Earth? Or around 422 for each person on the planet. Trees help the environment. They reduce CO2, create clean oxygen, reduce ozone levels, impede erosion, and among other things give us food and shade.

Under the inspiration of God (2nd Timothy 3:16), David gives a beautiful word picture of what anyone who puts their trust in the Lord can be likened to. The description is of a mature tree with roots nourished in its strength by plenteous rivers of water. And most importantly, bringing forth its fruit in due season. 

The Psalmist is not telling one how to be the tree, but what abiding in the LORD will bring as the tree. They will stand strong in winds of change, not withering in the heat of trial, but soaking up the Living Water they shall enjoy nourishing others with the Truth of God's Word.

Where does one begin? It only comes by abiding in Christ. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). It begins with believing the claims of Messiah Yeshua, followed by trust, then immersion in study and prayer. A fully mature tree will grow in Grace and Truth, standing the tests of time. And in that abiding Grace and Truth many will be glad and the LORD shall receive all the glory. They will rejoice in that its bark will be strong but minus the bite.

Ken

Too Amazing to be True

Remember the former age, for I am God, and there is no God beside, neither is there like to Me: Who shew [show] from the beginning the things that shall be at last, and from ancient times the things that are yet not done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and all MY will shall be done: Isaiah 46:9,10

Prophecy is telling the future before it happens. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is prophetic with over 300 prophecies regarding the Jewish Messiah? Jesus fulfilled 356 Old Testament prophecies in His lifetime on earth.

It is sad that only about 2% of churches today teach biblical prophecy. Prophecy was so important to Jesus He took time to explain to His curious disciples things that were to come (Matthew 24-25, Luke 21). When He prophesied He said, “I have told you in advance that you may believe when it shall come to pass (Matthew 24:25, John 14:29). The hundreds of prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua (Jesus) corroborate Him to be the Jewish Messiah of Israel.

God has told us in advance so we have hope in Him. If He didn't want us to know He wouldn't have told us, so shouldn't we want to investigate these words of the LORD? We don't need fortune tellers, mediums, spiritualists, or psychics to do that. Those practices are an abomination to the LORD for they are counterfeited by Satan and will never be as 100% accurate as His Jewish prophets.

All prophecies are God-breathed (2^nd Timothy 3:16, 2^nd Peter 1:21). He reveals the beginning and the end with total accuracy, so we will know when it comes to pass. His promises are spoken beforehand and are as sure as the sunrise. Take hope in that, Beloved. It sounds too amazing to be true. But there it is.

Ken