1 Corinthians 14:17, 1 Corinthians 9:1, 2 Chronicles 2:7, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 1:1, 1Corinthians 6:20, Matthew 22:37-39; Edifiy, Influence and Serve.

"For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified."
NKJV

God has created the church to function in an amazing way. Each person is at a different level of spiritual maturity. Some are new to the faith and are in need of spiritual sustenance. They desire the milk of the Word and need time to learn and grow in Christ. Then there are those who are well equipped with God's Word and who have endured trials and tribulations with Jesus by their side. They are able to pour into others and help equip them for the journey. This is a beautiful part of the body and an important relationship in the church.

As more and more people are filled and equipped, we must be diligent to not become spiritually selfish. It is a blessing to sit and hear the Word of God and to be filled with understanding yet if we are not pouring out into others, we are missing part of the equation. Just like a bird bath will become stagnant, we too can become that way if we are not pouring out into others. And friend, don't worry about running out of water. Our Lord promises fountains of living water that will never run dry, but the key is to share the water so that others can experience the life-changing message of Christ.

Life Lesson: It is possible to be too spiritually selfish.

Dear God,
Father, I am grateful for all that You have done for me. I thank You for the living water of Jesus that flows in me. Help me to pour out my life for Your name's sake and to help equip others to follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee

1 Corinthians 9:1

"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?"
NKJV

Apostle Paul... many of us hear that name and think of teacher, new testament writer and hard core missionary. As we read about his actions in the book of Acts and study his letters throughout the scriptures, we can easily see God's hand on His life. Yet, even this incredible man of God had to deal with people questioning his role as apostle and not just unbelievers, but believers who Paul himself had led to the Lord.

So, what are we to do when we begin to serve God only to find ourselves faced with discouraging words from those we thought we knew? Friend, we pray for them and then we continue walking with the Lord. It's in Christ that we find our encouragement and it's in Christ that we find strength during those battles. I'll go ahead and tell you now that serving God is not going to lessen the number of nay-sayers; it's going to bring more. Of course, while we may face harsh words from those around us, the sweetest words ever to be heard lay before us when Christ says, "well done good and faithful servant."

Life Lesson: The more good we do, or impact or influence we have, the more people will speak ill of us.

Dear Father,
Thank You for my life and for the forgiveness I have through Jesus. Thank You for the opportunities I have to serve You and serve others. Lord, as I step out in faith and begin serving You, may I look to You for my encouragement regardless of what men say. Father, keep me focused on You no matter the circumstance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee

2 Chronicles 2:7

"Therefore send me at once a man skillful to work in gold and silver, in bronze and iron, in purple and crimson and blue, who has skill to engrave with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided."
NKJV

In 2 Chronicles 2, we find King Solomon preparing to build the Temple. In order to create this amazing structure, he enlists skilled laborers of all different trades to begin working on the Lord's house. Did you know the same is true even today? While we may not be building a physical temple, we are all working to build the Kingdom of God. To do this well, we must use the talents and gifts God has given us for His purpose.

Of course, I can hear some say, "I don't have any gifts" or "I'm not skilled in anything." Friend, this is far from the truth. In fact, God's Word refutes that thought in Ephesians 2:10.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." NKJV

You see, we are God's masterpiece and have been created by God to do good works for Him. In order to walk in those good works, He has gifted us each with certain talents. The exciting part is figuring out what these talents and abilities are and how we can use them to build His Kingdom. What's your skill? Are you ready to use it for the Lord?

Life Lesson: We are all skilled or gifted in an area or areas. Find your gifting and serve God with your whole heart.

Dear Father,
Thank You for making me. I praise You Lord for the abilities I have and the talents You have given me. Lord, help me to look for opportunities to use these special gifts for You. If there is anything keeping me from serving You with all my heart, please remove it. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I will be fully equipped to help build Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee

Romans 1:1

"Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God."
NKJV

Consider all that God has done for you and where you would be without His grace. When you truly realize what Jesus did for you, serving is not a chore or a burden. It is an honor and a privilege. How do you view serving? How do you express your love for God? One way you can tell God you love Him is by serving others.

1 Corinthians 6:20 "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." NKJV

Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" NKJV

Do you express thanksgiving to God by serving others? Service out of an attitude of love for God will not express itself in a self seeking manner. Love for God is deeply expressed through love for others. When we serve others, we are demonstrating our thanks to God for all that He has done for us. By serving others, we demonstrate the love of God to those who may not know Him and we model His love to other Christians.

Life Lesson: We should serve God out of love. It shows we are truly thankful for all He has done for us.

Dear Father,
Thank You so much for all You have done for me. I want to show You how much I love You and thank You by serving. I ask that you give me opportunity after opportunity to serve others and to demonstrate my love and thanksgiving to You. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee

My Comments: By serving others we are serving God and this includes when we help a new believer or a non-believer understand the truth and when we allow God to work through us to grow our gifts and talents for the building up of the Church/the Body of the Lord.

For some this is hard to understand because they are growing and as they read and study the Word of God they will grow in the knowledge and understanding of the will of the Lord in their lives and as a child who learns how to crawl, then walk, then run; so will they learn how to use their gifts for the glory of God. Many mistakenly stay at the crawl stage because they think just getting saved is the end of it all when it is just the beginning of a beautiful life in Christ Jesus, doing the will of God the Father. We do that best by loving God  and our neighbor, and reading His Word is part of that. Loving our neighbor means we reach out to him to bring him into the body of God so he may have life everlasting as we have. If we do not do it he may never know God and may perish. We cannot as believers wait for someone else to do what God is giving us to do.

We are directed to use the talents and gifts God has bestowed on us freely. We may not know what they are yet if we in faith step out and try things we will find out soon enough what they are.

For some it is caring for their family, working diligently in God’s vineyards, singing His praises, sharing His Word, reaching out to our neighbors, helping the homeless, working at places like Care Net, giving talks or teaching, comforting those in sorrow, counseling couples or Mothers or youth. There are many ways talents and gifts manifest themselves. Some write others paint, some work in the business world and show what Christian lives are like, some empty garbage with a smile and others bag our groceries with love. Yet all who are followers of Christ Jesus, do everything with the Love of Christ and we do it to the best of our abilities. We give of ourselves completely without grudges or complaint as Christ did and as we grow more like Him.

The more one grows up in the Lord the more one becomes like Him and Loves others with His love; so much so that they would give their lives for others. They live their lives so others may know Christ and live eternally with Him.

Abba Father help us all to grow and mature in You. May we always seek Your guidance and be filled with and giving Your rivers of living water to all we meet as Your Son did when He was here as a Man. May we not seek to have as much as we seek to give in Your Holy Name. May we encourage others by the way we live our lives to seek and find You. May we study Your Word in order that we may give a good accounting of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and may we influence the World in the name of Him who gave all so we may live eternally with You.

We praise and glorify Your Holy Name and pray all we do will bring praise and glory to You through Your Son, Jesus. Amen

Rebisha

2 Corinthians 3:9, 1John 5:10-12, Revelation 20:15, John 1:12, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, Salvation is offered to all.

"For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory."
2 Corinthians 3:9 NKJV

The law of God was never meant to be the final destination for humanity. Unfortunately, too many people stop there. They read the Ten Commandments and become depressed because they realize they cannot do them all. They see the list of 'do's and don'ts' and realize that they cannot justify the lost sinner or give forgiveness. While this is true, the law is great at what it does.

Imagine coming into the house after working in your garden. You head straight for the bathroom, look in the mirror and stare in horror at what you see - you're a dirty mess. This is the purpose of the law. When we look at the law of God, it acts like a mirror showing us our sinfulness. The important thing is to NOT remain there. Yes, see your sin for what it is but then look to God who can forgive that sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ

Life Lesson: The law reveals the flaws of humanity; only grace can declare us righteous

Dear God,
As I look at Your law, I realize that I am imperfect. I have lied, stolen, lusted and am in need of a Savior. Thank You for sending Jesus to save me. I trust in His death and resurrection as the payment for my sins. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me to point others to Your amazing grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee An Eternal Watershed The Great Divide (also called the Continental Divide) causes the water on one side of this ridge to flow to the Pacific Ocean, while water on the other side flows to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans. It runs from the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, through western Canada and then along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico. From there, it follows the crest of Mexico's Sierra Madres and extends to the tip of South America. It is the longest continental divide or watershed in the world. But this is nothing compared to the divide created by the cross of Christ. This divide is measured not in miles but in eternal destinies. Let's see what the Bible has to say. Receive Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:10-12, ESV). If we refuse to believe what God says in His Word, what does that mean we think about God? What do we have to do in order to have eternal life? What happens to those who don't have the Son? Reflect What does John mean when he talks about having (or not having) the Son? In John 1:12, he says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Christ becomes the watershed of eternal life. Those who receive Him (have the Son) will have eternal life. This means they will spend eternity in the presence of their Savior. Those who reject Christ (do not have the Son) will live for eternity as well, but it will be apart from God in a place called hell. Revelation 20:15 says, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Respond So, what side of the watershed are you on? Do you have the Son? Have you received Him as your Savior? Or are you rushing down the other side to a Christless eternity? Unlike the watershed in nature, there is something you can do. Visit the "Meet Jesus" page to find out how you can have the Son. Back to the Bible Of all the great theologians this world has known, the Christian singer/songwriter Carman will never be counted as one of them. But when I think of the victory that was accomplished at the cross, I'll always think of his song "The Champion." In the song he paints the long conflict between God and Satan as a boxing match, with the saints of God observing on one side, and the villains of history leering on the other. Near the end of the song, Satan strikes the killing blow to Jesus and all watch God come out to start the ten-count. "Ten...nine...eight...." It looks like the victory is sure, but then the villains are thrown into confusion; what's going on? "Five ... four ... three...." The body of Jesus is now stirring; the saints are on their feet. "Two...." A cheer breaks forth! Jesus is on His feet! He has won! Like I said, Carman's never going to be counted among the great theologians, but he got one thing right in his song: The death of Christ at Calvary and His Resurrection three days later was an amazing victory for you and me. Receive Victory over what? Look at Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death" (ESV). Just as each hour of work I do earns me a certain amount of money, so each sin I have ever committed has earned me death. And while the majority of my life has "felt" good--I'm certainly not as bad as a lot of people out there--Romans 3:23 says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (ESV). That includes those of us who have led "good" lives. That's why the death and Resurrection of Jesus is such a miraculous victory for you and me. If Jesus hadn't raised Himself from the dead, we would have no second half to Romans 6:23: "But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV). Reflect Think about these verses and consider the following questions: ·         If before Jesus died we were condemned to death and after He rose we can accept eternal life, what did Jesus' death accomplish? ·         Why does God offer eternal life as a free gift? ·         What does it take to receive this free gift from God? Respond If you haven't accepted the free gift of Jesus Christ, please do so now! We have resources available if you want to know more. Check out "Meet Jesus" or drop us a note at info@backtothebible.org. We'll be happy to share with you how you can have a part in Jesus' victory. Back to the Bible

My Comment: The payment or retribution for breaking the “law” was the sacrifice of animals because only blood can cleanse yet the blood of animals only cleansed for a short time where the blood of the lamb of God, Jesus Christ, cleanses once and for all! This is the good news Jesus came to tell us. We find complete grace, righteousness and sanctification through the sacrifice of Jesus who loved the world so much He gave His life for us, for our sins because no mortal man, no animal could completely cover our sin. Only the Son of God, Son of Man could do that so He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified in our place for us, for our sin.

When we accept His sacrifice we become one with Him and He with us and we can stand before the Father with complete joy because it is not us who stands before God it is Jesus the Son of God!

Abba Father, open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the truth of Your Word, the sacrifice of Your Son and Your gracious gift, Jesus the Christ. Plant our roots deep into Your Word and help us to grow as You would have us to grow. Thank You Father for Your gift of allowing Your Son to die in our place so that we may live life eternal with You. We praise You Father Son and Holy Ghost for bringing us to Your understanding, knowledge and giving us the wisdom to follow You through Your Son Jesus. Amen

Rebishka

Acts 26:20, Matthew 22:37-40, James 2:17/18, James 4:17; Are you a Christian?

"I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must turn from their sins and turn to God--and prove they have changed by the good things they do."
NLT

We often describe our Christian walk by the things we don't do. We don't drink. We don't smoke pot. We don't cuss. In fact, for some of us, not doing these things is an incredible testimony of God's supernatural work in our lives. But we should also consider the things that we do.

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus told us that we should love God and love others. Friend, you are not an accident; you were created with a divine purpose to be a blessing to others. You were created to hear the call, respond and be fruitful. In short, you were created to help God change the world. We know the things we shouldn't do because we would be ashamed of them. But why are we not ashamed of the things we don't do? Jesus called the man who did not use his talent wicked and lazy. If you fail to do something, you choose to fail at God's plan for your life.

James 2:17-18 "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." NKJV

James 4:17 "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." NKJV

Take a moment and reflect. What are you doing?

Life Lesson: It is what we 'do' that shows we are followers of Jesus, as well as what we 'don't' do.

Dear Father,
I love You and want to serve You by serving others. Please give me eyes to see where and how I may be a blessing to others. Give me love for those around me. Please forgive me for times when I've done nothing. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee

My Comments: Too, often we hear people say, “It doesn’t matter what I do because I have accepted Jesus and I am saved.” Hogwash! If someone is saved their life shows it and they become a new creature in Christ Jesus. The old is gone and they do not want to live life as they lived it before. With some that change is quick and complete (not to say we are not without our sin nature because we are yet these people live and breath a new life in Christ Jesus), and others change over a time period (some faster than others). So if you are one who sees no change in your thinking or living then you need to look at where your heart was when you say you accepted Jesus as your savior.

Were you at the Cross confessing your sin and taking on His Salvation? Or were you just saying it hoping it was true? Go to God and seek Him and He will open up your heart and show you if you truly were His or just saying with your mouth and keeping separate from Him?

It is not by works we are saved yet our works show if we were saved. A called out one does not want to fornicate, steal, lie, treat people meanly, or anything else that does not show love. When the Love of God is born in us we want to show that love to those we live with, come in contact with and interact with. I know too many young people who are living in fornication and tell people they are Christians. To say one is a Christian is to say one is Christ Jesus’ Disciple and to be His one does not live with someone. That is a Christian in name only. I am not condemning anyone who commits any sin. Yet God has told us what sin is and we can, if we profess Christ Jesus, evaluate ourselves as to who we are truly following. We have two choices, Jesus or Satan. Choose today who you will follow and let your life reflect your God or your god.

Abba Father, You have been so gracious to us by sending Your Son to redeem us when nothing nor anyone else could. His blood has washed us clean. The only blood that could cleanse us from our sin was the blood of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the Cross has bought our freedom. By the blood the precious blood of the Lamb we have been redeemed. Thank You Father, Thank You Jesus.

I pray all who read this will reflect and redirect their whole lives to You through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; The Holy Trinity and accept the sacrifice of Jesus and allow Him to be one with them. May the scales fall from their eyes, their ears be unstopped and their hearts of stone be melted and open to their Lord and King, Jesus. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit to teach, guide and build knowledge, understanding and wisdom in them. May they be disciple who make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

If you are not saved and would like to ask Jesus to be your Savior just confess your sin, and accept His sacrifice on the Cross for you. Ask Him to come into you and make you His. And trust Him to do a good work in you and you will do good works in His name. Believe the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe all He came to teach us. Love God completely and love others as yourselves as all the commandments are contained in these. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior then welcome to the body of Christ Jesus and find a strong Bible based Church in your area or go to solid teaching through the Bible sites like Cross the Bridge Ministries and Calvary Chapel churches that have services on the Web like Calvary Chapel of Olympia or Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. There are many good sites just be sure they are teaching from the Word of God and not "other books." Get yourself a good Bible like the New King James Version, or the English Standard Version or others like the American Standard Version. Doing these will help you grow in the knowledge and Word of the Lord and grow your roots deep within Him.

John 17; Obedience/Discipleship, Read His Word.

Being from Nebraska, I'm automatically expected to be a devoted follower of Nebraska football. But if anyone asks me, I say, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, "I'm a fan, but not a fanatic." What I mean is that while I enjoy watching the games, I can't, for instance, name any player on the roster let alone his stats for the last two seasons.

When it comes to being a Christian, I would hesitate to call anyone fanatic--that word has a negative connotation. Fortunately, the Bible has a much better, more positive word to describe a devoted follower of Christ: disciple.

Receive

What does it take to be a disciple? Let's look at Jesus' description. In John 17, Jesus prayed specifically for the disciples. "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you" (John 17:6-8, ESV).

To be a disciple you need to know Jesus. That's the first step; but, unfortunately, many people never get beyond that step. They recognize Jesus and even put their faith in Him, but they never take the next step towards being a disciple (kind of like me and Nebraska football).

To be a real disciple, you not only need to know Jesus, you need to know and keep His Word. Jesus said, "and they have kept your word." This is where a lot of us stumble. There are a lot of people who claim to be Christians and probably have made a genuine confession of faith, but they know next to nothing about the Bible.

And to be a really effective disciple, you have to read God's Book.

Reflect

Start by reading the rest of John 17 and think about the following questions.

• What challenges did Jesus know the disciples would face in following His Word?
• Why was Jesus confident the disciples would be able to overcome these challenges?
• What does Jesus pray for the disciples that would come later?
• Why is it worth it to be a disciple and not just someone who knows Jesus?

Respond

The Bible's not as intimidating as you might think. Instead of one large book, think of it as 66 smaller books--and almost half of them (27) can be read in less than 15 minutes. As you read your Bible, ask God how He would have you apply what you read. Ask Him to show you how to be a true disciple.

Back to the Bible Ministries

My Comments: When I was just finishing 7^Th grade, I went to Alaska to live for a short time with my Dad’s parents. My Granddad had been sick with cancer and he wanted to see me. I was given a room upstairs for my stay and felt quite grown-up with my own room as my sister and I had always had the same room.

I knew my Grandparents went to church a lot and wanted to please my Grandma whose Dad had been a Priest until he died, so I purposed to read a chapter of my Bible ever night. I started at Genesis and was progressing nicely when one night my Grandma called up the stairs and said “Rebishka, what are you doing up there with the light on so long in the evenings?” I replied with pride, “My Bible Grandma.” When I was done for the night I shut my light out and went pleasantly to sleep with the Lord's Prayer on my mind.

The next day when I came home from school my Grandma sat me down on the couch in the quiet living room and proceeded to talk to me about how much and why I was reading my Bible so much. Then she told me of twin sisters when she was younger so only read their Bible day and night they read it and one day some men came and took them away because they had gone crazy.

She did not want me to stop reading it just to not make it only what I lived to do. I still continued to read a chapter a night and eventually finished the Bible and found I loved the Words and believed what they said. I especially loved Revelation and at that time I though I understood what all the symbolism meant. Of course I did not yet from then on I loved reading the Word, hearing the Word and talking about the Word yet it has been a long time learning the meanings the Lord has in His Word. I wish I had stayed committed to reading it as much as I did then for the rest of the time until now. I am sad to say I did not yet the love of it remained and as I grew older the call of it pulled me back to them.

Every story that has ever been written is contained in those 66 books of the Bible written my authors that did not know each other and yet speak the same all through out because they are the inspired words of God the Creator of the Universe and our Creator as well.

I still love Revelation and now Daniel and Job and Ezekiel as well as all the rest though I am fascinated with the end time prophecies through out the Bible the most. I love reading of the love and forgiveness of God through His Son Jesus and the promises He has given us. I love reading of the righteousness of Jesus Christ and especially the Words He spoke Himself. I pray you will as well.

Abba Father, I pray You will guide us all as we read and study Your Word to show ourselves approved. Grant us the guidance of Your Holy Spirit to teach and give us understanding of Your Word, Knowledge and Wisdom of Your Word and hearts to accept Your Words. In Jesus’precious Name. Amen.

Rebishka

2 Chronicles 16:9, Romans 5:3-4, Job 42, Trials, perseverance, character and hope.

2 Chronicles 16:9
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars."
NKJV

 

Few of us look at difficult times in life and automatically think of them as opportunities. Often, we see them as an obstacle to avoid, or at the very least, something to complain about. Yet, each trial we walk through is indeed an opportunity to grow in faith. Just like the hard ground must be tilled in order to remove hard stones and prepare for seed, so it is with our lives. During trials, we often come face to face with our inadequacies as well as God's goodness, if we are willing.

Romans 5:3-4 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." NKJV

As we suffer on this earth, we have greater and greater opportunities to grow in Christ as we trust Him--even in the midst of hard circumstances. When we trust in His Word, we will find that we are growing in Godly character. In short, we are becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. So the question each of us must ask is, "Would I rather live for comfort or live as Christ?"

Life Lesson: Every new trial brings with it the chance to trust God through difficult circumstances.

Dear Father,
Thank You for Your love for me. Your love is not a superficial love but a deep abiding love that desires my very best. Help me to see each pain as an opportunity to trust You more. May every trial lead me to the cross and make me more like Your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge

My Comments: As a Native American this verse always held my attention. I used to tell stories to children and there was one about a crab and how he got his eyes. This always flashes in my mind when I read this verse. The story is about deceit and stealing and the consequences. This verse is similar as it shows us what happens to us when we do not follow the Lord as He has directed us to do. He won’t force us to follow or to do the right thing yet there are consequences built in to each and every directive from Him.

It reminds me of when I was raising my children. I could not force them to obey my directives nor could I enforce their obedience or their joy in obeying. Yet if they disobeyed there were consequences. If they obeyed there were joyful consequences. If we obey God and take on His Sons Righteousness then we receive the joy of our Salvation from and through Jesus because of His sacrifice on the Cross. We then are assured of eternal life. Some of my children learned easily others not so easily and some took the hard road and had many hard consequences. A few have found the joy in receiving the Lord as their Savior.

One of the things I have learned and the few who have accepted the Righteousness of Christ, is that when we accepted His Righteousness we were not being accepted as His to sit on the side lines and rest or to have life served on a silver platter. We would be given and allowed trials and bumpy and sometimes very rough roads which would give us strength for what ever battles God would allow to come our way. Though He gave us the strength to go through them yet our muscles were likewise exercised and strengthened.

We grew in His Word, grew in our Love of God, grew in our joy to be used by Him, grew in our understanding and knowledge of Him who created us, grew in virtues and grace and were able to use all for His glory and praise.

Job was always one of my favorites because I felt I was like him. Yes, I went through many trials and sufferings in my life (even before my Salvation) and I confessed my sins often yet even after my salvation I did not see how arrogant I was. Job realized what he was and in Job 42 he tells God how much he did not understand and how his eyes are opened and his ears hear and he repented in dust and ashes. We are as nothing yet He loves us. That is amazing! He has produced hope through those things He has allowed to come into my life and that hope in my salvation.

Abba Father, thank You for the hope that is with in me. Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Salvation. Thank You for Your love. We praise You and glorify You and pray we give glory and honor to You in all we say and do, think and are. In Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen

Rebishka

Luke 10:25-29, John 3:16, Luke 18:18-23, John 10:28; Do You want Salvation?

Twice in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is approached with very similar questions: "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25, ESV); "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18, ESV). Each time, the questioner left dissatisfied.

Let's look at these passages to find out why.

Receive

The first time this question was asked, the questioner was a lawyer--someone who was an expert in interpreting the Jewish law. Read Luke 10:25-29.

• Jesus turns the question back to the "expert." What does the lawyer say?
• What is Jesus' response to the lawyer's answer?
• How did the lawyer react to Jesus' response?

The second time this question was asked, the questioner was a rich young man. Read Luke 18:18-23.

• How does Jesus respond to the young man's question?
• What does the young man's answer indicate about his heart attitude?
• What flaw in the young man's character does Jesus reveal?
• What was the young man's response?

Reflect

If you look carefully at both of these questions, you'll find that the lawyer and the young man had three important words in common. The first word is "I." Each was focused on himself. "What can I ...?" The second word is "do." They were both seeking a salvation that came from doing something. And the third word is "inherit." An inheritance is something you receive in the future based on your relationship with the one who died. No wonder the lawyer tried to justify himself and the young man went away disappointed. Neither understood the way to eternal life.

Let's contrast this with Jesus' version of eternal life. He told His Father, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me" (John 10:28, ESV)

• Who is the source of eternal life?
• How does a person gain eternal life?
• When does this eternal life begin (notice the tense of the verb "give")?

Respond

Are you looking to "inherit" eternal life or to receive eternal life? Are you seeking to "do" or to be given? If you've never received this special gift, why wait? Visit our "Meet Jesus" page, and begin your eternal life right now.

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My Comments: I did not know I was looking for eternal life when I reached out and asked the Lord to be my Savior. I thought up till then I already had it. I was baptized as an infant and raised in the church which all of my family had gone to for many generations. My Great-Grandfather was a priest and he was buried in the back of the church I was raised in. My Grandmother was his daughter and my Dad’s Mom and she took care of the parish and the cleaning/cooking at the church. I loved going to church and never missed going even though it meant long hours in the services. And even longer on holiday services like Easter which was all night.

I had what I thought of as a relationship with God who I totally believed in. I knew who His Son was and believed in the Trinity. Yet one day just before 911 the Lord let me know that I was not “saved” and if I wanted to be I needed to seek His Son. I did not give it a second thought.

 I asked the Lord Jesus to forgive me and to be my Savior and to come in and abide in me and be my Savior. Later I learned to ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with His presence and to ask Him to guide and teach me what I needed to know.

 I am glad I did not drown what I was younger, or when I was beat, or in car accidents or even in childbirth. At that moment I knew what a wonderful God I served who loved me enough to lead me to the truth and help me to see and hear how much He loved me that He sent His only Begotten Son to die on the Cross for my sin. Thank You Father, Thank You Lord Jesus for the love You have for me.

Abba Father may Your Grace be upon any who read Your Word and I pray You remove the scales from their eyes, unstop their ears and soften their hearts towards You. May they seek and receive the righteousness of Your Son Jesus Christ. May they have a hunger and thirst for Your Word and be satisfied by the blood of the Lamb. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen

Rebishka

John 15:1/2, John 15:8, Ephesians 5:9, Hebrews 12:11, Colossians, 1:10, Hebrews 13:15, Philippians, 1:9-11, John:5 4-6; Pruning bears fruit "Our rose bush looks so weak and scraggly," my wife said. "It has beautiful blossoms, but somebody needs to prune it." "No problem," I assured her, as I visualized a splendid crop of big, pink roses blooming the next year. "I'll take care of it." I did take care of it. I pruned the bush so it was much shorter than it had been and, lo and behold, the next year there were flowers on it--very small, unattractive, pale ones that didn't resemble our beautiful pink blooms at all. As it turned out, I had pruned the rose bush below the spot where it was originally grafted into a wild rose root. All I had left was an unsightly wild rose plant and an unhappy wife. This all goes to show that correctly pruning a vine, bush or tree requires some expertise which I apparently lacked. God, however, is an expert in pruning--both physical and spiritual. Receive Jesus says in John 15:1-2 (ESV): "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." What is the expected outcome of pruning? Who does the pruning? Why? Reflect What are some of the fruits that God wants to see in your life? See the following Bible verses; jot down the fruit that is mentioned and answer the questions. Colossians 1:10. The fruit ____________. What lifestyles do you see that go along with bearing fruit? Hebrews 13:15. The fruit ____________. How is this spiritual fruit described? Hebrews 12:11. The fruit ____________. What produces this fruit? (See also Philippians 1:9-11). Ephesians 5:9. The fruit ____________. In what three things is this fruit found? Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit ____________. Name the nine aspects of this fruit. Respond Consider the different spiritual fruits you listed in the "Reflect" section above. Do you see any areas where your life isn't producing those fruits? Can you identify specific twigs He needs to prune away? Here is a helpful verse to commit to memory: "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples" (John 15: 8, ESV). Back to the Bible Ministries

My comments: I can look back at my life and know the pruning occurred even before I became His by asking Him into me as my personal Savior. Before I knew the whole Gospel and understood what it meant. Yet those pruning were for bringing me to Him. Now they are to strengthen me in Him and burn away the dross and taint of the world from my soul.

John 15:4-6 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If any one does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

His pruning is for His glory yet for my good and so I can bear much fruit and the world will know I am His disciple.

Abba Father, Thank You so much that You pursued me and persisted until You had won me. Thank You for pruning me and refining me and bearing fruit through me. May all who read this commit themselves to You through Your Son Jesus Christ and come to know Your gentle love. As a plant of rare beauty is trained to show forth not only the beauty the grower can bring forth so you train us and prune us so we can produce the most fragrant of fruit and bring glory to You who trains and prunes us. We pray you take everything out of us that hinders us from becoming all You envision us to be. Only You could have seen the potential in our sinful selves and only You can prune away our corruption. We praise You Father for all You are doing in our lives and through us. We praise You for the fruit You have allowed to grow on our branches. We bask in the light of Your son and are refreshed by the waters that flow freely from Him and we thank You for planting us in the soil of Your Word and growing our roots deep within Your word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Rebishka