"I AM"

"Before Abraham was, I AM."  (John 8:58)

This statement changed my life back in 1962.  I was in my second semester of college and had encountered many attacks on my faith, most of which I had never before.

I went back to my dorm room one day, and Jesus took me to John 8.  When I read His "claim," His Words that, in effect, say He is "the Eternal One," I accepted His Words, though, my mine could not comprehend---------- nor can yours.

People throughout history have said that Jesus is a "great teacher, great example," or "founder of one of the world's great religions."  You cannot read Jesus' many claims and say such things of Jesus if you do not receive, accept, believe, surrender your life to Jesus.  No one can say that Jesus is a "great" anything and yet not obey what He says.  He is not a "great teacher" if what He says is not true.  He is not the "founder of one of the world's great religions," if He makes claims which are not true, claims which are lunacy.  Jesus is either, "I AM," or He is not.

I say to those who speak highly of Jesus and the "Christian Religion," yet do not submit to Jesus' Authority in their lives, you are schizophrenic.  You cannot speak highly of someone who claims to be God Himself, "....the Word became flesh," and, "Before Abraham was, I AM", and not surrender your lives to Him.  Forgive me, World, but it is the ultimate duplicitous stupidity.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for how You changed my life in Your Life-Giving Words.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Placed In Us"

"God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."  (2 Corinthians 5:19, NASB)

The phrase, "committed to us," is literally, "placed in us."  Powerful.

That one little phrase change, again, reveals the Biblical Theology of, "in," over, "to, with, upon."  It is similar to, "I will put My Laws into their minds."

A part of what this says to me today is that, "the word of reconciliation," that Word which will bring humanity to Jesus Christ, the power of, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself," is IN you and me.  Yes, there is the "spoken" aspect to this, but there is also the truth of, "works," deeds, unspoken lives, "sons of His Presence," men and women who, "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," as His witnesses.

The remainder of this day, I'm sure, will bring opportunities we may have otherwise overlooked, if we live the life of, "placed in us."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for this wonderful reality of, "placed in us."  Holy Spirit, help me to so walk.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

When "Black Days" Come, What?

"To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father in His throne."  (Revelation 3:21)

I am about half way through Revelation, but this text came back to me today as a glorious, uplifting encouragement, because this day is a black day memorial in my life.  48 years ago this morning, Stephen Paul Barnette left this life for our Eternal Home------ but I am still here, missing him as ever.  And I can tell  you that today's text is a very sobering reminder of what you and I just do not want to miss.

No one should be better prepared to face death than the one who has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, "I am the Resurrection and the Life...."  I was listening to the book of Revelation the other day on a Bible program, the ESV audio; it has music playing in the background.  It seemed as though Jesus spoke to my heart and said that I need to listen to this audio of Revelation regularly, because, you see, "Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide 'til the day is done.  There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus: No, not one! No, not one!" 

As neither, "the day nor the hour," of our Lord Jesus' Second Appearing is known, we all need to be prepared for the day when we too will leave this life for our Eternal Home.  Do not allow the Enemy of our souls to take from you this great truth:  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Great God and savior Jesus Christ...." 

Father, in Jesus' Name, only You can keep me.  Thank You so much today for the, "wonderful Words of life."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

A Thought From Today's History-Section Reading

"....yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph's...."  (1 Chronicles 5:2)

A lot of more "professional" commentators may have another interpretation of our text.  Yes, David was a descendant of Judah, and was the first in Judah's line to become king of Israel.  Yet for me, there is the fragrance of King Jesus here.

If you are a regular reader of the Bible, you will know that Jacob's family did have some dysfunction.  In the normal order of things, the birthright should have been Reuben's, yet he proved to be, "unstable as water."  Furthermore, no one probably disputes the fact that Joseph was Jacob's "favorite."  So many times we read of a "breaking" with tradition or the established norm.  It seems as though the Living Triune God just wants to gently remind us as to just Who is in charge. 

When we read of the last moments of Jacob's life in Genesis 49 and read his prophecy concerning Judah, we see that the office of King and Lawgiver is Judah's descendant.  "Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise....The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people."

We are Followers of the King and Lawgiver, Jesus.  He reigns, rules, decrees, cares for, forgives, heals, delivers, sustains, and brings us to Glory, "....and to Him shall be the obedience of the people."

Father, in Jesus' Name, more and more as I read Your Words I just am amazed and overwhelmed.  Thank You for always bringing me to Them.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2