38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
[Mark 9:39-41]
I think one thing that has caused the society around us to ignore the church is our differences among ourselves! I teach a class on Sunday mornings called "Everything you wanted to ask about God, Christians, and the Bible; but were afraid too!" Each new group I have always come up with this question: How come there are so many denominations? This passage in St. Mark is where I start with our discussion. The key to understanding the Gospel is to understand first of all it is not from man. God has given it to us that we may spread it. He could have used angels to preach it, and will one day (Revelation 14:6), but for now it is up to us. Men have taken parts of the Bible and made their personal interpretations of what a particular portion of it says, thereby creating divisions among those who may not interpret it their way. Over a period of years these groups have come together as what we know today as denominations; not divisions. A true Christian denomination believes Jesus to be the only begotten Son of God that shed His blood on the Cross that we may be forgiven for sin, and that He was raised to life three days later, ascended back to Heaven, and is at this very moment seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and I. The Holy Spirit is now in the earth to replace His physical presence by way of His spiritual presence.
Lets listen to the words of our Lord when we think in terms of denominations: "For he who is not against us is on our side."
May all ya'll be blessed today in the Name of Jesus!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Shhhhh.
Last week my wife and I attended an awards ceremony in the local high school auditorium. Our daughter was receiving some awards for her work in middle school. As we sat waiting for the program to begin I could not help but notice how loud the kids were! It was just a rumble of sound! I could not understand anything any of them were saying but they were talking it up! When the principle came to the mike, all of them got quite without her ever having to say anything at all! From noisy rumble to almost pin drop silence! It was obvious they all respected the lady.
I begin to think about the Body of Christ: The Church. There are times we need to be noisy and rumble and yet when Jesus comes to the mike we need to give Him our full attention as well, without having to be told to do so! Many times we get busy talking among ourselves and expressing our opinions to the general public that we forget to look toward the stage and see if Jesus is up there! I think (personal opinion) that we (The Church) would be more effective in carrying out the great commission if we look to see if Jesus wants our attention more often than we do!
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2:29)
I begin to think about the Body of Christ: The Church. There are times we need to be noisy and rumble and yet when Jesus comes to the mike we need to give Him our full attention as well, without having to be told to do so! Many times we get busy talking among ourselves and expressing our opinions to the general public that we forget to look toward the stage and see if Jesus is up there! I think (personal opinion) that we (The Church) would be more effective in carrying out the great commission if we look to see if Jesus wants our attention more often than we do!
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2:29)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
God is not out to get you: But to have you!
And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:12)
I picked up a kid heading to the bus station yesterday evening. He was going to Lynchburg to start a job this morning. On the way he began to tell me about how his wife had left him and took their three month old daughter. He was heartbroken. He said, "I know I've not been the best I could have been, but I hope that God has not turned against me." I assured him that God was not against him, but for him. I told him about Job.
You may not be a Job today, just as this kid was not. Job had it all; to begin with. God made him stronger in his faith even though God referred to him as blameless and upright at the beginning! As I told the kid so say I unto you: God is not out to get you, but to HAVE you. As God allowed Satan to attack Job so that He (God) could be glorified, He may very well do the same to you and I. What an honor! To have God think of us in such a way! Under attack are you? Feel overwhelmed by the enemy or circumstances? Go to the Bible and read the account of Job. You will feel better!
Father God: Bless each of my fellow laborers today, I pray. Jesus, it is by the authority You have given me in Your name to ask this; Thank You!
Amen.
I picked up a kid heading to the bus station yesterday evening. He was going to Lynchburg to start a job this morning. On the way he began to tell me about how his wife had left him and took their three month old daughter. He was heartbroken. He said, "I know I've not been the best I could have been, but I hope that God has not turned against me." I assured him that God was not against him, but for him. I told him about Job.
You may not be a Job today, just as this kid was not. Job had it all; to begin with. God made him stronger in his faith even though God referred to him as blameless and upright at the beginning! As I told the kid so say I unto you: God is not out to get you, but to HAVE you. As God allowed Satan to attack Job so that He (God) could be glorified, He may very well do the same to you and I. What an honor! To have God think of us in such a way! Under attack are you? Feel overwhelmed by the enemy or circumstances? Go to the Bible and read the account of Job. You will feel better!
Father God: Bless each of my fellow laborers today, I pray. Jesus, it is by the authority You have given me in Your name to ask this; Thank You!
Amen.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
If only ______________ (You fill in the blank). Two words that when joined together followed by a resolution that we think would make our life better perhaps. If only I were rich. If only I were beautiful. If only I were healthy If only he would leave. If only she would stay. If only I had kids. If only I did not have kids. If only I were younger. If only I were older; if only, if only, if only! In the real world of day to day life, if only is a day dream away. What are we to do?
Jesus dealt with it. If only Judas would have believed Him instead of the Pharisees. If only John had not rebuked Herod he would have kept his head. If only Adam and Eve had not sinned He would not have to go to the Cross. We often think of the Cross in terms of redemption and that is the primary role it played, but just as important as the crucifixion, is the resurrection! Had Jesus not rose again then all His promises would be null but He did rise again! He is alive today! He is able to help us when we do not get our resolutions to our “If only.” If only people would believe that.
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:4)
Recognize your blessings today!
Jesus dealt with it. If only Judas would have believed Him instead of the Pharisees. If only John had not rebuked Herod he would have kept his head. If only Adam and Eve had not sinned He would not have to go to the Cross. We often think of the Cross in terms of redemption and that is the primary role it played, but just as important as the crucifixion, is the resurrection! Had Jesus not rose again then all His promises would be null but He did rise again! He is alive today! He is able to help us when we do not get our resolutions to our “If only.” If only people would believe that.
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:4)
Recognize your blessings today!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Encourage Others
I walked into my study after service Wednesday night to find a couple of envelops on my desk. They were decorated with foam stickers and drawings in crayon. I could not wait to open them and see what super message they held inside! I opened the first one to find a letter that had this Scripture printed on it in cute, little kid font: * Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out. She had signed it with her name and also with, “Pastor Mike we love you.” As my eyes sprung a leak while opening the other one I found the same Scripture with different pictures and colors. This one was also signed, “Thank you Pastor Mike for all you do.” Apparently their teacher had taught them about encouraging others. I am so thankful that they left these on my desk. It was perfect timing.
This has been a tough month for me. As many of you know life goes on even though it seems to stop for those in bereavement sometimes. I have been consoled and encouraged by many during these past few weeks as they expressed their love and sympathy for me. I live to encourage others as you already know by these messages I have been writing and sending since 1999. I love to see people encouraged and especially when they need it the most. Many times I have had people write and tell me how much these messages have touched them at just the right time. God knows what we need, how much we need, and when we need it. He also knows exactly the person we need it from too! To know these kids spent time decorating these letters with me in mind was overwhelming.
Take time to encourage someone today. Do it sincerely of course. Let them know they are appreciated. You may be the very person they need it from today. Find an inventive way to do it. Surprise them. Ask God to give you the words, the Scriptures, and the technique. It will bless their hearts.
Father; thank You for what You did for me by way of these kids. Bless them Lord. Thanks Jesus!
*Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Heb 10:23).
This has been a tough month for me. As many of you know life goes on even though it seems to stop for those in bereavement sometimes. I have been consoled and encouraged by many during these past few weeks as they expressed their love and sympathy for me. I live to encourage others as you already know by these messages I have been writing and sending since 1999. I love to see people encouraged and especially when they need it the most. Many times I have had people write and tell me how much these messages have touched them at just the right time. God knows what we need, how much we need, and when we need it. He also knows exactly the person we need it from too! To know these kids spent time decorating these letters with me in mind was overwhelming.
Take time to encourage someone today. Do it sincerely of course. Let them know they are appreciated. You may be the very person they need it from today. Find an inventive way to do it. Surprise them. Ask God to give you the words, the Scriptures, and the technique. It will bless their hearts.
Father; thank You for what You did for me by way of these kids. Bless them Lord. Thanks Jesus!
*Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Heb 10:23).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Old Saint Went Home
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.*
At 2:50 A.M. the phone rang: “Hello, is this Mr. Ingo, Glen’s son?” I answer; “Yes.” The person on the other end says; “This is (Sue), your dad’s nurse. I am sorry to have to tell you this but he passed away just moments ago.” I ask what happened and the nurse said apparently a heart attack. There it was; the phone call I had been dreading for the past three weeks. Although I knew it was a matter of time for him given all his chronic medical conditions I never expected it to happen this way. But then again, I guess we are never ready to hear such news. Often he would tell me how tired he was and how he yearned to go to heaven. Two weeks earlier he had told me that he felt God had forgotten him. That it had been so long since God put him on earth that He had forgot he was here! I assured him that God knew exactly where he was and would find him when he needed him.
I am going to miss him and mom until I can be there with them one day. As the choir sang and the preacher preached during his service, my mind was racing with many thoughts. Wonder who he is talking to right now? Wonder what Jesus is telling him? Wonder what he is seeing and hearing right now? Of course there was no way for me to know. One thought came to mind as the preacher was reading his chosen Scripture passages; Dad is seeing the Word while I sit here listening to it!
As much as I dreaded experiencing the feelings of grief that come with such a loss God somehow caused my heart to be in joyful serenity. As warm tears found their way out of my eyes and down my cheeks, my heart was warmed and comforted. A gift from the Holy Spirit! My body grieved while my soul rejoiced. I am still grieved somewhat by his passing but I take comfort in knowing that he is not grieving! This text message I sent to my best friend, whom I consider my adopted brother, later that morning sums it up for me; “The Old Saint has gone home.”
* The New King James Version. 1982 (Psalm 116:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
At 2:50 A.M. the phone rang: “Hello, is this Mr. Ingo, Glen’s son?” I answer; “Yes.” The person on the other end says; “This is (Sue), your dad’s nurse. I am sorry to have to tell you this but he passed away just moments ago.” I ask what happened and the nurse said apparently a heart attack. There it was; the phone call I had been dreading for the past three weeks. Although I knew it was a matter of time for him given all his chronic medical conditions I never expected it to happen this way. But then again, I guess we are never ready to hear such news. Often he would tell me how tired he was and how he yearned to go to heaven. Two weeks earlier he had told me that he felt God had forgotten him. That it had been so long since God put him on earth that He had forgot he was here! I assured him that God knew exactly where he was and would find him when he needed him.
I am going to miss him and mom until I can be there with them one day. As the choir sang and the preacher preached during his service, my mind was racing with many thoughts. Wonder who he is talking to right now? Wonder what Jesus is telling him? Wonder what he is seeing and hearing right now? Of course there was no way for me to know. One thought came to mind as the preacher was reading his chosen Scripture passages; Dad is seeing the Word while I sit here listening to it!
As much as I dreaded experiencing the feelings of grief that come with such a loss God somehow caused my heart to be in joyful serenity. As warm tears found their way out of my eyes and down my cheeks, my heart was warmed and comforted. A gift from the Holy Spirit! My body grieved while my soul rejoiced. I am still grieved somewhat by his passing but I take comfort in knowing that he is not grieving! This text message I sent to my best friend, whom I consider my adopted brother, later that morning sums it up for me; “The Old Saint has gone home.”
* The New King James Version. 1982 (Psalm 116:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sailing into 2010
Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. (The New King James Version. 1982 (Luke 8:22). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
All around the world last Thursday night there were thousands of people waiting and watching for the clock to reach midnight. It came as thousands cheered and welcomed in the next decade in the millennium. I on the other hand, entered the new decade in my sleep. My wife and Hannah saw the ball drop in New York but not me. I remember my wife kissing me goodnight and saying “Happy New Year.” Maybe at the end of this year I will stay awake; but I have to get there first.
The disciples climbed on board a fishing boat with Jesus not knowing what lie ahead. You and I know, and Jesus knew, what they were in for, but not them. Had they known there was a storm waiting on them would they have sailed? Perhaps only if they knew they would survive it. The storm they entered was so fierce they thought they were going to drown. I can imagine them saying to their grandkids, “We thought we were goners!” When they woke Jesus I believe they were going to tell Him to get ready to tread water. What happened next surprised them causing Him to ask, “Where is your faith?”
We have no way of knowing what 2010 holds for us but we have been launched into it just the same. Storms await us, no doubt, but Jesus will be there with us. As we enter this New Year and this new decade let us enter it with confidence in the assurance that Jesus is in the boat with us.
Father God, thank You for another year! I trust fully in You as I embark on this new journey in 2010. In Your Name Jesus; Thank you!
All around the world last Thursday night there were thousands of people waiting and watching for the clock to reach midnight. It came as thousands cheered and welcomed in the next decade in the millennium. I on the other hand, entered the new decade in my sleep. My wife and Hannah saw the ball drop in New York but not me. I remember my wife kissing me goodnight and saying “Happy New Year.” Maybe at the end of this year I will stay awake; but I have to get there first.
The disciples climbed on board a fishing boat with Jesus not knowing what lie ahead. You and I know, and Jesus knew, what they were in for, but not them. Had they known there was a storm waiting on them would they have sailed? Perhaps only if they knew they would survive it. The storm they entered was so fierce they thought they were going to drown. I can imagine them saying to their grandkids, “We thought we were goners!” When they woke Jesus I believe they were going to tell Him to get ready to tread water. What happened next surprised them causing Him to ask, “Where is your faith?”
We have no way of knowing what 2010 holds for us but we have been launched into it just the same. Storms await us, no doubt, but Jesus will be there with us. As we enter this New Year and this new decade let us enter it with confidence in the assurance that Jesus is in the boat with us.
Father God, thank You for another year! I trust fully in You as I embark on this new journey in 2010. In Your Name Jesus; Thank you!
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