Christ is the only liberator whose liberation lasts forever – Malcolm Muggeridge

There are different names for perhaps the most widely known prayer. Some call it “The Our Father,” some the “Lord’s Prayer,” and some (like me), prefer to call it the “Disciples’ Prayer.” The reason I prefer the Disciples’ Prayer is because Jesus responded to His disciples request to teach them to pray. Even though they were “religious” men with a background in a prayerful life, they knew Jesus’ prayer life was in a league all by itself. The time He spent, the methods He used, the places He prayed, and the power in His life was completely unique. His response to His following disciples was divinely powerful then, as it is this very moment.

The essential formula is found in John 8:28-32. If we honor and please His Father like He did, abide in His Word, then we will know the liberating truth (Him) and we will be His disciple indeed. The Disciples’ Prayer, therefore, provides a holy context and wholesome flow for us to incorporate into our personality and intimate conversation with God. To help us, let’s review together:

Our Father (Intimate relationship) which art in Heaven, (His special place) hallowed be thy Name (Reverence Him as Holy). Thy Kingdom come (Ultimate royalty). Thy will be done (Acknowledge His divine providence) in Earth and in Heaven (Reference His unlimited influence.). Give us this day our daily bread (Anticipate His faithful provision) and forgive us our debts (Ask for His grace & mercy), as we forgive others (Applaud His power in us to model His forgiveness). And lead us not into temptation (Reliance on His direction), but deliver us from evil (Trusting His power to liberate). For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory (In awe of His unmatched majesty), forever! (Alert to His eternal nature) – Amen! (That’s all folks!)

So family and friends, in the face of a world system that is becoming more aggressively contrary and upside down to the teachings of Christ, may we be encouraged to develop in our own walk with Him. Let’s be fully persuaded that being His true disciple may require a far greater seriousness of purpose on our part, but the ultimate personal reward is invaluable and forever beyond anything (apart from Him).

Matthew 6: 9-13; John 3:16

“The time has come,” he said. The Kingdom of God has come near.  Repent and believe the good news.”  Mark 1:15

1Timothy 4:8, it says, “physical exercise profits little but exercising spiritually profits now and forever.” So not discounting entirely what is going on around us in this physical world, let’s examine some other foundational Biblical headlines and see how the Gospel of the Kingdom of God exudes a supernatural hope into our troubled mix.

Basic to the real Christian view of life and beyond are these following dozen scriptural “good news” flashes. Let’s meditate upon these encouraging, constantly streaming, and unbreakable truths to help us expand our own sense of God’s nourishing influence in our lives—no matter what the fallen world or our own wandering, confused, or despairing mind tries to feed us!

1. Salvation of God (1Timothy 4:10).
2. Catalyst with faith and love to mold believers into disciples (1Thessalonians 1:3).
3. Inspiration to abound, not to abase (Romans 15:13).
4. Transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3).
5. Redemption of the body and the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25).
6. Resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6).
7. Promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7).
8. Enduring virtue (1Corinthians 4 & 5).
9. Eternal glory (Colossians 1:27).
10. Eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7).
11. Return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14).
12. Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1).

So let’s cheer up by looking up and tuning in to what the Ultimate Source and Author and Finisher of our faith says. The loving Father God we serve sent His Son to earth to shed His blood and to have His body broken as payment for our sin nature.  Please be reminded and grateful that He also has a wonderful plan for those who believe: to provide welfare and peace and to give us hope in our final outcome. (Jer 29:11)  That family and friends is the real breaking news we desperately need!

2 Tim 3:15-17; Phi 4:4-9

 Additional Resource: Fill Me With Hope – Classic Christian Writings 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Clearly, these are perilous and ambiguous times in which we live.  It is in such times of advancing godlessness and lawlessness that “easy” Christianity simply will not do. To live the counterfeit lifestyle while calling it the genuine article of living for Christ is to enhance or enable the downward slide of society. The wisest move to make is to turn to the true standard and live it out with a newfound gusto. God’s way is the only purely magnetic and flawless solution. There is no one but Almighty God (Lord & Commander) who could issue the absolute (not obsolete) commandments in stone.  He is the only One who could promise prophetically to write them on the Spiritual tablets of our heart (Jer 31:33).  He stands alone to personally die in our place to pay for our sins and fulfill His promise to redeem us.  Amazingly, by faith in Him, His grace makes us righteous and re-energized to live as over-comers during this crazy time and in this fallen world.

Living a Christian life is anything but easy.  If you are like me and find yourself drifting from the faith because of any number of disturbing winds: anger, arrogance, lust, pride, or pure selfishness. then we’re in this battle together.  So, during this political, racial, and divisive unrest, how do we remain secure in the challenging journey of a fulfilling life?  The same prompt always stirs inside me that I sincerely hope will come across as an empowering wake-up call for us in today’s message.

Let’s take an honest look at our calendar and checkbook to assess if some lesser “thing” or The Lord is first in our life. The Biblical God, Commander and Savior also named Jesus said the following: “Where your treasure is there will be your heart be also (Matt 6:21). You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14). This is love, that we walk after His commandments (2John 2:6). This new commandment I give you that you are to love others like I have loved you (John 13:34).”

Family and friends, when we read and hear the Spiritual life-giving words of the true God or Lord and Commander Jesus Christ, everything relational about us in Him must uncompromisingly move, adjust, and reconfigure in obedience to His unchanging and perfect standard or command.  It’s not a matter of how badly we’ve drifted – it’s a matter of how God can pull us back in by His grace, straighten us out, and empower us to do better.  He is also best at helping us to do that, so sharing in prayer…

Dear Father in Heaven,

In the midst of these threatening and perilous times, please let us live, move and be in the divine reality of You being our Lord, Holy Commander, and Shepherd.  May we surrender our lives, not to retreat, but to prosper in our entire being.  Your genius is perfectly authoritative and whole.  No one is before You, behind You, below You, or above You.  It’s not by our might or power but by Your Holy Spirit that works in us both to will and to do Your good pleasure. You promised to write Your commandments upon our hearts. As we hold You near, we receive Your standard promise right now.  We pray and receive this amazing blessing, in the name of Jesus and in the ultimate Word of His power.  Amen!

2 Pet 1:3; Phil 4:13; Josh 1:9; Is 40:3; Heb 12:1-2; Jer 29:11-14

When we appear before the Lord upon our final day, the testimony of our life in Christ will speak for itself. – Temple Ministry

Most of us have seen movies or have actually participated in a court proceeding or trial where testimony was given. In a legal context, a testimony is a highly serious or solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter. Witnesses range from ordinary folks to experts with degrees and titles miles long. To settle a situation justly and to make things right, the more honest or real the testimony, the more likely true judgment will be rendered by a jury or judge.

In today’s message, may we focus on the most critical testimony that each of us must be prepared to deliver; the one of our heart, under the ultimate subpoena power of Almighty God. From a Christian perspective, a personal testimony shares with others what Christ has done and what He is doing in our lives. In other words, that we have been made partakers of the Divine nature (2 Cor 5:17) – old things are passed away – all things have become new.

In Revelation 12:11, (as a paraphrase) it says we are overcomers of evil because of Christ’s unconditional loving sacrifice for our sins at the Cross, by the word of our testimony, and our willingness to sincerely submit our lives to His purpose. In this scriptural or divine context, a testimony is influenced by a renewed fundamental belief, inner personal transformation, and the divine power to redirect our actions. A personal testimony is an integral part of our life of faith. The development of a robust faith requires continual confession or profession of what the Lord has done, what He is doing, and the hope we have in our future in Him.

One of the beauties of a good testimony is that it’s never necessary for us to force feed someone else. The Bible says it’s not by might or power but by my Spirit, says the Lord. (Zech 4:6). Therefore, if we are led by God’s Spirit, group meetings, family gatherings, meal times, church functions, neighbors, roommates and casual encounters give us abundant opportunities to effectively testify the truth and God’s way in us to others. Being obedient to God (Matt 28: 19-20), strengthening our faith, encouraging and helping others, and bringing glory to God by taking an open and public stand (Acts 5:29), and the opportunity to defeat Satan (Rev 12:11) provides the why we should all be ready, willing, and able to testify.

So family and friends, we can relax knowing a personal testimony is not a novel or a detailed book that will exhaust someone’s attention span. The meat of an effective testimony is short and sweet (no more than 5 minutes). If you already have a personal testimony ready to share….great!! If not, perhaps this template may help:

1. Tell of one area in your life where God is helping you to grow. 2. Give one Bible verse that has fed your attitude and confidence in this area of your life. If you know it by heart, quote it. If not, read it from your Bible. 3. Explain in a practical way how this verse relates to the area of your life God is leading and helping you to grow. 4. Give a specific example over the past few days to illustrate how you implemented this verse and be sure of this….. God gets the credit. That folks is what testifying is all about!

Rev 19:10; 2 Tim 1:8; 1 John 5:10; Matt 24:14; Deut 19:15; 1 Cor 1:5-6

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 1 Cor 11:26

If we count ourselves a follower, believer, and/or disciple of Jesus Christ, then we most likely have observed and participated in “communion services”. In today’s message, may we take a fresh look at the Christian practice of communion. Without getting into a deep theological discussion or argument, we’re inspired to venture beyond the dictionary definitions of communion as simply “a sharing” or “part of a church service”. Meditating on God’s primary reasons for having communion gives us all an opportunity to grow in a special way.

The night before he was crucified, Jesus initiated the sacrament or celebration which is also known as Holy Communion, The Communion Service, Eucharist (the Greek word which means “to give thanks”), The Lord’s Table or Supper. During a traditional and special Passover meal, as the one and only head of the living church, Jesus introduced new meaning. He used two common foods of the day as objects in a ritual to remember Him; one that predictably has lasted to this day.

He took bread and broke it (representing His beaten and bruised body so we could be healed). He also took the cup (fruit of the vine representing His blood) so that we could be saved from the penalty of sin. The 22nd chapter of Luke verses 7-23 is a good place to see references to this divinely symbolic process.

Please consider the profound opportunity when we discern the Lord’s deep-seeded design to remember Him. Apostle Paul’s words of revelation verify the communion purpose of Christ in 1 Cor verses 23-34. The opportunity to worship God, to remember Jesus’ death for us, to anticipate His return, to assess our inner self and confess our personal sins, and to help restore our relationships with others strategically accompanies this amazing observance.

Communion is Jesus’ profound gift and blessing for each of us to reflect on what He did, what He is presently doing within us, and what He promises He’ll do as our ultimate hope. Venturing beyond the simple dictionary meaning, communion snuggles more closely to Perry Stone’s definition in the title of his book, The Meal That Heals.

Family and friends, may this short note bring an authoritative balance to our attitude in how we participate in future “communion services.” Communion with God is no joke, frill, or surface activity. It is the opportunity to be most intimate with the God of Creation on a daily basis, and for us to flow into His presence as our Healer and Savior.

Acts 2:42; John 6:53-58; Matt 26:26-28

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

“As alien and archaic as the idea may seem, the task of the church is not to make men and women happy; it is to make them holy.” Chuck Colson

How many of us at one time or another thought that going to church referred to just a building? Or what about the incomplete defining of a church as a “religious service” or denomination or religious organization that unites in a legal or administrative way? May we suggest a more accurate definition today accompanied by Biblical insight that may help us focus more carefully in what we mean when we say the word….”church”.

A church is a gathering of individuals, assembly, or congregation who share common beliefs and meet on a regular basis. From a Biblical standpoint, the church would specifically refer to all the Christians of the world; (meeting in various local places) who clearly picture Jesus Christ as the head of the entire body of believers ( Col 1:18; Eph 1:22-23), see Him as the foundation of their Spiritual building (1 Cor 3:11; 1 Pet 2:6-8), and the One who is the loving husband of His bride (Eph 5:25-32). In Hebrews 10:25, Christians are counseled to assemble together and to encourage one another, especially as we draw near to end times and Christ’s return.

Faithfully attending a Biblically-based church helps people mature spiritually and influences them to share their joy in the Lord with others in an outreaching or evangelistic way. Fellowship, praying and worshipping the same God, reading God’s Word from the Bible, praying for each other’s needs, and growing through experience and the counsel of more mature Christians sets the stage for action—the opportunity to fully benefit from going to “church” and generating the desire to share the gospel message or good news as part of a genuine lifestyle.

The most blessed consciousness is knowing, receiving, and living with God actually occupying our heart as an individual temple of His Holy Spirit (1Cor 6;19). Within that Biblical framework, wherever we go, (physical building aside) so goes the assembly of God or His Spiritual Church. There is no place where God can be prohibited; after all He created and owns everything. Therefore, even the White House, the beach, Kmart, Staples, or the library could qualify as a “church” when an activated saint of God arrived. In this truth, light shines on mans’ best attempt to implement the idea of separation of church and state as simply a figment of our imagination.

We pray these simple observations or insights help you today. May you attend a real Biblically-based work-in-progress-church; not a perfect place but one more like a Spiritual hospital, school, social agency, construction company, family, business network and cheering squad. In that reality, with Christ or God as its divine and Ultimate Pastor, the Healer, the Teacher, the Community Organizer, the Builder, the Father, the Greatest Entrepreneur and Encourager will not only greet you at the door, He’ll already be inside you when you get there!

1Peter 2:4-5; Eph 2:19-22;1Cor 14:26; Rom 12:4-5

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. He will not be moved forever; the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps 112:5-6

It’s not every day that I get a message that fills me to the point of needing to share its overflow. First, a little background: I met Pastor Art Warner many years ago at a Full Gospel Luncheon Meeting. Our first connection was enough. Charismatic, charming, handsome, alive and humble would be some words to describe my first impression of this man. What I never forgot was the truth in his smiling claim to be — a “People Millionaire”.

A couple of days ago, my Pastor friend called me, and in the face and in spite of some physical issues he’s dealing with at 94 years old, we had a wonderful conversation. He’s shopping, witnessing, having lunch dates, and loving and being loved by his family that surrounds him; in other words – still People Millionairing.

Here’s the part where Pastor Art described his life in a metaphor only he could conceive. He told me his life was like that of a dandelion. He alluded to the many golden years where he was in full bloom, firmly rooted and grounded, and capable of bouncing back, even if someone stepped on him. Now at 94, he humbly describes himself as just an old dandelion, flowing with the wind. As a matter of fact, see the photo that someone had given him as a gift of an encapsulated dandelion.

Pastor Art has been a blessing in my life and I consider myself one of the numerous seeds you see in his dandelion trophy. There are many more who fall within his People Millionaire category.

This association may be a stretch, but I believe it fits in Pastor Art Warner’s case. Among the many names Jesus was called, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah comes readily to mind; Surely, the Dandiest Lion of the Tribe of Judah. My friend, mentor, and devout follower of Christ, Pastor Art Warner, may be content with calling himself an old dandelion flowing with the wind. Those of us in his People Millionaire camp, however, would call him Jesus’ Dandy Lion as well!!

Gen 49:8-10; Rev 5:5; Psalm 149:4; 1Peter 2:16; Isaiah 43:4

“He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:6

Easter is a defining time for all, whether we believe in its significance or not. It shines a bright light on the profound questions of our existence: Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we so often in struggle? Is there anything we can do about it? As people, we have never been shy or silent with our theoretical or philosophical answers to these questions.

Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad rose to great heights as men of faith. Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates rose to great heights as philosophers. Darwin, Sagan, and Einstein rose to great heights as scientists. As impressive as they became, none could rival the awesome stature of Jesus Christ-the one who rose from the dead to transcend death, the grave, and evil. It was Jesus who came to earth to testify to the truth (John 18:37). In fact, His claim went so far as to say that He was the Truth, and what He said was truth (John 14:6; 8:32). Many may question this assertion as well as the authenticity of His resurrection. However, Jesus definitively answered some questions on their behalf.

Who are we? We are beings created in God’s image and likeness. Where do we come from? We are manifested from the mind and heart of Almighty God. Why are we so often in struggle? We are separated from God in nature. What can we do about it? We can accept God’s free gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, as our redeemer. He came to earth because he so loved us that he was willing to die as punishment for our sin. If you find yourself hopeless, helpless, or even heartless, the living Spirit of Jesus Christ is available to you.

As true believers, we look beyond eggs, bunnies, and baskets and joyfully say Happy Resurrection Sunday…because He is risen! 

1 Pet 1:3; 1 Thes 4:14; Rom 8:11; John 11: 25-26; John 6:40; Ps 32:11

When Jesus spoke again to the people He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

One of the more pleasant memories I have is when an idea came to me that would help our Fairhaven High School alumni raise money toward our beautiful high school’s restoration. That was over forty years ago and we called it “Light-A-Light”.

Here’s the basic idea: A large Christmas Tree was generously donated and placed in front of the High School. We ran a fund-raising campaign where people could pledge $5.00 per light to be lit on the evergreen tree. It was roundly accepted as a unique and valuable way to generate funds in our restoration effort. Most amazingly, with minor modifications, the Light-A-Light effort continues successfully and enthusiastically in raising money to this day, thanks to the faithful effort of dedicated alumni volunteers.

At this time in my life, I’m more impressed with a desire for another type of Light-A-Light campaign; this one has been ongoing with far more of an eternal consequence. It transcends a local building, human finances, and a temporal evergreen tree. This effort is about restoring living souls, understanding Godly value, and illuminating our Creator’s Tree of Life Spirit. For a number of years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering at the Salvation Army facility in New Bedford, a Christian ministry with a world-wide influence for over 159 years. The scripture that leaps out from my experience at this local branch is found in Isaiah 58:10. “And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday.”

As we observe our world darkening around us, let’s keep faith that any looming desert will soon give way to the Promise Land and the only Lighter of Light that matters. There’s nothing more promising and restorative than to hear God’s voice once again say to each of our hearts – “Let there be light!”

John 9:5; Matt 4:16; Micah 7:8; Psalm 18:28; Psalm 119:105; Matt 5:16; John 1:5

**** The High School/Tree photo was taken by my late dear friend and legendary photographer, Jack Iddon.

“The true power of positive thinking comes from filling your mind with things God approves.” (Phil 4:8) – God’s Best for Your Success

Within an ordinary business setting, a manager plays a different role than the owner. The owner has the right to sell or divest of the business and has ultimate responsibility and accountability; after all, it belongs to him or her! A manager, on the other hand, is hired to oversee the assets and place of employment of the owner during work hours and as long as the business remains viable.

May we take a look in today’s message at the opportunity that God has given each of us to be a personal “manager” in His enterprise called life. As a prerequisite, may we acknowledge God Almighty as not only the owner of everything, including the air we breath, but the eternal Spiritual policy and procedural provider who guides us in managing ourselves as well as the privilege of helping us to direct others.

It’s been said that having or owning something is the easy part. Maintaining or managing what we have or own is when the challenge comes. Please consider the supernatural heart-felt managing spirit in these following Bible verses: In Isaiah 1:19, it says, that if we are willing and obedient, then we shall eat the good of the land. In Philippians 4:13, it says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In Romans 8:28, it says “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. In Nehemiah 8:10, it says the joy of the Lord is our strength, and in 1 Cor 10:31 it says whatever we do, we are to do unto the glory of God.

As our Creator and Owner, God blesses (rewards or graces) us with assets known as time, money, energy, talents, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, family and relationships, and the opportunity to work. Our job is to honor God as our personal owner or leader, operate in His love, grow in a balanced way, give in a generous way, delegate and encourage others to take on responsibility, and remain faithful and obedient to Him.

Managing for God is primarily a heart or attitude issue. So, if we have held a management position in the world system or not, we can qualify because God’s basic resume requirement for all of us is simple, yet profoundly unique. It is not about our ability, but our availability that matters. If we trust Him with all our heart and lean not on our understanding, and in all our ways acknowledge Him, scripture says, He will direct our paths. Prov 3:5&6.

Our former pastor used to say, “Remember, wherever you go, whatever you do, you represent the Lord Jesus Christ.” So family and friends, why not go about Your Father’s Business this week and beyond as one of His gifted managers; responsible, accountable, and fruit-bearing, in Him!

Prov 20:23; Matt 6:33; Heb 13:5; Eph 2:10

** Credit to Christian Practices by David Batty, Teen Challenge International