Ramblings on "taking God's love out of the four walls"

These are totally random and have no real order. They're just a bunch of thoughts and you must determine their value. You must allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply them to your life.

Why be light in dark places? Why get dirty? ...because He shined so I could see his love; He got dirty so I could be cleansed. For those reasons I love him, I want shine in the darkness and get "dirty". I want others to see his love and receive his cleansing and forgiveness.

How can I get dirty?  (Getting dirty has reference to previous thoughts shared and internet conversations with a few college students. Jesus, perfect and holy God, came and lived in the world, among the dirt and the dirty. We should do likewise. This is the reason for the question, "how can I get dirty?" Philippians 2:5-8)

1. Pray - Jesus spent hours in intimate relation with Father God. John 8:38 "I am telling you the things I have seen while with the Father; as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!" NET (New English Translation)
2. Go where the Father says go and do what the Father says do - Jesus did only what He saw the Father do. John 5:19 "So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." NET
3. Shine at all times - where ever Jesus went people saw the light.
4. Speak God's truth and demonstrate God's love where ever you go - Jesus ministered to Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the tax collectors, the prostitute and the rich young ruler there was no condemnation, just forgiveness and the charge to change.
5. Jesus the Christ and his life, death and resurrection are the good news, nothing else (1 Cor. 15:1-9). Never allow theology and being right or wrong to be the center and focus. I'm not saying correct theology isn't important, but Jesus' sacrificial love for us is the focus.
6. Share the love of God; shine the light of Jesus; show (demonstrate) the power of the Holy Spirit.
7. Do all for the glory and honor of the Father.

We can never merit God's love, but we can show him our sincere love and genuine appreciation by obeying him, sharing the good news and making disciples of all nations.

Faith without corresponding action is dead.

I came to you in the power of the Holy Spirit, not with fancy, convincing words.

Some of the darkest, dirtiest places in the world are clean, well lit offices.

Getting dirty is...

• being generous,
• not letting the right hand know what the left is doing (what you do, do it for God's glory, not for personal recognition, gratification or merit),
• caring for a friend,
• helping the helpless,
• encouraging the hopeless.

Getting dirty is being Jesus where ever you are.

Lazarus: a dead man walking

At four-thirty the curly headed drunk I call Lazarus wouldn't let me open the door at church, so I went to the store and bought us each a can of juice and a piece of bread.

As I opened the plastic bag to share the prize he mumbled, "when you left I thought you were mad at me."

I was a bit upset, but I let it go.

We sat in the van and ate and drank together. He continuously slurred incoherent words while he ate his breakfast, lunch and maybe supper for the day and I understood that he was thankful. As I said my good-byes his semi-toothless smile and dirty smelly hug let me know the twenty minutes it took and the two dollars I spent, instead of shaking him off him by dropping twenty-five cents for a fictitious tortilla, was worth it. Jesus was there.

I went inside to set up for class.

Maybe your Lazarus isn't a drunk; maybe he isn't dirty and smelly; but there is somebody in your life, today, that needs to be touched with the love, grace and patience of God.

Be ready.

The star

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 ESV

The Star lead the wise men from a far a way place to the house where Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus were living. It was their faithful guide.
Jesus, the bright morning star, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Following Him and His direction, we will always make the right decisions and find the correct way.

The key? Keep the Star in the top place in your life, the first priority, the deciding factor, the ultimate guide. You’ll never go wrong.

“Bright and Morning Star, shine on me. Illuminate my life with your understanding and wisdom. Guide me into your truth for living. I will follow you where ever you lead.”

Other verses: 1 John 1:5; 1 John 2:8; Revelations 22:16; John 1:9; John 8:12; Psalm 119:105

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Jesus: the best present ever

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 ESV

The most dynamic aspect of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. Watching a small child giggle and smile as she gives gifts to others and rejoice as she opens hers will touch the heart of any parent. Giving is the essence of Christmas.

The primary reason for Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus. Through Jesus and God’s abundant grace to us, we receive the gift of righteousness and eternal life. Jesus’ life and sacrifice was the first gift ever given; generosity began with Father God. Eternal life was the best gift ever given.

“Father God, thank you for the gift of righteousness and eternal life. I want to share it with others.”

Other verses: Romans 6:23; John 3:16

Advent 31 – The Star
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Wise Men

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2:10-11 ESV

Context: Matthew 2:1-12

To the poor and despised shepherds and the rich and intellectual wise men, God’s message was the same, a King is born and a Savior has come. Worship him, Christ the Lord.

Our life, our possessions and our worship are costly gifts; let us place them at Jesus’ feet like the wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before Him. The great cost of time, money and effort is minimal in comparison to His gift of grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Let’s worship Jesus as King and Lord.

“My Savior and King, I worship you and place my life, my possessions, and my desires at your feet to be used in your service in the manner you desire.”

Advent 30 – Jesus; The Best Present
Advent 1 - In the Beginning