Walking With Jesus

What Is Fellowship?

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NLT)

The term “fellowship”is used frequently among believers in Jesus, but I’m afraid we have largely lost sight of its meaning. We say things like: “Let’s meet up at a restaurant and have some fellowship.” Or “Let’s get together at my house on Monday, watch the game, and have some fellowship.” It’s not that those kinds of usage are wrong, they’re just not what the New Testament use of them typically meant.

We see a clearer picture in I Corinthians 1:9 where Paul writes: “God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” In this verse, the same word that was translated “fellowship” in Acts 2:42, is translated “partnership.” What’s the difference?

Yes, of course, as God’s children we’re invited into friendship, that is often enhanced and can grow by spending time together eating and watching sports events, or in many other ways. However, in Scripture we see a more specific understanding of the term, centered around the partnering of those who know and love Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, in the carrying out of His specific mission and purpose for us.

John was Jesus’ closest earthly friend when He was carrying out His ministry. This is the John to whom Jesus, from the Cross, entrusted the care of His mother (see John 19:27). John wrote in 1 John 1:3: “We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” When you see “fellowship,” think “partnership.”

We’re not simply invited to hang out with Jesus, which He loves, but to follow in His steps as He sacrificially laid down His life to free us from our sin and to experience life to the max as He lives in us in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

Fellowship/partnership with the Holy Spirit involves digging into Scripture together, learning what it means to be in partnership with Jesus in carrying the message of the Cross to everyone we possibly can, through whatever means we possibly can, for as long as we possibly can. It means spending time in prayer, not just “saying prayers,” but agonizing with God, seeking Him above every earthly trinket, seeking Him moment by moment as the Treasure He truly is to those who have placed their trust in Him.

For someone who truly knows and loves Jesus, our lives cannot be “business as usual.” True “fellowship” with God and with each other as believers, must include learning how to make Him known everywhere He leads us, every day until He returns or calls us home.

Jesus said in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore (or on the basis of all that I’ve accomplished through My life, death, resurrection, and soon ascension), go and make disciples of all the nations…” The word “disciples” here means to instruct those who are coming to Christ “to follow His precepts and instructions.” That takes time, serious commitment, and prayer that becomes our lifeline to the heart of God.

The equipping of the Spirit must be continuous and can be strenuous and painful, but nothing on earth is more rewarding. Being a disciple of Jesus isn’t something we learn in a classroom, check it off, and go back to living any way we choose. When we become a Christ follower, we’re essentially giving ourselves up for His sacred and holy purpose. Paul reminds us that we are not our own, “for God bought you with a high price.”

The privilege of fellowship with God and with one another as believers, isn’t to be taken lightly, but is a commitment we make to God and to each other to let His Spirit train, equip, and use us in any way He sees fit, through life and through death.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Whatever Became of Common Sense?

“The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” (Proverbs 10:21 NLT)

It seems to me that common sense isn’t very common these days. My sense is that even some who read this post may not even understand what it is. So, let me first give a workable definition, then look at some evidence that it’s not as common today.

Solomon, arguably the wisest man who ever lived, said: “The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:16 NLT) “Common sense,” as used in this verse means: “to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand.” (Strong’s) Common sense essentially means to be “capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters; cautious or discreet in conduct; circumspect, not rash; managing carefully and with economy.” (Webster) “Common” means to share by all or by many, and “sense” has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it’s used.

Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to hear references to “common knowledge” or “common courtesy,” or even “common belief,” and other things that were held in common, but today it’s rare to hear anything but someone demanding to have their point of view, not only heard, but adhered to.

“Coming Soon” “Used by permission, © Ray Majoran, GlimpseOfInfinity.com”

Jesus had common sense. He understood His environment like no other man did then or could today. He was thoughtful, kind, generous, merciful, yet fully aware of where His words and His sinless life were leading Him. Few today understand those things. Jesus was and is the Sovereign King of Creation, but He lived as a carpenter and friend to those who had little or no standing in their community. He wasn’t looking to make a name for Himself. He wasn’t “upwardly mobile,” in the sense that He wanted to build wealth or material riches on this earth.

His efforts were focused on heaven and His goal was to begin a God-movement that would literally change the way people viewed the world and each other. How do you view yourself? The world? Others? What we really believe is evidenced in the way we live our life.

When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, the divide among people groups wasn’t as wide as it is now. There were the very poor and the very rich, but most people, at least in the U.S., were in the middle. They were paying their bills, loving their kids, going to church, staying married, and being considerate of other people, their opinions, and their property. They shared common goals, common values, and, for the most part, common religious beliefs.

Common sense said: “If you marry, you didn’t divorce.” “If you hurt someone, you made amends.” “If you made a debt, you paid it back.” “Whatever kind of work you did, you made the effort to do and be the best you could do and be.” “Promotions were based on merit and your word was your bond.” “Church and family were important, and God’s Word was revered.” Those values were held in common by the majority of citizens in America. A lot has changed.

Today, truth is relative, and people are encouraged to “look inside themselves” to find meaning, purpose, hope, and fulfillment. Divorce rates are soaring, along with suicides, crime, trust, and many other Biblical values that once guided and guarded this great land. Am I bemoaning the fact things have changed so dramatically? No, not at all. Those days are passed and gone, as Biblical prophecy says they must.

What happened to common sense and all of mankind, is the result of sin, selfishness, and satanic influence. Things aren’t going to get better on earth, only worse. But I’m not longing for what was, I’m longing for what one day soon will be – the return of my Sovereign King who is, once and for all, going to do away with sin, selfishness, and satanic influence. Jesus is my never-changing Hope of a new tomorrow that will be better than anything I could provide for myself or anything this world could ever provide.

Please don’t lose your soul seeking something you’ll never find on this earth. Open your mind and heart to Jesus. Seek His forgiveness and find in Him more than you ever imagined possible, in terms of the good He’ll bring to your life. Please click on the link and watch a 3 minute message by Ron Hutchcraft, who will help you better understand your need of Jesus and what it means to know and love Him. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

Blessings, Ed 😊

The Splendor of His Coming

“And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64NLT)

How often do you think about Jesus’ second coming? And when you do, how do you view it? Does it frighten you? Encourage you? Have no bearing on your emotions at all? Obviously, the range of emotion can be from great enthusiasm to yawning non-concern, but one day sooner than any of us can imagine, life on this planet will cease and eternity will begin.

Perhaps you or someone you know thinks, “I don’t believe in all of that heaven and hell business, so whether Jesus returns or not has no bearing on me.” Actually, what someone believes or doesn’t believe about Jesus’ coming doesn’t change the fact that it’s true and everyone who has ever lived, is living, or ever will live is going to be affected very dramatically.

How can I be so sure? Because the Bible is very clear about what will transpire in history to set the stage for Jesus’ return, and every prophetic description has or soon will be fulfilled. No one knows the day or hour, only God the Father (see Matthew 24:36), but based on the Bible’s historic accuracy I have absolute certainty that Jesus is coming back for His Bride, the Church. The only issue then becomes, will we/you be ready.

Jesus said: “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things (see Matthew 24), you can know His return is very near, right at the door.” (Matthew 32-33 NLT)

In previous posts I’ve written about heaven and hell, but the focus of my thoughts today center on Jesus and our life in Him. Jesus died to give every person an opportunity to know, love, and spend eternity with Him. To miss Jesus is to miss everything. To reject Jesus is to choose hell. But, the ones on my “radar” aren’t just those who have given themselves over to wickedness and evil; who won’t listen to reason or even entertain the thought of placing their faith in something or Someone they can’t see, hear, touch, taste, or smell.

Who I’m also praying will seek God and long for His soon return are those who have been beaten and battered by the storms of life; those who have no fight left but have resigned themselves to accept whatever life or fate has for them. They may have only heard Jesus’ name in an irreverent way, but if only someone could show them a “picture” of Him through a kindness or thoughtful word or gesture.

Will you covenant with me to pray for lost people? Beginning today, and praying every day until He comes for you or all of us, whichever comes first. See the people God places in front of you each day. Take the time to study their faces and see them as someone for whom Jesus died.

There’s a verse in 2 Thessalonians (2:8) which speaks of the “Splendor of His coming.” The Greek word translated “Splendor” is the word from which comes our English word “Epiphany.” It means “brilliance” or “brightness” and can refer to “a moment of sudden intuitive understanding; flash of insight.” (Webster’s Dictionary) I’m praying that my neighbors, friends, relatives, anyone who needs Jesus would receive an insight or “sudden intuitive understanding,” whatever it takes to open their mind and heart to Jesus before it’s eternally too late.

Jesus’ presence, when He returns, will be brighter than the noonday sun. The sight of Him will drive us to our knees in reverent submission to His authority and Holiness. Even those who have seen no need to understand their need of Him in this life, will recognize their need in that moment, but for them, it will be too late. That breaks my heart, and God’s heart. We must implore everyone we possibly can now, while there’s still time, to yield their life and allegiance to Jesus.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Prove It!

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Matthew 3:8 NLT)

Perhaps you’ve heard the old adage: “The proof is in the pudding.” What does that mean? It means if you’re going to brag about your pudding, it’d better taste good. The same is true of our lives as children of God. If we’re going to have confidence in our walk with God, we should daily seek God’s approval of the way we’re living.

In Matthew 9 Jesus heals a paralyzed man, but before he heals him, Jesus forgives him of his sins. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day rightly believed it was blasphemous for anyone but God to forgive sins, but they wrongly accused Jesus of blasphemy, because they misunderstood who He was. So, Jesus said to them: “So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” And He gave as proof the power He displayed in healing this man’s paralysis.

What will it take to prove Jesus’ authority in your life? What proof do you need, that you don’t already have, to convince you once and for all time that Jesus is God in human form? That He came to earth to demonstrate through His life how we should walk as God’s children, and to forever pay the debt for sin on our behalf.

Many today hide behind excuses, claiming: “If God is real why doesn’t He show Himself? Why doesn’t He prove to me He’s alive, and that He loves me.” Often, we ignore God when things are going well, then doubt His presence when something negative happens in our lives.

In Matthew 16:1 the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were the Jewish elite, in terms of their religious knowledge and zeal, came to Jesus asking Him to prove His authority. Jesus responded: “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.”

God spoke clearly to Jonah the Prophet. He wanted him to go to Nineveh, a very wicked city, and tell them to repent. But rather than obey God, Jonah got on a boat heading in the opposite direction. God caused a great storm that threatened to sink the boat Jonah was on, but rather than risk the lives of the men who had shown him kindness, Jonah tells them to throw him overboard, which they did, and they will be saved, which they were.

Why would Jonah tell them to do that? Did he want to die? No! He had full confidence God would rescue him. So, what did God do? He sent a large fish to swallow Jonah and deliver him to the Ninevites. Was Jonah running because He didn’t believe in God? Quite to the contrary, he was running because he despised the Ninevites and knew God would use his message to turn them back to God. As later proved to be true.

The picture of Jonah is a “type” or “shadow” of Jesus in the “belly” of the earth for three days after His crucifixion. Jonah’s story is a picture of a lot of us today who run from God, not because we need proof of His existence, but because we’re afraid of what He’ll do with us if we yield our will to His. I’m convinced many, if not most, “nonbelievers” in Jesus don’t need proof of His existence, they desire assurance that He’s good. That He can be trusted. Or, in many cases, they just don’t want to give up their sin.

Yes, of course, on this earth across the years, up to this day, evil and wickedness are actively destroying lives and ruining families. It’s discouraging and disheartening. And, no, I don’t have a complete understanding as to why God allows it. I know it’s a result of sin and the determination of evil people to carry out the desires of their depraved hearts and minds. But I also know one day soon God will bring life on this planet to a halt and will hold all mankind accountable for their sin. Will you choose to die in your sins out of anger at God? Or because you love your sin too much?

Jesus has given us ample proof through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. You have more proof than you could ever need. Let the Spirit of God open the eyes of your heart. Confess your need and come home to Him today.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Making Room for Jesus

“He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’” (Luke 12:17 NLT)

As Americans, we tend to live very crowded lives. Down time is rare, but when it happens, it’s often difficult to decide what to cram into the void. It’s as though we’re geared to be active every waking moment, but that was never God’s design for us.

Bob Goff wrote: “Later in his life, I bet the Innkeeper wished he’d made more room than he thought he had for Jesus. Me too.”

You’ve likely heard the expression used by many retirees: “I don’t know how I ever found time to work!” That’s the way I felt when I was first retired, but in recent months the Lord has taught me how to slow down and focus on what’s important.

In Luke 12 Jesus tells a story about a rich man who owned a farm that was very productive, but rather than seeing that as an opportunity to share his good fortune with others, his decision was to build larger barns so he could hoard it all himself. But God said to him: “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” (Luke 12:20 NLT)

“Abundance” “Used by permission, © Ray Majoran, GlimpseOfInfinity.com”

Jesus concluded the story by saying: “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:21 NLT) What can we learn from Jesus’ story?

Jesus is not saying that to have earthly wealth is wrong. People on Welfare in America are richer than 99% of the world’s population. There was a time in my life when I wanted to be rich. I wrongly believed if I had more than enough money it would give me status and recognition. I had to become penniless before I realized how “rich” I already was.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” By God’s grace I have finally learned the truth of that verse. What I’ve discovered is, He gives more than I need, or so I thought. The excess is what He gives me to give away to those to whom He directs.

The more time I spend with the Lord, as I speak with Him while walking my dogs; as I spend time reading and studying His Word, the Bible; as I make corporate worship and serving at my local church a priority; as I make sharing His love and life with others a habit; and as I learn to rest when I’m weary, He has taught me how to listen more attentively to His Spirit who resides in me.

Making room for Jesus requires discipline in every area of our lives: our personal life, our family life, our relationships in and outside the family of God, how we use money, invest our time, love, and serve others. The more we allow our lives to be filled with Jesus, the less we must fret because of worry, fear, and uncertainties of the future.

Having a rich relationship with God is not just a destination, something that we hope happens when we die, it’s designed to be a present reality that guides us in every dimension of our life. Making room for Jesus enables us to have balance that brings fulfillment, peace, joy, satisfaction, and time to build relationships with neighbors and others the Lord puts in our path from day to day.

Personally, I’m not interested in building “bigger barns” for the resources the Lord is making available to me. I’m more interested in discovering ways to honor and bless the Lord as I make more room for Him.

Blessings, Ed 😊

What Is Temptation?

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14 NLT)

Temptation can and often does lead to sin, but temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted, but He never yielded. Today I’d like for us to look at what the Bible teaches about temptation.

Temptation literally means: “an experiment, attempt, trial or proving” (Strong’s). It’s the cheese that draws the mouse to the trap. Loving the cheese isn’t what gets the mouse killed, it’s their inability to resist it in the wrong setting. That’s what happens to us. That’s why Satan uses the things we naturally love to tempt us. I’m never tempted to eat too much broccoli, but I am tempted to eat too many sweets.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com

There’s a lot to learn about temptation, so let me outline several things that will, hopefully, whet your appetite and point you to God’s Word to learn more.

God tests us, but NEVER tempts us to sin. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to ask our heavenly Father to “lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4 KJV). It’s an expression of gratitude to God for not only NOT leading us into temptation but delivering us from Satan’s attacks (the one in whom resides the derivation of all evil).
Satan tempts us to sin by using things we love. Like the mouse, we can be drawn to things we desire, which in and of themselves are not necessarily sinful. Think of the things that tempt you most. Sex, which God gave us as a gift to be enjoyed between a man and woman committed to one another in marriage for life. But when it’s distorted, degraded, and dishonored, it becomes a means of driving a wedge between us and God. Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is. Family, while again, being a gift from God, can also become a temptation when we put love of family before love of God. (see Matthew 10:37) When we allow anything to come between us and God, it becomes for us sin.
Jesus was in all ways tempted as we are, yet never yielded (see Hebrews 4:15). That’s why we can be assured that Jesus understands exactly what we’re dealing with and is the source of strength we need to overcome whatever Satan is using to draw us away from God.
God always gives us a means of escape. As I think of the times I’ve failed God and yielded to temptation, what hurts the most is the remembrance of the “way of escape” He provided, but I failed to take. As hard as it is, we don’t have to give in to temptation. Lust is a magnet that Satan will cause us to believe has an unavoidable appeal. It has a strength that seems undeniable, but by God’s grace and in His strength, it can be defeated. Sexual sins, including fornication, pornography, homosexuality, adultery, and all the other tentacles of lustful behavior are forced to yield to God’s powerful Spirit when we finally come to the place we’ll allow Him to be for us what we can’t alone be for ourselves (see 1 John 4:4).
Temptation begins in our mind and heart. James 1:14-15 says: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” Temptation is born in our thoughts, but having an evil thought isn’t in and of itself a sin. When we ponder the thought and give it consideration, then it becomes sin, which “drags us away” to evil actions, which if not dealt with, will lead to death (separation from God).

Temptation is common to every person. No one is exempt. Yet, ironically, the Lord has given us a means of defeating temptation by developing godly habits and partnering with other believers. You can’t concentrate on more than one thought at a time; therefore, reading, meditating upon, memorizing, and sharing God’s Word, the Bible; praying, not just in our time of devotion, but throughout the day; and being accountable to another believer we love and trust, can be antidotes to sin. Regardless of how tightly the enemy has you bound, when you fill your thoughts with what is good, and right and pure (see Philippians 4:8), there is freedom in Christ Jesus.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Surrounded by Suffering

“We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know we are destined for such troubles.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2b-3 NLT)

We often get tripped up in our faith by the troubles and trials we face. But Jesus warned us when He said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT) The picture Jesus paints with the words “trials and sorrows,” is something that’s being pressed, like a lemon being squeezed.

The troubles of life can make us feel pressured and trapped by circumstances over which we have little or no control. The loss of a job, the sickness of a child, the death of a loved one, these and a thousand other things can push us to the limits of our faith.

A.W. Tozer wrote: “Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting.” There’s a likelihood that we won’t mature in our faith if it’s never tested by trials and sorrows. There are things we learn about God and about ourselves in sickness and sorrow that we can learn in no other way.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

When my son was 16, he was diagnosed with leukemia. The only person I’d ever known who had leukemia was a friend I had in eighth grade. He only lived about six months. Hearing those words flow from the mouth of my son’s doctor set my mind racing and what I was hearing was: “I’m pronouncing a death sentence over your son.” I didn’t know the great strides they’d made in cancer treatment. All I“knew” was I was going to lose my son.

My first response wasn’t to beg God for my son’s healing. My faith couldn’t stretch that far. Through the gut wrenching sobs I begged God to take his cancer and give it to me. But it doesn’t work that way, does it? The lessons the Lord wants to teach us, lessons about trust, and faith, and patience, and dependence, couldn’t be learned over night. I needed time, and, gratefully, the Lord gave it to me.

My son will be 47 in June and though the doctors said he would likely never father a child, he and his beautiful wife gave me Miss Hannah, my only grandchild, when he was 39. That period of his sickness taught me that God is faithful, that He can be trusted.

Even as I write these words, I know there are thousands of others who have lost children to cancer, and for other reasons. Why did God spare my son and not theirs? Does He love me more? Am I a better person? No, absolutely not! He loves everyone – sinner and saint – the same. And I’m a work in progress just like everyone else. Perhaps others are stronger than I was. I wish I could give you an answer.

My first funeral was for a young couple who lost a child at birth. I often wish I could have those moments back. I was of no value to that grieving couple. My concern was focused on me and “my” message, rather than on their deep need. I was in my early twenties and knew very little about grief, but if I had it to do over, and in subsequent funerals I finally learned, largely due to what the Lord taught me when my son was ill, that those are precious moments in which God can bring great healing if we’ll let Him.

Today, I would tell them, while I have no concrete reason why God allowed that horribly painful experience to happen in their lives, they now have a greater investment in heaven than ever before. Though their child won’t experience life here, they will live in the blissful presence of their heavenly Father until such a time when they can be reunited with their believing parents.

Whatever the reason, I have learned that God can be trusted and will heal and help us, not only to grow in our faith, but share the pain of others with the compassion and love we learned through times of trial in our own life. That’s why James wrote: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT)

Blessings, Ed 😊

When Loves Shines Through

The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.” (John 1:5 The Message)

Whether you’re speaking literally or figuratively, darkness can be terrifying, especially if you’re in a place you’ve never been before.

When my wife of more than 20 years left me, it was as if the light in my heart went out. Prayers seemed to bounce off the ceiling. My emotions were tanked, and I felt like a zombie. I would attend church out of habit, yet I knew God was there. I remember leaving church one morning and the Pastor, a dear friend, asked how I was doing. He hugged me and held me while I sobbed. His were the arms of Jesus to me.

Having just started an all-commission paying job, I had no money, as in not one penny. Different ones at church would shake my hand and give me $10 or $20. They were a light in the darkness.

On one occasion I went into the office of my apartment complex to give, yet another excuse for why my rent was going to be late. But this time was different, because I had no idea how I was going to pay. The young lady in the office smiled and said, “You don’t have to worry about it this month, you’re rent has been paid.” Two of my Christian brothers had paid my rent. More light to guide me back to Jesus.

Jesus said in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

One of the meanings of darkness as it’s used in the Bible is: “darkness due to want of light.” Have you ever been there? It’s miraculous to me as I begin to understand how God will prompt people to do and be things for us when we can’t do or be those things for ourselves. And it’s equally amazing how He prompts us to be and do for others. To me, that’s the beauty of being a child of God, a member of His eternal family, the Church.

Pastor Rick Warren said in one of his recent Daily Hope devotionals: “Unity in your church—and in the larger body of Christ—will have the same effect: People will see your love for each other and your common purpose in the Gospel. They’ll want to know what makes the difference. Then you’ll have boldness to tell them about the One who unites you.”

When the light of Christ’s love shines forth, it breaks through the darkness, not only of the negative circumstances of fellow believers, but also gives light to those who are walking in the darkness of being without Jesus. The light of Jesus’ love for them can be demonstrated in our love for one another in the Body of Christ, creating a hunger in the hearts and lives of those who have yet to believe, pointing them to Jesus.

One of the many values of being a believer in Christ and being united with His family in a local church, is that I’m never alone. God hasn’t just given me friends, He’s given me “brothers” and “sisters” who are fellow believers, filled with the light of His love, mercy, kindness, goodness, and who stand ready to hold me up in my times of need.

As I’ve mentioned numbers of times, I never know who is reading these words. I only know that God gives the words to me for someone. So, if you’re reading these words and you’re feeling alone, distraught, like no one cares or understands, please know this: God knows, and He cares! He’s ready to connect you with someone who will walk with you, care for you, love you, and who will lift you to the Lord daily in prayer. Let God’s love and light shine through to you.

If you’ve not yet yielded your life and allegiance to Jesus, please click on this link and see what it means to know and love Jesus. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

And, as always, if you would like to ask a question or request prayer, just click on my email, and leave me a message. It’s: walkingwithjesus09@gmail.com.

Blessings, Ed 😊

The Choice to Believe

“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 NLT)

At some point in our lives, we decide what we’ll believe. We, as human beings, are wired to be guided by some set of beliefs. Some of those beliefs include God, some do not. Some that do include God or a god, may or may not make a difference in the way a person lives, but they’re there to fall back on, in case of emergency. The bottom line is – we’re all believers in something. We all have faith in something.

Personally, I like simple and straightforward. Convoluted confuses me. There are essentially two avenues of belief: Theism, which includes God, a god, or gods. And Atheism, which is “against” or “without” God or a god. We can choose to follow some path we believe will lead us to the true and living God of the Bible; we can choose to follow a god to which we can subscribe through another religious belief system; or we can choose some god of our own making, created in our own image.

Over the years I’ve had conversations with people who have chosen to believe that there is no god, that God doesn’t exist, and they have no need of religion or systems of belief that include some form of a god. I believe they’re wrong and one day will regret their choice, but I wholly respect their right to hold their opinion. Both Theistic and Atheistic systems of belief require faith.

The Atheist claims Theists can’t give “proof” of God’s existence. I contend that Atheists have a much more difficult task proving there isn’t a God than Theists have proving there is. Some Theists believe that God’s fingerprints are everywhere we look. The Bible says in Psalm 19:1-4: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”“”

Nature speaks “loudly,” but the greatest “evidence” to me that God is alive and real, is when I see Him active and alive in another person, bearing the fruit of God’s presence in and through their lives. They may exist (I can’t “prove” they don’t 😊), but I’ve never met an atheist that didn’t have a chip on their shoulder, pressing me to “prove” my position as a Jesus follower. To me, it requires a whole lot more faith to be an atheist than to believe in Jesus.

When it comes to the Christian Faith, the theme and central character is Jesus. He’s the thread that holds it all together. Notice in the verse at the beginning of this post: “But to all who believed Him…” “…and accepted Him,” “…He gave the right to become children of God.” Christianity isn’t simply a system of beliefs about God, it’s a pattern of life and living based on the Person of Jesus, who was and is, God! God poured Himself into human flesh, lived a perfect life, which then qualified Him to become the perfect sacrifice for sin, our Savior.

But it’s not simply giving intellectual assent or agreeing with certain beliefs. It’s not even affirming that He lived, died, and rose again. It’s about taking Him at His word and trusting He “is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NLT)

To believe Jesus, requires an act of the will. It’s to make the choice to place our trust in, not only what He said and taught, but in who He is – God in human form. To accept Jesus means “to receive that which when taken is not let go, to seize, to lay hold of, apprehend.” (Strong’s) That’s when we become a child of God. That’s when life becomes of value, not simply to us, but to those whose lives the Lord can now touch and draw to Himself, through us.

Blessings, Ed 😊

The Fear of Believing

“’Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.’” (Matthew 1:20a NLT)

Fear is a very real and present danger when it comes to understanding and carrying out God’s will. It has many implications and can often be confusing and disturbing. But if we’re patient and open to the truth, God will make it clear what our response should be.

Bob Goff wrote: “Be patient when it gets weird. The angel explained things to Joseph after he talked to Mary, not before.”

You may have responded a lot differently than me, but I’m afraid if my fiancée had come to me and told me she was pregnant when we hadn’t had sex, then added: “But it’s okay. It’s God’s baby!” I’m thinking I wouldn’t have wanted to “break the engagement quietly” like Joseph. A virgin birth had never happened before or since, yet Joseph believed the angel and his faith and faithfulness still touch our lives for good today.

It’s interesting to me that the first thing the angel said to Joseph, after addressing him by name, is: “do not be afraid…” It seems more likely he’d say: “Now look, Joseph, I know your heart is breaking! I know you’re angry! I know you’re confused, but…” Obviously, the angel knew Joseph better than Joseph knew himself, which, of course, is true of us as well. But what was Joseph afraid of?

Very likely the same things that kept many of us from faith initially – fear of rejection from our friends/family, fear of appearing weak, fear of what changes would come to our lives, and many other reasons. But the other side of that is, what ultimately changed Joseph’s mind, and ours to move forward in faith?

Being visited by an angel would certainly be a big factor, but if you read the surrounding verses, nowhere does the angel command Joseph to do anything. All he did was outline the facts: Mary’s pregnant by the Holy Spirit, she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. All the angel did was fill in some blanks, he didn’t answer all of Joseph’s questions or address all of his fears. Neither does God answer all of ours.

The Bible says that “Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man…” (vs 19) The word translated “good” in this verse can mean: “one whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God.” It was no accident that God chose Joseph or Mary. God had insight and understanding, not only of Joseph’s good heart, but his strong love for Mary. At the end of the day, I believe Joseph made the decision to protect Mary by guarding their relationship and becoming her husband, not out of obligation or even obedience. I believe he became her husband because of love. Love for God and love for Mary.

Love dispels fear, regardless of its origin. Love heals, restores, fulfills, completes, magnifies joys and helps us deal appropriately with sorrows. Like love, faith is a choice. Our choices are often influenced and shaped by our environment (i.e. our family of origin, life’s experiences, education, etc), but ultimately how we understand and respond to life is a choice we make, the consequences of which we must suffer.

Sometimes “weird” things happen in our lives. Very likely not as dramatic as what Mary and Joseph had to deal with, but nonetheless, things we would not have chosen for ourselves. Yet God, in His love equips us to deal with them and learn things from them that ultimately make us better, if we don’t allow them to make us bitter.

Blessings, Ed 😊