Christian life

Obedience

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever sung the song, “Trust and Obey”? It’s a beautiful song that speaks to our submission to God. The chorus goes like this,

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

There is one word that will reveal if someone’s faith in God is genuine. And that word is obedience. In James 2:19, the Apostle James teaches that belief is not enough. For even the devil believes and fears God but will not submit to God’s authority.

The Apostle John said in John 14:15, ‘if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” It is not enough just to believe in Jesus, the bottom line with God is obedience. Those that keep His commandments are those that have come to know Him. (1 John 2:3-5).

Every single aspect of our Christian life hinges on our obedience to God. Our obedience is crucial to our spiritual happiness. It’s indispensable to our spiritual health. It is vitally critical to our spiritual holiness.

Obedience is taking up your cross daily and following close to Jesus (Luke 9:23). Without the cross there is no crown. There is no redemption without suffering.

The American church has forgotten about the cost. It has reinvented itself to appeal to our uncontrollable desires and our extravagant living. While the church has succeeded in making herself acceptable to many it has abandoned the cross.

This doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself every pleasure of life. Or to pledge to live in poverty. But it does mean that whatever you do, you must do it as you are working for God. Not for human gain, but to bring glory to God, and to His Kingdom. (Colossians 3:23-24). Let’s become a people, who put the cross back into the center of everything we do. And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

 

Purpose Driven

Posted on by Jesse Walker

There are many reasons why we do what we do. But one of the greatest reasons I can think of is to serve others. To seek their best. As a coach, I have been blessed to see many of my athletes grow into mature adults, who often give back to their communities.

I like the way the Apostle Paul put it while contemplating dying or living while in prison. In Philippians 1:22-24 he wrote, “But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.”  Wow, if only we could all learn to have this same attitude.

What a way to view life. Paul had no doubt that if he died, he would be with Christ. All believers who are following after Jesus have this same assurance. In John 8:51 Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” Oh, we will all die a physical death one day, but the Apostle John is speaking of a spiritual death. For those in Christ, they will never die Spiritually. They will never be separated from God.

If we could only learn to say like the Apostle Paul, “if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ.” Let us all become a people that prays, “Lord, open my eyes to see how I can be a blessing to others.” Lord, make me more like your Son. Soften my heart to serve.

Doing Good to Others

Posted on by Jesse Walker

 

If we held a poll today, do you think most would say they believe American’s are angrier today than they were a year ago or three years ago? Those who study this subject say it’s true. And they cite three major reasons. The pandemic, social injustice, and financial instability. Then add in the millions who have become unsatisfied with our big government, and their distrust of the media, the wedge grows even wider.

If that is true, I’d assume you and I don’t have to look too far to have experienced someone who seems out of control. It could be we don’t have to look any further than the mirror.  Maybe it’s you and me that have become angrier.

So, what is the church to do? I believe the first thing we can do is to recognize that there is a problem and an even greater opportunity. When the world grows darker, it’s time for Christians to shine brighter. But how do we do that? I’d like to suggest we begin by modeling the love of Christ. In Galatians 6:10 it says, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith”.

Let’s examine ourselves and see if we are the People of God who truly take capture every opportunity to do good to everyone. Especially to those who love God. Do we actually think about how we can help others. Do we ask God to show us how we can be an encouragement to others.

Let me ask you, when is the last time you purposely went out of your way to do good for someone? I’m not talking about when you were volunteered by someone else. Nor when you were backed into a corner and couldn’t find a way out. I mean, when was the last time you purposely sat down and planned away to do good for someone. Now is the time for action. The world needs you and me. Remember, the fields are ripe unto harvest.

God Put On Skin

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In John 1:14, Jesus becomes the visible expression of an invisible God. The message bible puts it this way, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

All the splendor of God was put-on full display for everyone to see. God’s love now beat in the human heart. His wisdom was now spoken from human lips. His grace was now available by the human touch. Jesus was God wrapped in human flesh.

Greg Laurie in an article called God with Skin on tells a story of a little boy who was frightened at night during a thunderstorm. He cried out to his father, “Help me.” From the other room, his Daddy shouts back, “Son, God loves you and will take care of you.” The storm rages on. Another bolt of lightning and the clap of thunder caused the boy to cry out again, “Daddy!” His Daddy gave the same response, “Son, God loves you and will take care of you.” The storm intensifies and the little boy screams out again, and Daddy’s response was the same. Then the little boy shouts back to his dad, Daddy, I know God loves me, but right now I need someone with skin on. As we face the struggles of life, I believe we all need a God with skin on.

I don’t know what you are facing today, but God came and put on flesh, to let you know there is nothing he cannot do. If you need mercy look to Jesus and see how he granted mercy to the woman brought before him to be stoned. If you need comfort, look at how Jesus was moved by the death of Lazarus. If you need forgiveness, look at how Jesus told the thief on the cross “you shall be with me in paradise” this day. Jesus stepped out of heaven and came to earth so you and me could see God.

Let me close with this. Maybe the saddest words of the bible are recorded in John 1:10. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” The creator was rejected by the created. Jesus came, to bring everyone light and life according to John 8:12. The question is, will you receive Him, or will you reject him? If you haven’t accepted him, can I encourage you this morning to do it before it’s too late. Jesus is coming back to gather all those who received Him, and to cast those who don’t into the darkness of hell. If you have questions, please leave me a note, I’d love to talk with you about the God who came to earth to carry away the sin of the world.

Love Is Not Extra Credit Work

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Love is not extra credit work for the child of God. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “a new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” On another occasion John recorded in 1 John 4:20, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

That doesn’t give us much wiggle room does it. How we treat others reveals if we really love God or not. The foundation of love has to be the starting place of how we interact with others. With our friends, with our families, with strangers and with our loved ones. Including all those who disagree with our biblical beliefs. Even those who are struggling with gender dysphoria or have embraced a transgender lifestyle.

To do this, we must view people as God views them. While some have done all they can to scar their image, we can never forget that they were created in God’s image. No amount of sin removes the fact that they were created in God’s image. The playing field is level when it comes to how God views his creation. They are exactly the same in God’s eyes.

To see the value of a transgender person, means you must stop any behavior that demeans them. Or even go the extra mile and stand up for them when they are being made fun of. Have you tried to listen to their burdens without being judgmental? Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you fulfill the law of Christ.” In order to carry someone’s burdens you must love them as God loves them.

So, what do we do with 1 Corinthians 13:6 that says, “Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Well, first we must understand that loving someone and not telling them the truth is not what the bible teaches. But again, when you tell someone the truth you must do it in love. You must know them. You must convince them that you really care about them. You must treat them with respect. Not because you agree with their sin, but because they were created in the image of God. We help no one when we deny God’s word. Sometimes we do this because we want to fit in. Or we don’t want to face the strife we know it will cause. Or we don’t want to appear as a religious zealot.

Communicating truth and love requires relationships. You must invest time and energy into someone if you ever hope to help them. I can only speak for myself. I know my first approach to transgenderism was to shout it down. To prove it unbiblical at all costs. No matter who it hurt. If I’m honest, I spent little time trying to assure them that I loved them. And that God loved them. For that I repent. I pray God will give me the ability to love everyone more patiently. Let us not forget that love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. (1 Corinthians 13:4).

God saves the most unlikely of people. Of which I am one. Why should I not give them a chance? Lord, please forgive me for being so short. So quick to judge. Help me learn to speak the truth in love. Help me to love like your love. Help me to trust more in you and your ability to change lives.

Self-Control

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Proverbs 25:28 says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”  As a parent it is important that you provide your children with structure, so they can build self-control. They need self-control to succeed at school, and at work, and in relationships. Allowing them to do anything and everything they want is only ensuring they will live a life filled with trouble.

In our internet driven world, many lack self-control when it comes to the hours they spend online. Studies estimate that the average person spends 6.5 hours per day on the internet. Or about a quarter of their life on the world wide web. When you factor in school, work and sleep, the average person spends most of their time awake online.

As a parent, we need to help our children learn to limit their time online. Why? Because without self-control they are like a city with no walls. The enemy can easily walk into their lives and destroy them. The problem is everywhere today. Even churches aren’t immune to the technology bug. We’ve become accustomed to slide shows and videos being a part of our classes and sermons. We are even setting up rooms with electronic devices for children to use while attending services.

Please listen to me, as a parent, you have to know that no one will care more about your child succeeding in life more than you will. What if you were to give your child every tennis lesson, drive them to every practice, make sure they never miss a school event, but in the end, they lose their soul. I don’t have to tell you that is going to be a very sad day for some parents.

Arlene Pellicane in her book, Parents Rising says, “you would never dream of handing your child drugs or alcohol. Yet most parents hand over a tablet or phone to a child without much thought.”

Can I encourage you to limit your child’s use of the internet? Of course, that may mean you will have to put your phone down as well. Instead of eating supper watching your favorite show, or playing your favorite game, or watching tic toc videos, you must put your phone away. Mom and Dad’s, take the lead and put the phone away. You will be glad you did in the end.

Mercy and Grace Awaits

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In Hebrews 4:16 we read, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-15 explain the reason why we can rush the throne of God boldly expecting to receive grace and mercy. Simply put it’s because of Jesus. Jesus has faced every temptation we have faced. Our prayers rise up to a God who completely gets it. He knows of our struggles. He’s faced our temptations and understands. He gets it. For he himself suffered so that we can come to him in complete confidence.

We can come boldly before him, expecting to receive mercy and grace. Matthew 7:9-11 says, 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! We can approach God knowing that he knows what we need. For in Jesus’ death on the cross, is our victory. If we’re honest, most times what we need isn’t more stuff. Some of us are buried alive in our stuff. What we need is Jesus. We need a Savior who offers mercy when we deserve punishment and grace, God’s unconditional love.

I pray you will be encouraged to approach God with boldness. Knowing that Jesus has looked our struggles straight in the face and beat the enemy. He fully understands what you need. All you have to do is ask and believe that he is able.

When God Has Spoken

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever been lied to by someone you trusted? By even someone in a leadership position in the church. In 1 Kings 13 there is a young prophet who was lied to by an old prophet. The young prophet is told to go to Bethel and proclaim that Josiah, the son of David, will one day sacrifice their false prophets on this altar.  And the young prophet did this very bravely. In fact, when King Jeroboam stretched out his hand to have him seized, his arm became shriveled up. When asked by the king, the young prophet prayed to God, and his hand was restored. Thus, the King invited him to his house to eat and drink and to give him a gift. But the young prophet refuses to go. In 1 Kings 13:9, he reveals why he would not go. “For I was commanded by the word of the Lord,” You mut not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.”

As the events of this day roll on, there is an old prophet who lies or misleads the young prophet. He tells him he was told by an angel to invite him to his house to eat bread and drink water with him. Weather the old prophet lied or heard from an angel we do not know. He may have heard from a deceiving angle. For in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 were told that Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light.

There are several reasons I suppose that the younger prophet believed the older prophet. He may have respected the old prophet because he said he heard from an angel. He may have just respected him because he was older. He may have been physically tiered and hungry. So, what are we to learn from this story?

First, we must always remember to never turn back from the work of God. When God has told you to do something. We are to carry that out without letting others sidetrack us. This young prophet received a word from God directly. He should have listened to God and not a man. Today, we get our word primarily from the bible. And we are to be faithful to it. And not to let others lead us astray. Obedience is key in the life of a believer. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Secondly, we are to test every spirit. Just because someone says they are a preacher, a teacher, or a prophet, check out what they say. Make sure it aligns with God’s word. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian. Not everyone who is in a leadership role is faithful. Matthew 7:15-23 warns all believers to “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” This young prophet may not have been a good fruit inspector.

Thirdly, no one is above the law. The evil, disobedient King Jeroboam will be judged, and the prophet of God will be judged. Disobedience has its own reward. According to Romans 14:12, “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Your position, or title will not save you. In fact, those who are trusted with greater responsibility will be held to a higher standard. Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

Fourthly, when you are facing a tough decision. Always consult with God. No where do we see the young prophet asking God what he should do. Matthew 24:4-5, “take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many”. We need to be people who always drop to our knees before we make a decision that can cost us our salvation. God will always provide a way for those who are truly seeking his advice.

Let us all learn to be a people that trust more in the word of God than we do in the many words of men.

Stand Still – Let God Move

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Can I ask you a question, are you good at doing nothing? I don’t mind telling you, this is not one of my strongest traits. I have to practice it. There is always the next project to complete. The next meeting to attend. The next ball game, practice, or school event to get to.

We get on the merry-go-round and around and around it goes. We get on, we get off, we get on and we get off. Never seeming to complete what we intended to complete. And the cycle repeats itself over and over. Sometimes, it’s as if we are sleepwalking through life. Always chasing the next promotion, the next career, the next season of our lives. We can’t wait for the kids to go to school. We can’t wait for school to be out. We chase after the bigger house, the nicer car, the better job. When do we just stop and stand still and enjoy the blessings God has given us.? To truly hear God’s voice, we must retreat from the chaos of life and enter a place of quietness. An example of this was recorded for us in Mark 1:35 where it says, “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

If you’re truly seeking a deeper relationship with God, or seeking solace, or seeking guidance, you must stand still. In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the Israelites to standstill and watch what God will do for them. This would be good advice for all of us today as well. We should all learn to standstill and watch the hand of God at work in our lives. If we’re truthful, there are many times when the hustle and grind of our daily lives, stop us from seeing the workings of God.

In Mark 10:49 we read, “And Jesus Stood Still.” This was on the occasion when Jesus being followed by a large crowd, heard a blind man named Bartimaeus, crying out “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stood still and healed Bartimaeus. If Jesus hadn’t stood still, Bartimaeus would not have been healed. Jesus was on a tight schedule. He had multiple events to attend before ascending up to heaven. Before his date with the cross. But Jesus in that moment of the day, found time to stand still.

My prayer is that we become people that are never too busy to hear the cry for help. That we are never too busy to stop and stand still. Isiaih 40:29-31 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tiered and weary, and young, men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” The truth is, we have all been tired. We have all needed our strength renewed. This is only possible when we take the time to do nothing.

John C. Maxwell said in his book “Think on These Things,” when pressures are pressing, schedules are screaming, and the world is whirling, don’t just do something -stand still.” May I encourage you today to stop and standstill. God knows exactly what you need, and He will renew your strength so you can soar on eagle wings.

Moving Mountains

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” I have wondered for years just exactly how little is this kind of faith? I know the mustard seed is a tiny seed. But can a small amount of faith really move mountains? Can it be enough in the darkest moments of our lives? Can it keep us strong when we’re feeling so weak and vulnerable. When it seems we can’t even stand, can this tiny faith move mountains.

But I think I may have gained a little insight into this verse over the years. You see, it has little to do with us, and everything to with God. It’s God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine according to Ephesians 3:20-21. It’s in our moments of crushing, that God turns our weakness into power. When we can no longer rely upon ourselves, or our strength, we must turn to God. And in that moment of mustard seed faith, He acts. He moves our mountains.

Yes, I believe that’s it. What we need is enough faith to trust in God. To turn it over to him even when our faith is as tiny as a mustard seed. When we have been crushed, we cry out to Abba Father. And our daddy hears our voice. And like our earthly father, He comes along side us to comfort us. There is a beautiful picture of this faith in the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus cried out Abba Father in Mark 13:36.  While sweating drops of blood, Jesus took what faith he had, and cried out to his Father. Daddy, help me, take this cup from me. But if not, your will be done. In a sense, Jesus says to his Father, give me the strength to finish what I have begun. And He did. You talk about moving mountains. That night mountains were moved. And when the deed was done the Sky darkened, and the earth stood still. The faith of a mustard seed conquered death.

It is God, that can move mountains with the spoken word. It is God that parted the sea so his people could walk across on dry ground. It is God that gave his only begotten Son so we wouldn’t have to face the sting of death. How do we move mountains with tiny faith? Like John the Baptist said in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” We with our little faith, decrease, so God with his unlimited power can increase.

Do you have mountains in your life today that you need help with moving? Can I encourage you to take your crushing and allow God to turn it into power. Putting whatever little faith you have, into the hands of an Almighty God is the beginning of something big, like a mountain.