Christian life

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.

Born again

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Are you a child of God. Have you been born again? Have you died to yourself.? Be honest, if you have, how come so many are so easily offended? The preacher didn’t shake my hand. No one said hello to me.

Let me ask you a profoundly serious question. How did you die to yourself and have so many rights to be everything you’re not to be? If what she said he said, sets you off, makes you quit attending services, to walk away from your church family, your earthly family, a brother, a sister, a co-worker, have you really died to self?

Too many Christians think they have been saved to merely go to heaven. And they are right, but the story doesn’t end there. You were saved to be reunited with the Father. Jesus said all who come to the Father must come through me. Jesus came to show you the way back to the Father. Jesus also said, if you’ve seen me, you have seen the Father.  He went on to say, “This is eternal life that you might know him.” Jesus died so that you could be united with God. Christianity is not a church attendance.

2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” You are saved, to be transformed back into the image you were created to be in the garden of Eden before sin entered the world.

In Colossians 3:10 we read, “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”   You were saved, in order that the new you, armed with renewed knowledge, is once again to reflect the image of your creator. You die to self, in order that God’s Spirit can live in you. Not when you get to heaven, but now and every day, every minute and every second of your life here on earth.

Do you know what the problem is for many Christians? They are waiting to go to haven before they change. They attend services. They show up to bible class, while holding onto their rights. I don’t like this, and I don’t like that. They said this, and they said that. Dead people have only one right. And that is to surrender their life in order that they may live. Anyone who finds his life will lose it. Anyone who loses his life for the sake of Jesus, will find their life.

You were saved, so that in Christ you have all you need to shine forth the glory of God. To walk in his image. The image you were created to be from the beginning.  You were saved so you could communion again with the Father. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be open to see the immeasurable power of God’s Spirit, dwelling in you, to make you into the image of your heavenly Father.

Choices

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Many believe today that their lives are predestined by God. That no matter what they do the outcome is already determined. They quote verses like Psalms 139:13 – “For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  And verses like Jeremiah 29:11 – “11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” While all of this is absolutely true, you still have a part to play. God certainly wanted you born when you were born, and God definitely wants the best for your life. But you are not a puppet.  God is not sitting in heaven and pulling your strings. Proof is, If he was, there would be no evil in the world. No murder, no rape, no school shootings, no sexual abuse, no racism. However, the truth is, every one of us is given the freedom to make choices.

In Deuteronomy 30:15-16 it says – “15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.”

There are 3 steps given in Deuteronomy 30:16 that we must follow when we choose life.  The first is to “love” the Lord your God. The second is to keep his commandments, and the third is to “Walk” in his ways.

In this life, you will have to make many difficult choices. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” In other words, we suffer pain today, to enjoy gain tomorrow. Let me ask you a question. Are you making the hard choices today, that will one day grant you the opportunity to live with God in eternity? I pray you are.

Stand Strong

Posted on by Jesse Walker

How long do you think a football player would last in a game today without a helmet or shoulder pads before getting injured?  My guess is not very long.

The same is true for a Christian who enters the game today without being properly dressed. You don’t have to do anything to enter this game. If you’re a child of God, the devil makes it his mission to seek you out and to defeat you.

So, what can you do to prevent him from succeeding?  I’m glad you asked. Like a football player you need proper equipment. In Ephesians 6:11-18 there are several things mentioned that can help us.

First, we must stand in the power of God’s might. We can never unplug from God. This is a supernatural battle, and we need supernatural power to defeat our enemy. We must put on all the armor of God. No single piece of equipment is going to win the battle for us. It will take everything God has given us to defeat the enemy. We fight with the truth. When Jesus was tempted, he fought back with the word of God when he said, “it is written”. We fight with righteousness. We have been redeemed. We are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. We are holy, a people separated unto God’s glory. Our faith shields us from the fiery darts of the devil. We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We fight with the Gospel of Peace. We have a peace that passes all understanding. We stay alert and we pray often.

Don’t be fooled, the devil seeks you every minute of every day, and you need the power of God to win this battle. You can never unplug from God. He is your power source. Suit up brothers and sisters, and stand.

Finding Healing Through Forgiveness

Posted on by Jesse Walker

 

How do we forgive when we have been seriously hurt or injured by someone we love or was supposed to love us? I’m not going to lie. This is a very difficult thing to do. But there is hope. With the help of God, all things are possible. And you may need to seek professional help.

But if you hear nothing else, please hear this. You are precious in the eyes of God. You were created in God’s image. You were woven in your mother’s womb. In other words, God formed your DNA. He wanted you to be born. You are not an accident. Your parents might have had an accidental pregnancy. But you were no accident. And your value isn’t determined by other’s actions. Your value is determined by your heavenly Father. Please know that sad isn’t bad. While it is very sad that you were seriously hurt. You are not bad. You are not guilty of their mistakes.

So how do you move on? How do you release your anger and resentment? One thing that might help is to remind yourself that as a child of God you are commanded to forgive. Not only forgive them, but in other verses were told to pray for them. This may seem ridiculous at first. But if you consider that God is a God that gave his Son for you, you know how much he loves you. He’s not asking you to do this for no reason. Obviously, there must be a better reason. But what could that reason be? Could it be that God knows what you need most is to turn your pain over to him. And let him carry it for you? Could it be through prayer you can speak directly to Jesus. Who knows what it is to be innocent and to suffer, even to die, having done nothing wrong.

I think another thing we must remember is that forgiveness is not acting as if what was done is okay. Or acting as if it never happened. Forgiveness does not  remove any punishment they may have to serve for breaking the law. Forgiveness does not allow them to pull you down. It’s like trying to save someone who is drowning. If they try and drown you with them, you are not required to save them. That is not love. That is foolishness.

There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “He who seeks revenge should remember to dig two graves.” The longer you hold resentment and anger inside of you, you are burying yourself alive.  In the first chorus of “Burdens are lifted at calvary,” it says,

Days are filled with sorrow and care

Hearts are lonely and drear
Burdens are Lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near

Remember surrendering to Jesus at calvary is where your burdens are lifted. And as you grow closer to God, he draws closer to you. Jesus becomes near. I am very sorry others didn’t see the value in you or live up to their responsibilities. But the truth is, if you don’t release it, you will end up drowning in it. And if you’re not careful, you will pass down the same guilt to your children one day. To break the curse, you must learn to forgive.