IQ #249 “Disconnected to Stay Connected”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, may your hearts forever be entwined in His merciful grace and everlasting love.

There were several guys I had become friends with in our music department and enjoyed playing concerts, gigs and attending parties together. One day I had found out that these guys had gone on a weekend camping trip and talked about how great it was. I smiled and listened to the funny stories, but inside I was torn. Why did these friends not invite me? Was I that much of a geek?

After a few more of these campouts had taken place and still not being asked to join in on the fun I finally said to one of them how I have always liked camping out and it would be nice to join them some time. It was then that I got the answer as to why I was ‘left out’. I was told that, ‘All we really do on these campouts is drink and get totally wasted. We knew you didn’t drink and we thought it would not be very fun for you’… I wasn’t expecting that answer, but they were right. I wouldn’t have enjoyed it. It was out of their respect for which I was as a person and as a friend, and I respected that.  After 35 years we remain friends and that is more important than missing (thankfully) a few trashed weekends.

We remained connected by being disconnected at times out of respect.

Proverbs 4:14

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.

Friendship is important and developing friendships in areas we spend a lot of time in; school, clubs, athletic teams, bands, jobs… is only natural, and we feel great when we are accepted and valued when those friendships are made.

As a follower of Jesus Christ you are called to a higher order of responsibility as a friend with those around you. That responsibility is the obeying of God’s Word and the teachings of Jesus Christ. There will be times when you are torn on what to do or say when you may risk the continued acceptance of classmates or teammates if you don’t go along with what they want to do. If your friend’s desires are not in alignment with God’s word, then you need to walk away from it. By walking away those friends will know where you stand even without words from you. They may tease you or say cruel things to you or try to entice you, but you must persevere and not give in. If you stay true to your commitment to God, others will see that and respect will be given. Your walk with Jesus is the friendship others need to see in you, and that may open a door for you to share the gospel with a classmate or any other friend who is questioning their own way of life or maybe just wondering why you chose Jesus as your most trusted friend.

2 Timothy 3:12-14

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

Last Sunday I was talking with some students after the church service and one of the students said, “Lately I have felt disconnected at my school.”

My response was, “That’s Awesome!” That may have sounded like a cruel remark, but in no way was my remark meant to be disrespectful to the student (I did let the student know that), I understand how being disconnected feels. My remark was in response to knowing where this student’s relationship is with Jesus Christ.

The stronger your relationship with God is in obeying His Word, and committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the more probable a feeling of disconnection with your surrounding environment and those people may become, if God is not present within those you are with. It may be emotionally hurting and you may feel all alone at times, but you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you and has guided you in the correct direction. You also have many Christ following friends to turn to for support and reassurance.

In keeping a growing relationship with Jesus Christ alive and real there will be times in your social life where you are called to be disconnected to stay connected.

With the love of Jesus Christ,     

Papa John  10:30:15 

IQ #248 The Wonder of it All

My Dear Friends, faithful followers in Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Creator and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our days can be filled with so many tasks, requirements, chores, unexpected circumstances, and emotional and physical challenges that consume our attention that we can easily miss the great works God has presented to the world. We instead rely on friends and other resources to give us peace of mind, encouragement, relief from daily stress and quite possibly where we seek refuge to weather the storms in our life. God’s works are there for us not only to enjoy but to learn from. No matter what happens through time His works continue, through the power of God’s hands. He is in control and everything that understands His great power submits to Him, because He alone gives life and breath to all His creation. Anything that denies His control will become lifeless.

God, the ultimate creator with unlimited power, graced and blessed His creation of man with the most awesome wonders imaginable. These wonders are not to be ignored.

In our pursuit of God and the plans and purpose he has for each one of us, we perform acts of service, share the Gospel, sing praises and worship God in spiritual ways to bring honor and Glory to God. Yet, I believe we do not spend quality time enjoying, learning and absorbing the mighty acts of His creation, which is boldly displayed for all to see and comprehend. We may notice the beauty of its presence, but there is much more than meets the eye.

Job, the man of God, was rich beyond measure, then; Satan was permitted to test Job’s loyalty to God. Job’s whole family, every type of possession, and people under his care were taken from him. All was gone to Job except God. Even through all the pain and agony of his losses, to Job, God was enough. Friends tried to convince Job it was his fault, his sins, that caused him grief, but they did not understand that God was who Job answered to, not the frailties of man.

Job, humbled by God, learned and knew that Satan cannot exceed the limits that God sets and would not let Satan separate himself from God. God was Job’s refuge and strength.

Let these words given to Job during his testing speak to you and offer you more clarity and as a reminder to the powers and wonders of God.

Job 12:7-10

⁷ “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
⁸ or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind.

Job 37:14-16

¹⁴ “Listen to this, Job;
    stop and consider God’s wonders.
¹⁵ Do you know how God controls the clouds
    and makes his lightning flash?
¹⁶ Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
    those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?

Take time to be by yourself and God’s Word and to observe His works. Let your eyes be opened to His wonderful creation. Let your ears hear God’s majestic roar and sweet music that fills the air. Let your heart be filled with God’s love and poured out to all those around you. Let God be your refuge and strength. Be thankful for all you have and know that God is all you need.

Below is a reflection of God’s creation through the seasons of life.

The Wonder of It All

You’ve awakened me gently
with your sweet smelling call,
how it raises my passion
for the wonder of it all.

Your golden mane is flowing
with a softness so fine,
every time there comes a change
you’ve given me the sign.

When I stop and sit by your side
and watch the noon rays fall,
I am totally immersed
by the wonder of it all.

When your emotions come heavy
with abandon and cause,
there is quite an amazement
by the wonder of it all.

I sense myself belonging
in the confines of your space,
the way you look, feel and smell
puts a smile upon my face.

To lie beneath your tilted smile
and see an ember fall,
I cannot stop my aching for
the wonder of it all.

There’s times I feel I’m all alone
until I look around,
your presence is always near
by feel, sight or sound.

You speak to me, but not with words
to reach my inner soul,
the strength that you have given me
has made my life seem whole.

My years they keep on gaining
with a quickening ascent,
and with your help of knowledge
I’ll know what it has meant.

I think of you so deeply
that waters start to fall,
I cannot hold my wet eyes back
from the wonder of it all.

On restless nights I toss and turn
my mind is trapped not free,
it’s then I see your caring arms
are here to comfort me.

Oh, how I wish to speak of you
but words from me are small,
the joy of life you’ve given me
is the wonder of it all.

With the love of Jesus Christ,

Papa John

IQ #247 Fall Planting

IQ  #247  Fall Planting

My Dear Friends in Christ let us rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus is Lord over all the Earth. Take all His teachings, commands and hope into your heart, mind and soul and give it all to who you encounter, with all your love, strength and compassion, so that the Glory of God will be revealed to those who do not know Him.

If you have listened to the radio recently you will have likely heard garden center commercials stating that now is the time for fall planting in preparation for a beautiful spring. Now is also the time for the fall harvesting of what was planted in the spring. Wow, it must be tiring to be constantly planting and harvesting. Where would we be without the tireless farmers?

Galatians 6:9

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

As a believer in God and follower of His son Jesus Christ we are called to plant the seeds of a Godly life through the teachings of Jesus and to nurture what has been planted so that there is good growth. It takes work and dedication because much of the time it is not easy. There are obstacles that we constantly face that try to deter our mission; “You can’t plant here! I’ve seen your plants and there are a lot of weeds growing in them. Why do I want that? It’s all a fairy tale like ‘Jack and the Bean Stalk’ just a bunch of ‘magic beans’. He’s not real.”

As a farmer for God you are immensely important in furthering the ministry of Jesus Christ. There will be days of uncertainty, hardship, persecution and a variety of challenges. Never give up on doing good! God never gives up on you.

Isaiah 41:10

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God will provide all that you need. If you are lacking anything ask for it in prayer. A farmer has needed and trusted farm hands to count on so that the work needed to be done is carried out. The hands of God can be found in the believers of Jesus Christ, ready to help you in carrying out your mission. Turn to someone of faith that you can count on and ask for help. You are not alone in an empty field and were never meant to be. God’s empowering Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Him through Jesus Christ our Savior. God is with you, always and in all ways.

Rejoice and celebrate when you see your planting start to grow and blossom, and keep in prayer for all that you do not see. Do not lose heart with the unseen. Keep the hope of God’s harvest alive and persevere through all things and great will be your reward.

Romans 15:13

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy the beauty that is before you and take time to do some fall planting.

With the love of Christ Jesus,

Papa John  10:16.15

IQ #246 True Love Waits Patiently

My dear friends, I would like to share something very special about someone that I have known for as far back as I can remember. Last week I…. Ok just kidding. My memory is not that bad… Yet.

The heart was racing and pounding so loudly you could feel it in your chest. Eyes were so focused it was as if there was nothing else standing in the way. There was so much warmth you could feel a great passion and compassion. Joy, excitement, and immense celebration filled the air. A tower of strength and at the same time gentleness that could calm any situation became known. Then there were words that came to mind that eased the worry and unknown, “I have waited for you.”

My Dear Friends, God knew you before you were even born and as soon as you became real to the world, he waited, patiently, in hopes that a day would come where you two would be introduced to each other on a more personal bases. When that day came or comes, you will feel the loudly pounding heart he has for you. When your focus is on God, He is even more focused on you, nothing else in the world matters. His passion and compassionate grace for you carries such warmth that any amount of coldness brought on by this world just melts away. The joy shared when joined together creates an excitement beyond compare and immense celebration of singing and dancing in pure jubilation for all to see fills the air. His towering strength gives you the security for your life and gentleness when times of affliction surround you, so that you will know it will all be ok.

You may already have a relationship with God, through His son Jesus Christ and have learned through His teachings that he patiently awaits for your total commitment to Him as he is your only key to the kingdom God has prepared for you.

Know this; Jesus Christ is the truth and the truth is in God and God is Love. Jesus loves you; God loves you, through and through. When you give that love back to Him he completes you and you complete God.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ”

True love waits patiently.

With all my love through Christ,

Papa John 10:9:15

IQ #245 Slip of the Tongue

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ, let us praise the Lord, Jesus Christ with all our hearts, soul, mind, strength and body. God Almighty, the Creator of all things and our Sovereign King has given everything we need and the promise of eternal life simply by accepting His son, Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Follow His commands, obey His teachings and share His word with others , so they too will have the opportunity to be joined together in fellowship with God the Father, Jesus the son and all other true believers, united as one.

When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you also accepted the teachings and commands given to you so that your walk in life will reflect that of Jesus. Those who observe you will know that you are not of this world, but of God’s holy kingdom, so that they may believe that Jesus Christ was sent by God.

As a believer you are set apart from the evil that this world lives by, and this world is in constant battle with God to separate you from true fellowship with Jesus.

Psalm 34:13

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

When you are around a group of people for extended amounts of time it is very easy to begin conforming to their thoughts, actions and speech if you are not well grounded in God’s Word. If this happens others will notice and soon the tag of Hypocrite will become affixed to who you are and make it very difficult for you to share the Word with someone who is looking for truth about God, about Jesus Christ, and building their faith and trust if there is not a distinct difference in how you personally live your life.

You must conduct yourself in a way that reflects how Jesus conducted himself while here on earth in physical form.  Your words must be used in a way that brings honor to God. Even in private conversation with other believers it is imperative that you refrain from talk that cuts another person’s heart, whether the person is within the group or not.

In looking back at yourself and discover that you have taken a destructive path, go to God in prayer and ask for forgiveness and then find the way to mend the broken hearted. A scar may remain as a reminder, but hopefully your walk and talk in Christ will keep from producing more.

The following verse offers a prayer to help guide your way.

 

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

With the love of Christ,

Papa John