Bible Study February 4, 2025

We had a wonderful Bible study last evening. We have been studying the book of Genesis but I felt led to go a different direction las night. We studied the topic of prayer and “how to get your prayers answered. We may have the wrong conception of prayer and how we do it.

Some verses for your consideration:

Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
John 15: 7,  “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

There are many more in fact one person tested me there are 630 references in Google to prayer.
The point of our study was based on a training session about prayer from a good friend of mine in Ohio. The basic point of the article that I took away was s simple one yet so very profound. We ask in the wrong way. I will get to that a little later.

What is God’s will is the first step. So you might ask how do we find the will of God? First, read His Word everything you need to know about His will is found in the scriptures. From 3 John1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. (ESV). I believe this verse says He wants us to live in health. You may say this only applies to the health of my soul. If that is the case please look at one of these three references: Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-39.

Second step, pray that God will show you His will.

If God healed physical issues in the Old Testament nothing has changed in the church age other than a new group of believers who may not have the faith required. It was easy for the disciples to pray for the healing of others since they were with Jesus and saw the miracles take place. But why are we not seeing this today? But also keep in mind they suffered from unbelief at times.

His word says, “We have not because we ask not.” But how are we asking?

This paragraph was taken from the article. “Receiving from the Father is all about Jesus and not about our righteousness at all. The Father answers our prayers because of what Jesus has done. Therefore, we can get amazing answers from the Lord when we are having a hard time with how we feel about ourselves and others by asking on the right basis.”

Getting answers from the Father is not difficult when we pray on the right basis. We must put aside our righteousness and our unrighteousness and come to Jesus expecting Him to receive us as He did the mixed multitudes. Father will help us with all matters of unrighteousness if we come to Him. Forgiveness and transformation are available by coming to Christ. We come knowing that Father wants to help us because we are greatly loved and because of what Christ has done at the cross because of that love.”

We need to understand that when Jesus died on the cross for our salvation He died for all wrongs. So let’s start praying from the point that “It is finished” has done everything for His followers.

Here is a prayer that was included in the article: In closing, I recommend a simple but profound prayer and confession that many have used that receive answers from the Father.

“This (healing, changed family matter, financial blessing, etc.) belongs to me because of what Jesus has done.” It is not limited to any one thing you can ask for anything but know His will first.

I will be happy to send the article to anyone who requests it.

God Bless.

Bible Study February 3, 2025

Isaiah 1:16 – 18 (ESV)

“Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17  learn to do good; seek justice,  correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless,     plead the widow’s cause. 18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet,  they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

It is interesting the things I wake up thinking about. This morning it was that my mother used a liquid called “bluing” in our laundry. I remember asking her why and she said it made the white clothes look whiter taking away the blue tint. Seems loke a paradoxical statement (but it worked) to me but it does not stop there. Our scripture today seems to say the same thing only it is not “bluing” but it is “blood.”

I googled “bluing” and here is what I found. “Bluing” in laundry refers to a liquid product that is added to a washing machine to slightly tint white fabrics with a blue hue, which helps counteract yellowing and make whites appear brighter and fresher; it essentially adds a small amount of blue dye to the fabric, making it look whiter by neutralizing yellow tones.

Key points about using bluing:

How to use:

Always dilute bluing in cold water before adding it to the wash cycle, usually a few drops or a small amount depending on the load size; pour the diluted mixture into the washer during the rinse cycle.

Purpose:

Bluing is primarily used to brighten white clothes that might have developed a yellow cast over time due to wear and tear, body oils, or even detergent residue.

Important consideration:

Adding too much bluing can result in a visible blue tint on your clothes, so always follow the instructions on the product label.

What is the paradox in comparing “bluing” to “blood.”

How to use:

Remember Jesus shed all his blood for the forgiveness of sin in our lives not a little bit but all He died for us. We know from the Gospel of Luke which describes Jesus’ sweat falling to the ground like drops of blood while he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. We use His blood by asking for forgiveness of the wrongs in our life.

Purpose:

A two fold purpose is seen here. First, when forgiven we become more like Christ we begin to walk in His image. Walking is the beginning of a brand new life in Christ. Secondly, it secures our home in heaven where we will live forever in perfect conditions white as new fallen snow His Word tells us.

Important consideration:

If we do not add His blood to our lives we are hopelessly lost into eternity with no further hope of redemption. No blood applied to our lives is a life lost.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 31, 2025

These words are found in Romans 12:1 – 2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

The scriptures teach us we are to live a holy life that God endorses. Many people do not follow the scriptures because they do not like to change the way they live. I would caution you accept Jesus then allow Him to change your lifestyle – you cannot change it yourself.

According to the scripture our lifestyle should be characterized by several things. Consider these for a moment: obedience to God, growing in your spiritual walk, creating good lasting relationships, living in grace and mercy, being generous with what God has blessed you with. I am certain you have many others on your list.

Our lives should mirror the life of Jesus. Our goal on this earth is to grow into His image then we will be able to live the life He has laid out for us.

As we look at what it takes to live this lifestyle let us consider a few thoughts.

1. Holiness – this is living our lives striving to live it free from sin. We can only that by staying close to Him, Chuck Swindoll wrote a great book titled “Living Closer To the Flame” that will give you good insight.
2. Being faithful – trust God in all things. Start small if you need to but remember God is much bigger than the mountain in front of you.
3. Generosity – live a life of giving. In our home we do not sell stuff we no longer need we give it away. Try it, we have at our church coin purses that people take and put money in them to help others in need.
4. Stewardship – Give some of your time to others, manage what you have in a  responsible way. Avoid suing credit cards that create so many problems.
5. Live in humility – let others get some glory. I try never to use the word “I” because I do not need credit for what is done.
6. Forgiveness – None of the above work if there is unforgiveness in your heart. If it takes saying “I forgive” multiple times a day to someone who has wronged you – say it.
7. Gratitude – Tel people thanks for what they do for in even the smallest of ways.

Live happy on your journey.

Bible Study January 30, 2025

Deuteronomy  32:7 “Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.”

Kathryn Butler wrote this line :” Memory binds us to places that forget us, and to moments that no one else values.”

I have fond memories of growing up in Hannibal, Missouri. It was a great town and I was blessed with many friends some who even follow me and our church on Facebook. Things like the carnival that covered Broadway during the summer, eating at the Mary Ann Sweet Shop during the carnival. The Pastry Box that got me addicted to the best donuts around. Serving on the City Council thanks to Les James who talked me into running and seeing how government worked in a small town (it was not always up and up).

But there were some memories that were not so good. If you know me I am an optimist looking for the good. I remember in particular the summer of 1993 when I was living in Nashville, Tennessee and I was back for a visit.

Three things struck about that visit and all in the month of August 1993. First it ws the last time I saw my Uncle Kenny. I felt prompted to stop by and see him (I still remember his address) it was the last time I would see him alive.

Then there was the “Great” flood of 1993. They all seemed like great floods when you live in a river town. I remember driving through Riverview Park during that visit and at a lookout point getting out seeing the flooding devastation that was taking place. I vividly remember seeing a refrigerator floating down the Mississippi River most likely from a river camp along the river.

It was also the last time I saw my eighteen year old son alive. He would die later that month in a tragic automobile accident that took his immediately. I do not question the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I remember dropping him off as I was making my way to my uncle’s home. I felt the urge to pull back into the driveway before leaving, ring the doorbell, give him a hug as I always did, and tell him I loved him. That was the last time I could do that.

But I have fond memories of his life and those mentioned above. Do not ever miss that opportunity while you can avail yourself of it. Some of you know reading this the pain that is there as you have faced the same thing in your life.

Hanging onto the past will leave us empty when we forget the One who infuses us moments of memory. Memory was meant not only for private wanderings into forgotten shadows, but also to remind us who God is, and what he’s done for us. When we journey into those memories, we cultivate an understanding of our identity that far outshines wistful nostalgia.

I am thankful for the memories but I admit I have come a long way since August 1993. I facilitated GriefShare groups which brought lasting peace helping others cope with their losses. As John MacArther writes in his Bible notes on this verse “Remember the days of old. A call to reflect on past history and to inquire about the lessons to be learned.”
God Bless you on your journey.

Bible Study January 29, 2025

I read an interesting article that got me to thinking about the blood of Jesus and the significance it has in the life of a Christian. I have listed some verses here to give us a point to begin.

Atonement – “Ephesians 1:7: In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Jesus made amends for our sin by giving His life for us.

Redemption – “Revelation 5:9: And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood, you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

As a result of His sacrifice we are now redeemed (we have gained new life in exchange for His sacrifice).

Cleansing – “Revelation 7:14: I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

We are now thoroughly cleansed from sin, not just some of them but all of them.

Justified “Romans 5:9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God.”

Justified simply means “just as though it never happened.

Eternal life – “John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Our home is now in heaven as we live into our calling.

A little bit more about common blood types? Overall there are eight major blood types:

O+ and O-

A+ and A-

B+ and B-

AB+ and AB-

Like many of your features, such as eye color, your blood type is inherited from your parents. And just like other genetic traits, certain blood types are more common than others.

For instance, Type O positive blood is the most common; nearly 37% of the U.S. population has it. On the other hand, only 7% of the population has Type O negative blood. Blood donation organizations seek Type O negative blood because it is considered the “universal red cell donor” blood type. This means anyone—no matter their blood type—can receive Type O negative blood in emergency, often life-saving transfusions.

Life blood is important in our lives but not near as important as Jesus’ blood in our redemption. We do not talk enough about this important factor in our lives in the church today. It should be fore front in our messages.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 27, 2025

I had the opportunity to have breakfast with a young man today who has his head on straight concerning the use of credit. We were talking about Dave Ramsey and we both are strong believers in the Ramsey Solution to debt management. The best way to manage debt is to completely avoid it. As we talked Proverbs 22:7 came to mind as he was talking. He asked me isn’t there a verse in the Bible about the borrower being slave to the lender? I decided this was a good topic to look into.

These verses are from Proverbs 22; I selected certain ones to point out.

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,     and the rod of his fury will fail. 9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,     for he shares his bread with the poor.”

Debt is one thing that will destroy a marriage quicker than almost anything. It is right up there with the other two major issues in marriage children and sex. Those are topics for another day.

Being rich will not protect anyone from the snares of life. On the other hand a good name, a good reputation, honesty, and integrity are wonderful traits. Paying your bills could easily be added to this list.

I am certain many people would like to be more generous if they had more money because they would have less debt. Verse six tells us to start our children out with proper teaching and they will not forget it. We should not soft pedal the truth about anything which draws my attention to verse seven. “7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
I realize the cost of living has been out of control and inflation has been extremely high my prayer is that it comes down and things become more affordable. Many people have had to even put groceries on a  credit card. Children are taught to obey their parents unless that parent is leading the into disobedience (I am not sure why any parent would do that).

Unfortunately, many parents are not teaching their children about simple things like debt management and how to best use your money by being saving fifteen percent toward retirement, giving a tithe, and using the rest for your needs. I am not a proponent of the ten percent tithe we should give out of our heart not base it on a percentage.

When we do this then our children will not be a slave to the credit card company. I pulled this statistic off the internet by a simple search. “The interest rate on a  (I will not name the company) credit card is a variable Annual Percentage Rate (APR) that can change based on the market and the Prime Rate. As of January 2025, the APR was 30.99.” There are others out there that are out of control.

To conclude my discussion with this young man today ended with him saying “I will not have any credit cards.” I applaud him for his decision.

Pray that God gives you financial wisdom.

Bible Study January 27, 2025

Proverbs 3:5 – 6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Following worship yesterday we held our Annual Meeting as outlined in our new Constitution and By-Laws. We reviewed the four years since I came to Asbury Chapel as their pastor and looked at where we could go in 2025 outlining ideas and some ways to move forward.

As I read these verse this morning I am reminded that all things happen in God’s time and God’s timing, However, it is incumbent upon all of to be in tune with what He wants, when He wants, and how He wants it done. Much of that can be found in the scriptures.

The early church grew by leaps and bounds because people were open to the move of God through His Holy Spirit. Was it because life was simpler in their day? Was it because they were less comfortable with the tyrannical treatment they did not deserve, was it persecution, was it because they focused more on heaven than we do today? There are a myriad of reasons why the church grew at such rapid pace.

Are we ready for rapid growth in the Body of Christ today? Do we want it or are we satisfied with the “small church” worship? If you satisfied with the “small church” mentality we might want to check the scriptures for the purpose God uses us for. We better be because I believe we will see it our lifetime. But before that happens we better be personally prepared for it. We do that by doing several things that come to mind:

1. We are spiritually prepared for what will happen. Do you have any idea what we will face before the rapture of the church? If not, look into the book of Revelation with a good commentary. Do not rush your study. Ask God to open your mind to what He is saying.
2. Pray that God will come in your midst. By that I mean in your life and in the life of the Bible believing body you worship in. Our churches must abide by God’s Word.
3. Seek God’s wisdom on what you can do to make growth possible. We all have a mission in the body just as Paul taught us about the human body functioning together. Get plugged into ministry.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 24, 2025

John 14:1-6 (English Standard Version)

““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I mentioned last Sunday I was beginning a message series on Heaven. In that message I mentioned some songs, books, and movies about heaven. In particular I mentioned a book titled “Heaven is For Real” written by Todd Burpo. I have had that book in my library for a number of years. Along with the book a movie has been made of the story of the Burpo family. There were other books mentioned also.

I am skeptical of stories I hear about people who claim to have died and went to heaven only to return to earth with some amazing story about their experience. However, I did mention there were a couple of real life movies made about dying, going to heaven, and returning to tell their story. This book became a movie.

The story of the Burpo family is truly unique in that it tells the story of a four year old who died, visited heaven, and came back to earth. His story is believable as related by his mom and dad of facts and circumstances he would not have known nor people he met in heaven that he would not know were family members.

The innocence of a four year old makes this particular story believable. I would encourage you check the book out and let me know what you think. It is an easy read as I did it in two evenings.

The subject of heaven is a fascinating thing to ponder from the why would God promise us such a place as to the description of heaven as found in scripture. All Christ Followers will spend eternity with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Where will that be one might ask? Revelation speaks of a new heaven and new earth that is to be our home. I cannot imagine what it will look like but I am thankful to say one day I will see it.

However, the only way to really know what it will be like is to accept Jesus as your savior by repenting of the wrong stuff you have done, asking Him to forgive you, accepting His forgiveness, and then tell someone what has happened in your life. Romans 10:9 – 10 sums it up “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

If you’re not certain send me a message I would love to talk to you about heaven, Jesus, and life in general.

God Bless.

Bible Study January 23, 2025

God’s Promises Out Loud

Perfect love DOES cast out fear. (1 John 4:18) “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

I can fear not, because HE IS WITH ME. (Isaiah 41:10) “Fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right “hand.

I will not be anxious about everything, but with prayer WILL present my needs to God. (Philippians 4:6) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Did you know there are 366 Bible verses dealing with fear and anxiety? God knew we would all struggle with this daily. What awesome evidence that He walks beside us!”
Fear is something most of us face or have faced at some time in our lives. There are those who take medication for anxiety, in fact we give anxiety meds to our dog. Thankfully, God has given us wisdom, training, and experts to help us in time of need.

The best source for help is found in God Himself. Speak your fears or worries aloud, God knows exactly what you are thinking and feeling. As you know He knows but it is good to speak them out. Ask Him for help. Ask God to take away the anxiety, the fear, the pain, to help you know what is true, and to fill your heart with His peace. He will answer.

Take a look at what God has done for you, how He has blessed the things in your life. Speak them out and hear for yourself what he has done for. As you speak His blessings in your life your faith will grow as you see what he has done.

Then act on what he has done, think on the positives in your life, confess the blessing that have come your way we all have them. When you feel anxious (if you again) call on Him he ahs promised to be by our side to comfort us in time of need.

Too many Christians forget about thanking the One who answered the prayer and took care of the need, Remember to God goes the glory. Give Hin praise and thanks for His help in your life. Stand on His Word in faith.

God Bless you as fear is defeated in your life and you can walk in faith.