His Touch

There is a story about a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck. One day she was approached by a man who said to her, “Little girl, don’t you know that the cross Jesus died on wasn’t beautiful like the one you’re wearing? It was an ugly, wooden thing.” To which the girl replied, “Yes, I know. But they told me in Sunday School that whatever Jesus touches, He changes.”

Lord Jesus, thank you for the cross. Touch me today.

in or out?

Sometimes I wonder why it is so hard for me to see the need of others, or to encourage them, or maybe even get a long with them. I want to make a difference in other peoples lives, but I can't seem to connect or do anything. Then I start worrying about how I am failing at relating to them or developing a relationship with them. So where then is my focus?

I just saw the movie "Soul Surfer" which is about Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack. Her story is tremendously inspirational and moving. But what really stuck out to me was her outward focus, and positive attitude. Through her whole accident and transition, her focus was on others rather than herself most of the time. God used this to point out to me where my focus has been. Even though I am in ministry, and I want to make an impact in these kids and youths lives, my focus has been on myself. "How I can make a difference. How I can be liked by them. How I know so much. I....I....I." Even being rejected is because of my pride. What a waste of my life!

God wants us, His children, to keep our eyes on Christ. Only by Him can we do anything. All through the Bible it teaches us to have an upward and outward focus, never inward. In Philippians 2 it tells of the attitude we should have, which is to be like Christ. When we keep our eyes on Christ, He is able to work in our hearts and lives. But when we focus on ourselves, and let Christ in around what is going on in our lives, nothing works, and He can't change our hearts and lives or use us as effectively in His work and will. To love Him is to never want to take our eyes off of Him.

Rather than worrying about myself, maybe I need to focus completely on Christ and how I can be Him to others, and spill His love into their lives, rather than trying to soak it up from them. Then look to the needs of others and their interests before I even think about mine. Lord, help me to be selfless, and have complete JOY in putting YOU first, others second, and myself last.

At our Woman's Bible study, we talked about the significance of music, and the great influence it has in our walk with God. This song came to mind, and the words say it so plainly, that I will just let you read them. And really, it is all about Jesus.

When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than just a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

Its all about you
Jesus

(The Heart of Worship, by Matt Redman)

fight

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)

Sometimes I get discouraged when I read God's Word and see His Will for my life - how I should act and treat others - and then one hour later, I know I should do a certain thing, but in my flesh, I do not want to do it. Then I think, well, Jesus has me covered. But as it says in Timothy that we are to fight the fight of faith - and in Hebrews 12:1-3 we are to run with endurance the race set before it. Jesus' blood does cover my sins, but He loves me so much and wants me to be like Him. It's not going to be easy, but most certainly worth it!

I came across this quote today, that really helped me to realize the need to stay in the battle and fight strong.

While there is left in you a trace of ill-temper, or of vanity, of pride, or of selfishness; while there is left in you a single sin, or germ of sin, you must not rest from the battle. God does not require from you to be sinless when you come before Him, but He does require you to be unceasing in your perseverance. He does not require that you shall never have fallen; but He does require unwearied efforts. He does not require you to win, but He does require you to fight.

-Frederick Temple

I may feel I have failed in obeying Christ and living for Him, but that doesn't mean I should stop fighting in the battle - ever. He has already won, but the battle continues. And in all that I do, my eyes must be fixed on Jesus! It's only Jesus.

One Thing Necessary

Don't people just drive you crazy sometimes? Or you wish they would just change there ways? Maybe there is so much on your list of things to do everyday, or you are involved in ministry, and you are just so overwhelmed by the amount. But you are doing it for Jesus, right? Or maybe the songs at church aren't as upbeat as you like. Maybe kids at school keep teasing you about being a Christian. There are many things that we encounter during the day, whether it be other people, things to do, or a heavy weight on our shoulders called Worry.

Earlier this week I was looking at Luke 10, and God drove several words right into my heart that crumbled the walls around me, and left me with out any defenses before Him. It was the story of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home. Martha was distracted with preparations, and wanted help from her sister Mary, who was sitting and doing nothing (in her eyes). Complaining to Jesus about this, Jesus hits the nail on the head, and responds in this way:

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

After reading this section, I knew that if I replaced Martha's name with my own, it would be true of me as well. I have welcomed Jesus into my life, given it into His hands to guide as I follow Him - I am committed to live for Him. The voices of this world say "good enough! Now get busy! Then you will have much success!" And I am distracted with preparations of sharing Jesus to others, and even by doing them. I am distracted by other people who drive me crazy, or who I wish I could be more like others. I let others take the rudder of my life and I fill up my life with things that I think are necessary. But in God's eyes, I am just worried and bothered by so many things - things that don't even matter without Jesus. I see that I am a Martha.

But what was Mary doing? She was not sitting and doing nothing, but sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him! Jesus said that this was THE ONE THING NECESSARY. It isn't necessary to worry or be bothered by things. It isn't necessary to keep your schedule so full you overlap. The only thing necessary is to be with Jesus - to sit at His feet and listen to Him.

But that isn't telling others about Jesus? That isn't "going and making disciples." How can that be the one thing necessary?

In this passage, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of the Greatest Commandment - to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And when you do this - when you sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him and fall in love with Him every day, everything else falls into place. We are able to share about Him to others. Our busy lives are accomplished with more energy and in it all, Christ's love can't help but spill out of us, because we are full of Him.

God brought several questions to me to honestly answer Him: "Are you living with Christ, rather than just for Him? Are you willing to do the one thing necessary?" Neither He or I were satisfied with my answers, but only by His strength can come before Him, sit at His feet, listen, and am filled with Him. My prayer is that God would mold me into a "Mary" who can't help but just sit at His feet. O, Jesus give me that passion.

Strive for the "one thing necessary," and watch Christ work in your life. I can't wait to see what He will do in mine!

Father Figure Fun

Life does not exist without the father. This is a simple fact.
Life does not exist without the Father. This is a simple fact.

Growing up as a human being, the role of the father is very important. Our world is messed up by this nasty thing called sin, creating a place where fathers are not fulfilling the roles God has given them. Some kids face a situation where "Dad" leaves for another woman, tired of the family he created. Down the road, another kid feels pressure from "Dad" who is using his words to manipulate his kid into being the person "Dad" wants to have. The girl next door hides in her room because "Dad" sexually abuses her. Across the street, "Dad" buys his kids whatever they want, whenever they want. From one house to another kids are living in situations where they get a distorted view of a father, and unfortunately never meet the Father.

I was born into a family with Mom and Dad both loving God and loving each other. With two older brothers, I was the baby, looking up at Matt and Nate and Joanne and Allen. At the ripe young age of 32, Allen was the proud father of three young boys. A few short years and Allen was the proud father of three boys, living with a disease that would take a good chunk of life away from him. Multiple Sclerosis has shaped Dad into a man that he never imagined he would be. No more hiking, wrench turning, elk hunting, tree climbing, driver's license, phone, or even rides to church on Sunday morning. The life my Dad lives today is simply the memories of the life he once lived.

Even though my family may sound like a mess, I know without a doubt, God has been walking with alongside us the whole time. I have experienced first hand, the gracious love of God the Father. Whether hot or cold, gentle or violent, stressful or calm, easy or hard - my Father has been with me in every season of this life. With God's perfect timing, my life has been made more complete by different father figures who have shown me my Father.

Jeff Buscher lived across the street from the Hersets in Kalispell, MT during the 1990's. What a great father figure for three young Montanans. As a 2nd grader, I didn't fully understand what was going on when Dad moved to a nursing home that Fall. Without Dad at the house, Jeff was the go-to-guy for many of life's little hiccups.

Three boys sharing one toilet, creating the "un-uncloggable?" Jeff brings in "The Snake." Two boys need a ride after school? Jeff rolls up in "The Egg Van." Long winters have the boys couped-up inside? Jeff gets out the climbing rope, builds a rope swing in the garage, and encourages us to find that Tarzan deep inside. The developing male body feels the need to launch himself into the atmosphere? Jeff's got the power tools and wood to build that perfect ramp. Time to hear about "the birds and the bees?" Send Jeff on a weekend road trip with the boys.

Thinking of Jeff brings me to Matthew 25 (see www.matthew25project.com) which is filled to overflowing with insight from the Father's son, Jesus. All of the stuff that Jeff did for me as I grew up, was above and beyond his responsibility as a father. Or was it? God has given Jeff "talents" and wanted Jeff to use them "to one of the least of these" (me). I am blown away by Jeff's ability to show the love of Jesus to the people around him. Young or old, rich or poor, white or black, nice or mean, his own son or Allen's son.

It is not the "Who?" but the "Why?" that compels Jeff to live out the Gospel. He has been a father to many so that many may know the Father.

Thanks, Jeff.
Love, Timbo.

Bible Study - LQA Bible Study

Lesson, Question and Application
This study can be done as an individual or in a group. Read through the passage either out loud or silently. Then brain storm all the possible lessons "L" from the passage. Next brainstorm all possible questions "Q" from the text. Finally, look for all the applications "A" in the text.

If done in a group, break into small groups from the beginning and go through LQA in each group, then at the end gather everyone together for a time to breakdown what the passage is about.

Philippians 2:5-11
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

What Lessons did you find:


What Questions do you have:

1.

2.

3.

What Applications can make for your life:
 
 
 
 
 
originally posted May 2009

Bible Study - Romans 8:28-29

Read Romans 8:28-29


1. Do you think that it is common for people to misunderstand Romans 8:28?

What do you think some common misunderstandings are?

2. Are there any recent experiences in your life that are making you wonder or question how God is going to be able to use them in your life?

What are they?

3. What do you think that verse 28 actually means when it says, “all things work together for good?”

4. What does verse 29 say that it means?

5. Oftentimes people assume from this verse that God is simply going to take their circumstances and make them better than what they are currently going through. That is not what the Scripture is saying here. God is much more interested in seeing us become more and more conformed into the image of Jesus. That is what Paul means when He say that God can use all these things for our good. It is definitely for our good to be conformed into the image of Jesus.

Does hearing that make you angry with God; or can you be satisfied knowing that your circumstances may not change, but you are becoming more and more like Christ?

6. Looking back, what are some ways that you can see how God has changed and molded you?

What are some ways that you think He might be trying to change you even now? Are you resisting that change?

If so, flee to the feet of Jesus and seek His forgiveness; that His work might continue to bear fruit in your life.

7. If you are not a follower of Christ and do not love Him, do not assume that these verses are for you. They are a promise to those who love God. For those of you who do love God, be excited. Know that God is working in your life to conform you more and more into the image of Jesus. How exciting is that? Very, if you ask me.

by Justin Kantonen

originally posted January 2009

Bible Study - Born Again – Are you?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

1. Have you experienced that love?

2. Have you ever realized that God did not send the Son, Jesus, to judge us but instead to save us?

3. Do you think that it is God’s will for you to perish?

4. Do you know where you are going to spend eternity?

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-21

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do theses signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see he kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You mush be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you don not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Just as Nicodemus was confused about what it meant to be born again, so too do we sometimes question and wonder don’t we? I mean, think of it, to be born again, to be given life within our lifetime? It doesn’t really make sense does it, unless one is thinking with an eternal perspective? And that is how Nicodemus and Jesus are talking, in the eternal. I love how Jesus takes the time to explain these things to Nicodemus. He takes the time to explain to Him a very odd concept, to be born again, to a man who was seeking to know the truth. The question remains the same though. “Do you know where you are going to spend eternity?” The only way to spend eternity in heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ and in so doing to be born again.

by Justin Kantonen
originally posted September 2008