Wonderful Jesus!

Isaiah 50:4- “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…”
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    • Where Did You Build?

      Posted at 3:49 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on June 13, 2020

      Matthew 7:24-27 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” ESV

      Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with this parable. It’s actually a very fitting ending to a remarkable teaching to His followers about life in the Kingdom of God. The hearers in the audience were raised in Judaism, whose ancestry went back to Abraham, and they were very familiar with the Law. However, in this sermon, Jesus doesn’t stress the importance of following the Law, but the importance of a sincere heart of obedience towards God.

      This parable is short and to the point and needs little interpretation. The message of this parable, is powerful and life changing, and as applicable today as when He first spoke it.

      There are two builders. One is wise and one is foolish. The wise man builds his house on a rock, and according to Luke, he dug deep into the rock to lay his foundation. The foolish man built his house on the sand, without laying a foundation at all. The storms came upon both houses, but the house built on the rock, with deep foundations, withstood the storms, while the house on the sand was destroyed.

      I read in a commentary on Matthew, that the land of Palestine required that one should be careful about where he chose to build a house. In some areas, the land was filled with gullies, or ravines created by water. In the summer time the sandy hollows of the gullies looked like a great place to build, because of it’s flat surface. However, if you chose that area upon which to build, in the winter you would have raging torrents of rushing water to deal with. If this were to happen, it could literally destroy your house.

      Imagine you built your house in a gully thinking that it’s a great place to enjoy the sun and sand, and maybe even the waterfront. You have easy access to the life you enjoy and all is well in the land. Then one day the heavy winds and rain come along and you have to get out as fast as possible to not be carried away with the house. Life isn’t fair! How could God let this happen to you?

      Your neighbor, on the other hand, built his house on the hill. When the storm came, he and his family were quite safe in their home. They continued on as usual because their sturdy house, that had it’s foundation in the rock, was secure. Again, you think, life isn’t fair! God loves your neighbor more than you! Does He? Or is there something else going on?

      Jesus says it clearly, the wise men is the one who hears His words and does them. The foolish man is the one who hears His words and does not do them. One person is living a life of obedience and the other person is not. Both of these people heard Jesus, but only one of them obeyed Him. Yet, people easily become embittered over a situation of their own making, blaming God, because someone needs to take the blame, other than them!

      In the Church, we have both types of people: wise and foolish. They both attend church, read the Bible, memorize scripture, attend conferences, and buy Christian literature. They both look the same, like strong Christians! But when the storms of life hit, they reveal the truth about each and every person. Both had the appearance of a solid Christian faith, because they both heard the word, but only one was able to withstand the storm. The one that withstood the storm had laid the foundation of his house on the Rock; while the other one only looked like he had.

      Jesus’ parable is touching a place where we don’t want to go. He lets us know that an intellectual knowledge of Him and His kingdom principles will not sustain you in the tough times. Nor do they represent a commitment to Him. Looking like you are alright, when you are not, will one day expose you for the fraud that you are. It is a life of obedience and heartfelt worship and service that keeps us anchored to the Rock! It is obedience that is the proof of life surrendered to Christ!

      The apostles continued this teaching when James wrote that we are to not only be hearers of the word, but doers also. John furthered this teaching by saying we are liars if we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness. Interesting to note, there was no third house mentioned. You know the one, the house of the partially obedient person?

      If I tell my child to clean the kitchen, and she only washes the dishes, did she obey me? If I tell my student he can go to the bathroom, but he also went to his locker and got some water, did he obey me? If Jesus tells me that committing adultery is wrong, and I’m not having an affair but I love pornography, am I obeying Him?

      Jesus introduced, at the close of His sermon, a radical new way of thinking. He actually revolutionized what following God was all about. It’s not about getting caught up in the rules and being able to recite them, but demonstrating absolute obedience to Him and His way of doing things. Remember, the wise man’s life was secure in Jesus and protected from the storms, while the foolish man’s life was headed for sure destruction. Are you being wise, or foolish? Only you really know the answer to that question! Wonderful Jesus!

      Posted in hard times, obedience, Parable of Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Christian, God, Handling difficulties, hard times, Jesus, Jesus as teacher, obedience, parable, protection, Victorious Living, word of God
    • The Lord Is…!

      Posted at 4:11 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on May 12, 2020

      Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” KJV

      When our children were in elementary school, I would drive them to school. On the way we would recite the 23rd psalm, pray, and then “give Him some praise!” It was one of my favorite times of the day.

      I’ve come to love this psalm. There is rarely a day that it doesn’t cross my mind; especially when I retire for the night. It has been an encouragement to me on so many levels, at so many different times in my life, but there was a time when it made absolutely no sense to me.

      David wrote, “the Lord is my shepherd.” This statement helps us to see the deep and personal relationship that David had with the Lord. Long before it was established that we are to have a personal relationship with Him, David had discovered one. Every thing David mentions in this psalm flows from the truth that the Lord is his shepherd.

      David kept his father’s sheep, and as a shepherd he had personal insight to the life and heart of the shepherd. He was the protector of his sheep. One day a lion came to attack the sheep, and he lit into that lion and killed it. On a different occasion a bear showed up, and David took care of that bear for trying to take his sheep. So David was a true shepherd and understood the responsibility of shepherding his sheep. I believe that one evening he was thinking over his day and said, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

      Jesus mentioned that He was indeed the Shepherd, the true Shepherd, the Good Shepherd. And Jesus remarked that the shepherd gives His life for the sheep! David understood that truth! He would allow nothing and no one to mess with his sheep. He was their protector! And he was willing to give his life for them. Jesus was not only willing to give His life, He gave it!

      David also understood that he guided his sheep. His sheep followed him wherever he led them. They responded to his call and he knew them and the sheep knew him. Jesus also made this same reference to Himself as our shepherd. He said that His sheep knew His voice and would not follow the voice of a stranger conveying to us the intimate knowledge that He had of us and wanted us to have of Him. I have experienced His leading on numerous occasions. One day, in the midst of our district testing week, I was feeling really tired and wanted to give my students a break. I had it all planned out, but suddenly I heard in my Spirit that I needed to continue teaching, so I obeyed. Not five minutes later my principal came in and observed me. He was so impressed that I was still focused on teaching, but in reality, I had wanted a break! My Shepherd whispered to my heart and I listened! It was a powerful reminder of His concern and guidance in my life.

      David took care of his sheep. He made sure that the pastures he led them to eat from was filled with green grass and still waters to quench their hunger and their thirst. Jesus made note of the truth that any one who enters the sheepfold through Him would be saved and find pasture, a place of nourishment, of rest.

      So much is going on in this world today. It seemed as if our plates were full enough with “life” and then the pandemic struck. Now we have another thing to deal with. At first, it was no big deal for many to stay home to keep from getting the virus and spreading it. Now, some people are tired of being at home and can’t wait to get back to their “normal” lives. For some it will never be normal again, because they no longer have a husband, a wife, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a friend, an uncle, a daughter, or a son. And right now, having faith in a Shepherd who protects the sheep is a struggle. But He is a wonderful Shepherd and you will trust Him and continue to allow Him to be your Shepherd, you will again rejoice in Him!

      David had struggles. It is often remarked that David was the youngest and forgotten by his father and disliked by his brothers. I don’t know if it is true, but I do know that he wasn’t called to the dinner that Samuel attended until the Lord rejected all of Jesse’s other sons. David came in to dinner, was anointed king, and went back to the sheep and his brothers continued to give him a hard time. But that didn’t stop or hinder David, it allowed him much desired time with His shepherd!

      David said, “the Lord is my Shepherd” and because he was a shepherd he understood what that meant. I’m a teacher. The Lord is my teacher. I fully understand that concept of Him being my teacher. I know that He will stick with me until I get the lesson He needs me to comprehend. I understand that His heart is to help me to succeed and not to fail. I understand that when I struggle with a concept, He is there to guide me through the process and to bring me to a place of understanding and application. So in the midst of the struggles of life, I get that when I don’t understand it, my Teacher is available to me to help me understand it.

      Maybe that is a concept we should all think about. What is it that I am really skilled at? How is Jesus that to me? How can I see Him in me and in what I do daily? Because He is the great I Am, He’s not in a box and can only be discovered through a certain pair of lens. He was David’s shepherd. He is mine. He is yours! But in order to understand the Lord as your shepherd, maybe you need to understand Him in a way that brings it home for you. A carpenter can understand Him as the Master Builder, a nurse can understand Him as a Caregiver, while a comedian can understand Him as one who fills her heart with joy and laughter. I think you get the picture!

      Does that mean that as a shepherd David never had a down day? I don’t think so! But what David never did was lose sight of the truth that he was in good hands with His Shepherd. As are we! He will lead us through this stay at home time, and He will lead us through this pandemic, and He will lead us through life after the pandemic as long as He is Lord. Wonderful Jesus!

      Posted in Jesus, Our Shepherd, Psalm 23 | 4 Comments | Tagged David, encouragement, hard times, Jesus, Jesus as teacher, protection, provision, Psalm 23, trust in God
    • The Miracle Worker

      Posted at 12:18 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 15, 2020

      Luke 23:8 -Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. NKJV

      In 1962, a movie was released called “The Miracle Worker”. This movie was based on Helen Keller’s life, a child who became both blind and deaf after a bout with a high fever in her infancy. When she became a young child, her parents were encouraged to institutionalize her, but they decided to try a tutor from a school for the blind as a last resort. As you know, if you have heard the story or seen the movie, Anne Sullivan, dubbed “the miracle worker” became Helen’s teacher and lifelong friend, after being able to reach through the deadness of her mind, teaching her to communicate through ASL and Braille. A life that was spiraling out of control became a great testament to the power of love and having the right teacher.

      Isaiah 9:6- “For unto us a child was born”…, and He became the greatest teacher of all, the true miracle worker. In less than four years of earthly ministry, He did so many miracles that John said there were not enough books to contain it all. But in God’s word, we get a real insight into who this great miracle worker was and is, and we are left knowing that with a powerful love and an amazing ability to teach, He changed the course of mankind forever!

      Herod was so excited to finally see Jesus. He had heard about Him from others, but now he would see Him for himself. The scripture tells us that Herod wanted to see Jesus because he was hoping to see Jesus perform a miracle: maybe He would open some blind eyes, or open some ears, or create a new limb, it didn’t matter, he just wanted to see something happen. But Jesus did not perform a miracle for Herod that day, leaving Herod disappointed, somewhat disillusioned, and even angry!

      People have not changed today. They still want to see the Miracle Worker. They still want to see a performance or be awed, or even entertained by some great feat, some wondrous occurrence. Some chase around the world, others run from church to church, still others, chase behind an individual to glimpse the miracle worker, and when He won’t perform for them, they too walk away disillusioned, disappointed and even angry.

      But can I tell you what Herod missed, that others are still missing today? Jesus was and is the Miracle! To have an opportunity to see Him, to hear of Him, to discover that you are loved of Him is a miracle. Herod didn’t realize that the One who came to save him from an eternity spent in hell was before him and he was looking for entertainment. He didn’t understand that knowing Him was far better than seeing Him do any kind of feat, and he was about to miss his moment of visitation. But that’s exactly what happened, he missed out on a relationship with the Living God because he was looking for the wrong thing, a performance!

      Even in the church world, we are looking for a performance. We think that if we can do this, then God will do that! If we can get there, then God will perform that. We believers, and even those in the world, are still looking for the Miracle Worker to perform for us, when He is still waiting for us to just want Him!

      I am one who believe in miracles. I look forward to hearing about the miracles people have received and those done through God’s people. I love the environment in a service when God moves on someone’s behalf and grant them a miracle. And I just love watching Him do Him and be Him. But a long time ago I met the Miracle Worker. He was more awesome than Anne Sullivan and still is. She pales in comparison! Jesus, the real miracle worker, reached through the deadness of my soul and, although I was blind, He didn’t teach me to operate in my blindness, but He gave me sight to see that I was in need of a savior, Him! I was deaf, and He didn’t teach me to hear with my senses, but He taught me to hear with my spirit what He has to say to me through His word! He took my life of chaos and dysfunction and turned it into a life of productivity filled with love, hope, and opportunities! And through the power of love and great teaching He has transformed my life and the lives of so many others. Isn’t that miraculous?!

      At this critical time, when our world needs untold miracles to get us to the other side of this pandemic, I want to say that we serve the Miracle Worker! It’s not enough to come to Him for a divine intervention in this pandemic, although He should be your first point of contact; but you must come to Him because He is the only One who can bring you hope in the midst of so much turmoil! He doesn’t want to be known by you as one who seeks Him only for what He can do for you, for what He can show you, for what He can perform for you, no more than He was interested in performing for Herod. But He can and will do miracles, great things, amazing things for those who are seeking to know Him, the only true Miracle Worker, for who He is!

      At this time of great panic and deep concerns for the well being of our world, seek the Miracle Worker! He can save you! He can heal you! He can set you free! And the greatest news of all is, He will! If you can believe! You may already be disappointed, disillusioned, and even angry over this pandemic, but I encourage you to turn you heart to Jesus, the only real Miracle Worker and watch Him move on your behalf and in your situation changing your heart and mind as He has done for so many others! Wonderful Jesus!

      Posted in Believers, Christian, coronavirus, encouragement | 4 Comments | Tagged Believer, Christian, encouragement, Faith, Healing, Health, Jesus, Jesus as teacher, love, miracle worker, miraculous, Salvation, transformation
    • Teach Them!

      Posted at 3:47 am by wonderfuljesus8, on June 9, 2019

      Matthew 28:19-20- “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

      For me, teaching has become my life. I have been teaching elementary school for the past 14 years, and I have been teaching in the church since I was a teenager in our Methodist Church. As a matter of fact, my greatest joy in life comes from teaching the word of God.

      Of course, Jesus spent most of His ministry teaching the people. He taught in the synagogue, He taught on the mountaintop, He taught in the city, and in the fields; and anywhere else He had an audience. So I am honored to do the same ministry as my Savior.

      In the above verse Jesus is speaking, and He said “teach all nations”. Why teaching? Years ago I did a Sunday School teachers’ training session on the purpose of the teaching ministry of the church. I called these trainings, professional development because I saw myself developing my team to become the best they could become as teachers.

      During this particular session we discussed the power of teaching. When teaching is just about giving information, it doesn’t stick. Not in my elementary classroom, and not in a church. However, in the school room the highest level of learning is about application (put something into action; applying knowledge) But in the church, effective teachers, teach for transformation (a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance).

      Jesus wanted people to be taught all over the world how to observe all things that was commanded of them. Another way to say it is, how to obey Him. No one is born in the world with the ability to just obey. They are taught to obey. When people are born in the kingdom, they have to be taught to obey, that their lives will be transformed.

      Now, don’t go thinking I am talking about a rules and consequence gospel. No! But I am talking about the fact that if you are born again, it’s only your spirit that is born again. The will, the emotions, your soulish realm has to be taught how to react to the world around you and even to the God you have surrendered to as He commanded.

      When I was a young child and a believer, I would read the word but I didn’t know that I had to study the word. I actually could quote 2 Timothy 2:15. Learned it in VBS. But I didn’t realize that reading the Bible and studying the Bible was not the same. I had to be taught that. It transformed my life.

      I didn’t know about tithing. I had to be taught from the word of God that I should tithe. Once I was shown in the word the reason I should tithe, I jumped right on it. It transformed my life. Some ministers like to use scare tactics to get people to live biblical lives, but if we teach new converts and old pew warmers what the word really says, they will be transformed by the power of His word.

      Paul said it like this, “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” News flash! The renewing of your mind comes from being taught the word of God. As you are taught the word of God and are receptive to what it teaches you about life, transformation is inevitable.

      I was a believer. I loved Jesus. But it wasn’t until I was taught about the baptism in the Holy Spirit that I understood it and desired that experience! Oh but when I found out! You guessed it, it transformed my life!

      You see, Jesus wasn’t interested then, in just us having experiences in Him for He knew that without the understanding of what was happening we couldn’t maintain what He was giving to us. Remember the proverb, “You can give the man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, you can teach the man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime”? That’s transformation!! The man went from a beggar to a provider as a result of teaching!

      So Jesus said to “teach them to be disciples” because just getting them saved isn’t enough. They need to know what it means to be a disciple and what it looks like. They will only get this through teaching and once they get it, transformation will take place.

      Teaching is about action. So when something is not lining up with the kingdom of God, just know that you need to get some teaching on the matter. And as you understand it, you will be renewed in your mind and on the way to transformation. Don’t just get any teaching, get teaching that comes from the word of God through an anointed teacher of the word of God. Allow God the pleasure of taking the life you are living and transforming it into the Life He is giving! Go get some teaching!! Wonderful Jesus!

      Posted in Believers, teaching the Word, the Word of God, Victorious Living | 3 Comments | Tagged Jesus as teacher, teaching the word of God
    • Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

      Posted at 4:55 am by wonderfuljesus8, on May 8, 2018

      They sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere and that You teach the way of God truthfully, without concerning Yourself about [what] anyone [thinks or says of Your teachings]; for You are impartial and do not seek anyone’s favor [and You treat all people alike, regardless of status].-Matthew 22:16 

      I was looking for a verse to encourage teachers, when I read this one. I think it’s perfect.  A very big part of Jesus’ ministry was teaching, so we as educators are following in His footsteps. 

      The scripture  above said that Jesus was a sincere teacher and He taught truth. Every great Bible teacher knows the importance of teaching truth. As we prepare to get before people in Sunday school or bible studies all over the world, we study to give truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

      As we prepare to enter a classroom, we want to teach our content correctly because we want our students to learn, even if we have to rethink that lesson and reteach that lesson for them to do so.

      Jesus taught irrespective to what anyone thought of Him. Daily teachers go into the classroom in spite of the negative publicity that say we are overpaid and under qualified. We go in spite of politicians using us as their springboard for the next seat in government. We go in spite of parents who suggest that we don’t care or we are trying to fail their child. And we go in spite of the fact that it seems we can never do enough to prove that we are giving it our all.  So again, we are just like Jesus. He taught truth and He taught faithfully inspite of the fact that they wanted to kill Him for it. No has wanted to kill me yet, I don’t think!

      We are impartial. I remember my first year as a teacher. A famous rapper had a daughter at our school and she just happened to be in my class. When I was told about them, I didn’t get impressed. I had 28 students to teach. There was no room for favoring a child because of her parentage. Any nationality, any religious affiliation or lack thereof, any social status or lack thereof, rich, middle class and in poverty, the good, the bad, and the gifted…it doesn’t matter because we will teach you if you are sitting before us. 

      Over the years I have endeavored to treat all of my students with love and respect. Sometimes I missed the mark, but it was always the goal. I work with a lot of teachers and I see their heart. For the most part, they show up to do their jobs without partiality. And many of them do it quite well!

      When I applied for entrance into the education program at my universe they asked me why did I want to teach, and before I could respond they told me not to say because I love children. I obviously said something to impress them I got in and graduated.

      After all these years I understand what they were saying. A great teacher doesn’t teach because they love children, although they may, they teach because they love to teach. My passion is to teach. Not that we are allowed to just teach, because if we were, we would. But that’s my passion. Especially in the church. Especially the word of God. 

      So to all my fellow teachers who teach because you love to teach, remember, so did Jesus. Rather you teach at your church, in a school, or in a world wide ministry or university, you are important, you are special, and you are doing a work that Jesus did when He was on this earth.

      I felt someone needed to tell you that in spite of your difficulties and challenges; or your lack of supplies and support, or your lack of engaged students, or your lack of pay, or your long hours (no one knows about but us) or your cushy position that you finally got after 30 years of service; I am proud to be numbered among you. In the church and in the school room. You are important to the world that constantly wants to beat you up; but you keep going, you keep trying, you keep teaching, and you deserve every gift and word of encouragement that comes your way this week. Keep up the good work! Wonderful Jesus!

      Posted in Heroes of Faith, teachers, Victorious Living | 1 Comment | Tagged encouragemnt, Jesus as teacher, school, Teacher appreciation
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