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Get More by Giving

Scripture: "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." Luke 6:38

Missing Out

Lately, I've been realizing that I've been missing out on so much that's right in front of me, because I've been so focused on what I don't have. It's like if you were starving and had someone bring you a great meal with a lid on top, but you're so focused on your neighbor eating his sandwich, that you don't even notice! You have this amazing meal in front of you, but it goes to waste because you're so transfixed on what others have. I have been living this way, and I believe God wants me to stop. Because this habit, where you want what you don't have and aren't happy with what you do have, is called covetousness, and it's actually a soul toxin.

What is a "Soul Toxin?"

A soul toxin is something you are doing (knowingly or unknowingly) that is causing sickness in your soul. For example, if I lived in a smog-filled city, my lungs would be always filled with toxins, making it hard for me to breathe, run, and enjoy life. But smog is fairly invisible, and unless someone tells me about it, I'm going to keep breathing it in! And suffering. Maybe you feel that way in your soul. You feel always on-edge, nervous, worried, and unhappy. This is indication of a soul toxin, and it's just what Jesus came to help you with. In fact, Jesus was criticized for hanging out the most with needy, "soul-toxic" people. He told His critics,

"Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval." (Mark 2:17)

So if you think that you have too many issues to be liked (or even loved!) by Jesus, you're in for a surprise: He came just for you.

The Soul Doctor

Now, because Jesus made our souls, He knows how they work best. He knows the things that are toxic for you, and the things that are going to make you thrive. It's like going to the best doctor in the world who knows just how the body works and can tell you the best things to eat and do to live an amazing, vibrant life. That's what Jesus is for you: Your Soul Doctor. And covetousness is one of the things He said is very toxic for your soul. He said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Luke 12:15

Am I Greedy?

Now, when I hear the word "greed," I automatically think of just money. But that's not all you can be greedy for. What about wanting someone else's life? Wishing you looked like them, had their family, or had their luxuries? That's how God defines coveting: Jealousy wanting anything someone else has. He said, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17 I know I have been so guilty of this, looking to other people as better off than me, thinking, "If I could just have their money, their spouse, their house...I could be happy."

Covetousness Symptoms

Here are some signs you might be dealing with this soul toxin (I have them all!):

• You are never satisfied

You are constantly wishing things were different

You can't be happy for others' blessings

What's the Remedy?

I hate when someone tells me what's wrong with me but not how to fix it. It's so depressing! But Jesus doesn't do that to you. He teaches about the soul toxin and the soul remedy. After explaining that "Life is not measured by how much you own," He says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 This is the cure for covetousness: Giving! I want you to do 2 things with your body. First, I want you to clench up your fists as tight as you can get them. How does that feel? Stressful? Tense? That's the position of covetousness. Your whole body is saying, "I want! I want! I want!" and you've never happy. But now, I want you to relax your arms out right in front of you, with your palms open. Hold them like that for a couple seconds, closing your eyes and breathing in and out. How do you feel? Peaceful? Happy? That is the feeling of contentment and giving, the soul remedy that Jesus is prescribing for you today.

Bring in the Health

Let's take Jesus' remedy this week. What if we purposefully went through this week not thinking, "How much can I get?" but instead, "How much can I give?" Think how beautiful our existence together would be! And we can start that now, you and me, and our whole big group. This week, let's see what we can give to others. It can be a hug, a word of encouragement, money or clothes to someone in need, or a thank-you card. In fact, let's start by giving to each other in the Comments! Write your prayer or what's on your heart, and then find someone else's comment and reply back to them with a prayer or encouragement. I truly believe that Jesus' remedy of giving is going to free us of the burden of covetousness. Let's start this week, and next week I will ask you how it is going! I am praying for you.

Healing for Your Soul

Scripture: "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Jesus, Matthew 11:28

Is Your Soul Troubled?

I know you've been battling a lot of things in your soul. Worry about your future, regret over mistakes, consuming fear about what others think about you. It can be so overwhelming. God does not want you to live this way. He has a spacious, green, beautiful land for your soul to rest in, and He is inviting you into it. I want you to read the following promise from God to you out loud, and insert your name into it, because it's exactly what God wants to do for you.
The Lord is _______'s shepherd, ________ shall not be in want.
He makes _________ lie down in green pastures,
He leads _________ beside quiet waters,
He restores __________'s soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Restoration for Your Soul

How is your soul doing? If you were to get a check-up, what would the doctor say? Fearful? Sad? Anxious? Your soul is the place where you really exist-your deepest, truest self. It is where you hold your memories, thoughts about yourself, and perception of the world around you. Think of your soul as the soil of your life: its health determines how much can grow in your life. If you have hard, dry soil, even if you plant all the best seeds, they will not be able to grow. Maybe you have been dealing with that kind of dryness in your soul. You try to feed yourself with good things, like the Bible or church or good friends, but still you feel empty and dry, and the things you want aren't growing.

God Wants to Prosper Your Soul

God wants to change all that. He actually wants to prosper your soul. 3 John 1:2 says, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." I want you to imagine 2 landscapes: 1 is dry and barren, with trees with tiny, shriveled-up branches, and all around gray; the other is green, lush, with so many different trees and crops, and little streams running throughout it. The latter is His promise to you, and I want you to insert your name again:
The LORD will comfort _________again and have pity on _________'s ruins.
___________'s desert will blossom like Eden, __________'s barren wilderness like the garden of the LORD.
Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. (Isaiah 51:3)

The Problem

There may be things in the soil of your soul that are rocky and dry, making it so that the things you want to grow there can't. An example of a rock would be something or someone you've been unable to forgive (maybe even yourself!) or coveting what other people have. These things act as barriers to the beautiful things God wants to plant in your life. Think of them as toxins for your soul. It's like if you were trying to eat really healthy but were also ingesting a little bit of poison with every meal. No matter how much water you drink, you're still going to feel awful.

Let's Go on a Healing Cleanse

I want us to experience true prosperity of soul by removing the bad things in our life and replacing them with the good things God has for us. Every week, we are going to learn about a new soul toxin and its remedy. God has amazing prescriptions for each of the things that are troubling you now (anxiety, anger, depression, etc.), and I believe He wants to lead us into experiencing deep health for our souls. Do you want to go on a health cleanse for your soul with me? I need this just as bad as you. If you are in, please write your heart-cry to God about the health you desire for your soul in the Comments. I'll start with my own prayer for me and for you:
Lord, I want You to heal my soul. All the things that have troubled me and kept me from living the life you have for me, please remove them. I am giving You full-access to my soul; please let the verses above come true for me and for the person reading this. Let us experience the prosperity of soul while we are still on this earth. Teach us the keys to live healthy. In Jesus' name, amen.

SEASON ONE PACKAGE FOR THE FRIENDS OF EMMA AND YOUNG

SPECIAL FOR A HAPPY HOUR IN YOUR FAMILY. For the last one year EMMA AND YOUNG a broadcast media and the performing arts production group has been producing and broadcasting a WEEKLY RADIO SOAP/ SERIAL DRAMA ON RADIO Wa 89.8 FM. this is the first of its kind in the region. Now we are packaging the whole series (52) episodes and sharing with special friends of Emma and Young. The series is very educative and entertaining especially for families. It is produced in Luo with few episodes having a mixture of English and Lango. You may wish to have a copy of this package for your family and friends. The whole family will surely like it and if you have young ones, there is lot; inspirational teachings and wisdom for their effective growth. the series is in a pack of FIVE CDS, each CD having 10 episodes; each episode is between 35 to 45 minutes; its all going for 25,000/= only. If you are interested, please text me your name and address on 0776 996776 or 0772 999535. All proceeds from this WILL GO to the outreach events in schools. Thanks, Gira Emmanuel

God is Asking You Out on a Date

Scripture: "I am my beloved's, and His desire is for me." Song of Solomon 7:10

My Secret

I want to tell you a secret. One that has totally revolutionized my life with God. Can I have a minute of your time and see if it could do the same for you?

Wanting More from God

About a couple months ago, I was at a weird place in my relationship with God, and I asked Him what to do. I wanted more out of our relationship, but I didn't know what to do about it. And here's the answer I felt He gave me: Go on walks. Go on walks? Are You serious? What is that going to do? Are You saying I'm out of shape? (Which I am.) In any event, I went, out of sheer obedience and curiosity—and I kind of like walking. Every day after work, I'd put on my walking shoes and head out the door, often tired and not feeling like it.

Going on Dates

And what do you know, but as I started to walk, I started to talk: to God—about my feelings, my fears, what happened yesterday at work, how I feel about my life...everything and anything that was on my heart. And do you want to know what's more? As I began to walk—everyday, after work—I began to hear God talk back...or sometimes just feel Him listen and care. It was like I began to "date" God. And God, smart as He is, knew this would happen. He knew that it was quality time that we needed to grow in our relationship together.

A Fresh Love

Have you ever seen a married couple that falls out of love? It's not that they hate each other; they just lost that "thing." But then, in a move of desperation, they move everything else to the side and begin to act how they did when they first fell in love. They date; they open up; they notice new, wonderful qualities in each other. They listen to every word with attention. They put each other first. Mainly, they spend time together.

God's Message to You

And this is EXACTLY what God wants to do...with you. He is just crazy about you. He wants to spend every waking moment with you: listening to your fears, talking about your dreams, laughing at funny things, and counseling you on the tough issues. Don't believe me? Listen to Him here; He's talking about you:

"“But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to Me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. When that day comes,' says the Lord, “you will call Me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master'" (Hosea 2:14-16).

No Matter How Old or New

No matter where you are at in your relationship with God (maybe you've just begun, or maybe you've been with Him a while now), He wants to pursue you all over again. He wants you to give yourself to Him again. When I started taking my daily walks with God, our daily dates, I started to hear Him and feel His love in a revolutionary way. I started to hear Him soothe my fears, give me advice, and care for me with deep loyalty. And the same will happen for you if you start spending time with Him.

The Offer

Here's what Jesus says to you: "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelation 3:20 Do you want to have those dates with God? Do you want to let Him into your home...maybe for the first time, or maybe "all over again?"

Start Here

Why don't you simply start with picking a time of day to take a daily date with God? It could be morning, noon, or night. You just tell Him, "God, I would like to go on that date You're offering me. I'm a little surprised You'd want to spend so much time with me, but I'm honored. Let's build this relationship." Is that what you want to do? If so, why don't you tell God in the Comments below what time of day you'd like to spend together, and then take that time to talk and get to know each other this week. I personally promise you that you will not regret it. God is crazy about you, and spending time together every day will revolutionize your life.

The Fat of God's Love

Scripture: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

 

Tired?

You're probably tired. How do I know that? Because everyone is tired today. I am tired! The media, the to-do lists, the children, the job, the ministry, the hopes, the emotions...by the end of the day (or maybe by 10 am!), you're wiped! And if you're anything like me, your deep, desperate question is: How can I find the thing that is going to really, truly nourish me?

 

Unfulfilled

And that's a great question. I used to have this stockpile of things I would do when I got overwhelmed: read magazines, go shopping, watch a movie...all distractors. They didn't really solve my problem; they just distracted me from them for a while. But then, those things stopped working! Because I wasn't really feeding my true hunger. It's like I was starving for protein, but I just kept eating more and more potato chips. I was full, but not satisfied. And God knows all about this; He says here:

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food." (Isaiah 55:1-2)

 

True Nourishment

Good food that truly nourishes you. That's the kind of life Jesus promises you in John 10:10. He said, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." So what really satisfies? I have recently been studying nutrition, mainly because I haven't felt very well lately. And I came upon research that suggests that you really need a certain amount of healthy fat in your diet (like olive oil, fish, etc.) for your body to work the way it should. Fat actually makes you feel full and nourishes your body. I had not been eating that much good fat—eating all these other things instead—and I think my body was kind of starving. Do you feel this way emotionally and spiritually?

 

Two Women...Which are You?

Here's a picture of two women who were both filling themselves, but one ended up full, and the other still wasn't satisfied. I want you to see who you most relate with:

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

The Fat of Life

Just one thing to be concerned about: and that was filling up with the words and presence of Jesus. In your life, as with Martha, there are a million pressures that tell you they're most important: making money, looking good, having that relationship, getting to the next "level." But what Jesus is saying here is that those things don't matter. They are the potato chips, but He is the fat. David said, "Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food." Psalm 63:3,5 If you've been living like Martha (and I know I have!), having Jesus in your home but not really experiencing Him, He is inviting you to be a Mary today. Jesus wants to satisfy you with the fat of His love and a living, breathing relationship with Him.

 

First Step

The first step is just to sit down in His presence, like Mary. Read His word in the Bible. Tell Him how you feel and what you need. It's a relationship, and God wants to relate with you. Will you give Him some of your time this week? Will you ask Him to help you become more of a Mary and less of a Martha? If so, write a prayer to God in the Comments asking Him to help you be a Mary. He has a place right by His feet for you to come and listen to His satisfying words and begin to give you the rest you are really looking for.

Just Add Oil

Scripture: "Until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops." Isaiah 32:15

Dry and Lifeless?

Do you feel really dry in life? Like you don't want to get out of bed some days, or you don't have enough supply to meet all your demands? I know how you feel. Life can be really hard: People can drain and hurt us; and things definitely don't always go the way we planned. This can all leave us dry and lifeless. But God wants to restore the dry places in your life and even give you even more vibrance than you have ever yet experienced. And He wants to start today.

The Bread of Your Life

I want you to imagine a piece of bread: dry, crusty, with zero flavor. Does that describe how you feel? Maybe it's a lifeless marriage, a life sucked dry from addiction, or the passing by of dreams that never happened. When I read your comments and stories, I hear the pain that life has brought you, but I also hear the hope you still have. And that hope is from God. Because as I read the Bible and walk with God myself, I know that He is the master at bringing the dead back to life. So I want you to imagine that same piece of bread—dry and stale—having oil poured all over it, filling every crevice and moistening every dry spot. Can you imagine biting into that bread now? The flavor is back, and it is soft and delicious.

God's Oil

That is what God wants to do with your life by the power of His Spirit. In the Bible, God's Spirit is described as oil: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on." 1 Samuel 16:13 Think of the powerful properties of oil: it heals wounds, makes anything taste better, and get things unstuck, to name a few. If you are wounded, God wants to heal you. If you are lifeless, God wants to bring back the flavor. And if you feel "stuck", God wants to pour out His Spirit on you and get you free. Just like with David, God wants to anoint you today and let you experience the life-giving power of the oil of His Spirit.

Back from the Dead

Let's read this story of a widow who had nothing left, because I believe God wants to do something similar in your life:

"One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, 'My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.' 'What can I do to help you?' Elisha asked. 'Tell me, what do you have in the house?' 'Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,' she replied. And Elisha said, 'Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.' So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! 'Bring me another jar,' she said to one of her sons. 'There aren’t any more!' he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, 'Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.'" (2 Kings 4:1-7)

Unlimited

There is no limit to God's Spirit, and He wants to pour it into every dry crevice of your life—starting today. I want you to imagine each dry area of your life as an empty jar. Line the jars up in your mind and label each one. Maybe one is labeled family; one future; one health; one past memories; so on and so forth. Just like the widow, you can have as many jars filled as you can find. Now I want you to imagine the Lord God Himself filling each jar to the brim with the oil of His Holy Spirit, so much so that they are overflowing. "You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings." Psalm 23:5

Bring Your Jars

That's what He wants to do for you starting today. He wants you to bring Him every jar of your life—no matter if they have always been empty—to be filled with the oil of His Spirit. Your dry relationships, sick body, tired spirit, and dried-up dreams: He wants to nourish them all, giving them flavor and life—just like a dry piece of bread soaked in olive oil. When you bring your jars to the Lord to fill, here are some of the things that will happen:

• You will have new vision: "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions." Joel 2:28
• Your depression will turn to joy: "To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." Isaiah 61:3
• You will be able to obey God better: "And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Ezekiel 36:27
• You will experience God in a closer way: "'I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel,' declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 39:29

Start Today

Tell God the names of your empty jars in the Comments below. Ask Him to fill them with His life-giving Spirit. As you go through your week and experience dry areas, ask God, "Will You pour oil on this?" He promises He will! Jesus said, "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." Luke 11:13

Get Out of Jail Free

Are You in Prison?

Do you feel like you are in a prison? Maybe it's the prison of an addiction, a fear, or a past memory. I know how you feel. I have felt chained to events and feelings for years, and they have held me back. But the Bible talks about a powerful way to break out of prison. And It's free! Listen to this story about Paul and Silas, two Christian men who were thrown in prison for telling people about Jesus. Instead of getting bitter or depressed, listen to what they do:

"Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!" Acts 16:25-26

The Power of Worship

Paul and Silas worshiped, and it broke them out of prison. You see, worship has the capacity to break you free--no matter how long you've been bound. But it really, really matters what or who you worship. For years, I worshiped appearance, relationships, acceptance, and addictions. They were the things I sought with all my time, the things I looked to fill me. In essence, they were my gods. Can you relate? But they were dead, and the Bible teaches that you become like what you worship:

"But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." Psalm 115:4-8

Worship the Living God

If you worship something dead, you will become dead inside. But if you worship something—Someone—that is alive, you will become alive inside too. Jesus said, "So He is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to Him." Luke 20:38 Do you want to worship the Living God and become alive inside too? Do you want your chains to be broken off? I do. Here is a worship tool that God is teaching me that I call: Zoom Out, Zoom In. I believe it can help you too!

Shift Your Perspective

I want you to think of a camera lens, how you can zoom in on something you want to focus on, and zoom out to get the bigger picture. That's how we worship things too. We zoom in on what we worship, and we zoom out on things that are less important. God wants us to zoom in on Him and zoom out on our problems. That will bring you true freedom. I want to practice this with you by using a very personal example. I really want to be married but haven't found the right person yet. My tendency has been to zoom in on my unfulfilled desire and zoom out on God's faithfulness. But God wants it to be opposite, so here's what He's teaching me:

Zoom Out: Instead of saying, "What's wrong with me? Has God forsaken me?" and trying to figure out all the things I could do to get a man, I say, "God, I know You have someone great for me. I know plenty of other people who You have provided spouses for, and I trust You to take care of me too." I zoom out on my problem, instead of making it my god.

Zoom In: Then, I zoom in on my Creator—my God whom I trust. I think about all the wonderful things about Him, all the times He came through for people in the Bible and for me in the past. I think about how He loves me, has a great plan for me, and is powerful enough to bring the perfect person from anywhere in the world. I find peace by zooming in on my living God, and He brings me life and breaks me out of jail.

 

Let's Practice!

What is your prison? I want you to be free of your fears and free to worship the God who gives you life! David said, "I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4 Will you practice this powerful tool with me by zooming out on your problem and zooming in on God below in the Comments? Just confess your problem to God and thank Him for being the One who can meet your need. Let's break free of the prison together, just like Paul and Silas!

Why Good Things Happen to Bad People

Scripture:"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." Ephesians 2:8

I'm Not Good

Many people ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But that assumes there are good people. Lately, it has become glaringly clear to me that I am not a good person. Even the couple “good” things I’ve done were mostly done with selfish motives. Can you relate at all? When you are really, truly honest, do you feel like a good person?

Are You Mean, God?

I bring this up because the last thing that God said about Himself in His description is this:

“I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.” (Exodus 34:7)

Wow! All the descriptions before were really nice (compassionate, merciful, faithful, loving), but this one is a little hard to swallow! It makes you ask, “Is that fair? Should I be punished for my parents’ sins? God, are you mean?”

The “Bad” Woman

I want to tell you about a woman Jesus talked to that no one thought was good, herself included. She likely came from a rough family and felt the effects. Married 5 times and now with a man not her husband, she was an easy target to judge. Plus, she was a Samaritan, the culture Jesus was supposed to hate. Plus she was a woman; respectable religious teachers only saw men as deserving of their time. All in all: not a good candidate for Jesus to talk to.

An Exact Picture of God

But what does Jesus do, shun her? That’s what I might do. (And remember: Jesus is an exact picture of God.) No, He does the opposite.  In fact, she is one of the only ones that He out-right tells He is the Messiah:

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink”…She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water”…“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”…The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!” (Excerpt from John 4:7-26)

God Is Not Like You Think

Think about this: out of all the people Jesus could’ve told He was the Messiah, He chose the woman no one thought was good.  God is not like you think.  He is not looking for the person who has sinned the least; He is looking for the person who needs Him the most.  Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

New Cause=New Effect

The laws of cause and effect are still in motion. That’s why God said He doesn’t excuse the guilty. However, there is a new rule with Jesus: when you give your life to Him, He starts things over for you.  The Bible says, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 That means the past sins that held you down don’t have power over you any more. It’s as if you had inherited a car that always pulled to the left, taking you off course. That might have been the sins of your parents or your own mistakes. But Jesus comes and sets the alignment in your car aright, so that now you can drive straight ahead.  The road He has for you is His will, and it leads to Heaven. Jesus came to set the alignment aright for the Samaritan woman, and He wants to do it for you too, starting today.

AND THESE ARE THE GUYS I ALWAYS WRITTE ABOUT ON MY FACEBOOK WALL: THE EVENTS TEAM OF EMMA AND YOUNG

THE TOP FOUR IN VALLEY COMMUNITY SEASON ONE: Left to right; CHARITY(Brenda Akello), MARY(Rachael Atim), GORRETY(Barbra Auma) and RITA(Zainabo Hussein Adongo).

Can You Trust God's Love?

Scripture:"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease." Lamentations 3:22

The Worst Feeling

Do you know the feeling of being about to run out of gas? It’s awful. You’re there, heart pounding, looking down at your gas gauge, certain that every weird sound is your car sputtering down to empty and stranding you in the worst possible location. Because typically you only run out of gas at the worst possible time.

Almost Empty

Do you ever feel that way with God? Like the tank of His love is on the verge of empty, just when you need it the most? One more press down on the pedal—one more sin or hard time—and boom, out of gas, stranded. I know how you feel. I remember when I was at my lowest point a couple years ago: disillusioned with life and people. I no longer had the dreams I used to, and everything seemed bleak. I was sure that God’s love tank for me was sputtering to empty.

Unexpected Loyalty

Naomi felt the same way. She had left her famine-struck country with her husband and sons in search of food. But not long after, her husband and sons died, leaving her with just her daughters-in-law. She dismissed them to go and start over, but Ruth refused, saying:

Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Ruth stayed with Naomi at her lowest, gathering food for her, and bringing a new grandson into life. Ruth brought new joy into Naomi’s life when she was at her worst.

A Picture of God

Ruth is just a small picture of how incredibly loyal God is to you. He is the most faithful, loyal friend in the universe. In Exodus 34:6, God said, “I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” What He is saying is that you’re never going to run out of the gas tank of His love. He will never leave you on empty, stranded. He knows all your sins (including the ones you’ll do in the future!), the hard and lonely times you’ll go through, and He has still promised you:

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

What Happened with Me

So what did God do with me when I was at my lowest, when I thought my love tank was on empty? He really surprised me. Instead of leaving me stranded, He actually changed my fuel source. I had been running on the gasoline of my own good deeds that were always running dry; but He wanted me to run on the solar power of His never-ending love which renews every morning. Lamentations 3:22 says, “Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Change Your Fuel Source

In fact, God said the renewing of the sun is proof of His faithful love to you: “I would no more reject my people than I would change my laws that govern night and day, earth and sky” Jeremiah 33:25—meaning, the day that the sun doesn’t come up is the day you can start worrying that God doesn’t love you anymore. But if you’ve been like me, and worried that you’re going to run out of gas, He wants you to switch over to the solar power fuel of His never-ending love.

Tell Him Now!

Do you want to make the switch? Tell Him now in the Comments below. He hears your heart and will answer!

COMING CLOSE TO GOD Scripture: "But You, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

Hard to Get Close

Do you fear God getting really mad at you anytime you do something wrong? I know how you feel.  I used to always think I was disappointing God, frustrating Him, or just making Him angry. I couldn’t approach a God like that, fearing that He would just punish me if I came near. The third way God described Himself in Exodus 34:6 is patient, or slow to anger. But I couldn’t see Him that way, no matter how hard I tried.  Do you feel the same?

My Cat, Itchy

I want to tell you about my cat, Itchy (my brother named her). We rescued Itchy from a very abusive owner who used to kick her. Whenever we would come near her—especially with big, heavy shoes—she would just tremble, look at us with huge, scared eyes, and run. We couldn’t get her to come near us for months.  But slowly, as she began to trust us and see that we only wanted to love her, she began to tiptoe out and risk climbing up on our laps. And now, every morning when my dad reads the Bible, she comes and hops up on his armrest and purrs. She knows we love her.

Old Master vs. New Master

You know, we are like that with God. Our former master was the Devil, and he was incredibly abusive.  Jesus said, “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy” John 10:10a. The devil stole your joy, killed your self-worth, and destroyed your relationships and purpose.  But Jesus is just the opposite kind of master.  He said in contrast to the devil, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10b. Abundant life—that’s what your new master, Jesus, wants to give you!

GOD = LOVE

Just like we wanted to love Itchy, pet her, feed her, and have her enjoy our home, God is a master who wants to care for you, feed you, help you with your wounds, and give you a very safe home. 1 John 4:16 says, “GOD IS LOVE.” It’s like a math equation: God=love. Everything that God is, is love.  I want you to hear a list of what the Bible describes as love. As you read it, think about how this is what God is like:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let God Love You

This list describes your God. He is like my family with Itchy, beckoning you to come close and be loved. You might be feeling like her right now, still reeling from the abuse of your former master, but God is not like him at all.  God is patient, loving, slow to anger, so tender-hearted.  Will you take a risk and come close to Him today? You can start just by praying this prayer: God, I’ve been so hurt in the past. I see You as someone who is easily disappointed or upset with me. I don’t want to see You like that any longer. Will You show me how much You love me?

God loves hearing the authentic cry of your heart to Him. Will you write Him a prayer in the Comments below? If you are asking for His love, He will 100% answer you!

This article was a prayer letter email sent out every week. You can sign up to receive the prayer letter in your email by signing up here.

Teens Media Group: ADUKU SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CHAMPIONS

Teens Media Group: ADUKU SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CHAMPIONS

UNCLE EMMA ON; How to Reach the Hearts of the Young

They are not little kids, nor are they adults. They are teenagers -- hurricanes of hormones and emotions transitioning from adolescence to adulthood as fast as they can in an increasingly malicious world. More than ever, parents need to oversee and watch over, not lord over, their teenage children. Yes, children. They are not 'of age' and while young, they remain the responsibility of their parents/guardians. Even when they reach 18, teenagers need solid, loving, caring role models. At any age, they need the truth.

There is good news! God's Word is truth and can reach the hearts of people in every stage of life, even teenagers.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

"The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." ( Psalm 119:160)

Getting children into reading and learning God's Word early in their lives is imperative so that teen years are not everything the world says they will be. When teen years arrive, ideally there are already some habits and parameters established. If not, principles may be harder to implement. Even so, never underestimate the power of God's Word and prayer.

Today's teens are exposed to and dealing with an overwhelming gamut of concerns: drug and alcohol abuse, various disorders and prescription drug use, and associated side effects such as depression, suicidal and violent tendencies, eating disorders and sexual anxieties. Driving, dating, online safety, social networking websites, peer pressures, rebellion, home life, gambling and shoplifting are also among the issues teens are dealing with every day, and there's more. Self image, self esteem, clothing and hair styles, along with body art such as piercings and tattoos are all things thrown in the faces of young people today.

Helping young people to develop goals and good, healthy habits will result in huge dividends, such as exercising and staying physically fit, eating healthy foods and carefully selecting activities and friendships. Keeping up with schoolwork is important, as is working a part-time job or volunteering for non-profit organizations and helping those less fortunate. Media selections such as music, movies, books, magazines, and television shows are all stimuli to monitor. In a busy, noisy, chaotic environment, times of quietness for contemplation are essential.

Obviously, being a part of church youth activities is vital. Daily Bible reading and prayer times are especially helpful with the use of devotionals, messages that address present-day challenges and temptations. The following are a few topics with suggested verses and thoughts.

Resisting Temptation

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:12-15)

Temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted in all points, yet He did not sin. It does not become sin until the temptation is acted on. Be honest and truthful. Become transparent and develop a circle of friends that are a support system. Include parents, and a pastor and/or youth pastor at church. Realize that no one is really all alone in this life.

Loneliness
"For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5b)

God is everywhere-present. He is always with and for His children.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." (Eccl. 4:9-10)

Plan time and activities with others. Serve and help others.

Anger
"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32)

Controlling thoughts and actions is wise and enables one to avoid conflicts.

Trusting God

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6)

God's Word is rich with practical principles applicable to situations and matters of life. Young people can learn, and need to be taught how to think things through and develop foresight, shown the possible outcomes of the decisions they are considering. God's Word is the light of truth for their feet and the lamp for their path.

UNCLE EMMA

+254 714 132 795

emmanafrica@gmail.com

Scripture: "But in Your great mercy, You did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God You are!" Nehemiah 9:31

 Completely Desperate

Have you ever felt completely desperate for help but totally undeserving? When I was in 'O' Level, I completely slacked off and didn’t have enough credits to pay for my third term school fees. I didn’t deserve to sit for the final (UNEB) Exams, but the school had mercy and let me pass.  Have you ever been in a similar situation? Mercy is “kind and gentle treatment of someone having no right to it.”  And it’s the 2nd way God describes Himself. When He says He is merciful, He’s saying it’s His natural tendency to be kind and gentle to people who don’t deserve it—people like you and me.

 

Mercy for All?

So who gets God’s mercy? It’s one of those things that is backwards in our minds. We think, “Good behavior=kind treatment.” You should get what’s coming to you, right? Wrong! Remember the definition of mercy: Kindness to those who don’t deserve it.  Imagine the biggest outcast you knew growing up—the kid no one wanted to be near.  Maybe you felt like that, unloved and not good enough.  Well that was this blind man.  When Jesus was on Earth, people thought blindness was caused by sin. Can you think of an affliction you or someone has today that people think is their fault? Maybe it’s being divorced, depressed, sick, or poor.  We judge others, thinking, “It’s their fault they’re like that.” Or we judge ourselves, thinking, “I deserve these circumstances. I don’t deserve mercy.”

 

God = Not Like Us

But God looks down on the desperate and thinks: They really need my help! And if they are humble enough to call out to God, that’s exactly what He’ll do.  Read this story about Jesus and a blind man to prove it:

 

As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road, begging. When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked, “What is this?” “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. He cried out, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!” The people in front scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David! Have mercy on me!” So Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to Him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Sir,” he answered, “I want to see again.” Jesus said to him, “Then see! Your faith has made you well.” At once he was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving thanks to God. When the crowd saw it, they all praised God. Luke 18:35-43

 

Why Him?

What made Jesus stop for the blind man? No one else cared about him. In fact, they all thought he deserved to be blind. Jesus should help more deserving people, people with very good backgrounds or prestige. But it was actually the very thing that people thought separated him from God that brought him near…his desperation and humility. When you are an afflicted outcast, pride goes out the door.  And that humble place is exactly what draws God.  “Though the LORD is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps His distance from the proud.” Psalm 138:6 If you are afflicted and humble, you are exactly who God wants to help.

 

Be Like the Blind Man

Are you in a desperate place right now? Maybe it’s your job, health, or a relationship. Maybe you’re just desperate to hear from God and feel His love. You might feel that you don’t deserve it (truth is, none of us do!), but that’s exactly the time when God wants to show you mercy. Be like the blind man and cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And like him, keep doing it until Jesus grants your request.  No matter how many people tell you to keep quiet or give up hope, keep crying out to Jesus! He will turn around and hear your request—He is merciful!

 

Proof of God’s Mercy:

Here are some everyday examples of God’s mercy. What’s yours? Do you have a story of God’s goodness to you? Post it below! We’d love to hear it. God is so merciful to us!  

• The earth continues to blossom and renew, even after all the bad things we do to it: “When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth” Psalm 104:30
• We are not consumed on the spot for all of our evil deeds: “He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve” Psalm 103:10
• People with severe sicknesses are healed, either by medicine (God’s creation) or a miracle: “Jesus saw the huge crowd…and had compassion on them and healed their sick” Matthew 14:14 

WHEN I SAT FOR ‘A’ LEVEL IN 2008, I WAS ADMITTED IN MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUT AFTER ONLY FEW WEEKS AT CAMPUS I DROPPED OUT. Before and after this I spent my time working With Scripture Union of Uganda as a Volunteer Trainer in charge HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY IN Northern Uganda. While with SU I was involved in organizing and facilitating YOUTHS AND CHILDRENS CAMP, ESTABLISHING AND MONITORING DISCIPLSHIP CLUBS AND IMPLEMENTING JESUS FILM AND LIFESKILLS PROGRAMMES. THIS WAS PURELY VOLUNTARY SERVICES AND I HAD TO HUSTLE TO SURVIVE. BUT FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST I HAD TO CARRRY ON. That’s why on this special occasion; I am glad to share with u this insight about suffering. Give it sometimes and think through it! Good luck! GIRA EMMANUEL

Suffering

SANDRA P7: UNCLE EMMA with A Blind but VERY BRIGHT child of Ngetta Girls Primary school

Many brethren have troubles. Many have health problems, some have employment problems, some have family problems, some have economic problems. But it is the pains of living a Christian lifestyle that most bothers many Christians. These pains are described in the Bible as suffering. What is suffering? Why must we suffer? What causes suffering?

Some time ago I talked to you about trials and how to cope with them. Today I want to talk to you about what sounds like a related subject, suffering, by taking you through many scriptures which describe suffering. What is the difference between trials and sufferings? According to Strong's Concordance, "trial" means "tried and approved"; "suffering" means to experience a painful sensation or impression.

There are many kinds of suffering. One is God-induced suffering. We all know that a loving Father punishes and tests a child He cares about. That is a trial (tried and approved). But today, I want to talk about man-induced suffering.

One kind of man-induced suffering is obviously persecution. Every good Bible personage from Abel to the congregation at Smyrna suffered from persecution. And so do many Christians today. One has only to look at the country of Sudan, where Christians are killed and enslaved today, and where little children are taken from their parents and forced to become Moslem, to see that persecution exists today. And, as we will see, persecution will increase as time grows short. And as we will see, suffering is almost a daily experience.

(Mat 24:9 NKJV) "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation [man-created tribulation] and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.

Doesn’t sound like a fun time.

1. But, God has called those He has chosen to suffer like Christ.

(1 Pet 1:1-11) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, {2} who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. {3} Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, {4} and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, {5} who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. {6} In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [The words “of trials” are not in the original text.] {7} These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. {8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, {9} for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. {10} Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, {11} trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

So Peter shows us that we will suffer, but also shows us our potential inheritance.

In Hebrews 2 we see that Christ himself was made perfect through suffering:

(Heb 2:1) We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

(verses 9-18) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. {10} In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. {11} Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. [We are His siblings.] So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. {12} He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." {13} And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." {14} Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- {15} and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. [Again, we see why God's people do not wail or become hysterical over death as most unbelieving people do.] {16} For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. {17} For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. {18} Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

(Luke 18:31-33) Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. {32} He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. {33} On the third day he will rise again."

Let’s go back to 1 Peter.

(1 Pet 2:21-24) To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. {22} "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." {23} When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. {24} He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

In Phil 1:29 we find that we are to suffer for Christ as well as believing in him:

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

We must not feel sorry for ourselves because we have to suffer for Christ.

(1 Pet 4:13 NIV) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Notice how Paul feels about sharing Christ's suffering:

(Phil 3:10-11) I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Notice that Christ's suffering was predicted centuries before by Isaiah:

(Isa 53:3) He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Today fundamental Christianity is under attack. We are increasingly hated by liberals who have no place for God in their lives; lives which are dedicated to pleasures and selfishness and falsehoods and intolerance and hatred of those who are good. We can read of this in 2 Tim 3.

(2 Tim 3:1-7 NKJV) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: {2} For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, {4} traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, {5} having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! {6} For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, {7} always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Sound like anyone you know? Have you been reading or watching the news lately?

2. What are some of the causes of our sufferings for Christ? Let’s look at three:

A. As we just read in 2 Timothy, many evil people hate good people.

(1 John 3:11-13 NKJV) For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, {12} not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. {13} Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

(Mark 3:2) Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.

Now let’s read of the great cover-up of the chief priest’s crime.

(Mat 28:11-15 NKJV) Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. {12} When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, {13} saying, "Tell them, 'His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.' {14} "And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will appease him and make you secure." {15} So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Sort of like the cover-ups we have seen in Washington DC, isn’t it?

B. Another form of persecution is the rumor mill - loose and accusing talk. The media is a good example but how many times have people waited and watched you so they could say "that person claims to be a Christian but look what they do."

We can only be heirs of God if we share Christ's sufferings:

(Rom 8:17) Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Everyone must suffer persecution:

(2 Tim 3:10-12 NIV) You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, {11} persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. {12} In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted...

If we're never persecuted, we may not be living a Godly life in Christ.

Continuing on in Mark 3 we see again that we can suffer because of anger and persecution:

(Mark 3:3-6 NIV) Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." {4} Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. {5} He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. {6} Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Our suffering can come from government, so-called "religious" people, even our friends.

C. Suffering can come from family too.

(Mark 3:20-22 NIV) Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. {21} When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." {22} And the teachers of the law (lawyers, teachers, religious leaders) who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub ! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

Ever been laughed at either behind your back or to your face by your relatives for your religious beliefs?

(Mat 9:23-24) When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, {24} he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him.

But those who expected the Messiah in their day were watching him in a positive sense.

(Mat 11:1-19 NIV) After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. {2} When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples {3} to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" {4} Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: {5} The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. {6} Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

Is Christ too much for us to handle? Are we going to fall away because we are not able to do what Christ requires or stand up for Christ's way of life?

Continuing in verse 7:

{7} As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? (A side show) {8} If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. {9} Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. {10} This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' {11} I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. {12} From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. {13} For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. {14} And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. [Because he spoke of the Kingdom of God] {15} He who has ears, let him hear. {16} "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: {17} "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' {18} For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' {19} The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

It doesn't matter what you do, others will criticize you, especially if you don't live a worldly life. We see this attitude increasing today as time grows short. The press loves to make snide remarks and innuendos about those they perceive to be dedicated religious people. President Bush with his corporate church beliefs and President Obama seem to escape some of this criticism.

There has got to be severe disappointment when your hometown friends and relatives won't listen to you. Christ undoubtedly suffered disappointment here.

(Mark 6:1-6) Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. {2} When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! {3} Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? [The Hebrew names of His brothers are Ya’akov, Yosi, Y’hudah, and Shim’on.] Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. {4} Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." {5} He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. {6} And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. [Notice that Christ's ability to perform miracles hinged upon their faith and so it is today when the sick are anointed].

Luke goes into a little more detail of this account:

(Luke 4:16-30) He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. {17} The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: {18} "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." {20} Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, {21} and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." {22} All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. {23} Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'" {24} "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. {25} I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. {26} Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. {27} And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian." {28} All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. {29} They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. {30} But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

These were people from his hometown. They could not stand his truth. This had to hurt him.

(1 Pet 4:1) Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

Suffering from the aftermath of sin teaches us to avoid that sin. Suffering is inevitable, but we can get through it because we're called to do it. With enough confidence and perseverance, trials become surmountable. Christ suffered because of our sins, not His.

(Mark 8:31-38) He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. {32} He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. {33} But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." {34} Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {35} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. {36} What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? {37} Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? {38} If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

The adulterous and sinful generation of his time is even worse today, as prophesy predicted it would be. And many keep their religious beliefs secret because they are fearful or ashamed to admit them to our secular generation.

Do we have the patience to wait out the suffering we should be experiencing? We should look to the prophets for our examples.

(James 5:10) Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

(1 Pet 4:12-16 NIV) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. {13} But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. {14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. {15} If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. {16} However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

3. We are certainly in the end times, seemingly just at the start of the tribulation with its false religions and war. Let’s look at some prophesied examples of suffering in the end times:

(Rev 13:15 NKJV) He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

(Mat 24:9-10 NKJV) "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. {10} "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

(Mat 10:21-23 NKJV) "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. {22} "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. {23} "When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Umm, then why do some say you only have to "give your heart to the Lord" to be saved. There’s more to it than that. We also have to be obedient and faithful and endure to the end. We are saved by the grace of God through faith in our Savior’s sacrifice for payment of our sins.

(Luke 21:7-36 NKJV) So they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?" {8} And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them. {9} "But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately." {10} Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. {11} "And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. {12} "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. {13} "But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. {14} "Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; {15} "for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. {16} "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. {17} "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. {18} "But not a hair of your head shall be lost. {19} "By your patience possess your souls. {20} "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. {21} "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. {22} "For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. {23} "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. {24} "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. {25} "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; {26} "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. {27} "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. {28} "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." {29} Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. {30} "When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. {31} "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. {32} "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. {33} "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. {34} "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. {35} "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. {36} "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Some of this prophesy was partially fulfilled in 70 AD with the destruction of the Temple but, as you can see, much of this prophesy can apply only to the end times.

4. Here’s some more Biblical examples of suffering:

(Heb 11:24-26) By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. {25} He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. {26} He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

In verses 35-40, Paul refers to Old Testament sufferings of converted people of his day:

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. {36} Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. {37} They were stoned ; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- {38} the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. {39} These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. {40} God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

(Heb 12:3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(Mat 26:1-5) When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, {2} "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." {3} Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, {4} and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. {5} "But not during the Feast,"[of unlevened bread] they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."

Notice that they knew the difference between the Feast and Passover: It was OK to kill Him on Passover but not on the High Day of the Feast. How appropriate is Passover! Could the similarity of the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Passover lamb partly account for Judaism calling the Feast of Unleavened Bread Passover?

Skipping to verse 14:

{14} Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests {15} and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. {16} From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

David seemed to be close to God and be above any who might disagree with him. But he suffered too. Psalm 55 gives us another view of David's life and, for many of us, our life today:

(Psa 55:1) Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; {2} hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught {3} at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. {4} My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. {5} Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. {6} I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest-- {7} I would flee far away and stay in the desert; <Selah> {8} I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm." {9} Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. {10} Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. {11} Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. {12} If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. {13} But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, {14} with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. [David's close friend caused him to suffer too.] {15} Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among them. {16} But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. {17} Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. [Notice that he prayed three times a day.] {18} He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. {19} God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them-- <Selah> men who never change their ways and have no fear of God. {20} My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. {21} His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. {22} Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. {23} But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

Does this apply to the violence in our cities, the betrayal by friends, the deceitful and adulterous government leaders we have experienced?

Christ had similar feelings about His sufferings during His trial and crucifixion.

(Luke 22:42) "Father , if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Christ knew we would suffer persecution too.

We’ve read Mat 24:9 before but it needs emphases, so let’s read it again.

(Mat24:9) "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. [Not ourselves]

We can see this today by the way people are increasingly anti-Christian toward fundamentalists, but not so much toward main-stream so-called "Christian" churches, what I call corporate churches.

What can we do to lessen the affects of persecution and suffering for Christ's sake?

(Heb 12:2) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We must keep our eyes on our goal.

Is all suffering, suffering for Christ's sake?

(1 Pet 2:20-24) But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. {21} To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. {22} "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." {23} When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. {24} He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Many, referring to the sins of a previous President, like to say, "but we are told to forgive others, especially if they express regret." This verse makes it clear that criminals can still be punished for their crime. Nearly all criminals and even some sinners regret what they’ve done after they’re caught. Even King David was proof of this.

The life of some married couples can only be described as pure suffering. What can we do to reduce persecution from our spouses? Wives are told to have a gentle and meek manner. Husbands are told to be considerate. Both must submit to the other.

(1 Pet 3:1-22) Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, {2} when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. {3} Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. {4} Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. {5} For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, {6} like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. {7} Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. {8} Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. {9} Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. {10} For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. {11} He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. {12} For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." {13} Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? {14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." {15} But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, {16} keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. {17} It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. {18} For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, {19} through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison {20} who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, {21} and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, {22} who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

(Acts 14:22 NKJV) . . . . "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

We're here now to focus on the next life, not this one.

(1 Pet 4:12-19 NKJV) [We’ve read part of this before, but let’s read it again.] Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; {13} but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. {14} If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. {15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. {16} Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. {17} For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? [Gospel being the good news.] {18} Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" {19} Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

The message that we must suffer is clear. What is not clear is whether others know our beliefs so they can persecute us, and whether we are prepared to suffer from their indignation as well as from our sins. Brethren, stand up for Christ and His way of life. Don't be ashamed of Christ or His message or His way of life. But be ready for the persecution and suffering... It will come in one form or another.

Your conduct, your way of life, and your conversation should reflect your Christian belief. In due time it may result in your persecution and suffering but it will also qualify you for Christ's Kingdom by demonstrating that you are willing to suffer for Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.