Jesus

Make Known His Faithfulness

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Psalm 89:1
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.”

IMG_7809.jpg

The words of this Psalm became the lyrics to a worship song we used to sing when I first began following Jesus. Whenever I read it my mind becomes flooded with memories. My early days of following Christ were filled with firsts. I can recall one of the first times I raised my hands in worship. I was in a room filled with teenagers who were singing and I simply reached up toward the ceiling as if I were attempting to get as much from God as He would possibly give. I recall another occasion when I knelt before the Lord for the first time. We were at a retreat and I was standing near the back when lifting my hands and it did not seem like enough of an expression of praise. I slipped away into the far corner of the room and knelt before the Lord as if to say “I am all Yours, Jesus.”

These expressions came out of a recognition of the mercy of God. I was coming to realize that I did not deserve anything from God, yet He was desiring to give me everything. The apostle Peter wrote that God will give us all things that pertain to life and godliness, Paul wrote that since God gave us His Son He would also freely give us all things.

As time passes I do not want my experiences of God to be distant memories. It is exciting to think back over the years and recall the amazing ways God has been faithful to me but the greatest joy is in knowing that He will continue to express His mercies in new ways each and every day that we choose to seek after Him.

Perhaps this morning is a good time to drop to your knees and lift your hands in praise to God for His mercy and His faithful love.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Psalm 89

The writer of this Psalm is Ethan. It was written after the fall of Jerusalem. Knowing the promises that were made to Israel, it was confusing to understand what God was doing, yet……

  1. Verse 1 “with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations”. How are you using your mouth? Are you proclaiming God’s goodness or complaining that things are not going the way you think they should?
  2. Declaring God’s wonders and faithfulness. When is the last time you took the advice from the heavens? Make a list…..declare it! God wants to do something in your life….today!
  3. Write down all the characteristics of God from verse 7-18. Did you realize how much God is on your side? How much He loves you?
  4. After quoting all of God’s promises, in verse 46 Ethan starts to question what is going on. Did you know that it was ok to question God about things in your life? What questions do you have for Him?
  5. After Ethan’s questions, how does he end his song? After you ask God questions, can you respond the same way?

Old Testament:
2 Kings 13- Crying Out
2 Kings 14- Secret Weapon
Psalm 90- Time Management

A Message For Moms

pjimgallagherLeave a comment
IMG_7929

Being a mom is among the greatest of all callings, but it is easy to forget our calling in the middle of the mundane day-to-day responsibilities that go hand in hand with parenting.
Perhaps a little bit of my story might prove to be helpful. Although, I have 4 sons who are grown and married, I want to take a few minutes to encourage the moms that are still in the thick of it. I remember when Jim and I were driving home from the hospital with our first son Nate and I started crying and said, “They didn’t even give me a manual- I have no idea what I’m doing.” I would say pretty much the same thing 31 years later. I often have said, “God didn’t give us a parenting manual because He wants us seeking Him.” Each child is so different and each life is so complex. One of mine and Jim’s favorite verses is from 2 chronicles 20:12 it says, “I don’t know what to do so my eyes are on you.” We have a God that loves us and our children so much that He wants us to Seek Him and He promises to lead us and instruct us.

Another one of my favorite verses is a promise found in Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children.”
That verse gave me so much hope, because I knew that even when I fail, the Lord was there teaching and speaking to my children. I can say He has been so faithful to do this.

I know as a mother one of our greatest weaknesses is fear. We could literally worry and be afraid of everything, Afraid that they wont be tall enough, happy enough, smart enough, afraid of what they’re eating or not eating, afraid of them dating, driving or what they will hear at school or see on their phones. It seems that there are so many things to fear in this world.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

In a recent sermon my oldest son Nate stated, “Fear is going to call but it’s not for you and it’s not from God.” This is because God has not given us the spirit of fear. When we are afraid it should cause us to turn to the Lord and seek Him in prayer.

Keep in mind that the Lord loves your children even more than you do and desires to strengthen you and to speak to them. We want to set a pattern for our children where they learn to find rest in the Lord, strength in Him and to go to Him when in need. We don’t want to walk in fear, but in the goodness, strength and peace of God.

A few years ago, before all my boys got married, I was half praying and half thinking. I prayed that the Lord would help me to be a better mom, a better wife, I prayed I would be more organized and keep my house cleaner, I prayed I would be a better Bible teacher and then I blurted out, “Lord I want to be perfect.” I wonder if you have ever felt that way? I just want to be perfect. Have it all together.

Just then I felt the Lord speak to my heart, “if you were perfect you wouldn’t need me.”

God is not looking for perfection He is looking for us to be needy, to look to Him and lean upon Him. He loves to help those in need. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Parenting keeps us in need and should keep us coming to Jesus. We don’t know what we are doing, but our eyes are on Him.

If there is a secret to motherhood that secret is in realizing that we cannot do it alone but that all we need is found in Jesus. It is in God’s word that He speaks to us. Make it a practice to call upon the Lord and look into His word for wisdom, strength, direction, patience and anything else you may need. He is so faithful!

Blessings,

Kristie Gallagher

Set It Free

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

John 8:34
“ Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.”

James explains the process of sin,

James 1:14-16
“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. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”

The gist of what he is saying is, while sin promises to bring pleasure, it can only produce death. We have all found that to be true. We all face temptations, and those temptations make promises, but when sin gets its hooks in us, we find that it really destroys. We find that instead of serving us, we are the slaves of sin. One of the worst elements of slavery is the hopelessness  it produces. When a person is bound up in sin, they see no way out. They may have resolved over and over to quit, but the grip of sin is too great, and they find themselves bound to it once again.

Into this hopeless scene, Jesus enters with a message to liberate captives. Earlier, He declared He came to set the captives free.

John 8:31-32
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

Jesus promises, what resolve, counseling, even incarceration have been unable to do, He will accomplish through His Word. The process is in two parts. First, believe in Him. When you do, He will come into your life and wash the guilt, and penalty of your sins, away from you. Second, abide in His Word. The same Word that spoke the world into existence, healed the lame and the blind, and even raised the dead, is the same Word that can transform your life. It can unloose the grip sin has on you, giving you true freedom and a fresh start.

Today, if you find yourself enslaved by sin, I am sure you have lost a great deal in life because of it. You have given up personal freedom, and both negatively and drastically, impacted those who you love. I am sure you have also tried everything to be set free. You may even feel like the Pharisees who said;

“How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” John 8:33

Rather than question the promises of Jesus, how about obeying them? Let’s determine together that we will receive Him and daily dive into His Word, trusting that He will transform our lives.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 8

  1. What was the Pharisees purpose for bringing the woman caught in adultery to Jesus?
  2. Interestingly, there is no mention of the man that she was committing adultery with. Why do you think he was not also brought to Jesus?
  3. What qualification did Jesus say a person had to meet to be the first to throw a stone at the woman? Was there anyone present who met that qualification? If so what did they do?
  4. What is the singular remedy that is provided for removal of sin? (verse 24)
  5. In verse 29, what guiding principle do we see that governs Jesus’ life and actions? Are you also governed by this principle?
  6. Read verses 31-37. Freedom and slavery are discussed. What must a person do to be free? What will cause a person to be a slave of sin?
  7. Although all people are God’s children in the sense that He is their maker and Creator, not all people are God’s children in the sense that they are born again, forgiven of sin, and adopted into his family. Read verses 38-47. According to the text, what are some evidences that God is your Father?
  8. Notice that this chapter begins and ends with an attempt to stone someone. What similarities are there between these two instances? What differences are there?

Old Testament:
Numbers 33- Abundant Life
Numbers 34- Innumerable Promises

Eternal Life

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from            death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 5

  1. How many sick people were at the Pool of Bethesda?  Why were they there?
  2. What were some of the diseases that they were dealing with?  How do you think this affected their lives?  Did Jesus heal all of them?
  3. How long was the man with infirmity afflicted with his disease?
  4. How did he respond when Jesus asked him if He wanted to be made well?  Would you say that he was hopeful or had given up hope?
  5. The Jews told the man that it was unlawful for him to carry his bed on the Sabbath, but no such law exists in the Scripture.  They were elevating their laws to the level of God’s, and making God’s real laws of no consequence.  This is called legalism.  What was some of the fruit of legalism in the Pharisees life?
  6. Compare verses 16 and 18.  Why were the Jews seeking to kill Jesus?
  7. From verse 17 through the end of the chapter Jesus gives insight into the nature of His relationship with the Father, and truly “He was making Himself equal with God.”  What are some of the attributes of God that Jesus possesses?
  8. Read verses 38-40.  What is the end purpose of all Bible study?

Old Testament:
Numbers 27- Supernatural Selection
Numbers 28- Morning And Evenings

New Opportunities

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Luke 2:37
“This woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”

IMG_1477-1

Sometimes, we wonder if our lives could ever really make a difference. We see others who are being used by God, and we think, “of course God uses them, they are so…” But when it comes to us, we think, “God can’t use me because…”

I think Anna is a great example, as well as a source of encouragement. We all know, as we age, the body breaks down. We are not able to do some of the things we did when we were younger. That is true of us and it was true of Anna. I love, that instead of regretting what she could not do, Anna found a way to effectively serve the Lord. She fasted, prayed and hung out around the temple. What a source of encouragement it would be for those coming to the temple, to always see this woman. She was a landmark. Just being there would afford her great opportunities to serve the Lord, and be a blessing to others. We read,

“She spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption. . .” Luke 2:38

I think of Jesus’ words to the church of Philadelphia,

“See I have set before you an open door, . . .” Revelation 3:8

I believe that is true for each of us. What door is open right in front of you? Instead of looking at all the ways we cannot serve the Lord, let’s determine we will look for the ways we can serve. Let’s keep our eyes open for any door that cracks open, and push through it to speak of Him to those who are searching for redemption.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 2 

  1. Bethlehem is also known in the Bible as the city of_____________?
  2. The shepherds set for us a good example when they made widely known the message of Jesus coming.   In what ways could you make the message of Jesus known to those around you?
  3. Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus was the response that we should have. It was a response of praise and worship.   In his personal worship he declares that salvation through Jesus was prepared for ______________?
  4. What is the key word in that answer?
  5. Now turn to John 3:16.   We see who the gospel is for, but what is the key for one to have everlasting life?
  6. What was Anna known as?
  7. What was Anna’s response to seeing Jesus?
  8. Every year Joseph and Mary went where?
  9. How long was Jesus separated from his parents when He was in Jerusalem?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 1-Sweet Aroma
Leviticus 2- Leaven
Leviticus 3- Confession

Do The Wicked Prosper? 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Jeremiah 12:1-2
“​ Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

Jeremiah’s question interests me because it seem to be the opposite of what God is accused of today. How many times have we heard someone ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The inference is that good, innocent even righteous people are being mistreated by a vengeful and unfair God. Jeremiah had a different perspective, he saw God as a righteous judge and realized that men were sinners. This led him to wonder why it was that wicked people were prospering.

In any situation in life, if we are going to effectively problem solve we have to accuratly diagnose the problem. If a doctor misdiagnosis a person he will also fail to prescribe the proper treatment. If a mechanic misdiagnosis the problem with the engine he will replace the wrong part and if we continue to place blame on God for the wicked actions of men we will never really find a cure. When we backslide and get involved in things God specifically tells us to avoid we cannot then turn and ask why God has allowed this to happen to us. We must take responsibility for wandering from the Lord and into harmful things. The way of escape will be found when we turn from our wanderings and begin again to follow closely after Christ.

Sometimes it is difficult to trust the Lord because we see others who have chosen not to follow Christ going through life without many of the difficulties we are struggling through. If you feel that way, you are not alone. The psalmist wrote that it was the carefree lifestyle of the wicked that caused him to question the value of trusting in the Lord. All that changed for him when he looked passed the immediate and considered their end. Jesus explained that there are only two roads in life. One leads to eternal life, the other to judgment. The question is not how difficult the roads might be, but where they are ultimately taking us. Instead of being discouraged by the hardships you are currently facing, look to the end of the road and the glory that awaits all who trust in Christ.

Jim

Fasting 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Isaiah 58:6
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?”

In one of His longest recorded sermons, Jesus spoke of 3 spiritual exercises that every believer should be practicing. He spoke of giving, praying and fasting. Fasting is the practice of giving up food for a period of time in order to learn to deny ourselves and to devote more attention to the things of God. Sadly, instead of viewing fasting as a way to draw near to God the people in Isaiah’s day were treating it as a religious responsibility. It was almost as though it was part of their checklist. They felt that fasting itself made them spiritual and they saw little need for their lives to be affected by their professed relationship with God. Isaiah declares that a real fast will will give evidence of a transformed life.

William Booth was the man behind the Salvation Army. About one hundred years ago he was asked what he thought were the greatest dangers the church was facing in the years ahead. His response is quite intriguing. He said:

“The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, heaven without hell.”

In other words he spoke of a form of Christianity that has little impact upon the way a person lives their life. He foresaw churches filled with people who raise their hands in worship, drop checks in the offering box and perhaps even sign up for ministry opportunities yet they fail to allow the Spirit of God and the Word of God to transform their lives.

Instead of emphasizing religious duties we should be seeking to become like Jesus in every possible way. A real commitment to Christ will show itself in a life that is changed.

Jim

 

Walking Dead 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

1 Timothy 5:6
“But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.”

Back in the mid 1970′s, disaster movies were the big craze. Towering Inferno, Earthquake, The Poseidon Adventure, and Tidal Wave, were just a few of the titles that topped the charts. Nowadays, it seems people are fascinated with the concept of the undead. Not only have multiple movies and TV shows been released on the subject, but books, magazines and websites, are devoted to zombies and other undead creatures. There is even a popular TV show called “The Walking Dead.” While these all show mindless creatures, who cannot be killed by normal means, walking about with an insatiable appetite for blood, the Bible paints a different picture of the walking dead. Paul speaks of those who have not surrendered to Christ, as being dead while they live.

Ephesians 2:1 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins”

The Bible teaches, as long as we are apart from Christ, we live in a condition of being spiritually dead. We are capable of doing many things, contributing to society, even making life better for others, but we are not able to carry on a relationship with God. Our sins act like a giant wedge keeping us from knowing God; which is the primary purpose for our existence. As long as we continue in this condition, we are missing out on the life Jesus intended for us. If we die in this state, we will live forever separated from God. The way to escape death is to trust in Christ. When a person puts faith in Christ, the Bible teaches that his sins are forgiven, and he is made alive spiritually. Since sin is no longer an issue keeping you from God, you can begin to experience the life He created you for; a life of fellowship with God.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Jesus came into our lives so we might experience the life God intended for us. That life is found through complete surrender to Him. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus explained one of life’s great paradoxes. He said, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) He was speaking about surrendering all to Him. Some of us have never experienced the life Jesus promised because we are holding on to some sin from our past. When we give that up, we will begin to find life in Christ like we have never known before.

Pastor Jim

Plan Ahead 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Isaiah 47:1
“Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon;
Sit on the ground without a throne,
O daughter of the Chaldeans!
For you shall no more be called
Tender and delicate.”

Sitting in the dust, like wearing sackcloth or throwing dirt in the air was a sign of mourning. It was not uncommon in the ancient world for a person stricken with grief to express it outwardly. Those who lost a loved one, or were burdened by personal sin were easily identifiable to the people around them.

At the time Isaiah is writing Babylon was on its way to becoming the most powerful and wealthiest nation of that era. They will soon topple Assyria and spread their empire from Iraq to Egypt. While on the rise it is often difficult to see our need for Christ so Isaiah takes them to the future when their nation, like all nations before them would fall. He describes a coming time when their mothers, wives and children will become captives and their land destroyed.

It seems that today a great emphasis is placed on planning ahead. I recently saw an advertisement for retirement planning that used blocks to show the value of starting now and setting a little aside each month for the future. While I am certain there is wisdom in planning for retirement their is even greater wisdom in planning for eternity. The first step involves turning to the Lord and away from a lifestyle that is unacceptable to Him.

How sad for the Babylonians who ignored the warnings of the word and continued on a path that led to their own destruction.

Jim

 

Teddy Bear 

pjimgallagherLeave a comment

Isaiah 46:6-7
“They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it and  set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble.”

In Isaiah’s time, it was a common practice, among the people, to fashion gods out of metal, wood, or clay. These little idols formed by their hands, were a reflection, not of the God of Scripture, but rather of the imaginations of men. Their idols were designed to bring them comfort in times of trouble. When things became difficult, they might hold their idol close like a small child with a stuffed doll. The problem, of course, was the comfort these idols brought was merely psychological. These graven images could not heal a sickness, provide during times of need, deliver from oppression, or give eternal life.

Today, it is just as common for people to create gods who will give them comfort and ease their anxieties. The problem is, these manmade gods really provide nothing more than the comfort a child derives from a favorite blanket or a teddy bear.

Instead of fashioning a god to satisfy our emotions, wouldn’t it be better to get to know the God who created the heavens and the earth? He alone is the One who has what is necessary for us to make our way through life and into eternity,

Isaiah 45:22.
“Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

Pastor Jim