What Did Jesus Really Do?

Back in the 1990’s the acronym; WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets took the United States by storm.  "The bracelets had a two-fold purpose," she says. "First, I wanted the young people to be reminded, every time they looked at the bracelet, of the commitment [to Christ] they made. Second, the bracelet could be a tool for witnessing to friends."   Sandy Sheppard, Copyright Christianity Today International

The effectiveness of the bracelet was immediate and as of today, over fifteen million have been sold.  How could four letters make such a huge impact?  I discovered that it is not that letters that made the impact, rather it was the word Jesus that made the impact.  What would Jesus do?  Jesus matters more than any one person.  Jesus’ actions toward situations or people or false accusations or plots to murder him or rough fishermen or Pharisees or teachers of the Law showed everyone his ability to act righteously, fairly and patiently. 

There are many examples in the Gospels where Jesus showed his unique ability to make the right decisions, act in a manner that pleased his Father, helped others, or gave a defense for truth that could not be disputed. 

What did Jesus really do?....

    …about his baptism he said he needed to do it to “fulfill all righteousness.”  Matthew 3:15

    …about being tempted by Satan, he answered each temptation with Scripture.  Mathew 4:1-11

…about feeding hungry and sick people he “had compassion on them and healed the sick…and fed the         

        5,000 plus people with fish and bread.  Matthew 14:13-21

    …about little children, Jesus said, “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Mark 10:14

    …about paying taxes Jesus said, “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”  Mark 12:17

    …about loving your enemies Jesus said, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”  Luke 6:27

    …about helping those in need, Jesus told a story about busyness, compassion & mercy.  Luke 10:25-37

    …about fellowshipping with a greedy taxman, Jesus changed a man’s life forever.  Luke 19:1-10

    …about treating a person who is living in sin and helping her find THE way.  John 4:1-26

    …about an adulterous life, Jesus demonstrates mercy to the sinner and shame to the accusers.  John 8:1-11

    …about humility, Jesus demonstrates his ability to serve by washing his disciples feet.  John 13:1-17

 What Jesus really did was change lives, help the sick, show patience toward the sinner, give food to the hungry, gave to the government what was due them, help the greedy see their selfishness, gave a drink to a thirsty lady and taught “religious” men that just because you’ve found a sinner, doesn’t mean you are not one yourself.  

What did Jesus really do?  He was honest.  Transparent.  Authentic.  Reliable.  Compassionate.  Genuine. Thoughtful.  Faithful. 

What did Jesus really do?  He came to seek and to save the lost.  He came to serve.  He came to save us.  He came to love us.  He came to be mercy.  He came to sacrifice.  He came to be grace.  He came to be the forgiver.  He came to give us hope and life eternally. 

Whenever you find yourself in a situation that isn’t honorable or Christ-like, you should never have to ask the question, what would Jesus do because those who know him as their personal savior and allow him to reign as Lord of their lives, already know what Jesus would really do!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Jesus Life

The Jesus life is an extraordinary life to live.  The Jesus life isn’t a splattering of do’s and don’ts or a life so difficult that we plead with God to make it easier.  The Jesus life is a life filled with helping others, loving your neighbor, treating others the way you want to be treated, walking many miles with someone who is hurting, feeding hungry people, visiting the lonely and sickly, giving a drink of water to a thirsty woman, putting clothes on a naked man.  The Jesus life is being charitable.  Being kind.  Being grace.  Being joy.  Being Jesus!

Living the Jesus life does not help only those in one particular tribe of people, nor does it profess to have all the answers.  The Jesus life is not bound by denominations either; rather, it is being recognizable that we are “…Jesus’ disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”    John 13:35 (MSG).  The Jesus life is a forgiving life.  It understands that forgiveness is a way of life and it has benefits to go along with it.  Jesus said in part of his sermon in Matthew 6:14 “that if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (NIV)

As a young boy growing up going to “church”, it was hammered weekly to be obedient, to repent when you sin, to walk the narrow road because that is the only road that leads to eternal life, don’t cuss, don’t drink, don’t mix swim, don’t bring reproach on the church.  Don’t, don’t, don’t.  I’ve often wondered if there was anything I can do.  I do agree that cussing isn’t an attractive vocabulary and repenting when we sin is biblically the right thing to do, but being a Christian back then seemed so regimented and harsh.  I often thought that I could never measure up and I am doomed for hell.  As much as I tried, I just couldn’t be what the preacher said I must be.

Until…

Until I got a hold of Jesus’ sermon in Matthew chapters 5,6, &7.  Jesus gives the audience something to live for and live by.  Jesus was a master at helping those “law” abiding citizens see a better way of living.  Throughout his sermon, he captivates his listeners with truths that are attainable and he said them with tenderness and love and kindness.  Jesus did not send a mixed message, nor did he try to flatter anyone with is speaking abilities.  Jesus simply was telling them how to live a life that will be attractive and attainable for anyone who desires to change and live a new life.

The Jesus life desires God and mourns over their sins because they deeply desire to be honorable as a representative for Jesus.  The Jesus life submits to the will of God, not to our own will.  The Jesus life hungers and thirst for right living and is merciful toward others.  The Jesus life desires to live in purity and keeps the peace with others.  The Jesus life may be filled with hardship due to others not valuing the life chosen to live.  Persecution may come from those who despise Jesus and anyone who follows him. 

The Jesus life isn’t about what name is on our marquees of our church buildings, rather what is in our hearts and how we model the sermon of Jesus.  The Jesus life is leaving a good taste in non-believers mouths and being a light that is attractive by living who we say we represent. 

The Jesus life has no murderous thoughts nor does it undress a man or woman in our minds because we have such a lustful life.  The Jesus life keeps our word, loves our enemies and gives to those in need.  The Jesus life only stores things in life that will be usable and spiritual.  The Jesus life does not judge others, but leaves it up to God.  The Jesus life seeks God, walks according to God’s Word and bears fruit on his/her life.  The Jesus life has a strong foundation that will be sustained when the storms of life come. 

Jesus’ sermon is transforming and doable.  The Jesus life must begin today.  Right now.  Will you live the Jesus life?  Will you open your heart to Jesus and call him Lord and allow him to reign supremely in your life? I would love to chat with you about how living the Jesus life can change your life forever.  Call me at 931-545-7543 today. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Birth That Changed the World!

In the year of 1809, the world was in great turmoil. War was the coffee house conversation and newspaper headlines.  In 1809, Napoleon was sweeping through Austria, killing everything insight as blood flowed freely on the battlefield.

As the war raged on, nobody cared about babies being born that year.  No thought of who might be the next writer, President, or Prime Minister to help change the world for the better.  The births of 1809 were much like the birth of Jesus; everyone was preoccupied with the events of the day.  Out of a war torn year of 1809 came some extraordinary births:

 William Gladstone was born in Liverpool, England. He was destined to become one of  England’s Prime ministers.

Alfred Tennyson was born in Somersby, England.  He would become a great writer and help shape literacy.

Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He was   considered one of the best writers of the 19^th century.  

            

Edgar Allen Poe began his life in Boston, Massachusetts.  He was known as an  nspiring writer. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in a rugged cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.  He became the 16^th President of the United States and helped abolish slavery.

It is true to say that Napoleon was a force to be reckoned with in 1809, but it is also true that Gladstone, Tennyson, Holmes Poe and Lincoln would greatly impact the world for generations to come. 

More so than War Generals, Presidents, Prime Ministers and writers that came out of 1809, there would be a birth that would be the most significant and the most controversial of them all.  The birth would take place around 5 B.C.  The place was a stable.  The timing was during a census.  The parents were Mary and Joseph, a normal family among the rest of the crown that swarmed Bethlehem for the counting of the people.  Scriptures says that the baby to be born will be named Jesus, for he will save the people from their sins. 

As God set into motion the significant births that will help shape the literary world or congressional offices, God also set into motion the redemptive plan for his children. Without Jesus’ birth, there would no Joy to the World…let earth receive her king! Jesus’ life will open the gates of redemption, which means to experience freedom from our sins.  The Apostle Paul said, to the church at Ephesus in 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Jesus life brought about Reconciliation for all of God’s children.  It was a bringing together and experiencing hope!  Romans 5:11 says,  “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” 

The life of Jesus made way for a strong and vibrant Relationship with God!  The Apostle Paul also said, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”  Romans 5:10

Salvation is about a relationship with Jesus!  It is about accepting him.  Loving him.  Serving Him.  And, allowing him to be Lord of your life!  Jesus’ birth is very important and to celebrate it shows our desire to be connected fully to our Savior. 

May Christmas be in each of us throughout the year.  May each of us display hope and grace and peace in our relationships with one another.  Merry Christmas and Happy 2015

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Meaning of Christmas

City sidewalks,

Busy sidewalks.

Dressed in holiday style.

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing.

Meeting smiles after smile.

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells.

It's Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

Christmas is joy and laughter and gift giving and happy and music and nativity scenes and family and Jesus and peace on earth.  Christmas brings out the best in others and is a time when more are charitable to those who are in need.  Christmas is Silent Night, and O Come all Ye Faithful, and O Little Town of Bethlehem.  Christmas is eggnog, trees, lights, presents, and cantatas.  Christmas is Rudolf, Jingle Bells, Frosty, and Here Comes Santa Clause. 

Christmas has different meanings from one person to the next.  Some say it is the best time of the year, while others will say it is too commercialized and a money making holiday.  Still, others will say it is a time of peace and goodwill to all men.  In reality, Christmas is what you make it out to be.  For billions around the world, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth.  It is a time to be grateful for the gift God has given all of us. Luke 2: 10 & 11 says, “…I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (NLT)  Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (NIV)

For God, the birth of Jesus was good news and great joy and salvation.  Jesus’ birth was not a gimmick to boost retail sales nor send letters to a make believe person we call Santa.  The birth of Jesus was the event that bridged the gap between God and all of his children and made way for the world to once again live in hope. 

It is tragic to take a wonderful time of the year and make it about what we want, rather than be thankful for what God has already given.  We live in a society that cares more about Ipods, Play Stations, New Cars, and the number of gifts we get rather than remembering the very reason the Christmas day celebration was started in the first place.   What if we really meant the hymn we sing, “All to Jesus I Surrender” and lived out the lyrics that says, “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.”  How would the early morning of Christmas day be played out if we believed, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give?  Would our kids be up bright and early?  Would there be wrapping paper thrown everywhere?  Would there be as much joy on Christmas day if there were no presents for anyone but Jesus? 

“In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas” Children laughing, people passing, meeting smiles after smile.”  The feeling of Christmas is a reminder of God’s gift of salvation and the ability to live life with hope and to know there is a limitless supply of love and to experience forgiveness that keeps on forgiving. 

Is it possible that gift giving isn’t in the form of a wrapped present or gift cards, rather it is forgiving someone where grudges have been held for years and years?  Jesus said, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”   It is “loving your neighbor as yourself”  Matthew 22:39.  It is giving a thirsty person water and a naked man clothing and a hungry child food and a jailed lady your time, Matthew 25. 

Is it possible that Christmas could be 365 days a year for a lifetime?  Is it possible that a community that celebrates Jesus everyday would be a place where children are laughing and people passing, meeting smile after smile? 

What will you do with Christmas this year and how long will it last?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Teachers are a Gift

“Teachers are those who use themselves as bridges, over which they invite their students to cross; then having facilitated their crossings, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”  Nikos Kazantzakis

Romans 12:7”…if you are a teacher, teach well.”(NLT) The Greek word for “teacher” is: didasko, which means, “to teach one, to impart instruction, to explain or expound on a subject.” (Greek Lexicon)

The gift of teaching is the ability to communicate in a way that the student can understand and make life applications.  The gift of teaching isn’t to demonstrate the ability to teach, but rather, to teach people about spiritual living or academics.  While some will have the requirement to possess the gift of teaching, all of us have a responsibility to teach the core values of God’s Word.

Jesus the Teacher:

Jesus the Rabbi: The word “Rabbi” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “great one, my honorable sir.”  In the Greek language, “Rabbi” (Rhabbi) was a title used by the Jews to address their teachers.  Jesus was referred to as a “teacher” at least 45 times (depending on translation) within the gospels. 

Jesus used a variety of teaching methods to get his message across:  He told stories (Parables) that had spiritual meaning, such as, the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:12-14 or the story about how to invest your money wisely in Matthew 25:14-30. 

Jesus taught through discourse (Sermons) by sitting on a mountainside in Matthew 5,6, &7 and instructing the people about the importance of spiritual living.

Jesus taught through one-on-one discussions.  In Luke 10:25, Jesus and a lawyer are discussing how one obtains eternal life and who is my neighbor.   Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council called Jesus, Rabbi. They both proceeded to have a discussion about being born again in John 3:1-21. 

Jesus taught by example.  Not only did he call his Twelve to go out and preach, He lead by doing it first in Mark 6:7-13

Pastors are Teachers

The gift of teaching is a vitally important part of the spiritual health of the church.  And, the gift of teaching is the third most important work within the life of the church according to Paul.

In Ephesians 4:11 the gift of teaching comes with the role of pastor.  Pastor comes from the Latin word for Shepherd.  A Shepherd is one who takes care of the spiritual needs of the church by serving the flock and by being an example of living out the spiritual teachings of Scripture as found in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and 1^st Timothy 3

Teachers are a wonderful gift to our churches and schools.  May God bless each of you as you instruct each student that God places in your classroom. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Family Feud

One of my favorite shows to watch is a game show called, Family Feud.  The game pins families against each other in order to have a chance to play for $20,000.  Players have to figure out how one hundred people surveyed would answer a specific question.  If a player gets an answer wrong, he/she receives a strike.  If the family as a whole gets three strikes, the other family has a chance to steal and win the points if they get it right.  If they get it wrong, the points are awarded to the original family.  The feud goes back and forth until a family scores three hundred points. 

Family Feud is a fun game show to watch, but in real life, family feuds are miserable.  Hurtful. Painful.  And, harmful.  It rips apart relationships and destroys the unity in which God so desperately desires for every one of his children. 

Family feuds derive from a selfishness that lies deep within the heart of those feuding.  James says it best when he writes, “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.”  James 4:1 (MSG) The unity of a family cannot exist unless everyone in the family is willing to lay aside his or her selfish opinions and be willing to be open-minded to what the others are feeling and saying. 

One of the most heated arguments in Scripture is when the Apostle Paul and his good friend Barnabas got into a feud over Barnabas wanting his cousin, John to go on the trip with them.  Paul was adamantly opposed due to John leaving him on another trip.  Acts 15 records their conversation: After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.”  Barnabas wanted to take John along, the John nicknamed Mark. But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways: Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus; Paul chose Silas and, offered up by their friends to the grace of the Master, went to Syria and Cilicia to build up muscle and sinew in those congregations. (MSG)  Though the argument was heated, it never distracted from the ministry as a whole, there was no disruption in the family of God, and Paul and Barnabas never allowed their disagreements to become so bitter that it put a negative mark on Jesus’ church. 

Christ church must be a place where unity exists without waver and the spirit of unconditional love permeates the hearts of every believer.  The Psalmist said, “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 (TLB) Family feuds will subside when love leads the way and records are destroyed and where patience keeps company with kindness and demands are not made out of the desire to control. 

If the family of God loves, they will always root for the best in each other.   For the feuding to stop, loyalty to the family must be a priority even when disagreements arise.  For the family to feel safe around each other, a protecting love must be known among God’s people no matter what. 

God is calling each of us to love without reserve.  Jesus said to forgive.  The Spirit will enable each of us to be kind, gentle and good to one another.  Let it be said that Jesus’ church loves, protects, supports and Family Feud is just a game show!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Praying for our Government

Prayer is a powerful resource that enables anyone who prays to connect instantly to the Father.  It is vitally important that we do not take our conversations with God lightly, but rather soberly and deliberately.  Prayer is key to the welfare of our nation.  The bible is clear that we need to pray for those who serve in government. 

Instead of complaining about what we do not like about our President, Congress, Mayors, Sheriffs, and so on, pray for each one of them.  Do not pray that they change the way you think they need to be, rather pray that God will shape them to lead with godly values, moral integrity and character, and ethical standards.

Complaining gets us nowhere fast.  The Apostle Paul told Timothy in the first letter,  “I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone  -  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

This section of Scripture illustrates the urgency for all Christians to pray for those in civil authority.  Tertullian said in the Apology, section 39, “We pray for our rulers, for the state of the world, for peace of all things and for the postponement of the end.” 

Justin Martyr writes in Apology 1:14,17 “We worship God alone, but in all other things we gladly serve you, acknowledging kings and rulers of men, and praying that they may be found to have pure reason with kingly power.”

Instead of criticisms, pray.  Instead of hate letters, write with kindness.  I’m not saying to compromise convictions or values, but I am saying that it is God who can do the shaping and changing from the inside out; we have to trust his lead, not ours. 

In 1^st Timothy 2, the Apostle Paul gives four ways to pray for our government.  Doing each of these will demonstrate that we trust that God can and God will help shape, change and leads our government.   

Request  -  The Greek translation deēsis means to pray with a special need in mind.  The people of Paul’s day experienced the persecution of Christians by the emperor Nero.  It was imperative for them to have special prayers for the Christians being persecuted and for the persecutor Nero.

Prayer  -  The Greek translation proseuchē means to exclusively approach God.  The approach to God can be for a variety of reasons:  To ask for help, to ask for forgiveness, or to ask that God will give guidance to those in “authority.”

Intercession  -  The Greek translation enteuxis connotes the idea that one is coming before a king with an appeal for his favor. 

Thanksgiving  -  The Greek translation eucharistia is a celebration and appreciation for what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of our government. 

It is my aim to encourage all of you to pray for all of our government and be a model of kindness, grace, and mercy.  May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Remember, Be God Controlled! 

Brian

Loving God Completely

God is relational.  The entire purpose for God creating us is to have an intimate relationship with each of us.  God desires to know us.  Enjoy us.  Chat with us.  And, love us.  No matter how flawed we are; God doesn’t give up on any of us.  He is always rooting us on to live right, speak right, and love right. 

God has given us abilities to control the most dangerous of creatures, yet we struggle with keeping our tongue in control.  James 3:7-8 declares that, “Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird that lives and every kind of reptile and fish, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison.” (TLB) God has enabled us to be creative and gifted, yet we are the most violent, unkind and mean of all that live on the earth.  Genesis 6:5 points out that, “God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night.” (MSG)  Although we are reckless and arrogant and disobedient, God still wants a relationship with us. 

How can I love God completely?  For starters, Jesus said “you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”  Loving God completely takes a willingness to know him.  The Apostle Paul prayed for the Philippi Christians that their love would overflow and they keep on growing in their knowledge and understanding.  The more we know about God, the more we fall deeper in love with him.  The Apostle Paul also prayed for the believers in Colossae that they would keep on growing in the knowledge of God. 

It is very important to understand that Christianity isn’t a religion of rules and regulations, rather, it is a relationship one has with the entire God family – God, Jesus and Spirit.  When Christianity is viewed as relational, it will inspire us to want to know more about the one who made our life possible.  We will want to spend the time in conversation with God and we will want to read his love book of grace and hope and mercy.  We will want to spend time in quietness to clear our mind so that we can focus on our relationship with God.

I will love God completely when I trust him.  God is in the relationship to make our lives better.  He will never lie to us, cheat on us or break up with us.  He is in it for the long haul.  Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrated his love for us.  John 3:16 proclaims that God loves us so much he gave us his only Son.  1^st John 4:9 tells us that, “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” (NLT)  We can fully trust God that when he says he loves us, he means it.  He is a gift giver and a God of making sacrifices for all of us, all of the time.  It is much easier to love God when we know that he loves us.  1 John 1:19 says that we love because God first loved us. 

I will love God completely when I surrender to him.  James 4:7 says to submit to God.  Galatians 2:20 says that “my old self has been crucified with Christ, It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”(NLT)  Surrendering to God demonstrates love and respect and a willingness to follow his plans so our love for him is completely honorable, with no hidden motives. 

Remember, Be God Controlled! 

Brian

The Big House

My wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Malibu California and attend the Pepperdine Lectures.  Pepperdine University is nestled on a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.  The scenery was breathtaking.  Every angle of the campus puts on a spectacular display of beauty. 

After the lectures were over one afternoon, we decided to take a drive around Malibu and into Hollywood.  We drove down Sunset Boulevard and made our way to the homes where the “stars” lived. Each house had their own unique beauty, but they all were big; I mean, huge!  It was enjoyable seeing the homes and how they were architecturally designed from the outside. 

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:2, “There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you?” (MSG) 

Ready?

For me?

Yes, ready for you!  Jesus gave his disciples a house.  Not just any ole house.  He gave them a house with a live in Jesus and God and Spirit and a host of others.  This house has lots of rooms and amenities and it is greatest architecturally designed place ever built. 

This house isn’t just for the disciples, but for all of us.  Jesus said, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT) 1^st John 5:11 says,  ^“And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (NLT) and Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

God wants everyone to live in the house, no exceptions.  The Apostle Peter wrote that God is not a slow promise keeper, he is patient with each of us and he wants all of us to be saved! 1^st Peter 3:9.  The house is being prepared for all believers who are engaged in the Jesus life.  House keys are given to those who are walking and living and speaking and sharing and giving and worshipping and praising and acting godly.  Matthew says it best in 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)  Everything we will we ever need has been put in the house.  God’s list of goods and services for his children are limitless. 

Don’t be troubled by your circumstances, Jesus has prepared a special place that will give you hope and rest and peace and joy and love and comfort.  Keep your eyes peeled on what is to come rather than what isn’t available now.  Keep your focus on what will be given out later, rather than how much money you have in the bank account.  Keep your loyalty to Jesus through the thick and thin of life so that you will enjoy a sit down chat with him in the house he built. 

Trust.  Never waiver on your commitment to serving Jesus.  Always be your best.  Serve others like Jesus.  Be content.  Be Kind.  Be Jesus! 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian