JESUS, the name given by God.
Luke 1:31 — You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:21 — She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
JESUS is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua.”
Joshua brought the children of Israel into rest — into the promised land. Numbers 13:16 — These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.) Hebrews 4:8 — For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
The name JESUS includes the name Jehovah (1st element).
Jehovah means: God; the Mighty One; God the Almighty; the great I AM — the one who is now in the present; the one who was in the past; and the one who will be in the future. “I am whatever you need.” Exodus 3:13,14 — Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
The name JESUS includes the name Savior (2nd element).
Savior, or the One who Saves. Jesus not only saves us, HE IS OUR SALVATION. “Lord Jesus Christ, come to me and BE my salvation.” Philippians 2:9-11 — Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
JESUS is the name above every name; the name IS the person.
1) The Name we Believe In:
John 1:12 — To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
2) The Name we are Baptized Into:
Romans 6:3 — All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death.
3) The Name by whom we are Saved:
Acts 4:12 — Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
4) The Name by whom we are Healed:
Acts 3:6 — In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.
5) The Name by whom we are Washed, Sanctified & Justified:
1 Corinthians 6:11 — You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
6) The Name we Call Upon:
Romans 10:13 — Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
7) The Name in whom we Pray:
John 14:13-14 — “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
8) The Name we Gather Into or Together:
Matthew 18:20 — “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
9) The Name that Casts out Demons/the Enemy:
Acts 16:18 — Paul said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!”
10) The Name we Preach:
Acts 9:27 —He [Paul] had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Luke 24:47 — Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.
EMMANUEL:
God with us — after we have received and experienced Him, he becomes God with us. When we experience Jesus, He is then Emmanuel to us — or “God with us, revealed in us.”
Jesus is nothing less than God Himself — He is the Son of God and He is God in the flesh.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
AUTUMN
Just smell!
There is not a corner in the house
that is not full of the marvelous scent.
In stable and stall
and kitchen and bedroom and cellar
comes a scent of blessing over everything.
Over the field and meadow and hill
there is the smell of hay and aftergrowth,
of potatoes and carrots and apples,
of nuts and berries and newly made cider.
We are now content
and the pigs and the cow and the horses,
are contented as well.
The summer with its work
went on and on
but now comes rest.
For nothing,
was our worry and misery
as the hot summer days stretched on;
The harvest is in
and we are safe another year.
There is not a corner in the house
that is not full of the marvelous scent.
In stable and stall
and kitchen and bedroom and cellar
comes a scent of blessing over everything.
Over the field and meadow and hill
there is the smell of hay and aftergrowth,
of potatoes and carrots and apples,
of nuts and berries and newly made cider.
We are now content
and the pigs and the cow and the horses,
are contented as well.
The summer with its work
went on and on
but now comes rest.
For nothing,
was our worry and misery
as the hot summer days stretched on;
The harvest is in
and we are safe another year.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Grow in Grace
Today, I would like to encourage you to “grow in grace.”
2 Peter 3:18 — Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As authentic, Christ-centered Christians our focus must be on God’s grace. The body of Christ must be centered in, on and with our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Titus 1:14 — The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
God’s relationship with us is not conditional. He loves us because HE is good, not because of or when WE are good. We should never forget that all of our “doing” does not alter or modify our relationship with God.
Ephesians 2:4-10 — Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
We are obedient because we have been saved; we are not obedient so that we can become saved. Obedience is a consequence of salvation—it is not a causal agent of salvation.
How can we, the perishable, imperfect and sinful, perfect the imperishable, perfect and holy? The answer is: By Jesus, through Jesus, because of Jesus; by the power of His Holy Spirit whom we clothe ourselves with and who clothes Himself with us.
Titus 2:11 — For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It is NOT possible for any of us to focus on grace too much. We are saved by grace. Grace is God’s attribute: His gracious, giving and generous Spirit. Grace helps us know and understand God.
Revelation 22:21 — The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
We need more grace, not less.
2 Peter 3:18 — Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As authentic, Christ-centered Christians our focus must be on God’s grace. The body of Christ must be centered in, on and with our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Titus 1:14 — The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
God’s relationship with us is not conditional. He loves us because HE is good, not because of or when WE are good. We should never forget that all of our “doing” does not alter or modify our relationship with God.
Ephesians 2:4-10 — Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
We are obedient because we have been saved; we are not obedient so that we can become saved. Obedience is a consequence of salvation—it is not a causal agent of salvation.
How can we, the perishable, imperfect and sinful, perfect the imperishable, perfect and holy? The answer is: By Jesus, through Jesus, because of Jesus; by the power of His Holy Spirit whom we clothe ourselves with and who clothes Himself with us.
Titus 2:11 — For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It is NOT possible for any of us to focus on grace too much. We are saved by grace. Grace is God’s attribute: His gracious, giving and generous Spirit. Grace helps us know and understand God.
Revelation 22:21 — The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
We need more grace, not less.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gentle Thoughts - It's My Birthday
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
He who hesitates is probably right.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL"?
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth...AMEN!!
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
He who hesitates is probably right.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL"?
If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth...AMEN!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Walk the Roman's Road with John's Help
Romans 3:10
As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3:23
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 5:12
As sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
Romans 8:13,14
If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 niv
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9-10
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus as Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 10:13
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 5:1
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3:23
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 5:12
As sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
Romans 8:13,14
If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 niv
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9-10
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus as Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 10:13
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 5:1
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Does God Exist?
Only the foolish, rebellious people have to deal with the question of the existence of God. His existence is self-evident to anyone who bothers to address the question. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20 & 21
In 2008, radio talk-show host Glen Beck asked the following question: “Why all this talk about who is a Christian and who isn’t a Christian? Don’t we all believe in God?”
The answer to that question is: “Perhaps most do, however, those who simply believe in God are not Christians.” Even Satan believes in God. So do Muslims, Mormons (like Mr. Beck), Hindus, Buddhists, etc.
The important question, as all Christians know, is: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? More specifically do you believe He is God, come in the form of man to show you how to live, pay the penalty for your sins and reconcile you unto Him? Do you believe INTO Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His forgiveness of your sins, His authority (as God) to do so, and are you now indwelled by His Spirit and experiencing His salvation from the world, from sin, from your sins, from your self, and from Satan?
This is the real question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 15 & 16
In 2008, radio talk-show host Glen Beck asked the following question: “Why all this talk about who is a Christian and who isn’t a Christian? Don’t we all believe in God?”
The answer to that question is: “Perhaps most do, however, those who simply believe in God are not Christians.” Even Satan believes in God. So do Muslims, Mormons (like Mr. Beck), Hindus, Buddhists, etc.
The important question, as all Christians know, is: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? More specifically do you believe He is God, come in the form of man to show you how to live, pay the penalty for your sins and reconcile you unto Him? Do you believe INTO Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His forgiveness of your sins, His authority (as God) to do so, and are you now indwelled by His Spirit and experiencing His salvation from the world, from sin, from your sins, from your self, and from Satan?
This is the real question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 15 & 16
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It should have been me
Easter week is upon us and I find myself thinking about: David in Ft Lewis getting ready to go to Iraq in a week or so; Christine & Nate in Moorhead continuing the fight against the flood waters; Brian looking for a job and working at getting his business going; the music we have to learn for the Good Friday Service and Easter morning; and the guests that are coming to my house and what I will feed them...
BUT, for a moment at least, I hit "pause" on the brain chatter...
It should have been my hands and it should have been my feet where the nails were. I know the truth is, the debt was mine to pay. It should have been my side that was cut open and it should have been my heart that was broken.
At times I overlook His grace and the sacrifice He made. Sometimes I'm busy living the life He has given me to live and thinking I'm worth the love He freely gives. Sometimes I run the race like I've earned the right. Then I look at the cross and I realize all over again:
It should have been me.
BUT, for a moment at least, I hit "pause" on the brain chatter...
It should have been my hands and it should have been my feet where the nails were. I know the truth is, the debt was mine to pay. It should have been my side that was cut open and it should have been my heart that was broken.
At times I overlook His grace and the sacrifice He made. Sometimes I'm busy living the life He has given me to live and thinking I'm worth the love He freely gives. Sometimes I run the race like I've earned the right. Then I look at the cross and I realize all over again:
It should have been me.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Where Did the Month Go?
Wow! Where did the last month go? David has been gone for a month now. After getting quite sick when he first got there, he is now doing quite well. Check out his blog for updates. We talk to him about once a week... sometimes longer... sometimes shorter.
Last week we had a couple days when the temps didn't get out of the single digits, got 8 inches of snow, and had 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. This week we have reached record highs... up into the 50's! The snow is almost all gone. Next week: rain. Spring is here but we keep reminding ourselves that we have at least a month left of snow potential.
On March 14th we attended a funeral of a friend of ours: Bob Huisinga. He and his wife, Lennie, had been married 62 years and Bob had just turned 85. Dean and I realized that we are only half way there... we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. That night, we went to the YFC Banquet at the Holiday Inn. Nice evening with Gregg & Linda Hanson, wonderful testimonies from three young people, and a great speaker.
Last Saturday morning we had a special choir rehearsal. We are practicing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also practice every Thursday night. As of two weeks ago, I am finished teaching on Wednesday nights... the class started last September. We have Life Group every Tuesday night. Three nights away from home per week doesn't leave much time to do things around the house.
The past several days at work I have been searching the internet for holiday dates for the next six years. We publish calendars and the art department needs to know accurate dates. I confirm the dates from three different sites. It is amazing how many sites have the data wrong. Some are more reliable than others and I have learned that over the years. It's fun research but hard not to get distracted reading about the holidays when you get to a particularily good site.
Happy March!
Last week we had a couple days when the temps didn't get out of the single digits, got 8 inches of snow, and had 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. This week we have reached record highs... up into the 50's! The snow is almost all gone. Next week: rain. Spring is here but we keep reminding ourselves that we have at least a month left of snow potential.
On March 14th we attended a funeral of a friend of ours: Bob Huisinga. He and his wife, Lennie, had been married 62 years and Bob had just turned 85. Dean and I realized that we are only half way there... we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. That night, we went to the YFC Banquet at the Holiday Inn. Nice evening with Gregg & Linda Hanson, wonderful testimonies from three young people, and a great speaker.
Last Saturday morning we had a special choir rehearsal. We are practicing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also practice every Thursday night. As of two weeks ago, I am finished teaching on Wednesday nights... the class started last September. We have Life Group every Tuesday night. Three nights away from home per week doesn't leave much time to do things around the house.
The past several days at work I have been searching the internet for holiday dates for the next six years. We publish calendars and the art department needs to know accurate dates. I confirm the dates from three different sites. It is amazing how many sites have the data wrong. Some are more reliable than others and I have learned that over the years. It's fun research but hard not to get distracted reading about the holidays when you get to a particularily good site.
Happy March!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
When You Get Home
The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Departure Ceremony was held on February 10, 2009 in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St Paul, MN. My son, David, was among the 1,037 MN National Guard soldiers heading for Iraq. For more information and a podcast go to: http://theredbulls.org/file3
GP Leighton sang this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BNsgJDMSaI&feature=related
He was born November 29 (March 15)
Mamma held him and his Daddy cried
Six years later still tears in his eyes
Daddy held him as he said goodbye
"So many places you will go
Have fun at camp son, I hope you know
When you get home, We’ll go buy an ice cream
Get your bike out and ride again
When you get home, Fly a paper airplane
Shoot it over the fire wood
I’ll be here for you... when you get home
He left home September 13 (June 2003)
Going off to college to chase his dream
Got some help in the ROTC
Trying to figure out what being a man really means
"So many places that you will go
Have fun at school son, I hope you know
When you get home, Look for an apartment
Find a car with some miles left
When you get home, We’ll go catch a ball game
Boards of summer be playing soon
I’ll be there for you... When you get home
He went to war March 2003 (2009)
Shook his dad's hand, Gave his mom a kiss
His mamma cried "son you will be missed!"
Daddy sighed and said "remember this:
So many places that you will go
Son we love you and hope you know
When you get home, Prayers, they will be answered
And I’ll be able to breath again
When you get home, Flags they will be flying
Freedom's colors red, white and blue
We’ll all be here for you… when you get home
I’ll be there for you… when you get home"
GP Leighton sang this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BNsgJDMSaI&feature=related
He was born November 29 (March 15)
Mamma held him and his Daddy cried
Six years later still tears in his eyes
Daddy held him as he said goodbye
"So many places you will go
Have fun at camp son, I hope you know
When you get home, We’ll go buy an ice cream
Get your bike out and ride again
When you get home, Fly a paper airplane
Shoot it over the fire wood
I’ll be here for you... when you get home
He left home September 13 (June 2003)
Going off to college to chase his dream
Got some help in the ROTC
Trying to figure out what being a man really means
"So many places that you will go
Have fun at school son, I hope you know
When you get home, Look for an apartment
Find a car with some miles left
When you get home, We’ll go catch a ball game
Boards of summer be playing soon
I’ll be there for you... When you get home
He went to war March 2003 (2009)
Shook his dad's hand, Gave his mom a kiss
His mamma cried "son you will be missed!"
Daddy sighed and said "remember this:
So many places that you will go
Son we love you and hope you know
When you get home, Prayers, they will be answered
And I’ll be able to breath again
When you get home, Flags they will be flying
Freedom's colors red, white and blue
We’ll all be here for you… when you get home
I’ll be there for you… when you get home"
Friday, February 6, 2009
Brothers & Sisters
From the time they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and cautionary tales. They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them. Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys. Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we'll ever know who truly qualify as partners for life... & are with us for the whole journey. In a world that's too big, too scary and too often too lonely, we come to realize that there's nothing like having a band of brothers—and sisters—to venture out with. Time Magazine, July 2006
Dedicated to Cora Jean, Fred, Neal, Don, Audrey, Lawrence and Dave.
Dedicated to Cora Jean, Fred, Neal, Don, Audrey, Lawrence and Dave.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I Love God
I love everything about God. I love His grace and mercy and I love His justice and honor. I love His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. I love His people and being a part of His Church, His “living” stones. I love that He has entrusted to me the teaching of the deep things of Himself. I love how He reveals Himself to His people. I love how He loves me through His Son and reveals that love to me through His Spirit and manifests His love to me through my husband, my children, and my family. I love His plan… a plan that gives us a hope and a future.
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
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