Ashamed of Jesus?

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ . . . " Romans 1:16

"in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body. . . " Philippians 1:20

The Apostle Paul penned both of the statements above. Let's think about who Paul was:

• His name was originally Saul. He was from a prestigious Jewish family .
• He studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, the leader of the Pharisees.
• He became part of the opposition to the newly formed church in Jerusalem.
• He was present at the death of Stephen.
• He was an active persecutor of the Jerusalem Church, entering its synagogues and arresting its members.
• The high priest entrusted him to travel to Damascus to arrest prominent members of the Jerusalem Church.
• On the way to Damascus, he experienced a vision of Jesus that converted him from persecutor to believer.
• His name was changed to Paul and he wrote a great deal of the New Testament and was called to reach the Gentiles (non Jewish people).

Paul had it all, power, money and rising fame. He had a great reputation among his Jewish peers. It would have been very easy to try to appease all his religious Jewish friends and also to please his new converted Gentile believers. But he stayed true to his faith in Jesus Christ.

Does this speak to you? Many of us act out our faith at church or at Bible studies, then we go back to work and school and follow a different crowd. Once again, am I speaking to anyone?

Sadly, this is the church in 2009. We are so compartmentalized that we justify being strong on church days and become weak on all of the other days. This is being "ashamed" of your faith. This is what Paul preached about in Rome before the politicians, in Greece before the philosophers and in Jerusalem before his former anti-Christian friends.

He was not "ashamed" of the gospel. He did not hide his faith when he was away from the church. He lived out his faith everyday and knew that in spite of being ridiculed as a "Jesus freak", his joy would be more compete.

Let me conclude by asking you some serious questions about your life:

1. Would a court of law find you guilty of following Jesus publicly every day of your life?
2. Do your friends, coworkers or classmates consider you a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?
3. Are you proud of your faith?
4. Do you hide your faith?

These are tough questions. But we are instructed to "not be ashamed" of our faith. Think about it.

Blessings,

Jody Hinkle

I AM NEVER ALONE

Ever wonder why our Lord chose such a common little bird to illustrate such a profound truth? Everyone and everything God created is significant. So when Jesus was teaching He questioned the listeners, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight" Luke 12:6. Recently, I read a quote about this verse from Joni Eareckson Tada:

"English sparrows. They're worth barely a penny, Jesus said so. Yet of the world's nine thousand bird species, Jesus singled out the least-noticed and most insignificant of birds to make a point. If God takes time to keep tabs on every sparrow, who it is, where it's going, whether or not its needs are being met, then surely He keeps special tabs on you. Intimately. Personally. And with every detail in mind. The Bible may point to eagles to underscore courage and power, and it may talk about doves as symbols of peace and contentment. But God's Word reserves sparrows to teach a lesson about trust. Just as God tenderly cares for a tiny bird, even making note of when it is harmed, or when it falls to the ground. He gently reminds you that He is worthy of your greatest trust, your deepest confidence." Joni Eareckson Tada, Diamonds in the Dust.

A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. Today, she is an internationally known mouth artist, a talented vocalist, a radio host, an author of 17 books and an advocate for disabled persons worldwide. Instead of dwelling is a place of sorrow and depression, she has used her situation to encourage millions of people that God is never far away.

This is a story to tell you that you are never alone. There is nothing you do or will experience that God does not know about and care for you. While we may never understand why we go through tough times, God is there to support you.

Blessings,

Jody

HOW FAITH WORKS

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

The economy, the job market, Swine flu just to name a few stress points. We live in times that are stressful. This should cause us to rely upon faith more than ever. But sometimes it is easier to question our faith rather than depend on it.

Faith is the only mandatory and essential response to God. A person lacking in faith can never please God. Hebrews 11:6 says "but without faith, it is impossible to please God." In time of stress, shouldn't it be a given that we want to please God.

Faith comes from the Greek verb pistis when means "to believe." The word plays in to the idea of trust and confidence. The writer of Hebrews uses examples of this faith in the entire eleventh chapter. These lives of our biblical heroes and heroines reflect the behavior that God wants us to all have. Hebrews 11 gives us two characteristics that God wills all of His children to demonstrate:

1) Faith should be our substance to live for. In other words, it should be the foundation for all we do. We should not only depend upon our faith in tough times or only in church times, but rather EVERYTHING we do, EVERYTHING we say, EVERYTHING we think should be grounded in the solid, unshakable confidence that God is faithful to deliver on His promises.

2) Furthermore, our faith should be a commitment to God no matter what happens in our lives. In a bad economy, through disease and through stressful moments our faith should not be a "blind leap in the dark" hoping that God is there for us. Rather our faith is the evidence of at work in our lives about all the unseen things God prepares and does for us.

Life is not easy. And we know in Revelation 12:11 the Word of God says that daily Satan attempts to accuse and condemn us before God. During tough times, Satan will do everything he can to make us doubt our faith. But the writer of Hebrews neatly wraps up his lesson in faith chapter 12. In spite of all of life's issues, the writer tells us to "lay aside every weight (stress, economy, job issues, health) . . . and run with endurance the race (life) that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . .

We are never alone in life. The verses in Hebrews 12 also speaks of "a cloud of witnesses" that root us on. Keep the faith.

Blessings,

Jody

NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US . . .

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? No despite all things, overwhelming victory is our through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . . . our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. " Romans 8:35-38

Romans chapter 8 has always been one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul deals with believers in Rome who had to utilize their faith in Jesus while living under the ruler ship of Caesar. Paul begins chapter 8 by telling them that there is no "condemnation" for the believers. That is, there is no judgement in Jesus because He took our sins to the cross and atoned for every sin committed. He ends the chapter by telling 5 things because of Jesus:

1. God is for us.

2. He will freely give us all things.

3. He has justified us.

4. He prays for us.

5. We cannot be separated from His love.

All of these 5 things are granted to those who are in Christ Jesus. With encouragement such as these, we can endure suffering with hope and assurance. This has never been so close to my heart as right now.

As I face the fact that Parkinson's Disease is a part of my life now, I must admit that fear and anxiety are trying to settle in. But the Holy Spirit that resides in me keeps telling me that God is ever present. He has not left. And Paul tells me by the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit that speaks to me "that NOTHING CAN SEPARATE" me from God's love.

I am not sure of what is to come physically, mentally or emotionally. But I am sure spiritually that "my God will never leave me or forsake me." (Hebrews 13:5).

God bless you and thank you for your prayers.

Jody

I Can Do All Things . . . .

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

If you just read the first part of this verse, it would immediately sound an alarm of arrogance: "I can do all things." This was the same spirit that lead David into the adultery and murder.  This was the spirit that attempted to build the tower of Babel.  Many today are infected by this through pride and make the same claim: "I can do all things."

But as usual, the Word of God is never incomplete.  As you keep reading the verse two small words carry eternal consequences: "through Christ." Those two words keep us from bragging "I can do all things." It is, I can do all things through Christ! There is a huge difference. It is one thing for someone to say, "I can do all things." It is quite different to confess, "I can do all things through Christ."

To get the impact of this, stop and think about what you couldn't do without Him! You could not effectively and thoroughly know your lost condition. Without Him, you could not have adequate concepts of God. Without Him, you could realize no victory over sin. Without Him, we would all be a victim of the wrath to come. Jesus said to His disciples "without Me you can do nothing," (John 15:5). In Ephesians 2:12 teaches outside of Christ, we have "no hope" and we are "without God in the world." 

So with Christ through Him; in our relationship of active faith in Him we have strength we could not have any other way! Strength to adequately evaluate ourselves. Strength to know the difference between right and wrong (by faithfully applying His Word). Strength that comes through the remission of our sins. Strength in response to prayer we offer to God through Him. Strength of character as we follow His example and obey Him. This is strength in such abundance, we are able to do everything God wants us to do. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Today, I am scheduled to partake in an MRI to rule in or rule out Parkinson's Disease.  This is a little intimidating.  First of all I am claustrophobic!  I hate MRI machines.  Secondly, I am a little anxious about the test.  

So today, I ask favor from Abba Father to give my body relaxation in the machine.  I ask Abba Father to give my mind understanding in the results to come.  And finally, I ask Abba Father to give my soul peace in knowing He is in control and I will trust Him no matter what comes.  After all, "I can do ALL things through Christ who give me STRENGTH!!

Blessings,

Jody Hinkle

Trying Not To Sink = Matthew 14

One of the most taught stories is Matthew 14 about Jesus walking on the water.  The story is not so much about how great it was for Jesus to walk on water, but rather how Peter rose and then fell when he got on the water.

The wind is howling and it is late and dark (about 3 a.m.).  The lake is rough and the waves are high.  Though several of the apostles spent most of their life in a boat, they’re still worried.  But when they see what appears to be a ghost walking towards them on the whitecaps, they get really scared.  Then the figure speaks and they recognize a familiar voice–it is the Lord!

 

Remember the old saying “fools rush in where angels fear to tred?”  Well here goes Peter: “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you across the water.”  The Lord takes him up on it.  “Come!” he says.  So Peter gives it a try.  The first few steps go great and he’s pumped. But funny thing–when the Lord told him to come, he neglected to calm the wind and the waves.  And as Peter, far from the security of the boat and the company of his buddies, finds himself buffeted by strong gusts and swirling waves, fear gets the best of him.  He begins to sink.  Remembering that Jesus is not too far off, he has the sense to cry out “Lord save me!”

 

The Lord fishes him out and then gently rebukes him.  Jesus doesn’t say that Peter has no faith.  After all, he had more faith than the other eleven—at least he stepped out of the boat. But Jesus’ statement is telling: “how little faith you have!  Why did you falter?”

What do this story teach us about life?  Here are a few things to remember:

1. In spite of the presence of our Lord, there will be storms surrounding us.  The trials of living are not going to go away because we are believers.  The enemy, the old Devil, wants us to be in the middle of storms for our whole life.  He wants us to blame God for troubles.  He wants us to take our eyes off of the Lord.

2.  Jesus, called Peter towards Him.  He does the same for us.  We are called to go to the Lord.  In life we are either moving towards the Lord, or we are moving away from Him.  

3.  As Peter did, when our eyes are focused on the Lord, we can do anything.  Peter walked on water when he was looking at Jesus.  We too can accomplish great things when we are truly focused on the Lord.  But when we take our eyes off of him, look out . . .

4.  Peter sank into the water when he took his eyes off of the Lord.  In an instance, he went from the presence of the Lord to near death.  Life events can change dramatically.  When Peter began to sink, he called out for the Lord to save him.

5.  When we call upon the Lord, he hears us and rescues us.  Of course, it came with a rebuke of having little faith.  But it was a life lesson on keeping our eyes on the Lord.

During a trial or a test in life, who will you turn to.  Will you look up to Heaven, or will you look at your surroundings and turn to earthly things?  Take a lesson from Peter, look up!

Blessings,

Jody 

BEND US OH LORD

BEND US OH LORD

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

It is said of Evan Roberts that he was a young man thoroughly caught up in seeking God. He would spend hours upon his knees every day, begging the Lord to revive Wales. He attended every conference he could on the deepening of spiritual life – and finally ended up at one led by Seth Joshua, a great traveling speaker of the time. During a prayer meeting, Seth Joshua prayed, “Bend us, oh Lord.” This deeply moved Evan’s heart, and he could not bear to sit through the regular services, such was his deep feeling and distress of heart. Finally, another prayer meeting was opened – Evan said that as they began to pray, something consumed him, and that if he did not pray, he felt as though he would burst. When an opportunity came, Evan poured forth his heart before God, uttering this great phrase, “Bend me, bend me, bend me, all, all, all.” The Spirit of God fell like a consuming fire, sweeping across Wales in such power that over 100,000 people came to Christ.

When one considers such a story as this, the first inclination is to say, “that’s nice, but I don’t think it will happen today.” This, my friend, is rank unbelief. Acts 10:34 tells us that “God is no respecter of persons.” The very same blessing that He so graciously extended to Wales will be extended to us. If once we become willing to be bent, to cry with the utmost passion and feeling, bend me, oh Lord, that prayer has never, and will never fail. God will bend you – and if you are willing under His refining fire, there is no limit upon the great work He can do.

We so often hinder God by our unbelief and unwillingness. We put our God in a box. We compartmentalize Him. We are the hindrance to revival, my friend. We, the church of Jesus Christ, are the great obstacle in the way of revival – because we disbelieve the promises of God. My friend, please do not be so led astray as to believe that revival is impossible today – Has our God changed? If you believe thus, you deny the Bible when Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Our God has NOT CHANGED. He is not a respecter of persons. He is willing, He is able to send revival. Are you willing to accept what that revival means in your heart? Are you willing to accept the sacrifices, the struggles, the refining fires? Revival is not about feeling good, it is about God making you worthy of Jesus Christ. Is Jesus Christ worth so much to you that you would give up all for Him? If not, there must be a change, a very dramatic change. So long as you live your life for yourself, you will never please God… Seek Him with all your heart, prepare yourself to make any sacrifice for Him. Rise early in the morning, and plead with Him to change you from the inside out. Plead with Him to make the Christ-life, the essence of revival, the normal way of life for you. Daily pray that plea, “Bend me, bend me, bend me, all, all, ALL.”