BEING JESUS PEOPLE

 BEING JESUS PEOPLE

Jesus called his initial followers with these seemingly simple words, "follow me"

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Does it mean being a good Republican? Or, rather, being a good Democrat?

Does it mean being a socialist, or maybe it is more like being a capitalist?

Maybe it's more like being a climate change activist?!

Maybe it's more about DEI and BLM?  

Some think that it's more about LGBTQ!

Some think that it's about T U L I P?!

Soup kitchens? Habitat for humanity? The Salvation Army? The Red Cross? UNICEF?

All of the above? None of the above?!

What were the common keywords in the message of Jesus? Repent? Love? Crucify yourself? Serve? Give? Evangelize?!

ON THE TEAM

There have been Heisman Trophy maestros.

There have been Butkus Trophy defense monsters.

And, there have been a Rudy or two.

My grandchild was grateful to almost make the team, only to become equipment manager?!

If you're on the bench, at least keep your head in the game!

"... put me in coach, I can play ..." 🎶

For Him, do whatever, whenever, however... all to His glory!

Stay in the game!

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:24‭-‬27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14‭-‬17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6‭-‬8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[6] For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

https://youtu.be/Xq3hEMUeBGQ?si=lPgIDpiXbNVpoC2V

https://g.co/kgs/uhQKVfP

THE LAST MILE. R.E.D.

Distracted in the last mile of the run?

Tripping over a pavement crack, while grinning at the waving bystanders.

No! Eyes straight ahead. Focus!

" ...shirt demands 8-minute miles..."

Just finishing is NOT enough!

FINISH STRONG!

The legs are sprinting even as the mind is slowing ...

R.E.D. "Retired. Extremely Dangerous"

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I pray that when I die, all of hell will rejoice that I am out of the fight. -C.T. Studd

“I pray that when I die, all of hell will rejoice that I am no longer in the fight.”

Hymn. When I've gone the last mile.

https://youtu.be/-JZ_moituIo?si=xyhDNiSaa9EnSUJx

https://hymnary.org/text/if_i_walk_in_the_pathway_of_duty

https://dearleys.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/all-of-hell-will-rejoice/

https://visionforchina.org/the-china-missions-quote-project

IT'S THE ONE

  

All the trees whispered, as that seed was blown away by the wind, "it's the one?"

The moist ground groaned, under the curse, as that seed fell to the earth, "it's the one, finally?!"

The burning sun beamed in hope as that seedling broke above the soil, "it's the one?"

The animals browsed all around the sapling, but not taking it, suspecting, "it's the one?!"

All creation watched it grow, anxiously hoping, "it's the one..."

The forester ignorantly chopped It down, never once knowing "it's the one."

The soldiers callously erected the beam towards the skies, with absolutely no idea that this tree is the one!

He has gladly dragged the beam along the sorrowful way, knowing "it's the one ..."

He was angrily hoisted upon the blessed tree, upon which Jesus became the cursed one!

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FLORAL SMOKE ON THE WIND

The sunset I can see!

The songbirds I can hear.

But, the roses I can not smell.

A steak sizzling on the grill.

Coffee steaming in my cup.

The grandbaby's sweet breath.

The faint aroma of her pillow.

Memories ...

Expectations?!

As I enter the gates, the saints' prayers waft on the air?! 

And, what is that sweet, fruity smell, so intoxicating?!

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭8:3‭-‬4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[3] Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. [4] The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:1‭-‬2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 

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ANGEL MUSIC

 

It's 3 a.m. and I have again restlessly stirred.

Dark thoughts have revived and recurred.

I desperately listen for them, but hear not a word.

The angels are overshadowed by the ominous,dark herd.

From the Pit comes their noisy din.

Will I tonight hear the angels again?!

The demonic cacophony will not win?

Turn up the volume, on a new song, my Friend!

 

THE NEW SONG

I WILL GO WITH HER AND DIE

 

Adam was alone, with nobody to caress his face.

He looked around and watched the pairs embrace.

But, he was the only one of this new human race.

Something completely new in all this time and space.

At last, creation was complete, Eve he did spy!

"bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh" was his cry!

Never again will I ever have to sit alone and sigh.

Together, enjoying the garden, watching clouds going by.

Enter the Snake.

This is wrong, God, damn the foe.

But, alone, I will not, cannot let her go!

Beside her, away, through weal or woe.

Surely He will save, how, I do not know.

So Adam took the fruit from her hand.

She is my woman; I am her man.

What happens next, He must have a plan?!

Forgive us and save us, I know that He can?

I will go with her, together, we will die.

Alone, she will not be able to get by.

And Jesus looked down at his confused, straying bride ...

then He whispered, "For her I gladly will die..."