What God's Word says about Friendship

I posted a blog a few weeks ago about friendship and on this past Wednesday I was asked to share with the Tabitha Church [www.tbcokc.net] and my long time friend Pastor J. L. Mitchell [who was celebrating his 20th anniversary}. I was asked to attend a service dedicated to praying for the different areas of the pastor-teacher’s life. I was particularly as to pray from a friend for a friend and the friendship surrounding the man of God. I found it fascinating and even captivating how much the Bible has the say about friendship. So I wanted to share with you a few things that God’s Word says about friendship.

1. What the Bible says about becoming a true friend.
Proverbs 18:24 24 A man of many companions •may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2. What the Bible says about becoming a wise friend.
Proverbs 13:20 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

3. What the Bible says about becoming a friend like Jesus.
John 15:13 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

4. What the Bible says about becoming a strong friend.
Proverbs 27:17 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

5. What the Bible says about becoming a loyal friend.
Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

6. What the Bible says about becoming a friend or choosing a friend.
Proverbs 22:24-25 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

7. What the Bible says about becoming a powerful friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than •one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is •alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

8. What the Bible says about becoming a friend of the greatest friend.
James 4:8 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9. What the Bible says about becoming cautious in friendship.
Proverbs 12:26 26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

10. What the Bible says about becoming confidant in friendship.
Proverbs 15:22 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Here’s my point friends need to be chosen carefully and cautiously. When you find a friend be a very good one.

Ten Things My GrandChildren Will Never Know

Hello family,

It's been a while since my last post. School has begun again and the requirements of a new semester are great. I will soon balance my new schedule and return to my weekly blogging. I was surfing the net and ran across a article on 10 things our kids won't know. I thought it was a informative like had thing on he lst like mailing a letter, writting monthly bills out with checks, long distant bills, not have the internet at their finger tips, buying a set of encyclopedias or a typing class. So I thought it would be fun to put my own twist on it and creat my own list.

Ten things my grandchildren will never experience or know...

1. A piece a candy for a penny
2. A drive-in movie & hook that speaker on the window
3. A rotary house phone connected to the wall by a cord
4. A record or a 8 track tape player
5. A book of food stamps
6. A outhouse
7. A black & white television with just 4, 5, 9, & 13 channels only
8. A can of potted meat, peanut butter or powered milk
9. Bunk-beds with a third bed
10. Five hamburgers for a $1

Day 19 of 21 Days

We’re hours away from reaching the finish line. This corporate time of fasting and prayer will then unleash a spiritual revival among God’s people. This will not be the end but only the beginning of something supernatural for your faith, your finances, your family, and your future. I know that physically you’re looking forward to the end of the fast but I beg of our be just as enthusiastic about what God is going to began to do in your life. I can’t say it enough but thank you fasting family and friends. Yesterday we ended chapter 18:38-40 as Pilate goes back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? They cried out again, Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.

Jesus at the age of 33, as He hung on a cross, having paid the price for the world’s sins, He declared in verse 20 It is finished! Note, however, that He did not say, "I am finished!" This was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of victory. This is not a cry of pain, but a cry of power. In the original Greek text, this phrase is one word of ten letters – “Tetelestai” - which literally means: “It is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished.”

The word, “Tetelestai,” was a word with which the people of Jesus’ day were very familiar. Today, I want us to think of some common ways in which the word was used as we consider the significance of this cry from the cross.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Artists.

When a painter had completed his work, he would step back and say, “Tetelestai”- it is finished!" Jesus came to give us a full portrayal of what God is like. He was God in the flesh, come to make Himself known to us (John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.)

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Servants.

A master would tell his servant to go and do something, and when the servant had completed the task, he would come back and say, “Tetelestai”- I have finished the work that you gave me to do."

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Priests.

The Jewish people had to bring their sacrifices to the priest to be examined before it was offered on the altar, because it was against the law to offer an imperfect sacrifice. After the priest had examined the sacrifice, he would used the Hebrew or Aramaic equivalent of the word Jesus spoke from the cross, “Tetelestai”- It is perfect." Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, was God’s perfect, faultless sacrifice: the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Merchants.

To merchants, “Tetelestai,” referred to the paying of a debt. If you purchased something, the merchant would take your money and then would give you a receipt of payment. The receipt would say, “Tetelestai”- paid in full."

As sinners we were in debt to God for an amount we could never pay, we were in need of someone to pay the debt for us. In Christ, God took it upon Himself to pay for us what we owed to Him, making it possible for us, through acceptance of the payment He has made on our behalf to receive a full pardon! No wonder the Bible refers to eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)! Because it is a gift, it is free. But also because it is a gift, it must be received.

This would be a fantastic to pray the prayer of salvation, whether for the first time or the 1,000^th time. Just simple repeat these word in your heart, “Dear God, I admit that you’ve not been first place in my life and I’ve made a mess of my life. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and we buried and rose from the grave Sunday more for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life to be personal Lord and Savior. And I pledge the rest of my life to learning with it means to be your child. In Jesus’ Name Amen!

If you prayed that prayer congratulations your are NOW apart of God family. Now you should find a bible teaching church. We would be glad to help you… just visit our website at www.MyGreaterBethel.tv and email us or simply join us this Sunday.

Here’s an outline that will give you a deeper view of the 19^th Chapter of John’s Gospel.

• The Trial Before Pilate: 18:28-19:15 (Mat. 27:11-25; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25)
• The Crucifixion: 19:16-37 (Mat. 27:26-56; Mk. 15:16-41; Lk. 23:26-49)
• The Burial: 19:38-42 (Mat. 27:57-66; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56)

Day 15 of 21 Days

This is day 15 and it has been an incredible ride. Today as we look in to John chapter 15 Jesus promised to be our everlasting source if we will simply abide in HIM. In Hampton Court near London, there is said to be a grapevine, which is about 1,000 years old. This grapevine has one root, which is at least two feet thick, and some of the branches are 200 feet long. Despite its age the vine produces several tons of grapes each year. Although some of the smaller branches are 200 feet from the main stem, they still bear the sweet and delicious fruit because they are connected to the vine. Life flows from that single root and through out the vine bringing nourishment and strength to each of the branches.

Jesus promises to do the same for us in John chapter 15. He introduces himself as the “true vine” bringing life to each of the branches. The purpose of the vine is to bring nourishment to the branches in order that they might produce fruit. When separated from the vine the branches wither and die. The vitality of our spiritual life is dependent upon our connection to Christ the “true vine.”

Each of us must answer two questions. First, are we connected to the vine, or is the life of Christ flowing within us? Secondly, if we are connected to the vine and we are joined to Christ, then how much fruit are we producing through our lives; is there no fruit, some fruit, or an abundance of fruit?

John 15:1-8 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the true vine.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus may have said that? I think I may know why. Think with me a moment about what has happened and where Jesus and His disciples most likely are.

It’s the night before the crucifixion of Jesus. He is in the upper room with His apostles. Soon He will be going to Gethsemane. Soon He will be arrested & tried & convicted of crimes He did not commit. Soon they will be laughing at Him. They will put a crown of thorns on His head, & mockingly call Him "the king of the Jews." They’ll slap Him, & spit upon Him, & whip Him with a cat o’ 9 tails. Soon His body will be nailed to a cross, & He will die. And He knows that all of this is going to happen. It’s not a very joyful time, is it?

If you remember this is the night of Jesus’ betrayal, but before that happens Jesus and the disciples have been in the upper room. As they celebrated the Passover in the upper room, Jesus had washed the disciples feet and spoke with them about the events that were to take place. After a great deal of discussion with His disciples Jesus ends chapter 14 saying, “Come now; let us leave.”

Matthew, another one of the disciples says that following the Passover meal Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30). I believe that it is as they are making their way from the upper room to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus continued to instruct this group who had walked with Him for the last three years. Jesus knew that time was running out, but He still had much that He wanted to share with the disciples.

John 15 continues Jesus’ teaching with, “I am the true vine” Jesus was a master teacher.

When we close chapter 14, Jesus begins his journey to the Garden of Gethsemane by telling His disciples that the time is drawing near for Him to leave. John 15 is a discourse of our Lord while walking with His disciples from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane.

In this discussion with His disciples, Jesus reveals His plan for their lives after He has departed and the Holy Spirit has been sent. Primarily, Jesus is giving them instructions on not just how to survive, but to THRIVE in a world that will hate them. He tells them how to enjoy this life until they experience the next life.

John 15: 1, 5: 1 of the 7 "I AM" statements of John's gospel statements reveal the sufficiency of Christ

John 6: 35: I AM the BREAD of LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual APPETITE

John 9: 5: I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD - He's all we need for our Spiritual AWARENESS

John 10: 7, 9: I AM the DOOR - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCESS

John 10: 11, 14: I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCEPTANCE

John 11: 25: I AM the RESURRECTION and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual AUTHORITY

John 14: 6: I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ASSURANCE

John 15: 1, 5: I AM the VINE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ABUNDANCE

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face death, He will carry me Home!

This is an amazing chapter hope it bless you as it did me.

• The Source of Peace, Joy, Security, 14:27-31
• The Relationship of Jesus to the People of the World, 15:1-8
• The Relationship of Jesus to Believers, 15:9-11
• The Relationship of Believers to Believers, 15:12-17
• The Relationship of Believers to the World, 15:18-27

What You May Never Know About Your Pastor

Despite denominational, doctrinal & geographical differences there are universal challenges that every pastor faces on a daily basic: ministerial struggles, financial obligation, family relationship, denominational duties, & community projects. Everyday he wakes to the dawn of a new day with the burden to come up with new, interesting & innovative ways for the lost to become saved, the weak to become strong, the lonely to become encouraged, the frustrated to become satisfied, & the oppressed to become delivered & set free.

Here are 10 things you may not know your senior pastor:

1. Leading from the number one position is overwhelming at times.

2. Pastors walk deal daily with not only their own problem, pressures & pains but what others have shared about what is happening in their life or in the lives of others & the weight is enormous.

3. Uncertainty & insecurity dog the Pastor’s every step.

4. Fear of failure is the number one even in your Pastor’s life.

5. Everybody in church isn’t for the Pastor.

6. Pastor’s face temptations and spiritual dryness like everybody else.

7. Pastor’s struggles like people do, because of past failures or present fears.

8. Your Pastor suffers from loneliness of leadership

9. Your Pastor seldom knows who we can trust, because they have been burned by someone once trusted (I been there & bought the t-shirt).

10.People blame your pastors for everything wrong with the church

Please don’t misunderstand me I’m not crying nor am I complaining. Pastors are called to serve in a called position, so we are doing what we have been asked of God to do. So don’t get it twisted. I simply write about what many church member never ever think about because just as the Pastor has the responsibility to care for the church. The congregation likewise has the responsibility to take care of the Pastor. Pastors are People Too!

Random Thoughts for this Monday after Easter

Monday Morning Arm Chair Quarterback Thoughts Random Thought From Some of the Greatest Minds & a few Pastor G's oneliners

(1) People feed pigeons but they shoot at eagles! If your haters are shooting at you, they know your an eagle!

(2) "We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." - Maya Angelou

(3) "The best way to FIND yourself is to LOSE yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi

(4) Thanking God 4 some things I wanted 2 happen that didn't happen that opened my eyes 2 something better that happened!

(5) Quitting is more about WHO you are than WHERE you are.

(6) "Today I will do what others WON'T, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others CAN'T." - Jerry Rice

(7) "When the water starts boiling, it is foolish to turn off the heat." - Nelson Mandela

(8) If you keep doing the same things...you'll get the same results!

(9)When the pain of where you are is greater than your fear of the unknown, you will move!

(10) In the sport of basketball when there's a full court press, the pressure is on the 1 w/ the ball. If your under pressure, you must have the ball!

4 things I learned after our Easter Celebration

(a)evaluation is tough but NOTHING cause you too grow more than anything else:

(b)Innovation leads to frustration that leads to great organization.

(c) If people would stay in their lane.....it would be fewer accidents!

(d) If you keep doing the same things...you'll get the same results!)