The Life of Christ: Leading by Example

Written By: Jessica

I don't know how many times I've looked at a Christain and thought "You can't tell the difference between them and the rest of the world." I personally, strive so hard to make others see the difference. I want to shine God's light and love and make others see Him in me to the point where He can't be ignored. Yet, I constantly see Christians that appear to be just going through the motions. They go the church and read their bible's and pray. But when you watch them, you can't see Christ shining through them. This thought always makes me feel sad.

In the bible, I am constantly challenged by the examples that God gives us. Christ lead His disciples and all who met him by living for God through his actions. Every moment you could see God in him. Weather he was a little boy teaching his elders in the temple or a grown man dieing on a cross, Christ always had God front and center in His life. He made it impossible to ignor the Truth because of the example he set for others.

When people look at us, can they tell we are Christians? When they watch us, do they see God in us? Do we demonstrate our father's love, joy, forgiveness, power, and grace to the point where people can see the difference in us and have the desire to know more about this great God we serve?

As the old saying goes... "Actions speak louder than words." In all my life I have come to see that more can be accomplished by a single little boy who helps his elderly neighbor weed the garden, than a man that is constantly berating others for wrong doing.

Let us all go forth and shine God's love and His Word through example. Just like children learn by watching their parents, let others also learn from us by watching our heavenly Father and the godly example of His children.


"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16


"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44


In Christ,
Jessica

The Life of Christ: his miracles

A post by Elizabeth

Imagine what it must have been like to live at the time that Jesus walked this earth. How amazing it would have been to see him heal the blind man, turn water into wine, feed the five thousand with a meager amount of provision, and calm the sea!

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
-Daniel 4:3

Is there anything that we as individuals living in the 21 century can learn from the miracles that Jesus performed in his life on this earth? I think there is much to be learned if we will but dig a little deeper. To me the fact that Jesus would heal the sick and provide for the hungry indicates that Jesus did and does indeed care about our physical suffering and that he often desires to make us better.

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:
-Matthew 15:30

Matthew 15:30 informs us that great multitudes followed Jesus- what a testament to the fact that he cared about people and would have compassion upon them. Whenever we feel forgotten or feel as if we have no one to turn to for healing, we can go to Christ who will heal us as he did while on this earth.


So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
-John 4:46

Sometimes I wrongly find myself thinking that maybe Christ only cares about the "big" things and the that the "small" things don't matter to him. Illustrated in John 4:46 is the truth that Jesus Christ does care about the simple things. While at a wedding feast Mary came to Jesus and told him that the drink was running low. Christ could have just brushed away such a simple thing but instead he chose to provided what was wanted even though it wasn't a need. If Jesus would take the time to miraculously provide drink for the wedding guest, I know that he could provide all things for me.

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
-Psalm 77:11

Today I want to challenge both you and me to remember the mighty miracles that Jesus Christ did while he was here on this. Let's remember that each miracle has a lesson for us if we will simply take it to heart and remember it.

The Life of Christ; Jesus was God

A post by Julia

So, as we're focusing on the life of Jesus these two weeks, my idea for this topic was to point out something in Jesus' character that is important to me.

It's not something that is easy to define... What I noticed, as my family and I slowly read through the book of John, was that Jesus spoke with authority, acted with compassion and mercy, fulfilled prophecy, and worked miracles in the name of God. Whenever someone asked him a question, the answer was never really what they expected.

Especially when he was speaking to the Pharisees or people who disagreed with him, Jesus was impossible to contradict or deny. Nobody could stand up to the power he had. Several times when a mob tried to rise up and harm him he miraculously, suddenly, escaped - and was gone without a trace. His hour to die for the sins of all mankind hadn't come, so he couldn't be harmed.

I believe satan was trying his hardest to sabotage and disrupt everything Jesus did - yet nothing that the devil tried worked, because Jesus was God and his power was supreme. Satan doesn't have any ground in our life to stand on unless we give it to him.

Jesus was awe-inspiring, and yet at the same time... he had such an endearing compassion and love for everyone. He healed imperfect people. He met with sinners. He loved unconditionally. It didn't matter what the people had done, or would do, he loved them.

Something special amist the many amazing things about Jesus was that he was completely unafraid of people's opinion. He did not hesitate to say some very bold things to the Pharisees who tried to 'trip him up' and cause him to say something they could drag him into jail for. There was no wishy-washiness or fearfulness in Jesus. On the contrary, he was filled with faith.

Faith is the opposite of Fear.  Jesus had no fear, because fear is a sin and Jesus was sinless and perfect. Jesus had faith, in his Heavenly Father, and faith that we would turn to him and believe, and let him save us and give us eternal life with him.

I would encourage you to go through one of the gospels (that's Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and read more about the life of Jesus. Take it day by day, chapter by chapter or even verse by verse, and think about what you're reading. Ponder it. Study what Jesus said and did, and why. I'm convinced it will change your life.

Love and Hugs!
Julia

Life of Christ; Sacrifice of a Saviour

Written by Rachel

Christmas time is full of getting and giving. It's wonderful to receive a gift from a loved one or friend and, in return, give a gift to someone you love! :D But sometimes we forget or minimize the greatest gift that has ever been offered and given to us...

Jesus Christ and the love He has given us!

It was planned in the beginning when Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis chapter 1-5), that one day a second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) would have to come to save us from a life we humans had chosen! A life of sin. We deserved it, we had chosen to sin and disobey God's laws. (1 Corinthians 5:22).

We all know the story (at least, I hope you do). The story of a baby, born in a manger to save His people from their sins. It was a miracle from God. :) He would grow up as any boy. But He was not just any boy...He was the Son of God. :D He left everything in Heaven (position, wealth ownership, comfort, immortality, and more) to be here on earth with us. He submitted Himself to His Father's will, and humbled Himself. He was born without much great fanfare by those on earth. He was a King, yet He was born in a stable, in a manger, not a Palace.

He became a man and began His ministry here on earth, letting us Know about Himself and His Father in Heaven. :) When He came, we didn't recognize Him, we didn't see Him as anything more than just a great teacher...a man like anyone else. He was ridiculed continually by the great teacher's and rabbi's and the pharisees of the day. He was later beaten and spit upon by crowds and Roman soldiers. He was accused...falsely...and didn't argue or reach out in His heavenly power and strike them all down. He forgave. He prayed for us. He loved us. :) This man, the very Son of God, could have "thrown in the towel" and given up on all of us. But He didn't. He knew that to have life and a home in heaven with His Father one day...He would have to die..."as a lamb to the slaughter" on a wooden cross.

Isaiah 53:7 - "He was oppressed, He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearer's is dumb, so He opened not His mouth."

He gave and sacrificed sooo much, so we could have a home in Heaven, and a life with Him and His Father someday. :) So we would not have to face each day alone and could have the Holy Spirit living in us and guiding us. :) We don't have to die spiritually now, we have Life through the blood of Christ. :) He rose again, and we have a hope for the future now. :) We need not be afraid because he already conquered death. :) For those who know and love Him and obey Him, we will live forever with Him someday. :)

Now, isn't that the BEST gift ever? ;D Remember that and thank Him for that this Christmas. :)


Merry Christ-mas!
~Rachel~

The Life of Christ; From Heaven to Earth

By Sarah H.

From prince to servant, rich to poor, feast to famine, peace to war, perfection to total chaos, these are huge and drastic changes that we call opposites. However, these drastic changes pale in comparison I am sure to the change that happened when Jesus went from fully God in heaven, to fully human in our messed up world.

Going from glorified in Heaven to a small baby on earth; talk about an other worldly experience. I can only began to imagine what they transition was like for him. Yet Jesus was willing to set aside his glory so that one day, we could live with him. That is love beyond comprehension.

That first Christmas was like the beginning of a book or first part of a story that would take years to fully unfold.

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.


And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.


 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:


 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.


 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.


 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.


And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


This story is very interesting. What I see from it is that if you take what the Lord has given you and use it for his glory, you will please him and reap the rewards. If you take what God has given you and hide it or hold it close, tight-fisted, you won't reap the rewards or please the Lord.

I think that the man giving the talents to his servants in this story relates to Jesus. He has given us 'talents', whether that means money or talents like peacemaking & honesty, and if we use them for his glory now, on earth... we are laying up treasure in heaven, and when he comes back, he will be pleased with us. :)

Think about it this way. Every single thing you do has an effect. Every kind word you speak is like a gold coin dropping into your 'account' up in heaven. However...
every unkind word is like a gold coin disappearing from your account. Let's try and make sure the good outweighs the bad!

I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father is so patient and loving with us, even though we make so many mistakes. He loves us no matter what we do and nothing we could ever do would make him love us a fragment less. But he is so pleased and happy when we try and live in a manner that honors him!

Let's focus on being a shining light for him, taking our 'talent' and using it for his glory!

Love & Hugs,
Julia

~http://jewelsbyjulia-lauren.blogspot.com/

A Mustard Seed

Written by Rachel

We are discussing some of our favorite parables for this next topic. :) I am so excited about this one! I love the parables Jesus taught! :) He used them to instruct His people and the disciples while hiding the truth from those who would not listen (such as the Pharisees). They have hidden meanings and are full of truths about God, His son Jesus, and about the walk of a Christian. The parable I have chosen is found in Mathew 13:23 (also in Mark 4:30-32, & Luke 13:18-19) - the Parable of the Mustard seed. :) This parable has been a favorite of mine since I was about 10 I would say.

Matthew 13:31-32 - "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air com and lodge in the branches thereof."

Black Mustard Seed such as was in the region where Jesus taught.

A mustard seed is very small. You may have seen some of the jewelry in a Christian bookstore such as these ones. :) It's one of the smallest seeds in Israel and the region where Jesus preached. Now, the mustard seed is not "THE" smallest seed in the world, as the seeds of an orchid flower are much smaller in comparison. The meaning Jesus is giving here does not have so much to do with the size as the meaning behind the size. ;) The mustard seed doesn't turn into a "tree" per say, it's more like a bush. But it's strong and it's sturdy branches can hold a flock of birds quite nicely. ;)

Yellow Mustard Seed.

I came to love this parable when one of my favorite song artist's Ron Hamilton (i.e. - Patch the Pirate) wrote a song called "Mountain Moving Faith" in The Calliope Caper (I would highly recommend all of his products btw). This song talks about how we need to have faith in God in that He can move those mountains in our lives and that nothing is impossible if we have faith in Him and don't doubt Him. :)

"I will trust in God; He meets my every need. All I need is faith no bigger than a mustard seed. I believe His word when things I cannot see. I abide in Him, His word abides in me.

"Mountain moving faith, Lord, give me Mountain moving faith." I love those words to the chorus. It's almost a prayer I give to God each time I hear them. :) I am a very timid person sometimes. I fear and worry WAY to much. ;) But I can have faith and trust in Him. :D Even if my faith seems only so very small, like a mustard seed, God can work in my life to move those mountains and do what needs to be done. :D

The words are taken from Matthew 17:20 - "...for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Life is full of beginnings. Sometimes, it feels like you'll never succeed and get to where you are going in life. That you'll never see the finished product. God has a purpose for each of us. He can see what lies ahead and how the seeds we plant now will turn out. :) It's hard now, but in the end, it will grow and be useful and good. :)

For me, it's easy to have faith in the things I can't control (such as a car hitting our van in the middle of the night), but oh, so hard to have faith in the things that I want so badly or those things in myself that I struggle with (faults, downfalls, etc.). I need to have faith in God. He can move those mountains in my life. All I have to do is have faith in Him that "all things work together for good to them that love God." ;D

Have a Blessed Week!
~Rachel~

For further study read:

This article of the parables of the mustard seed and the leavened bread. I found it very intriguing and helpful. :)

You can also see a picture and some information about a mustard tree here.