Compliant Colt and Screaming Stones - Who Is This Jesus?

"Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"  (Zechariah 9:9)

The two disciples thought they heard Jesus correctly: "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you; you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.' and immediately he will send them."

As they approached the village, they looked at each other with that look... the one they've used before - as if to say, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"  As they turned onto the street, sure enough, there was the colt - tied up outside by the door, just as He said.  As they begun to untie the colt, the owners approached them and said, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 

Then they both chimed in saying, "The Lord has need of him."  They held their collective breath until the owner finally nodded in their direction.  They carefully led the animal down the dusty, uneven path out to where the Lord was.  First one, then the other laid their garments on the beast as a befitting gesture to the Lord.  He mounted the compliant colt and rode slowly towards Jerusalem.

Many onlookers began spreading their garments on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the palm trees that shaded the crowd from the glaring sun.  By now a great multitude had gathered; some following from behind and some went ahead of Jesus, crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

The King of Kings was entering the Holy City on a lowly donkey...  There was no white stallion or blazing chariot for this royal ruler.  No - this was a servant King who chose to humble Himself and give the glory to His Father.  As his disciples began to rejoice with the people, praising in loud voices for all of the mighty works they had witnessed, there were those who were less than impressed.

Some of the Pharisees called out to Him from the crowd saying, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."  Their rising discomfort had more to do with their self-righteous attitudes and pious indignity than it did with genuine concern.  Jesus said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

[Key passages shared are Matthew 21:1-10 , Mark 11:1-10 , Luke 19:28-40 , John 13:12-15]

The donkey no doubt had an "aroma" about him as they headed down the bumpy pathway. However, there is a sweet fragrance that rises up to the Father as prayers, praises and testimonies all make their way through the throngs of humanity.  As the Apostle Paul so eloquently states in II Corinthians 2:14-15 , "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..."  (The Message)

Today, as in the times of old, there are many who do not recognize His Deity. 

They marvel at His works and embrace His teachings.  They acknowledge His wisdom and admire his morals, but there are still observers who ask, "Who is this Jesus?"  During this Easter season think about what you believe and how you might share it with others. Do you have a special Scripture reference? What is your answer for the hope that lies within you? 
(I Peter 3:15-16)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Compliant Colt and Screaming Stones - Who Is This Jesus?

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

As the New Year approaches, it would be a good time to talk about spiritual “foundations” and what that means for the Christian.

A foundation is a prepared base or support for a structure to be built on. In days of old, when a new building in town was to be constructed, a foundation stone was laid with great fanfare, often in a public ceremony. Many times during a ground-breaking ceremony, a local dignitary would symbolically put a shovel into the dirt and pose for a picture to commemorate the event.

The foundation is the most important part of any building. The materials and work on a slab foundation is literally “set in stone”, and has no room for errors. In this type of foundation wooden forms are built which then hold the poured concrete. A footing trench is dug around the perimeter to provide added thickness along the end of the slab. These edges are stress prone and the weakest point of the foundation. Usually sand or gravel is spread below where the concrete is poured. This technique prevents the slab from sinking under the weight of the concrete. A vapor barrier is usually installed above the sand or gravel, and wire mesh is placed in the center of the slab with rebar (steel rods) in the footing areas to add rigidity and prevent cracking.

The following 1st stanza and refrain from this famous hymn passionately conveys this spiritual truth…

The Solid Rock - by Edward Mote (c.1834)

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Scripture tells us that JESUS is the “Chief Cornerstone” of our faith. Isaiah 28:16-17 says, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet…” Peter quotes both Isaiah and the Psalms in I Peter 2:6-7. He states, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the Landowner while He was teaching in the temple. He was speaking to the Chief priests and Pharisees. He then quoted Psalm 118:22-23 and said, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Christ Himself is the Cornerstone of the Church – and was dismissed by the Jews. He came first to the lost sheep of Israel, only to be rejected, mocked and executed by those who heard His message in that day.

In Acts 4, Peter is preaching to the Sanhedrin, quoting familiar scriptures from Isaiah. He then says, “Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” His audience marveled at his and John’s preaching, noting that they were uneducated and untrained, but yet spoke with great power and boldness.

The Apostle Paul takes time in Corinth to teach on the concept of the right foundation. In I Corinthians 3:9-14 Paul explains the importance of a sure and righteous foundation: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”  Paul also stressed to his readers that if their work was destroyed by fire, they themselves would be saved, though refined by the flames. Either way – we must be sure our faith and works are built on the solid foundational truths of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

The New Year is quickly approaching. This is the point of it all: You need a firm foundation to move ahead as a Christian to effectively reach a lost and perishing world. For some, this Christmas was the beginning of a long and fruitful Christian life. For others, a recommitment to Christ is what is needed. Paul knew and preached that salvation was by faith, through grace alone. He knew that justification was through a belief on Jesus, the Son of God. He taught us to “count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus… that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection.”

The New Year brings opportunity for a renewed “God Purpose” – a fine-tuning of our Christian basics. We need to be sure we have a solid biblical foundation to launch out from in 2011.

Here are a few things we need to inspect with regards to our own foundation:

~ Discipleship opportunities and Bible Study
~ Decision making, obedience and submission to God’s leading
~ Discernment, wisdom and stewardship
~ Fellowship, outreach and ministry
~ Charity, hospitality and good works

If Jesus came to do a foundation inspection, would you pass the test?

 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

Guest Poet & Author Cindy Tuttle - Finding the Light of Jesus

Finding the Light of Jesus is a collection of prayers and corresponding writings that deal with many of life's unavoidable challenges.  Cindy inspires you and leads you into self-reflection as you read each themed section.  Her goal is to point you to the Light of the World - Jesus Christ, Who can illuminate and transform your thinking about life's everyday journey.  Cindy has worked for years with some of society's most vunerable, and lovingly records her thoughts and prayers in this handbook for the hurting.  Her book is just what is needed in the weary and  disillusioned world of today.  Join her in finding out what really matters in life, as you read this inspirational and life altering resource.  You will refer to it again and again.
   -Deborah McCarragher



Cindy Tuttle has worked for over twenty-five years in the mental health field.  She has had articles published in thirteen periodicals, and is the author of two books - Finding the Light of Jesus and Joining the Dance of Life.  She has started a ministry called Voice of Joy!  Cindy shares inspirational messages with various groups and churches, while ministering to individual needs.  Cindy says, "The main message I would like the reader to take away is no matter what the circumstances or feelings, Jesus calls us and He is beside us."

Face it; life is full of stress. Whether we must deal with daily mild irritations like spilled milk and traffic jams, or extreme problems like the death of a family member, divorce or job loss, each of these events—as well as those that fall in between these opposite ends of the scale—cause anxiety, worry, or even ill physical health.

Fortunately, Finding the Light of Jesus provides readers with reflections and revelations which allow us to step back from our problems, reflect on what is most important in the present moment, and rely on spiritual healing—the Light—to experience inner peace and calm in the midst of trouble.
This book is written in conversational tone, making it friendly and relatable to readers.

Here are a few things Cindy would like to share about herself -

* I am a writer who writes from the heart. I have a joy of life that I want to share with others. My books offer hope and encouragement.  I see writing as my ministry, and through it, I can show forth the love Jesus has for each of us.

* I have a book called  Joining in the Dance of Life. This book will challenge us to look at the simple joys in daily life that we might otherwise miss. It is a thirty day devotional dedicated to helping you live a joyful life.

* I have written over 2,000 prayers.

* I facilitate spiritual retreats where I use art, simple dance movements, and faith sharing. I minister at churches, schools, workshops, etc.

* I have a degree in Human Service and have completed four years of Lay ministry courses. I am a state certified Activity Director in California.

* I have served on the Mental Health Advisory Board.

Here's what others have to say about Cindy's book Finding the Light of Jesus -

  Finding the Light of Jesus is an invitation to look at the world we live in and to reflect on how Jesus asks us to live and move in that world. Bravely, the author shares her experiences of life with Jesus through reflections, prayers, poetry, and exercises. Under her guidance, we can "Let the dance begin!"

Peace,  Linda Shumate

    Cindy Tuttle’s professional background is stress counseling in impressive. Drawing on this background, the author presents a truly readable, no -nonsense manual of operation for capturing peace is every adult's stressful world. What sets this guideline apart is a unique age-tested device- the recognition of the presence of an unparalleled love (and available for the taking) in each one of us.

Bishop Francis A. Quinn, Bishop Emeritus of Sacramento California.

Finding the Light of Jesus can be found on Amazon.com   HERE   or on Crosslink  HERE 

Her latest book Joining the Dance of Life is now available! Please visit her website at - www.cindytuttletheauthor.com

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.godmissionpossible.com/



Guest Poet & Author Cindy Tuttle - Finding the Light of Jesus

Guest Author Kristine McGuire & "Escaping the Cauldron"

I'd like to introduce you to Kristine McGuire, author of the book "Escaping the Cauldron: Ghosts and the Paranormal".  Have you experimented with the occult? Do you find yourself being pulled into the paranormal?  There are Christians who have, and Kristine was one of them.

Kristine McGuire has written a book that is a must read for any parent, friend or family member who has known someone trapped by the spiritual underworld and its web of lies. Her book “Escaping the Cauldron” systematically breaks down the allure of the paranormal, and why so many spiritually hungry people are drawn to its appealing qualities of excitement and intrigue. Kristine candidly exposes not only her own fascination with the occult, but her sincere regret at pursuing this warped version of spiritual intimacy. She readily concurs that Jesus Christ is the only True spiritual guide for her as a believer, and that her past involvement with demonic spirits was foolish and dangerous. Her use of the Holy scriptures make the argument that only God’s Word can truly open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and that He alone can bring healing and restoration to a life in the clutches of evil spirits and demonic activity. Kristine has truly written a book that will make the demons tremble and satan packing his bags for a one-way trip back to his pit. I recommend giving this book to anyone who is living in a danger zone with one foot in the kingdom of God, and one foot in satan’s den. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)     [Reviewed by Deb McCarragher]

This is an excerpt from Kristine's book:
     A little over a year ago God gave me a vision. He wanted me to share the story of how He rescued me from the occult. I knew I was meant to write a book about my experiences but the question was how should
I go about it?  As I began exploring options my husband, Thom, encouraged me to create a blog. A place to share my thoughts about daily life as a Christian, and inform others about the occult through my past experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. I thought that sounded like a good idea and so Kristine Remixed was created.  "Escaping the Cauldron" was inspired from a collection of articles I wrote on the topics of ghosts, ghost hunting, and mediums for Kristine ReMixed, October - December 2009.  The idea behind "Escaping the Cauldron", and future books in the series, is to create an easy resource for you to share with others; arranged in a format where each chapter can either stand alone or as a unified whole. Allowing you, the reader, to pick and choose what you want to read.  My prayer is that "Escaping the Cauldron: Ghosts and the Paranormal" will bring honor to my Savior, Jesus Christ, and help raise awareness in the church to the current unprecedented interest in the occult in America. I hope this book will be an encouragement to those who may be questioning their faith, as I once did, or who may be doing some dabbling themselves.
 
Here is a brief interview with Kristine:  
What is the book about?
The book is part of my testimony of how I went from being a committed, but legalistic, Christian for 29 years to being a witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years before God restored my faith and life. The book also examines the current popular interest in the paranormal and how it is affecting Christians, their beliefs, etc.

Why call it Escaping the Cauldron?
This is actually the first book in a series about the occult. I chose to write several books that are basically collections of essay's inspired by my blog and written from my personal experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. The first one honestly has more to do with ghost hunting, mediumship, and the paranormal but I chose "Escaping the Cauldron" as the title of the series because (for me) witchcraft was truly my entry into a variety of areas of occult interest including divination, developing psychic ability and mediumship, ghost hunting, etc. So when I was finally able to turn away from witchcraft (escape the cauldron) I found freedom from the occult in general.

What do you think is the most important chapter of the book?
I think there are several chapters that are important but I suppose Haunting Spirits is one I think people should read because it discusses what is behind hauntings and ghost activity. Many people want to believe loved ones can come back to visit or haunt a location as a ghost but I don't believe the Bible supports that idea.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
Honestly, I simply want the church to begin acknowledging the presence of a spirit world and listen to people who come forward with stories and claims of paranormal experiences without dismissing them immediately. When the church refuses to listen people are forced to seek help elsewhere and that means ghost hunters, mediums, and psychics. I also hope to encourage Christians who may be questioning their faith to seek a deeper relationship with God, especially if they are stuck in a form of legalism. Our answers truly can be found in Jesus Christ.
  

 

Kristine is a Christian wife and mother. She works with her husband, Thom, through Big Fish Ministries, is a Biblical Counselor, and writes for her blog, Kristine ReMixed. Kristine has published her book, "Escaping the Cauldron", detailing her former experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. In the book she discusses the current interest in the Occult and how it is subtly influencing Christians. Kristine also is a featured columnist for http://www.positivelyfeminine.org/ . You can purchase her book at http://www.kristinemcguire.com/  and from Lulu.com or Amazon.com.

Guest Author Kristine McGuire & "Escaping the Cauldron"