Messages

Are Delays Divine?

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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There are not very many people I know who like to wait, myself included. I don’t even like to pull ahead and wait on my order at McDonald’s. I remember my first flight to the Philippines. The flight itself was 24 hours, not including our delays. We were supposed to fly from Chicago to Hong Kong but we were rerouted through San-Fransisco where we ended up spending over an hour on the tarmac without disembarking while they refueled  and restocked the plane with food and necessities for are lengthy flight. Needless to say delays are sometimes inconvenient and frustrating, but nonetheless they are sometimes necessary.

I just recently visited Disney World, Epcot and Animal Kingdom where we had to stand in lines to ride the rides and enjoy the shows and entertainment. Talk about delays. Our trip home was full of delays as well. We had hurricane like weather for most of the southern route home. Many cars were pulled over, while others of us traveled at a snails pace with our flashers on. We spent the night in Columbia South Carolina only to arrive at the Virginia border where we were greeted by snow. Again the cars were traveling very slowly and the daunting delay of our arrival home was being deferred once again. And then to top it off, as we neared the West Virginia border there was a rock slide and we were delayed and detoured once again.

A couple of days ago I came in from a bike ride and Kelly had on Bishop Jakes show “the Potter’s Touch”. In the midst of the show in the middle of his sermon he made a statement that was so powerful. He said, “I’ve never seen anyone receive anything significant that couldn’t withstand delayed gratification.” Wow! The key word in this statement is “SIGNIFICANT.”  You may receive instant gratification but it doesn’t mean that you will receive something that is significant. We all like instant gratification and we all enjoy swift satisfaction. But we also know there are times when that doesn’t always happen.

 It seems it is even more difficult when it comes to delays regarding spiritual matters. Things like: when we pray and don’t feel like God is listening. Or those times when we believe God, but it doesn’t appear like anything is happening. What about those moments when it appears nothing is moving or changing. And then there are those moments when we feel we are being over looked or bypassed by someone else. The Bible is full of stories about the “divine delays” of God. For instance, the story of Lazarus comes to mind. He had died and his sisters Mary and Martha thought Jesus should have been there doing what it was He did. You see in this story Lazarus was raised from the dead it just wasn’t in the time frame that was expected. It happened… but it was delayed. In the process the desired result was the same; Lazarus was raised from the dead. It just didn’t happen in the time from of Mary and Martha’s expectation. It was delayed… but it happened. Lazarus condition changed but more importantly Mary and Martha’s disappointment and disposition changed. And it all happened through a delay!

Another story that comes to mind is the story of Jairus. He was a ruler in the synagogue. His daughter was at the point of death and he came and fell at the feet at Jesus begging Him to come to his home so his daughter would be made well. In Mark’s gospel it tells us that while they were on their way to the ruler’s home a woman touched Jesus and her touch stopped Him and the entire crowd. Meanwhile as Jesus was engaging in a conversation with the woman about what had just happened someone came from Jairus’ house to tell him not to bother Jesus any longer because his daughter who was sick was now dead. But Jesus hearing the conversation turns and says to the ruler, “don’t be troubled, only believe.” And of course we know Jesus journeyed on with Jairus. When they came to the house Jesus put everyone outside other then the few and he healed the little girl, and she raised to life.

But the question is, “what if?” What if, as Jairus was being delayed he gave up? What if he had said to the woman who touched Jesus, “I was here first… this isn’t fair!” What if he had listened to the voice that had came from his house that told him, “don’t bother.” What if the delay would have deterred his faith. Two miracles happened that day. And through a delay God still moved and He did what only He could do. He brought healing and peace. Two things that are needed when we are faced with a delay. Don’t despise a delay… it just might be divine!

7 Things to Consider When it Comes to Delays:

– a delay will help you determine whether you still want what you are waiting on.

– a delay will help prepare you.

– a delay will help protect you.

– a delay will help you prioritize.

– a delay will allow you to arrive at and or receive whatever is being desired, at the proper time.

– a delay can give you the desired result while changing you in the process.

– a delay will give you an opportunity to despise or celebrate others while in the process of waiting.  

Stop the Rhythm of the Rope

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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Nik Wallenda Crosses Arizona Canyon

I watched Sunday night as many of you did. Kelly and I were taking a walk after church when a friend called and said, “When you get back home from your walk you need to turn it on the Discovery Channel, there is a guy on there and he is going to walk a tightrope across the Grand Canyon.” I knew then it had to be the same guy who had recently walked across Niagara Falls. When I got back home from our walk I turned the TV on and it was that guy, it was Nik Wallenda. The same guy who had walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls. I was in. I wanted to see it despite my uneasiness of heights. I watched from my bed as Jack Hanna and Joel Osteen watched live, and in person. As I watched the feat unfold, my hands and feet were sweating from my nerves and fear of heights. But nonetheless, I was amazed by Nik’s audacity and I was captivated by the feat that was being endeavored. As I listened to Nik pray and communicate with God, I remembered his intimacy and dependency on God from the walk across Niagara. It was once again, unbelievable and all inspiring at the same time. Kelly and I had our own opinions and questions as I am sure many of you did as well, but we were still all in when it came to watching this spectacular feat and unbelievable challenge. We weren’t going to turn the channel until he completed this journey of walking on a cable that was stretched across the Grand Canyon. Although there were many times I wanted to stop watching and several times where I found myself praying for him, and with him, we didn’t turn the channel! We watched until the end and rejoiced with him and all who were watching this astounding moment.  

There were several things I noticed in his routine of accomplishing this feat: his praying, his candid conversation with his dad, his confidence in God’s help, and his endurance in the midst of adversity. All while walking on a wire suspended somewhat 1500 feet above the canyon. Things such as the wind blowing both he and the wire and the dust coating his eyes and the cable, just to name a few. There were also many things that I couldn’t believe Nik was doing while on the wire. Things like stopping to wipe off his shoes with the spit from his mouth on the palms of his hands. And then there was the kneeling down to stop and take a break while suspended in the air on a wire still some 1500 feet above the canyon. As Nik neared the end of the cable there was a relief that seemed to come upon everyone, including me. He changed his countenance and procedure as he neared the end. As a matter of fact, he ran the last few feet of the journey, jumped off the cable, and kissed the ground. He then embraced his wife and family, and then talked to the interviewers. Some of the things that he said during his walk really stuck with me. For example, He said, “It was more difficult than I thought  it would be.” He also said, “The wind was very strong, and it created an illusion that was difficult for me to overcome, and made it  a struggle to keep my bearings.” But the thing I was most impacted by him saying is when he explained why he would stop and kneel while still on the rope.

You see I thought he was resting. I also imagined he was focusing, while regaining his bearings and strength. But he explained the reason he would stop and kneel down. He said that as he walked, and the wind blew, the rope would “get a rhythm.” He went on to say, “The only way to break the “rhythm of the rope” was to stop and kneel.” Now if you know me, I was thinking: “That will preach!” What did Nik do to break the rhythm of the rope? He stopped and knelt. Sometimes our lives get a “rhythm” but we don’t even realize it because we don’t stop long enough to notice. If you want to break the negative and hindering rhythms of life, you will need to stop and kneel. When things are falling apart, stop and kneel. When you are angry and frustrated, stop and kneel. When you lose your bearings, stop and kneel. When things don’t seem as they appear, stop and kneel. When people are difficult and life is a struggle, stop and kneel. When you don’t think you have the strength to make it, stop and kneel. Nik conquered the cable and crossed the canyon. He was able to do so because he relied on God and stopped the opposing rhythm of the rope by stopping and kneeling. You too can conquer difficult situations and challenging circumstances by relying on God and by stopping and kneeling, to break “the rhythm of the rope.” When life moves in the wrong direction… Stop and Kneel, it will break the opposing rhythms, while walking the tightrope called life!

Perseverance

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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It is 9:11pm EST. I am watching the beginning of game 7 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio  Spurs. Tuesday night I struggled to stay awake as the Miami Heat took the San Antonio Spurs to overtime, to win, and force a game 7.  But tonight is game 7 and the winner takes it all. As I am writing this I don’t know who will win the final game of the NBA finals or who we will be crowned the world champions. Nonetheless if you enjoy athletics and competition chances are you have enjoyed this series. The games have been close, exciting and somewhat of a battle. But I don’t want to talk so much about the games, the close calls or the blowouts. I don’t even want to focus on the buzzer beater layup by Lebron or the 3 point shot that Ray Allen hit to bring game 6 to an overtime victory and a reality for the Heat that they still have a chance to become world champions.

However the shot that I remember from game 6 was a shot that the camera man captured of Pat Riley as the clock was winding down on the Miami Heat and what looked like “game over” for the Heat and the Spurs would win and the Heat would have to wait until next year. I even thought it was over. But what caught my eye about the camera shot of Riley was the fans that were leaving the arena around him. He was intense. He was showing concern but the fans around had given up and were leaving. They thought it was over; but it wasn’t. As I set and watched the Miami Heat come back and win a game that looked like there was know chance of winning I wondered what the fans who left early were thinking when they got into their cars and turned their radios on, or maybe watched Sports Center when they got home that night or maybe even the next day.

Can you stay too long? Probably. But I also believe there are times in life when we give up before its over and quit before we know the outcome. As humans we have learned the easy way out and if there is any inconvenience we seem to give up under the tension. Perseverance and consistency are 2 words we don’t hear very often and we don’t see them lived out in our culture. Here is a definition for Perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness.

In America we have lost sight that life is not always easy and in reality for the most part is somewhat difficult. Life is not always pain-free, comfortable and easy. I was listening to a Podcast today that was talking about Job who said, “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but blessed be the name of the Lord.” I know you and I don’t (sarcasm added) but many complain about a difficult circumstances in life and the presumption of their complaint is that the difficulty their experiencing is unusually abnormal. However, the reality is life is sometimes difficult!

Difficult people are common. People who break commitments are numerous. Not getting your way is not easy. Being frustrated is reality for most. Being misunderstood is going to happen. Things in this world break down. (and by the way it is halftime and the game is tied at 54) It is not unusual to have a piece of equipment or technology fail to function. You will misplace things. You may not always have enough money to buy everything that you want. Relationships are difficult. Extended family problems are normal. Life is sometimes a struggle and people aren’t always kind.

John records Jesus words when He was on the earth.He told His followers this: “I’ve told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble.” But He said He is saying this so that we might have peace and He tells us to “take heart” because He has overcome the world. Life will be difficult but we can’t give up when it does. We can’t quit before it’s over and we can’t leave before we know the outcome.

The Message version of the Bible says, “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner.”  Galatians tells us not to lose heart when it comes to doing good because if we don’t give up we will reap a harvest in due time.

In America we give up way too soon and way too easy. We have learned the easy way out and if it doesn’t go our way we quit!  Most of humanity in our culture today are exceptionally fragile. Most people can’t handle hardships without complaining to someone. We give up way too easy. People give up on their marriages way too soon. Many waiver in their faith with no legitimate reason. We are easily offended. We easily quit. We throw in the towel way too soon. Just think about the people you know who have quit over minor and trivial issues. We as a culture need to learn the art of “perseverance.”

 

What Can Help You Persevere?

 

1. Realize God Honors Perseverance.

– Paul said, “Having done all stand.” God will honor you as you stand in faith. Matt. 24:13 says, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

 

2. Realize the Only True Way to Persevere is Through the Power of the Holy Spirit. 

– The best of intentions aren’t good enough. You must have the power of the Holy Spirit to empower you. II Cor. says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life, indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened so that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead.” The arm of the flesh will grow weak but the power of the Holy Spirit always sustains.

 

3. Realize You Must Pray for Perseverance.  

– The Bible teaches us to, “ask, seek and knock.” If we are going to perservere in a world that is full of difficulties, we must receive power from on high and we receive that power though prayer. Our human will will fail. When things look hopeless we tend to quit. Ask God for the grace to Persevere and see what happens.

In game 6 people left before it was over. They left before they knew the outcome. Sometimes you have to “stick it out” to see the outcome and in doing so you might be surprised at what happens. So I admonish you: Don’t give up so easily. Don’t quit too soon, who knows what the outcome will be if you pray for the “power” and “grace” to persevere. You might be like the Miami Heat; playing for it all. And by the way  it is the 4th quarter and the Miami Heat are leading the San Antonio Spurs 88 – 85.

I am done writing now and I still don’t know the outcome of the game. I won’t know until I post this who will be the NBA World Champions. What I do know as Pat Riley and I watched on in game 6 people left the arena thinking it was over and that their team had lost; but that wasn’t the case, they won! Don’t quit too soon! Don’t leave too early! Ask God for the grace and power to persevere and see what happens!

 
*[Update 8:05am EST- the Miami Heat won game 7 and they are the 2013 NBA World Champions]

Blown Away

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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“Blown Away”
Luke 1:5-80

I was sowing grass seed with the wind blowing and the seed was blowing away as I was sowing it. As I was sowing the seed I was hearing in my spirit these words: “Sometimes we are left chasing our blessings because our words are blowing them away.” Our words (breath-wind) blow the seed away before it takes root. Could it be that God has blessings for us that we blow away with the breath of our words of negativity and doubt?

I usually read the passages dealing with the birth of Christ and the “Christmas story” during the season of Christmas. The stories of Mary and Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth and so on. However I began to read this story of Zechariah in Luke with a different perspective after hearing the words in my spirit: “Sometimes we are left chasing our blessings because our words are blowing them away.”

In this story the Angel of The Lord comes to Zechariah and tells him that he has came from the presence of God where God has seen he and Elizabeth’s faithfulness and has heard their prayer. And Zechariah doesn’t  say, “wonderful” or “awesome” or “great.” He doesnt even say, “Hallelujah” or “thank you, Jesus.”

Zechariah said, “How can I be sure of this?”

Don’t we all feel like Zechariah sometimes? We cannot always be sure of things. Not even those things we can touch, feel, or measure: emotions, circumstances, situations or feelings. Sometimes we just have to trust that because God said it, it will happen. (That’s the best way anyway, right?)

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” (Luke 1:18-20 NIV)

We look at what we can see, touch and feel. Our assurance comes from what we know and not what we can’t see. In these passage it is interesting because the angel of  The Lord spoke to Mary as well and Mary said, “how can this be, I am a virgin?” And the Angel of the Lord said, “with men things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.” And Mary said, “Let it be so.” Zechariah said, “how can this be?” And Mary said, “how can this be?” It seems human nature is to doubt and to confess our doubt.

Here’s the question: If God can make a woman who’s womb is old bring forth life, and send an Angel to deliver the good news then why can’t He overcome some negative words, and a little unbelief? Because words are powerful and words matter. They are the confession of our faith and the thoughts of our heart. They bring things to pass and they bring matters into reality. Words are powerful and words matter.

Why Do Words Matter?

1. Words matter because they have the power of life and death in them. 

2. Words matter because what you say is heard. (by God, self, the devil & others).

3. Words matter because once you speak them they can’t be taken back.

4. Words matter because what you say someone will believe.

5.Words matter because they can cast doubt.

6. Words matter because they can cause discouragement.

7. Words matter because they can hinder or help someone else.

8. Words matter because what you say can cause things to not happen.

9. Words matter because what you say could, and usually does happen.

10. Words matter because what you say will have to be agreed or disagreed upon. *(God-others – self)

*God is looking for something to come into agreement with and it usually is our confession- the words of our mouth! (faith – belief – confidence – trust)

Don’t allow negative thoughts and words to blow your blessing away, ask God for the grace to be silent when needed; Ask Him for the wisdom to discern when to speak up, and when to be silent because words matter.

What You Wouldn’t Choose, God Will Use

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

The Things You Wouldn’t Choose God Will Use.
Gen. 50:20 / Rom. 8:28

Joseph’s story is complicated but the timing of God is evident. Joseph was 17 years old. He was his daddy’s favorite. God gave him dreams and his dad gave him a coat. The dreams and coat made his brothers angry. Angry to the point they stripped him of his coat and through him in a pit but had second thoughts and took him out of the pit and sold him to some foreigners as the passed by, but he was bought by a wealthy man named Potiphar who took him to Egypt where Potiphar’s wife lied against him so Potiphar had him thrown in prison where he interpreted a butler and baker’s dream and later was remembered by one of them causing him to find favor with the Pharaoh by interpreting his dream. Pharaoh gave him all authority and when a famine came Joseph was able to bless his family, and others, even the brothers who through him in the pit. The pit changed Joseph, but it didn’t change his brothers. Not everyone will get it but the key is that you do.

Here is what these scenarios of Joseph’s life represents:

1. The Pit represents what others do to you that you have no control over.

*There will be things that will happen to you that you will not have control over. People will do things,and say things, that you can’t be responsible for. The greater issue is not what happens to you, but how you respond to What has happened to you. Joseph couldn’t get out if the pit on his own, and you can’t either. You need the help, the favor, and the grace of God to help you. He will be reaching out, as you reach up.

2. Potiphar’s House represents someone else’s word against your word.

*Potiphar’s wife was “hot to trot”. She was “miss hotty totty”. She wanted what she wanted when she wanted and when she didn’t get it, she lied. There will always be those times in life when it is your word against someone else’s. You won’t always be able to prove you are right. The important thing is that you know and God knows and sometimes that is all that matters. If you do the right thing God will honor you and that is what truly matters.

3. The Prison represents waiting and feeling overlooked and forgotten about.

*if you have lived a little there have been times that you have been or felt overlooked. God is a God of “timing” and “order”. He is a God that moves in seasons. If you are waiting it feel you are being overlooked you must remember there is a reason for this season. While you are waiting, God is working. Trust Him!

4. The Palace represents God’s favor, grace and blessing that is more about others.

*All of us desire God’s blessing and favor on us. Most of the time we make it “all about us” when in fact it is all about god and others. Remember, you are blessed to be a blessing.

God used every process of Joseph’s journey to get him at the right place at the right time so that God could use him to bless those that meant him harm. Joseph wouldn’t have chosen any of the scenarios that he had to go through but it was ultimately the pit that promoted him to the palace. If Joseph’s brothers would not have thrown him in the pit Joseph might have been walking a round town in a multi-colored coat interpreting people’s dreams while he and his family starved to death. Joseph’s brothers didn’t change both Joseph did. Not everyone will get it the most important thing is that you do.

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He Will Keep Showing Up

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

There are many things about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, burial and resurrection. However one of the most amazing the is His appearing after the resurrection. Paul says it proves the “Gospel” message that he received and shared with so many. He says it this way in I Corinthians 15: “What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be. He appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 believers at the same time. Most of them are still living. But some have died. He appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles. Last of all, he also appeared to me. I was like someone who wasn’t born at the right time or in a normal way.”
His Appearing Was the Proof
[He was alive and it proved who He was]

The main reason the disciples believed in the resurrection of Jesus is that they saw Him alive after He was dead. Jesus presented Himself alive on a number of different occasions to His followers.

Thus we see them testifying, time and time again, to the fact they were eyewitnesses of His resurrection. This firsthand evidence of the disciples is a powerful argument for the resurrection of Christ. The disciples knew that He had risen because they saw Him with their own eyes.

Jesus’ Testimony About His Resurrection

First, we have Jesus’ own personal testimony is that He was raised from the dead.

I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18).

Luke records Jesus’ saying.

Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have (Luke 24:39).

The Various Appearances Of Jesus and How They Relate to Us Today:

Many different people saw Jesus after the resurrection. The appearances were as follows.

1. Mary Magdalene- “Weeping.”

The first appearance of Jesus was to Mary Magdalene and she was weeping. Have you ever wept? Are you weeping now? Jesus will appear to those who weep. He did then and He will now. He is a personal God and He sees every tear you cry and He appears to those who weep.

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is to say, Teacher) (John 20:14-16).

This next appearance was totally unexpected.

2. Mary The Mother Of James, Salome, And Joanna- “Seekers & Worshippers.”

Jesus also appeared to these three women. This happened after the appearance to Mary Magdalene. After an angel told them Jesus had risen, they were on their way to tell Jesus’ disciples when they met the risen Christ. They were seekers and worshippers. Do you seek God? Do you worship God in spirit and truth? If you do God will appear to you. He seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth. He appears to those who seek him and worship Him.

And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him (Matthew 28:9).

Again, we have another unexpected appearance. As was true with Mary Magdalene, these women touched the body of Jesus.

3. Peter- “Failure & Disappointment.”

Peter is the first person mentioned in Paul’s list of witnesses, and is the first of the apostles to see the risen Christ. This was a private appearance to reassure him, since he had just denied his Lord. Peter had failed. He had denied The Lord after he said he never would. Have you ever failed? Have you ever done something after having said, “you never would?” Jesus appeared to Peter and He will appear to you. He appears to those who have failed and been disappointed.

The gospels are completely silent as to the details of this meeting. Luke merely wrote:

The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon! (Luke 24:34).

4. Two Disciples On The Emmaus Road- “Confused & Wondering.”

Later on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This is a interesting story because these two were telling Jesus everything that had just happened regarding Himself. They were left feeling confused & wondering. Have you ever been confused? Have you ever wondered? Jesus appears to those whom are confused and wondering.

And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus himself approached, and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him (Luke 24:13-16).

As was true with the women, these two disciples were not expecting Jesus to rise. In fact, they were leaving Jerusalem because they had lost hope in Him.

5. The Disciples – (Thomas)- “Absent & Doubting.”

This is the last of the five appearances of Jesus on Easter Sunday. It took place in the evening, probably in the upper room in which Jesus had instituted the Lord’s Supper.Thomas was doubting and absent. He doubted so he didn’t show up. Have you ever no shown up? I mean even if you were their, you weren’t their? Have you ever doubted? Jesus shows up to those whom are absent and doubting.

It is recorded in both Luke’s and John’s gospel, giving us two independent accounts as to what happened. John wrote:

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” And when he had said this, he showed them both his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. . . But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came (John 20:19,20,24).

6. All Of The Disciples- “Devoted Followers.”

Eight days later He appeared again – this time with Thomas present. He just keeps showing up. He shows up to those who are faithful. Are you faithful? Have you followed Jesus for years? He shows up to those whom are faithful in following him.

And after eight days his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and My God!’ (John 20:26-28).

7. Seven Disciples At The Sea Of Galilee-Fishing & Fellowship.”

Another appearance was to seven disciples on the Sea of Galilee. These is an interesting story as well. The disciples are fishing and Jesus is on the shore cooking fish. He then invites his disciples to bring some of the fish they caught, and join Him for some fellowship. Do you enjoy eating? Do you enjoy fellowship? Jesus enjoys fellowship because he values relationship. He appears to those whom desire fellowship.

After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and he manifested himself in this way. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples (John 20:1,2).

8. A Mountain In Galilee- “Showed up to see.”

There is also the account of Jesus appearing before His eleven disciples in Galilee. This a crowd that just showed up but ended up having an encounter with God. Have you ever showed up? “Don’t just show up to see, show up to be.” He appears to those whom shows up.

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw him, they worshiped him; but some were doubtful (Matthew 28:16,17).

9. Over Five Hundred People-Just part of the crowd.”

On another occasion, Jesus appeared to over five hundred people at one time. Have you ever felt like you were just one of the crowd? Every hand has a heart and every person has value. you matter to God. He appears to those who feel they are just another face in the crowd.

After that he was seen by over five hundred people at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:6).

10. James- “Family & Faithful.”

Scripture also says that Jesus appeared to His half-brother James. Family and faithfulness matters to God. He wants to show up in the midst of your family and show Himself faithful. He appeared to James. He shows up to the faithful and to the family.

Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7).

11. Those who watched Jesus ascend to Heaven- “Gazers & Watchers.” *Acts 1:3-8

Jesus appeared to those were watching and gazing. Have you ever just watched the sky? Have you ever just gazed off in space? Are you looking for his appearing? He shows up to the “gazers and watchers.”

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem. You will be my witnesses in all Judea and Samaria. And you will be my witnesses from one end of the earth to the other.” After Jesus said this, he was taken up to heaven. They watched until a cloud hid him from their sight. While he was going up, they kept on looking at the sky. Suddenly two men dressed in white clothing stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. But he will come back in the same way you saw him go.” (Acts 1:8-11 NIRV)

12. Saul- “Persecuting & Argumentative.”

After Jesus’ ascension He appeared again – this time to Saul of Tarsus. Saul was persecuting and argumentative. Some people are against everything. the argue and are against everyone and everything. Have you ever been argumentative? He even appears to those whom are argumentative.

And as he [Saul] traveled he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are your persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’ (Acts 9:3-5).

These are the appearances of Jesus that the New Testament records. They caused His disciples to believe that He had risen from the dead. Luke says that Jesus showed Himself alive with many convincing proofs.

To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3)

Summary

The Bible says that Jesus made a number of appearances after His death. They were to a number of different people over a forty-day period. The Bible specifically says that on Easter Sunday Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the women that came to Jesus tomb (Mary the Mother of James, Salome, and Joanna), Peter, and two disciples on the Emmaus road. He also appeared to the remainder of the Twelve Disciples with Thomas absent. Later he appeared to them with Thomas present. There was also an appearance to seven disciples on the Sea of Galilee. On another occasion he appeared to over five hundred people at the same time. There is also an appearance to James. Finally Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus – the man who became the Apostle Paul. These appearances convinced His disciples, beyond any doubt, that He had risen from the dead. Jesus just kept showing up. It proves he desires relationship with us his creation. And one day He will appear again to take us to be with Him forever.

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Good News

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

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Have you have ever been at a place in your life where could have used a little good news? The word Gospel simply means “Good News”. The Bible is good news because it shows us the faithfulness of God and how it triumphs over the failures of man. The “Good News” is that Jesus lived, loved, died, rose again and one day will return to take us to be with Him forever. Now I don’t care who you are, that is good news. The story of this good news could be told in 3 simple words: a manger, a cross and an empty tomb. The failure of man and the faithfulness of God can be seen in 3 garden scenes. The garden of Eden shows us man’s failure and points to the manger. The garden of Gethsemane shows us Christ surrender and points to the cross. And the garden of the tomb shows us the victory we have through Christ rising from the dead and points to a stone rolled away so we can look in see that it is empty. And it shows us a Jesus who is alive so He can live in our hearts. The good news is God’s faithfulness is greater than our failures and that’s “Good News“.

The Story of My Life

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages

“That’s the story of my life”
 1 Samuel 24

When I was growing up people would say that’s “the story of my life.” And most of the time what they meant was the same old thing keeps happening and that’s not necessarily a good thing. When we look at stories in the Bible or even remember the stories of our own lives there seems to be a common thread and that thread is this; when we trust the timing of God things turn out, at least most of the time, better then when we would take matters into our own hands. Trust in The Lord or Take Matters into Your Own Hands? That’s the question, and the decision you make will tell the story of your life.

When we look at the stories in the Bible we see this thread as well, particularly in the life of David. When David trusted God and did what honored Him things turned out way better then when he took matters into his own hands and did as he pleased. David was known for being a shepherd boy. He was also known for killing a giant and yeah the Bathsheba thing as well. And of course the stories of his life could have all been summarized into this one principle: “trust in the Lord with all your heart.” When he took matters into his own hands he experienced failure but when he trusted God he had success.

There was another legendary story concerning David as well. It revolved around him & the previous king, Saul. This incident, maybe more than any other, reflected the dilemma of trusting in the Lord or taking matters into his own hands. It is also somewhat of a humbling and humorous story as well.

Following his run-in with Goliath in the valley of Elah, David was immediately catapulted into the limelight. He became famous and influential in the course of a single day. He was a folk hero in every sense of the word. People wrote and sang songs celebrating David’s success. The hook went like this: “Saul slew his thousands, and David slew his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 29:5 KJV). In other words, “King Saul is all right, but David is amazing. We used to want to be like Saul. Now we want to be like David.”

Now, Saul, being the average king with a giant ego, didn’t warm up to this turn of events. He didn’t appreciate the fact that his popularity among the people was faltering. And complicating matters even more was the fact that David had already been anointed king by Samuel. Such a thing was unheard-of” “while the reigning king was still . . . reigning. As grateful as Saul was for David and his many military exploits, he wasn’t about to be upstaged by a shepherd boy.” Saul, like most kings, planned for his son, Jonathan, to follow him to the throne. And as long as David was around, if something happened to Saul, he knew the people would ignore his son and flock to the shepherd boy to crown him king. And to make it worse Jonathan and David had become friends! How could this be? David was the competition. So Saul had decided that the best thing to do was to get rid of David.

The story is found in 1 Samuel 24. After pursuing the Philistines in battle, Saul and his army returned home and were greeted with the news. David’s location had been found—he was hiding in a place called Engedi. It wasn’t your typical desert with blowing sand dunes. Rather, it’s a stretch of land adjacent to the coast of the Dead Sea, where the valley is lush and green, while the mountains are rocky and treacherous. This would be a place that would be familiar for a shepherd boy like David who was being hunted down by a warrior and King like Saul.

Saul was so focused on killing David that he couldn’t afford to wait another minute. He had to have David’s head. Following orders, his men saddled up their horses while Saul hopped on his. At this point, the plot thickens. David is hiding for his life in a cave and Saul comes to the front of the cave to relieve himself. He had to go to the boys room. He needed to do his business. He was taking a much needed “potty break”. Saul was in the most vulnerable position and David’s men were encouraging him to kill Saul, after all is was a matter of kill or be killed. But David didn’t do it and what he did do he felt bad for. He cut the corner of his robe. He could have killed him. It was the perfect opportunity. He had a choice. Take matters into his own hands or trust God. He trusted God.

David not killing Saul was wise and honorable. And we see in verse 6 that David listened to God and in verse 8 we see that Saul had been listening to people. David was saying I am going to leave it in God’s hands and not take matters in my own hands. He decided that day he would not be the judge and jury regarding Saul. David’s decision became the story of his life. It was part of his legacy. What’s the story of your life going to be?

When you take matters into your own hands:

– You miss the purpose.

– You miss the timing of God.

– You will operate in frustration and not freedom.

-You prove to others that what you did what was obvious & easy instead of what took wisdom & constraint. (you prove what you could have done -instead of what you should of done).

– You operate in the flesh and not the spirit.

You operate in the ways of man and not the wisdom of God.

– You create a story that will be remembered.

You have a choice you can take matters into your own hands or you can trust the timing of God. If the story of your life is always a mess or not the story you want, maybe you need to take your hands off and trust the timing of God. God can turn the page of your story and began to write a new story if you will trust him.

CSLewis said, “There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him & bad when it turns from Him.

David using his sword was remembered a couple of times. One took courage (the giant) and the other took wisdom (Saul) but both honored God. David had courage to kill the giant but he had wisdom to only cut the corner of Saul’s robe but both honored God. Whenever there is a problem there is a purpose and you have a choice. You can take matters into your own hands or you can trust God and the decision you make will determine “the story of your life.”