Category: Faith

The Whole Truth of the Easter Story

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 13

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 13:47-50

From beginning to end of Matthew 13, Jesus was faithful to tell the whole truth, not just half the truth, for half the truth isn’t really the truth. If you only say “When you die the angels will come and take you to heaven,” but you don’t also explain that all the evil people (that’s me apart from my faith in Christ!) will be thrown into the fiery furnace, you are not really telling the truth.

Friends, please know that I’m writing these words to myself, because I need to hear them, but I hope they will encourage you as well. I want so desperately for people to be saved, that sometimes I only want to tell them the “Happy News about Eternal Life” … but the truth is that no one can fully appreciate the good news of the gospel until they’ve understood that every single one of us are sinners who deserve hell apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ.

So long as you think that you are a good person, and that you are going to heaven by your own merit, then, who needs Jesus?

May the words of Christ fall on fertile soil and bear much fruit! Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace in telling us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Thank You for explaining to us that every one of us is a sinner deserving of hell. Thank You for the best news I’ve ever heard – that Jesus Christ paid the price for my sin by His death on the cross, and that by believing in Him I have been saved from the fiery furnace of hell and will live with You in heaven for all eternity. This is truly the most awesome, wonderful, fantastic, marvelous news I could ever hear! May we share this truth every day of the year, but especially this weekend as we remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray, Amen.

Loving the Lord More Than Anyone or Anything

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 10

 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:34-39 ESV

What do I love more than Jesus? Sleep? Chocolate cake? My phone?

Who do I love more than Jesus? My mom and dad? My friends? My kids? My husband?

Who is on the throne of my heart? Who rules over my thoughts and my actions? Who am I living my life for?

It’s a lot to think about. Let’s pray

Lord, help me to love you more than anything, more than anyone. Make me willing to lose what I love for Your name. Show me today what that looks like. In the name of Jesus Christ, the only worthy One, Amen.

The Testimony of Matthew

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 9

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 9:9 ESV

When you read that verse, Matthew 9:9, did you consider its author? This is Matthew’s own testimony. Matthew is saying, “This is me. I am that man. I am the one who was sitting at the tax booth. I am the one who Jesus called.”

The very next verse, Matthew 9:10 says that “Jesus reclined at table in the house,” but Matthew doesn’t tell you whose house it is. You have to read Luke 5:29 to discover that it was Matthew’s own house. Matthew has opened his own house and many tax collectors and sinners had come to eat and spend time with Jesus and his disciples.

How awesome is that! I wish that I had been quick to introduce my friends to Jesus. If you have someone in your life that you are discipling, or if you yourself are a new believer, please don’t wait until you have all the answers to invite your friends to meet Jesus.

But the Pharisees didn’t like it. They thought you needed to clean yourself up before coming to Jesus, but I’m here to tell you: You don’t!

Jesus says, “Come as you are… And leave new. I will make you new. I will change you. I am the one who heals and saves. I am the great physician of the body and the soul. Come to me! Today! Don’t wait!”

Heavenly Father, I pray for each one reading this, those who are new in their faith to share their faith today; for those who have been Christians for years, not to look down their nose at unbelievers and new believers who don’t know how to behave; and for those who don’t know you yet that they will come to you today and not delay. Your arms are open wide. Thank you. Thank you for calling Matthew while he was working in that text booth and thank you for calling me while I was running headlong away from You.

Fear and Faith in the Storms of Life

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 8

In Matthew 8 we read about Jesus healing the leper and the centurion’s servant and then Peter’s own mother-in-law, but when the disciples find themselves in about in the middle of a great storm, they struggle with fear and faith.

And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying,
“What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 8:25-27 ESV

On the one hand, the disciples showed faith because they did go to Jesus and ask him to save them. Let’s be real – if you and I were together in a boat that is sinking, I’m quite sure you would not come to me and say, “Save me, Kim, I’m perishing!”

And yet Jesus scolds them because they are so afraid. Jesus knows their thoughts. He knows their hearts. He knows they lack the full breadth and width and depth of faith that they need to live lives free of fear. They still have much to learn about the greatness of His power!

This is just what I needed to hear as my area has endured horrific acts of violence and countless tornadoes with more ever on the horizon. How about you? What storms are you facing today?

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, help me not to be afraid about all the health stuff, weather stuff, and family stuff, the daily fears of my life. Help me to fully trust You to lead me, save me, and protect me. I know that You are able. I know that You have all authority in heaven and on earth. Anything that You allow into my life or send into my life, I trust is ultimately for Your glory, for the good of Your kingdom, and for my good.

If I die it’s for Your glory and for my good, because I get to be with You for all eternity. If I suffer, it’s for Your glory and for my good because I can know You more fully. If I am, richly blessed with every earthly blessing – honor and wealth and wisdom – that too is for Your glory and for my good that I may declare Your appraises and majesty and honor.

In the name of our Almighty King Jesus I pray, Amen

Blessed?

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 5

Today, I hope you’ll read something I wrote a few years ago called “Blessed are the meek.”

Lord Jesus, I pray that we would humble ourselves before You, recognizing our need and our poverty, and acknowledging Your strength and goodness. It is indeed good to be afflicted, that we might know You and Your power in our suffering. In the good and gracious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

I’m so Blessed!

Temptation

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

It struck me that it was the Spirit that led Jesus to go into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Why? Why would God want Jesus to be tempted? I found the answer in the Word, in Hebrews.

"Therefore [Jesus] had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV

Jesus experienced the very human experience of temptation, yet He resisted the devil by His will and by the Word, and so can we. Like 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

James 1:13-15 ESV

So … What should we do when we face temptation?

  • Take every thought captive to obey Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 10:5) The battle against temptation is won and lost in your thoughts. If you want to resist temptation, you need to “think about what you’re thinking about!” As soon as you’re tempted, capture that thought and get rid of it. Then, replace it with the truth of God’s Word. After 40 days of fasting, I’m sure Jesus was so so so hungry! I know how I feel after fasting for 12 hours. Jesus overcame temptation with God’s Word, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes in the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 – Look at Deuteronomy 8:3 for it’s original use) The more of God’s Word you have stored in your heart, the more equipped you’ll be to replace those wrong thoughts with the right ones!
  • Resist the devil. Ask yourself this question, “Who am I resisting, God or the devil?” All too often we are resisting God and submitting to the devil. 😩 We’ve got it all wrong! And if we want to resist the devil, we have to keep our eyes open to his temptations and schemes. If you knew you were in the lion’s den, you’d keep alert for a lion, wouldn’t you? Listen carefully to the words of 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
  • Submit to God. In those tough moments, remember that God is your commanding officer. He has every right to give you your matching orders, and He expects you to obey them. Read what James has to say about this. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a ESV) When you’re struggling with temptation, no matter what it is, turn to God and obey Him in faith. Trust that He is good and that His plans are for your good.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, Each and every day the temptations that come our way are many. Some temptations are stronger than others, but all of them can be overcome by Your Spirit and Your Word. He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. Your Word is my sword by which I can resist the devil’s schemes. Please help me to resist the devil and submit to you. You are my commanding officer. I am no longer a slave to sin. I am no longer a slave to my flash. I am no longer a child of Satan and the world. I am a child of God, by the blood of Jesus. I am a soldier in the army of the Lord. I have been bought with a price and now I want to serve You with my body. I am a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, my Lord and Captain and King. In the holy and almighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Into the fire

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 3

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:12 ESV

John the Baptizer was calling the people to repent, and so does Jesus. A time is coming when each of us will stand before the throne of God and be judged. Are you ready?

If God asked you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?

  • I’m a good person.
  • I go to church.
  • I read my Bible.
  • The good I’ve done outweighs the bad.
  • I’m a Christian.
  • Your Son, Jesus Christ, has paid the price for me. His blood has washed away my sins. My faith is in Him and Him alone.

Only one of these is the correct answer. Are you ready to meet God? Have you turned away from your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? Have you publicly professed your faith in Him and followed Him in being baptized? If the answer to any of these questions is no, please let today be the day. Don’t delay.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, your son, in the flesh, to be my atoning sacrifice, paying the debt that I could never pay. I pray that you would use me to share this good news with others. I pray that those reading this would trust in your finished work on the cross, repenting of their sins and turning to you for salvation. And the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen

The Birth of Christ Fulfilled Prophecies

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Matthew 2

In reading Matthew 2, I was struck by how often Matthew said that these events fulfilled the words spoken by the prophets. For Matthew, as a Jewish man, this confirmed for him that Jesus truly was the long-awaited messiah.

For me, as a former atheist, I have a different reaction. My reaction is that God’s word must be true! God must know what will happen in the future if he can send profits to foretell it. And God must be all powerful and sovereign over the events of Earth, if he is able to achieve His perfect will.

I hope this excerpt from Answers in Genesis’s article Fulfilled Prophecies of Jesus’s Birth blesses you.

“There are no prophecies foretelling details about the birth of other religious leaders. No prophecies alerted the world to the coming of Muhammad (Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormonism), David Koresh (Branch Davidians), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah’s Witnesses), Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism), or any other founder of the world’s religions. Yet the Old Testament pinpointed numerous details about the life of the Son of God and Savior of the world.

So what do these prophecies tell us about Jesus? In just the first two chapters of Matthew, we see that God foretold the virginal conception of the Messiah, who would be born in Bethlehem, yet in some way would come out of Egypt and be called a Nazarene. We also see that bitter agony would grip the mothers in that area.”

Read the full article here

Please pray with me.

Heavenly Father, grow our faith in your Word. Help us to trust that You know what is coming and that You are the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. No purpose of Yours can be thwarted. You are working all things together to accomplish Your purposes and to glorify Your name. I pray that we would especially remember that when times look dark like when tornadoes devastate whole communities and it seems the world is “going to hell in a hand basket.” You are still on Your throne. I pray that we, as your children, will seek Your face and be honorable vessels for Your good use. It is in the name of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited messiah, that we pray, Amen.

“Were You There?” and The Importance of Studying Creation Science

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read Through the Bible in 2 Years: Job 38-39

"Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." - Job 38:1-4 ESV

“Were you there?” is a question that young earth creation scientist Ken Ham encourages people to ask when discussing the theory of evolution. The reality is that no man has witnessed the evolution of molecules to man, because it didn’t happen.

Yet, no man witnessed God creating the earth, sun, moon, and stars. I wasn’t there and neither were you. But there was someone who was there: God. And God has given us an account of the events of creation in the Holy Scriptures.

God’s Word is true and it is trustworthy. I hope you will put your faith in God and in every word that He has preserved for us. Take some time to study the science behind the creationist worldview. The Christian young earth creationist worldview is scientifically reasonable and defendable. Studying it will strengthen your faith and help you to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you!

For those of you who are parents, please invest the efforts necessary to teach your children about creation science. Young minds are impressionable. They will either be shaped by a godless culture or a god-centered one. If you’re afraid to indoctrinate your children into the Christian faith, just know that the world is busy indoctrinating them for you. I know. I was there.

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, You were there when the foundations of the earth were laid by the power of Your Word. You were there when the sea burst forth for the first time. You were there when the sun, moon, and stars were hung in the vast space of our universe. Before the beginning of time, You were there. Thank You, Father, for preserving Your Word for all of these years, so that we could know You. Thank You for speaking to Job and for speaking to us. You know all things and by Your will they have come into being. Help us to trust You in all things – in the daily stresses of life and in training up our children in the way they should go. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Suggested Creation Science Resources:

Creatures that Defy Evolution video – This is just the first video of a series.

It Couldn’t Just Happen book – Aimed at ages 10-14, but I found it so profitable for me, too.

Answers in Genesis – A website full of great creation information.

Creation – This link is especially for Answers in Genesis’ Creation specific info.

Jonathan Park Audio Dramas – My kids grew up on these!

Creation Museum – A great place to visit and learn in person! Our family went over ten years ago – I think it’s time to go again!

Noah’s Ark Replica – This is located near the creation museum. It wasn’t built yet when we went to the creation museum. Like I said, we need to go again!

Creation Website in Chinese – For all my Chinese speaking friends!

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel – For me as an atheist, faith in an invisible God was harder than faith in Jesus as God’s Son. The Case for Faith was instrumental in growing my faith. I also love More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell, but it isn’t so focused on creation.

Ken Ham – Bill Nye Debate – Sometimes how you speak is almost as important as what you say. The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but patient and kind. Pay attention not only to what is spoken, but how. The ultimate goal isn’t to win the debate. The ultimate goal is to win the soul and ultimately this is in God’s hands. Trust Him.

A Pinched Off Piece of Clay

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 33

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life…. Behold, I am toward God as you are;
I too was pinched off from
a piece of clay.

Job 33:4, 6 ESV

Have you ever tried making a “pinch pot” out of a little lump of sticky brown clay or have you ever attempted to mold a little clay pot on a potter’s wheel?

I actually grew up with two aunts and one uncle who are professional potters. I spent many hours admiring their work and attempting to make my own. Then a few years ago my oldest daughter and I went to a local pottery shop to try our hand at throwing coffee mugs on a wheel. Let me just say that these experiences have taught me to appreciate the skill involved with making incredible beauty out of a few handfuls of wet dirt.

In this passage of Job, two things jumped out at me.

1. God is the potter. God is who made us and He is who gives us life. He creates and shapes and molds us into what He desires. Friends, none of us are mere accidents. We didn’t just evolve from apes through a random series of accidents. Our lives have purpose. As Ephesians 2:10 explains, “We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

2. All mankind is level before God. Though you and I each have a unique, intentional purpose, we are all equally pinched off from a piece of clay. (Job 33:6) God has fashioned us each to look different so that we might each accomplish the works which He has designed for us, but may we never boast as though we’re better than anyone else for we’re all just jars of clay made by the perfect potter. May this truth keep us humble before God and before our fellow man.

Let’s pray.

Oh, Heavenly Father, what is man that You are mindful of us? You know that we are dust. We are but clay in our potter’s hands. You have a divine purpose for each of us. May that truth empower us to go and do the works that You have designed us for. Keep us humble as we remember that we are equally Your creation, and give us courage as we remember that You have works prepared for us to do. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.