I subscribe to most of the recommendations made by the Macho-Male Book on Life, particularly what is said about commodes. For those of you who are not familiar with the word commode, I am referring to the toilet, the john, the head, the porcelain throne, and for our canine friends, the drinking bowl.

Now the Macho-Male Book on Life rates commodes in the same way automobiles are rated: the less efficiency the better. With this in mind, it is easy to see why older commodes using roughly the same amount of water that fills a small pool are rated higher than the newer economy models using a cup or two of water. The principle is the same with vehicles: It is all about horsepower.

Let’s face facts: if you were to toss a small tissue into an economy model, you might see it clear the bowl after two flushes – as long as nothing else is in the bowl and you wait the mandatory minute or so for the reservoir tank to completely fill (you want that whole cup of water for the flush). Yet, if you were to dump a five gallon bucket of sand into one of the older models, you will have enough horsepower to not only clear the bowl in one flush, but push the sand pile halfway to Cleveland.

The real reason plumbers promote the economy models is to stop losing their plungers. A well-known fact around the plumber union halls is they continually lose plungers when they unclog those very rare back-ups in the older commodes. Once the obstruction is free, the suction is too hard to fight and down goes the plunger. The older models rarely get choked up on any blockage – the most common being small poodles quenching their thirst at the moment of flush (They simply get caught in the undertow).

I recently found a rebel plumber, disgruntled when he was banned from the union hall for losing his golden plunger award, who would admit the truth about the older model commodes. His words verbatim, “They were made to flush.” And his comments about the economy models: “Their primary function is to hold fluffy seat covers and to give poodles a fighting chance.”

Here we find the first professional not affiliated with NASCAR to support the recommendations of the Macho-Male Book on Life (NASCAR has endorsed the code book since inception, but that is a story for another blog) (NASCAR has asked me to retract this statement from my earlier posting, recognizing it is politically incorrect for them to endorse the Macho-Male Book on Life when there are female drivers in NASCAR. They continue to endorse the code book, but want to adopt a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to avoid distracting their women drivers and causing them to get lost on the track. I know what you are thinking… but the track is a big circle and there is no Walmart).

As the rebel plumber tells us so well, each commode has their own specific purpose. We will get unsatisfactory results if we confuse the function of each.

Which brings us to our Biblical principle for this article. Were you wondering how I was going to segue from toilets to the Bible without getting blasphemous? Let’s look at the principles.

God has made us for a specific purpose and job in His plan for our lives. We find this in 1 Corinthians 12:27-28:

“Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church, God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”

These verses show that each of us have a place and a part in God’s plan. We have a role to facilitate to the best of our ability. The important point to realize is God has given us the abilities we need, the actual talents and skills required, to function in the role He has designed.

If God has blessed us with the gift of hospitality, we should use this awesome talent to benefit others. If God did not bless us with the talent to sing, the last place we should find ourselves is on the choir or worship team (I learned this the hard way… how could I know they were turning my mic off?). We have our calling and place, whether it be in a pastoral capacity, as an administrative clerk, or in helping others by giving them a telephone call or visiting them.

These verses do not call us to a position of honor as the world sees us, but to honor the position we are called to as the Lord sees us. I encourage you to prayerfully examine the place to where the Lord has been calling you, the service where you know you are prepared, the part for which you have been made.

We each have our own specific purpose. We will get unsatisfactory results if we confuse each other or ourselves with how God has designed us.

The results just won’t flush.

Glenn Sasscer

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Now, if you have not heard of cloud computing before, perhaps that is because you are not a geek and you have a life. However, if you are a geek like me, then you already know cloud computing is simply a slow traveler trying to connect to WiFi on the blimp. This is where Bill Gates comes into the picture, as he owns a dozen or so blimps and is completely frustrated over the lack of computer connections in the cute little people baskets connected to the bottom of the big blimpy part of the airship. Can you just picture his expression each time Windows pops up with the warning, “Lost connection”?

Just in case you can’t…

So much for cloud computing.

In reality, geeks either love cloud computing or they hate cloud computing. I’ve asked every single one of them and know beyond any realistic doubt what each one thinks about cloud computing… wait, I did miss a geek in Detroit who was playing an intense game of Wii Mario Brothers and a couple of geeks on the Goodyear Blimp (couldn’t get a connection), but as for all other geeks, I’ve talked to them. This is a fairly safe statement, as few geeks will admit they are geeks unless they are extremely wealthy and former CEO’s for Microsoft. For the few thousand I might have missed because they were not admitting to being geeks at the time (earlier Monday), they most likely love cloud computing or hate it. Much of their opinion probably originates on whether they have ridden in a blimp or not. 

If you ask for a definition of cloud computing, you will hear an explanation with such abstract phrases like shared resources, distributed computing, networking infrastructure, something called a client server (which I always thought was a waitress), and blimp connections.

Again, so much for cloud computing.

The reality is this new technology will probably be the face of business or school processing in some form within the next five years. This takes the operating system and programs off the individual computers (i.e. Microsoft’s bread and butter) and puts the resources out in a technological “cloud” to be shared by others. 

Could this be the end of Bill Gates? Nonsense! This man has survived FORTRAN, Basic, Windows, Anti-trust litigation, IBM, Seinfeld commercials, and the challenge of having too much money. A geeky thing like cloud computing is nothing more than a blimp on his radar screen… I mean, blip… yes, blip on his radar screen. Bill Gates does not surrender!

Paul did surrender. I know some of you may have trouble jumping from Bill Gates to Paul, but we are seeing two very successful men with two very differing approaches to their missions. Bill: Never surrender. Paul: Totally and completely surrendered to Christ.

By today’s standard, Paul was a complete and total failure. He never built any buildings, he didn’t develop any new products, and the methods he used to direct others were dispised by other leaders. In fact, he offended so many people, large crowds tried to stone him for preaching his message. His theme throughout his travels was simple: The Cross. 

Paul had no other ambition, no other driving force in his life, other than, of course, Philippians 3:8-10:

…that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ– the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection…

Instead of building in the world, Paul was building God’s Kingdom in the hearts of those he met; instead of developing new products, he made new believers; instead of seeking out his own goals and success, he focused on God’s goals and his success with the Lord’s purpose.
 
When we stand before God at the judgment, our buildings, houses, computer programs, cars, and blimps will not be used as a basis to measure our success or accomplishments. Our jobs, positions, and status will not be part of the appraisal. Our wealth will be meaningless numbers, our money as valuable as toilet paper at that moment. There will be one and only one measure of success for each and every person on that day:

• Were our hearts fully surrendered to God?
• Did we submit to God?
• Did we surrender our will to His will?
• Did we give up our goals and accept His?
• Did we follow the crowd or follow God?
• Did we give up our purpose or find our purpose in Him?

As a computer geek, a computer support specialist, and a business consultant, I have to admit to having had a fascination with Bill Gates, reading about his background, his achievements, and his success. I wrote programs in several of the same computer programs he wrote, at one time re-writing an operating system to increase file security. Am I envious of one of the wealthiest men in the world? Not really. I am interested in his success having remotely similar backgrounds and knowing a few of the same things, although our management styles and personalities are far different.

As a believer, I have to admit to having a fascination with Paul, reading his background, his achievements, and his success. I struggle with the same faith gripping and sin temptations he faced, fully understand that whole Romans 7:19 passage, “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing.” Am I envious of one of the most sincere men in the New Testament? Not really. I am interested in his success and see him as a mentor in similar struggles.

My ambition is to learn a Paul focus and surrender to God with the tenacity of a Bill. I want to be transformed into the likeness of a Jesus and learn more and more to say only those things God gives me. I want to be able to claim, “I know my Father in Heaven is with me, because I do only His will.”

Maybe that’s the real definition of “Cloud Computing”. What do you think? Where are you in this struggle between the Bills and the Pauls in your life?

Glenn Sasscer

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Six Degrees to Matt’s Wife

By JoAnn Wegert

Though I do not know Crystal Bowersox, like most folks in our area, I am happy for her accomplishments and excited for her future success as a singer. Since Glenn was discussing The Name Game being played here in northwest Ohio, I have been thinking about the people I know, and how it is that people know me. Last week while in the local coffee shop, I was approached by a woman who politely began with “excuse me”.

As I looked her way I found myself thinking “Who are you?” and “How do you know me?” She recognized me, but I was embarrassed that I didn’t yet recognize her. She continued by asking, “Are you Matt’s wife?”

Now, of course I KNOW I am Matt’s wife; I’ve been his wife for a good 24 years. I love being Matt’s wife. But when this sweet woman asked me “Are you Matt’s wife?” I was strangely taken back for a split second. I realized that, of late, I am more frequently addressed as ‘Kate’s Mom, or just simply JoAnn, so the sound of ‘Matt’s wife’ was momentarily unfamiliar. I have been Coach Wegert, and Mrs. Wegert (teacher), JoAnn (co-worker and friend.) Though I hold the title of “Matt’s wife” dear to my heart, it seems that this title has not been spoken in a public forum for just a little too long. Has it been lost somewhat in the business of my own pursuits and the other roles that I play? While I enjoyed connecting with one of Matt’s long time friends this brief experience made me think not only of my long-standing title as wife, but also another vital title I hold.

(John 1:12-13) “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God– {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

(Romans 8:15-16) “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” {16} The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.(Galatians 4:7) “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”

 

According to these verses I am a child of God. A child of the King. A child of the King of Kings! I am an heir of the creator of all the universes. That is the title any true believers holds forever in their lives. So, if everyone who knows someone who knows Crystal is talking about how she has even remotely touched their life, shouldn’t we be all the more excited about not only knowing the king, but being one of his heirs! And this title is available “to all who receive him.” according to John 1:12! Now THAT’S something to talk about!!!!

(1 John 1:1-3) “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched–this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. {2} The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. {3} We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”

Two thoughts linger in my mind as I ponder the Six Degrees Name Game. First; has anyone asked lately “Are you a child of the king?” Can you answer, “Yes, I am!” Has this title, like my title of wife, been lost in the business of your own pursuits and the other roles that you play? It only takes a split second to remember WHOSE you are. Secondly, to the believer, 1 John implores us to tell others what we have seen and heard, so they to can have fellowship with us and with THE KING! What a day that would be when the coffee shops, and social gatherings, grocery stores, and the libraries in northwest Ohio and all over the globe were abuzz, not just about the local singing queen, but the one and only true King of Kings!

It is my honor and privilege to share JoAnn’s article today; my thanks and appreciation to you, JoAnn.

If you have something you would like to add or if you would like to write as a guest blogger, please send your comments or article to me at glenn@sasscer.com, or mail them to me at PO Box 711, Elmore, Ohio 43416. If your article fits the theme, direction, and style for my blog, you may be the next guest blogger.

Glenn Sasscer

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Her hometown is about ten minutes away from where I am writing this article, and her voice is filling living rooms and kitchens throughout the world each weeknight as American Idol works slowly toward a dramatic conclusion (or is that anti-climatic conclusion? I get those mixed up when referring to the American Idol show).

The Six Degrees to Crystal Bowersox game is this naturally occurring phenomenon in NW Ohio starting up at social gatherings, at the grocery store, in the library, in the schools, or wherever people happen to stop, look at each other, and search desperately for something to fill the awkward silence settling between them – because it is just un-American to be silent. In some cases people don’t even realize it is happening, and in other cases the competition is fierce. How do you know or whom do you know who knows Crystal Bowersox?

At a gathering last night, I learned a good friend of mine used to babysit her son while Crystal practiced or played shows, and came very close to being roommates with the American Idol star. The Six Degrees to Crystal Bowersox game was in full swing as we learned of common hair stylists, friendships with Crystal’s mother, restaurants where she eats (or ate at one time), and other frantic attempts to claim contact with the local property of American Idol.

The same thing happened in this area when Tom Cruise jumped up and down on Oprah’s couch over his new girlfriend, Katie Holmes. The Six Degrees to Katie Holmes game sprouted up as people tried to figure out how they “knew” this Toledo, Ohio native.

Let there be absolutely no mistake in why this social game becomes so popular so quick: It is all about whom you know. This may be difficult for some academic people (and you know whom you are) to accept, but the bottom line is it is not what you know, but whom you know.

Think about it: According to Scripture, you can have all the wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge in the world, but if you don’t know Jesus Christ when you die, you lose. It is not what you know, but Who you know (and that is Who with a big old capital “W” to signify I am referring to the Big Guy, Numeral Uno, the Alpha and the Omego, or however else you would like to respectfully refer to Jesus Christ).  

And by the way, Jesus played a little Six Degrees to You when He prayed for you to His Father in John 17:20-26.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message… May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am… Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

I am one degree to God, how about you? Want to know Him and don’t? Shoot me an email at glenn@sasscer.com.

Glenn Sasscer

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Ok, maybe not an all-out cat fight, but definitely a solid kitten fight! This just seems to be one of those things where people sink their teeth into the subject and refuse to let go, no matter how rotten the focus or foul tasting the theme.

The perspective is a tough one to give up, as the prosperity gospel provides a path to retain worldly goals and materialistic greed. I’m not saying goal setting is wrong or wealth is a sin; however, obsessing on these factors feeds our selfish nature and becomes a burden in our relationship with God.

Let’s take a moment to look at a very wealthy man with a strong obsession from Scripture: Paul. We know he was a wealthy man due to his position in the church and his education, and talk about an obsession! He was taking the lead in persecuting the early Christians to stamp out this whole “Jesus movement” thing that was going on.

On his way to Damascus, his “obsession” was interrupted. We pick up this interference in Acts 9:3-9.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

God has a way of knocking us off our high horse; I speak from experience. We may climb as high as we want on our soapboxes or sit on our flimsy thrones, but God will eventually knock us off our obsessions. This literally happened to Paul on his way to Damascus. Paul was knocked to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Paul’s name was Saul prior to this experience).

What is interesting to me is Paul wasn’t just flat freaking out when he was knocked to the ground. Instead he responds, “Who are you, Lord?” This reveals a little about Paul regarding his knowledge and his relationship with God.

One, he knew about God, after all he was well educated on the Jewish Scriptures (mostly what we know to be the Old Testament). His knowledge is what keeps him from freaking out.

The second thing this exchange reveals about Paul is he had no relationship with God, because he did not know Him, he did not know His voice.

Once God knocked Paul down from his obsession, He had Paul where He needed him: on his knees. Then the Lord told Paul something that must have turned his world upside down: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Wow! Talk about squashing an obsession right on the spot. Here Paul was out to stop the Jesus movement because he didn’t believe Jesus was the resurrected Lord, and then Jesus speaks to him personally and says, “Dude! I’m the one you’re speaking against!” (Ok, I’m paraphrasing).

Jesus was speaking to Paul by the power of the Holy Spirit. He was speaking to Paul specifically about something missing in Paul’s life, which was a firsthand knowledge of God. Paul was just knocked off his obsession, but had yet to surrender his goals and worldly motivation. The Holy Spirit was preparing Paul for a true change… a change in his heart.

Throughout the New Testament teachings, we find Jesus is primarily focused on our hearts, or an inward change. This is why I believe the whole prosperity gospel is so obscene; when Jesus is so interested in the inner heart of man, these teachers are distracting believers with the external.
 
Again, I am not saying wealth or goals are wrong or sinful. I am saying an obsession with these matters can and will interfere in our relationship with God. I believe God is willing and able to bless us with many things in life, but with nothing that will come between us and Him. 
 
Are you struggling in your relationship with God? Do you want to be closer to Him? What is it in your life that you value more than Him? You may not qualify it as an obsession, but God may.

What in this world is getting in your way of knowing God?  Share your comments below.

Glenn Sasscer

PS: I am trying to build my readership. Would you help me? Would you share this blog with others? They can sign up for email delivery below, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook (I accept all new friends).

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Let’s begin with some opinions. Since this article is regarding money, let’s start with my opinion on money:

America really has some of the most ugly money in the world, but at least it is serious money. When you look at American dollars, we’re looking at currency that clearly means business. A quick look at some currency from other countries and we have color, style, and unique looking bills, but I’m not sure they are as serious as the US dollar.

When the US dollar goes into a meeting, right away you know it is a business meeting and not some frilly meeting about climate control or whether to have mauve colored napkins at the next banquet (although nothing is near as appealing than teal colored cloth napkins on a white tablecloth with fresh flower centerpieces, or so I am told). There is just a plain seriousness about the look of the American dollar, even if some of the pictures include men wearing wigs. Yet, seriousness aside, it is still ugly.

Now I know I have some readers from Russia, Germany, Canada, and a few places I cannot pronounce, for which I apologize in advance. I guess I could “tell you” I can pronounce your country’s name, but I would be lying and I don’t think that would be good for our relationship. And, since I’m trying to build readership, I’m not out to start our relationship on the wrong foot, so I’m telling you I’m just being honest. And, I’m also kind of saying your money doesn’t look like it is as serious as American money, but at least it’s cute.

Yes, you have cute money. Now, that’s a compliment because I’m also sharing an opinion about my own country’s money, which is very ugly money. So, I think this sort of makes us even.

Funny though, when you think about it: Why do so many people work so hard to collect something as ugly (or cute) as money? Why are people willing to work so hard for it, lie for it, cheat for it, go to prison for it, fight for it, kill for it, give up their children for it, and even marry Donald Trump for it? Why are people willing to go to war over it? Come on people, it is nothing but ugly paper! (…or cute paper, but still paper!)

This is where I am being careful to separate my opinion from the truth. My opinion is the American dollar is ugly, but serious. My opinion about the currency in other countries is quite a few countries have cute money, but not near as serious. If these opinions offend you, then please allow me to apologize.

Now, let’s look at some truths. This is where I’m not going to apologize so much… actually, I’m not going to apologize at all. 

The cold hard truth about money is not only will people lie, cheat, steal, kill, fight, and give up so many other things for it, there are also people willing to distort the gospel over this piece of ugly business.

Ok, here we go for the offensive truth: The prosperity gospel is false.

Did you just hear that sound? That was my readership hitting rock bottom as email deliveries are canceled and blog subscriptions are deleted.

Some folks may not know what I mean when I refer to the prosperity gospel. Simply put, the prosperity gospel is the religious belief centered on the notion that God provides material prosperity for those He favors, and furthermore that believers have the right to these “rich blessings” through their positive confessions of faith, tithes, and offerings.

Let’s note the above description, as defined by Wikipedia, identifies the prosperity gospel as a religious belief; religion being the methods or practices of man that may or may not be Scripturally based. This is an important distinction. Religion is of man; faith is of God. There are baseball players with the religious belief that wearing the same socks throughout the season helps them win games – clearly a practice not Scripturally based, but classic religion.

In truth, and here is where we lay out the real truth, Scripture speaks against the prosperity gospel (although it is fairly silent on the baseball sock religion). Paul addressed this very controversy and warned against it in his letter to Timothy. 

1 Timothy 6:3-5

If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

Paul is warning Timothy about men of a corrupt mind “…who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” In these three verses, he explains why the teaching of this false doctrine is so wrong, as it results “… in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men.”

Think about it: If someone continues to hear the prosperity gospel taught each week and focus on the expectation of money and wealth, this will eventually lead to envy and strife when the perceived expectations are not met. This challenging situation is a result of concentrating on the external instead of the internal. 

This false doctrine is taught by taking select verses of Scripture and twisting the meaning, manipulating God’s Words. This is a very real and serious problem. This dangerous practice can turn Scripture away from faith and toward religion where man controls the rules and the law, where even suicide can be justified. As an example, if you take a portion of Matthew 27:5, “So Judas… went away and hanged himself” and combine it with the numerous verses where we are taught to “…go and do the same…” and the problem becomes more evident. This, byt the way, is an example of twisting God’s Word to mean what you want it to mean and in no way should be construed as suggesting Scripture supports the idea of suicide (that’s a subject for another article).

Typically, the vicious circle created by the lies of this doctrine provide a paradox where the very people preaching are the ones who benefit and portray the results on the backs of those entrusted to their care. To the extreme extent, “Send me your money so God will bless you” is not a common cry, but the underlying flavor of each of their teachings. In a land where we want to get rich quick, gain wealth without work, and want to find the easy path, these sort of teachings are willingly accepted in anticipation of the false promises or unreachable rewards.

Why? This is also addressed in Scripture. 2 Timothy 4:3 explains:

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Forget about the sound doctrine that forces me to address my selfishness, grudges, and forgiveness issues; forget about the sound doctrine that builds relationships and the strength of relationships; and instead, tell me what I want to hear to make me feel good about myself and my focus on money. Give me what I want and make me feel good about it.
 
Ah… the ugly truth, and most likely not a very popular truth. You may not agree with my opinion regarding ugly and cute money, which is fine as this is only an opinion. However, if you do not agree with the truth, not matter how unpopular it may be, it remains the truth.

Just because a million people like a bad idea, it is still a bad idea – just a very popular bad idea.

I do not and cannot find truth in the prosperity gospel teachings. What about you? What do you think? Add your comments below.

Glenn Sasscer

PS: I am trying to build my readership. Would you help me? Would you share this blog with others? They can sign up for email delivery below, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook (I accept all new friends).

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At some point, we must realize our way doesn’t work and surrender our will to God. Our challenge here is with this “S” word weighing in heavily on most of us. Surrender. I know in many cases it is just an issue of semantics, but what does this word mean for you?

The Merriam-Webster definition, is “to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence)”. It also means to yield or relinquish something granted to you, which could be something given to us, earned by us, or even our lives.

When believers hear the talk in the church about leading a surrendered life, I have to wonder what many think or consider this means. I am sure we will gladly surrender an hour or two on Sunday, and of course we will tithe a little bit with our surrendered check in the offering, but is this all we must do to qualify as living a surrendered life? When we pull away the religious talk or what I have been calling “Christianese” (not my word by the way, but it fits so well), what are we really talking about in living a surrendered life?

Actually, I’m thinking it is a total extreme makeover of our attitude and approach in life. When we look at the differences in Peter standing before the high priest to when he denied Jesus, don’t we see a total extreme makeover in Peter’s attitude and approach in life? At that point in time, I think it is safe to say he had assumed the first definition provided by Merriam-Webster in that he was “given over to God as his influence”.

And why shouldn’t he? Peter was following the example set by Jesus.  We find Jesus’ words in John 6:38:

For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

And Jesus also teaches in John 8:50:

I am not seeking glory for myself…

Jesus was not out for His own motivation or for His agenda, other than that which He had already accepted from His Father. He explains this in John 8:28-29:

“…I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me… …for I always do what pleases him.”

Jesus’ life of surrender to His Father’s will and mission is an example for our own lives, a way of life much different than society would accept. I know you might be thinking, “Jesus was God made flesh. He surrendered His life before He even came to earth.” But this thinking would mean Jesus didn’t have a choice in the matter. For Him to be an example for us to follow, we must recognize He had to have similar choices we have in life, that it was possible for Him to say no, and that He made the decision to surrender to His Father’s influence. The surrendered life is not imposed on anyone, including Jesus.
 
Jesus confirms these conditions in John 10:17-18:

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.

Here we can know our freedom is confirmed. Our Heavenly Father has given all of us the same right or freedom to choose a surrendered life. The decision is our decision to make.

A couple of months ago, I pointed a friend toward the Lord by suggesting prayer. I was emphatically told that she makes all the decisions in her life, not God. I believe she was absolutely right. 
 
If we look at the absolute truth, we find the simple fact is we can have as much of Christ as we want and go as deep in our relationship as we choose, for he tells us there is no limit in Romans 8:38-39, or we can choose to remain our own influence throughout life. When I see Peter’s boldness and transformation, and when I read the promises the Lord holds for me, my decision is clear to me, but I know others do not see it in the same way.

What holds you back? Let me know through my new comment options below. If it doesn’t work, email me at glenn@sasscer.com or comment on my Facebook page – there will be a FB post with this link for you to comment.

Glenn Sasscer

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For Pete’s Sake

By JoAnn Wegert

In Glenn’s recent blog (found here) he spoke about how Jesus’ influence on Peter’s life changed his demeanor and left a lasting impression on every part of his being. He explained how Peter went from a man who blatantly denied his friendship with Jesus to a man who boldly healed another man in Jesus’ name. I pondered the question of what hinders us as Christians from exhibiting the positive lasting impression Jesus came to leave on our life? Why do we find ourselves cowering around the fire ready to cry like Peter did “I don’t even know the man!” What resistance lies in the way of boldly making a miracle-size difference in the life of another? In our everyday walk through lives crowded schedules we may be taking several simple, but serious missteps.

We forget to remember:

1. We forget the fact that Jesus came to save. True salvation changes everything.

John 5:24 - “”I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

2. We forget that we are totally different in the eyes of the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus made an impression on Peter that changed his playing field. There was a day that Peter beckoned Jesus to have him miraculously walk on water. (Matt 14:29) Walk on water he did, until he forgot he was walking in the sight of the Creator, and in an instant saw only the waves pushed to and fro by the winds mighty power. Immediately he began to sink. When we forget who Jesus is to us; when we forgot who set the stars in place, and fills the earth with every good and perfect gift, we too, are left in the state of needing Jesus rescuing hand. We are left to wonder ourselves “Why did we doubt?”
3. We forget the reason Jesus called us to himself: Peter WALKED ON WATER ~ for a moment ~ , until he saw his move with human eyes. Peter hid in the crowds as his friend as Savior was about to be put to death. He feared for his own future, until he remembered WHO holds the future.

Once Peter got a hold of his purpose in God ’s greater plan for all eternity he began to LIVE OUT that which he had already possessed. The ability to heal the broken, the ability to speak before mighty men, and the ability to keep pressing on to live and share the wonders of the might Lord. God gives the strength we need to LIVE as the person He created us to be. I am no longer bound to live as the person my past says I am, or that habit has allowed me to become, or am doomed by the negative statements or judgments that says I can never be anything else. Like Peter, we are called to make a miracle-size difference in the lives of others. To do so we have to keep our eyes on Jesus, we have to purpose to BE who God says we are, not who we used to be, or who others say we are.

Philippians 1:6 - “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 2:20 -  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

It is my honor and privilege to share JoAnn’s article today; my thanks and appreciation to you, JoAnn.

If you have something you would like to add or if you would like to write as a guest blogger, please send your comments or article to me at glenn@sasscer.com, or mail them to me at PO Box 711, Elmore, Ohio 43416. If your article fits the theme, direction, and style for my blog, you may be the next guest blogger.

Glenn Sasscer

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We can read about these leader’s reaction in Acts 4:13-14:

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.”

This had to be a crazy moment for these leaders. These are the same leaders who orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion and were probably proud of their abilities to manipulate circumstances to their choosing.  Yet, standing before them are a couple of unschooled, ordinary guys causing a huge stir over the healing of a crippled beggar. To add an additional twist to the situation, the healed man was standing with them.

Remember, this is a guy who had a regular spot at the temple gate, daily begging for his livelihood. The regular visitors to the temple knew this man. The temple leaders knew this man. The reason there was such a stir in the temple crowd was because everyone recognized this man as the crippled beggar, but then he was standing, walking, and probably dancing through the crowd. The temple leaders could not deny the healing, nor could they claim credit or gain financially from the events.

I wonder when the leaders started to realize they lost the game? Was it at the moment when Jesus died, there was an earthquake, an eclipse of the sun, and a sacred curtain in the temple was ripped in two (without anyone touching it)? Or, was it when they looked at Peter and John standing next to a healed man proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ?

This is where I like to consider what Peter and John were thinking as they saw the look of resignation on the high priest’s face, knowing there was nothing the high priest could do to stop them from preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. I like to think Peter was bold enough to wink at John and whisper, “If they only knew… they think we were with Jesus weeks ago. They don’t realize we were with Jesus in the Upper Room after His resurrection. They don’t know He was with us when we prayed this morning. How can they know He is with us no matter where we go?”

Peter probably did not say these words, but I like to think he said something similar. Why? Because this is the attitude men and women get when they spend time with Jesus. Even when their time is through, Jesus is with them wherever they go… a lasting, continuous source of confidence and boldness.

Don’t confuse this with self-righteousness, judgmental airs, or condemnation of others. This is what was facing Peter and John in the temple courts, and what faces many new believers in the church. This is what inoculates would-be believers against Christians or Christianity, because really, who needs that garbage?  Obviously, Peter and John didn’t need it.

I love their response when the high priest ordered them to stop talking about Jesus Christ. We find their words in Acts 4:19-20:

“But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’”

When you spend time with God, He becomes your source for confidence and strength. Your boldness comes from knowing God has your back. 

Have you spent time with God today?

Glenn Sasscer

PS: I am trying to build my readership. Would you help me? If you find my articles encouraging, amusing, or in some way helpful, would you share this blog with others? They can sign up for email delivery below, or have them follow me on Twitter or Facebook (I accept all new friends).

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The more we are with Jesus, the more we become like Him, walking in His likeness and reflecting the original image of how we were created. The source for this likeness and image is internal, coming from our hearts (the true essence of who we are, not the blood pumping organ beating in our chests). This is where Jesus has the most lasting influence in our lives.

Some may question what I mean by “the more we are with Jesus”. By this, I am referring to actually seeking out the living God in prayer, recognizing His presence in our lives, and looking for Him throughout the day. Does this sound strange to you? The resurrection and the Holy Spirit sounded just as strange to the disciples Jesus taught, but look at the change in Peter.

Acts 4:18-20

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Is this the same guy who denied Jesus? Yet he stands before the same people who put Jesus on the cross and speaks boldly for God.

Spending time in prayer and in seeking Jesus changes us at our core level, in the makeup of our spiritual DNA. This creates a new source of strength in our lives we see so evident when Peter speaks to the temple leaders, a strength produced by a great boldness for God.

Proverbs 28:1

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

The original Hebrew text uses the word for bold in this verse meaning “secure, confident.” When we look at Peter standing before the temple leaders, the boldness is less in defiance and more from a source of strength where Peter is secure and confident. This source of strength comes from knowing Jesus.
 
You may still be struggling with this concept. So far in life, you have found yourself to be your greatest strength, or you have depended on close friends, family, or other means to be strong. You make your own decisions, you are self-made, and you live the life you have made for yourself. Why do you need Jesus for strength? I used to think this way, too, and fortunately I found the same source of real strength Peter found.

Until you try something different, how do you know what you have is so great? Those who know the Lord are secure in their identity in Christ. They stand confident. Therefore, they have nothing to hide; they can stand before anyone with a clear conscience.

Do you have this confidence? Do you have this source of strength? Are you tough enough to learn more about it?

Look, I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but what I do have I am willing to share with you (which is why you are reading these words). Please email me if you need help or have questions. If you need a telephone call to work through something or just to know someone is praying for you, shoot me an email. You can email me at glenn@sasscer.com.  You can also write to me at Glenn Sasscer, PO Box 711, Elmore, Ohio 43416.

If you need help and you are not comfortable contacting me, please contact your local church or pastor. I believe God is concerned with each of us, including you. Find out for yourself.

Glenn Sasscer

PS: I am trying to build my readership. Would you help me? If you find my articles encouraging, amusing, or in some way helpful, would you share this blog with others? They can sign up for email delivery below, or have them follow me on Twitter or Facebook (I accept all new friends).

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