Category Archives: Weekly Bible Message

I Can’t—–But God Can

Posted on April 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain and his disciples came to him. And he taught them saying……” (Matthew Chapters 5,6,7)

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus shows us that His absolute standards are impossible to reach. The best people will always fall short. We can never measure up to God’s righteousness. Our behavior might be excellent but God knows the motive behind our actions.

The sermon on the mount sets goals toward which followers of Jesus Christ must strive to attain. It is not an ideal whereby we must be perfect and give up because we’re not, but the goal is to help us master a new way of life.

As we glimpse who we really are, we mourn. According to what is required in the sermon on the mount, we see ourselves as spiritually bankrupt, desperately in need of God’s forgiveness and grace.

And this is just where God wants us! He can’t use us if we are puffed up in our own glory. We need to be emptied,broken, humble–like clay in the Master Potter’s hand to be shaped into the likeness of Christ. When we realize we cannot live up to God’s standards, we also realize that we need God in our life. In fact the Bible describes our own righteousness as “filthy rags.”. We only become right with God because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. He took our sins, died in our place, and is now alive in heaven. He gives those who trust in Him the gift of eternal life and makes us right with God.

The sermon on the mount illustrates the need for God in our life. I wouldn’t want to be without Him for one minute!  Would you? (Judy Whittaker) 

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Playing Church

Posted on April 12, 2012 | 1 Comment

“Nevertheless, I have something against you because you have lost your first love.” (Revelation 2:4)


What happened  to the church with the impressive brick and ivy-draped exterior——but whose interior resembles “dry bones”?

On Sunday morning the preacher preaches to a captive audience, quoting bits and pieces from the Bible, skillfully averting any passages that may offend someone in the pews. Ears are tickled with funny stories and intellectual “aha!” moments, and the congregation is entertained. But where is the transforming power of the gospel? How did they lose their first love—-the passion of Jesus Christ?

There were so many programs and wonderful church picnics, something for everyone to get involved in. Why they even gave some of their offerings to feed the poor with enough money left over to pay for one of the best worship teams one could imagine! So many works done in the name of the church, but the name of Jesus was rarely mentioned. When did the church of Jesus Christ become the church of good works? When did they lose their first love?

In the book of Revelation Jesus reprimanded the church of Ephesus . Although they were doing good works in Jesus’ name, they lost their first love–the love of Jesus. He told them to repent or they would be excluded from future blessings in heaven. (Revelation 2:4-7)

Does this description fit your church? If it does, then do not be afraid to stand for the sake of the gospel. The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation….” (Romans 1:16)

The blood of Jesus must be preached (the cross), because the Bible tells us without the shed blood of Jesus there is no forgiveness of  sins. (Hebrews 9:22) And without the gospel being preached there is no power. When we get to heaven, I doubt if God will be asking us what works we did—only what works we did in His name.

This is serious, my friends.  Take a stand and make a difference in your church. Know your Bible and if a doctrine does not line up with the Word of God, lovingly challenge the preacher who misquotes it. Respect people of different faiths who do not agree that the Bible is their authority, but if someone is preaching untruths from the Bible, then it is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stand up. Will you be one of the first in line?  (Judy Whittaker)

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Unforgiveness—The Enemy Within

Posted on April 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

“….forgiving one another even as Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Joseph was his father’s favorite son of his old age and was hated by his jealous brothers. So they decided to kill him. One of his brothers showed mercy and convinced the other brothers to spare his life and throw him in a pit with no water instead. Arab traders came along, rescued Joseph from the pit, and sold him to the pharaoh of Egypt’s captain of the guard.

Years passed and because Joseph loved the Lord, God raised him up through many trials to be second to the pharaoh in governing Egypt. Due to a harsh famine in Israel, Joseph’s brothers came to him to beg for food. They didn’t know he was Joseph but Joseph recognized his brothers. He forgave them for their cruel conspiracy against him, gave them food and land, and said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Forgiveness is a process. We can’t forgive by ourselves, but with God working through us we can. Unforgiveness is like a cancer that attacks our spirit, generating hate, resentment, and bitterness in our soul. When we forgive, we are free from the bondage of sin. Yes, according to the Bible, unforgiveness is a sin. “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26)

On the cross, after being brutally beaten, Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) If we want to be more like Jesus we must learn to forgive, even if the other person doesn’t apologize. When we do not forgive we hold something against someone—as if that person owes us something. Andy Stanley, a noted theologian, pastor, and author wrote, “The essence of forgiveness is a decision to cancel a debt.”

Forgiving someone does not mean that all the breaches in the broken down walls of the relationship have to be restored, setting ourselves up for possibly more hurts and disappointments. We don’t want to allow ourselves to be doormats either. It simply means letting go and moving on if necessary.

When we forgive, we are forgiven. It is as simple and as complex as that. (Judy Whittaker)

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The Second Mile

Posted on March 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

“Whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41)

During the Roman Empire, when a Roman soldier wanted a Jewish boy to carry his pack for a mile, the boy would .have to obey. However he would never be required to carry the pack for more than a mile. That was until Jesus’ radical teaching  required those who were compelled to go one mile now  go two!

Jesus tells us to go the second mile. Not literally  in our culture, but symbolically, meaning for us to do a little more than what is expected. Jesus knew we couldn’t have an abundant life without going the second mile. The blessing that comes from it leaves a deposit of happiness on our heart. Also by traveling the second mile we influence others to do so as well.

God went the second mile when He gave His Son Jesus. God had created a perfect world with a guidebook that showed how to live it, but man turned away from God. So God sent Jesus to die for us.He travels with us on our second mile.

The next time we are asked by God to do something, let us do it wholeheartedly,then wait and see what happens.There is a blessing in heaven waiting just for you!  See you on the second mile……(Judy Whittaker)

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Be not Deceived

Posted on March 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Deception is as common as truth. Jacob was deceived  by Laban who offered him his youngest daughter Rachel if Jacob worked for him for seven years. After Jacob faithfully served Laban for seven years, Laban deceived Jacob by giving him his oldest daughter Leah instead. Jacob was very angry when he learned that he would have to work another seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage.Later on Jacob deceived Laban and finally got his revenge.(Genesis 29,30,31) Isn’t getting even the way of the world?

I’m sure at one time we were either the deceiver or the deceivee—perhaps both. Any human relationship is capable of disception in one way or the other.  God is the only person who is 100% trustworthy because His Word is truth. He knows our motives and our heart.

So, not to worry. If you have been deceived, call on God and let Him take care of it. “It is God that delivers me from my enemies. You lift me up above those that rise against me…..” (Psalm 18:47,48) If you have been the deceiver. repent because God already knows what you have done so there’s no use in trying to hide from God. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, you are there….the darkness does not hide me from you….) (Psalm 139:7-12)

The good news is that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “1 John 1:9) Then His righteousness will break forth as an overflowing stream and we are free to trust again.  (Judy Whittaker)

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Rest in God

Posted on March 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

“For in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

Why do so many of us babies grow into restless adults , always wanting more —more toys, more money. more possessions, more power, etc., instead of appreciating what we already have? If we could only be more like Paul who wrote while in prison, “…for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.”(Philippians 4:11) Paul realized that only God’s presence could satisfy the longing in his soul.

We are like the child on the beach who is trying to make a swimming pool out of sand and the water keeps seeping out. Then he finally discovers that right in front of him is a huge swimming pool–the ocean! He dives in and is content.

We strive after the wind to find that there is only one desire and fulfillment–the presence of God. In Him is perfect rest. If we build our nest on human effort we remain rest-less, but if we build on the foundation of the greatness of God, we will be satisfied and at peace. Our restlessness impels us to seek the goal of divine rest. It is the force that carries us forward until we find ourselves in the arms of Jesus. What a comforting place to be! (Judy Whittaker)

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Reap the Harvest!

Posted on March 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

“In the morning sow your seed………..” (ecclesiastes 11:6)

Where I live it’s almost spring—a time for seed catalogues and  redirecting our focus from indoor to outdoor planning.  The more time we spend in designing the gardens , choosing our seeds carefully, and watering the delicate plants, the better chance of having an array of colorful blossoms from May to October.

In order to have an abundant harvest the farmer must choose wisely what to plant and where, long before the ground is ready for sowing. He keeps in mind an old biblical saying, “Whatever a man sows he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

Uncultivated ground will not remain a vacuum for long because nature will bring forth a primitive plant life, and in a few days there will be a crop of weeds decorating the landscape. Our mind is like the barren field. If we sow our thoughts carefully, there wan’t be any room for “weeds” or an unproductive life. We can choose what we wish to experience. If we wish to have our needs met and our prayers answered, we have to decide what crops to raise. Let us plant seeds of hope, joy, peace, and faith that will produce strong crops that will withstand the forces of nature.

Jesus spoke in parables about vineyards, fig trees, mustard seeds, olive branches, etc. because he knew that the people were in touch with the world around them and they would be able to understand his message.We also can learn a lot by observing the order of God’s creation and the cause and effect patterns left by the footprints of man. God created a perfect world; it is man who is destroying it as he plants the seeds of greed, lust, and self-exaltation. 

We need to cultivate seeds of goodness, righteousness, and  wholesome thoughts.  Paul wrote, “ …whatever things are true,honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8) There is no room for negativity in God’s kingdom, and to be able to sow good seed we must pray to our Creator, heed God’s Word, and make every thought obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)  So as the fallow ground is being prepared, choose your thoughts wisely. Then you will reap the harvest! (Judy Whittaker)

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Be Strong in the Lord

Posted on February 29, 2012 | Leave a comment


“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, nor dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9

Joshua, Moses’ successor and leader of the Hebrews in conquering Jericho, was told by God to be strong and courageous, and unafraid because God would be with Joshua wherever he went. He was strong in the Lord.

A while after slaying Goliath who defied the entire army of Israel, the psalmist David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord my strength….” (Psalm 144:1) Verse 2 of the same psalm describes what God was to him—his fortress, deliverer, and his shield in battle. Unlike the humanists who boast of their own strength and wisdom, David knew that his strength came from God. He was strong in  the Lord.

Samuel. a prophet and judge of Israel, called God “the strength of Israel. As long as the Hebrews trusted in their God alone, the Lord would give them victory over their enemies. But if they began to exalt themselves, He would allow other nations to rule over them.

Believers, often called “spiritual Israel” need to remember that our strength is not in who we are or what we can do, but it is only in the Lord. Isn’t the builder of the house greater than the house itself? That thought should keep us humble, even when God’s blessings pour down upon us. If we boast of our own strength, God can reduce us to spiritual poverty. How can we ask Him for anything more if we don’t give him recognition for the victories that we have already been given?

If we know that our strength comes from God, then he will hold our head up and calm our heart as we fight our inner battles or external persecution.  Max Lucado, a well known Christian author wrote, “The key question in life is not “How strong am I?” , but rather “How  strong is God?” Christ follows every believer and gives him strength to endure in all situations. Let us not faint in our unbelief! (Judy Whittaker)

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The Peace of God

Posted on February 21, 2012 | Leave a comment



“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3)

There is a peace like a gentle river that comes from within our soul when our self becomes aligned to the mind of God. This peace is the source of tranquility, power, and strength. It is when we are at our creative best.

When we are at peace with ourselves and with God we can bring peace to others—individuals, groups, family, and even the world. It is possible to have world peace and order but only if everyone submits  to the will of God. Idealistic? Yes. Impossible? All things are possible with God who said, ” If my people which are called by my name  shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” ((2 Chronicles 7:14)

George Washington once stated, ” My first wish is to see the whole world in peace and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers.” What a wonderful goal to aspire to!

As we listen to the sound of water caressing the riverbed rocks, let us imagine that this water is flowing into our soul–the river of God….As we surrender our will to the plans of our heavenly Father, we will notice that we are in one accord with our Creator, the sustainer of all life. Is there any better place to be?  (Judy Whittaker)

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The Word of God

Posted on February 16, 2012 | 1 Comment

God spoke the Word and the earth and heavens were made. (Genesis 1) The Word is like rain and snow coming down from heaven, watering the earth, giving “seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” (Isaiah 55:10,11,12) The Word becomes a tree and the birds of the air lodge in its branches.

Flowers, in order to find air and breathe, break through rocks with a pulverizing force, just like the Word pierces through the soul. It sharpens the believer for prayer and from sin as a whetstone sharpens a tool. (Psalm 119:28) “Is not my Word like a fire and a hammer which breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29)

Faith grows by hearing the Word of God .(Romans 10:17), and according to the Bible, Jesus is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1,14)

The Word is like a bottomless sea, and the more we explore its caverns, the deeper we want to go……. (Judy Whittaker)

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