THE NAME OF JESUS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE NAME OF JESUS

(Matthew 1:21) … and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

What do you call the Messiah, the Savior of the world?  It would have to be an important name to fit His noble character.  Even today the world waits anxiously when royal children are named in England.  When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph he told him the Child within Mary was of divine origin and to call his name Jesus.  What can we learn from the name of Jesus?    

HISTORICAL – Actually the name of Jesus was a very common name in Israel.  In the Old Testament the Hebrew name for Jesus was Joshua.  There were two popular Joshuas in the Jew’s history:  Joshua the assistant of Moses who led the Hebrews into the Promised Land and Joshua the post-exilic high priest.  So to name your child Joshua was a special thing to do.  

PROPHETICAL – The angel said to call the baby’s name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.  Jesus (or Joshua) means “Jehovah is salvation”.  How fitting because that is what Jesus would do on the cross and through the resurrection.  He would save mankind from their sins and give them eternal salvation as they placed their faith in Him.  

PRACTICAL – But the name of Jesus is not only historical and prophetical, but also practical.  Jesus is the:

- NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES:  (Phil 2:9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. 

- ONLY NAME BY WHICH A PERSON MAY BE SAVED: (Acts 4:12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

- NAME THAT CAN BRING DELIVERANCE:  (Joel 2:32) … whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

- NAME THAT BRINGS HEALING: (Acts 4:30) by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

My good friend and pastor Mark was up for cancer surgery and was in the hospital calling on the name of the Lord for peace and healing.  He asked the Lord to give him some kind of sign that He was with him.  Just then a male nurse walked in and said he was the one who would be with him by his side and that everything would be alright.  When Mark looked at his name badge it said Jesus! (Obviously of Latino origin)  What a peace came over him as he relaxed back onto his pillow and called on the name of Jesus!!

Louie

GETHSEMANE

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

GETHSEMANE

(Mark 14:32) Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane…

Gethsemane is the name of an olive-yard at the foot of the Mount of Olives where Jesus frequently gathered with His disciples because of its secluded garden-like environment (Luke 22:39).  The name actually means “olive press” and refers to how oil presses were used to extract oil from the olive fruit.  How prophetic because this is what Jesus experienced there the night of His betrayal.  

The evening started out festive.  It was Passover and the disciples had a traditional Seder meal in an upper room prepared for the occasion.  That night Jesus introduced the Lord’s Supper (communion) and washed the disciple’s feet.  It was also the night where Judas left early so he could have Jesus arrested.  When the dinner was completed Jesus and the eleven made their way down to the Kidron Valley, over the brook, and up the ascent of the Mount of Olives and into the garden enclosure of Gethsemane.  Though they were under a full moon, a strange darkness enveloped this nocturnal assembly and an eerie stillness seized the atmosphere.  

The first thing Jesus did was tell His disciples to sit down while He prayed in the distance with Peter, James and John accompanying Him.   He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.  He told the trio that His soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Then He asked them to stay and be in a watchful mode with Him.  Jesus went a little farther and He knelt down and prayed.  His prayer was fervent and intense.  “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”  At that moment an angel appeared to Him from heaven and strengthened Him.  He prayed even more fervently even though He was in such agony. This intensive supplication produced such body trauma that His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground.  When He got up from prayer He came to His disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow.  

Calvary was won in Gethsemane!  It was there that Jesus yielded His will to the Father to suffer and die for the sins of all humanity.  That’s why Jesus could give Himself to Judas and his arresting band.  That’s why He could suffer all night at the hands of evil men.  And that’s why in the morning He would let them drive the nails through His hands and feet into a wretched Roman cross and bleed and die.  

What about you?  Are you experiencing a Gethsemane in your life right now?  Are you being pressed like never before?  Are you in agony of soul over something you are being called to do that is against your nature?  Then it’s time to pray, “Your will be done!”  God will strengthen you to choose the Father’s will as painful as that may be.  Jesus died but He also rose again for our salvation.  The best things come when we choose God’s will over our own!   

Louie

PRESIDENT GROVER CLEVELAND THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION (1887)

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

PRESIDENT GROVER CLEVELAND THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION (1887)

By the President of the United States:

The goodness and the mercy of God, which have followed the American people during all the days of the past year claim our grateful recognition and humble acknowledgment. By His omnipotent power He has protected us from war and pestilence and from every national calamity; by His gracious favor the earth has yielded a generous return to the labor of the husbandman, and every path of honest toil has led to comfort and contentment; by His loving kindness the hearts of our people have been replenished with fraternal sentiment and patriotic endeavor, and by His Fatherly guidance we have been directed in the way of national prosperity.

To the end that we may with one accord testify our gratitude for all these blessings, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do hereby designate and set apart Thursday, the twenty-fourth day of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by all the people of the land.

On the day let all secular work and employment be suspended; and let our people assemble in their accustomed places of worship and with prayer and songs of praise, give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all that He has done for us while we implore the forgiveness of our sins and a continuance of His mercy.

Let families and kindred be reunited on that day and let their hearts, filled with kindly cheer and affectionate reminiscence, be turned to the source of all their pleasures and to the Giver of all that makes the day bright and joyous.

And in the midst of our worship and enjoyments let us remember the poor, the needy, and the unfortunate; and by our gifts of charity and ready benevolence let us increase the number of those who with grateful hearts shall join in our Thanksgiving.

In witness whereof I have set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this twenty-fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twelfth.

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HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

(Psalm 118:1) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Louie

THE SINGLE MOM

 SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

 

THE SINGLE MOM

(Isa 54:6) For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a youthful wife when you were refused,” says your God.

There is no job more difficult than being a single mom.  You typically have to juggle between parenting and employment and so often without the father’s support.  And when extended family and friends are thin then what can you do but feel like your living life on a razor’s edge constantly.  You need hope from God’s Word that will encourage you.  You also need validation that your task is not only challenging but vital and indispensable.

Single moms need support like no other.  Some are more set up than others.  They have child support and a great network of family, friends, and church family.  Others feel all alone.  Their husband is non-supportive and non-involved.  At any rate you need to know that the Lord is with you and has your complete interest at heart.  He wants to take care of you and provide for you.  If you give Him a chance He will show you His tender love and mighty power in such special ways that others will never know.  Here are some scriptures to encourage you:

(Heb 13:5)…“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”…(Isa 54:5) For your Maker is your husband…(Isa 40:11) He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.

God wants to be a Father to your children.  When they have no dad to lean on the fatherhood of God will be there for them.  Just as God comforts your heart and fills your lonely times with His presence, so the Lord will watch over and protect and guide your children.  He will provide for their safety, security, and their future.  Your family will lean on God and become strong and resilient.  You will be no worse for the wear.  Your kids will be ready for difficulties ahead because they went through hard times that prepared them for adulthood.  Instead of being entitled they will be thankful for the blessings they have.  They won’t become bitter because you have shown them how to move on from the past and trust the Lord for a brighter future.

I hope you have a supportive church you attend.  It is there that the community of faith will be a source of strength for you.  You will have others to build into your life.  A woman’s group would be helpful where you can talk and pray with godly and compassionate Christian women.  Getting involved in the church will be beneficial.  Your kids will enjoy the children’s ministry and your teens will have a positive peer group in the Youth Group.

And if you choose to date and/or be involved in a relationship, then make sure it’s a godly man who knows your present limitations and the challenges that lay ahead if you remarry.  No one has to tell you that your kids come first.

Louie

THE WORKING MOM

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

THE WORKING MOM 

(Acts 16:14) Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple…who worshiped God.  The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 

If you think about it, moms have worked since time began.  They have taken care of their husbands and children and have kept up the home.  They have also worked hard on the farm or in the family business.  But a handful of decades ago society changed and now we see many moms dropping their kids off at school and driving off to work.  For some it was an escape.  For others it was a necessity.  Material goods have inflated and the cost of living has skyrocketed.  For some it’s hard to make it on one income.  For others luxury items are a priority.  Single moms have no choice.  But what does the Bible say about mom going off to work?  

When Paul received the Macedonian call he and his missionary group found themselves in the Roman city of Philippi.  His very first convert was Lydia, a seller of purple.  She was originally from Thyatira and seemed to be opening up a branch of business in another location.  Purple garments were very expensive because the dye came from a shellfish from the Mediterranean Sea and the process of extraction was very complex and therefore escalated the price.  Only the well to do could afford any garments in the color purple.  Lydia was also a member of a woman’s prayer group that met by the river.  When Paul shared Christ with these ladies the Lord opened up Lydia’s heart and she was saved and she and her household were baptized.  She then persuaded Paul and his group to stay at her household.   

Lydia is that picture of a professional working woman.  She was a sharp lady, enterprising, and had great people skills.   But she also found time to join a prayer group in the midst of her busyness.  When she received Christ her goal was to lead the rest of her family to the Lord.  She seemed to have that balance of family, business, and spiritual life.  What a model to follow for the working mom.  So what does it take to be a working mom and also a woman of faith?    

- KIDS COME FIRST:  At all times the children’s needs and concerns come first.  If that cannot be maintained then adjustments must be made.  Perhaps another job?  A cut in hours?  Talk to boss about flexibility in schedule?  Can work be done at home a few days a week?   

- HUSBAND’S SUPPORT:  You can’t do this alone.  Your husband must be 100% behind you.  That means he has to pick up some slack to help make it all happen.  There must be division of labor. Is the husband up to that?  Can he do a little laundry and cooking and shopping and cleaning?  

- MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL LIFE:  Lydia found time for prayer and for leading her children to Christ.  How about you?  Or are you too tired to maintain spiritual life at home?  May the Lord open up your heart and give you the wisdom to wed faith, family, and work in His strength and power.   

Louie    

THE STAY AT HOME MOM

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

THE STAY AT HOME MOM 

(Titus 2:4-5) that they admonish the young women…to love their children…to be homemakers… 

So you have chosen to stay at home with your kids and not go out into the workforce.  Good for you!  That is a choice that God will honor because you are putting your children first.  But the path you have chosen is not easy!  Therefore receive encouragement from God’s Word:  

- HUSBAND’S SUPPORT: (Amos 3:3) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?  The number one thing you need is for your husband to be 100% behind you.  You must decide together that this is God’s will for you.  Once you do that then you won’t buckle under the pressure when your decision is challenged.  When you get second thoughts then your husband will be able to encourage you to keep pressing on at the goal set before you. (Phil 3:14) 

- FINANCIAL:  (Mat 6:19-20) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… One of the most difficult things about staying at home to raise your kids is the money aspect.  You will feel poor so much of the time but you have to tell yourself it is worth it.  Let’s be honest…you will have to sacrifice earthly comforts and put your treasure into your little ones as they grow.  That means perhaps driving an older car, not shopping for clothes as much as you would like, not being able to go out to eat as much as before, denying yourself your gourmet coffee (but McDonalds is half the price anyway!), etc.  Your husband might have to work extra hours and you yourself might have to consider a home-based enterprise. 

- PEER PRESSURE:  When you choose to stay at home and raise your kids there might be pressure from your family and friends.  Your parents might not favor your decision because they don’t want you to struggle financially.  Your friends might have double income and be more upscale than you.  You drive up in an older car and might not be able to park on their nice concrete driveway because of your oil leak.  You walk into their house and see all the nice furnishings.  You drive home and second guess your decision.  STOP!  You are under pressure from others, but probably more under pressure from yourself.  Stand firm!  (Acts 26:19) 

- IDENTITY CRISIS: There are so many women in the work force these days and you might feel lonely at home with your girlfriends at work.  Maybe you could join a Christian mom’s group at church or in the community where the kids could play together and you could pray with the other moms.  This will reinforce your commitment knowing others are doing the same.  (Gal 6:2) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

My wife was a stay at home mom and she raised two beautiful daughters.  It was rough at times but I am so proud of her determination.  She tells me she wouldn’t change a thing! (Psa 113:9) 

Louie    

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH? (English and Spanish)

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH?

(1 Thes 5:5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Many Christians have questions regarding Halloween. Should Christians decorate their houses in this theme? Should we send our kids out trick-or-treating? Wow, what a loaded question! But let me give you some things to think about:

- Each Christian must make their own decision on how to celebrate any festive day whether it be Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. And we shouldn’t judge each other on this decision. Listen to the apostle Paul on this: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Rom 14:5)

- We must ask ourselves, “Does it glorify God?” Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)

- In regards to Halloween, we must keep in mind the scriptural prohibition of any kind of practice (and I might add symbolism) of witchcraft. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

- The Bible says we are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Jesus is the Light and we are to shine His glory. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of the light. (Romans 13:12)

- Remember we have the Holy Spirit, not the unholy spirit represented in symbols of a devil, a witch, or a ghost. True power is from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and we don’t need to be tapping into or even flirting with the power of darkness.

- Christians are into the theme of life, not death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

I hope this helps you to think along the lines of a transformed mind (Romans 12:2). Be led by His Spirit in all you do for yourself and for your children. Ask God for wisdom in all your decisions in regards to your family celebrations and plans. And remember, you are a child of the light!

Louie 

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Del Pastor a Las Ovejas

(1 Tess 5:5) porque todos vosotros sois hijos de luz e hijos del día. No somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas.

Muchos cristianos tienen dudas con relación al Halloween. ¿Pueden los cristianos decorar sus casas en esta época? ¿Pueden mandar a sus hijos a pedir dulces? Wow, ¡son preguntas difíciles! Pero dejame darte algunas cosas para meditar: 

- Cada cristiano debe tomar sus propias decisiones sobre como celebrar cualquier día festivo, ya sea halloween, Navidad, Pascua, etc. Y no debemos juzgarnos unos a otros en esta decisión. Escucha lo que el apóstol Pablo dijo sobre esto: "Uno juzga que un día es superior a otro, otro juzga iguales todos los días. Cada cual esté plenamente convencido según su propio sentir." (Romanos 14:5)

- Debemos preguntarnos, “¿Glorifica esto a Dios?” Entonces, ya sea que comáis, que bebáis, o que hagáis cualquiera otra cosa, hacedlo todo para la gloria de Dios. (1 Corintios 10:31)

- En cuanto al Halloween, debemos tener en mente las prohibiciones bíblicas en la práctica de (y debo agregar símbolos) de la brujería. (Deuteronomio 18:9-14)

- La Biblia dice que somos hijos de la luz y del día. No somos de las tinieblas o de la noche. Jesús es la Luz y nosotros debemos brillar con Su gloria. Debemos dejar las obras de las tinieblas y ponernos la armadura de la luz. (Romanos 13:12)

- Recuerda tque tenemos al Espíritu Santo, no el espíritu impío representado en los símbolos del diablo, una bruja, o un fantasma. El verdadero poder viene del Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:8) y no necesitamos estar jugando ni coqueteando con el poder de las tinieblas.

-Los cristianos representan la vida, no la muerte. "Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, pero la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor Nuestro" (Romanos 6:23)

Espero que esto te ayude a pensar como debe hacerlo una mente transformada (Romanos 12:2). Se guiado por Su Espíritu, por bien tuyo y el de tus hijos. Pide sabiduría a Dios en todas tus decisiones en cuanto a las celebraciones y planes de familia. y recuerda, ¡eres un hijo de a luz!

Luis 

(Translation by Maura Cathey)