Fish Fry with Jesus

"When the disciples got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21)

I was thinking about this scene the other day and just got lost in the idea of how awesome it would have been to be apart of this breakfast. It would be so awesome to have a great morning of fishing followed by a fish fry with the resurrected Jesus around a camp fire just off shore. Wouldn't that be an amazing experience? Don't you wonder what that would have been like?

Well, guess what? One day we will get to experience this first hand. One day we will sit and dine with our King! What an amazing day that will be!! When I look to heaven with this type of anticipation then the things of this present time seem incomparable to what Jesus has in store for me. Man, I can't wait for a meal with my King. I look forward to seeing you there.

- Terry

Loving The Haters

Once upon a time there was a pastor who asked his congregation if they were willing to go out and do something nice to someone who openly hates them. Backing up this crazy idea with scriptures and the teachings of the man Jesus. The pastor knew that there were many in the crowd who were murmuring under their breath that they weren't willing to do that. So he cleared the moment of silence with another question, "Now tell God that you won't love someone who hates you." The congregation grew silent as his question had pierced many hearts, then the pastor drove home his point like a hot knife through butter with this... "That's what we do everyday.".......

The pastor was Francis Chan and the church was Cornerstone Church in Southern California.

Displaying the Works of God

[9:1] As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3] Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. - John 9:1-3

Why do we suffer hardships and setbacks? Why are some of us born with disabilities? A clear all-inclusive answer to each circumstance is not given. However, Jesus declares that hardship and disability is not to viewed as punishment but rather as God working mysteriously and mightily through the particular circumstance. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and therefore we should attempt to encourage one another with this truth. This particular man was born blind for a specific purpose even though him and his family had spent their entire lives up until this point having no idea why he had to be born blind. We can’t always see God purpose but we can rest assured that He always has one.

- Terry

And the Word Became Flesh

To begin his gospel, John describes Jesus as "the Word" which I find interesting and helpful. Describing Jesus as the Word helps me better understand His deity. When we speak, our words often tend to describe, explain, and reveal our thoughts and character. My words express who I am, they reveal things about me, they’re a revelation of me, they reveal my character, my nature, who I am deep within. They essentially can define everything about me. If you were blind and could not see me or see my face how else would you get to know me or understand me except for my word? My words are not something separate from me, they are begotten by me, they are apart of me. Jesus, the Word, is the direct revelation of God the Father.

No one has ever seen the Father, but He makes Himself known through Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews puts it this way, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the Word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:1-3) The eternal presence of God's revelation became a man and walked and lived among us, and in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. (Colossians 2:9). The glory and nature of the One True God of the universe can be seen by anyone and everyone who seeks to know the One we call Jesus.

- Terry

Results

"Following Jesus doesn't make life easier, it makes life simpler. God's expectations are the only ones that ultimately matter." - Brandon Cash

Statistically I've had my worst 3 weeks of the season. It's not fun by any means, and I battle with leaving it at the field and not taking it out on my wife, family and friends. I'm sure all the current and former athletes reading this understand the struggle! But by who's standards am I measuring my success by? The game of baseball or God's? If my joy in life is in and through baseball I'm setting myself up for a heck of a roller coaster ride. If I measure my success under Christ then that's something I can succeed in every single day! I've had more discussions about Jesus the past week than I've had all year. What a tremendous opportunity we have everyday to share Christ with someone!!! By no means am I saying that I'm not taking my job seriously but the freedom and peace I've felt lately has been undeserved. His grace and wisdom have really been revealed and I felt inspired to share that with you all. 

Thanks for your time as always, 

Blake