Who Am I and Who Is HE?
This past Sunday I was reminded, by one of our guests who recently came to know Christ, how important our identity with Christ is in our walk with Him. About two months ago, this gentleman requested a song to be sung in worship. The song he requested was “Friend of God.” To him, God’s friendship is the most important aspect of who God is. When I think about this, I am always in awe that God would choose to call me His friend.
In Matthew 16:13-20, we find Peter’s confession of Christ. The background of the passage is interesting when you think about the question Jesus asked. Jesus and the disciples were in Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea Philippi was built by Herod’s son Philip. Originally Caesarea Philippi was called Paneas in honor of the Greek god Pan. This region was especially pagan, full of many gods. With the surroundings in mind, let’s now look at the question Jesus asked His disciples. “Who do people say the Son of Man is? (Matt. 16:13b)” Surrounded by the many dead gods of the people of Caesarea Philippi, Christ asked his followers to ponder what these people were saying about Him. They gave many answers to that question. Obviously by their answers they were reflecting the overall pagan outlook of the people of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus then turns the question to His disciples. “But what about you? he asked, “Who do you say I am? (Matt. 16:15)” Peter cried out first as usual, but this time he got the answer right. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” I find it very interesting that Peter emphasized that Jesus is the Son of the “Living God.” Here in a city filled with dead pagan gods was the One and only living God.
One of the greatest things about our God is that He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He will not and can not die. God is always an ever present help in time of need. Jesus is always your friend when there is no one else around. Jesus is our eternal hope. Jesus is Savior. Make Jesus your Lord!
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me.
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace!
Ruler of my heart today,
Jesus, Lord to me.
A Child of the King!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Oh! The Power of Jesus
Oh! The Power of Jesus
Recently, my family has been in a storm. We have been fighting the winds of sickness for quite a while now. The tendency during these times is to cry out to Jesus and say “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” Troubles come our way, and our focus is somehow diverted from the truth. The father of lies tries to tell us that we are all alone in our troubles. Satan is WRONG! We looked at this a little last week as Jesus spoke on this very issue in the Sermon on the Mount. Following His sermon, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, the centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, and many who were demon possessed. In order to get away from the huge crowds, Jesus decided to take a boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. I can only imagine how Jesus felt at this time. I am sure that He was completely exhausted. Have you ever been there? You get so caught up in doing great things for others, that your body tells you it is time to get away. I think that is what happened to me last Wednesday night. I had been so busy with work and family sickness that my body finally said “enough is enough” and shut down on me. I think that is where we find Jesus in Matthew chapter 8. He got into the boat with his disciples and immediately went to sleep. While on the boat, a “furious storm” came up. These storms were common on the Sea of Galilee. The sea is surrounded by mountains and as the cool air from the Mediterranean clashes with the hot, humid air off the lake, huge storms come up quickly. That is exactly what happened here in Matthew.
The disciple’s reaction was very similar to our reaction when we are in a storm. We so often rush to the assumption that Jesus is not concerned with our troubles. We think that because Jesus does not stop the storm from happening, then He must not be concerned about our situation. All we have to do is read just a few chapters in Matthew to see that this is not true. The disciples frantically woke Jesus up and begged Him to save them. Jesus did not wake up in a panic nor was He ignorant of the fact that they were in a storm. He simply, in one command, calmed the storm. The power of Jesus is so great that if it is in His will to calm your storm, HE WILL. Many times though, that is not the case. Jesus allows us to go through storms sometimes to help us grow in our faith. These times are not easy, but we must rest in the fact that Jesus is with us every step of the way. Even when we do not see His active hand, we must trust His heart.
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
In His Hands,
Aaron Hodges
Recently, my family has been in a storm. We have been fighting the winds of sickness for quite a while now. The tendency during these times is to cry out to Jesus and say “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” Troubles come our way, and our focus is somehow diverted from the truth. The father of lies tries to tell us that we are all alone in our troubles. Satan is WRONG! We looked at this a little last week as Jesus spoke on this very issue in the Sermon on the Mount. Following His sermon, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, the centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, and many who were demon possessed. In order to get away from the huge crowds, Jesus decided to take a boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. I can only imagine how Jesus felt at this time. I am sure that He was completely exhausted. Have you ever been there? You get so caught up in doing great things for others, that your body tells you it is time to get away. I think that is what happened to me last Wednesday night. I had been so busy with work and family sickness that my body finally said “enough is enough” and shut down on me. I think that is where we find Jesus in Matthew chapter 8. He got into the boat with his disciples and immediately went to sleep. While on the boat, a “furious storm” came up. These storms were common on the Sea of Galilee. The sea is surrounded by mountains and as the cool air from the Mediterranean clashes with the hot, humid air off the lake, huge storms come up quickly. That is exactly what happened here in Matthew.
The disciple’s reaction was very similar to our reaction when we are in a storm. We so often rush to the assumption that Jesus is not concerned with our troubles. We think that because Jesus does not stop the storm from happening, then He must not be concerned about our situation. All we have to do is read just a few chapters in Matthew to see that this is not true. The disciples frantically woke Jesus up and begged Him to save them. Jesus did not wake up in a panic nor was He ignorant of the fact that they were in a storm. He simply, in one command, calmed the storm. The power of Jesus is so great that if it is in His will to calm your storm, HE WILL. Many times though, that is not the case. Jesus allows us to go through storms sometimes to help us grow in our faith. These times are not easy, but we must rest in the fact that Jesus is with us every step of the way. Even when we do not see His active hand, we must trust His heart.
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
In His Hands,
Aaron Hodges
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
HIS Eye Is On The Sparrow
His Eye is on the Sparrow
On Labor Day, Malia, the kids and I took a short road trip out to Herbie and Nancy Burnette’s home in Ball Ground. We have been trying to get up there for the past few months and finally had time on Monday. Herbie wanted me to come up and see his garden because I would like to plant a small one in my backyard next spring. After getting okra, cucumbers and tomatoes all summer, I wanted to see where they came from. What a great time we had there just relaxing outside, the kids running around, and the great fellowship. As we were talking, Herbie and I discussed the many bird feeders he has on his property. From simple feeders to the more elaborate feeders, Herbie is doing his part in helping to feed all the birds that come his way. The feeders that I have always loved watching are the hummingbird feeders. I’m not sure, but there are probably 4-5 hummingbird feeders on the Burnette’s front porch. After we loaded the kids in the car and turned on a movie for them, the four adults talked a little longer outside. While we were talking, I got to do what I enjoy very much. I was able to watch a number of hummingbirds come and feed. What a beautiful bird! God did an amazing thing with that creature.
The thought of those birds reminds me of Matthew 6:25-34. This passage is in the greatest sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount. Opinions differ on whether this sermon is a summary of what Jesus taught on one occasion or a compilation of teaching presented on numerous occasions. Whatever the case, the Sermon on the Mount is in effect King Jesus’ inaugural address, explaining what he expects of members of His Kingdom. The standards proposed in this sermon are in no way possible on our own, but only possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The passage that sticks out to me this week concerns the provisions God makes for our daily living. Jesus tells us to “look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. (Matthew 6:26)” As the hummingbirds were feeding, were they concerned about where their next meal was coming from or where they were going to sleep that night? Absolutely not! They know very well that the creator of the universe is concerned enough about them that they do not need to worry about anything. God will provide for their needs. “Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matt. 6:26b)” Jesus is pointing out that if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, then He is even more concerned about you. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matt. 6:24)”
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me.
From a peaceful, worry resistant heart,
Aaron Hodges
On Labor Day, Malia, the kids and I took a short road trip out to Herbie and Nancy Burnette’s home in Ball Ground. We have been trying to get up there for the past few months and finally had time on Monday. Herbie wanted me to come up and see his garden because I would like to plant a small one in my backyard next spring. After getting okra, cucumbers and tomatoes all summer, I wanted to see where they came from. What a great time we had there just relaxing outside, the kids running around, and the great fellowship. As we were talking, Herbie and I discussed the many bird feeders he has on his property. From simple feeders to the more elaborate feeders, Herbie is doing his part in helping to feed all the birds that come his way. The feeders that I have always loved watching are the hummingbird feeders. I’m not sure, but there are probably 4-5 hummingbird feeders on the Burnette’s front porch. After we loaded the kids in the car and turned on a movie for them, the four adults talked a little longer outside. While we were talking, I got to do what I enjoy very much. I was able to watch a number of hummingbirds come and feed. What a beautiful bird! God did an amazing thing with that creature.
The thought of those birds reminds me of Matthew 6:25-34. This passage is in the greatest sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount. Opinions differ on whether this sermon is a summary of what Jesus taught on one occasion or a compilation of teaching presented on numerous occasions. Whatever the case, the Sermon on the Mount is in effect King Jesus’ inaugural address, explaining what he expects of members of His Kingdom. The standards proposed in this sermon are in no way possible on our own, but only possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The passage that sticks out to me this week concerns the provisions God makes for our daily living. Jesus tells us to “look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. (Matthew 6:26)” As the hummingbirds were feeding, were they concerned about where their next meal was coming from or where they were going to sleep that night? Absolutely not! They know very well that the creator of the universe is concerned enough about them that they do not need to worry about anything. God will provide for their needs. “Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matt. 6:26b)” Jesus is pointing out that if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, then He is even more concerned about you. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matt. 6:24)”
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me.
From a peaceful, worry resistant heart,
Aaron Hodges
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