Monday, December 25, 2017

Your view of Christmas


Our church recently held a family event where each family would construct a small nativity set, complete with a barn, angel, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. It was a great evening as I enjoyed the chatter of a passel of children and adults who painted and glued all around me, all the while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies! As the evening wound down it was amazing to see the variety of styles among the dozens of sets produced. Some were simplistic and traditional; some showed great flourishes of artistic ability.  While there were many variations the basic components remained the same.

Now that you are thinking about the nativity scene let me invite you to engage in a little mental exercise. Think of the last nativity scene you saw. Picture that scene in your mind in another way. What if you had no knowledge of the Christmas story and your assignment was to deduce the story from that image of the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? Would you conclude that the baby was of some importance since he is surrounded by a crowd of middle-eastern nobles bearing gifts? But if he has such notoriety why a bed of hay, and why a barnyard maternity ward? What about the sheep, goats or other assorted animals? Why are shepherds there; what is their purpose? Maybe the scene in your mind includes a star and angel or two- does not the mystery grow ever deeper if you only look through the frame of what you see before you?

I think for the uniformed it would not really make sense. With its odd collection of persons and objects the nativity set would likely generate more questions than answers. The only reason we make sense of it, is that we have some knowledge of the narrative of the Christmas story. We have from one source or another been told or exposed to the unique (dare I say, seemingly bizarre) account of the arrival of Jesus Christ.

Let’s take this one step deeper. It is only with the backdrop of the Bible’s account does it all ultimately make sense. From the Bible you learn that these events were recorded in prophecy centuries before the actual events. Scripture provides
the back-story of the angelic announcements to yet unmarried Mary and a bewildered Joseph. 
The Word of God will inform you of the Fathers love, the Son’s obedience, the angel’s worship, Mary’s wonder, Joseph’s faith, the shepherd’s diligence, the wise men’s persistence and the world’s Savior.

Maybe it is time for you to get back to the source documents and read about it yourself.  Perhaps you should connect (or reconnect) to find direction for your soul as you are taught the message of the Bible.

If this exercise would cause you to open your Bible or walk into a church, I would consider this effort a great success.

Jesse Waggoner


Thursday, December 07, 2017

What Do You See? (Matt. 1:21)


Maybe it is time for all of us to get back to the source of God's message. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Bible and Sexual Abuse



Abuse, Harassment, or Misconduct, no matter what you call it, God had something to say about it long ago.  I am amazed at the current flood of powerful, influential men who have been outed as to their egregious and once hidden and protected behavior.  Thankfully, our culture still respects the concept that an individual is to be offered protection from the predatory practices of those who are in position to coerce one into non-wanted intimate activity, and to offer justice to those who have been violated.  We rightfully respect and support those who have been victimized, traumatized and objectified.  

Unsurprisingly God’s standards are higher than our cultural consensus.  In many of the well-publicized cases, the abuser has claimed that all activity was “consensual.”  While that may be an attempt to save one from legal peril it does not save one from the burden of sin before a Holy God.  To be brief, God makes it very clear in the Bible that sexual activity is his gift to mankind and is to be practiced within the protection and blessing of marriage between a man and woman.  When channeled in the right direction our God-given passion can bring a loving couple together in guilt-free intimacy that not only strengthens the bond with a spouse but builds healthy families that build healthy communities that build healthy societies. 

Maybe it is time to say what God had said all along.  Obedience to His standards of sexual practice is to be proclaimed as the norm, not the exception, in a society that wishes to protect all of its constituents.

Following are a few portions of Scripture for your consideration.

Blessings,
Jesse Waggoner

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Proverbs 5:18
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

God With Us (Matt. 1:23)


A simple reminder that in the midst of our busy lives to not forget that God came to be with us. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, November 02, 2017

Worried? (1 Peter 5:7)


Yes there is a place to take your worries, and leave them there. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Compassion (Psalm 103:13)


How does God react to our cries for help? Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Which Measure? (Proverbs 16:2)


Using the right measure will ensure a life well lived. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, October 05, 2017

One Way!


Is there only one way to heaven? It is a critically important question.  The answer is even more important.  Rather than hearing my words I recommend that you listen to the Words of our Lord as found in the Bible.

1 Timothy 2:3-6

 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time

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.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

Romans 5:17

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:18

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

Romans 5:19

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Heb. 10:12

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sin from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

John 8:24

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


John 17:3

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 John 5:11-12

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Acts 16:31

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Luke 24:46-49

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Phil. 2:8-11

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Rev. 5:9-10, 12, 13

And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

13
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever"

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Emergency Alert (Luke 11:28)

It is not enough just to hear. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Four Years and Counting



Since September of 2013 I have created 260 episodes of Recharge Video.  Thank you for your comments, encouragement and support.  Please continue to share with others so that we can grow our audience and share the encouragement.

In case you are wondering here is how this ministry operates.   Everything you see online is created by our staff of one (me) and we have a yearly budget of $0 – in the future I hope to buy advertising to help get the word out but for now your sharing this ministry with others is the only way to move forward so please help as you can.

you can watch previous episodes here http://www.recharge.waggonermedia.com or visit the Recharge Video Website

Stay Thirsty (Psalm 42:1-2)


A deer and a desert teach us about thirsting after God.. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, September 07, 2017

More than Bread (Luke 4:4)

It might be time to take a look at your spiritual nutrition. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

A Remarkable Light (Matt. 5:16)


Jesus says to let your light shine - so that others may see the Savior. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, August 17, 2017

The Escape Room (Psalm 18:2)


God has the ability to get us out of any impossible situation. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Don't Get Lost (Psalm 143:8)


There are some steps we can take that will allow God to be our guide in life. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, August 03, 2017

Name that King (1 Chronicles 29:11)


Yes there are more kings than we realize but there is one King over us all. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com
View video in Standard Definition or High Definition


Friday, July 28, 2017

Greeting Card Verses (1 Chronicles 6)




Some Bible verses will never make it onto a greeting card, what do learn from them?. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Look Above (Jeremiah 31:35-36)




God puts a marker of His faithfulness in the sky every day and night.. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, June 29, 2017

You are not an island! (Romans 14:7)




To live in community with others is healthy, productive and efficient. Learn more in this Recharge Video. Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Friday, June 16, 2017

The Right Gift (Proverbs 20:7)




What is one gift that never goes out of style? The answer is in this Recharge Video.. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Doorkeeper? (Psalm 84:10)




Where is the best place to stay? The answer is in this Recharge Video. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Run to the Hills? (Psalm 121-1-2)




Sometimes when we are afraid we look to the wrong source for our safety. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Your Invitation is Waiting (Revelation 22:17)




God's final invitation in the Bible is one sent directly to you. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

----------------------------

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The One Person Jesus Could Not Save (Mark 15:31)




There was one person Jesus could not save and it was all because of you. Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

e>

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Look in the Tomb (Matthew 28:2-6)




The real reason the stone was rolled away. Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Saturday, March 18, 2017

The Belt of Truth (Eph. 6:14)




The truth is to surround us and protect us from the spiritual danger that is all around. (part 3 of the "Armor of God") Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Don't Go Do-It-Yourself (Eph. 6:13)




We must not neglect putting on His armor by faith to be ready for spiritual battles. (part 2 of the "Armor of God") Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Armor of God (Eph. 6:10-12)




We must not forget that we face a determined enemy (part 1) Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, February 09, 2017

Motivation (Hebrews 12:2)




Where we look determines where we run (part 4 of "Running the Race of Life") Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Friday, February 03, 2017

Determination (Hebrews 12:1)




The next step is the most important (part 3 of "Running the Race of Life")Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Preparation (Hebrews 12:1)




Proper running requires proper preparation (part 2 of "Running the Race of Life"). Please share. For more visit www.waggonermedia.com or www.rechargevideo.com

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Inspiration (Hebrews 12:1)



We have a home-field advantage in life. Learn more in this Recharge Video.Please share.

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Get it in writing (Malachi 3:16)



God puts His promises to us in writing. Please share. Learn more in this Recharge Video.Please share.

View video in Standard Definition or High Definition