AUTHORS » Joe Anady

Dec 11
27

Jesus Prayed for You

John 17 is precious. It is an incredible thing to think that we have recorded for us the prayer that Jesus prayed, not only for his original disciples, but even for those of us who are in Christ today. Jesus’ prayer was not for the world, but rather for all whom the Father had given to him. His prayer was for those who were his, living in that moment, and also those who would be his in the future, reaching to this present day and even beyond.

There is nothing more intimate and revealing than honest prayer. Jesus uttered these words only hours before being arrested – less than a day from being crucified. His love for God and his love for his people is exposed through this prayer. Even as he considered the suffering that he was about to endure, his mind and his heart were fixed upon the objects of his affection. Christ, in this moment was supremely concerned about two things, the glorification of God the Father and the redemption and sanctification of those whom the Father had given to him.

This is the kind of thing that will give you the chills if you take the time to think about it! If you are in Christ it is because the Father has given you to him. You being in Christ and Christ being in the Father is Jesus Christ prayed for you, Christian! Take a moment and consider Christ’s heart for you as expressed in what is commonly called the “High Priestly Prayer” of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’” (John 17, ESV)

 

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Prayer, Joe Anady, John 17, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Nov 11
16

Their god is their belly

Philippians 3:17-21

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Paul’s analysis of those who once professed Christ and now walk as enemies of Christ is interesting to me. According to this passage the determining factor as to wether ones “end is destruction” or “glory” has to do with worship.

Those who’s end is destruction have their belly as their god. In other words, they live for the appetites of the flesh, worldly pleasure, self. They see fulfilling the desires of the flesh as being worthy above all else (this is worship).

Those who’s end is glory have their appetites fixed on heavenly things, spiritual things, Christ. They see Christ and living for the things that are of him as being of supreme worth.

This passage follows that familiar passage where Paul says, “Indeed, I count everything (worldly things) as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

Do you treasure Christ above all else? Does he rule you? Is he your God? Do you consider him to be of surpassing worth? Or is your belly your god?

This passage has the Biblical doctrine of regeneration (being born again) at its core. To be regenerated is to have your appetites transformed. Before regeneration we lived for the flesh, in bondadge to sin, for our own glory, to fulfill fleshly appetites. After regeneration, our very being (heart) is reoriented to the things of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. We live not for self but for the things of God, we are freed from the bondage of sin, we live for the glory of God, and our appetites have been fundamentaly changed.

The things of the world no longer satisfy us the way that they used to. Those things that were once considered delicacies now taste like dung. We find that the things of the Spirit are much more appetizing and yet we still struggle with sin as we live in this broken world. Sanctify us Lord! Help us to walk in the Spirit daily that we might not satisfy the desires of the flesh. Continue to renew our appetites and transform our hearts!

In the end, Paul’s assessment of those who once proclaimed Christ and now are clearly enemies of Christ is that they still have their belly as their god; they are idolators, making something that is not a god in reality a god for themselves. May it not be true of us.

Just Thinking,

Joe

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Idolatry, Joe Anady, Philippians 3:17-21, Posted by Joe. 1 Comment

Nov 11
1

Remembering Those in Chains

Hello Emmaus,

I mentioned on Sunday that November 13th is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I would like to take some time in the worship service on the 13th to lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering in Jesus’ name throughout the world.

I would like to encourage you to do some research between now and then utilizing sites such as www.onewiththem.com and www.persecution.com. Both organizations make it their aim to bring awareness to the sufferings that Christians endure around the world because they are followers of Jesus Christ.

We need to be obedient to the command found in Hebrews 13:3 which says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

Below is one story taken from persecution.com. You can subscribe to their newsletter and perhaps include the persecuted church in your regular prayer time.

Blessings,

Joe

 

Maldives Teacher Deported

After teaching at a school in Maldives for two years, 30-year-old Indian Christian Shijo Kakkattu was deported on Oct. 14, 2011, after police found a Bible in his house, according to Compass Direct News. A co-worker reported Kakkattu to the National Administrative Center after finding Christian materials on a school computer.

According to Minivan News, an independent news agency based in Maldives, Kakkattu accidentally transferred material from his flash drive onto the school’s computer. Mohamed Shiraj, the principal of Raafainu School in Raa Atool, told Minivan News, “The videos were in Indian, so I don’t know what they were saying, but the images were Christian.”

Police raided Kakkattu’s house and discovered a Bible and other Christian materials. They then charged him with preaching the Christian faith in the Muslim nation of Maldives, which recently tightened restrictions on preaching and practicing non-Islamic faiths. Police took Kakkattu to another island for interrogation and held him for 15 days before deporting him back to India.

Last month, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs published new regulations under the Protection of Religious Unity Act of 1994. Anything that represents a religion other than Islam is strictly prohibited, according to Compass Direct News. Web sites, blogs, newspapers and magazines are forbidden from publishing anything contradictory to Islam. Violators face two to five years in prison, house arrest or banishment. As in Kakkattu’s case, foreigners accused of proselytizing will be deported.

Sources: Compass Direct News, Minivan News

Posted: October 27, 2011

 

 

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Oct 11
18

Enjoying the Catechism

It was a joy to have a conversation with my wife and kids tonight over dinner concerning the Emmaus Doctrinal Standard #3. And lest you get the wrong idea that the Anady’s always enjoy family devotional bliss – I assure you, we do not. With four little ones there is always something interesting going on. Tonight Damon was going from plate to plate steeling everyone else’s noodles while we were talking. The kid loves rice and noodles like you wouldn’t believe!

But even with the craziness of real life pressing in we did manage carry on with some meaningful conversation concerning the question, “What does the Bible primarily teach?” The answer is that, “The Bible primarily teaches what man should believe about God and what God requires of man.” It’s such a blessing as a father to have a template for systematically teaching my children the truths of the Bible. These questions cause us to talk about a number of different topics as we dive into the scriptures, looking at the support for these doctrinal truths. These are sweet times that I will always remember!

Parents, I encourage you to engage your children in Christ centered conversation with regularity. Teach them to savor Jesus. Instill in them a passion for God’s word and for sound doctrine. Above all, show them what it looks like to find great pleasure in the things of God. When the family devotions don’t go as planned, smile at your spouse and try it again. Show your children the grace and mercy that we have experienced in Jesus while at the same time teaching them diligently. Easier said than done right? How about I pray for you as you pray for me in this.

Just Thinking,

Joe

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Church Life, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. 1 Comment

Sep 11
26

Report from the Desiring God National Conference – Finish the Mission

Thank you for praying for the four of us who ventured out to Minneapolis this past weekend to attend the Desiring God National Conference which focused on finishing the mission of global evangalization.

The only thing that I can say at this time is that this was a pivotal moment for Emmaus Christian Fellowship. So many things that have been on my heart, things that  for 10 years have been developing within me were confirmed and honed at this conference. It was a blessing to share this experience with three other men. I believe that the impact of this conference will be much greater due to the fact that four hearts and minds were influenced instead of just one.

Please pray for the leadership of Emmaus over the next three months that God would give us clarity of mind and oneness of heart concerning the mission of Emmaus Christian Fellowship. There are truly exciting and challenging times ahead of us; let’s be sure that we are on our knees praying that God would be glorified amongst us, in this valley, and to the ends of the earth.

Some of the teaching from the conference will be available later this week on our “Resources” page under the “video” section if you care to listen in.

Blessings,

Joe

 

 

Posted in News, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Sep 11
5

The Significance of a Church BBQ

Of all of the encouraging things that have happened at Emmaus over the past 3 months I must say I was most encouraged by the time of fellowship we experienced at the BBQ last night. To see so many people truly enjoying one another’s company, engaging in deep conversation, and just plain having fun together blessed my heart in such a deep way. Lindsay and I stayed up till almost midnight last night rejoicing together. There was something about the event last night that seemed to appropriately celebrate all of the amazing happenings and hard work of this past summer.

Here are a few observations that led us to rejoice:

One, we heard a number of people say, “it just feels like family!” And we would agree with that assessment.

Two, our congregation is diverse in age. It was awesome to see the swimming pool filled with 20 some odd kids, more kids in the jumper, high school students on the grass talking with college students, 20, 30, 40, and 50 something’s playing wiffle ball and being competitive as all get out, and then to look and see that we are blessed with a number of more mature members; this is a huge blessing for Emmaus. From what I have heard, most new church starts lack this diversity. Let’s build on this and make sure that we love one another and minister to one another cross generationally.

Three, it seems that people in our church already know how to serve. Everyone pitched in when work needed to be done.

Four, Gabe Gomes cooks a mean tri-trip and that will not quickly be forgotten.

Thank you to those who went above and beyond to make this event happen.

Blessings,

Joe

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Church Life, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. 1 Comment

Aug 11
8

The Parable of the Sower – Devotional Thoughts from Mark 4:1-9

Mark 4:1-9
1 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
3 “Listen! A sower went out to sow.
4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

This passage should cause us to go two directions in contemplation. One, we should consider the sower, and two, we should consider the soils as we make application to our lives.

Jesus teaches using a parable as He explains why different people respond differently to the gospel. He compares the human heart to four different types of soil.
The first is described as a path; ground that is hard packed, unable to receive even the smallest of seeds.  This represents the hearts of those who hear the gospel and reject it outright. As Christ-followers we need not be concerned with this soil as representative of our own hearts, for we are in Christ! But we should be aware that some will respond to the gospel with pure hardness of heart; though they have eyes they do not see, though they have ears they they do not hear.

Next, the human heart is compared to rocky ground; earth that has a thin layer of soil on top with hard rock just bellow the surface. The seed of the gospel is said to spring up quickly because of the shallow soil, but the plant withers away quickly with the heat of the sun. This soil type should certainly concern us as professing Christians. We must ask ourselves, do I have depth to my faith? Do I really understand the gospel? Have I truly sunk my roots down deep into Christ through daily abiding in Him and His Holy Word? This is a question that we should ask ourselves throughout our Christian life if we hope to endure faithfully through the trials of life.

After this Jesus mentions the seed that fell among thorns. This, given the culture in which we live, should probably be of greatest concern to us. Jesus, in verse 19, says that the thorns represent the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things. I would guess that many Christians find their spiritual vitality and fruitfulness choked out by these pervasive thorns.

Jesus then mentions the good soil. This represents the heart that receives the gospel with gladness and continues to cultivate a spiritual life of depth based upon the gospel. It should be noted that it is only this soil that produces a harvest “yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

As we consider the soils, we should be encouraged to daily tend the garden of our souls. We must submit to God and His Word, asking the Holy Spirit to till the soil for depth and to weed out any potential distraction to the kingdom. I trust that if we do this, we will be fruitful in our ministry.

When it comes to the sower, we should notice one thing – the sower sowed liberally. The sower did not try to discern the quality of the soil before he cast the seed. From an agricultural perspective this sort of behavior is foolish (perhaps Jesus wanted this part of the story to be shocking to His listeners as a way to draw attention to this principle). Seed was expensive in Jesus’ day and a good farmer would have made quite sure that the soil was good before he threw the precious seed. Jesus seems to be communicating that when it comes to the gospel of the kingdom it is not our place to judge the condition of the human heart or the readiness of an individual to receive the gospel; we are simply called to sow seed and to leave the rest to God.

I wonder what kind of harvest we would see if we would stop judging by appearance? What would happen if we shared the gospel more freely? I think we would find ourselves in the midst of a great harvest! Truth be told, it might be those who, according to our judgement, appear to be furthest from the kingdom who are in fact the closest. The reality is that we have no idea what God is doing in the hearts of the men and women and boys and girls who live all around us. God is constantly tilling hearts; some soil is prepared and some is not. The only way that we will know if someone is ready to receive the gospel is to preach the gospel to them.

Church, I encourage you to apply the twofold message of this parable to your lives. Ask God to till the soil of your own heart and preach the gospel freely today.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Joe

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Church Life, Encouragement, Joe Anady, Mark 4:1-9, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Aug 11
2

Devotional Thoughts from Mark 2:13-17

Mark 2:13-17

13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.
14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Is Jesus teaching here that there are some who are righteous and and others who are sinners living on this earth, and that He is calling only those who are sinners to Himself? We know from the rest of scripture that this can not be true. For example, Romans 3:10-12 says, “As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.'”

Jesus here is making the point that He is calling to Himself those who are aware of their sin and their need for a savior. The scribes and Pharisees, though they were sinners just like the rest, thought of themselves as righteous and, as a result, saw no need for Jesus as Savior.

If we are to come to Christ and remain in Him we must acknowledge our deep need for Him. As we do ministry we must proclaim the Gospel and understand that it is those, who under the conviction of the Holy Spirit are made aware of their deep need, that will come to Christ. The self-righteous, are in some ways, furthest from the Kingdom. Christ is able to cover the worst of sins but only if the need for a Savior is acknowledged and trust is placed in the person of Jesus Christ.

Let us not fall in to the error of the scribes and Pharisees, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought and thinking that some, because of their sin, are out of reach of the grace of God.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Pride, Joe Anady, Mark 2:13-17, Posted by Joe. No Comments

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"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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