John 17
Throughout the Bible we are shown that God is our hero and that He chooses to use flesh and blood to bring His deliverance. Moses in Exodus, Joshua at Jericho, Boaz as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, Job as God explained that we are but vessels for the Master’s use, Nehemiah as God’s protection and His constant love, and the list goes on. What do these lives have in common? When each one gave all they had God’s glory covered them and deliverance came to those God had chosen. In the same way Jesus was glorified as God’s deliverance came. Notice Jesus no longer was leading them to believe but instead they believed He was sent from God (verses 7-8 NLT) Jesus prayed, “Now they know that everything I have is a gift from You, for I have passed on to them the message You gave Me. They accepted it and know that I came from You, and they believe You sent Me.” Jesus was about to give everything and it was in that hour His disciples believed and their eyes were fully open and though they did not know it they were now prepared to take their stories, God’s story to the world. Our lives are no different if we are to ever be used fully by God then when God’s appointed time has come His glory will be on us and in us – this glory is evidence of God’s presence and the answer He is giving through our lives will benefit those He chose to deliver, if it is not bigger than you, if the message does not reach further than you alone could reach then is not of God and his glory has not yet come. In all things be faithful and He will grow you to full maturity. Know this, there is a very specific purpose for your life, in you is a piece of God’s puzzle and only when you are fully alive in Him will that answer be offered to those in need. You will recognize it because it will reflect your very core, the very thing you have felt but could never put your finger on. You will recognize you are in the right place when you come in contact with a people group that you are drawn to unexplainably, you will recognize the time is near when your heart is burdened with the things of God like never before and you will see it when what is revealed is larger than yourself, reaching far beyond what your own eyes can see. Yes at that moment you are fully alive and in the same moment God’s deliverance has come to those whom He chose.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Take heart I have overcome the world
John 16
Jesus tells us just what we need to know at just the time we need to know it. He tells the disciples certain things “so they won’t abandon their faith” yet there are other things they could not know right then. Jesus told them, “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.” (verse 12). What this says to me is that like a good parent with a young child there are certain things the parent allows the child to experience so they might grow but is ever so careful not to allow them things that will hurt them or cause them to doubt the love of the parent. This parent is intentional about stretching the child’s abilities and expanding their horizons but doesn’t overwhelm them with things they cannot handle, even if they think they can. In my world I love to see this happen as God uses me to teach my children but it happens far too little which is one reason I read God’s Word, to be more like Him and understand my need for Him to be ever present in my life and the lives of my wife and children. Jesus points us to the Father and the Father is good, He provides for us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His Holy Spirit tells us things, things He receives from Jesus (verse 15) so that we have both peace and joy to the full and that we might know the Father’s heart for us better. All is done so that the Father might be glorified, dwell on this and let it soak into your soul. Father God does not receive glory for glory’s sake but His holiness demands it and by us living a life pleasing to God glory is given to Him. In our obedience the Father’s heart is revealed to us so that glorifying His name becomes our one desire. In knowing Him who we are is also revealed and what His plan for us is, which brings us ever closer to the Father.
Jesus tells us just what we need to know at just the time we need to know it. He tells the disciples certain things “so they won’t abandon their faith” yet there are other things they could not know right then. Jesus told them, “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.” (verse 12). What this says to me is that like a good parent with a young child there are certain things the parent allows the child to experience so they might grow but is ever so careful not to allow them things that will hurt them or cause them to doubt the love of the parent. This parent is intentional about stretching the child’s abilities and expanding their horizons but doesn’t overwhelm them with things they cannot handle, even if they think they can. In my world I love to see this happen as God uses me to teach my children but it happens far too little which is one reason I read God’s Word, to be more like Him and understand my need for Him to be ever present in my life and the lives of my wife and children. Jesus points us to the Father and the Father is good, He provides for us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His Holy Spirit tells us things, things He receives from Jesus (verse 15) so that we have both peace and joy to the full and that we might know the Father’s heart for us better. All is done so that the Father might be glorified, dwell on this and let it soak into your soul. Father God does not receive glory for glory’s sake but His holiness demands it and by us living a life pleasing to God glory is given to Him. In our obedience the Father’s heart is revealed to us so that glorifying His name becomes our one desire. In knowing Him who we are is also revealed and what His plan for us is, which brings us ever closer to the Father.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Pruned and Purified
John 15
(John 15:5 NLT) "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Through this action of ours the Father is glorified just as Jesus glorified the Father throughout His ministry here on earth. Jesus goes on to tell them that He has loved them just as the Father loved Him (verse 9) and again He tells them “Remain in My love.” How do we do this? By simple obedience, how do we obey? Read His Word so that you will know the truth and your spiritual eyes and ears will be opened. Have you ever seen a well-trained, obedient dog with his master? I can tell you that dog is far happier than the one on his own roaming the streets, not knowing where his next meal is coming from and unsure of what danger waits around every corner. His coat is dirty and shaggy; he is skinny and malnourished and cannot trust anyone for fear of losing what little he has. You see we are happiest and the most joy comes from being with the Master because like the dog who loves his owner we have a longing to be there. It was placed by the Creator in the heart of mankind long before we were born and it continues with each new life so that all may choose to either do right or wrong, choose the narrow path or the wide one, choose to spend a life time loving the Father or a life time wondering the earth for something to fill the God-shaped hole. The faithful, Jesus calls “friends” and no longer slaves because He has made known to them the will of the Father but He also reminds us that if the world hates Him they will hate us as well. The world has set itself against the Lord and a mighty, fearful fate they will one day meet because of choices of rejection they have made again and again even though they have seen with their own eyes the miraculous changes the Lord has done in you and me, as we glorify Him with our lives of worship.
(John 15:5 NLT) "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Through this action of ours the Father is glorified just as Jesus glorified the Father throughout His ministry here on earth. Jesus goes on to tell them that He has loved them just as the Father loved Him (verse 9) and again He tells them “Remain in My love.” How do we do this? By simple obedience, how do we obey? Read His Word so that you will know the truth and your spiritual eyes and ears will be opened. Have you ever seen a well-trained, obedient dog with his master? I can tell you that dog is far happier than the one on his own roaming the streets, not knowing where his next meal is coming from and unsure of what danger waits around every corner. His coat is dirty and shaggy; he is skinny and malnourished and cannot trust anyone for fear of losing what little he has. You see we are happiest and the most joy comes from being with the Master because like the dog who loves his owner we have a longing to be there. It was placed by the Creator in the heart of mankind long before we were born and it continues with each new life so that all may choose to either do right or wrong, choose the narrow path or the wide one, choose to spend a life time loving the Father or a life time wondering the earth for something to fill the God-shaped hole. The faithful, Jesus calls “friends” and no longer slaves because He has made known to them the will of the Father but He also reminds us that if the world hates Him they will hate us as well. The world has set itself against the Lord and a mighty, fearful fate they will one day meet because of choices of rejection they have made again and again even though they have seen with their own eyes the miraculous changes the Lord has done in you and me, as we glorify Him with our lives of worship.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
If you love Me, obey My commandments
John 14
Jesus knew how important it was for His disciples to be prepared for what was to come and in chapter 14 we see that moment when the One who led them to the battle speaks to their hearts to remind them why they are there. It’s the same reason why movies like Braveheart with William Wallace and Gladiator with Maximus do something to the heart of men – it calls to life a battle cry from deep within us.
William Wallace, “Yes, fight and you may die. Run and you may live, at least for a while and dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance to come back here as young men and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom!”
Maximus, “Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops. Imagine where you will be and it will be so. Hold the line, stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled for you are in Elysium and you are already dead. What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Most of us will never engage in hand to hand battle but each one who follows Christ Jesus will face spiritual battle, not just once but again and again and again. Not only did Jesus build up His disciples but He handed them the weapons required for this unseen battle starting in verse one. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” Jesus goes on to tell them what awaits the faithful and why they are here. Then He reminds them of who He is and that they have walked with Him and know Him, even though fear is standing at the door. Jesus told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” He told Philip, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you?” Thomas, Philip, and the other disciples feared what was to come for Jesus was talking about death and separation. I can just imagine they felt like I do many times, ill prepared and without direction but Jesus calls to a deep place within each of us to remember who He is, that He is with us through His Holy Spirit always, that we can ask anything of Him in His name and He will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father (verse 13), finally Jesus calls us to obey His commandments without regard for consequences. The words William Wallace spoke to his men serve as reminders to us that there are times being safe leads us away from our purpose or like Maximus reminds us how dangerous it is to day dream and ignore the here and now. Even though we feel it would be better to turn and run or we remain physically because it is required of us but dream of being somewhere else God calls us to stand and face the enemy, knowing He will go before us and live or die we are free from the bonds that would otherwise restrain us.
Jesus knew how important it was for His disciples to be prepared for what was to come and in chapter 14 we see that moment when the One who led them to the battle speaks to their hearts to remind them why they are there. It’s the same reason why movies like Braveheart with William Wallace and Gladiator with Maximus do something to the heart of men – it calls to life a battle cry from deep within us.
William Wallace, “Yes, fight and you may die. Run and you may live, at least for a while and dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance to come back here as young men and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom!”
Maximus, “Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops. Imagine where you will be and it will be so. Hold the line, stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled for you are in Elysium and you are already dead. What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Most of us will never engage in hand to hand battle but each one who follows Christ Jesus will face spiritual battle, not just once but again and again and again. Not only did Jesus build up His disciples but He handed them the weapons required for this unseen battle starting in verse one. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” Jesus goes on to tell them what awaits the faithful and why they are here. Then He reminds them of who He is and that they have walked with Him and know Him, even though fear is standing at the door. Jesus told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” He told Philip, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you?” Thomas, Philip, and the other disciples feared what was to come for Jesus was talking about death and separation. I can just imagine they felt like I do many times, ill prepared and without direction but Jesus calls to a deep place within each of us to remember who He is, that He is with us through His Holy Spirit always, that we can ask anything of Him in His name and He will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father (verse 13), finally Jesus calls us to obey His commandments without regard for consequences. The words William Wallace spoke to his men serve as reminders to us that there are times being safe leads us away from our purpose or like Maximus reminds us how dangerous it is to day dream and ignore the here and now. Even though we feel it would be better to turn and run or we remain physically because it is required of us but dream of being somewhere else God calls us to stand and face the enemy, knowing He will go before us and live or die we are free from the bonds that would otherwise restrain us.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Unless I wash you...
John 13
At the final supper of Jesus and His disciples we find Him washing their feet, which was an act reserved for a servant. That is why we read Peter’s response in verse 8 when he told Jesus “no”. He did not want Jesus to serve but instead lead but Jesus told him, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will… Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to Me.” You see Peter and the other disciples felt energy building as they believed something great was about to happen but their idea for their teacher to lead a great rebellion freeing their generation from the tyranny they faced strangely was not God’s plan. Jesus was reminding them of His ever loving and caring example that He wanted them (us) to follow as He prepared them for His departure. Jesus was not blind or deaf to their heart’s cry for freedom or ours but it was and is not the physical restrictions He had come to break but those of the spirit and this would not be understood until after His death, burial, and resurrection. Father God gave us His Word so that we may know the truth and therefore be made free! One day the wrong will be made right and those to whom injustice has been done He will raise them up and they will fly like eagles on wings of glory. For they will rise as He calls them unto Himself but only the Father knows when and how this will happen for it is not for us to know but ours is to be faithful and trust that He knows what is best for His children, His sheep. It is then when the mysteries of His words in Revelation will be made clear, just as the words Jesus spoke in the upper room that day was made clear after He rose from the grave. So hold on, something great is about to happen.
At the final supper of Jesus and His disciples we find Him washing their feet, which was an act reserved for a servant. That is why we read Peter’s response in verse 8 when he told Jesus “no”. He did not want Jesus to serve but instead lead but Jesus told him, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will… Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to Me.” You see Peter and the other disciples felt energy building as they believed something great was about to happen but their idea for their teacher to lead a great rebellion freeing their generation from the tyranny they faced strangely was not God’s plan. Jesus was reminding them of His ever loving and caring example that He wanted them (us) to follow as He prepared them for His departure. Jesus was not blind or deaf to their heart’s cry for freedom or ours but it was and is not the physical restrictions He had come to break but those of the spirit and this would not be understood until after His death, burial, and resurrection. Father God gave us His Word so that we may know the truth and therefore be made free! One day the wrong will be made right and those to whom injustice has been done He will raise them up and they will fly like eagles on wings of glory. For they will rise as He calls them unto Himself but only the Father knows when and how this will happen for it is not for us to know but ours is to be faithful and trust that He knows what is best for His children, His sheep. It is then when the mysteries of His words in Revelation will be made clear, just as the words Jesus spoke in the upper room that day was made clear after He rose from the grave. So hold on, something great is about to happen.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
His Vast Love
As vast as the deep reaches of space is I believe it is not large enough for us to escape His love! Who knows what the next life holds but I know this, He has a purpose for each and every one who belongs to Him and the things we go through in this life are preparation for the one to come. You’ve heard it said, “It’s not the destination but the journey that brings the most joy.” Though our minds cannot grasp what God has in store once Jesus comes for His bride to miss out on the personal time with our Lord in this life throughout the valleys, great plains, and mountain tops is to miss insight into His heart for us. We will never pass this way again so take inventory of His loving kindness, His wondrous grace, and His mysterious heart of adventure and know there is purpose in all Jesus said and did, not only what we read in His Word but also where He is leading us today for one day the reasons why will be answered and when we look back we will wonder why our faith was so small.
Friday, October 5, 2012
My sheep know my voice
John 10
Jesus said his sheep know his voice and will not follow another. Have you ever been mid-stream in something and hear a small still voice say, “Don’t”? Somehow you know the difference between your own thoughts and God’s voice (it’s confirmation of the Holy Spirit). After hearing this from times past and unsure what to do I go ahead and do what I originally intended then end up learning a valuable lesson. Thankful for God’s grace it doesn’t take too many times for me to realize what is happening and I began listening, even waiting for it before making life changing decisions. Just like the boy Samuel heard God’s voice three times before the older wiser Eli told him that this is God’s voice. Samuel’s reply once he knew who was calling him was, “Speak, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT). I too want my response to be, “Speak Lord and quiet my soul for I purpose to hear you.”
Jesus said his sheep know his voice and will not follow another. Have you ever been mid-stream in something and hear a small still voice say, “Don’t”? Somehow you know the difference between your own thoughts and God’s voice (it’s confirmation of the Holy Spirit). After hearing this from times past and unsure what to do I go ahead and do what I originally intended then end up learning a valuable lesson. Thankful for God’s grace it doesn’t take too many times for me to realize what is happening and I began listening, even waiting for it before making life changing decisions. Just like the boy Samuel heard God’s voice three times before the older wiser Eli told him that this is God’s voice. Samuel’s reply once he knew who was calling him was, “Speak, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10 NLT). I too want my response to be, “Speak Lord and quiet my soul for I purpose to hear you.”
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Children imitate their father
John 8
Jesus makes it very clear that people imitate their father, though the people that day claimed to be children of Abraham their actions and beliefs made a case against their own report. Jesus saw through their words and recognized their actions to be consistent with that of the enemy. God is just, holy, and the Father of truth if He is your Father then you will be like Him. There are many claims today of people in the media being Christians, even co-workers, friends, and family though we cannot judge or condemn we are expected to know from who they come from by their words and actions. Jesus told us these things so that those who believed Him would not be led astray.
(John 8:31-32 NLT) Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
The moment we listen to direction from sources other than God we open ourselves to being led down the wrong path. If we do not spend time in prayer or time reading His Word how will we know Him, how will we be led by Him when life requires us to make choices? If our prayer life is not consistent with the Word of God are we not confusing ourselves into believing something other than truth? It’s not enough to pray, people from every religion pray but we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to desire His presence in our daily lives and each day know Him more. When we go to school or work, when we come home to be with our families, even when we are alone our one desire shall be God’s presence in our own lives. One of the big problems with the people Jesus was speaking to in chapter 8 was that they were not aware of their own blindness for in their minds they knew they descended from Abraham but they did not know him. You see blood lines don’t matter, whether Jew or Gentile makes no difference that which leads to eternal life is determined by whom you follow and imitate.
Jesus makes it very clear that people imitate their father, though the people that day claimed to be children of Abraham their actions and beliefs made a case against their own report. Jesus saw through their words and recognized their actions to be consistent with that of the enemy. God is just, holy, and the Father of truth if He is your Father then you will be like Him. There are many claims today of people in the media being Christians, even co-workers, friends, and family though we cannot judge or condemn we are expected to know from who they come from by their words and actions. Jesus told us these things so that those who believed Him would not be led astray.
(John 8:31-32 NLT) Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
The moment we listen to direction from sources other than God we open ourselves to being led down the wrong path. If we do not spend time in prayer or time reading His Word how will we know Him, how will we be led by Him when life requires us to make choices? If our prayer life is not consistent with the Word of God are we not confusing ourselves into believing something other than truth? It’s not enough to pray, people from every religion pray but we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to desire His presence in our daily lives and each day know Him more. When we go to school or work, when we come home to be with our families, even when we are alone our one desire shall be God’s presence in our own lives. One of the big problems with the people Jesus was speaking to in chapter 8 was that they were not aware of their own blindness for in their minds they knew they descended from Abraham but they did not know him. You see blood lines don’t matter, whether Jew or Gentile makes no difference that which leads to eternal life is determined by whom you follow and imitate.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
true greatness
With true greatness comes true opposition. Without struggle, without difficulty, without testing of one’s spirit it would never be known to what limit we might be able to endure but for what purpose? Are we to be tested so that we may know our own limits? Not entirely, what good would be accomplished if God revealed our weaknesses without showing us the way to salvation, without making it abundantly clear the keys He has given us to help others who are also struggling in their journey? No, it is so that we may know God’s limits within us. Listen, we understand that all things are possible for God yet our expectations of what He will do in a given situation has dwindled because of life’s difficulties. Day in and day out these difficulties seem unending and without us being aware they take a toll on how we see God’s ability to handle all situations, not only for today but for to tomorrow as well. The Bible tells us that all things are possible through Christ Jesus, which gives me strength (Paul said this to the Philippians 4:13). So any limitations we find are not God’s but our own limits on how far we trust Him to be who He tells us He is in our own lives! Trust in the Lord has direct correlation on how much He will accomplish in this life here on earth, which He has given to us. So be glad that you face tribulation, for it is only a mirror of how much you trust God; not so you know where you have failed but so that you may know where He has succeeded in that all things will glorify the Lord God of Hosts who is high above all heaven and earth!
My Wife
Whether we can see it at that moment or not our wives are royalty, they are princesses of the King. It’s odd how this life can make husband and wife callused and unable to see each other for who they really are but God in His infinite wisdom brings us back around when we least expect it, just when you think hope is all but gone He breaks through to remind us of things we know with our minds but have somehow forgotten in our hearts.
Lord, help Gloria and I not to take each other for granted and help us to continue to keep You first and help us to value this communion we have with each other. Help us to fight vigilantly for this thing You have given us, for we truly need your mind on this relationship You have anointed and purposed from the beginning. I ask that You block influences that are not from you as we heal, even if it is from family, especially if it is from family. You know my heart and You know our situation, Gloria and I have carried so much baggage into our marriage its only by your grace we’ve made it this far. Help us to defend each other when something less than honoring is said of the other one so that we may know the each other’s heart, help us to show ourselves trustworthy so that we may trust each other more. Lord, help me to face each day with a holy boldness so that I may defend my family and still be kind, gentle, and loving in each response I give, even when it difficult. Help Gloria to hear You clearly and give her strength to make her own decisions, bring freedom to her heart, soul, and mind. Finally, help us both to represent You to the best of our abilities in all situations so that our children may be the people, the leaders, and the princes and princesses of the King You intended for them to be. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Lord, help Gloria and I not to take each other for granted and help us to continue to keep You first and help us to value this communion we have with each other. Help us to fight vigilantly for this thing You have given us, for we truly need your mind on this relationship You have anointed and purposed from the beginning. I ask that You block influences that are not from you as we heal, even if it is from family, especially if it is from family. You know my heart and You know our situation, Gloria and I have carried so much baggage into our marriage its only by your grace we’ve made it this far. Help us to defend each other when something less than honoring is said of the other one so that we may know the each other’s heart, help us to show ourselves trustworthy so that we may trust each other more. Lord, help me to face each day with a holy boldness so that I may defend my family and still be kind, gentle, and loving in each response I give, even when it difficult. Help Gloria to hear You clearly and give her strength to make her own decisions, bring freedom to her heart, soul, and mind. Finally, help us both to represent You to the best of our abilities in all situations so that our children may be the people, the leaders, and the princes and princesses of the King You intended for them to be. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
a prayer of peace
Lord and Father, this morning I come to You with a heavy heart and a wounded spirit for circumstances have been too much to carry on my own. Help me to know You more and cast away the lies the enemy would have me believe. It is his purpose to separate me from You but I am determined to come through this while holding Your hand because I know no one knows me better than You do. No matter how much my wounds show You see me as nothing but lovely and beautiful, for I am Yours. Lord, I need to feel Your love this hour and I need to know You are holding me through this storm, please break through my doubt and let me know You are here with me in this time of sorrow. Bring peace to my children as I seek You and cause them to know You better as I journey on this path. Help me to set an example that is real and authentic but also help me to express the pieces of joy You cause me to find along the way so that they may learn how to find You when they need a hero too. You are God and You alone are my salvation where can I run but to You?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
My Judgment is Just
John 5
Jesus said His judgment is just (verse 30) because He carries out the will of His Father, the One who sent Him and not His own will. To be open and completely honest I ask myself, how many times have I passed judgment on someone and the motive behind it is because of my own will? Do you want to know if your judgment is just then ask yourself who’s will are you satisfying? Do you sense pride after the fact in that you are not like them? Do you somehow feel better about yourself later after condemning others for not keeping the faith? Jesus had much to say about this type of person in chapter five, as a matter of fact His healing of the sick man seems to serve the purpose of introduction to this conversation and to make sure this happened Jesus appeared to the sick man a second time and it was then the healed turned Jesus over to His accusers. The reality of the whole thing is that Jesus was drawing a line in the sand – continue judging this way and you yourselves will be judged! But instead put on the mind of Christ seeking the Father’s will in all you do and say.
Lord, I’ve done plenty to keep me humble. Help me not to seek a crown when I’m doing well but to seek You first in all things. As much as I don’t like thinking of my own failures please remind me of them when I am tempted to choose pride for it is better to be wounded and rescued than die on the battlefield. You have purposed for each of us much more than judging one another, help us to get closer to that purpose each day as we seek You and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our hearts and minds will be on the Heavenly not the earthly, amen.
Jesus said His judgment is just (verse 30) because He carries out the will of His Father, the One who sent Him and not His own will. To be open and completely honest I ask myself, how many times have I passed judgment on someone and the motive behind it is because of my own will? Do you want to know if your judgment is just then ask yourself who’s will are you satisfying? Do you sense pride after the fact in that you are not like them? Do you somehow feel better about yourself later after condemning others for not keeping the faith? Jesus had much to say about this type of person in chapter five, as a matter of fact His healing of the sick man seems to serve the purpose of introduction to this conversation and to make sure this happened Jesus appeared to the sick man a second time and it was then the healed turned Jesus over to His accusers. The reality of the whole thing is that Jesus was drawing a line in the sand – continue judging this way and you yourselves will be judged! But instead put on the mind of Christ seeking the Father’s will in all you do and say.
Lord, I’ve done plenty to keep me humble. Help me not to seek a crown when I’m doing well but to seek You first in all things. As much as I don’t like thinking of my own failures please remind me of them when I am tempted to choose pride for it is better to be wounded and rescued than die on the battlefield. You have purposed for each of us much more than judging one another, help us to get closer to that purpose each day as we seek You and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our hearts and minds will be on the Heavenly not the earthly, amen.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Living Water
John 4
Again the woman at the well, like Nicodemus, shows us there is more to this life than the day to day things we do or even concerns we have such as where we worship. Like this woman we many of us do our best understanding our particular given (uncontrolled) circumstances (she was a Samaritan) and her weaknesses and temptations (controlled). Some know and understand these things others turn a blind eye but it seems to be the former that are drawn to Jesus and He to them, even before they know what He has to offer. For Jesus told this woman (verse 10) “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water.” It was in this contact with Jesus that the individual is made to examine their own heart, their decisions, and their deep need for a Savior and it is in that moment that Jesus rescues and delivers. He is a hero standing on the hilltop with an unnerving care for your needs, causing you to let down your guard and lay aside the defenses you’ve used to protect your weary heart thus far but with a majestic stare into the distance you know there is great purpose in this man, this hero. Unknown to this woman this very man would lay down His life for all mankind soon and because of that the world would come to know who He is and many would be rescued, just as she was that day.
Again the woman at the well, like Nicodemus, shows us there is more to this life than the day to day things we do or even concerns we have such as where we worship. Like this woman we many of us do our best understanding our particular given (uncontrolled) circumstances (she was a Samaritan) and her weaknesses and temptations (controlled). Some know and understand these things others turn a blind eye but it seems to be the former that are drawn to Jesus and He to them, even before they know what He has to offer. For Jesus told this woman (verse 10) “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water.” It was in this contact with Jesus that the individual is made to examine their own heart, their decisions, and their deep need for a Savior and it is in that moment that Jesus rescues and delivers. He is a hero standing on the hilltop with an unnerving care for your needs, causing you to let down your guard and lay aside the defenses you’ve used to protect your weary heart thus far but with a majestic stare into the distance you know there is great purpose in this man, this hero. Unknown to this woman this very man would lay down His life for all mankind soon and because of that the world would come to know who He is and many would be rescued, just as she was that day.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
To be born of the Spirit
John 3
Jesus used Nicodemus’ questions to help us understand why the Son of Man had come down to earth. Many had waited in great expectation for a deliverer, someone who would set them free from those who tormented them and perhaps that is, in part, the reason why many overlooked Jesus’ purpose. John told his disciples this about Jesus (verse 32) “He testifies about what He has seen and heard, but how few believe what He tells them!” Nicodemus was well versed in the law and Jesus said he was respected for it but his spiritual understanding was in its infancy. Still it was because of the Holy Spirit he talked to Jesus that day and therefore opened the door to his own spiritual growth. When Jesus explained the first thing about his spiritual life Nicodemus returned to what he knew and understood best and therefore assumed Jesus was talking about the physical and wondered how a grown man could re-enter the womb. You can almost hear Jesus say, “Now stay with me Nicodemus” as He explained how the rebirth of the spirit is necessary to see heaven. Until then the Jewish people depended upon their own ability to live within the confines of the law of Moses to receive God’s goodness and mercy but Jesus had come to deliver them from these (chains). Only those who passed through the door of spiritual rebirth had eyes to see what Jesus had done for them, requiring the first step in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (NLT). For the Son of Man is the Deliverer they had all been waiting for but His work was masked by the people’s inability to understand the spiritual. For the tormentors of the flesh would pass away but Jesus was more concerned about that which tormented their spirits, the eternal but understood the physical needs sometimes required attention first therefore removing that which blinded them to their own spiritual needs.
Jesus used Nicodemus’ questions to help us understand why the Son of Man had come down to earth. Many had waited in great expectation for a deliverer, someone who would set them free from those who tormented them and perhaps that is, in part, the reason why many overlooked Jesus’ purpose. John told his disciples this about Jesus (verse 32) “He testifies about what He has seen and heard, but how few believe what He tells them!” Nicodemus was well versed in the law and Jesus said he was respected for it but his spiritual understanding was in its infancy. Still it was because of the Holy Spirit he talked to Jesus that day and therefore opened the door to his own spiritual growth. When Jesus explained the first thing about his spiritual life Nicodemus returned to what he knew and understood best and therefore assumed Jesus was talking about the physical and wondered how a grown man could re-enter the womb. You can almost hear Jesus say, “Now stay with me Nicodemus” as He explained how the rebirth of the spirit is necessary to see heaven. Until then the Jewish people depended upon their own ability to live within the confines of the law of Moses to receive God’s goodness and mercy but Jesus had come to deliver them from these (chains). Only those who passed through the door of spiritual rebirth had eyes to see what Jesus had done for them, requiring the first step in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (NLT). For the Son of Man is the Deliverer they had all been waiting for but His work was masked by the people’s inability to understand the spiritual. For the tormentors of the flesh would pass away but Jesus was more concerned about that which tormented their spirits, the eternal but understood the physical needs sometimes required attention first therefore removing that which blinded them to their own spiritual needs.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
"Passion for God's house will consume Me"
John 2
Do we have passion for God’s house? What is God’s house, where does He live? Is it in something we can make from brick and mortar or is it something more? God is omnipresent but He dwells among His people, we saw that in the Old Testament with Moses and how the veil separated the Holy from humanity so that He may live among them and we see it in the New Testament as Jesus walked, talked, loved, healed, taught, and ultimately laid down His life so that we could commune with God and He with us once again, as it was in the garden before sin took hold. Passion… God gave everything from the beginning of time to be part of our lives so when Jesus saw the unclean in that holy place He was consumed with it. How can we, being His followers be any less passionate about the condition of our hearts, the place where God dwells?
Lord, sometimes I forget who you are and lose sight of your passion for people. You are the Ancient of Days Daniel chapter seven talks about and you are my friend. You are king David’s Strong tower and Paul’s burning desire and Peter’s companion and teacher. Teach me to love people more and support my wife and children in all situations so that they may know you better, teach me to be more like Jesus today, amen.
Do we have passion for God’s house? What is God’s house, where does He live? Is it in something we can make from brick and mortar or is it something more? God is omnipresent but He dwells among His people, we saw that in the Old Testament with Moses and how the veil separated the Holy from humanity so that He may live among them and we see it in the New Testament as Jesus walked, talked, loved, healed, taught, and ultimately laid down His life so that we could commune with God and He with us once again, as it was in the garden before sin took hold. Passion… God gave everything from the beginning of time to be part of our lives so when Jesus saw the unclean in that holy place He was consumed with it. How can we, being His followers be any less passionate about the condition of our hearts, the place where God dwells?
Lord, sometimes I forget who you are and lose sight of your passion for people. You are the Ancient of Days Daniel chapter seven talks about and you are my friend. You are king David’s Strong tower and Paul’s burning desire and Peter’s companion and teacher. Teach me to love people more and support my wife and children in all situations so that they may know you better, teach me to be more like Jesus today, amen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
"Come follow Me." Jesus
John 1
I love the picture in John 1 where you see people so hungry for the Messiah, the Savior because it brings them to the greatest decision they will ever make and it’s an opportunity to see the Holy Spirit of God work in their lives. Very quickly you see two camps, those who choose to believe and those who don’t but even those who were ready to believe required God’s touch and confirmation. For John saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and resting on Jesus, for Nathanael it was the moment Jesus told him what he was doing before Philip came and got him, for John’s two disciples it was their teacher’s simple words, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” The same is true for us, our souls were parched and dry and we were thirsty, our hearts were heavy and in need of rest, our minds had come to a dead end road not knowing what to do. All these things happened so that we might recognize our own need for a Savior, the Messiah! Once we heard of Jesus we only needed confirmation from God, through His Holy Spirit. Many come to this place yet cannot believe but others do. The longer I follow Jesus the more I know this is where I belong, notice I didn’t say it became easier but my determination has increased expeditiously and my soul longs for more of Him consistently through the good and the bad, through times of plenty and times of want. Paul said in (Romans 8:38 NLT) “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.” And that is why we follow Him.
I love the picture in John 1 where you see people so hungry for the Messiah, the Savior because it brings them to the greatest decision they will ever make and it’s an opportunity to see the Holy Spirit of God work in their lives. Very quickly you see two camps, those who choose to believe and those who don’t but even those who were ready to believe required God’s touch and confirmation. For John saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and resting on Jesus, for Nathanael it was the moment Jesus told him what he was doing before Philip came and got him, for John’s two disciples it was their teacher’s simple words, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” The same is true for us, our souls were parched and dry and we were thirsty, our hearts were heavy and in need of rest, our minds had come to a dead end road not knowing what to do. All these things happened so that we might recognize our own need for a Savior, the Messiah! Once we heard of Jesus we only needed confirmation from God, through His Holy Spirit. Many come to this place yet cannot believe but others do. The longer I follow Jesus the more I know this is where I belong, notice I didn’t say it became easier but my determination has increased expeditiously and my soul longs for more of Him consistently through the good and the bad, through times of plenty and times of want. Paul said in (Romans 8:38 NLT) “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.” And that is why we follow Him.
Monday, August 6, 2012
When you least expect it
Luke 24
When you least expect it God’s goodness shines through. It seems you hold out as long as you humanly can just to learn God has been waiting for you to relinquish control and you think, “If I had known this I would have let go a long time ago.” But that’s exactly the lesson we need to learn. Over and over we are reminded of this until one day we, without consideration, look to Him first in all things. We need Him not because we are incapable of doing things on our own but because we can, that’s the reason we need Him. Because our ways are not His, when we work things out apart from Him we drift from where we were meant to be and purpose is lost but God is good and like the disciples it seems to be many times in our dismay that God appears and gives us new hope and joy.
When you least expect it God’s goodness shines through. It seems you hold out as long as you humanly can just to learn God has been waiting for you to relinquish control and you think, “If I had known this I would have let go a long time ago.” But that’s exactly the lesson we need to learn. Over and over we are reminded of this until one day we, without consideration, look to Him first in all things. We need Him not because we are incapable of doing things on our own but because we can, that’s the reason we need Him. Because our ways are not His, when we work things out apart from Him we drift from where we were meant to be and purpose is lost but God is good and like the disciples it seems to be many times in our dismay that God appears and gives us new hope and joy.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
a prayer of thankfulness
Lord, help me to trust you more so that I may speak when you say so and remain quiet as you lead. Help me to know the difference between my will and yours so that I may know the truth. In this life at best we see things dimly but when your glory has come we will have new eyes, eyes that allow us to see you and your purpose for all that confuse us now. Surely goodness and mercy cover me all the days of my life, for you have delivered me so that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever more. God, I love you as best I know how but one day I will be free to love you even more and my heart cries out for that day to come quickly! Blessings and glory be unto your name and with a right mind and clean heart I declare You are my salvation unto whom shall I run but you? You are my refuge and my shelter in time of need.
Don't think the enemy is far off
Luke 23
Sometimes it is easy to forget there is an enemy of God who has sworn to bring down as many of God’s children as he possibly can. Unaware we get caught up in doing what is right and warring against the desires of our own flesh, so much so that the reason for those struggles is overlooked! Though there were those i.e. the priests and teachers of religious law who planned and schemed Jesus’ death for a long time and this day represented the climax to their intentions, there were also those that were used by the enemy unknowingly that day. At first glance it is difficult to understand how the people could be so blind when Pilate argued with them to release Jesus (verse 20) even he, being a sinner, could see Jesus was innocent but then the Holy Spirit reminded me these people had been prodded and compelled and ultimately blinded by pure evil, so much so that they believed what they were doing was for the best. That wasn’t completely clear to me until I read what took place during and immediately after Jesus’ death (verses 44 – 48). At noon that day the sky was dark, for the sun hid itself (Matthew 27:51-52 the earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened and many godly men and women were raised from the dead) back in Luke the Bible says, “…and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.” But something even more amazing happened, the veil of the temple that God had Moses make in Exodus 26 (1446 B.C.) which separated people from God Holiness, so He might live among His people, was torn that day (30 A.D.) completely down the middle! Then it is revealed in verses 47 and 48 the Bible says, “When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what happened, they went home in deep sorrow.” It was then the blind the enemy used to accomplish his goal had been removed by God Himself, revealing the truth which they were unable to see before. So when circumstances set themselves against you and your flesh seems to win don’t forget there is an enemy that has come with one purpose to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Sometimes it is easy to forget there is an enemy of God who has sworn to bring down as many of God’s children as he possibly can. Unaware we get caught up in doing what is right and warring against the desires of our own flesh, so much so that the reason for those struggles is overlooked! Though there were those i.e. the priests and teachers of religious law who planned and schemed Jesus’ death for a long time and this day represented the climax to their intentions, there were also those that were used by the enemy unknowingly that day. At first glance it is difficult to understand how the people could be so blind when Pilate argued with them to release Jesus (verse 20) even he, being a sinner, could see Jesus was innocent but then the Holy Spirit reminded me these people had been prodded and compelled and ultimately blinded by pure evil, so much so that they believed what they were doing was for the best. That wasn’t completely clear to me until I read what took place during and immediately after Jesus’ death (verses 44 – 48). At noon that day the sky was dark, for the sun hid itself (Matthew 27:51-52 the earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened and many godly men and women were raised from the dead) back in Luke the Bible says, “…and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.” But something even more amazing happened, the veil of the temple that God had Moses make in Exodus 26 (1446 B.C.) which separated people from God Holiness, so He might live among His people, was torn that day (30 A.D.) completely down the middle! Then it is revealed in verses 47 and 48 the Bible says, “When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what happened, they went home in deep sorrow.” It was then the blind the enemy used to accomplish his goal had been removed by God Himself, revealing the truth which they were unable to see before. So when circumstances set themselves against you and your flesh seems to win don’t forget there is an enemy that has come with one purpose to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Reason Why
Dear God we don't understand the reasons why but we know You know what it is to hurt and we cannot see the answer but we know there is purpose in this life and we know who holds the answer. If we know you intimately, we know that we are your prized possessions and you care for us so deeply that sometimes Your care is misunderstood by those looking in. For you use the hurt in this life to get our attention and to help us focus. For we’ve seen those who were dead (spiritually) walk in the land of the living, a place even many “living” never see all because You allowed them to go through trouble in this life. In the end we know your goal is not our comfort but our growth and preparation for the eternal You have planned. Even still we want to thank you for answering prayers tonight, only You are good and only You are worthy of all praise.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Seek the Lord
In prayer and supplication I often get it wrong but God spoke to me yesterday and three things were brought to my attention. 1) We are to pray for the mind of Christ. I know in my own life I like to think I have everything worked out and then all my efforts are put into making things happen the way I planned but we are to seek God's desires. 2) Jesus spoke of healing as bread for His children in Matthew chapter 15 as the Canaan woman pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter. With an incredible love for her Jesus tested her faith and because of her faith her daughter was healed. My point, God knows our needs and the healing of our bodies is as vital as food! In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus compares our heavenly Father’s desires for his children to earthly fathers ~ he said, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.” Again pray for the mind of Christ, to really see our situations through His eyes. 3) Don’t doubt! Seek a simple, pure faith that God is who He says He is! The father who’s son was possessed by an evil spirit in Mark chapter 9 was so desperate for God to move in his situation the Bible said he cried out to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Monday, June 25, 2012
Increase Our Faith
(Luke 17) Increase our faith the disciples told Jesus and this is what he said, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,' and it would obey you! When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, 'Come in and eat with me'? No, he says, 'Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.' And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey Me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'”
It is possible the disciples, unknowingly, had selfish reasons behind asking for an increase in faith, we simply don’t know but the one thing that is clear is that Jesus knows our hearts and many times He challenges our understanding and ultimately grows us beyond places we are able to reach on our own. First, He wants His followers to see it is not the volume of faith that you have but the quality. In that I mean we don’t have to work anything up to this grand level in order for something big to happen but instead, as a child, we simply believe without doubting. It is hard to wrap your mind around but when you are in tune with the Spirit of God through prayer and supplication and in such time you sense His leading a simple faith in your Father’s goodness is all that is needed to see unbelievable things take place! Secondly, when these things happen, as the worker in the field faithfully works for his master, so should we faithfully work for our Master – not bragging on what we have accomplished but always remembering who the glory belongs to and always ready to serve as He leads and directs us, laying aside our own needs, placing God first. Then we can have clear minds knowing we’ve done all that we are supposed to do. As we obey, God remains true to His Word and true to His people therefore increasing our faith so that mightier things may be displayed through us as He leads!
It is possible the disciples, unknowingly, had selfish reasons behind asking for an increase in faith, we simply don’t know but the one thing that is clear is that Jesus knows our hearts and many times He challenges our understanding and ultimately grows us beyond places we are able to reach on our own. First, He wants His followers to see it is not the volume of faith that you have but the quality. In that I mean we don’t have to work anything up to this grand level in order for something big to happen but instead, as a child, we simply believe without doubting. It is hard to wrap your mind around but when you are in tune with the Spirit of God through prayer and supplication and in such time you sense His leading a simple faith in your Father’s goodness is all that is needed to see unbelievable things take place! Secondly, when these things happen, as the worker in the field faithfully works for his master, so should we faithfully work for our Master – not bragging on what we have accomplished but always remembering who the glory belongs to and always ready to serve as He leads and directs us, laying aside our own needs, placing God first. Then we can have clear minds knowing we’ve done all that we are supposed to do. As we obey, God remains true to His Word and true to His people therefore increasing our faith so that mightier things may be displayed through us as He leads!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Joy, God's Joy
Joy comes from knowing Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him! God has purposed for us to know Him well enough through the reading of His Word and prayer that we recognize the character of God, so that in every situation we are open to the Holy Spirit’s direction and leading. Yes, joy that comes from God is very important for it is not like happiness which is conditional upon circumstance but instead joy is everlasting and is a source of strength in times of difficulty; God’s joy gives life where there is no life and gives it abundantly so that He may be glorified in all things that come our way.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Distracted by details...
(Luke 10:40-42 NLT) “But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
How many things fight for our attention, pulling us away from the one thing that matters? Somehow we have it backwards just a small part of our day is given to our Lord Jesus while details distract us as Martha was distracted. On the surface Martha could not understand why Mary was not helping, there were many people visiting because of their special guest and the same number expecting to be fed but those were plans and expectations of men and not of God. Had Martha done likewise, Jesus would have provided as He did when he fed the multitude with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus allowed Mary to escape to a place where she could lay down the burdens of life for a while and grow in His Word, while Martha met the expectations she and others put upon herself as a good host. Martha misunderstood, people were not there to see her or even for the meal; all the people were there to see Jesus.
How does that apply to our lives? Too many times we concern ourselves with things that do not matter because of expectations brought on by self-centered thoughts. It may have the appearance of being good but if you look deeper many times God is left out.
Father God, thank you for being involved in our lives, thanks for not being too busy for us as we are with you sometimes. Open the eyes of our spirit so that we may see what holds eternal value, for many things fight for our attention. You know our hearts and you see what we place center stage, may that be you! Bring us back and allow us to exchange the pride we’ve accumulated for humility and honor. We ask for your blessings but realize in order to receive them we must take time to sit at your feet.
How many things fight for our attention, pulling us away from the one thing that matters? Somehow we have it backwards just a small part of our day is given to our Lord Jesus while details distract us as Martha was distracted. On the surface Martha could not understand why Mary was not helping, there were many people visiting because of their special guest and the same number expecting to be fed but those were plans and expectations of men and not of God. Had Martha done likewise, Jesus would have provided as He did when he fed the multitude with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus allowed Mary to escape to a place where she could lay down the burdens of life for a while and grow in His Word, while Martha met the expectations she and others put upon herself as a good host. Martha misunderstood, people were not there to see her or even for the meal; all the people were there to see Jesus.
How does that apply to our lives? Too many times we concern ourselves with things that do not matter because of expectations brought on by self-centered thoughts. It may have the appearance of being good but if you look deeper many times God is left out.
Father God, thank you for being involved in our lives, thanks for not being too busy for us as we are with you sometimes. Open the eyes of our spirit so that we may see what holds eternal value, for many things fight for our attention. You know our hearts and you see what we place center stage, may that be you! Bring us back and allow us to exchange the pride we’ve accumulated for humility and honor. We ask for your blessings but realize in order to receive them we must take time to sit at your feet.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
How do you listen?
(Luke 8:18 NLT) "So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."
How often do we hear without listening? I know from my own experiences pressures of life can cause a numbing effect; you know what is right but fail to act upon it. Soon even the things you thought you knew will fall away and you’re left looking for direction. Fortunately, God is faithful in that He consistently gives us new opportunities to listen to what we are hearing and if we are hearing His voice He will lead us out of the quick sand we were headed for. Read your Bible today, pray, and listen – (Psalms 46:1 NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
How often do we hear without listening? I know from my own experiences pressures of life can cause a numbing effect; you know what is right but fail to act upon it. Soon even the things you thought you knew will fall away and you’re left looking for direction. Fortunately, God is faithful in that He consistently gives us new opportunities to listen to what we are hearing and if we are hearing His voice He will lead us out of the quick sand we were headed for. Read your Bible today, pray, and listen – (Psalms 46:1 NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
Luke chapter 7
I love this story about Jesus when Simon, a Pharisee, invites Jesus to his house for dinner and a woman, whom the Bible called “immoral” begins to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair. Simon because he saw himself as righteous must have seen Jesus as in interesting character to be studied and influential, something he hoped to be but this woman saw him as Savior, Lord, and the Deliverer of her past! Simon looked on her as someone to avoid but Jesus welcomed her with open arms because he was not blind as Simon supposed but rather he knew her life in intimate detail and even more importantly he knew her heart and who she wanted to be. You see people look at the book’s cover but God not only opens the cover to look inside but he knows how our story ends, he knows our desires even the ones we are afraid to dream and our purpose, the very reason we were created! Because of this God is able to look beyond all the things we can’t and if we humble ourselves before His feet and open our hearts to Him He is faithful to forgive us and give us a new start, a brand new life.
I love this story about Jesus when Simon, a Pharisee, invites Jesus to his house for dinner and a woman, whom the Bible called “immoral” begins to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair. Simon because he saw himself as righteous must have seen Jesus as in interesting character to be studied and influential, something he hoped to be but this woman saw him as Savior, Lord, and the Deliverer of her past! Simon looked on her as someone to avoid but Jesus welcomed her with open arms because he was not blind as Simon supposed but rather he knew her life in intimate detail and even more importantly he knew her heart and who she wanted to be. You see people look at the book’s cover but God not only opens the cover to look inside but he knows how our story ends, he knows our desires even the ones we are afraid to dream and our purpose, the very reason we were created! Because of this God is able to look beyond all the things we can’t and if we humble ourselves before His feet and open our hearts to Him He is faithful to forgive us and give us a new start, a brand new life.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Vision
(1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT) Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Lord, You have given us enough vision to see forms and shapes but we lack clarity. The sounds we hear are muffled but still what little sight and hearing we do possess causes us to venture out and some even seem to be good at it but I am not satisfied with these alone. The only thing I do see clearly, the only thing I can hear ring true are You and your words as you gently, tenderly, lovingly guide me. This gift is not exclusive for you promise them to all who humble themselves in order to seek you, who have hearts filled with love for you, for righteousness! You reveal yourself to those who take time to put You first.
Though apart from you I can see like the man whom you laid hands on and asked what he could see he said, “I see men as trees walking around” (Mark 8:24) only forms and shapes, apart from you I think I hear my name being called to come here or come there (for the enemy works hard to deceive) my vision depends on seeing You each morning, my ability to walk and not stumble depends on hearing your voice. No I don’t need to see tomorrow when I can hear you call my name and I need not hear things in the distance when I can see your face clearly. For You are my vision and You are my light, my path is clear and my feet will not stumble when my eyes are upon You.
Lord, You have given us enough vision to see forms and shapes but we lack clarity. The sounds we hear are muffled but still what little sight and hearing we do possess causes us to venture out and some even seem to be good at it but I am not satisfied with these alone. The only thing I do see clearly, the only thing I can hear ring true are You and your words as you gently, tenderly, lovingly guide me. This gift is not exclusive for you promise them to all who humble themselves in order to seek you, who have hearts filled with love for you, for righteousness! You reveal yourself to those who take time to put You first.
Though apart from you I can see like the man whom you laid hands on and asked what he could see he said, “I see men as trees walking around” (Mark 8:24) only forms and shapes, apart from you I think I hear my name being called to come here or come there (for the enemy works hard to deceive) my vision depends on seeing You each morning, my ability to walk and not stumble depends on hearing your voice. No I don’t need to see tomorrow when I can hear you call my name and I need not hear things in the distance when I can see your face clearly. For You are my vision and You are my light, my path is clear and my feet will not stumble when my eyes are upon You.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
To Be Falsely Accused
(Mark 15) To be falsely accused is one of the most difficult things I have ever faced. Everything that is within wants to make known the truth so that each one who sits in judgment will know that I am justified. Many times frustration and anger follow closely behind because there is no reasoning with my accusers but here we see Jesus being accused likewise and his response… (verse 5) “But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.” What gives people the right to judge, is it because they think they know the reasons why, they hear one side and think they can see the whole picture, how foolish! We see the crowds pushed and prodded by their own evil desires and by the priests and religious teachers. For Jesus’ earthly judge, Pilate knew the truth (verse 10) “For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.” and because of that he was confounded by the people’s persistence but was powerless to do anything about it.
The priests could not cause Jesus to conform to their way of thinking. They knew Jesus was right but instead of considering His words and actions and how they might apply it to their lives they plotted to bring him down to their level and when they couldn’t do that they intended to destroy and kill Him. Something about Jesus got under their skin, they could neither walk away nor ignore Him; no they were obsessed with beating Him. This type of person is driven to think of only one thing but ultimately it was not Jesus that they condemned but themselves! The real lesson here is in what Jesus said or rather didn’t say.
Jesus unlike us is perfect and righteous in all that He does and says. We make many mistakes each day and there are those all too ready to catch you making those mistakes and broadcast it loudly to all who will listen and when you try arguing your case and it only makes it worse because the foolish have not befriended reason but instead daily run as far as they can from it. No, when we try to argue our case we unwillingly leave behind the Rock on which we stand. God is our Protector and Provider and if our honor needs defending He will defend it, not only that but if our person is in danger from the foolish He will protect us but even if the foolish seem to win we would do well to remember this – only you can cause your feet to move from the Solid Rock on which you stand! We too have a judge who knows the truth but this time our judge has real authority and is not of this earth and those who wisely follow Him will be blessed to walk in wisdom all the days of their lives.
Father God thank You for loving truth, for You are Truth! Thank You for taking time to see all things to their finite end, for only You are worthy to judge the heart of man. You examining each thought, desire, and reason why of all who are involved and you are a righteous judge! Still I long for the truth to be made known to all but my justification is in You alone therefore, help me not move my feet from the Solid Rock on which You have called me to stand and help me not to place too high a value on other’s opinions for you called me not to please man but You oh Lord! Father, forgive me for not keeping my eyes upon you in my time of need and forgive me for trying to work things out for myself. Change me from the inside out and give me strength to continue in the ways of righteousness and let not my feet wonder from this place. In Jesus name, amen.
The priests could not cause Jesus to conform to their way of thinking. They knew Jesus was right but instead of considering His words and actions and how they might apply it to their lives they plotted to bring him down to their level and when they couldn’t do that they intended to destroy and kill Him. Something about Jesus got under their skin, they could neither walk away nor ignore Him; no they were obsessed with beating Him. This type of person is driven to think of only one thing but ultimately it was not Jesus that they condemned but themselves! The real lesson here is in what Jesus said or rather didn’t say.
Jesus unlike us is perfect and righteous in all that He does and says. We make many mistakes each day and there are those all too ready to catch you making those mistakes and broadcast it loudly to all who will listen and when you try arguing your case and it only makes it worse because the foolish have not befriended reason but instead daily run as far as they can from it. No, when we try to argue our case we unwillingly leave behind the Rock on which we stand. God is our Protector and Provider and if our honor needs defending He will defend it, not only that but if our person is in danger from the foolish He will protect us but even if the foolish seem to win we would do well to remember this – only you can cause your feet to move from the Solid Rock on which you stand! We too have a judge who knows the truth but this time our judge has real authority and is not of this earth and those who wisely follow Him will be blessed to walk in wisdom all the days of their lives.
Father God thank You for loving truth, for You are Truth! Thank You for taking time to see all things to their finite end, for only You are worthy to judge the heart of man. You examining each thought, desire, and reason why of all who are involved and you are a righteous judge! Still I long for the truth to be made known to all but my justification is in You alone therefore, help me not move my feet from the Solid Rock on which You have called me to stand and help me not to place too high a value on other’s opinions for you called me not to please man but You oh Lord! Father, forgive me for not keeping my eyes upon you in my time of need and forgive me for trying to work things out for myself. Change me from the inside out and give me strength to continue in the ways of righteousness and let not my feet wonder from this place. In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Righteousness
Why am I surprised when I meet opposition on the road to righteousness? Choosing right over wrong is never easy still for some reason I think doing right should come easy or natural. As I read God’s Word and study more I find doing right isn’t easier but I am more aware of what righteousness looks like. God’s ways are higher than mine and He allows me to face resistance so that my faith might be tested. He is not interested in making my life easy and carefree, although there is much freedom in His love for me. I find each new freedom brings a new responsibility, things I took for granted before, for a moment become a choice. With each new choice God says I change the shape of things to come. So when I meet this opposition is it really God giving me random obstacles to overcome or is it because of choices I made before?
God, help me to make good decisions so that you may be glorified in all that I do, not only today but all the days of my life. Help me to keep things simple, to choose right over wrong, to head towards light instead of dark, to stand instead of run. Though I know not your purpose I do trust you and realize you are my only hope. Jesus, be the center of my life, be my hope, be my song, Jesus.
God, help me to make good decisions so that you may be glorified in all that I do, not only today but all the days of my life. Help me to keep things simple, to choose right over wrong, to head towards light instead of dark, to stand instead of run. Though I know not your purpose I do trust you and realize you are my only hope. Jesus, be the center of my life, be my hope, be my song, Jesus.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Religion does not equal Salvation
(Mark 7) The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day watched Him closely trying to trip Him, for many rules and traditions were piled on top of what was law given to Moses, for the people, by God but now was so far from what God intended it no longer served the many but the few and God was taken out of the equation. What was meant to point people’s hearts towards God so they may be reminded of a Creator who loved them now pointed their wallets towards religious teachers and leaders who horded riches for themselves while telling the people they could never be as good as they were, all along hiding their own failures so that they might continue in this destruction of man’s soul. Paul said this…
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT) “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul never revealed to the people what this “thorn in the flesh” was, some say it could not have been sin because of the importance of Paul’s roll in the Christian faith and I am not here to tell you it was but sickness or disease just doesn’t seem to cut it. For it makes Paul out to be more than what God says about the human race and our great need of a Savior. Listen I don’t think we should go around showing off our scars. Sometimes we need the help of a close friend who will keep the confidence you share and not everyone is to know these things but all should know of your need for Jesus and that is exactly what religion kept people from doing. The Pharisees tried with all their might to be someone they were not and completely failed therefore, they kept hidden the desires of their own hearts because it betrayed them. That’s why Jesus went on to say in the same chapter, “It’s not what goes into your body the defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God, help me first to be honest with myself knowing all too well of my own need of the Savior You provided in Your Son Jesus Christ. Secondly, to be honest with others about my weakness and what Jesus has done in this broken life I call mine. Lord, may You be glorified and worshipped for who you really are! No other One is like You! Break through the clouds of my heart so that I may see you, so that I may see the Son. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive all glory and honor!
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT) “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul never revealed to the people what this “thorn in the flesh” was, some say it could not have been sin because of the importance of Paul’s roll in the Christian faith and I am not here to tell you it was but sickness or disease just doesn’t seem to cut it. For it makes Paul out to be more than what God says about the human race and our great need of a Savior. Listen I don’t think we should go around showing off our scars. Sometimes we need the help of a close friend who will keep the confidence you share and not everyone is to know these things but all should know of your need for Jesus and that is exactly what religion kept people from doing. The Pharisees tried with all their might to be someone they were not and completely failed therefore, they kept hidden the desires of their own hearts because it betrayed them. That’s why Jesus went on to say in the same chapter, “It’s not what goes into your body the defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God, help me first to be honest with myself knowing all too well of my own need of the Savior You provided in Your Son Jesus Christ. Secondly, to be honest with others about my weakness and what Jesus has done in this broken life I call mine. Lord, may You be glorified and worshipped for who you really are! No other One is like You! Break through the clouds of my heart so that I may see you, so that I may see the Son. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive all glory and honor!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
God of Hope
No matter what the situation it is good to remember that God is in control and though we might choose a different path it is also good to remember that the One we follow sees and knows far beyond what we are capable of. Therefore we must trust He is who He says He is and we are as valuable to Him as His Word says we are. Charlie Hall sings a song called “God of Hope” and the words keep going over and over in my mind… “Though You slay me I will hope. Hope inspires my endurance. Your hope is my anchor. God of hope fill me.”
Lord, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Teach me to trust You more, for You are the only thing that matters. Though often pain and struggles surround me You inspire me to be like Your Son, Jesus. Through good and bad I pray that You will teach me to live with open hands so that I may offer my life a living sacrifice instead of holding tightly to things that do not belong to me. God of hope, fill me!
Lord, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Teach me to trust You more, for You are the only thing that matters. Though often pain and struggles surround me You inspire me to be like Your Son, Jesus. Through good and bad I pray that You will teach me to live with open hands so that I may offer my life a living sacrifice instead of holding tightly to things that do not belong to me. God of hope, fill me!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
God is faithful
Thanks for all the prayers. Dad's heart is healthy and he is at home recovering from the angiogram. The doctor did not find any blockage even though the stress test led them to believe there was. All I can say is God is good and in control!
People Came to Jesus
(Mark 1:45 NLT) "But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and He couldn't publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to Him."
As Jesus met the needs of the people and fed them spiritual bread, which they have been starving for they began to surround him. We have many needs today and Jesus is willing to meet those needs just as He did for this man with leprosy but all too often we keep it quiet maybe because we are unsure of what we have been given. The enemy will try to rob us of the joy that is ours through Christ Jesus and cause us to doubt His love for us but that is where faith comes in. As we read His Word, pray, and find life in Him our hearts will naturally fill up with joy, so much so that like this man we just can't keep quiet about what He has done for us.
I am taking my mom to Christ Hospital this morning because my dad is scheduled to have angioplasty and possibly a stent placed in his heart. God I know you are able to heal my dad, if you are willing. Bring peace to my mom as we wait for the doctors and nurses to do their work, we thank you for the skills you have given them but it is in You that we place our trust. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
As Jesus met the needs of the people and fed them spiritual bread, which they have been starving for they began to surround him. We have many needs today and Jesus is willing to meet those needs just as He did for this man with leprosy but all too often we keep it quiet maybe because we are unsure of what we have been given. The enemy will try to rob us of the joy that is ours through Christ Jesus and cause us to doubt His love for us but that is where faith comes in. As we read His Word, pray, and find life in Him our hearts will naturally fill up with joy, so much so that like this man we just can't keep quiet about what He has done for us.
I am taking my mom to Christ Hospital this morning because my dad is scheduled to have angioplasty and possibly a stent placed in his heart. God I know you are able to heal my dad, if you are willing. Bring peace to my mom as we wait for the doctors and nurses to do their work, we thank you for the skills you have given them but it is in You that we place our trust. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Jesus Took My Sin
(Matthew 27) What terrible things Jesus suffered and the priest knew what they had done saying to themselves, "It would not be right to put this money in the Temple treasury, since it was payment for murder." (verse 6) but that did not stop them. They continued to push the people to release a "notorious prisoner" named Barabbas so that Jesus would be tortured and killed and the people took the responsibility on themselves and their children (verse 25). If you step back for a moment you see the real ring-leader (the devil) as Jesus is beat with a lead-tipped whip and his head punctured by the crown of thorns they put on him as they hit it with a large stick. To the very end the people pushed Him with mockery and offering bitter wine to drink as if they could find Jesus' breaking point but they never succeeded. Jesus' eyes were on His Father and He remained faithful because He could see beyond what the enemy was doing and He understood our need for a Savior. Is it that love is blind or that love allows us to see what could not be seen any other way?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Mercy, Even at the End
(Matthew 26) Jesus prepared His followers for what was about to take place. He made it clear to them that He must die in order for prophecies to take place but hidden in this message of ultimate despair was a hope beyond their imagination! Soon they would understand but the darkest hour was still ahead. Jesus spent time with His Father in Heaven and with His friends just before the end for this was very important and it tells of His love for us. As He eat with them each one swore their allegiance, even unto death but Jesus knew this road He must travel alone. At that moment I am reminded of a young child making a vow to the father but not understanding what is required and the father's heart filling up with joy because of the belief the child has in the father. Peter promised he would even die with Jesus if it came to that, that's when Jesus told Peter something that he would never forget. Peter did not understand it then but soon he would. At the end of the chapter the Bible said Peter wept bitterly because he could not follow Jesus, as he said he would and Peter must have felt the end had surely come but he did not understand the dawn was coming and soon Jesus himself would remind Peter of this hidden message of hope.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Use Well What You Are Given
(Matthew 25) We have a wonderful Savior that knows us better than we know ourselves. He does not expect more of me than what I am capable of giving. He knows my limits and He is faithful to stretch me so that I meet them. In this way I grow in Him, if I am faithful to follow, even when I feel what is being asked of me is beyond my abilities or unfair. This I know to be true, for to allow fear to hold me where I am and not live the life I've been given is born out of wickedness and laziness in the end I will give an account for everything I have done and maybe more so the things I was suppose to do and never did. So I will be content and make the most of what I have been given, knowing those who have been given more, more will be required and more is required of me then those who have less. Listen as Jesus teaches his disciples about Heaven...
(Matthew 25:19-29 NLT) "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! ' The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."
Lord, help me not to compare my situation to others for mine is not to judge how you deal with them but only that I am faithful in what You have given me. Cause me to be silent when everything inside wants to shout, "unfair!" for you have given to me a hidden treasure if I would only learn to keep quiet. Your ways are better than mine but if I continue to go through life with my eyes closed I will never experience your purpose. So keep my feet from stumbling in the dark as I listen to your voice, You are my only hope and everything you place in my life is for my own good, even when it doesn't feel like it. It's in the struggles that my senses become acutely aware of your presence in my life.
(Matthew 25:19-29 NLT) "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! ' The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."
Lord, help me not to compare my situation to others for mine is not to judge how you deal with them but only that I am faithful in what You have given me. Cause me to be silent when everything inside wants to shout, "unfair!" for you have given to me a hidden treasure if I would only learn to keep quiet. Your ways are better than mine but if I continue to go through life with my eyes closed I will never experience your purpose. So keep my feet from stumbling in the dark as I listen to your voice, You are my only hope and everything you place in my life is for my own good, even when it doesn't feel like it. It's in the struggles that my senses become acutely aware of your presence in my life.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Do not follow their example
(Matthew 23) How important is it to live what you believe? After reading this chapter there should be no doubt. Jesus speaks with authority, like no other before or after Him, when He calls out the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. They were using God's law to make their own lives comfortable while crushing the people with rules and regulations. They took something God meant for the good of the people and beat them over the head with it, separating and exempting themselves from the requirements they were broadcasting loudly. Jesus did not mix his words when he called them snakes, sons of vipers, and children of hell! He said that generation will be held responsible for the murder of all godly people of all time - from the murder of righteous Abel to the murder of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed in the Temple between the sanctuary and the alter (verse 35). The teachers of the law of Moses had been given a great responsibility to take care of the Master's estate while He was away but when the Master (Jesus) returned they were found abusing the people and drunk in luxuries they did not earn. (Matthew 24:44-51 NLT) "You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Give to Caesar
(Matthew 22) Sometimes we get mixed up giving God offerings He does not ask for and giving the things He does require to others. The Pharisees were trying to get Jesus to say something that would cause him to be arrested but Jesus knew their hearts. Then they asked him if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? By the way these series of questions sounds much like the devil's attempt to cause Jesus to stumble in the wilderness (Matthew chapter 4) and so we get insight into where these questions are coming from. Jesus met their challenge by turning their question into a teaching moment. He pointed out that the coin had Caesar's image and name stamped on it and therefore belonged to Caesar but he also mentioned that they should give to God what belongs to God. As Christians do we not have God's image stamped on our hearts? Is His name not our name, for we call ourselves Christians. Too often we give God things that do not cost us much, sometimes that's our money. If we give out of our abundance what have we given? Jesus said the poor widow that gave two small coins (all she had) gave more than all the others (Mark 12:43). Sometimes going to church is more a symbol of goodwill than an act of worship and the list goes on. These are things we all have to be aware of because the devil will try to trap us as well, making us believe we are doing enough but all along keeping us from having life-changing relationship with our Savior.
Lord, help us to know your better and when we feel that tug on our hearts to follow your leading give us strength to do it. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Lord, help us to know your better and when we feel that tug on our hearts to follow your leading give us strength to do it. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Lord is Coming to Town
Though Jesus knew the fate that was to come He was compelled to go anyway. It was because of His great love and compassion for us that moved him without complaint. Gently, humbly, and patiently he rode a donkey into town and all the people said, "Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in the highest heaven!" but no mercy was shown to those who set themselves against God as Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and rebuked the leading priests and elders for their self-serving actions. Though He humbled himself He was still Lord of the heavens!
As a follower of Christ Jesus we are called to live a life that does not belong to us and though times are few I can see down the road to what might come many of those times my flesh resists. Many times the thought of wanting to run enters my mind but a voice from deeper inside tells me, "Stand." For I know not what God has in store but I do know I want to be found faithful and wanting for nothing, except for what my Lord provides. On Christ alone do I stand, for all other ground is sinking sand and what He chooses for me is up to Him alone.
As a follower of Christ Jesus we are called to live a life that does not belong to us and though times are few I can see down the road to what might come many of those times my flesh resists. Many times the thought of wanting to run enters my mind but a voice from deeper inside tells me, "Stand." For I know not what God has in store but I do know I want to be found faithful and wanting for nothing, except for what my Lord provides. On Christ alone do I stand, for all other ground is sinking sand and what He chooses for me is up to Him alone.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Fork in the Road
Lord, you have my attention, I recognize your authority in my life and I submit to You. I like my world well controlled and when something outside that control happens I seem to come unglued but I know you use that to teach me where I need more of You. Forgive me for not turning to You first in every situation, like I know I should. Please help me keep the commitments I have made to You including my roll as husband, father, church member and employee and help me invest in real relationship with people around me. Give me discernment so that I may know which things have eternal value, for time is like money in that You have given me a limited supply and help me to resist the enemy when he comes to discourage me, it is those times I know I'm on the right path. Thank You for loving me enough to correct me and for giving me your Holy Spirit that I may know You. Your mercy is great and your grace sufficient for me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
To be like a child
(Matthew 18) "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus. Humility and faith are two things we lose as we grow up to become adults. In becoming adults we are taught to be self-reliant and therefore we sacrifice the very things God says are necessary for us to enter His Kingdom. Before we head off in search of our own life we pass through the gate of accountability and for those who don't live in America where there is a church on every corner God has provided His creation as His first witness, where much is given much is required. For me that time came at the age of nine and apparently the decision was easily seen by those whom God appointed because I remember one of my church youth leaders asking me if I wanted to pray after a youth function. I know it was God directed because he took me out of the crowd and we ended up praying in the restroom, for God knew what I needed to make this important decision, by nature I am a private person. Now since becoming a Christian I have made many decisions out of self-reliance but each time I do God is faithful to bring me back to His side and at the times I am closest to my Savior faith and humility are present. For those who don't accept Jesus they have no other place to turn except to themselves, which only pushes humility and faith further away. No wonder Jesus said in tomorrow's reading, (Matthew 19:23-24 NLT) "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I'll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'"
Lord, thanks for this life you have given me. May I always be aware of your presence and your gracious love for me. Please keep my heart soft and open before you and teach my children to do the same. I know as teens and pre-teens they begin to think they can do many things better than dear old dad but let that not turn into self-reliance. Lord you know I love them and it's because of this love you placed in me for them I pray that you will allow them to know their own weakness so that they may turn to you and continually have "child-like" hearts for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Lord, thanks for this life you have given me. May I always be aware of your presence and your gracious love for me. Please keep my heart soft and open before you and teach my children to do the same. I know as teens and pre-teens they begin to think they can do many things better than dear old dad but let that not turn into self-reliance. Lord you know I love them and it's because of this love you placed in me for them I pray that you will allow them to know their own weakness so that they may turn to you and continually have "child-like" hearts for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Too Familiar
Have you ever thought you could know someone too well and your own misconceptions kept you from really know them? Jesus' own disciples eat, walked, worked, ministered along side the Savior but like everyone else saw all that was done with a slant on it. When forced to think about it they knew Jesus was the Son of God (Mat. 14:33) but somehow that kept getting pushed to the sidelines and each time something miraculous was done they were astonished. Even more important some reverence was lost as they did life together, that's why Jesus said, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." (Mat. 13:57). Today I read that Jesus was transformed before Peter, James, and John and a glimpse of His glory was shown to them as He stood with Moses and Elijah. Peter was quick, like always, to speak and wanted to make three tabernacles for each of them but then a bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice from heaven began to speak. With great fear they fell on their faces, realizing they were in a holy place and something was happening that they did not understand but what I got out of it was that even though they heard the Father speak from heaven that day they had been living with God since the day they decided to follow Jesus. One thing I've learned from reading the Bible is that many times it seems, at first glance, chapters and verses seem to talk about many different things and we read them as if they are all separate but in fact when looked at closer the chapters and verses are placed as they are because there is one main idea and that is true in Matthew chapter 17. We see the disciples become too familiar with the person of Jesus but forget that He is God and at the end of the chapter we see their faith is lacking. No wonder Jesus said in verse 17, "You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?" Jesus loved them but He wanted them to see more than they were willing to believe. The disciples and the people lacked faith when they saw that the boy was not healed, not realizing that God was with them whether it was Jesus praying or His disciples.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Pressing In
Today I read about a woman who cried for help but Jesus "did not answer her a word" (Mat. 15:23). Seems strange doesn't it? There must be something deeper than what appears to be happening on the surface. The Bible said Jesus "withdrew" to parts of Tyre and Sidon after healing, teaching, and feeding a large crowd of people. No one knew what He had in mind but only one encounter was recorded, as if that was His main purpose for going there. So why did he seem to look the other way when this woman asked for her daughter to be healed? Jesus' disciples saw that the woman was persistent and that Jesus seemed to be bothered by her begging but I think Jesus used this situation to shape his disciples hearts for He knew their thoughts. How many times have actions spoke louder to us than words? I believe Jesus wanted His followers to understand that He came not only to deliver Israel but the world and that others needed a Savior also, He was increasing their vision! Not only that but Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit of God when He tested the faith of this mother. He knew that if He pushed too hard she might walk away but He also saw her desperation and determination. Even still had she not pressed in this great opportunity would be lost. It was her faith that compelled her to continue even though it looked as if her Savior had other plans.
I Know You Are Here
Lord, we need you tonight. Come Holy Spirit and meet us in our desperation for we know you are the only real hope we have. Lord capture our anxieties and replace them with your peace. It's in the silence, after the crowds have gone home, that we can feel you near and the remaining stillness reveals your presence and our fears also but you are with us and you've been here all along. You make us to lie down in green pastures and you lead us beside still waters. So Lord be with those who weep tonight and make sure their feet so they don't fall, remind them of the foundation on which they stand and cause your light within to push back all fear so that you may be in the forefront of our minds and we see you clearly once again so that we might worship you O, Lord not because of what you have done but because of who your are.
Friday, January 13, 2012
You are loved
You who belong to Jesus have been adopted by a great King, the King of Kings and you are loved more than you could ever imagine! When Jesus heard about John the Baptist being beheaded, in sadness, he left the people to go be alone and pray but when the people heard where He was going they met him there and as He got out of the boat He could have turned them away but instead He had compassion on them. Jesus laid down His needs for the needs of the people and today He does the same for us. Does that mean we no longer feel pain? No, we all have known pain but He is with us when we do, for He will not leave us in our hour of need. There are many questions why that we cannot answer, it is simply not for us to know but ours is to only trust and obey Him. He is the Good Father and we are but His children. I know one day this race will be ran and we will see Him face to face and our ears will hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Take courage traveler for God is with you and one day the race will be ran. So run withholding nothing because this is your time to know the depth of your Savior’s love. Soon there will be a homecoming feast beyond comprehension! (Luke 13:29 MKJV) And they will come from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, and will recline in the kingdom of God.
Take courage traveler for God is with you and one day the race will be ran. So run withholding nothing because this is your time to know the depth of your Savior’s love. Soon there will be a homecoming feast beyond comprehension! (Luke 13:29 MKJV) And they will come from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, and will recline in the kingdom of God.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Backslide?
To backslide is to lose ground, a falling away from what was once known. To know what that means in terms of being a Christian we have to ask ourselves what being a Christian means. In the first twelve chapters of Matthew it is clear that we must forsake the life we live apart from Christ (Mat 10:38) and turn to follow Him. Not only that but as followers of Christ we believe that He is the Son of God, not just a teacher or prophet sent by God but Jesus said when we look at Him we see the Father! Today I read about a parable Jesus told about a farmer who planted seed and the different types of soil the seed landed on as he scattered it. Two of the places that seed landed shows examples of a backward sliding. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts (Mat 13:19). Although brief take note that Jesus said the "seed" was planted in their hearts, which indicates that they did receive Jesus into their hearts but because they did not understand what they had the evil one snatched it away. Next we see something even more revealing, the seed on the rocky soil. This ground represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word (Mat 13:20-21). Jesus' own words "They fall away..." describes this backwards movement. Let me say after years of consideration I believe we have people on both sides of this ideal of backsliding that are simply wrong, although intending good but in fact causing harm. Some say of these two types, well they were never saved in the first place but they cannot determine the happenings inside someone else's heart. Others say we have to earn our salvation and be careful for one wrong move and what we were given will be taken from us but both ideals are misguided. When we come to Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Lord absolutely nothing or no one can take away what He gives us - we are secure. But at any point in the journey we can choose to leave behind what we once knew, meaning we can accept Him and be accepted ourselves by Him but because of a lack of understanding or problems or persecution we are free to walk away and leave behind all that Jesus gave us. If that offends I am sorry but my burning desire is that people are not blinded by a belief that this salvation offered by God is not costly, for it cost God His only Son and He asks of us to give up everything to follow Him.
(Matthew 10:38-40 NLT) "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it. Anyone who receives you receives Me, and anyone who receives Me receives the Father who sent Me."
(Matthew 10:38-40 NLT) "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it. Anyone who receives you receives Me, and anyone who receives Me receives the Father who sent Me."
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
A prayer of rejoicing
Lord, thanks for the music I find in you. For you saturate my life and you lead me on to your purpose. You make my life worth living, for all it's ups and downs, ins and outs one thing remains and it is because of you I can dance. I read your Word and you tell me that you delight in me and my heart wells up with delight in you too! Nothing I could ever do or say would even begin to express what you've done - you have separated me from fear and despair, you have set my feet to dancing and I will raise my voice in praises to your holy name. Now all the days of my life I will dwell in your temple for I cannot leave your presence. King David said, "If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there! If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me." You have taken my inner most being and woven it with your gladness therefore I rejoice in You! O, Lord I shout because you make me to stand in your victory and triumph.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Do You Dance?
Jesus gave warning to the people who came to expect miracles but took no action to move towards true, lasting change. (Matthew 11:16-17 NLT) "To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't mourn.'" How often do we seek God's blessings in our own lives but are frozen with indifference when He gives us the opportunity to bless someone else? If you are ready to be completely honest test yourself this way, when you catch someone doing wrong is your first reaction to criticize or pray for them? Too many times I have criticized. See we are not given God's light for our own purpose but it is to move us, as He moves. We are to show compassion as He has shown us compassion. Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables or stories so the people might understand what the Kingdom of God is like. Luke records one such story in chapter 12. There Jesus tells of a master who leaves a servant in charge of his household and this servant was tested by the way he cared for those under him. As you can imagine he would be rewarded for doing good or punished for doing bad when his master returned. "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished." (verse 47). (Luke 12:48 NLT) "But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." So you've been asking for music in your life - God has given you the music but will you dance? When someone rejoices do you rejoice with them or do you sit and stare? When someone mourns do you come along side them and mourn too or do you turn and walk away?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Your faith has made you well
"Your faith has made you well." Jesus says this time and again after healing someone but where did they get such faith? Was it not given to them by God's Holy Spirit? God used the miracle of healing to draw people to Jesus so that the world would know who God was and the extreme measures He would go to in order to have relationship them. Before Jesus came there were many things that kept people from God such as, rules and requirements from the Pharisees and religious teachers, sickness and disease, a life of bad decisions, and oppression from an enemy of God who was set on destroying the thing He loved most. People knew God was holy and because of that He separated Himself from them. Because of their knowledge of the Old Testament they knew about Israel wondering in the desert for forty years because of their inability to surrender to God's leading, they were taught to offer sacrifices for their sins and failures but a better way was coming. It was not through a great army marching into the camp of their oppressors and wiping them out but it would come through sacrifice, similar to the sacrifices they themselves have been offering for so many years. You see their history and even their present situation pointed to Jesus and what He was preparing to do! Even though it was all coming to this one point in time no one could see it because God had not revealed it to the people yet. Let's read Matthew 9:8. Jesus just forgave a paralyzed man of his sins and of course the teachers of religious law had a problem with that. Jesus knew their hearts, which only God can know but somehow they missed that and he asked them is it easier to say "Your sins are forgiven, or stand up and walk?" So Jesus told the man to stand up and go home, when he did it this is what happened. (Matthew 9:8 NLT) "Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority." Even after all of this God covered the eye of their hearts so that they would still believe this is a man that God had given great authority but not the Son of God. Soon a faith even greater would be required of them...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sending Him away
Matthew chapter 8 tells of Jesus healing many people and fulfilling prophecy but when he came to a town with two demon possessed men and healed them the entire town asked him to leave. It is hard to imagine but sometimes there are situations where we would rather put up with something that is not right than deal with it. As we saw earlier in the chapter there were people coming to Jesus asking him for miracles who had never met him before, yet they knew of him either from hearing others talk or by seeing people be made whole or by God's Spirit speaking to them. Many signs pointed to Jesus as the answer, he represented freedom from this life of physical and spiritual sickness they had been living. I believe this town knew of Jesus also either by what he did for these two men or maybe even before he reached their shore but it is the condition of their hearts and how easily they missed what their very souls were crying out for that concerns me this morning.
Lord, I welcome you to enter my heart for God's Holy Spirit has revealed that you are the Truth and the Way. Don't let my heart grow cold or my flesh become comfortable with the current state of my situation, causing me to miss out on the deliverance you bring even in my darkest hour may I turn to you.
Lord, I welcome you to enter my heart for God's Holy Spirit has revealed that you are the Truth and the Way. Don't let my heart grow cold or my flesh become comfortable with the current state of my situation, causing me to miss out on the deliverance you bring even in my darkest hour may I turn to you.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Forgiveness
(Matthew 6:14-15) "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Jesus did not mix words, he spoke clearly and with authority yet he allows us to make our own decisions. This scripture is one that stays in the forefront of my mind. Many times I find myself reluctant to offer forgiveness when I have been done wrong but just as often I am reminded of all the things I need to be forgiven for. While Jesus was talking about meeting our needs in the same breath he also talked about integrity, trust in God, motive, and forgiveness as they are all connected. So when I find myself struggling to make ends meet these items are good things to monitor.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Be perfect, even as your Father in heaven
What does God expect of his children? Though we are weak we are to be strong, though our site is dim we are to see that which cannot be seen, and though we are poor we are to give out of our riches. "God blesses those who are poor and realizes their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter five. We have a Father in heaven who knows us intimately, He sees our pain and He knows just how much we need Him yet Jesus is telling us who we are and as He speaks He not only reminds us of who we are but He opens our eyes to what our part is in His plan for all humanity. We must see beyond our own needs and understand that God has a divine purpose in our brokenness and the healing of the same. It's through our brokenness that we are training to be warriors of the spirit. Because of the healing God brings we learn to trust Him and because of this intimate trust we will follow Him. By following Him we become like Him. "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Jesus (Matthew 5:48). Failure does not equate to quitting because God knows we will fall yet He calls us to more, we have a Father with high expectations and those high expectations requires us to reach outside of our own strengths, which is the heart's cry of the One who loves us most but Jesus warns us against religion, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn you - unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" Religion is man trying to control the means by which he is saved and God says NO! If God has the ability to save us He also has the ability to lead us!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Come Follow
Jesus saw the needs of the many "...in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who have lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined." (Matthew 4:15-16). As Jesus began to preach to the many he sent out a call to the few to come and follow. When I read how Peter, Andrew, James, and John dropped everything to fulfill the call on their lives it caught me by surprise, no I've read it before but it caught me off guard because I know how easy it is to hold onto that which we know and how uncertain feels. Would I do the same, listen he is calling now - what will my answer be? Do I consider myself among the many or the few...
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