John 18
18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
How appropriate to read this on October 31st. I no longer belong to this world, and I am not interested in participating in the pagan festivities of this world. Be it the pagan festivities celebrated on this date, in the Spring with a symbol of pagan fertility (a bunny), or the pagan winter festival with all the materialistic trappings. I am interested in celebrating Jesus every day of the year! If the world hates me, I count it as a badge of honor. When I stand up for the principles of Christ and am lambasted for those stands, I am only living the life for Christ. Yeah baby, I LOVE it!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Love Like Jesus
John 15
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Loving people the way Jesus loves them is not easy, but it is what has been commanded by my Lord and Savior. It means that I need to show love to those with whom I disagree. It means I need to love those who hate me. It means I am love without condition. Loving without condition does not mean condoning sin, but I am commanded to love the sinner. Yeah, I struggle with this command, but I am trying to do better. Prayers for me in this area would be most appreciated.
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Loving people the way Jesus loves them is not easy, but it is what has been commanded by my Lord and Savior. It means that I need to show love to those with whom I disagree. It means I need to love those who hate me. It means I am love without condition. Loving without condition does not mean condoning sin, but I am commanded to love the sinner. Yeah, I struggle with this command, but I am trying to do better. Prayers for me in this area would be most appreciated.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Betrayer of Jesus
Mark 14
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Betraying Jesus isn’t an activity limited to Judas Iscariot. When I examine my sorry life, I see numerous occasions when I have betrayed Jesus. Times when I laughed at inappropriate jokes. Times when I filled my mind with sinful images and thoughts. Times when I acted arrogantly, and spitefully towards others. Times when my behavior flat out denied Jesus was Lord of my life. I hurt for Judas Iscariot, because I can relate to him. The ONLY difference between Judas and me is that I do repent and ask for forgiveness. I am a wretch, and I have betrayed Jesus throughout my life, but my desire is to never betray Him again. I can use your prayers on this one.
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Betraying Jesus isn’t an activity limited to Judas Iscariot. When I examine my sorry life, I see numerous occasions when I have betrayed Jesus. Times when I laughed at inappropriate jokes. Times when I filled my mind with sinful images and thoughts. Times when I acted arrogantly, and spitefully towards others. Times when my behavior flat out denied Jesus was Lord of my life. I hurt for Judas Iscariot, because I can relate to him. The ONLY difference between Judas and me is that I do repent and ask for forgiveness. I am a wretch, and I have betrayed Jesus throughout my life, but my desire is to never betray Him again. I can use your prayers on this one.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Proper Use of Our Talents
Matthew 25
29 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.
God has given each of us our own unique set of gifts and talents. It is His desire that we use these gifts and talents to bring Him glory and honor and praise. Usually when we “Christians” think of gifts or talents, we think of the “big ones”: preaching, singing, playing an instrument, you know one of those “up front” kind of talents. If we don’t have one of those, then we tend to sink back into a “I don’t have anything to offer” kind of mentality. We bury those talents in a hole. I love to be around people who freely give of their talents behind the scenes. Folks who scrub toilets (I have a couple of high school guys who have been doing that all this month as the youth group is the volunteer church building cleanup crew this month). Folks who do the setup and the tear down; who prepare communion each week; who make sure the lights and A/C are all working properly…well you get the picture. I joke with the Habitat for Humanity supervisors all the time that my talent is lifting heavy things. Then, I go do that to help in construction of homes. People see me “up front” each week leading the Celebration Services, but I get much more pleasure and personal satisfaction out of the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting type of service, utilizing my talents in that way. My prayer is that we can help others who claim to follow Christ understand that #1 they have God-given gifts and talents, and #2 they are to use them to bring God the glory and the honor always!
29 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.
God has given each of us our own unique set of gifts and talents. It is His desire that we use these gifts and talents to bring Him glory and honor and praise. Usually when we “Christians” think of gifts or talents, we think of the “big ones”: preaching, singing, playing an instrument, you know one of those “up front” kind of talents. If we don’t have one of those, then we tend to sink back into a “I don’t have anything to offer” kind of mentality. We bury those talents in a hole. I love to be around people who freely give of their talents behind the scenes. Folks who scrub toilets (I have a couple of high school guys who have been doing that all this month as the youth group is the volunteer church building cleanup crew this month). Folks who do the setup and the tear down; who prepare communion each week; who make sure the lights and A/C are all working properly…well you get the picture. I joke with the Habitat for Humanity supervisors all the time that my talent is lifting heavy things. Then, I go do that to help in construction of homes. People see me “up front” each week leading the Celebration Services, but I get much more pleasure and personal satisfaction out of the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting type of service, utilizing my talents in that way. My prayer is that we can help others who claim to follow Christ understand that #1 they have God-given gifts and talents, and #2 they are to use them to bring God the glory and the honor always!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Persecution
Mark 13
12 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 13 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
In the midst of Jesus telling about what is to come in the near future, He makes this bold statement: “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” Christians in America whine because the culture makes fun of us, because we don’t fit with the Politically Correct Crowd, etc. Wah. Cry me a river. We Christians in America know nothing of persecution. More Christians were martyred in the last century than in the previous 19 centuries before that COMBINED! People are literally laying down their lives for the cause of Christ all around the world. Yet, in America, Christianity virtually costs us nothing. Makes me wonder how authentic we are.
12 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 13 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
In the midst of Jesus telling about what is to come in the near future, He makes this bold statement: “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” Christians in America whine because the culture makes fun of us, because we don’t fit with the Politically Correct Crowd, etc. Wah. Cry me a river. We Christians in America know nothing of persecution. More Christians were martyred in the last century than in the previous 19 centuries before that COMBINED! People are literally laying down their lives for the cause of Christ all around the world. Yet, in America, Christianity virtually costs us nothing. Makes me wonder how authentic we are.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Three-fer!
Mark 12
28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
I love this passage for several reasons: First, Jesus lays it out for us. We are to love God and love people with everything we’ve got. That’s how Christ Followers are to live. PERIOD. Second, being not far from the Kingdom is still not being in the Kingdom, so don’t be fooled by the wording here. I don’t take it as a commendation, but rather a condemnation of the guy who thinks he is so smart. It is not your wits, nor your smarts that gets you into God’s Kingdom, it is JESUS! Third, once again Jesus shuts the mouths of those who wanted to “trap” Him. How sweet!
28 One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
I love this passage for several reasons: First, Jesus lays it out for us. We are to love God and love people with everything we’ve got. That’s how Christ Followers are to live. PERIOD. Second, being not far from the Kingdom is still not being in the Kingdom, so don’t be fooled by the wording here. I don’t take it as a commendation, but rather a condemnation of the guy who thinks he is so smart. It is not your wits, nor your smarts that gets you into God’s Kingdom, it is JESUS! Third, once again Jesus shuts the mouths of those who wanted to “trap” Him. How sweet!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Proper Citizenship
Luke 20
20 Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. 22 Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 He saw through their trickery and said, 24 “Show me a Roman coin.[a] Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
25 “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26 So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
This is one of my favorite Gospel passages. It reminds me that I owe to the government what belongs to the government, and that I owe to God what belongs to God. Since I was bought with a price (Jesus’ Blood), I belong to God first and foremost. It honors God when I am a good citizen of the country in which I live, but it honors God more when I am a good citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. May my life reflect that heavenly citizenship always.
20 Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. 22 Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 He saw through their trickery and said, 24 “Show me a Roman coin.[a] Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
25 “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26 So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
This is one of my favorite Gospel passages. It reminds me that I owe to the government what belongs to the government, and that I owe to God what belongs to God. Since I was bought with a price (Jesus’ Blood), I belong to God first and foremost. It honors God when I am a good citizen of the country in which I live, but it honors God more when I am a good citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. May my life reflect that heavenly citizenship always.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Jesus and Children
Matthew 21
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Again we see Jesus citing the importance of children, and especially the importance of teaching children to praise our Lord with their lips and their lives. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Christ Followers who teach children and students. Guess it’s because I’ve been in student ministry for 22 years now. Anyway, in the midst of Jesus’ last few days on earth, and AFTER he has cleared the Temple of the money changers, Jesus affirms children. Jesus reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach our children well, and to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Today, I am praying for those who work in children and student ministries. May they be strengthened as they teach our kids who Jesus is!
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Again we see Jesus citing the importance of children, and especially the importance of teaching children to praise our Lord with their lips and their lives. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Christ Followers who teach children and students. Guess it’s because I’ve been in student ministry for 22 years now. Anyway, in the midst of Jesus’ last few days on earth, and AFTER he has cleared the Temple of the money changers, Jesus affirms children. Jesus reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach our children well, and to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Today, I am praying for those who work in children and student ministries. May they be strengthened as they teach our kids who Jesus is!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Cherring For Jesus
Luke 19
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”
40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
I’d rather be a stone praising Jesus than stone silent about my Lord. May my life proclaim His Greatness, and may others see Him at work in me and through me. May the words of my lips be echoed by the works of my life, and may Jesus be glorified in all I say and do every day!
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”
40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
I’d rather be a stone praising Jesus than stone silent about my Lord. May my life proclaim His Greatness, and may others see Him at work in me and through me. May the words of my lips be echoed by the works of my life, and may Jesus be glorified in all I say and do every day!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
If We Are The Body
Matthew 20
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, wrote these words that became the chorus to the song “If We Are The Body”:
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
It makes me sad that we struggle to get members of the body of Christ to serve others. Oh, they love to be served, but don’t ask them to participate in outreach ministry. They might serve in some internal ministry at the church, but only a few seem to ever be ready to do things like Habitat for Humanity, etc. I wonder if we are REALLY being the body of Christ?
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, wrote these words that became the chorus to the song “If We Are The Body”:
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
It makes me sad that we struggle to get members of the body of Christ to serve others. Oh, they love to be served, but don’t ask them to participate in outreach ministry. They might serve in some internal ministry at the church, but only a few seem to ever be ready to do things like Habitat for Humanity, etc. I wonder if we are REALLY being the body of Christ?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Angry Jesus, Pt. 2
Mark 10
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Yesterday, I looked at an instance where Jesus was angry because of sin and the effects of sin. Today, Jesus is angry once again. I though Jesus was all meek and mild…NOT! Look at this passage…Jesus is angry with His disciples because they don’t have a clue why Jesus is on the planet, even after having spent the time with Him that they have! I know that lots of folks look at this passage and concentrate on Jesus loving children (which He does), but I want to consider how even those who are following Jesus closely can sometimes allow their own prejudices to block out the true purpose of Jesus. May I set aside my pre-conceived notions about Jesus’ agenda, and just allow Him to set the agenda. Period.
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Yesterday, I looked at an instance where Jesus was angry because of sin and the effects of sin. Today, Jesus is angry once again. I though Jesus was all meek and mild…NOT! Look at this passage…Jesus is angry with His disciples because they don’t have a clue why Jesus is on the planet, even after having spent the time with Him that they have! I know that lots of folks look at this passage and concentrate on Jesus loving children (which He does), but I want to consider how even those who are following Jesus closely can sometimes allow their own prejudices to block out the true purpose of Jesus. May I set aside my pre-conceived notions about Jesus’ agenda, and just allow Him to set the agenda. Period.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Angry Jesus
John 11
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them.
They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”
38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
I had to go back to yesterday’s reading to get a few verse so I could keep this in the context needed for my thoughts today. In Verses 33 and 38 we read that Jesus is ANGRY! With whom is Jesus angry? Martha? Mary? The crowd of mourners? NO! Jesus is angry because His friend Lazarus has had to suffer physical death. He is angry because Mary, Martha and the crowd are in such deep sorrow. He is angry that sin has done its work in this world, and that the work of sin has yet to be overcome. Oh, it will be overcome when Jesus resurrects from the dead, but for now, sin still has its hold on the world. The effects of sin angers Jesus. Not the sinner, but the sin. God is glorified when that sin is overcome. Sin is overcome ONLY when Jesus is present, and active in our lives. Sin is overcome ONLY when we give our lives over to Jesus. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them.
They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”
38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
I had to go back to yesterday’s reading to get a few verse so I could keep this in the context needed for my thoughts today. In Verses 33 and 38 we read that Jesus is ANGRY! With whom is Jesus angry? Martha? Mary? The crowd of mourners? NO! Jesus is angry because His friend Lazarus has had to suffer physical death. He is angry because Mary, Martha and the crowd are in such deep sorrow. He is angry that sin has done its work in this world, and that the work of sin has yet to be overcome. Oh, it will be overcome when Jesus resurrects from the dead, but for now, sin still has its hold on the world. The effects of sin angers Jesus. Not the sinner, but the sin. God is glorified when that sin is overcome. Sin is overcome ONLY when Jesus is present, and active in our lives. Sin is overcome ONLY when we give our lives over to Jesus. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Count The Cost
Luke 14
25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’
31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”
Count the cost before you agree to follow Jesus. To make Jesus Lord of your life means that you give all rights to that life. You literally put your life in His hands. Too many folks say they want to follow Jesus, but they don’t want to let Him be the boss of them. When I was buried with Christ on August 27, 1985, and raised into a new life with Him, I gave up the tight grip I had tried to maintain on my life. My plans of media work then politics went out the window. I could not imagine wanting to hang out with teenagers in a student ministry, yet 22 years later, I am still hanging out with them (whether they like it or not is another story, grin). My life has been so much richer than it would have been otherwise. I am the most blessed man on this planet, and it is all because I decided to give it all over to Jesus. I am not rich by the standards in the United States, but God continues to supply my material needs (not necessarily my wants, but I am learning to be okay with that). I am married to the most beautiful woman on the planet, and we have three children who love Jesus with their lives…what else could I possibly want? I have the privilege of leading others in a time of corporate praise and worship each Lord’s Day, and there is the aforementioned student ministry of which I am still a part. Yeah, I have counted the cost, and that which I gave up is NOTHING compared with that with which I have been blessed by following Jesus!
25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’
31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”
Count the cost before you agree to follow Jesus. To make Jesus Lord of your life means that you give all rights to that life. You literally put your life in His hands. Too many folks say they want to follow Jesus, but they don’t want to let Him be the boss of them. When I was buried with Christ on August 27, 1985, and raised into a new life with Him, I gave up the tight grip I had tried to maintain on my life. My plans of media work then politics went out the window. I could not imagine wanting to hang out with teenagers in a student ministry, yet 22 years later, I am still hanging out with them (whether they like it or not is another story, grin). My life has been so much richer than it would have been otherwise. I am the most blessed man on this planet, and it is all because I decided to give it all over to Jesus. I am not rich by the standards in the United States, but God continues to supply my material needs (not necessarily my wants, but I am learning to be okay with that). I am married to the most beautiful woman on the planet, and we have three children who love Jesus with their lives…what else could I possibly want? I have the privilege of leading others in a time of corporate praise and worship each Lord’s Day, and there is the aforementioned student ministry of which I am still a part. Yeah, I have counted the cost, and that which I gave up is NOTHING compared with that with which I have been blessed by following Jesus!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Narrow Door
Luke 13
22 Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’”
The door is narrow, and many will try to enter the kingdom of God without having fully obeyed the Gospel of Christ. They will exclaim, “Lord, Lord,” and He will reply, “I don’t know you.” May my love for Jesus be expressed in my obedience to the WHOLE Gospel, and may my life be different because of that Gospel.
22 Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He replied, 24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’”
The door is narrow, and many will try to enter the kingdom of God without having fully obeyed the Gospel of Christ. They will exclaim, “Lord, Lord,” and He will reply, “I don’t know you.” May my love for Jesus be expressed in my obedience to the WHOLE Gospel, and may my life be different because of that Gospel.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Go Jesus!
John 9
39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Go Jesus, go Jesus, You’re the Healer, You’re the Messiah. Yeah, I just get a little cheer going when I read the story of Jesus healing the man who had been blind from birth. Jesus lays it on the disciples when they misinterpret Scripture, and Jesus lays a big ole whuppin’ on the Pharisees calling them blind to what God has goin’ on. Jesus is no wimpy little Savior, He is a man’s man Savior. He takes on the bullies and puts them in their place. He whips His closest followers into shape, helping them to overcome their preconceived notions, and He does everything to bring glory and honor and praise to God. May my life be like that, dear Lord, may my life be like that!
39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Go Jesus, go Jesus, You’re the Healer, You’re the Messiah. Yeah, I just get a little cheer going when I read the story of Jesus healing the man who had been blind from birth. Jesus lays it on the disciples when they misinterpret Scripture, and Jesus lays a big ole whuppin’ on the Pharisees calling them blind to what God has goin’ on. Jesus is no wimpy little Savior, He is a man’s man Savior. He takes on the bullies and puts them in their place. He whips His closest followers into shape, helping them to overcome their preconceived notions, and He does everything to bring glory and honor and praise to God. May my life be like that, dear Lord, may my life be like that!
Friday, October 16, 2009
No Neutral Ground
Luke 11
23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.”
This is one powerful statement from Jesus. There is no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus. You are either with Him or against Him. If you are with Him, you must be totally with Him, following His Word, not just picking and choosing what you like or want to do. Lord, help me to be faithful to You and Your Word every day. I want to be counted among those who are with You. Forgive me of my sins, help me to turn from them and to turn to You and You alone. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.”
This is one powerful statement from Jesus. There is no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus. You are either with Him or against Him. If you are with Him, you must be totally with Him, following His Word, not just picking and choosing what you like or want to do. Lord, help me to be faithful to You and Your Word every day. I want to be counted among those who are with You. Forgive me of my sins, help me to turn from them and to turn to You and You alone. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Jesus is I AM
John 8
21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they demanded.
Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be.”
When Jesus uses the term I AM in this passage, He is being very clear about His divinity. He uses the name God gave Moses to tell Pharaoh, when asked who sent Moses to set the children of Israel free. Jesus is not claiming to be a good man, or a great teacher, or even one of numerous ways to God the Father. Jesus is claiming and has always claimed to be God in the flesh. To treat Him as anything less is to be deceived and to be doomed.
21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they demanded.
Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be.”
When Jesus uses the term I AM in this passage, He is being very clear about His divinity. He uses the name God gave Moses to tell Pharaoh, when asked who sent Moses to set the children of Israel free. Jesus is not claiming to be a good man, or a great teacher, or even one of numerous ways to God the Father. Jesus is claiming and has always claimed to be God in the flesh. To treat Him as anything less is to be deceived and to be doomed.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sigh
John 7
1 After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. 2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, 3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! 4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” 5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
6 Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. 7 The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.”
Verse 5 of this passage makes me sad. Jesus’ own brothers still did not believe in Him at this time. Now, that all changes following the Resurrection, when they had the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. It makes me sad that there are plenty of folks who fall into the same trap as the brothers of Jesus. They have seen the power of the Christ at work in lives all around them, yet they still don’t believe. And certainly the world (and those who are caught up in the world) won’t help out because Jesus is hated by the world. He accuses the world of doing evil. Worldly people detest being called out for the evil they do. They try to deflect the issue by turning it around on Jesus. May I be a true follower of Jesus. Not afraid to admit my sins, repent of them, and turn towards the Christ. Not afraid to take the hatred of the world upon myself, because Jesus took it all for me to begin with. Not afraid to stand up for Jesus anyplace at any time and in front of anyone.
1 After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. 2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, 3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! 4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” 5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
6 Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. 7 The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.”
Verse 5 of this passage makes me sad. Jesus’ own brothers still did not believe in Him at this time. Now, that all changes following the Resurrection, when they had the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. It makes me sad that there are plenty of folks who fall into the same trap as the brothers of Jesus. They have seen the power of the Christ at work in lives all around them, yet they still don’t believe. And certainly the world (and those who are caught up in the world) won’t help out because Jesus is hated by the world. He accuses the world of doing evil. Worldly people detest being called out for the evil they do. They try to deflect the issue by turning it around on Jesus. May I be a true follower of Jesus. Not afraid to admit my sins, repent of them, and turn towards the Christ. Not afraid to take the hatred of the world upon myself, because Jesus took it all for me to begin with. Not afraid to stand up for Jesus anyplace at any time and in front of anyone.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Man's Man Jesus
Mark 9
20 So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Macho Jesus to the rescue! Yeah, this is a man’s man Jesus here. I love the question Jesus asks in the first part of verse 23: “What do you mean ‘If I can’?” Can’t you just hear Jesus saying, “oh no you didn’t just say that!” Yeah, baby! God in the flesh is ready to kick some demon butt, but first he has to kick some Doubt butt, too! This is the same Jesus who speaks about turning the other cheek, loving your neighbor as yourself, etc. but let there be NO MISTAKE – Jesus is God in the flesh, and He can do ANYTHING! Now, that’s the kind of God I want to follow – One Who can talk the talk and walk the walk, my friends!
20 So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Macho Jesus to the rescue! Yeah, this is a man’s man Jesus here. I love the question Jesus asks in the first part of verse 23: “What do you mean ‘If I can’?” Can’t you just hear Jesus saying, “oh no you didn’t just say that!” Yeah, baby! God in the flesh is ready to kick some demon butt, but first he has to kick some Doubt butt, too! This is the same Jesus who speaks about turning the other cheek, loving your neighbor as yourself, etc. but let there be NO MISTAKE – Jesus is God in the flesh, and He can do ANYTHING! Now, that’s the kind of God I want to follow – One Who can talk the talk and walk the walk, my friends!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Who do YOU say JESUS is?
Matthew 16
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
It all boils down to the question: “who do YOU say Jesus is?” I say that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of the living God. What say you?
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
It all boils down to the question: “who do YOU say Jesus is?” I say that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of the living God. What say you?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Good Answer
Mark 7
24 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. 25 Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, 26 and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter.
Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, 27 Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
28 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”
29 “Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.
“Good Answer!” I love that! This Gentile woman’s faith caused her to pursue Jesus relentlessly. Oh, that my faith was that deep. I pray that it is and that it will stay that way.
24 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. 25 Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, 26 and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter.
Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, 27 Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
28 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”
29 “Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.
“Good Answer!” I love that! This Gentile woman’s faith caused her to pursue Jesus relentlessly. Oh, that my faith was that deep. I pray that it is and that it will stay that way.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Only One Work
John 6
29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
The crowds are pressing Jesus at every turn. He is the best show going after all. However, in this passage, Jesus is going to challenge them to the core, and many will stop following Him. First, they ask Jesus how they can do the work of God, and Jesus makes it about as plain as it can be made: “Believe in the one he has sent.” God sent Jesus, and it is our job to believe Jesus. Biblical belief is more than mental assent; it requires action. I believe Jesus therefore, I will do my best to lead others to His Saving Grace at every opportunity.
29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
The crowds are pressing Jesus at every turn. He is the best show going after all. However, in this passage, Jesus is going to challenge them to the core, and many will stop following Him. First, they ask Jesus how they can do the work of God, and Jesus makes it about as plain as it can be made: “Believe in the one he has sent.” God sent Jesus, and it is our job to believe Jesus. Biblical belief is more than mental assent; it requires action. I believe Jesus therefore, I will do my best to lead others to His Saving Grace at every opportunity.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Three Lessons in One
Matthew 14
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Such a familiar passage, and such good lessons to be learned. First, Jesus is Lord of all, He commands the winds and the waves. He is worthy of all worship, glory, honor, and praise. Second, If you want to follow Jesus, you must get out of your comfort zone (the boat). Third, if you take your focus off of Jesus, you will sink in your sins, doubt and fear.
I want out of the boat, focused on Jesus, and rocking the storms that rage all around me. My Jesus can handle it, and I just want to be as close to Him as possible no matter what!
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Such a familiar passage, and such good lessons to be learned. First, Jesus is Lord of all, He commands the winds and the waves. He is worthy of all worship, glory, honor, and praise. Second, If you want to follow Jesus, you must get out of your comfort zone (the boat). Third, if you take your focus off of Jesus, you will sink in your sins, doubt and fear.
I want out of the boat, focused on Jesus, and rocking the storms that rage all around me. My Jesus can handle it, and I just want to be as close to Him as possible no matter what!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Harvest Time
Matthew 9
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
The work of the Kingdom of Jesus continues today, and the fields are still filled with a harvest to be gathered up for Christ. It makes me sad t see people who claim to be Christ-followers who think that “their church” is fine just the way it is, that no more people should be brought in, taught and won to Christ. It makes me sad that we turn churches into our own little social clubs without regard for the crowds that are still confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This morning, I am praying that God will forgive us for our disobedience to the Gospel, and that we will indeed seek opportunities to win people to Christ and start gathering in His harvest today!
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
The work of the Kingdom of Jesus continues today, and the fields are still filled with a harvest to be gathered up for Christ. It makes me sad t see people who claim to be Christ-followers who think that “their church” is fine just the way it is, that no more people should be brought in, taught and won to Christ. It makes me sad that we turn churches into our own little social clubs without regard for the crowds that are still confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This morning, I am praying that God will forgive us for our disobedience to the Gospel, and that we will indeed seek opportunities to win people to Christ and start gathering in His harvest today!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Who Is Laughing Now?
Mark 5
40a The crowd laughed at him.
Sometimes we who follow Christ in this country get all pity partied up when the culture makes fun of us. We even go so far as to feel “persecuted” when folks make light of our faith in Jesus. In this passage from Mark, Jesus has come into Jairus’ house to raise his daughter from the dead. Jesus has declared that the girl is not dead but asleep. Then comes the laughter. Jesus throws everyone out of the house and brings the girl back to her father full of life. A couple of observations today: 1) Jesus didn’t waste one second worrying about the laughing crowd. He got rid of them. 2) Jesus was not distracted from the task at hand…not by the laughing crowd, not by the seeming ridiculous situation, not by anything nor anyone. No pity party here, only Jesus glorifying God the Father. May I live my life that way, too!
40a The crowd laughed at him.
Sometimes we who follow Christ in this country get all pity partied up when the culture makes fun of us. We even go so far as to feel “persecuted” when folks make light of our faith in Jesus. In this passage from Mark, Jesus has come into Jairus’ house to raise his daughter from the dead. Jesus has declared that the girl is not dead but asleep. Then comes the laughter. Jesus throws everyone out of the house and brings the girl back to her father full of life. A couple of observations today: 1) Jesus didn’t waste one second worrying about the laughing crowd. He got rid of them. 2) Jesus was not distracted from the task at hand…not by the laughing crowd, not by the seeming ridiculous situation, not by anything nor anyone. No pity party here, only Jesus glorifying God the Father. May I live my life that way, too!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Dumbest Question Ever
Mark 4
37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Perhaps the dumbest question ever asked Jesus is found in this passage. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?” I mean these guys have witnessed miracle after miracle from Jesus, and they think He is going to sleep through a storm so that everyone (including Jesus) would drown? Please. Yet, we are just like that when the storms of life rage around us. Jesus, don’t You care about what happens to me? Duh! Jesus paid the ultimate price for your sins, of course He cares about what happens to you. Stop being so stupid in your relationship with Jesus, Scott. Praise God for Jesus and know that even in the midst of the storms, Jesus is there with you and for you.
37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Perhaps the dumbest question ever asked Jesus is found in this passage. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?” I mean these guys have witnessed miracle after miracle from Jesus, and they think He is going to sleep through a storm so that everyone (including Jesus) would drown? Please. Yet, we are just like that when the storms of life rage around us. Jesus, don’t You care about what happens to me? Duh! Jesus paid the ultimate price for your sins, of course He cares about what happens to you. Stop being so stupid in your relationship with Jesus, Scott. Praise God for Jesus and know that even in the midst of the storms, Jesus is there with you and for you.
Monday, October 5, 2009
We Are Family
Mark 3
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”
33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
The sister Sledge song “We are Family” is ringing in my head this morning. Being part of the family of Jesus is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Being able to share that with my physical family leading them to Christ makes it even sweeter. Thank You, God, for Your unfailing goodness to me!
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”
33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
The sister Sledge song “We are Family” is ringing in my head this morning. Being part of the family of Jesus is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Being able to share that with my physical family leading them to Christ makes it even sweeter. Thank You, God, for Your unfailing goodness to me!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Amazing Faith
Matthew 8
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
It takes a lot to amaze Jesus. I mean, think about it. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is the Word spoken that created the universe. Yet, this Roman Centurion amazed Jesus with his faith. Then Jesus flat out says that Gentiles will be part of God’s Kingdom and that Jews who reject Jesus will not. So why was there so much confusion in the early church about allowing Gentiles to become Christians, and why is there so much talk today about Jews being God’s children? It is because we refuse to listen to Jesus! We may hear Him, but we don’t listen! Jews who have rejected Jesus are NOT God’s Chosen People any more. The Jewish people served their role in God’s plan, because from them came Messiah, who is Jesus! God’s children today are those who hear (listen), believe, and obey the Gospel of Christ. It is time to have some amazing faith like the Roman Centurion. It’s time to listen and believe Jesus.
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
It takes a lot to amaze Jesus. I mean, think about it. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is the Word spoken that created the universe. Yet, this Roman Centurion amazed Jesus with his faith. Then Jesus flat out says that Gentiles will be part of God’s Kingdom and that Jews who reject Jesus will not. So why was there so much confusion in the early church about allowing Gentiles to become Christians, and why is there so much talk today about Jews being God’s children? It is because we refuse to listen to Jesus! We may hear Him, but we don’t listen! Jews who have rejected Jesus are NOT God’s Chosen People any more. The Jewish people served their role in God’s plan, because from them came Messiah, who is Jesus! God’s children today are those who hear (listen), believe, and obey the Gospel of Christ. It is time to have some amazing faith like the Roman Centurion. It’s time to listen and believe Jesus.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Forgiveness
Matthew 5
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness is the key. The question I wrestle with is: does forgiveness include giving trust back to the one who has wronged you? Trust has to be earned. I can forgive, but I tend to be an at-arms-length kind of guy to those who have broken trust. Again, especially regarding a family situation and the untold financial and emotional damage done to my Dad. I pray every day to have the forgiveness of God in my heart towards those who not only have wronged me, but especially to those who have wronged my Dad. Please pray for me in this regard as well.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness is the key. The question I wrestle with is: does forgiveness include giving trust back to the one who has wronged you? Trust has to be earned. I can forgive, but I tend to be an at-arms-length kind of guy to those who have broken trust. Again, especially regarding a family situation and the untold financial and emotional damage done to my Dad. I pray every day to have the forgiveness of God in my heart towards those who not only have wronged me, but especially to those who have wronged my Dad. Please pray for me in this regard as well.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Love
Matthew 5
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
For the past year, I have struggled with this passage while trying to rescue my Dad financially, emotionally and spiritually. To make the very long story, short: my sister ruined him financially, got addicted to Meth, is currently in jail, and I am trying to get things straightened out for Dad. We’re back in Alabama as I write this because of a massive water leak at his house which actually will be a blessing (insurance will cover the damages and the house will get a gutting that is long overdue). Dad wants to go visit my sister in jail. A few months ago, I would have grudgingly worked this out. Today, I do so with a hope in my heart that the Lord will put the right words of love in my mouth, not just for my dad but for my sister as well. Your prayers in this matter are greatly appreciated.
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
For the past year, I have struggled with this passage while trying to rescue my Dad financially, emotionally and spiritually. To make the very long story, short: my sister ruined him financially, got addicted to Meth, is currently in jail, and I am trying to get things straightened out for Dad. We’re back in Alabama as I write this because of a massive water leak at his house which actually will be a blessing (insurance will cover the damages and the house will get a gutting that is long overdue). Dad wants to go visit my sister in jail. A few months ago, I would have grudgingly worked this out. Today, I do so with a hope in my heart that the Lord will put the right words of love in my mouth, not just for my dad but for my sister as well. Your prayers in this matter are greatly appreciated.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Angry and Deeply Saddened
Mark 3
1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.
5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.
A couple of things jump out at me in this passage: 1) Jesus challenges the thinking and status/quo of the religious leaders. 2) Jesus gets ANGRY and deeply saddened by hardened hearts.
Lord, help me to be open to Your teaching. Protect me from a hardness of heart towards what You would want me to do, to learn, and may my life reflect Your will always.
1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.
5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.
A couple of things jump out at me in this passage: 1) Jesus challenges the thinking and status/quo of the religious leaders. 2) Jesus gets ANGRY and deeply saddened by hardened hearts.
Lord, help me to be open to Your teaching. Protect me from a hardness of heart towards what You would want me to do, to learn, and may my life reflect Your will always.
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