20160121 Ears to Hear

Ears to Hear

Matthew 13:10-17  His disciples came and asked Him, "Why do You use parables when You talk to the people?"  (11)  He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.  (12)  To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.  (13)  That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand.  (14)  This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.  (15)  For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.'  (16)  "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.  (17)  I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it.

In my last writing I pointed out the importance of listening, really hearing what is being said. This is especially important when the speaker is our Lord. But listening will produce action that proves what is said has indeed been heard. Listening and not acting is actually sin. James 4:17

Furthermore, it is foolish… Matthew 7:26-27

There is another problem that arises out of not following the teachings of our Master and Savior. Our ears become dull, our hearts become calloused, we get set on our own stubborn paths that lead to destruction. Stubbornness breeds more stubbornness. We get to the point that the words of Jesus become like the drone of a fan. We get used to it and don’t really hear anymore. Our eyes become blind to the truth and we begin to make up our own ideas about what is true and what is false. Jesus becomes just a good teacher with some good ideas instead of our Master who has and is The Truth, The Way and The Life. When all of that happens we can no longer discern truth. When we recognize our need to hear from God we cannot because we are spiritually deaf and blind.

So what can we do? If you have found yourself in this condition, even a little bit, repent now. If there is something the Lord has told you to do, but you have not done it, do it now. Start down the right path now before it is too late. Because there comes a point when, “they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.” Only our Father in heaven knows who has reached that point. Seek Him with all your heart now.

Father in heaven, this is frightening because I know my own heart. I know how easily I can choose my way instead of Yours. Please protect our hearts. Help us to truly follow You in all ways, always. Holy Spirit forgive us when we have grieved You by not listening to Your leading. Lord Jesus, we plead Your blood. That is our only plea. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20151123 WHAT DO YOU SEE?

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Matthew 12:9-13 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue,  (10)  where He noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?" (They were hoping He would say yes, so they could bring charges against Him.)  (11)  And He answered, "If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would.  (12)  And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath."  (13)  Then He said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!

Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees is reminiscent of Solomon’s answer to the two women arguing over a living baby. (1Kings 3:16-25)

It had been prophesied the Jesus would be wise. Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Not only is He wise but He is compassionate. The Pharisees only see the potential of someone breaking one of their rules. Though the Sabbath laws are pretty particular the Pharisees had added to them making the Sabbath a burden instead of a rest. But Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath sees the man with the withered hand. He sees the opportunity to give this man a blessing of rest that will remove the yoke of oppressive begging, and return him to the work force. He is giving Him a new yoke, a fitting yoke.

Before presenting the blessing He answers the Pharisees, silencing them with His wisdom. In His answer there is so much more. I repeat myself, but please grasp this. Whether you are the one ignored because of rules, or the one ignoring others because of rules… Jesus sees the man as a man who has worth. In God’s sight you have worth and those around you have worth.

Do you see others? Do you see the hurting? Are you in such a hurry, or so agenda driven that you miss the opportunities to bless those around you? Dallas Willard said, “Arrange your days so that you experience total contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God.” Do you pack your days so full that any interruption, or “chance meetings” (God moments) would be frustrating?

I would be remiss not to point out that Jesus gave the man with the withered hand a part in his healing. Some will read this and say, “Yeah, you people should see me and help me.” Jesus never encourages laziness nor a refusal to work. And Paul takes it a step further, saying "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat." (2Thess 3:10b)

Father in heaven, as we look at our calendar and plan our day remind us to leave breathing room, that is room for contentment, joy and confidence in You. Open our eyes to see, really see those around us who need a compassionate word or a helping hand. Grant us wisdom, health and strength to accomplish what must be done. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20151102 WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN AND HEARD?

WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN AND HEARD?

Mat 11:4-6 Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—  (5)  the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  (6)  And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me. '"

The question asked of Jesus at this point was inspired by John the Baptist. He sent his disciples to ask, “Are you the Messiah?” Based on Jesus’ answer these followers of John had been with Him long enough to see some of His miracles.

How long have you walked with Jesus? What have you seen and heard? If someone asked you about Jesus what would your answer be? Would it be just the academic answers from Sunday School or would you be able to recount blessings and miracles?

I guess the real question here is this, “Is your walk with God just academic or is it a relationship full of stories you can share about His goodness, His character, His provision, love, joy, peace?” Only you and God can answer that question. I urge you to spend some time meditating on that question today.

Father in heaven, thank You that you desire such a relationship with us. May we be found faithful in walking with You and in sharing You with others. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20151001 DO YOU BELIEVE?

DO YOU BELIEVE?

Matthew 9:27-30  After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind Him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"  (28)  They went right into the house where He was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told Him, "we do."  (29)  Then He touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen."  (30)  Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this."

I want to focus on three words from this passage, "Do you believe?” 

These two blind men believed enough to make a spectacle of themselves shouting and following Jesus. They even went right into the house after Him.

What is your situation that you need Jesus to intervene in? Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. (James 4:2b) Have you asked God to meet your need? Have you refused to be silent toward Him about it? Are you following Him?

The answer to Jesus’ question is found in the actions as much as the words. What do your actions say about what you believe Jesus can and will do. I have met many people who have just stopped asking because they didn’t get what they were after on the first try. Keep on knocking. Keep on asking. Keep on seeking.

Father in heaven, increase our faith. Make our faith strong enough that we keep on asking. And then, hear us and answer with miracles in our varied situations. Grant health to the sick. Meet that financial need of the one who has been crying out to You. Repair that relationship that is broken. Provide that job. Grant boldness to the timid. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!