Lord willing, We'll be back after the New Year.

20151202 A WARNING ABOUT DIVISION

A WARNING ABOUT DIVISION

Matthew 12:22-30 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn't speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see.  (23)  The crowd was amazed and asked, "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?"  (24)  But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, "No wonder He can cast out demons. He gets His power from Satan, the prince of demons."  (25)  Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.  (26)  And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.  (27)  And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.  (28)  But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.  (29)  For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.  (30)  "Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me.

A demon possessed man is set free. “Hallelujah! The Kingdom of God is among us.”

All too quickly that man is forgotten, dismissed, if you will. The religious leaders of the day attack the healer and the Spirit with which He operates. Their motive is not revealed in this passage and Jesus does not address it. First He addresses the foolishness of their argument. A house divided cannot continue to stand. It will fall miserably.

There is also an ominous warning here. Jesus alludes to His power and ability to plunder and bind Satan and then He says this, "Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me.”

Today three armed gunmen killed several people and wounded others in San Bernardino, CA. Before the attackers were caught, their motives known and the bodies of the dead had a chance to get cold, social media lit up with arguments over gun control. Well-meaning believers on both sides of this issue pulled out all stops to disgrace the other side.

Many people posted things like, “Praying for San Bernardino.” In the midst of it all, a friend far away in Pakistan contacted me. Not being fully aware of our geography here, she was concerned for my safety. I was touched even though I’m over 2,000 miles away. Her posts on social media was all about praying for the nations of the world.

I was… no, I am convicted by her faith and her conviction to pray instead of argue.

Yes, I have a conviction on the issue of gun control, but this is neither the place, nor the time. Now is the time to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is Your name. Bring Your Kingdom in all its fullness to this planet. Cause Your will to be done here as it is in heaven. Meet our needs. Forgive our sins, and remind us, empower us to forgive those who sin against us. Lead us away from temptation. Deliver us from evil and the evil one. Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Comfort those in San Bernardino and bring the truth to the forefront. Draw the lost to Yourself. And, Father, unite Your church. Even so, Lord Jesus, come. In Jesus name, AMEN!!!

20151201 HOPE OF ALL THE WORLD

HOPE OF ALL THE WORLD

Matthew 12:14-21 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.  (15)  But Jesus knew what they were planning. So He left that area, and many people followed Him. He healed all the sick among them, (16) but He warned them not to reveal who He was.  (17)  This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Him: (18) "Look at My Servant, whom I have chosen. He is My Beloved, who pleases Me. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations.  (19)  He will not fight or shout or raise His voice in public.  (20)  He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally He will cause justice to be victorious.  (21)  And His name will be the hope of all the world."

Although there are no red letters in this passage the words of Christ are implied and His actions speak volumes.

Someone recently asked me why Jesus often told people not to tell who He was. 1) In this case there were people out to kill Him and it was not yet time for Him to die. 2) Jesus goal was always to glorify the Father, not Himself. His glory would come in the Father’s time. 3) Where there is light there will be bugs. Larger crowds don’t necessarily mean more faithful followers. And larger crowds can impede helping those who really need help.

The quote from Isaiah 42 is one of my favorite prophecies because it clearly proclaims the gentleness of our Savior. It proclaims, “If there is the least flicker of light, any hint of hope, the smallest seed of faith God will help.” In Mark 9 A man brings his son to Jesus seeking deliverance for the lad. He has tried for some time to help his boy, and even tried the disciples of Jesus to no avail. In speaking with Christ he expresses some doubt. “Heal him if you can.” Jesus addresses the doubt, not because He wishes to heap condemnation on the man. Rather, Jesus is causing him to search his heart for that which pleases the Father and overcomes the world, faith and honesty. (See Hebrews 11:6, 1John 5:4, John 4:23-24)

Mark 9:24 The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

This dad does it. He gets it right. He is honest about how much faith he has. And Jesus looks beyond all the doubt and sees that flicker of light, that hint of hope. Yes, Jesus sees that tiny seed of faith and He pulls it to the forefront. And then Jesus commands the evil spirit to leave and of course, it does. In that moment that dad is strengthened, that weak reed becomes unbreakable, the flickering candle flares up into a bright light. He is victorious in Jesus and hope has returned to his heart.

Father in heaven, may our words and our lives point to You and Your glory. Grant us the ability to see the light in those around us, however dim that light may be. And rather than snuffing it out grant us wisdom to fan it into healing, faithful hope. 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!!!

20151121 MERCY VS RULES

MERCY VS RULES

Matthew 12:1-8 At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them.  (2)  But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, "Look, Your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath."  (3)  Jesus said to them, "Haven't you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?  (4)  He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.  (5)  And haven't you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath?  (6)  I tell you, there is One here who is even greater than the Temple!  (7)  But you would not have condemned My innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'  (8)  For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"

I’m reminded of the cowboy who retired after many years on the range. He moved into a city and attended a big city church. His fanciest clothing consisted of a clean pair of faded jeans and a plaid shirt which he wore with his customary cowboy boots. As he was leaving after his first visit the pastor shook his hand and said, “I’m so glad you were able to join us today for service and I hope you will return, but would you do me a favor?”

The cowboy politely indicated he would try.

The pastor went on, “Would you ask the Lord what the proper attire is for attending worship here.”

The cowboy promised he would do that. The following week he returned to the same church wearing the exact same clothing. Again, on the way out the pastor shook his hand and said, “I’m so glad you came back, but I thought we agreed you would ask the Lord what the proper attire is for attending worship here.”

The cowboy replied, “Yes sir, we did and I did indeed pray and ask the Lord this week.”

The pastor smirked and asked, “And what did the Lord tell you?”

To which the cowboy replied, “He said He didn’t know because He has never been here.”

I’m so grateful for the mercy that our Heavenly Father has shown us and shows us daily. It is important to note that the ceremonial and dietary laws were given to show us that we all fall short of God’s glory. No one was able to keep all the law except Jesus and He is Lord, even over the Sabbath.

We all have preferences in life. Some of those preferences we feel very strong about. We might even be willing to fight for them, but should we? There are things in the scriptures that are non-negotiables, but those aren’t usually what we fight over.

God’s desire for us is that we would be merciful as He is merciful. I love the way that the NLT puts this… Hosea 6:6  I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.

Father in heaven, fill us with Your amazing love, Your mercy, Your grace. Remind us when we are getting caught up in our preferences and putting them above people. Help us to walk in holiness, but to do it with much love. In Jesus Holy and precious name, AMEN!!!

20151118 REST

REST

Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (30)  For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Jesus goes from a scathing rebuke (vs 21-24) to thanksgiving and praise (vs 25) to a Messianic proclamation of Who Jesus really is (vs27) to a most comforting invitation.

This invitation promises rest. I hear people all around me telling how busy they are, how tired, exhausted, worn out they are, as if in competition of who carries the heaviest load and who among them is the most likely to suddenly die of over exhaustion.

All around us, for us, in us and through us Jesus is doing miracles, but like the people of Korazin we miss them and think them the works of chance or worse, miracles of our own doing.

But for those who feel the weight of what they are doing and can see that their efforts are falling short and wearing them out He calls out, “Come to Me.” When they answer Him He urges them to lay down their heavy burdens and He touches them with a holy rest. He does not leave them to sleep too long, but urges them to take on a different load. They will still work, but in a fitting yoke. This yoke will not chafe nor wear down the wearer. The work He gives will matter for it will be the work for which they were created. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” He will teach them this work and in it they will find a refreshing as they go along. The work itself will bring new life to their souls.

If you are participating in the competition and finding yourself winning the gripe sessions with other busy, worn out individuals. Stop. Yes, stop. Listen to the invitation of Jesus. Go to Him. Lay down your burdens, your ideas of what it is to serve. Accept the rest He offers. When you awaken make a list of all you are doing and give Him permission to go over that list with you. Give Him permission to tell you what needs to go. You will have to learn the word, “No.”

Then ask Him if there is anything you are not doing that you should be doing. Listen. If you are His sheep, then He promises you will hear His voice. Now follow His guidance.

Father in heaven, we pile stuff on that You did not plan for us. We live in a society that praises busyness and has no patience for waiting or really resting. One of Your commandments is for us to Sabbath. Forgive us for ignoring You and the healing, peaceful rest You offer. Help us as Your children to accept this gift You offer. Cause our ears to be open to Your direction and may we be found faithful to the work for which You created each of us. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20151116 WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR STRENGTH?

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR STRENGTH?

Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.  (26)  Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way!  (27)  "My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."

In the preceding verses Jesus proclaims the horror of the final judgment of the occupants of five cities. But, in verse 25 He turns His heart and mind to praising the Father. Though judgment will be horrendous there will be a remnant and Jesus praises God for it. He rejoices in what pleases the Father. In that rejoicing He is trusting the Father’s perfect plan for His own, for those He will save.

I’m reminded of the time that David and his men had gone out to battle only to return and find their city burned and their families taken. David’s men, being discouraged, tired, and angry began talking of killing David. Read David’s response… 1 Samuel 30:6  David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He approached it (Luke 19:41). No doubt He was broken hearted over Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum, but He found strength in the Father and His plans.

In what do you find strength when all around you seems devastating? The news of late is depressing, maddening even. Jesus warned of wars and rumors of wars, persecutions, earthquakes and all sorts of calamities. But He also said, John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”

Father in heaven, strengthen our brothers and sisters in Paris who are dealing with such a massive loss because of evil. Draw the lost to Yourself. Grant Your comfort and Your peace. Remind us where our strength comes from by the power and grace of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!