Fasting ~
Fasting is another way to commune with God. I see it as, "I am really serious about seeking Your will regarding [blank] so I will deny myself food & focus on you for a given amount of time."
Food is very important to most of us. We spend at least three times a day thinking about what we are going to eat & then actually taking the time to eat it. By fasting, we are replacing all that time spent on food by focusing on God. When your stomach rumbles, you pray. When it's breakfast, lunch, & dinner time - you pray. It helps you really concentrate on God. Jesus fasted many times in order to really focus on God's will.
So, when you're fasting, you are obviously going to be hungry. Don't let it show. Fasting isn't about showing others how spiritual you are. It's not to get other's attention, pity, or admiration. It's about you & God. So keep it private.
If you have never tried fasting, I would encourage you to give it a shot. Take a day - sundown to sundown - focus on God & your relationship with Him. I bet great things will happen.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Matthew 6:5-15
Prayer ~
Prayer is one of the most important aspects of Christian life. Basically, you can't be in a relationship if you don't communicate with them. Or, as I tell my preschoolers, "You're not friends with someone if you talk to them."
Jesus is going to tell us how to pray:
1. It's a private thing!! Prayer is not about you looking good in front of others!! It's you talking to God - even if it's a corporate prayer. (out loud prayer in a group.)
2. It doesn't need to be repetitive, pleading, or long. Pagans pray to their false gods by chanting, yelling, or giving long prayers. Listen, God already knows what you need. Prayer is about having that conversation with Him. Asking Him let's Him know that you want His help & are willing to accept His help.
3. The Lord's prayer - this isn't an exact prayer to be repeated every time you pray. This is a pattern: Praise God, acknowledge His authority, ask for what you need, ask for your sins to be forgiven, ask to stay strong in your Christian walk.
4. Make sure you aren't asking for what you are unwilling to do yourself. If you want God to forgive you, you need to forgive others!! It comes back to treat others the way you want to be treated.
Have you prayed today? This week? This month? Hmmmm . . . take a little time & talk with your Heavenly Father.
Prayer is one of the most important aspects of Christian life. Basically, you can't be in a relationship if you don't communicate with them. Or, as I tell my preschoolers, "You're not friends with someone if you talk to them."
Jesus is going to tell us how to pray:
1. It's a private thing!! Prayer is not about you looking good in front of others!! It's you talking to God - even if it's a corporate prayer. (out loud prayer in a group.)
2. It doesn't need to be repetitive, pleading, or long. Pagans pray to their false gods by chanting, yelling, or giving long prayers. Listen, God already knows what you need. Prayer is about having that conversation with Him. Asking Him let's Him know that you want His help & are willing to accept His help.
3. The Lord's prayer - this isn't an exact prayer to be repeated every time you pray. This is a pattern: Praise God, acknowledge His authority, ask for what you need, ask for your sins to be forgiven, ask to stay strong in your Christian walk.
4. Make sure you aren't asking for what you are unwilling to do yourself. If you want God to forgive you, you need to forgive others!! It comes back to treat others the way you want to be treated.
Have you prayed today? This week? This month? Hmmmm . . . take a little time & talk with your Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Matthew 6:1-4
Giving to the Needy ~
This teaching is more about how you give than what you give. Don't make it a big deal. Listen - you don't give to the needy, either monetarily or with your time, in order to get praise from man. You give because it's the right thing to do.
In our country we have been so blessed, we have so much & we are called to help others. So, look for ways to help. How can you share your time, your money, your talents with those in need? When we give back, it fills some need within us. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and joy. However, if you're only giving so other's will pat you on the back - well you've gotten all the reward you're ever going to get.
Remember, it's all about your motivation. Why are you helping? Is it to get something in return, or is it because it's the right thing to do? Get out there and help people. Just remember to check your pride at the door.
This teaching is more about how you give than what you give. Don't make it a big deal. Listen - you don't give to the needy, either monetarily or with your time, in order to get praise from man. You give because it's the right thing to do.
In our country we have been so blessed, we have so much & we are called to help others. So, look for ways to help. How can you share your time, your money, your talents with those in need? When we give back, it fills some need within us. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and joy. However, if you're only giving so other's will pat you on the back - well you've gotten all the reward you're ever going to get.
Remember, it's all about your motivation. Why are you helping? Is it to get something in return, or is it because it's the right thing to do? Get out there and help people. Just remember to check your pride at the door.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Matthew 5:43-48
Loving Your Enemy ~
As Christians we are called to be light & salt. However, how can you accomplish that calling if you only treat those you like with respect & love? That's how the world works, but we are called to be something more.
Love your enemy, treat them the way you want to be treated, PRAY for them. Once again this is about your motivation & a deep understanding that others are more important than yourself. We are not to be self-centered, we are to be God-centered. God didn't hold back His love for us. Even as we spit in His face He is calling us home. He is reaching out to us. He has made a way for us. We are to reflect His perfect way.
That last verse - be perfect. Wow, that's quite the calling. How can we be perfect? Well, my Study Bible gives some pointers, let's take a look at them:
1. In character - aspire to be as much like Christ as possible.
2. In holiness - Devote yourself to God's desires rather than your own. Carry His love & mercy to the world.
3. In maturity - God expects different behavior depending on our stage of spiritual development. A new Christian is bound to make more mistakes than a mature Christian simply because of their experience & knowledge.
4. In love - seek to love others as completely as God loves us.
Remember - it all comes down to motivation. You can do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. Perfection takes time & thoughtfulness. So, slow down & really think before you do something. Are we perfect now? Absolutely not, but as we draw closer to Him, as we put into practice His ways above our own ways - we will step closer & closet to His perfection.
As Christians we are called to be light & salt. However, how can you accomplish that calling if you only treat those you like with respect & love? That's how the world works, but we are called to be something more.
Love your enemy, treat them the way you want to be treated, PRAY for them. Once again this is about your motivation & a deep understanding that others are more important than yourself. We are not to be self-centered, we are to be God-centered. God didn't hold back His love for us. Even as we spit in His face He is calling us home. He is reaching out to us. He has made a way for us. We are to reflect His perfect way.
That last verse - be perfect. Wow, that's quite the calling. How can we be perfect? Well, my Study Bible gives some pointers, let's take a look at them:
1. In character - aspire to be as much like Christ as possible.
2. In holiness - Devote yourself to God's desires rather than your own. Carry His love & mercy to the world.
3. In maturity - God expects different behavior depending on our stage of spiritual development. A new Christian is bound to make more mistakes than a mature Christian simply because of their experience & knowledge.
4. In love - seek to love others as completely as God loves us.
Remember - it all comes down to motivation. You can do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. Perfection takes time & thoughtfulness. So, slow down & really think before you do something. Are we perfect now? Absolutely not, but as we draw closer to Him, as we put into practice His ways above our own ways - we will step closer & closet to His perfection.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Matthew 5:38 - 42
An Eye for an Eye ~
We are still talking about motivation & attitude. An "eye for an eye" was part of the Mosaic judicial law dealing with restitution. If you get into a fight & maim someone's eye - you can demand their eye be maimed too. This law was put into place to give people a natural consequence for their actions that would make them think twice before making a poor choice. It was also placed in order for the victim to stop being a victim. You had such & such happen, here is the resolution - now move on with your live.
Now, is Jesus telling us there is no more restitution? Nope. What He is telling us is we shouldn't be out looking for what we deserve. It's not about making sure the other person pays for their actions. Instead, we are to show Christ's love and forgiveness. After all, what do we really deserve from God? Are we spotless, sinless? No. We deserve His judgement, the wages of sin is death. Instead, He sent us His Son to die for us that we might be forgiven. We deserved death, yet Jesus took out place.
So, treat others the way God treated you. Maybe that should be our golden rule. God forgives us, loves us, ensures that our needs are met. Jesus didn't fight back - He knew NOTHING on this earth was worth more than His relationship with the Father. So, that's were He put His focus. That's were He found joy, peace, self-confidence & control.
It's not about what someone else owes you. It's not about what they deserve. It's about you loving them. When they see that love in your eyes, in your attitude - it will draw them closer to a relationship with Jesus. And that is where our focus should be.
We are still talking about motivation & attitude. An "eye for an eye" was part of the Mosaic judicial law dealing with restitution. If you get into a fight & maim someone's eye - you can demand their eye be maimed too. This law was put into place to give people a natural consequence for their actions that would make them think twice before making a poor choice. It was also placed in order for the victim to stop being a victim. You had such & such happen, here is the resolution - now move on with your live.
Now, is Jesus telling us there is no more restitution? Nope. What He is telling us is we shouldn't be out looking for what we deserve. It's not about making sure the other person pays for their actions. Instead, we are to show Christ's love and forgiveness. After all, what do we really deserve from God? Are we spotless, sinless? No. We deserve His judgement, the wages of sin is death. Instead, He sent us His Son to die for us that we might be forgiven. We deserved death, yet Jesus took out place.
So, treat others the way God treated you. Maybe that should be our golden rule. God forgives us, loves us, ensures that our needs are met. Jesus didn't fight back - He knew NOTHING on this earth was worth more than His relationship with the Father. So, that's were He put His focus. That's were He found joy, peace, self-confidence & control.
It's not about what someone else owes you. It's not about what they deserve. It's about you loving them. When they see that love in your eyes, in your attitude - it will draw them closer to a relationship with Jesus. And that is where our focus should be.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Matthew 5:33-37
Oaths ~
I promise, I swear I'll do such & such. I'm telling the truth . . .
In the Old Testament people were reminded to keep their oaths. Don't enter a contract or make a verbal oath that you don't intend to keep. Yet, Jesus takes it one step further - don't even make the oath.
What can you promise by? What can you swear by? Heaven or earth which you have no control over? On your mother's grave or by the hairs on your head? What power do you have over those things? How do these things give you the ability to keep your promise?
How about you not make oaths in the first place. It occurs to me that the need to make an oath shows that you are an untrustworthy person. Think about it - if your "yes" can't be trusted, what does that say about your heart - your motivation? What does that say about you as an individual?
Let's make every effort to be trustworthy Christians. People who are known to follow through, to get the task accomplished to our best ability. Let us be people of integrity & worth. If you find yourself making promises - examine your heart. What do you need to change?
You may not have power over heaven, or earth, or even the aging of your own body - but you do have power over your actions. Let's put our focus there.
I promise, I swear I'll do such & such. I'm telling the truth . . .
In the Old Testament people were reminded to keep their oaths. Don't enter a contract or make a verbal oath that you don't intend to keep. Yet, Jesus takes it one step further - don't even make the oath.
What can you promise by? What can you swear by? Heaven or earth which you have no control over? On your mother's grave or by the hairs on your head? What power do you have over those things? How do these things give you the ability to keep your promise?
How about you not make oaths in the first place. It occurs to me that the need to make an oath shows that you are an untrustworthy person. Think about it - if your "yes" can't be trusted, what does that say about your heart - your motivation? What does that say about you as an individual?
Let's make every effort to be trustworthy Christians. People who are known to follow through, to get the task accomplished to our best ability. Let us be people of integrity & worth. If you find yourself making promises - examine your heart. What do you need to change?
You may not have power over heaven, or earth, or even the aging of your own body - but you do have power over your actions. Let's put our focus there.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Matthew 5:31-32
Divorce ~
In Jesus' day, many rabbis interpreted the Mosaic laws of divorce very loosely, allowing a man to divorce his wife for something as simple as burning his toast. This removes the sanctity & unity of marriage & makes it more of an employment contract - "As long as you please me, I'll keep you around."
The attitude toward divorce today has also become increasingly permissive. Marriage was designed by God to be an intimate partnership in which the other person's needs are more important than your own. Marriage provides love, support, and comfort. Yet, it also teaches us submission & sacrifice. There is a reason our vows state, "to have and hold from this day on, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.” Notice we don't say, "As long as you please me I'll keep you around." Rather we say in good times & bad, I'll be here for you.
Marriage is hard work, but it is the second most rewarding relationship you will ever have. (Can you guess what the first relationship is?) Jesus tells us not to disrespect marriage. Divorce for frivolous reasons will not be accepted by God & both parties will be seen as adulators in their next relationships.
This doesn't mean you must remain married to a person that has broken the marital vows. Divorce is permissible for marital unfaithfulness. This implies a sexually immoral life-style, not a confessed and repented mistake. It is always better to try to work things out.
Finally, please don't read this & think that an abusive relationship is OK in God's eyes. Ephesians 5 tells us that marriage is about sacrifice & submission. No where in Scripture is there justification to beat or berate a spouse; and a battered man or woman has a right to dissolve a marriage that causes undue distress or harm.
So, what should we glean from this? God sees marriage as a holy commitment. Don't enter into it lightly. Once you do, make every effort to make yourself worthy of the commitment. Before you berate your relationship or your spouse, honestly ask yourself, "What can I do to make this better." Not, "If they did such & such, this would be better."
In Jesus' day, many rabbis interpreted the Mosaic laws of divorce very loosely, allowing a man to divorce his wife for something as simple as burning his toast. This removes the sanctity & unity of marriage & makes it more of an employment contract - "As long as you please me, I'll keep you around."
The attitude toward divorce today has also become increasingly permissive. Marriage was designed by God to be an intimate partnership in which the other person's needs are more important than your own. Marriage provides love, support, and comfort. Yet, it also teaches us submission & sacrifice. There is a reason our vows state, "to have and hold from this day on, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.” Notice we don't say, "As long as you please me I'll keep you around." Rather we say in good times & bad, I'll be here for you.
Marriage is hard work, but it is the second most rewarding relationship you will ever have. (Can you guess what the first relationship is?) Jesus tells us not to disrespect marriage. Divorce for frivolous reasons will not be accepted by God & both parties will be seen as adulators in their next relationships.
This doesn't mean you must remain married to a person that has broken the marital vows. Divorce is permissible for marital unfaithfulness. This implies a sexually immoral life-style, not a confessed and repented mistake. It is always better to try to work things out.
Finally, please don't read this & think that an abusive relationship is OK in God's eyes. Ephesians 5 tells us that marriage is about sacrifice & submission. No where in Scripture is there justification to beat or berate a spouse; and a battered man or woman has a right to dissolve a marriage that causes undue distress or harm.
So, what should we glean from this? God sees marriage as a holy commitment. Don't enter into it lightly. Once you do, make every effort to make yourself worthy of the commitment. Before you berate your relationship or your spouse, honestly ask yourself, "What can I do to make this better." Not, "If they did such & such, this would be better."
Monday, August 20, 2012
Matthew 5:27-30
Adultery ~
Once again, Jesus emphasizes that your motivation - your heart - is more important than your outward actions. Everyone knows adultery is a sin, but Jesus tells us that lusting after someone - imagining the act - is as much of a sin as committing the act.
Motivation, motivation, motivation & self-control: notice Jesus tells us to pluck out our eye or cut off our hand if it causes us to sin. Is he being literal here? I don't think so. I believe He is teaching us about self-control. Would you rather pluck out your eye or would you like to learn to control yourself? We will all come into contact with attractive people; however, it's what you do afterwards that leads to sin. Do you keep moving or do you fixate on a lustful scenario?
Make every effort to ask yourself why you do what you do & start implementing self-control. The effort is worth it!
Once again, Jesus emphasizes that your motivation - your heart - is more important than your outward actions. Everyone knows adultery is a sin, but Jesus tells us that lusting after someone - imagining the act - is as much of a sin as committing the act.
Motivation, motivation, motivation & self-control: notice Jesus tells us to pluck out our eye or cut off our hand if it causes us to sin. Is he being literal here? I don't think so. I believe He is teaching us about self-control. Would you rather pluck out your eye or would you like to learn to control yourself? We will all come into contact with attractive people; however, it's what you do afterwards that leads to sin. Do you keep moving or do you fixate on a lustful scenario?
Make every effort to ask yourself why you do what you do & start implementing self-control. The effort is worth it!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Matthew 5:21-26
Murder ~
We all know that murder is wrong. The taking of a life holds the strongest penalties in our society. Exodus 20:13; 21:12; and Deuteronomy 5:17 provide the Laws concerning murder. Yet, Jesus tells us that anger towards one another is equivalent to murder. Calling someone a name can put you in danger of the fire of hell. In fact, this issue of strife is more important than your offering!
It comes back to not just the physical act, but the motivation behind our actions. Anger and strife lead to all sorts of conflicts and atrocious behavior. It is important to get a handle on these emotions. Self-disciple, control, and conflict resolution are essential for maintaining a healthy, joyful life. It's kind of hard to have peace and joy in your life when you are filled with anger.
Does this make it a sin to be angry? No, it's what we do with our anger that becomes the sin. When you let it rule your life, when you allow it to destroy relationships, when you hurt others & yourself with it, it becomes sin. So, deal with your anger! Don't let yourself fall into sin!
We all know that murder is wrong. The taking of a life holds the strongest penalties in our society. Exodus 20:13; 21:12; and Deuteronomy 5:17 provide the Laws concerning murder. Yet, Jesus tells us that anger towards one another is equivalent to murder. Calling someone a name can put you in danger of the fire of hell. In fact, this issue of strife is more important than your offering!
It comes back to not just the physical act, but the motivation behind our actions. Anger and strife lead to all sorts of conflicts and atrocious behavior. It is important to get a handle on these emotions. Self-disciple, control, and conflict resolution are essential for maintaining a healthy, joyful life. It's kind of hard to have peace and joy in your life when you are filled with anger.
Does this make it a sin to be angry? No, it's what we do with our anger that becomes the sin. When you let it rule your life, when you allow it to destroy relationships, when you hurt others & yourself with it, it becomes sin. So, deal with your anger! Don't let yourself fall into sin!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Matthew 5:17-20
The Fulfillment of the Law ~
Jesus offers salvation - He saves us from our sins, but that doesn't mean we no longer have the Law. It is still there & we are stilled judged by it. Jesus tells us that not one dot will be changed.
Sounds daunting doesn't it? Well, Jesus will spend the next 14 days showing us the Law. If the Pharisees thought their strict adherence was tough, well, they are about to find out that their motivation behind following the Law counts too. We don't follow the Law simply with our actions, we follow it with our hearts.
So take a deep breathe & prepare to dive in as we spend the next 14 days learning from the Master. I'm excited because I have come to understand that the Law was put in place to keep me safe, to help me get to know God better, and to help me in my relationships with people. These laws aren't here to make my life harder, they are here to make my life easier. Now, wouldn't you like your life to be easier? I know I do. I'll see you tomorrow.
Jesus offers salvation - He saves us from our sins, but that doesn't mean we no longer have the Law. It is still there & we are stilled judged by it. Jesus tells us that not one dot will be changed.
Sounds daunting doesn't it? Well, Jesus will spend the next 14 days showing us the Law. If the Pharisees thought their strict adherence was tough, well, they are about to find out that their motivation behind following the Law counts too. We don't follow the Law simply with our actions, we follow it with our hearts.
So take a deep breathe & prepare to dive in as we spend the next 14 days learning from the Master. I'm excited because I have come to understand that the Law was put in place to keep me safe, to help me get to know God better, and to help me in my relationships with people. These laws aren't here to make my life harder, they are here to make my life easier. Now, wouldn't you like your life to be easier? I know I do. I'll see you tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt & Light ~
The next week or so we will be digging into a sermon given by Jesus. Matthew records the sermon in its entirety, while the other writers pull out certain points.
We are salt and light. What does salt do? It seasons & flavors our foods. Salt also provides an essential nutrient to our bodies. As Christians, we are the salt of the world. We speak of The essential nutrient - Jesus Christ. We also flavor the world with His Words and His Message as we spread it to the corners of the earth. However, we must be careful not to lose our saltiness. Don't become complacent, don't start to compromise! In doing so, your faith will become flavorless.
What does light do? It casts out darkness. It shows us the truth and the way. It casts out fear & anxiety. Make sure to let your light shine to those around you. Share the truth of Jesus, show them the way to a relationship with Him. Cast out fear & doubt in yourself & in others.
This salt & light only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is essential to work everyday on this relationship. Draw closer to God & you will shine forth with His light.
The next week or so we will be digging into a sermon given by Jesus. Matthew records the sermon in its entirety, while the other writers pull out certain points.
We are salt and light. What does salt do? It seasons & flavors our foods. Salt also provides an essential nutrient to our bodies. As Christians, we are the salt of the world. We speak of The essential nutrient - Jesus Christ. We also flavor the world with His Words and His Message as we spread it to the corners of the earth. However, we must be careful not to lose our saltiness. Don't become complacent, don't start to compromise! In doing so, your faith will become flavorless.
What does light do? It casts out darkness. It shows us the truth and the way. It casts out fear & anxiety. Make sure to let your light shine to those around you. Share the truth of Jesus, show them the way to a relationship with Him. Cast out fear & doubt in yourself & in others.
This salt & light only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is essential to work everyday on this relationship. Draw closer to God & you will shine forth with His light.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26
Jesus Gives the Beatitudes:
The word "blessing" is makarioi in Greek. It means to be "fully satisfied." In the New Testament this complete satisfaction comes from salvation. When Jesus lives within you, this blessing, or joy, will permeate your life. Notice that these blessings don't have to do with how good you are, or how much you have, and they are all conditional. That is to say, one must be [blank] to receive [the blessing.]
A look at the Greek will help us understand these conditions in the proper manner. Often the English has one word for many concepts. Greek defines things a little more specifically. For instance, in English we say love, one word for many types of love. In Greek, there are four words for love - but we will get to those later. For now, let's define the Greek:
Poor in spirit - ptochoi - understanding one's spiritual helplessness & dependence of Jesus Christ receive the kingdom of Heaven - eternal life
mourn - pentheo - those who regret their sins receive comfort and forgiveness for their sins
meek - praus - those willing to be honest about who they really are, those willing to submit to the authority of God and others inherit the earth.
hunger - hoi peinontes - those who hunger for righteousness will be filled with righteousness.
merciful - eleemon - those who have a caring attitude toward others will receive mercy themselves.
Those who are pure in heart - those able to encompass the preceding conditions will more clearly be able to see God.
Peacemakers - eirenopoios - those who bring peace to their fellow man are called the sons of God.
being persecuted because of righteousness - those martyred & persecuted for their faith will receive a great reward in heaven.
To me these blessing encompass the way we are to live as Christians - humble servants who put God & others first. They are a mindset, a motivation for our actions. Can we achieve perfection in these areas? No, we are human after all, but we can make it a point to implement these principals in our every day lives.
The word "blessing" is makarioi in Greek. It means to be "fully satisfied." In the New Testament this complete satisfaction comes from salvation. When Jesus lives within you, this blessing, or joy, will permeate your life. Notice that these blessings don't have to do with how good you are, or how much you have, and they are all conditional. That is to say, one must be [blank] to receive [the blessing.]
A look at the Greek will help us understand these conditions in the proper manner. Often the English has one word for many concepts. Greek defines things a little more specifically. For instance, in English we say love, one word for many types of love. In Greek, there are four words for love - but we will get to those later. For now, let's define the Greek:
Poor in spirit - ptochoi - understanding one's spiritual helplessness & dependence of Jesus Christ receive the kingdom of Heaven - eternal life
mourn - pentheo - those who regret their sins receive comfort and forgiveness for their sins
meek - praus - those willing to be honest about who they really are, those willing to submit to the authority of God and others inherit the earth.
hunger - hoi peinontes - those who hunger for righteousness will be filled with righteousness.
merciful - eleemon - those who have a caring attitude toward others will receive mercy themselves.
Those who are pure in heart - those able to encompass the preceding conditions will more clearly be able to see God.
Peacemakers - eirenopoios - those who bring peace to their fellow man are called the sons of God.
being persecuted because of righteousness - those martyred & persecuted for their faith will receive a great reward in heaven.
To me these blessing encompass the way we are to live as Christians - humble servants who put God & others first. They are a mindset, a motivation for our actions. Can we achieve perfection in these areas? No, we are human after all, but we can make it a point to implement these principals in our every day lives.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16
The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles ~
Everyone who followed Jesus was a disciple. However, now that they have spent time together, Jesus calls out twelve of His disciples to be apostles. These twelve men are given a special assignment - they are being sent out to spread Jesus' message. These men will also be given the authority to cast out demons. Jesus can't be every where at all times, so He is sending twelve trusted followers to help Him do the work.
These men are:
Simon Peter
James, son of Zebedee
John, son of Zebedee
Andrew
Philip
Barholomew
Matthew - the tax collector
Thomas
James, son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot
We are all called to follow Jesus according to our gifts. These men were given positions of leadership. Some of us are called to be leaders, some teachers, some helpers, some administrators. No matter what your gift, you have been called. If you don't know where you fit in with the family of God - spend some time in prayer this week asking God what He has in store for you.
Everyone who followed Jesus was a disciple. However, now that they have spent time together, Jesus calls out twelve of His disciples to be apostles. These twelve men are given a special assignment - they are being sent out to spread Jesus' message. These men will also be given the authority to cast out demons. Jesus can't be every where at all times, so He is sending twelve trusted followers to help Him do the work.
These men are:
Simon Peter
James, son of Zebedee
John, son of Zebedee
Andrew
Philip
Barholomew
Matthew - the tax collector
Thomas
James, son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot
We are all called to follow Jesus according to our gifts. These men were given positions of leadership. Some of us are called to be leaders, some teachers, some helpers, some administrators. No matter what your gift, you have been called. If you don't know where you fit in with the family of God - spend some time in prayer this week asking God what He has in store for you.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12
Aware of the plot against Him, Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem. However, the crowds still followed. Jesus continued to heal the sick, but He warned them to keep quiet about it. Why? Well, the prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4 tells us that Jesus was indeed a king, but He was a quiet king who brought justice to the nations. His ministry wasn't about popularity, fame, and power - it was about righting wrongs & returning people to the truth.
Do you notice that Jesus isn't standing around condemning people? Instead, He is healing them. He is taking their broken bodies and souls and making them new. Who did Jesus speak out against? The religious leaders, those who had forgotten to nurse the hearts of their people.
So were do you stand? Are you looking into people's hearts, seeking to understand their hurts and make them whole again? Or are you simply pointing out their sin?
Do you notice that Jesus isn't standing around condemning people? Instead, He is healing them. He is taking their broken bodies and souls and making them new. Who did Jesus speak out against? The religious leaders, those who had forgotten to nurse the hearts of their people.
So were do you stand? Are you looking into people's hearts, seeking to understand their hurts and make them whole again? Or are you simply pointing out their sin?
Friday, August 3, 2012
Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11
So, Jesus arrives at the synagogue. According to Matthew, the pharisees, pointing out a man in need of healing, poses a question to Jesus, "Is it lawful to heal a man on the Sabbath." Now they are trying to force His hand. They thought they had Jesus between a rock & a hard place. However, as usual, Jesus presents common sense to the men.
Have you noticed this yet? The religious leaders are constantly asking Jesus very philosophically profound questions. He always answers these thought provoking questions with some pretty straightforward questions or statements. See, they are so use to pondering these HUGE questions that they have left their common sense behind. Maybe this is what got them so off track in the first place. Philosophy comes from a man's thoughts & pondering. Philosophy is self-centered. Common sense comes from a relationship. Common sense is other-centered. Do you know the heart of God or do you simply ponder His Words? Jesus knew His heart, the pharisees simply pondered His Word.
Therefore, Jesus was able to easily answer the pharisees. Basically he said, "You wouldn't let your sheep - an animal - suffer of the Sabbath, why would you let this man - a fellow human being - suffer on the Sabbath?"
Yesterday I provided a quote on some Jewish laws, but I would like to share another selection from the same article today,
"Every Jew is not just permitted to break Shabbat rules if harm will arise as a result of not doing so, but expected to. Thus, a Jew would be allowed to use a car to take an injured person to hospital despite the law against driving as human life and well being is considered to always take precedence against all other laws. Similarly, if a Jew has neglected to light a fire prior to Shabbat but it unexpectedly becomes cold and somebody within the home may suffer ill as a result - ie; children, the inform, the elderly - then he or she is both permitted and expected to light a fire."
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Jewish_law_concerning_th_sabbath_day#ixzz22UImHSEG
Common sense says: the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Life and health are more important. Jesus showed this to the Jews who had lost sight of the big picture. Unfortunately, many didn't see the light, instead they continued to turn their hearts against Jesus.
So, we come down to our question of the day: Do you know the heart of God or do you simply ponder His Words? Maybe today you can ask Him His opinion of the Scripture you have been pondering? You might be amazed at what He has to say.
Have you noticed this yet? The religious leaders are constantly asking Jesus very philosophically profound questions. He always answers these thought provoking questions with some pretty straightforward questions or statements. See, they are so use to pondering these HUGE questions that they have left their common sense behind. Maybe this is what got them so off track in the first place. Philosophy comes from a man's thoughts & pondering. Philosophy is self-centered. Common sense comes from a relationship. Common sense is other-centered. Do you know the heart of God or do you simply ponder His Words? Jesus knew His heart, the pharisees simply pondered His Word.
Therefore, Jesus was able to easily answer the pharisees. Basically he said, "You wouldn't let your sheep - an animal - suffer of the Sabbath, why would you let this man - a fellow human being - suffer on the Sabbath?"
Yesterday I provided a quote on some Jewish laws, but I would like to share another selection from the same article today,
"Every Jew is not just permitted to break Shabbat rules if harm will arise as a result of not doing so, but expected to. Thus, a Jew would be allowed to use a car to take an injured person to hospital despite the law against driving as human life and well being is considered to always take precedence against all other laws. Similarly, if a Jew has neglected to light a fire prior to Shabbat but it unexpectedly becomes cold and somebody within the home may suffer ill as a result - ie; children, the inform, the elderly - then he or she is both permitted and expected to light a fire."
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Jewish_law_concerning_th_sabbath_day#ixzz22UImHSEG
Common sense says: the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Life and health are more important. Jesus showed this to the Jews who had lost sight of the big picture. Unfortunately, many didn't see the light, instead they continued to turn their hearts against Jesus.
So, we come down to our question of the day: Do you know the heart of God or do you simply ponder His Words? Maybe today you can ask Him His opinion of the Scripture you have been pondering? You might be amazed at what He has to say.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-38; Luke 6:1-5
Lord of the Sabbath ~
So, Jesus has just answered His accusers in the last two readings concerning the law, but it hasn't sunk in yet. As the disciples are walking along on the Sabbath, they pick some grain & eat it. Stop the presses! They picked grain, rolled it in their hands & ATE it on the Sabbath! The Pharisees immediately point out their sin. (Side bar: why were the Pharisees in the field? Are they just following Jesus around judging His every move? I think so. How sad that in all that following they never really heard what He had to say. They were willfully blind & deaf to the living Word of God. Sad, so very sad.) Ok back to the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, what sinners! Well actually, it wasn't sin. They weren't breaking God's law, the were breaking the Pharisee"s law. Jesus reminds them once again of the Scriptures: David, the great & revered king, went into the Temple & ate the consecrated bread. Now, that was a sin. That bread was devoted to God & God alone. The penalty for eating that bread was death. But, hmmmm . . . nothing happened to them. Also, the priests work on the Sabbath, so why aren't they guilty of sin?
What's going on here? Jesus once again quotes Hoses 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Then He tells them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of man is Lord even on the Sabbath." Basically, the Sabbath was set aside as a day of rest and restoration for man. Man toils the earth six days and on the seventh day he gets to relax. It's a day of joy, not a day of hardship and struggle. Yet, all these rules - over 1,800 of them, were making it harder and harder to actually rest!
Here is an selection from an article regarding a brief summary of current Jewish law concerning the Sabbath, "In brief, activities which are not permitted include travelling in a motorised vehicle; writing; laundry; using the telephone; any form of business transaction; kindling fire - this includes activities such as cooking, for which a process of producing heat must be instigated, and switching electrical appliances on or off); gardening. These raise certain complexities - for example, while a refrigerator may be used the internal light must be disabled since if it turns on when the fridge is opened you have kindled fire by switching on a device that produces heat and thus "kindled fire."
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Jewish_law_concerning_th_sabbath_day#ixzz22OYickzW
We need to stop getting so caught up in rules, rules, rules. Stop focusing on what you can & cannot do, stop focusing on what people around you can & cannot do. Instead, get to know Jesus! Now does this mean we just throw out the law & run around doing what we want? No, that is godlessness. God still has rules - every family does. But these rules are for your benefit. They are to keep you happy, healthy, and in good relationship with God & others. God's rules are pretty simple - Love the Lord your God with everything you've got & treat others the way you want to be treated. There you go - start focusing on that simple statement & let God change your heart, your mind, & your attitude!
So, Jesus has just answered His accusers in the last two readings concerning the law, but it hasn't sunk in yet. As the disciples are walking along on the Sabbath, they pick some grain & eat it. Stop the presses! They picked grain, rolled it in their hands & ATE it on the Sabbath! The Pharisees immediately point out their sin. (Side bar: why were the Pharisees in the field? Are they just following Jesus around judging His every move? I think so. How sad that in all that following they never really heard what He had to say. They were willfully blind & deaf to the living Word of God. Sad, so very sad.) Ok back to the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, what sinners! Well actually, it wasn't sin. They weren't breaking God's law, the were breaking the Pharisee"s law. Jesus reminds them once again of the Scriptures: David, the great & revered king, went into the Temple & ate the consecrated bread. Now, that was a sin. That bread was devoted to God & God alone. The penalty for eating that bread was death. But, hmmmm . . . nothing happened to them. Also, the priests work on the Sabbath, so why aren't they guilty of sin?
What's going on here? Jesus once again quotes Hoses 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Then He tells them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of man is Lord even on the Sabbath." Basically, the Sabbath was set aside as a day of rest and restoration for man. Man toils the earth six days and on the seventh day he gets to relax. It's a day of joy, not a day of hardship and struggle. Yet, all these rules - over 1,800 of them, were making it harder and harder to actually rest!
Here is an selection from an article regarding a brief summary of current Jewish law concerning the Sabbath, "In brief, activities which are not permitted include travelling in a motorised vehicle; writing; laundry; using the telephone; any form of business transaction; kindling fire - this includes activities such as cooking, for which a process of producing heat must be instigated, and switching electrical appliances on or off); gardening. These raise certain complexities - for example, while a refrigerator may be used the internal light must be disabled since if it turns on when the fridge is opened you have kindled fire by switching on a device that produces heat and thus "kindled fire."
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Jewish_law_concerning_th_sabbath_day#ixzz22OYickzW
We need to stop getting so caught up in rules, rules, rules. Stop focusing on what you can & cannot do, stop focusing on what people around you can & cannot do. Instead, get to know Jesus! Now does this mean we just throw out the law & run around doing what we want? No, that is godlessness. God still has rules - every family does. But these rules are for your benefit. They are to keep you happy, healthy, and in good relationship with God & others. God's rules are pretty simple - Love the Lord your God with everything you've got & treat others the way you want to be treated. There you go - start focusing on that simple statement & let God change your heart, your mind, & your attitude!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
John 5:31-47
Testimonies About Jesus ~
How do we know that Jesus is who He says He is?
- John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness, telling the people to prepare for the coming Messiah.
- The Scriptures prophesies about Jesus. It is interesting that the religious leaders spent their live studying these Scriptures, yet they missed the fulfillment of them.
- Moses. As the giver of the law, Moses is held in the highest esteem by the Jewish people. God not only spoke to him, but God appeared to him in the burning bush, through the 10 plagues, in the desert, and on Mt. Sinai. Moses spoke of the coming Messiah & still the people did not recognize Jesus.
What can we learn from this? Get rid of your preconceived ideas about Jesus. Stop looking for the Messiah you want and start looking for the Messiah Who Is.
How do we know that Jesus is who He says He is?
- John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness, telling the people to prepare for the coming Messiah.
- The Scriptures prophesies about Jesus. It is interesting that the religious leaders spent their live studying these Scriptures, yet they missed the fulfillment of them.
- Moses. As the giver of the law, Moses is held in the highest esteem by the Jewish people. God not only spoke to him, but God appeared to him in the burning bush, through the 10 plagues, in the desert, and on Mt. Sinai. Moses spoke of the coming Messiah & still the people did not recognize Jesus.
What can we learn from this? Get rid of your preconceived ideas about Jesus. Stop looking for the Messiah you want and start looking for the Messiah Who Is.
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