Notice that Jesus was always concerned with others. He is a busy man, a homeless man, a harassed man. Yet, He doesn't talk about His own troubles. Instead, He focuses on the needs of those around Him. Somehow, when we put other's needs ahead of our own, we find a quiet peacefulness. Interesting, huh?
Jesus' concern for others leads Him to note that there are many needs in the world, but only a few willing to meet those needs. More workers are needed. As a Christian, you are called to be one of those workers. So, are you???
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6
Jesus has returned back home and the people are amazed at His wisdom. Isn't this the little boy they knew? Aren't they familiar with His family? Where did He get all this wisdom and understanding. Rather than listen, they become sceptical & reject His teaching.
Don't we do that? Don't we think we know someone or Someone & we doubt their ability? Here's the problem - these people were judging on surface issues. They thought they knew Jesus - but really they just knew about Jesus. Look, I know my neighbors, I know my co-workers, but I don't KNOW them. I don't know what their family dynamic is like, their worldview, or their innermost thoughts.
So, are you judging Jesus on what you think you know or on what you know? Do you know Him, really know Him? If not, get started! This Christian life isn't about surface faith, it's about true relationship.
Don't we do that? Don't we think we know someone or Someone & we doubt their ability? Here's the problem - these people were judging on surface issues. They thought they knew Jesus - but really they just knew about Jesus. Look, I know my neighbors, I know my co-workers, but I don't KNOW them. I don't know what their family dynamic is like, their worldview, or their innermost thoughts.
So, are you judging Jesus on what you think you know or on what you know? Do you know Him, really know Him? If not, get started! This Christian life isn't about surface faith, it's about true relationship.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Matthew 9:27-34
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute ~
Faith, faith, and more faith. It all comes down to faith. Do you really believe that Jesus is who He says He is? Is He able to heal your wounds, restore your sight? Faith is so simple, yet so very hard. It takes trust and commitment. Oh, but if you get a hold of faith, if you truly believe that Jesus is for you, not against you. If you understand that obedience to Him means the best life possible for you - you have received a gift more valuable than sight.
Why does Jesus tell the men not to spread the word of what He has done? Is He embarrassed? No, He simply wants people to focus on His message, not His miracles. Physical healing restores the body, but does it restore the soul? Which is more important? Which has eternal results? Yes, Jesus healed because it showed His power and authority, but His Words were the focus of His ministry. Are you focusing on them?
Faith, faith, and more faith. It all comes down to faith. Do you really believe that Jesus is who He says He is? Is He able to heal your wounds, restore your sight? Faith is so simple, yet so very hard. It takes trust and commitment. Oh, but if you get a hold of faith, if you truly believe that Jesus is for you, not against you. If you understand that obedience to Him means the best life possible for you - you have received a gift more valuable than sight.
Why does Jesus tell the men not to spread the word of what He has done? Is He embarrassed? No, He simply wants people to focus on His message, not His miracles. Physical healing restores the body, but does it restore the soul? Which is more important? Which has eternal results? Yes, Jesus healed because it showed His power and authority, but His Words were the focus of His ministry. Are you focusing on them?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56
Healing ~
We have two separate healings documents here:
Jairus' daughter was raised from the dead. Note that Jairus was a synagogue ruler. Not all of the Jewish rulers discredited Jesus. Some saw the signs and believed. Jairus was one of them. He asked for help & Jesus helped him, even while others scorned Him.
While on His way to Jairus' house, a woman with a severe health issue sought out healing. Her faith was so great that she didn't even ask for help. She so believed in His power, all she had to do was touch Him. Note that this ailment would have make the woman an outcast since Old Testament law stated she was unclean.
Faith, faith & more faith are presented here. You have to do nothing other than believe. There's no need to plead, measure up, or be good enough. All you need is faith. I also find it interesting that social or economical status doesn't matter. Jairus was upper class. The woman was an outcast. Yet, Jesus treated them as equals.
Aren't you glad that Jesus treats you the same way? Stop trying so hard! Give up control & start trusting that Jesus has your back!! When you put your faith in Him, your live will become so much simpler. So, take a deep breath & let go! I'm reminded of John Mark McMillan's song "How He Loves" You've probably heard the David Crowder Band sing it, but listen to the original version . . .
http://youtu.be/zk48HYAQmdI
"If faith is an ocean, we're all sinking." Are you sinking into Jesus?
We have two separate healings documents here:
Jairus' daughter was raised from the dead. Note that Jairus was a synagogue ruler. Not all of the Jewish rulers discredited Jesus. Some saw the signs and believed. Jairus was one of them. He asked for help & Jesus helped him, even while others scorned Him.
While on His way to Jairus' house, a woman with a severe health issue sought out healing. Her faith was so great that she didn't even ask for help. She so believed in His power, all she had to do was touch Him. Note that this ailment would have make the woman an outcast since Old Testament law stated she was unclean.
Faith, faith & more faith are presented here. You have to do nothing other than believe. There's no need to plead, measure up, or be good enough. All you need is faith. I also find it interesting that social or economical status doesn't matter. Jairus was upper class. The woman was an outcast. Yet, Jesus treated them as equals.
Aren't you glad that Jesus treats you the same way? Stop trying so hard! Give up control & start trusting that Jesus has your back!! When you put your faith in Him, your live will become so much simpler. So, take a deep breath & let go! I'm reminded of John Mark McMillan's song "How He Loves" You've probably heard the David Crowder Band sing it, but listen to the original version . . .
http://youtu.be/zk48HYAQmdI
"If faith is an ocean, we're all sinking." Are you sinking into Jesus?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Matthew 8:22-34; Mark 1-20; Luke 5:17-26
Jesus Sends Demons into a Herd of Pigs ~
What do I get from this very familiar reading?
1) Jesus knows what He is doing. The demons ask not to be sent back to the abyss, so Jesus honors their request & sends them into a herd of pigs. Which immediately ran down into the lake & drown. Hmmmm . . . sounds like the demons unclean host didn't want them anymore than the man did.
2) Jesus heals completely. The man was completely healed. Boom, done.
3) Don't let fear rule your heart. The people reacted negatively to Jesus. They see a man healed, yet all they can focus on is the supernatural. They threw away the gift of Jesus' teaching because they let fear rule their heart.
So, what do you take from it?
Here's some info about the Lake of Gennesaret:
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/lake-gennesaret.html
What do I get from this very familiar reading?
1) Jesus knows what He is doing. The demons ask not to be sent back to the abyss, so Jesus honors their request & sends them into a herd of pigs. Which immediately ran down into the lake & drown. Hmmmm . . . sounds like the demons unclean host didn't want them anymore than the man did.
2) Jesus heals completely. The man was completely healed. Boom, done.
3) Don't let fear rule your heart. The people reacted negatively to Jesus. They see a man healed, yet all they can focus on is the supernatural. They threw away the gift of Jesus' teaching because they let fear rule their heart.
So, what do you take from it?
Here's some info about the Lake of Gennesaret:
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/lake-gennesaret.html
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
Jesus calms the Storm ~
So, Jesus is moving on & that requires a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee which was prone to sudden, violent storms. Jesus is taking a little nap when the storm comes up & sleeps right through the problem. But not the disciples, they are freaking out. So, they wake up Jesus wondering what is wrong with this guy? Isn't He concerned about drowning? Isn't the violent rocking of the boat bothering Him?
I love the next part - Jesus gets up, speaks a few words to calm the storm & then rebukes His disciples for having so little faith. Now, they are so amazed by His ability to control the weather that they miss the bigger picture. Did you?
Here's the big picture: You can sleep through the storm if you have faith. If you believe that God has your back & there is nothing to worry about - then there is nothing to worry about. So, what storms are you dealing with? What has you up at night, what's interrupting your life? Give it to God. Let Him handle it & get some rest. Trust me - it will all always work out when we trust God.
One last thing - trust means letting God do things HIS WAY. The disciples expected a human, physical reaction, but they got a miracle. You might think you know the answer to your problem, but in my life I've very rarely been right in predicting how God will respond. HOWEVER, I have never been disappointed by the way He handles things.
"All things work together for good for those who love the Lord & are called according to His purposes." Romans 8:28. Who is called? You are. Will everything work out for good in the end? Yep. Now, doesn't that give you hope & joy?
So, Jesus is moving on & that requires a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee which was prone to sudden, violent storms. Jesus is taking a little nap when the storm comes up & sleeps right through the problem. But not the disciples, they are freaking out. So, they wake up Jesus wondering what is wrong with this guy? Isn't He concerned about drowning? Isn't the violent rocking of the boat bothering Him?
I love the next part - Jesus gets up, speaks a few words to calm the storm & then rebukes His disciples for having so little faith. Now, they are so amazed by His ability to control the weather that they miss the bigger picture. Did you?
Here's the big picture: You can sleep through the storm if you have faith. If you believe that God has your back & there is nothing to worry about - then there is nothing to worry about. So, what storms are you dealing with? What has you up at night, what's interrupting your life? Give it to God. Let Him handle it & get some rest. Trust me - it will all always work out when we trust God.
One last thing - trust means letting God do things HIS WAY. The disciples expected a human, physical reaction, but they got a miracle. You might think you know the answer to your problem, but in my life I've very rarely been right in predicting how God will respond. HOWEVER, I have never been disappointed by the way He handles things.
"All things work together for good for those who love the Lord & are called according to His purposes." Romans 8:28. Who is called? You are. Will everything work out for good in the end? Yep. Now, doesn't that give you hope & joy?
Monday, October 15, 2012
Matthew 13:44-52
A few quick parables ~
Hidden Treasure & Pearl Merchant: the kingdom of heaven is worth every thing you own. It is the greatest treasure you will find.
Fishing Net: Everyone will be judged at the end of this world. Those who believe will go with God. Those who refused to believe will be cast out. I know that we sometimes think of this as cruel. However, God is simply honoring our choice. If we say we want to be with Him, we will. If we tell Him to go fly a kite, He will. It's as simple as that.
Hmmm . . . what have you been telling God?
Hidden Treasure & Pearl Merchant: the kingdom of heaven is worth every thing you own. It is the greatest treasure you will find.
Fishing Net: Everyone will be judged at the end of this world. Those who believe will go with God. Those who refused to believe will be cast out. I know that we sometimes think of this as cruel. However, God is simply honoring our choice. If we say we want to be with Him, we will. If we tell Him to go fly a kite, He will. It's as simple as that.
Hmmm . . . what have you been telling God?
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Matthew 13:36-43
Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds ~
So, Jesus is done preaching for the day. He heads home (or back to where ever He is staying) & the disciples ask Him to explain the parable of the weeds. Jesus tells them:
He is the sower of good seed.
Field = world
Believers = good seed
Weeds = non-believers
Enemy = Satan
Harvest = End of the World
Harvesters = angels
Jesus is telling how the world began - God created it & it was good. Satan introduced sin. Currently both co-exist on this world. However, at a later date, the world will end & the angels will collect the non-believers (those still marked with sin) and send them to live for all eternity with the one they followed - Satan. At that time, all those who believe will be with Jesus & all those that believed in themselves will be with Satan. Pretty clear & simple.
So, which are you? Good, productive seed or weeds that choke out life?
So, Jesus is done preaching for the day. He heads home (or back to where ever He is staying) & the disciples ask Him to explain the parable of the weeds. Jesus tells them:
He is the sower of good seed.
Field = world
Believers = good seed
Weeds = non-believers
Enemy = Satan
Harvest = End of the World
Harvesters = angels
Jesus is telling how the world began - God created it & it was good. Satan introduced sin. Currently both co-exist on this world. However, at a later date, the world will end & the angels will collect the non-believers (those still marked with sin) and send them to live for all eternity with the one they followed - Satan. At that time, all those who believe will be with Jesus & all those that believed in themselves will be with Satan. Pretty clear & simple.
So, which are you? Good, productive seed or weeds that choke out life?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Matthew 13:33-35
The parable of the yeast ~
Yep - another parable. This time the kingdom of heaven is likened to yeast. Yeast is a living organism that feeds on water & flour. We use it to make bread. The interesting thing about yeast, it can stay inactive until it is introduced to water. Then all of the sudden, it comes alive. Isn't that like us? We can stay dormant for years, some of us for our whole lives. But then we are introduced to Jesus & BAM! We are alive.
The other interesting thing about yeast - it has a shelf life. If it goes too long without water, well then it just dies. Hmmmmm . . . that sounds a lot like us too!
The Scripture ends by telling us that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill prophecy found in Psalm 78:2. These parables are making plain the plans that have been hidden. How awesome is that?
Yep - another parable. This time the kingdom of heaven is likened to yeast. Yeast is a living organism that feeds on water & flour. We use it to make bread. The interesting thing about yeast, it can stay inactive until it is introduced to water. Then all of the sudden, it comes alive. Isn't that like us? We can stay dormant for years, some of us for our whole lives. But then we are introduced to Jesus & BAM! We are alive.
The other interesting thing about yeast - it has a shelf life. If it goes too long without water, well then it just dies. Hmmmmm . . . that sounds a lot like us too!
The Scripture ends by telling us that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill prophecy found in Psalm 78:2. These parables are making plain the plans that have been hidden. How awesome is that?
Monday, October 8, 2012
Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:30-34
The Parable of the Mustard Seed ~
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It starts out small, but eventually it will grow into the largest plant in the garden.
Isn't it interesting that it only takes a little spark to start a fire? Faith is like that too. Just a little spark, a little light of understanding, will grow into a faith that will move mountains. So, the question today is: "What are you doing to cultivate your faith? Have you watered it, tended it, sheltered it?"
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It starts out small, but eventually it will grow into the largest plant in the garden.
Isn't it interesting that it only takes a little spark to start a fire? Faith is like that too. Just a little spark, a little light of understanding, will grow into a faith that will move mountains. So, the question today is: "What are you doing to cultivate your faith? Have you watered it, tended it, sheltered it?"
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Matthew 13:26-30
The Parable of the Weeds ~
So, why is the world the way it is? Well, God created the earth good - it was good seed in fertile soil - but the devil came in & wrecked havoc by introducing sin - the weeds. So, we now have good & evil coexisting in the world. Why doesn't God just get rid of the evil? It would destroy the good too. So, here we are, those who choose to follow & those who choose to go there own way. We will continue to coexist until Judgment Day. At that time, just like when the harvest is brought in, the good will be sorted from the evil.
Why do good and evil need to coexist? It's all about freewill, God allows us to choose Him. If He didn't allow this choice, we would be robots serving without relationship. & that's just not what God wants. He wants relationship. He created us to be in a relationship with Him & with others. So, freewill must exist.
How do you make sure you are wheat when the Judgment Day comes? Form a relationship with God. It's that simple. Believe He exists, believe His Son died for your sins, & listen to His teachings. There you go - you're wheat.
So, why is the world the way it is? Well, God created the earth good - it was good seed in fertile soil - but the devil came in & wrecked havoc by introducing sin - the weeds. So, we now have good & evil coexisting in the world. Why doesn't God just get rid of the evil? It would destroy the good too. So, here we are, those who choose to follow & those who choose to go there own way. We will continue to coexist until Judgment Day. At that time, just like when the harvest is brought in, the good will be sorted from the evil.
Why do good and evil need to coexist? It's all about freewill, God allows us to choose Him. If He didn't allow this choice, we would be robots serving without relationship. & that's just not what God wants. He wants relationship. He created us to be in a relationship with Him & with others. So, freewill must exist.
How do you make sure you are wheat when the Judgment Day comes? Form a relationship with God. It's that simple. Believe He exists, believe His Son died for your sins, & listen to His teachings. There you go - you're wheat.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Mark 4:26-29
Jesus tells the Parable of the Mustard Seed ~
Being a Christian is like the growth of a plant. The farmer sows the seed, gives it what it needs to grow, and tends to it. The plant grows slowly, but surely until it is a fully mature stalk of grain which will be harvested.
So, you become a Christian, put your faith in God, learn to trust Him, follow His guidelines and you will slowly but surely become a stronger Christian until the day you go home to heaven.
Just like a plant, you will experience days of storms, heat, wind, and drought, but there will also be days of pleasant weather. However, you will continue to grow slowly but surely. Where are you in your growth? Have you become stagnant? If so, are you taking in the correct nutrients? Are you spending time in the Word? Spending time with God?
Being a Christian is like the growth of a plant. The farmer sows the seed, gives it what it needs to grow, and tends to it. The plant grows slowly, but surely until it is a fully mature stalk of grain which will be harvested.
So, you become a Christian, put your faith in God, learn to trust Him, follow His guidelines and you will slowly but surely become a stronger Christian until the day you go home to heaven.
Just like a plant, you will experience days of storms, heat, wind, and drought, but there will also be days of pleasant weather. However, you will continue to grow slowly but surely. Where are you in your growth? Have you become stagnant? If so, are you taking in the correct nutrients? Are you spending time in the Word? Spending time with God?
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