Not long after moving to California to preach in the late 80s, I was at a seminar down in the Silicon Valley. I went to a local sandwich shop for lunch and noticed a tip jar with sign taped to the outside, which read, "If you are afraid of change, leave it here."
The church where I was preaching was learning and growing and changing at the time, but not without some real resistance. A very vocal segment of the membership was not on board and even some in the leadership had serious problems with it. I wouldn't necessarily say they were afraid of it, I think their attitude was a bit like Will Roger's viewpoint on death: "It's not that I'm afraid to die. It's just that I've been alive for as long as I can remember and I don't like change."
The problem with change is that it is unfamiliar and unpredictable. It is impossible to say how much different it will look like and what it might lead to in time. Even for people who are not particularly happy with how things are gong (i.e. church decline) are often not welcoming change (i.e. new growth) as it looks so different that it is unsettling. Often unhappy people are willing to "deal witth the devil they know rather than face the devil they don't know."
I'm not suggesting that all change is good or that all change is to be accepted. But I am saying that change happens in any living organism. If it does not, life come to an end. The only people not changing are found in communities know as cemeteries. If you are doing nothing else, you are growing older. When you stop dong that, you stop period.
And, growing older comes with change as does all growth. Some of the aging process is welcome (wisdom) some is not (girth) but change is coming. But that doesn't mean we are simply pushed along by the forces of change. We can navigate those changes in ways that are more or less beneficial.
For instance, metabolism slows as we age. We can continue to eat like we've always eaten and "blossom" as we age. Or, we could modify the way we eat preventing the middle age spread. Our mental processes slow down. So, do we just let the light go out or do we read more, expand our horizons, challenge our precepts?
As churches age, things change as well. The vibrancy of the beginning gives way to the complacency of the plateau of the managing years, which gives way to the decline of the end. Churches, like people are born, live and die. Unless, they are reborn, make a fresh start, speak a new language of a new generation.
Ready or not, willing or not, change will come. The only question is: Are we going to navigate it or be "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" (Js 1:6)? The sailor doesn't resist the wind, he sets his sail to allow reaching his destination despite the changes in the wind. As individuals and as church communities, we must do likewise or we will be driven off course by the winds of change and very possibly upon the rocks of our own undoing. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Broken Jars
As Jesus was nearing the time of his death, he was having supper at the house of a man known as Simon the Leper. A woman came in and broke open a very expensive jar of perfume, with which she began to anoint Jesus.
His disciples openly rebuked her saying, "Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor" (Matt 26:8-9). Jesus, in turn, rebuked them,“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial" (vv. 10-12)
This jar of perfume she broke open was not just something she picked up at a local shop on the way over. It likely represented her savings for the future or, if she were a prostitute, it might well have been what she had to prepare herself to practice her craft. In either case, she had broken open a jar that contained her future financial well-being and poured it out on the Messiah.
Her humble and selfless act so moved Jesus that he declared, "wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (v. 13). This was a big deal! It was big enough that it was ordained to be remembered forever.
Do you think, perhaps then, that there is a lesson in it for us? Could it be the template for what we are to be doing with our own "treasure in jars of clay..." (2 Cor 4:7)? Might it suggest that we offer up our best, pour out all we have in service to the King? Jus' Ask'n.
His disciples openly rebuked her saying, "Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor" (Matt 26:8-9). Jesus, in turn, rebuked them,“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial" (vv. 10-12)
This jar of perfume she broke open was not just something she picked up at a local shop on the way over. It likely represented her savings for the future or, if she were a prostitute, it might well have been what she had to prepare herself to practice her craft. In either case, she had broken open a jar that contained her future financial well-being and poured it out on the Messiah.
Her humble and selfless act so moved Jesus that he declared, "wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (v. 13). This was a big deal! It was big enough that it was ordained to be remembered forever.
Do you think, perhaps then, that there is a lesson in it for us? Could it be the template for what we are to be doing with our own "treasure in jars of clay..." (2 Cor 4:7)? Might it suggest that we offer up our best, pour out all we have in service to the King? Jus' Ask'n.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Thanks Living
Thanksgiving Day is here! Today Americans will be filling up their bellies and flipping on their tellies. Our citizenry will be stuffing themselves in the same manner as they've stuffed the traditional turkey, accompanied with enough carbs to put us into a food coma (by the way, it's not the tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin that results in the post-turkey nap - other food contain it as well; it's the combination of so many carbs with the bird).
Nevertheless, carbs and proteins and fats be as they may, in the tradition of our Pilgrim Fathers and according to Presidential Proclamation actually began by George Washington, following a resolution of congress, setting aside Thursday the 28th of November 1789 as a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer." It is a day for families to come together to celebrate the blessings of God, even in this post-Christian period of our history. Not everyone will recognize God's hand in our national abundance but many, if not most, still do to one degree or another.
However, there is an ever-growing number of Americans that feel more entitled than blessed. They feel that food, housing, education, medical care and even cell phones are their right. As such, rather than thankfulness, they feel denied their fair share of the abundance they see others enjoy. But, before we point our fingers and cluck our tongues at that subset of our population, we might want to check our thanksgiving factor.
Those who are game-fully employed often grumble at how much taxes are taken for so little return. Our very system of taxation is set up to encourage us to find ways to pay as little as possible. And, the more one makes, it seems the more one can get out of paying. Regardless, it is our very abundance that causes us to be tax-payers. If we weren't so blessed, we wouldn't be so taxed. I have to say that it would make it more palatine if our government spending wasn't out of control.
What I am getting to is that, in a country that enjoys a standard of living that cannot even be imagined by mot of the world, we struggle being truly thankful. And, I believe it is due to the fact that our National Day of Thanksgiving doesn't translate into National Days Thanks Living. 365 days a year, we live in abundance, even the poor among are afforded blessings denied the majority of people living on planet earth. Yet, so many feel so stressed instead of blessed.
Why? I believe it is because we are out of focus. We tend to focus on what we don't have instead of what we are blessed with. I grew up poor but I remember my Mother teaching us to "count your many blessings." She would say there are others who would love to trade with us. She taught Jesus' truth that "The eye is the lamp of the body. If the eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light" (Mt 6:22).
In other words, if we focus on good things, we will fill blessed and, in turn, we will have a healthy attitude toward life and the Giver of Life. We will begin to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess 5:18). We will be Thanks Living as we continually thank God, living daily trusting him instead of feeling frustrated at what other do or not do. Jus' Say'n.
Nevertheless, carbs and proteins and fats be as they may, in the tradition of our Pilgrim Fathers and according to Presidential Proclamation actually began by George Washington, following a resolution of congress, setting aside Thursday the 28th of November 1789 as a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer." It is a day for families to come together to celebrate the blessings of God, even in this post-Christian period of our history. Not everyone will recognize God's hand in our national abundance but many, if not most, still do to one degree or another.
However, there is an ever-growing number of Americans that feel more entitled than blessed. They feel that food, housing, education, medical care and even cell phones are their right. As such, rather than thankfulness, they feel denied their fair share of the abundance they see others enjoy. But, before we point our fingers and cluck our tongues at that subset of our population, we might want to check our thanksgiving factor.
Those who are game-fully employed often grumble at how much taxes are taken for so little return. Our very system of taxation is set up to encourage us to find ways to pay as little as possible. And, the more one makes, it seems the more one can get out of paying. Regardless, it is our very abundance that causes us to be tax-payers. If we weren't so blessed, we wouldn't be so taxed. I have to say that it would make it more palatine if our government spending wasn't out of control.
What I am getting to is that, in a country that enjoys a standard of living that cannot even be imagined by mot of the world, we struggle being truly thankful. And, I believe it is due to the fact that our National Day of Thanksgiving doesn't translate into National Days Thanks Living. 365 days a year, we live in abundance, even the poor among are afforded blessings denied the majority of people living on planet earth. Yet, so many feel so stressed instead of blessed.
Why? I believe it is because we are out of focus. We tend to focus on what we don't have instead of what we are blessed with. I grew up poor but I remember my Mother teaching us to "count your many blessings." She would say there are others who would love to trade with us. She taught Jesus' truth that "The eye is the lamp of the body. If the eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light" (Mt 6:22).
In other words, if we focus on good things, we will fill blessed and, in turn, we will have a healthy attitude toward life and the Giver of Life. We will begin to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess 5:18). We will be Thanks Living as we continually thank God, living daily trusting him instead of feeling frustrated at what other do or not do. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Watching
In Matthew 24, we read of Jesus instructing his disciples not to pay attention to all the claims of the end, that not even the angels in heaven or He himself knew the time. Concluding his warning, Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (v. 42).
Keep watch, what exactly does that mean? Are we to spend our days gazing into the sky, looking for the clouds to part and the Lord to descend? Are we to suspend what is referred to in the medical community as ADLs (activities of daily living)? Are we not to concern ourselves with the things at hand as we go about watching for the Lord's return?
Although many have suggested such. Some have cut themselves off from the rest of society in order to keep watch and be ready for the end. Some have sold everything, dressed up in white robes and simply waited for His return. But is that what Jesus was telling his disciples to do? Not.
We know it is not because Jesus painted a picture of how it looks: "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left" (vv. 40-41). The righteous, along with the unrighteous will be going about their normals daily lives - even though they are to be watching.
Jesus even spells it out in terms of daily activities: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns" (vv. 45-46)
So, what is this watching? Watching, for the Christian, is to live with a view of the Lord's return - to be serving Christ in his/her daily life by doing good, honoring God and seeing to the needs of others as we await our Lord's return. Far from idly watching for His return, we are to be about our Master's business, ensuring everything is in readiness for his return. Jus' Say'n.
Keep watch, what exactly does that mean? Are we to spend our days gazing into the sky, looking for the clouds to part and the Lord to descend? Are we to suspend what is referred to in the medical community as ADLs (activities of daily living)? Are we not to concern ourselves with the things at hand as we go about watching for the Lord's return?
Although many have suggested such. Some have cut themselves off from the rest of society in order to keep watch and be ready for the end. Some have sold everything, dressed up in white robes and simply waited for His return. But is that what Jesus was telling his disciples to do? Not.
We know it is not because Jesus painted a picture of how it looks: "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left" (vv. 40-41). The righteous, along with the unrighteous will be going about their normals daily lives - even though they are to be watching.
Jesus even spells it out in terms of daily activities: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns" (vv. 45-46)
So, what is this watching? Watching, for the Christian, is to live with a view of the Lord's return - to be serving Christ in his/her daily life by doing good, honoring God and seeing to the needs of others as we await our Lord's return. Far from idly watching for His return, we are to be about our Master's business, ensuring everything is in readiness for his return. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Just Words
We say things like "words are cheap," "it's only words" or "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me." We imply that words have no power, no substance, no weight - that it is actions, not words that matter.
But then we have Jesus saying, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matt 24:35). No weight? No substance? No power? No way! After the earth has passed away, after the sun and moon and stars are no more, his words remain. There is nothing in all the universe with more substance.
Yeah, but those are the words of the Son of God, our words cannot compare, our words are only expressions of lowly humans, they have limited power and a very limited shelf-life. Really? Do you remember any words spoken to you as a child? I do. I can remember helpful and hurtful words spoken decades ago, words that still impact my life.
Moses told the Israelites, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deut 6:6-7). Why? To impact generations to come after themselves by their words.
David, the Psalmist, proclaimed, "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations" (Ps 89:1). He believed his words would reverberate, impacting people to the end of time. And, millennia later, they still are.
Word encourage, they discourage. Words cause wars and words can bring peace. Words can heal a broken heart or heal a broken spirit. The pen truly is "mightier than the sword." And, it cuts both ways, "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless" (Js 1:26). Words not only impact others, they impact ourselves.
Their not just idle words, they are expressions of intent, belief, warning, encouragement, trust and an endless reserve of other meanings, capable of producing enormous outcomes or preventing forward motion. So then, "be quick to listen, slow to speak" (Js 1:19). Jus' Say'n - ever so slowly.
But then we have Jesus saying, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matt 24:35). No weight? No substance? No power? No way! After the earth has passed away, after the sun and moon and stars are no more, his words remain. There is nothing in all the universe with more substance.
Yeah, but those are the words of the Son of God, our words cannot compare, our words are only expressions of lowly humans, they have limited power and a very limited shelf-life. Really? Do you remember any words spoken to you as a child? I do. I can remember helpful and hurtful words spoken decades ago, words that still impact my life.
Moses told the Israelites, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deut 6:6-7). Why? To impact generations to come after themselves by their words.
David, the Psalmist, proclaimed, "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations" (Ps 89:1). He believed his words would reverberate, impacting people to the end of time. And, millennia later, they still are.
Word encourage, they discourage. Words cause wars and words can bring peace. Words can heal a broken heart or heal a broken spirit. The pen truly is "mightier than the sword." And, it cuts both ways, "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless" (Js 1:26). Words not only impact others, they impact ourselves.
Their not just idle words, they are expressions of intent, belief, warning, encouragement, trust and an endless reserve of other meanings, capable of producing enormous outcomes or preventing forward motion. So then, "be quick to listen, slow to speak" (Js 1:19). Jus' Say'n - ever so slowly.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Not A Hair
When Jesus warned his disciples about the persecution they would face, he laid out a most interesting dichotomy: "You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. They will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish" (Lk 21:16-18).
Betrayed, hated and put to death, but not a hair on their heads will perish. Of course, I can't help thinking of the old "Happy Days" sitcom character, "The Fonz," who famously would say, "Hey, don't touch the hair!" The meaning, however, goes much deeper than That. The loss of a single hair is no loss at all. The fact that not one hair would perish is to say that they would not perish in the least, regardless of what happens to life and limb.
The very worst that the world could do to them (and to us as disciples) cannot diminish their standing before God. And, our standing before God as children is life for, "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive" (Lk 20:38). He is (not was) "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (v. 37). And though they have passed from this life centuries ago, they have not perished, they are not dead.
With all the terrible and even horrific killings perpetuated by the lunatic, fanatical Islamicists today, it is vitally important that we understand this truth: they can bring our living in this world to an end, they cannot end out lives, they cannot even take away a single hair, even if they should cut our heads off. They are powerless to ultimately harm us.
Jesus put it this way: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Lk 12:4,7a). Remember, "not a hair of your head will perish"? That is because God has numbered each one and he will gather each one, restoring you completely in the Resurrection (this should be particularly good news to many of us men who have been steadily loosing hair throughout the years).
So, what are we to fear? No one and nothing except God: "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him" (Lk 12:5). And, if we are his children, there is nothing to fear in God for "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 Jn 4:18). Jus' Say'n.
Betrayed, hated and put to death, but not a hair on their heads will perish. Of course, I can't help thinking of the old "Happy Days" sitcom character, "The Fonz," who famously would say, "Hey, don't touch the hair!" The meaning, however, goes much deeper than That. The loss of a single hair is no loss at all. The fact that not one hair would perish is to say that they would not perish in the least, regardless of what happens to life and limb.
The very worst that the world could do to them (and to us as disciples) cannot diminish their standing before God. And, our standing before God as children is life for, "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive" (Lk 20:38). He is (not was) "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (v. 37). And though they have passed from this life centuries ago, they have not perished, they are not dead.
With all the terrible and even horrific killings perpetuated by the lunatic, fanatical Islamicists today, it is vitally important that we understand this truth: they can bring our living in this world to an end, they cannot end out lives, they cannot even take away a single hair, even if they should cut our heads off. They are powerless to ultimately harm us.
Jesus put it this way: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Lk 12:4,7a). Remember, "not a hair of your head will perish"? That is because God has numbered each one and he will gather each one, restoring you completely in the Resurrection (this should be particularly good news to many of us men who have been steadily loosing hair throughout the years).
So, what are we to fear? No one and nothing except God: "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him" (Lk 12:5). And, if we are his children, there is nothing to fear in God for "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 Jn 4:18). Jus' Say'n.
Friday, November 20, 2015
The Impossible Possible
After a certain ruler turned away from Jesus when he was told he needed to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor and then come follow him, Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Lk 18:24-25).
Over the centuries since, scholars have been debating the meaning of that statement, suggesting that he really didn't have in mind the eye of a needle as you and I would understand it for that would be impossible. They take the part of the statement saying "how hard it is" and suggest that it referred to an entrance way into a barn requiring camels to strain getting low enough to pass under it.
There was such a thing and it was difficult for a camel to pass under, but certainly possible. So, that could not be what Jesus had in mind for he clear said as he amplified how hard it was by saying, it is impossible. How hard was it? Too hard for any man to accomplish. So, who then can enter the kingdom? Nobody! Nobody? Nobody! With man it is impossible!
However, Jesus went on to say “What is impossible with man is possible with God" (v. 27). No more than a camel can pass through the eye of a needle can a man pass through the gates of heaven. But a camel can be passed through the eye of a needle if the camel dies and is transformed. How do you think camel hair coats are made? Seriously? Seriously!
Humans cannot pass through the gates of heaven unless they die (to self) and are transformed. The apostle Paul spells this out in Romans 12:1-2, where he tells us that we must become living sacrifices (die to self) and be transformed (new and different) in order to experience God's good will. Jesus himself affirmed this point to his disciples, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (Jn 3:3).
The impossible with man is possible with God. We have no hope in securing heaven but God opens the gates to us through the power of the cross - the power of the Spirit release by the sacrifice of the Christ. We can experience the impossible made possible by grace in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. Jus' Say'n.
Over the centuries since, scholars have been debating the meaning of that statement, suggesting that he really didn't have in mind the eye of a needle as you and I would understand it for that would be impossible. They take the part of the statement saying "how hard it is" and suggest that it referred to an entrance way into a barn requiring camels to strain getting low enough to pass under it.
There was such a thing and it was difficult for a camel to pass under, but certainly possible. So, that could not be what Jesus had in mind for he clear said as he amplified how hard it was by saying, it is impossible. How hard was it? Too hard for any man to accomplish. So, who then can enter the kingdom? Nobody! Nobody? Nobody! With man it is impossible!
However, Jesus went on to say “What is impossible with man is possible with God" (v. 27). No more than a camel can pass through the eye of a needle can a man pass through the gates of heaven. But a camel can be passed through the eye of a needle if the camel dies and is transformed. How do you think camel hair coats are made? Seriously? Seriously!
Humans cannot pass through the gates of heaven unless they die (to self) and are transformed. The apostle Paul spells this out in Romans 12:1-2, where he tells us that we must become living sacrifices (die to self) and be transformed (new and different) in order to experience God's good will. Jesus himself affirmed this point to his disciples, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (Jn 3:3).
The impossible with man is possible with God. We have no hope in securing heaven but God opens the gates to us through the power of the cross - the power of the Spirit release by the sacrifice of the Christ. We can experience the impossible made possible by grace in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The Last Hour
In Matthew 20:1-16, we read a parable Jesus told about a landowner who hired workers at different times of the day and when evening came, he paid them all the same wage, which, by the way, was the amount each one had agreed to upon hiring.
The workers who had been there from the beginning of the day to the end were indignant saying, "These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day" (v. 12). To which the landowner replied, "I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius?....Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' (vv. 13-15).
The obvious take away from this parable is that God will accept us regardless to when in life we come to him. Whether we give our lives to him when we are very young, serving him for decades, or come to him very late in life, he accepts us and blesses us in the same way.
However, there is a subtext of extreme important that is often overlooked in the discussion: The workers actually entered into the field, they actually spent whatever time left in service to the owner. The meaning so often overlooked is that coming to the Lord, at whatever stage in life, means accepting him as Lord for the rest of your life.
No one came and stood in the line, Jesus talked about, who did not work in the field. Coming at the last hour of the day doesn't mean waiting for the line to form to jump in at the last moment to receive a blessing from the One you never served. Coming at the last hour means you've actually turned to the Lord in belief, which will alter the way you think, talk and live.
Can one make a death-bed confession of Jesus and be saved? I believe so, but it has to be real. It cannot be just a profession of a belief in Christ for "even the demons believe that--and shudder" (Js 2:19). It must be the outpouring of a true faith in the Lord, entrusting your life and offering yourself to him. If that has happened, a turning away from a life of sin to a life of service, then whatever life you have left is his and so are you. Jus' Say'n.
The workers who had been there from the beginning of the day to the end were indignant saying, "These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day" (v. 12). To which the landowner replied, "I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius?....Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' (vv. 13-15).
The obvious take away from this parable is that God will accept us regardless to when in life we come to him. Whether we give our lives to him when we are very young, serving him for decades, or come to him very late in life, he accepts us and blesses us in the same way.
However, there is a subtext of extreme important that is often overlooked in the discussion: The workers actually entered into the field, they actually spent whatever time left in service to the owner. The meaning so often overlooked is that coming to the Lord, at whatever stage in life, means accepting him as Lord for the rest of your life.
No one came and stood in the line, Jesus talked about, who did not work in the field. Coming at the last hour of the day doesn't mean waiting for the line to form to jump in at the last moment to receive a blessing from the One you never served. Coming at the last hour means you've actually turned to the Lord in belief, which will alter the way you think, talk and live.
Can one make a death-bed confession of Jesus and be saved? I believe so, but it has to be real. It cannot be just a profession of a belief in Christ for "even the demons believe that--and shudder" (Js 2:19). It must be the outpouring of a true faith in the Lord, entrusting your life and offering yourself to him. If that has happened, a turning away from a life of sin to a life of service, then whatever life you have left is his and so are you. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
What One Thing?
A certain man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" (Mt 19:16). Jesus told him to keep the commandments of God, to which the man replied, "All these I have kept....What do I still lack?” (v. 20). Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (v. 21).
The man went away very sad because he was very wealthy. Jesus had struck at his core problem, that one thing that would prevent him from having treasure in heaven: not his wealth but his love of money. He could have used his wealth to bless the poor and, in so doing, make deposits of real treasure in heaven. But his attachment to his money would not allow him to detach from his wealth to take hold of kingdom riches.
The man's "One Thing" was not something that was so evident as the external keeping of he commandments. It was inside his very being - a trust in material things instead of faith in the Living God. In truth, he was breaking the First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Ex 20:30). He worshipped money above God.
His trust, his faith and his very hope of life resided in the amount of money he possessed. He could not follow Jesus if it meant giving away the very core of his being, the source of his well-being, that in which he placed his trust - money.
The one thing we need to do is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37). The simple fact is, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matt 6:24). We have to make a choice as to whether we will trust in the riches God promises or trust in the riches of this world. Jus' Say'n.
The man went away very sad because he was very wealthy. Jesus had struck at his core problem, that one thing that would prevent him from having treasure in heaven: not his wealth but his love of money. He could have used his wealth to bless the poor and, in so doing, make deposits of real treasure in heaven. But his attachment to his money would not allow him to detach from his wealth to take hold of kingdom riches.
The man's "One Thing" was not something that was so evident as the external keeping of he commandments. It was inside his very being - a trust in material things instead of faith in the Living God. In truth, he was breaking the First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Ex 20:30). He worshipped money above God.
His trust, his faith and his very hope of life resided in the amount of money he possessed. He could not follow Jesus if it meant giving away the very core of his being, the source of his well-being, that in which he placed his trust - money.
The one thing we need to do is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37). The simple fact is, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matt 6:24). We have to make a choice as to whether we will trust in the riches God promises or trust in the riches of this world. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Last Days
Just yesterday, another individual was confidently affirming that the Bible clearly predicted these are the last days. The implication was that the end would be coming very soon. Perhaps so, but the Bible is anything but clear on the time of the last days.
Just this morning, in my devotional reading time, the words of the Lord spoke clearly in the opposite direction: "I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left" (Lk 17:34-35).
Did you notice that neither the ones left behind nor the ones taken up in glory had any notion that the end had come? Both the just and the unjust were going about normal daily activities when the end came.
The simple truth is that Jesus is very firm in saying that no one will be able to figure out the time of the end in advance: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt 24:36). Unless, of course, one believes he/she has more insight than the angels and the Lord Jesus Christ, none on earth will know when the end will come.
So, if we don't know when the end will be coming, how will we know when to get ready? I can tell you that. Get ready now. Yesterday would have been even better. Don't wait for tomorrow: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes: (Js 4:14). Yeah, tomorrow might be too late.
Today, right now, is the time to get ready and stay ready. This is precisely what Jesus says in light of the fact that we do not know when he will come, we are simply to be prepared always. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matt 24:42).
So, are you? Are you ready for the Lord to come? Jus' Ask'n.
Just this morning, in my devotional reading time, the words of the Lord spoke clearly in the opposite direction: "I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left" (Lk 17:34-35).
Did you notice that neither the ones left behind nor the ones taken up in glory had any notion that the end had come? Both the just and the unjust were going about normal daily activities when the end came.
The simple truth is that Jesus is very firm in saying that no one will be able to figure out the time of the end in advance: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt 24:36). Unless, of course, one believes he/she has more insight than the angels and the Lord Jesus Christ, none on earth will know when the end will come.
So, if we don't know when the end will be coming, how will we know when to get ready? I can tell you that. Get ready now. Yesterday would have been even better. Don't wait for tomorrow: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes: (Js 4:14). Yeah, tomorrow might be too late.
Today, right now, is the time to get ready and stay ready. This is precisely what Jesus says in light of the fact that we do not know when he will come, we are simply to be prepared always. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matt 24:42).
So, are you? Are you ready for the Lord to come? Jus' Ask'n.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Thomas Doubting
You've no doubt heard of Doubting Thomas, the disciple of Jesus, who infamously said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (Jn 20:25). He was the one disciple that lacked faith, the one whose commitment to the Lord was obviously not up to par with the others. Right? Not!
To begin with, the others did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until they encountered the Risen Lord: "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen" (Mk 16:14). Thomas was not singular in his struggle to believe, he was just late to the party: "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came" (Jn 20:24).
Thomas' doubting was not a reflection of his weakness of character but a statement of both his and the rest of the disciples' lack of understanding regarding Jesus' role as Messiah. They had in mind a victorious establishment of a kingdom, not a cruel death on a cross. They had a hard time wrapping their minds around the thought Jesus would actually die, "Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and...that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'" (Matt 16:21-22).
To begin with, the others did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until they encountered the Risen Lord: "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen" (Mk 16:14). Thomas was not singular in his struggle to believe, he was just late to the party: "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came" (Jn 20:24).
Thomas' doubting was not a reflection of his weakness of character but a statement of both his and the rest of the disciples' lack of understanding regarding Jesus' role as Messiah. They had in mind a victorious establishment of a kingdom, not a cruel death on a cross. They had a hard time wrapping their minds around the thought Jesus would actually die, "Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and...that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'" (Matt 16:21-22).
Thomas' understanding of the Messianic Role was thin, but his commitment to Christ and his trust in him was anything but. Thomas' devotion and belief in the person of Jesus Christ was actually quite remarkable. Not understanding why Jesus must "go to Jerusalem and die," Thomas, nevertheless encouraged the other disciples, when Jesus declared he was returning to Jerusalem, "Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him" (Jn 11:16).
Thomas doubting did show a misunderstanding of biblical prophecy, it may have displayed a weakness of faith, but it did not display a weakness of character or lack of commitment to Jesus. He wa doing the best he could with with he had.
Perhaps you have a struggle from time to time with your faith, not understanding why things happen the way they do or that death must rule in the life of even Christians. Perhaps you find yourself doubting your faith and wondering the reality of what you believe. Take heart, you are in good company. For even the Doubting Thomas turned out to be a pillar of faith and an example for us all. Jus' Say'n.
Friday, November 13, 2015
The Prodigal and The Prideful
In Luke 15:11ff., Jesus tells the familiar story of the Prodigal Son. This son, not caring about his father's wishes, demands his inheritance in advance so he can leave to chart his own course. Receiving his money, he sets out on a course of "wine, women and son," so to speak, and winds up in ruin.
Coming to his senses and having no money left and no other place to turn, he returns to his father's house with a broken and humble spirit, asking only to be allowed the place of a hired hand in order to begin paying his inheritance back, as impossible as that would be. Nonetheless, he felt he deserved nothing, not even room and board.
The father, representing our Father in Heaven, accepts him back, rejecting the notion of repayment or allowing his son to be a hired hand, welcomes him back with all the honor and privilege of a son, including a robe, a ring, new sandals and a welcome home banquet complete with the center piece of a fatted calf (reserved for very special occasions). Everyone rejoices!
Well, not everyone. The older brother, who had stayed and worked all that time the other played, squandering his inheritance, refused to come to the banquet his father was hosting, refused to honor his father or respect his wishes because of his hurt pride: "Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" (vv. 29-30).
Now, in the same vein of his younger brother whom he despised, the older brother pridefully treats his father with the same contempt. Although he stayed behind and worked while the Prodigal played, it wasn't out of a sense of love for his father, it was out of a sense of self-importance and expectation of special reward. Like his brother who demanded his inheritance, he believed his father owed him special treatment and reward.
Both the Prodigal and the Prideful sons failed, both needed to repent and change their ways, and especially their attitude toward the Father from whom everything they had came. Neither were owed anything, both were blessed because their father loved them.
Our Father in Heaven does not owe us anything either. Whether we have been "God-fearing church-goers" all our lives or lived a worldly and wasteful life up to now, every blessing we have is a gift from God, not a right, not something earned: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph 2:8-9). Jus' Say'n.
Coming to his senses and having no money left and no other place to turn, he returns to his father's house with a broken and humble spirit, asking only to be allowed the place of a hired hand in order to begin paying his inheritance back, as impossible as that would be. Nonetheless, he felt he deserved nothing, not even room and board.
The father, representing our Father in Heaven, accepts him back, rejecting the notion of repayment or allowing his son to be a hired hand, welcomes him back with all the honor and privilege of a son, including a robe, a ring, new sandals and a welcome home banquet complete with the center piece of a fatted calf (reserved for very special occasions). Everyone rejoices!
Well, not everyone. The older brother, who had stayed and worked all that time the other played, squandering his inheritance, refused to come to the banquet his father was hosting, refused to honor his father or respect his wishes because of his hurt pride: "Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" (vv. 29-30).
Both the Prodigal and the Prideful sons failed, both needed to repent and change their ways, and especially their attitude toward the Father from whom everything they had came. Neither were owed anything, both were blessed because their father loved them.
Our Father in Heaven does not owe us anything either. Whether we have been "God-fearing church-goers" all our lives or lived a worldly and wasteful life up to now, every blessing we have is a gift from God, not a right, not something earned: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph 2:8-9). Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Mustard Seeds
Jesus once described the kingdom of God, which grows within us, by the way (cf. Lk 17:21), by saying, "It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches" (Lk 13:19).
This mustard seed, which was regarded as "the smallest of seeds" (Matt 13:32a), grew to be a plant that was seen as "the largest in the garden" (Matt 13:32b). I have read that some have grown so large that a man on horseback could hide behind them.
It would seem then, that if one had the smallest amount of kingdom faith, that he would, in time, have a "mountain-moving kind of faith." In fact, that is what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move."
So, why work on something like faith development? If a mustard seed faith is that great, why concern ourselves with its growth? Because, like the mustard seed, faith that is not growing is dead. James says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (2:26).
A mustard seed in your hand or lying on a rock, has no vitality - it is dead until it germinates. It must be planted and watered in order to become a living, growing thing, which produces an abundance of harvest. It may also require some cultivation, some digging around it, removing weeds and providing nutrient for the soil.
Do you recall what Jesus said about a seed's viability? Listen to the Master, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (Jn 12:24).
It's good to have mustard seed (tiny) faith, but don't be satisfied with it, don't keep your seed on the shelf. Take it down and plant it, water it, cultivate it. Put your faith to work by stepping out in ministry. Cultivate it by study of the word, prayer and serving. Plant your mustard seed faith and develop it until it becomes a tree that provides a blessing for many like the mustard tree and the birds Jesus spoke of in Scripture. Jus' Say'n.
This mustard seed, which was regarded as "the smallest of seeds" (Matt 13:32a), grew to be a plant that was seen as "the largest in the garden" (Matt 13:32b). I have read that some have grown so large that a man on horseback could hide behind them.
It would seem then, that if one had the smallest amount of kingdom faith, that he would, in time, have a "mountain-moving kind of faith." In fact, that is what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move."
So, why work on something like faith development? If a mustard seed faith is that great, why concern ourselves with its growth? Because, like the mustard seed, faith that is not growing is dead. James says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (2:26).
A mustard seed in your hand or lying on a rock, has no vitality - it is dead until it germinates. It must be planted and watered in order to become a living, growing thing, which produces an abundance of harvest. It may also require some cultivation, some digging around it, removing weeds and providing nutrient for the soil.
Do you recall what Jesus said about a seed's viability? Listen to the Master, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (Jn 12:24).
It's good to have mustard seed (tiny) faith, but don't be satisfied with it, don't keep your seed on the shelf. Take it down and plant it, water it, cultivate it. Put your faith to work by stepping out in ministry. Cultivate it by study of the word, prayer and serving. Plant your mustard seed faith and develop it until it becomes a tree that provides a blessing for many like the mustard tree and the birds Jesus spoke of in Scripture. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Light Eyes
Jesus said, "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness" (Lk 11:34). So, when our eyes are focused properly (healthy), we see the good (light) that God brings into our lives. But, when our eyes are improperly focused (unhealthy), we see the bad (darkness) that happens to be around us as well.
At any given moment, there are good things happening in our lives - just the fact that we liven in the US guarantees blessings that most of the world can only dream about. Think about it: Do you have a roof over your head? Food on the table? Shoes on your feet? The fact that you are reading this tells me that you are in the top 10% of the world's wealthy. "Me?" Yes, you!
You may be experiencing a financial setback but 90% of the world would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Your circumstances may not be ideal, but to the rest of the world, there are ideal parts of your life that make it a dream come true.
Regardless of what bad things you may be dealing with, there are good things you are experiencing at the very same time. You have eyes to read this blog. You own or have access to a computer, IPad or smart phone. You have the freedom to browse the Web. You have opportunities to change your life. You have people who care for you. God loves you! You have so much light in your world, if only you will focus upon it instead of the evil that presents itself.
Paul said, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things" (Phil 4:8). The point is: Let your eyes function in a healthy way by looking around at the things of light in your world instead of allowing yourself to focus on the darkness.
You get to choose whether your life will be filled with light or darkness, whether you will feel blessed or cursed. Your circumstances may not change, but you will. You get to decide whether your spirit is light or dark. What do you choose? Jus' Ask'n.
At any given moment, there are good things happening in our lives - just the fact that we liven in the US guarantees blessings that most of the world can only dream about. Think about it: Do you have a roof over your head? Food on the table? Shoes on your feet? The fact that you are reading this tells me that you are in the top 10% of the world's wealthy. "Me?" Yes, you!
You may be experiencing a financial setback but 90% of the world would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Your circumstances may not be ideal, but to the rest of the world, there are ideal parts of your life that make it a dream come true.
Regardless of what bad things you may be dealing with, there are good things you are experiencing at the very same time. You have eyes to read this blog. You own or have access to a computer, IPad or smart phone. You have the freedom to browse the Web. You have opportunities to change your life. You have people who care for you. God loves you! You have so much light in your world, if only you will focus upon it instead of the evil that presents itself.
Paul said, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things" (Phil 4:8). The point is: Let your eyes function in a healthy way by looking around at the things of light in your world instead of allowing yourself to focus on the darkness.
You get to choose whether your life will be filled with light or darkness, whether you will feel blessed or cursed. Your circumstances may not change, but you will. You get to decide whether your spirit is light or dark. What do you choose? Jus' Ask'n.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
In the Gospel of John, chapter 10 verses 1 through 16, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd, the one who knows his sheep and is known by them compared to the Thief, who sneaks in or the Wolf who attacks the flock (similar to Peter's Lion that devours in 1 Pet 5:8).
The Shepherd, Jesus tells us, knows his sheep and they know him. This is shown by the fact that when he calls to them, they recognize his voice and come to him. This truth speaks to the fact that there is a relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd.
The sheep aren't just livestock that the Shepherd has purchased and then are left to roam the countryside, foraging for themselves and finding their own way. The Shepherd and the sheep spend time together. The sheep become comfortable with him, learn to trust him, become familiar with his voice and follow when he calls to them.
This reminds me a bit of my Air Force TI (training instructor) in basic. Wherever my flight (group of 50 trainees) might be, he was nearby. When it was time for us to go somewhere else, he would call out for us and we would immediately head in his direction. Even though there were other flights in the area with other TI's calling for them, we recognized his call and went to hm.
How was this possible with all the different TI's calling out from different locations, sometimes even quite close together? We knew his voice because we spent time together daily. His "bark" (more sounds than words) was clear and distinct from the others because we had a relationship that allowed us to quickly and clearly identity him.
When we spend time with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, daily in prayer and devotion, we come to know his voice quickly and clearly as well. When the voices in our heads are clamoring to get us to follow down a path of sin, we know those voices aren't the Good Shepherd's. We don't have to guess when the Deceiver calls us, we know it is not our Shepherd's voice, not because we are familiar with the Devil but because we are intimately familiar with the Shepherd.
If I walk into a crowded room with people talking and laughing, I can tell you immediately if one of them is my wife or not. I don't need to know any of the other voices, I just know hers and whether I'm hearing it or not. If I see a woman from across the room with her back to me, I may not be able to tell you who it is but I can tell you if it is my wife or not. I know her shape, her stance, the way she holds her head. Why? We have that intimate relationship in which we spend time together daily and I know her as she knows me.
Followers of Jesus know him in the same way; spending daily, intimate time with the Shepherd in prayer and devotion. They read his Word regularly, listen for his voice above the din of so many clamoring to get their attention. Despite all the noise and distraction of the Evil One in this world, disciples can clearly hear Jesus' call and follow him, not because they are church-goers or religious, but because they are in a relationship. He is their Shepherd and they are His sheep.
What about you? Do you know His voice? Are you spending time with him daily? Are you in an intimate relationship with Jesus? Jus' Ask'n.
The Shepherd, Jesus tells us, knows his sheep and they know him. This is shown by the fact that when he calls to them, they recognize his voice and come to him. This truth speaks to the fact that there is a relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd.
The sheep aren't just livestock that the Shepherd has purchased and then are left to roam the countryside, foraging for themselves and finding their own way. The Shepherd and the sheep spend time together. The sheep become comfortable with him, learn to trust him, become familiar with his voice and follow when he calls to them.
This reminds me a bit of my Air Force TI (training instructor) in basic. Wherever my flight (group of 50 trainees) might be, he was nearby. When it was time for us to go somewhere else, he would call out for us and we would immediately head in his direction. Even though there were other flights in the area with other TI's calling for them, we recognized his call and went to hm.
How was this possible with all the different TI's calling out from different locations, sometimes even quite close together? We knew his voice because we spent time together daily. His "bark" (more sounds than words) was clear and distinct from the others because we had a relationship that allowed us to quickly and clearly identity him.
When we spend time with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, daily in prayer and devotion, we come to know his voice quickly and clearly as well. When the voices in our heads are clamoring to get us to follow down a path of sin, we know those voices aren't the Good Shepherd's. We don't have to guess when the Deceiver calls us, we know it is not our Shepherd's voice, not because we are familiar with the Devil but because we are intimately familiar with the Shepherd.
If I walk into a crowded room with people talking and laughing, I can tell you immediately if one of them is my wife or not. I don't need to know any of the other voices, I just know hers and whether I'm hearing it or not. If I see a woman from across the room with her back to me, I may not be able to tell you who it is but I can tell you if it is my wife or not. I know her shape, her stance, the way she holds her head. Why? We have that intimate relationship in which we spend time together daily and I know her as she knows me.
Followers of Jesus know him in the same way; spending daily, intimate time with the Shepherd in prayer and devotion. They read his Word regularly, listen for his voice above the din of so many clamoring to get their attention. Despite all the noise and distraction of the Evil One in this world, disciples can clearly hear Jesus' call and follow him, not because they are church-goers or religious, but because they are in a relationship. He is their Shepherd and they are His sheep.
What about you? Do you know His voice? Are you spending time with him daily? Are you in an intimate relationship with Jesus? Jus' Ask'n.
Monday, November 9, 2015
This One Thing
In John chapter 9, we read the story of the man born blind, who was healed by Jesus one Sabbath Day. This Sabbath Day work of healing set off the religious leaders and they had the man brought before them, questioning him on who healed him and insisting he disavowed any claim Jesus had to the divine.
The man's response to their accusations against Jesus and their insitance to him taking a stand was very straight forward, "...this one thing I know, I was blind and now I see" (v. 25). While later he would see Jesus and bow before him in worship, at this point he had not seen him nor had any idea as to what to say about him other than what he knew Jesus had done for him.
Many, as Christtians, hold back sharing their faith because they lack biblical knowledge, don't have a ready supply off Bible verses and facts at their fingertips, haven't worked out all the biblical questions. Some hold back thinking they simply don't know enough to begin sharing their faith with others.
And yet, like the blind man, do we not all know what Jesus has done for us. Don't all have a "This I know" story to share? Don't you know what your life was like and where it was heading before you accepted Him? Can't you share what Jesus has done for you?
I know that before I accepted Christ, before I was buried with him in baptism, I felt under the weight of judgment and my life lacked purpose. Now I feel free and my life is filled with purpose. Others I have know were drug addicts, criminals and the like before coming to Jesus.
Rather then worry about telling the Gospel with precision and a systematic approach in sharing Bible facts,, why not begin by just sharing your story of what Christ as done for you? You could begin by saying, "I don't know a lot of Scripture and I haven't got all this theology worked out, but this one thing I know, I was lost and now I am found. ...I had no vision and now I see my future. ...I was a prisoner to my passions and now I am free.
Don't fret over not being able to tell people things you don't know about biblical facts or spiritual truth, just tell them what God has done for you, what you believe regardless of how simple it is. You may not understand Jesus' claim on deity, but you know what Jesus means to you. You may not have a multi-point presentation of the Gospel but you can state with confidence, "This one thing I know..."
Often times I'm asked what do I know for sure. My response is always the same, "I know God loves me anyway." Most of the time that is met with a head nod in agreement but sometimes it leads to more conversation about my faith and our God. All of us can begin with what we know, even if it can be summed up with "This one thing I know." Jus' Say'n.
The man's response to their accusations against Jesus and their insitance to him taking a stand was very straight forward, "...this one thing I know, I was blind and now I see" (v. 25). While later he would see Jesus and bow before him in worship, at this point he had not seen him nor had any idea as to what to say about him other than what he knew Jesus had done for him.
Many, as Christtians, hold back sharing their faith because they lack biblical knowledge, don't have a ready supply off Bible verses and facts at their fingertips, haven't worked out all the biblical questions. Some hold back thinking they simply don't know enough to begin sharing their faith with others.
And yet, like the blind man, do we not all know what Jesus has done for us. Don't all have a "This I know" story to share? Don't you know what your life was like and where it was heading before you accepted Him? Can't you share what Jesus has done for you?
I know that before I accepted Christ, before I was buried with him in baptism, I felt under the weight of judgment and my life lacked purpose. Now I feel free and my life is filled with purpose. Others I have know were drug addicts, criminals and the like before coming to Jesus.
Rather then worry about telling the Gospel with precision and a systematic approach in sharing Bible facts,, why not begin by just sharing your story of what Christ as done for you? You could begin by saying, "I don't know a lot of Scripture and I haven't got all this theology worked out, but this one thing I know, I was lost and now I am found. ...I had no vision and now I see my future. ...I was a prisoner to my passions and now I am free.
Don't fret over not being able to tell people things you don't know about biblical facts or spiritual truth, just tell them what God has done for you, what you believe regardless of how simple it is. You may not understand Jesus' claim on deity, but you know what Jesus means to you. You may not have a multi-point presentation of the Gospel but you can state with confidence, "This one thing I know..."
Often times I'm asked what do I know for sure. My response is always the same, "I know God loves me anyway." Most of the time that is met with a head nod in agreement but sometimes it leads to more conversation about my faith and our God. All of us can begin with what we know, even if it can be summed up with "This one thing I know." Jus' Say'n.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Jesus Alone
Peter, James and John went up on a mountain top with Jesus "And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters---one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!'" (Mk 9:4, 5, 7).
Three impressive figures, two of them had been dead for centuries, yet there they were. No wonder Peter was stumbling over himself to show them reverence. But Peter's adoration was misplaced, Jesus was not one of many, not even one of three. Jesus is God's Son, not his servant like the others. It was not to the Giver of the Law nor the Proclaimer of Prophecies that the disciples were to listen, it was to The Son of God, declared the Father on High.
It wasn't that Moses and Elijah weren't important figures in God's plan of redemption. Quite the contrary, they were giants among men, but they were just that: men. Each had a part to play and a season in which to serve, but they were only men, they could not save. Only God's Son, Jesus alone, was to be worshipped, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col 2::9).
Not Moses, not Elijah, not Muhammad, not Buddha, not Krishna, not anyone else that you have ever heard of or can imagine apart from Jesus, for "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Am I being narrow-minded or prejudice? No, I am being factual. If I say to you that I have one son, whose name is Will, am I being narrow-minded? Am I being prejudice against all the other young men who are not my son? No, I am being factual! I have but one son, his name is Will. That simply is a fact.
The Father is very clear - He has only one Son: "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son..." (Jn 3:16). There is no other, that is simply a fact. Some may want to claim another, you may want to be inclusive of their faith, but you cannot change the fact that God has but one Son and we are called to listen to Jesus alone. Jus' Witnessin'.
Three impressive figures, two of them had been dead for centuries, yet there they were. No wonder Peter was stumbling over himself to show them reverence. But Peter's adoration was misplaced, Jesus was not one of many, not even one of three. Jesus is God's Son, not his servant like the others. It was not to the Giver of the Law nor the Proclaimer of Prophecies that the disciples were to listen, it was to The Son of God, declared the Father on High.
It wasn't that Moses and Elijah weren't important figures in God's plan of redemption. Quite the contrary, they were giants among men, but they were just that: men. Each had a part to play and a season in which to serve, but they were only men, they could not save. Only God's Son, Jesus alone, was to be worshipped, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col 2::9).
Not Moses, not Elijah, not Muhammad, not Buddha, not Krishna, not anyone else that you have ever heard of or can imagine apart from Jesus, for "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Am I being narrow-minded or prejudice? No, I am being factual. If I say to you that I have one son, whose name is Will, am I being narrow-minded? Am I being prejudice against all the other young men who are not my son? No, I am being factual! I have but one son, his name is Will. That simply is a fact.
The Father is very clear - He has only one Son: "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son..." (Jn 3:16). There is no other, that is simply a fact. Some may want to claim another, you may want to be inclusive of their faith, but you cannot change the fact that God has but one Son and we are called to listen to Jesus alone. Jus' Witnessin'.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Why Me?
Recently I sat in a three-person meeting with the Director of the Arkansas Veterans Administration. Today I am flying to Washington D.C. to attend a a seminar on Veteran Community Partnerships, paid for by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Friday I will be representing Arkansas Hospice at the Governor's Proclamation on Hospice and Palliative Care. I was even asked to write an article for the magazine, Inviting Arkansas, regarding Arkansas Hospice's, Level Four, "We Honor Vets" program.
So, why me? Who am I to be allowed, much less invited, to be an integral part of something so important as setting the standard of treatment for our veterans who are facing terminal illness? Aren't there more qualified, more connected, better educated individuals? No doubt. So, why me? I don't know.
I know how my journey into this hub of activity began and the steps along the way that brought me to where I am, but I surely don't know why God allowed it to be me. I just know that He did. For reasons that are His alone, God presented me with the opportunity to be a part of something terribly important. I'm not rich or powerful or particularly important, but I am a part of something that is invaluable and game changing and very important. Why? It doesn't matter.
Truly. Why me is of no concern. That I have been chosen to serve and that I do faithfully serve is very important. Whether I feel I am the best for the job or even up to the job is not relevant. What is relevant is that God has called me to the work at this time, and that I am faithful in honoring Him by serving a segment of our population that deserves our respect and needs our support.
The Lord doesn't necessarily call the equipped, but he will always equip the called. If you look at the called from Moses to Peter, the common thread was their difficulty in accepting the fact that they should be called. They were right in thinking they did not deserve it but wrong to think that God didn't know what he was doing.
The proper attitude to take is that of Isaiah, who believing, "...I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lip..." (Isa 1:5), nonetheless opened his heart to the Lord saying, "Here I am, send me: (v. 8). Here I am, such as I am, willing to go and do what you call and send me to do.
Do turn away from an opportunity to do something God honoring just because you don't think you are the best qualified or that you are qualified at all. Stand up, step up and serve to your best ability, allowing God to equip you and supply what you may be lacking. When God calls, don't get bogged down wondering "Why me?" Even if you don't have Nike shoes, "Just Do It!" Jus' Say'n.
So, why me? Who am I to be allowed, much less invited, to be an integral part of something so important as setting the standard of treatment for our veterans who are facing terminal illness? Aren't there more qualified, more connected, better educated individuals? No doubt. So, why me? I don't know.
I know how my journey into this hub of activity began and the steps along the way that brought me to where I am, but I surely don't know why God allowed it to be me. I just know that He did. For reasons that are His alone, God presented me with the opportunity to be a part of something terribly important. I'm not rich or powerful or particularly important, but I am a part of something that is invaluable and game changing and very important. Why? It doesn't matter.
Truly. Why me is of no concern. That I have been chosen to serve and that I do faithfully serve is very important. Whether I feel I am the best for the job or even up to the job is not relevant. What is relevant is that God has called me to the work at this time, and that I am faithful in honoring Him by serving a segment of our population that deserves our respect and needs our support.
The Lord doesn't necessarily call the equipped, but he will always equip the called. If you look at the called from Moses to Peter, the common thread was their difficulty in accepting the fact that they should be called. They were right in thinking they did not deserve it but wrong to think that God didn't know what he was doing.
The proper attitude to take is that of Isaiah, who believing, "...I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lip..." (Isa 1:5), nonetheless opened his heart to the Lord saying, "Here I am, send me: (v. 8). Here I am, such as I am, willing to go and do what you call and send me to do.
Do turn away from an opportunity to do something God honoring just because you don't think you are the best qualified or that you are qualified at all. Stand up, step up and serve to your best ability, allowing God to equip you and supply what you may be lacking. When God calls, don't get bogged down wondering "Why me?" Even if you don't have Nike shoes, "Just Do It!" Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Dogs?
If the PC Police were around in Jesus' day, their heads would have exploded the day he was approached by the Syrophoenician woman, asking him to cast a demon out of her child, and he put her off saying, “First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs" (Mk 7:27).
"Dogs? Did we just hear you call that woman's child a dog?" the spinning heads of the PC Police would be yelling in disbelief! "Racist, bigot, Syrophoenicianphobe!" and any number of other pejoratives would have been hurled at him as their spinning heads reached overload, replicating Mt St Helen.
They would have done so because they would not have understood where Jesus was coming from or where he was going in his ministry. PC Police are rarely seeking to understand, just bring people into compliance with their vision of polite and acceptable wording and labels.
Jesus' response was parabolic, meant to draw on word pictures - a simple illustration meant to convey a shared meaning. For those open to learn, parables can be quite revealing. He talked about the understood priority of taking care of your children before taking care of others. The term "dog" is to highlight the importance of your responsibility to your children, not to diminish others.
The apostle Paul would later emphasize this familial responsibility in saying, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim 5:8). Biblically, there is a strong emphasis on prioritizing family firstt.
That doesn't mean you don't care for or help out others, it simply means you do not neglect your children in helping others, that you see to you own first and then others. The language is strong for emphasis sake just as when Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple" (Lk 14:26). We are to put Jesus first, which means choosing him over family at times.
The priority of Christ is seen clearly in Acts 1:8 when the disciples are given their marching orders: "...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." So, PC Police, superglue your heads back together, Jesus isn't bigoted, he is prioritized and he calls us to be as well: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10). Jus' Say'n.
"Dogs? Did we just hear you call that woman's child a dog?" the spinning heads of the PC Police would be yelling in disbelief! "Racist, bigot, Syrophoenicianphobe!" and any number of other pejoratives would have been hurled at him as their spinning heads reached overload, replicating Mt St Helen.
They would have done so because they would not have understood where Jesus was coming from or where he was going in his ministry. PC Police are rarely seeking to understand, just bring people into compliance with their vision of polite and acceptable wording and labels.
Jesus' response was parabolic, meant to draw on word pictures - a simple illustration meant to convey a shared meaning. For those open to learn, parables can be quite revealing. He talked about the understood priority of taking care of your children before taking care of others. The term "dog" is to highlight the importance of your responsibility to your children, not to diminish others.
The apostle Paul would later emphasize this familial responsibility in saying, "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim 5:8). Biblically, there is a strong emphasis on prioritizing family firstt.
That doesn't mean you don't care for or help out others, it simply means you do not neglect your children in helping others, that you see to you own first and then others. The language is strong for emphasis sake just as when Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple" (Lk 14:26). We are to put Jesus first, which means choosing him over family at times.
The priority of Christ is seen clearly in Acts 1:8 when the disciples are given their marching orders: "...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." So, PC Police, superglue your heads back together, Jesus isn't bigoted, he is prioritized and he calls us to be as well: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10). Jus' Say'n.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Turning Point
While teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus proclaimed himself to be the bread of life that comes down out from heaven and that it was only those drawn by the Father who would eat this bread, this bread that was his flesh. His teaching got real to his disciples, that he was laying claim to deity, that he was the Source of life, that embracing him was all consuming - an all or nothing proposition (cf. Jn 6:25ff).
On hearing his words, his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching, who can accept it?" (v. 60). Some could not or would not and, "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him" (v. 66). As a side note, I find it interesting that this place in Scripture of disciples turning away from Jesus, John is 6:66 is the same as the mark of the Beast that John reveals in Revelation 13:18.
Getting back to the point, when this turning point was reached by the disciples, Jesus asked the Twelve if they too were turning back, to which Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68). At this turning point, some turned away, others tuned in realizing that there was no other way, there was no other option, that Jesus alone was "the holy One of God" (v. 69).
At some point, Jesus' claim on your life will get real, it will blow past all the religious ritual and jargon and list of things to do or not do. At some point, Jesus' claim will be seen in it's totality, which is total and complete. His claim on your life is not something you can wear on Sunday or practice at particular times throughout the week. His claim in on your whole life. He is not a way, or an assist in our effort to find our way home, Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through [him]" (14:6).
At some point, we come to realize that following Jesus is not something that we do, it is the thing that we do. Everything else has to be brought into alignment with that walk or left behind entirely. Unless, we were to decide that following Jesus is more than we bargained for. In that case, these words of Jesus become our turning point: "...those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples" (Lk 14:33).
Perhaps you've already reached that point and you have decided to follow Jesus no matter what. Praise God! Perhaps you've decided to strike out on your own (I hope you will reconsider because, on your own, you will strike out). Perhaps you are not quite there or are just reaching that point. If so, I implore you to listen to Peter's words again, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life." Jus' Say'n.
On hearing his words, his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching, who can accept it?" (v. 60). Some could not or would not and, "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him" (v. 66). As a side note, I find it interesting that this place in Scripture of disciples turning away from Jesus, John is 6:66 is the same as the mark of the Beast that John reveals in Revelation 13:18.
Getting back to the point, when this turning point was reached by the disciples, Jesus asked the Twelve if they too were turning back, to which Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68). At this turning point, some turned away, others tuned in realizing that there was no other way, there was no other option, that Jesus alone was "the holy One of God" (v. 69).
At some point, Jesus' claim on your life will get real, it will blow past all the religious ritual and jargon and list of things to do or not do. At some point, Jesus' claim will be seen in it's totality, which is total and complete. His claim on your life is not something you can wear on Sunday or practice at particular times throughout the week. His claim in on your whole life. He is not a way, or an assist in our effort to find our way home, Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through [him]" (14:6).
At some point, we come to realize that following Jesus is not something that we do, it is the thing that we do. Everything else has to be brought into alignment with that walk or left behind entirely. Unless, we were to decide that following Jesus is more than we bargained for. In that case, these words of Jesus become our turning point: "...those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples" (Lk 14:33).
Perhaps you've already reached that point and you have decided to follow Jesus no matter what. Praise God! Perhaps you've decided to strike out on your own (I hope you will reconsider because, on your own, you will strike out). Perhaps you are not quite there or are just reaching that point. If so, I implore you to listen to Peter's words again, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life." Jus' Say'n.
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