This morning I have been reading in Malachi 3, and this is such an interesting chapter for several reasons. However, in light of the celebration of Pentecost Sunday this coming Sunday, I thought that the first set of verses was applicable. Here are the verses, which speak prophetically of Jesus' coming - Malachi 3:1-5 NIV:
[1] “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
[2] But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. [3] He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, [4] and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.
[5] “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty."
I know many who are crying out for revival, for a visitation from the Lord, and that is great! We do need the Lord, now more than ever! However, I find the second verse interesting, and consistent with the historical revivals that the church has experienced, in that they all involve repentance, and the Lord bringing correction to the church. Not that repentance and correction are bad, its just that we want the blessing of God's presence more than we want His correction, but the two go hand in hand! He is loving AND just.
I had an interaction with the Lord several years ago, where I asked him about the wave of repentance that always leads the way in times of visitation and revival, and He basically said it was the natural reaction of man, when we actually encounter God! We see ourselves and our state compared to Him, and we are convicted of our need to change (repentance) for He is so much greater than we even imagined or encountered previously. I like that! IT makes sense that of all the Saints writings I have read, every single one of them has always considered themselves to be sinners, not saints. The closer they got to Jesus the more they saw their need for repentance for they saw how little they were like Him!
When Jesus came, for that is clearly what Malachi is prophesying here, He did bring judgment, but not in the way we think. He showed us who the Father is, through His words and actions, and this revelation is what we are judged by. Jesus actually said, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” (John 12:47-50 NIV)
Jesus came to save the world, to bring the Kingdom of God to earth, to set the foundation in place for the coming of Holy Spirit, that we might represent Him to the whole earth in power, truth and peace! He came to bring true revelation of the Father, to speak every word the Father told Him to speak, to complete the great work of making a way for restoring all men to relationship with the Father. He is still about this great work, and Holy Spirit is alive and well and working throughout the earth, working in the church. He is speaking to the church and we need to listen! We are called to hear the Word, to believe the Word, and to be changed by the Word! We are called to allow His word to purify us, to refine us! Refinement and purification of silver and gold always means the removal of that which is not pure, usually with fire.
Let us welcome His coming, let us embrace repentance and His purifying fire! Let us allow His word to wash over us, to change us, to purify us, that we might faithfully represent Him to the world!
Amen, Come Holy Spirit!
Friday, May 29, 2020
Friday, May 22, 2020
The One Who Calls Into Being, Things That Were Not!
It is very early, and I am enjoying what would be called the night-watch, time with the Lord when everyone else is sleeping. No interesting dreams this early morning, just work concerns that caused my brain to fire up, and once that happens I am awake. However, I have learned that then sitting down to pray helps me deal with any work related stress, and often provides deep intimate times with the Lord, so I welcome these times. I will often pray and come to a place of peace again and then I am able to sleep a few more hours. Turning to the Lord always instills peace in my heart and brings my mind to rest.
So this morning I have been reading a bit in Paul's letter to the Roman's and one line in particular stood out. This is how I so often hear the Lord, just one line that grabs my attention, and causes me to stop and think, which then turns into conversation and revelation. I really do love personal prayer.
So here are the verses - Romans 4:16-24 NIV:
[16] "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring---not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. [17] As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed---the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
[18] "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” [19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead---since he was about a hundred years old---and that Sarah's womb was also dead. [20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” [23] The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness---for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."
In this chapter Paul was building a solid foundation for the Gospel of Grace, and he based much of that on Abraham, and his being called righteous due to His faith, which were shown through actions. The faith and credit of righteousness (Gen 15:6) came before the Law was ever given to Moses, and thus Paul side-steps the primary argument of the Jews, that the Law was required to achieve righteousness. His whole understanding of this concept is so critical for us, for his thinking, more than anyone else really established the Gospel of Grace. Paul was writing this during a time when the "Circumcision party" was pushing their belief that all believers must be circumcised (For more on this, read the Letter to the Galatians).
Anyway, this is not actually my main point of reflection this morning, but rather I am focused on the end of verse 17, where he wrote, "He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed---the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." That last bit just grabbed my attention and hasn't let go! What an awesome description of the Lord - the one who gives life to the dead, and calls into being things that were not.
As I read that line and think about it over and over again, I find myself reminded of story after story of Jesus' ministry. I am reminded of His healing of the man born blind (John 9), healing of the man with the withered hand (Matt 12:13), the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), the raising of the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17), the feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:35-44) and the 4000 (Matt 15:32-29), the healing of the man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15), the healing of the lepers (Luke 17:10-19), the healing of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), and on and on! Jesus was constantly calling into being things that were not, or giving life to those who were dead, or those whose dreams were dead.
If we look at the next paragraph, Paul writes of Abraham and Sarah, who should have given up on the promise, and given into unbelief, but who continued to believe! He overlooks Abraham's efforts to make the promise come true, by impregnating Hagar, Sarah's maid (see Gen 16:1-4), which was actually Sarah's idea, but one that Abraham agreed to. Please note, this did not disqualify Abraham, even though he tried to make the promise come true through his own efforts! He believed the promise, he just couldn't understand how God was going to accomplish it!
I think this is the real point of my reflection this morning, just because we can't comprehend how God is going to fulfill His promise, doesn't mean He isn't going to keep His word. In each of the miracle stories I listed above, there is no way, in the natural sense of things, that we could make any of them occur! When faced with feeding 5000 men with a few loaves and fish, we cannot grasp how God would step up and feed them. We don't have any way to make a hand that was withered instantly restored. We can't raise anyone from the dead that has been dead for 4 days!
Specifically, in each of the healing instances, Jesus called something into being that wasn't! I imagine that for those people, there wasn't even a promise they were holding onto, as there was no hope, no medical procedure at the time that could heal any of them! Yet, the Lord had mercy on them and provided that which they could only dream about. Wow!
This gives me so much encouragement for those promises I am holding onto, ones that I know God has the ability to do! I know that He loves me, loves those I am concerned for, sees all our situations and is constantly working to bring life and healing, restoration, redemption, and salvation. He doesn't chastise us for not understanding how He will do things, and doesn't disqualify us for trying to work things out on our own, due to our lack of understanding and vision! That is such good news! He understands our human weaknesses and limitations and loves us and blesses us in spite of them!
This morning I am encouraged to turn to the only One who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that are not! I am encouraged to breath life into those forgotten dreams and promises, knowing that He is all about fulfilling every promise He ever made and ever will make! He is faithful! Yes Lord, speak Your word over my life, over my situations, over my dreams and promises that have come from You, and fulfill them in those ways that only You can do!
Amen and Amen!
May the Lord speak life, healing and restoration over you today! May His words bring to life that which hangs on by only a single thread left of hope ! May His faithful love buoy you up this day!
Sam
So this morning I have been reading a bit in Paul's letter to the Roman's and one line in particular stood out. This is how I so often hear the Lord, just one line that grabs my attention, and causes me to stop and think, which then turns into conversation and revelation. I really do love personal prayer.
So here are the verses - Romans 4:16-24 NIV:
[16] "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring---not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. [17] As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed---the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
[18] "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” [19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead---since he was about a hundred years old---and that Sarah's womb was also dead. [20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” [23] The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness---for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."
In this chapter Paul was building a solid foundation for the Gospel of Grace, and he based much of that on Abraham, and his being called righteous due to His faith, which were shown through actions. The faith and credit of righteousness (Gen 15:6) came before the Law was ever given to Moses, and thus Paul side-steps the primary argument of the Jews, that the Law was required to achieve righteousness. His whole understanding of this concept is so critical for us, for his thinking, more than anyone else really established the Gospel of Grace. Paul was writing this during a time when the "Circumcision party" was pushing their belief that all believers must be circumcised (For more on this, read the Letter to the Galatians).
Anyway, this is not actually my main point of reflection this morning, but rather I am focused on the end of verse 17, where he wrote, "He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed---the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." That last bit just grabbed my attention and hasn't let go! What an awesome description of the Lord - the one who gives life to the dead, and calls into being things that were not.
As I read that line and think about it over and over again, I find myself reminded of story after story of Jesus' ministry. I am reminded of His healing of the man born blind (John 9), healing of the man with the withered hand (Matt 12:13), the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), the raising of the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17), the feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:35-44) and the 4000 (Matt 15:32-29), the healing of the man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15), the healing of the lepers (Luke 17:10-19), the healing of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), and on and on! Jesus was constantly calling into being things that were not, or giving life to those who were dead, or those whose dreams were dead.
If we look at the next paragraph, Paul writes of Abraham and Sarah, who should have given up on the promise, and given into unbelief, but who continued to believe! He overlooks Abraham's efforts to make the promise come true, by impregnating Hagar, Sarah's maid (see Gen 16:1-4), which was actually Sarah's idea, but one that Abraham agreed to. Please note, this did not disqualify Abraham, even though he tried to make the promise come true through his own efforts! He believed the promise, he just couldn't understand how God was going to accomplish it!
I think this is the real point of my reflection this morning, just because we can't comprehend how God is going to fulfill His promise, doesn't mean He isn't going to keep His word. In each of the miracle stories I listed above, there is no way, in the natural sense of things, that we could make any of them occur! When faced with feeding 5000 men with a few loaves and fish, we cannot grasp how God would step up and feed them. We don't have any way to make a hand that was withered instantly restored. We can't raise anyone from the dead that has been dead for 4 days!
Specifically, in each of the healing instances, Jesus called something into being that wasn't! I imagine that for those people, there wasn't even a promise they were holding onto, as there was no hope, no medical procedure at the time that could heal any of them! Yet, the Lord had mercy on them and provided that which they could only dream about. Wow!
This gives me so much encouragement for those promises I am holding onto, ones that I know God has the ability to do! I know that He loves me, loves those I am concerned for, sees all our situations and is constantly working to bring life and healing, restoration, redemption, and salvation. He doesn't chastise us for not understanding how He will do things, and doesn't disqualify us for trying to work things out on our own, due to our lack of understanding and vision! That is such good news! He understands our human weaknesses and limitations and loves us and blesses us in spite of them!
This morning I am encouraged to turn to the only One who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that are not! I am encouraged to breath life into those forgotten dreams and promises, knowing that He is all about fulfilling every promise He ever made and ever will make! He is faithful! Yes Lord, speak Your word over my life, over my situations, over my dreams and promises that have come from You, and fulfill them in those ways that only You can do!
Amen and Amen!
May the Lord speak life, healing and restoration over you today! May His words bring to life that which hangs on by only a single thread left of hope ! May His faithful love buoy you up this day!
Sam
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Representing The One
This morning I am looking at the last real public words Jesus spoke to the crowds, according to John's recollection. These are from John 12, and in John 13 and after he is recounting the Last Supper conversations. I find that it always helpful to try and put the verses into context, and understand the timing of them.
Here are the verses - John 12:44-50 NIV:
[44] "Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.
[46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
I think the statement Jesus makes in verse 45 is critical for us to understand. Jesus represented the Father when He was ministering, so much so that if we look at Him, we see the Father. I know that I have written this before, but it is one of those truths that bears repeating over and over again. The author of the letter to the Hebrews sad that Jesus was the perfect representation of the Father (Heb 1:3), and here Jesus is saying the same thing.
I look quite a bit like my earthly father, but I am not the perfect representation of Him. I don't really know all his thoughts, or even all of his life story, and never will. I do know that in some major areas I am very much like him, especially in terms of our faith. But I do know that there are many things I have said and done that he wouldn't have said or done.
Jesus, however, due to His intimate relationship with the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to say, " I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken." Imagine having that close of a relationship with the Lord, that every word spoken by us, came from Him.
These are the thoughts that make me realize how far I am from representing the Lord effectively. I am not discouraged though, but rather I am encouraged onward into deeper intimacy, deeper unity, deeper surrender, for I know there is more available in Him. I also know that He, of all, knows me perfectly, and still desires relationship with me.
As I wrote that last bit I was reminded of the final prayer of Jesus found in John 17:24-26 NIV:
[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
What a great prayer! Jesus desires that we are with Him, where He is. He will continue to make the Father known to us, so that we might have The Father's love for Him in us! Wow! Their desire is that same Love the Father had for Jesus might be in us!
If you ever wondered whether God loves you, read those last words again. This is a love that knows no bounds! A love that resulted in the creation of everything! A love that resulted in the salvation of us all! That same love is meant to be ours, in us, encouraging us! He desires that we represent that love in the world, that we represent Him in this world, that we press into relationship with Him, into that infinite love! He wants us to look into the mirror and see that we look like Him! He desires a people that others can look at and see Him.
Lord, help me to represent you more effectively! Help me to press into the intimacy that is available, so that more and more when people look at me, they see You.
Amen!
Here are the verses - John 12:44-50 NIV:
[44] "Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.
[46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
I think the statement Jesus makes in verse 45 is critical for us to understand. Jesus represented the Father when He was ministering, so much so that if we look at Him, we see the Father. I know that I have written this before, but it is one of those truths that bears repeating over and over again. The author of the letter to the Hebrews sad that Jesus was the perfect representation of the Father (Heb 1:3), and here Jesus is saying the same thing.
I look quite a bit like my earthly father, but I am not the perfect representation of Him. I don't really know all his thoughts, or even all of his life story, and never will. I do know that in some major areas I am very much like him, especially in terms of our faith. But I do know that there are many things I have said and done that he wouldn't have said or done.
Jesus, however, due to His intimate relationship with the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to say, " I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken." Imagine having that close of a relationship with the Lord, that every word spoken by us, came from Him.
These are the thoughts that make me realize how far I am from representing the Lord effectively. I am not discouraged though, but rather I am encouraged onward into deeper intimacy, deeper unity, deeper surrender, for I know there is more available in Him. I also know that He, of all, knows me perfectly, and still desires relationship with me.
As I wrote that last bit I was reminded of the final prayer of Jesus found in John 17:24-26 NIV:
[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
[25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
What a great prayer! Jesus desires that we are with Him, where He is. He will continue to make the Father known to us, so that we might have The Father's love for Him in us! Wow! Their desire is that same Love the Father had for Jesus might be in us!
If you ever wondered whether God loves you, read those last words again. This is a love that knows no bounds! A love that resulted in the creation of everything! A love that resulted in the salvation of us all! That same love is meant to be ours, in us, encouraging us! He desires that we represent that love in the world, that we represent Him in this world, that we press into relationship with Him, into that infinite love! He wants us to look into the mirror and see that we look like Him! He desires a people that others can look at and see Him.
Lord, help me to represent you more effectively! Help me to press into the intimacy that is available, so that more and more when people look at me, they see You.
Amen!
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Forget Not All His Benefits (Ps 103:2)
This morning right before waking I had a dream that I received $103K from a company I was employed by nearly 20 years ago. Not a bad way to wake up! I don't foresee that being a reality, but it did get me thinking. In my past the Lord would sometimes use numbers to direct my thinking as I sat down to pray. Often it was the time on the clock when I woke for no apparent reason in the middle of the night, and things like that. I find the Lord is always speaking if I am listening. So, this morning I thought I would open up Psalm 103, and let the words of David's psalm rattle around inside my mind and heart. It has been a while since I read this particular psalm, and today it seems very applicable. Here it is - Psalm 103:1-22 NIV:
[1] "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
[2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits---
[3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
[4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
[5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
[6] The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
[7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:
[8] The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
[9] He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
[10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
[11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
[12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
[13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
[14] for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
[15] The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;
[16] the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
[17] But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children---
[18] with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
[19] The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
[20] Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
[21] Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
[22] Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul."
I don't know about you, but when I read this Psalm, its like a warm comfort blanket was just draped over my mind and heart, and I am at peace. I think these are the kinds of words I need to fill my life with right now, rather than the craziness found just a few clicks away in social media and news.
There is a peacefulness to David's words, a drawing me back to what is foundational, what is important, and what brings me rest. He encourages us to forget NOT all the benefits of relationship with the Lord, and this is such a timely word.
Nothing has changed about God, about His character!
Nothing has changed in His ability to forgive, to heal, to have compassion, to bless, to love us!
Nothing has changed in the heavens where He is enthroned, where He rules from everlasting to everlasting!
He is still compassionate, still forgiving, still loving, still patient, still redeeming us, still saving us, still blessing us with good things, still working righteousness, still Lord over all!
Thank You Lord for this reminder today! I will praise You with all my inmost being!
Praise the Lord!
May the peace and rest that is only found in the Lord be your blessing this day!
Sam
[1] "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
[2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits---
[3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
[4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
[5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
[6] The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
[7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:
[8] The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
[9] He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
[10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
[11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
[12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
[13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
[14] for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
[15] The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;
[16] the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
[17] But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children---
[18] with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
[19] The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
[20] Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
[21] Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
[22] Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul."
I don't know about you, but when I read this Psalm, its like a warm comfort blanket was just draped over my mind and heart, and I am at peace. I think these are the kinds of words I need to fill my life with right now, rather than the craziness found just a few clicks away in social media and news.
There is a peacefulness to David's words, a drawing me back to what is foundational, what is important, and what brings me rest. He encourages us to forget NOT all the benefits of relationship with the Lord, and this is such a timely word.
Nothing has changed about God, about His character!
Nothing has changed in His ability to forgive, to heal, to have compassion, to bless, to love us!
Nothing has changed in the heavens where He is enthroned, where He rules from everlasting to everlasting!
He is still compassionate, still forgiving, still loving, still patient, still redeeming us, still saving us, still blessing us with good things, still working righteousness, still Lord over all!
Thank You Lord for this reminder today! I will praise You with all my inmost being!
Praise the Lord!
May the peace and rest that is only found in the Lord be your blessing this day!
Sam
Monday, May 18, 2020
Seeing God's Goodness Every Day
This morning I am reflecting on a story found in 1 Kings. I was asking the Lord where I should read this morning, and when I heard 1 King 17, I was a bit disappointed, as I didn't remember what was in that particular chapter, but I was hoping for some New Testament or Gospel passages to read. However, trying to be be obedient to follow the path the Lord leads me down, I turned there and saw that it was actually a story with which I was quite familiar, Elijah and the Widow. Sorry Lord for my earlier disappointment and doubt.
Anyway here are the verses of my reflection this morning - 1 Kings 17:7-24 NIV:
[7] "Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. [8] Then the word of the Lord came to him: [9] “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” [10] So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” [11] As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
[12] “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread---only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it---and die.”
[13] Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. [14] For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.' ”
[15] She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. [16] For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
[17] Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. [18] She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”
[19] “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. [20] Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” [21] Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!”
[22] The Lord heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived. [23] Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!”
[24] Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”
This whole story took place after the Lord had Elijah prophecy a 3 year drought over Israel, and after He had fled into the wilderness and been fed by ravens. In other words, well into a dry season, both in the natural and Spiritually. I thought I would share my main take away from this story up-front, and then fill in my thoughts following. I believe the message is that I shouldn't miss all the Lord is doing every day, right in front of my face, because I am focused on what is happening around me, instead of upon Him.
The words of the Widow in verse 24 stuck in my heart this morning. It appears that even after she had been experiencing the daily miracle of flour and oil that didn't run out, she was unconvinced about the truth of the word of the Lord. I am guessing that the flour jar always looked just about empty, and the same for the oil jar, but they never actually were empty. I am thinking that every new day, she would look and see the same amount of flour and oil, but rather than seeing the daily miracle, she instead was focused on the rest of the empty jar.
I am so much like this widow, always looking for what I haven't seen yet, or experienced in the Lord, wanting so much to see the awesome move of God, or the mind blowing miracles, that I don't recognize and celebrate all the ways the Lord blesses me every day, all the blessings and daily provisions that I have come to expect. Oh Lord, please forgive me for my ungrateful heart.
Secondly, it seems the widow was unable to reflect back on all the days of constant provision, and see God's hand at work in her life! She was missing the forest (constant provision), for the tree (her daily need) that was right in front of her face.
Again, I find, so often, that I am hard pressed to remember the past goodness of the Lord, due to the present need in front of my face. I have heard this described as "what have you done for me today, Lord" mindset, and I unfortunately have to own this as something I struggle with too. Rather than allowing my faith to build up, so that I am leaning on all my past experience, remembering everything the Lord has done previously, I am like a blank-slate every morning, having to start all over again, and that is something that needs to change in me! Again Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for my ungrateful heart and mind.
At the end of the day, I think I would ascribe this all to a spirit of unbelief. Apparently, I don't really believe that the Lord is as good as He says He is, and every day, I allow my mind and heart to focus on that rather than on His goodness and provision. Lord, again I ask You forgiveness and Your help in dealing with the unbelief. The season of life I have been in has been long and hard, and yet, You have never failed to provide for me and my family! You have blessed us with abundance. You have constantly watched over us, providing as needed, every day. While I haven't seen abundance, I have never seen lack. Help me to focus on the latter, not the former.
In the midst of the strange season, help me to see and recognize Your constant flow of blessings Lord! Your goodness is continuous, Your faithfulness unquestionable. As I wrote that last bit, I was reminded of Psalm 136, where the people are asked to respond "His love endures Forever", and I think that would be a good line for constant meditation. Here are a few verses from that Psalm - Psalm 136:1-9,23-26 NIV:
[1] "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
[2] Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
[3] Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
[4] to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
[5] who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
[6] who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
[7] who made the great lights---His love endures forever.
[8] the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
[9] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
[23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
[24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.
[25] He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
[26] Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever."
Lord, You are good and Your love does endure forever. You are faithful every day! I thank You for Your constant provision and blessing! Our flour and oil have never run out, and we recognize your constant faithfulness and goodness!
Amen!
May the faithful love of the Lord overwhelm you today. May His goodness be in front of You and His faithfulness behind you.
Sam
Anyway here are the verses of my reflection this morning - 1 Kings 17:7-24 NIV:
[7] "Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. [8] Then the word of the Lord came to him: [9] “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” [10] So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” [11] As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
[12] “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread---only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it---and die.”
[13] Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. [14] For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.' ”
[15] She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. [16] For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
[17] Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. [18] She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”
[19] “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. [20] Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” [21] Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!”
[22] The Lord heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived. [23] Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!”
[24] Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”
This whole story took place after the Lord had Elijah prophecy a 3 year drought over Israel, and after He had fled into the wilderness and been fed by ravens. In other words, well into a dry season, both in the natural and Spiritually. I thought I would share my main take away from this story up-front, and then fill in my thoughts following. I believe the message is that I shouldn't miss all the Lord is doing every day, right in front of my face, because I am focused on what is happening around me, instead of upon Him.
The words of the Widow in verse 24 stuck in my heart this morning. It appears that even after she had been experiencing the daily miracle of flour and oil that didn't run out, she was unconvinced about the truth of the word of the Lord. I am guessing that the flour jar always looked just about empty, and the same for the oil jar, but they never actually were empty. I am thinking that every new day, she would look and see the same amount of flour and oil, but rather than seeing the daily miracle, she instead was focused on the rest of the empty jar.
I am so much like this widow, always looking for what I haven't seen yet, or experienced in the Lord, wanting so much to see the awesome move of God, or the mind blowing miracles, that I don't recognize and celebrate all the ways the Lord blesses me every day, all the blessings and daily provisions that I have come to expect. Oh Lord, please forgive me for my ungrateful heart.
Secondly, it seems the widow was unable to reflect back on all the days of constant provision, and see God's hand at work in her life! She was missing the forest (constant provision), for the tree (her daily need) that was right in front of her face.
Again, I find, so often, that I am hard pressed to remember the past goodness of the Lord, due to the present need in front of my face. I have heard this described as "what have you done for me today, Lord" mindset, and I unfortunately have to own this as something I struggle with too. Rather than allowing my faith to build up, so that I am leaning on all my past experience, remembering everything the Lord has done previously, I am like a blank-slate every morning, having to start all over again, and that is something that needs to change in me! Again Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for my ungrateful heart and mind.
At the end of the day, I think I would ascribe this all to a spirit of unbelief. Apparently, I don't really believe that the Lord is as good as He says He is, and every day, I allow my mind and heart to focus on that rather than on His goodness and provision. Lord, again I ask You forgiveness and Your help in dealing with the unbelief. The season of life I have been in has been long and hard, and yet, You have never failed to provide for me and my family! You have blessed us with abundance. You have constantly watched over us, providing as needed, every day. While I haven't seen abundance, I have never seen lack. Help me to focus on the latter, not the former.
In the midst of the strange season, help me to see and recognize Your constant flow of blessings Lord! Your goodness is continuous, Your faithfulness unquestionable. As I wrote that last bit, I was reminded of Psalm 136, where the people are asked to respond "His love endures Forever", and I think that would be a good line for constant meditation. Here are a few verses from that Psalm - Psalm 136:1-9,23-26 NIV:
[1] "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
[2] Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
[3] Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
[4] to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
[5] who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
[6] who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
[7] who made the great lights---His love endures forever.
[8] the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
[9] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
[23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
[24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.
[25] He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
[26] Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever."
Lord, You are good and Your love does endure forever. You are faithful every day! I thank You for Your constant provision and blessing! Our flour and oil have never run out, and we recognize your constant faithfulness and goodness!
Amen!
May the faithful love of the Lord overwhelm you today. May His goodness be in front of You and His faithfulness behind you.
Sam
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Wrapped In The Comfort Of Heaven
This morning I am reflecting on some verses from Paul's letter to the Colossians 2:2-4,6-8 The Passion Translation - TPT:
[2] "I am contending for you that your hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric. This will give you access to all the riches of God as you experience the revelation of God's great mystery-Christ.
[3] For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered-heaven's wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge.
[4] I want you to know this so that no one will come and lead you into error through their persuasive arguments and clever words.
[6] In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! [7] Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him!
[8] Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ's fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they're filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One."
While I don't often read "The Passion Translation" I thought their version of these verses was quite beautiful and encouraging. Yesterday I spent some time reflecting on the hidden mystery that was revealed through Christ and then the direction of the Holy Spirit to the early church, namely that salvation was available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. These verses from Paul leap-off from that truth and spring us into new mysteries and revelation (verse 3 above).
Paul, also provides a very healthy dose of warnings about those things that would distract us from following Christ Jesus, from devoting ourselves to Him relationally. The mysteries and revelation are in Christ Jesus, as Paul calls Him "God's great mystery".
What I have observed often are people, myself included, who get distracted by so many other things, by people who say they "know things". Paul is clearly dealing with similar situations here, and warns specifically against those who use persuasive arguments, clever words, pretend wisdom, humanistic and clouded judgments based on the world system to cause us to become distracted, even separated from the Truth that is found in Christ alone!
As we look at the clamour and noise, the counter arguments and special reports that are flying back and forth these days about Covid-19, I wonder how many of us are allowing our minds and hearts to be distracted from our primary focus and relationship with the Lord? It is so hard to think what to think, when everyone has an opinion, and there are "experts" on both sides of the conversation, and everything is being proclaimed as the truth.
I go back to verses 2 and 3 above and think this is a wonderful (paraphrased) prayer for us all. "Oh Lord, that our hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric. That we will have access to all the riches of God as we experience the revelation of God's great mystery-Christ! For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered-heaven's wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge."
Let our hearts and minds be most concerned about Him, about our relationship with Him. Let us look to the Lord for direction, guidance and truth, and let us not be distracted by all the shouting and arguing, and human wisdom, floating around these days. Let us continue our "journey of faith, progressing further into our union with Jesus"! Let us find ourselves "wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric."
Amen!
May the peace of Christ be enough for you today! May your heart be wrapped in comfort, and your mind in His Truth.
Sam
[2] "I am contending for you that your hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric. This will give you access to all the riches of God as you experience the revelation of God's great mystery-Christ.
[3] For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered-heaven's wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge.
[4] I want you to know this so that no one will come and lead you into error through their persuasive arguments and clever words.
[6] In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! [7] Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him!
[8] Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ's fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they're filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One."
While I don't often read "The Passion Translation" I thought their version of these verses was quite beautiful and encouraging. Yesterday I spent some time reflecting on the hidden mystery that was revealed through Christ and then the direction of the Holy Spirit to the early church, namely that salvation was available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. These verses from Paul leap-off from that truth and spring us into new mysteries and revelation (verse 3 above).
Paul, also provides a very healthy dose of warnings about those things that would distract us from following Christ Jesus, from devoting ourselves to Him relationally. The mysteries and revelation are in Christ Jesus, as Paul calls Him "God's great mystery".
What I have observed often are people, myself included, who get distracted by so many other things, by people who say they "know things". Paul is clearly dealing with similar situations here, and warns specifically against those who use persuasive arguments, clever words, pretend wisdom, humanistic and clouded judgments based on the world system to cause us to become distracted, even separated from the Truth that is found in Christ alone!
As we look at the clamour and noise, the counter arguments and special reports that are flying back and forth these days about Covid-19, I wonder how many of us are allowing our minds and hearts to be distracted from our primary focus and relationship with the Lord? It is so hard to think what to think, when everyone has an opinion, and there are "experts" on both sides of the conversation, and everything is being proclaimed as the truth.
I go back to verses 2 and 3 above and think this is a wonderful (paraphrased) prayer for us all. "Oh Lord, that our hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric. That we will have access to all the riches of God as we experience the revelation of God's great mystery-Christ! For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered-heaven's wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge."
Let our hearts and minds be most concerned about Him, about our relationship with Him. Let us look to the Lord for direction, guidance and truth, and let us not be distracted by all the shouting and arguing, and human wisdom, floating around these days. Let us continue our "journey of faith, progressing further into our union with Jesus"! Let us find ourselves "wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric."
Amen!
May the peace of Christ be enough for you today! May your heart be wrapped in comfort, and your mind in His Truth.
Sam
Monday, May 11, 2020
Jesus Heals the Broken-Hearted and Crushed in Spirit
This morning I am reflecting on the story of Lazarus, and specifically the sisters, and Jesus' compassion. I had seen a few things that I wanted to pursue, but felt directed back to focus on the sisters in their mourning. First I want to quote a couple of verses from Psalm 34:4,17-18 NIV:
[4] "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
[17] "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
I thought these verses were significant, and applicable to Mary and Martha. They clearly cried out to the Lord, and He did hear them, and delivered them from their troubles. That being said, Jesus didn't do it the way they desired Him to do it, for they sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, and asked Him to hurry so that He might heal him. Instead Jesus, waited where He was until He knew from the Father that He had died. Here are more than a few of the verses from the story - John 11:3-4,14-15,21-24,28-29,32-37 NIV:
[3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
[4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.”
[14] So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, [15] and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
[21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
[23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
[24] Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
[28] After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept.
[36] Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
[37] But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
This is another of the stories in John that has such detail that I believe John was absolutely an eye-witness. He repeats the conversations and his reports were of one that observed this from Jesus' side. As I mentioned earlier, the focus this morning is how Jesus responded to the sisters. Notice that He meets each individually, and responds to each according to their needs, and their personality. We know Martha was the more logical and task oriented one while Mary seems to have been the more emotional of the two. Jesus engages in deep and meaningful conversation with Martha, and with Mary He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled, and wept.
Sometimes I think we can forget that Jesus does know exactly what we experience as humans, and He meets us exactly where we are at, and deals with us in our need, and in the most effective way for each of us. He understands exactly what it feels like to lose a loved one, for Joseph died sometime in his life prior to His ministry. We see here how Jesus didn't ignore their cries but rather answered their prayers, meeting them in their need, and blessing them beyond comprehension, revealing His identity as the Messiah to them, the Promised One.
I am also impressed how Jesus asked for Mary, for He knew she was hurting, knew of her pain, and yet He also knew that the Father had something special planned for them, and for that to be seen they needed to be at the gravesite of Lazarus. Sometimes He must draw us out of our situation to move in our lives.
So back to the sense I had at the beginning of my time this morning, the Lord definitely is close to the broken-hearted and those with crushed spirits. He desires to touch and heal and help us to have hope in Him. I believe that there are many who are broken-hearted, many whose spirits have been crushed or are being crushed by these present constraints and impact of rules. Our lives are far from normal, and for many who have lost loved one, jobs, businesses or safe places, the days are brutal. The Lord is also close to the tired, the exhausted, the worn out, the confused and the anxious. He understands all of our emotions, all of our fears, all of our pains, and He is moved by them.
Let us look to Jesus this morning, and let us unburden ourselves and our stuff into His more than capable, waiting arms. HE will meet us, He will answer, He will visit us, but it may not be what we expect, but it will be what we need!
Finally my heart goes out to all who must grieve during this time, who are unable to gather as they desire to console one another, to express their grief, to remember their loved one, or to help each other through this time of grieving. May the Lord's sweet compassion and mercy be showered upon you, and may your experience the comfort that only He can bring.
Amen!
May the peace and comfort of the Lord be yours this morning. May He meet you in your present need, sooth the wounded hearts, heal the broken hearts and comfort those living in fear, and those whose spirits are crushed or wounded.
Sam
[4] "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
[17] "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
I thought these verses were significant, and applicable to Mary and Martha. They clearly cried out to the Lord, and He did hear them, and delivered them from their troubles. That being said, Jesus didn't do it the way they desired Him to do it, for they sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, and asked Him to hurry so that He might heal him. Instead Jesus, waited where He was until He knew from the Father that He had died. Here are more than a few of the verses from the story - John 11:3-4,14-15,21-24,28-29,32-37 NIV:
[3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
[4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.”
[14] So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, [15] and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
[21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
[23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
[24] Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
[28] After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept.
[36] Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
[37] But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
This is another of the stories in John that has such detail that I believe John was absolutely an eye-witness. He repeats the conversations and his reports were of one that observed this from Jesus' side. As I mentioned earlier, the focus this morning is how Jesus responded to the sisters. Notice that He meets each individually, and responds to each according to their needs, and their personality. We know Martha was the more logical and task oriented one while Mary seems to have been the more emotional of the two. Jesus engages in deep and meaningful conversation with Martha, and with Mary He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled, and wept.
Sometimes I think we can forget that Jesus does know exactly what we experience as humans, and He meets us exactly where we are at, and deals with us in our need, and in the most effective way for each of us. He understands exactly what it feels like to lose a loved one, for Joseph died sometime in his life prior to His ministry. We see here how Jesus didn't ignore their cries but rather answered their prayers, meeting them in their need, and blessing them beyond comprehension, revealing His identity as the Messiah to them, the Promised One.
I am also impressed how Jesus asked for Mary, for He knew she was hurting, knew of her pain, and yet He also knew that the Father had something special planned for them, and for that to be seen they needed to be at the gravesite of Lazarus. Sometimes He must draw us out of our situation to move in our lives.
So back to the sense I had at the beginning of my time this morning, the Lord definitely is close to the broken-hearted and those with crushed spirits. He desires to touch and heal and help us to have hope in Him. I believe that there are many who are broken-hearted, many whose spirits have been crushed or are being crushed by these present constraints and impact of rules. Our lives are far from normal, and for many who have lost loved one, jobs, businesses or safe places, the days are brutal. The Lord is also close to the tired, the exhausted, the worn out, the confused and the anxious. He understands all of our emotions, all of our fears, all of our pains, and He is moved by them.
Let us look to Jesus this morning, and let us unburden ourselves and our stuff into His more than capable, waiting arms. HE will meet us, He will answer, He will visit us, but it may not be what we expect, but it will be what we need!
Finally my heart goes out to all who must grieve during this time, who are unable to gather as they desire to console one another, to express their grief, to remember their loved one, or to help each other through this time of grieving. May the Lord's sweet compassion and mercy be showered upon you, and may your experience the comfort that only He can bring.
Amen!
May the peace and comfort of the Lord be yours this morning. May He meet you in your present need, sooth the wounded hearts, heal the broken hearts and comfort those living in fear, and those whose spirits are crushed or wounded.
Sam
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Of Mary and Moms
This morning as I was sitting down to pray, reflecting on the fact that it is Mother's Day, I thought of the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus. I thought it would be good to reflect on her motherhood, so I will look at some of the scriptural accounts starting with the following - Luke 2:6-7,15-19,28-35 NIV:
[6] While they were there (Bethelehem), the time came for the baby to be born, [7] and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
[15] When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
[16] So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. [17] When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, [18] and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
[28] Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
[29] “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. [30] For my eyes have seen your salvation, [31] which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
[33] The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, [35] so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
We are probably all familiar with the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph, and Jesus being born in a manager, but have we ever reflected on this story from the eyes of Mary? Maybe you have, myself, not so much. As I started rereading these verses this morning I couldn't help but think of Mary's situation as she gave birth to Jesus, she was outside, in a barn-like structure, away from her family, her mother, or any of her friends who might have helped her through her first birth! I like how Luke just passes over the drama and trauma of this birth. I would hope that Joseph was a help to Mary, but as far as we know it was up to her, and in spite of the ordeal, she absolutely nailed it.
For me, that is one of the things that I think all great Mom's are able to do, they deal with stuff, and I mean crazy stuff, and somehow keep it together! After Jesus was born, Mary wraps him in clothes, and almost immediately has a bunch of guests crashing their "just gave birth, I am sure I look great" moment. A bunch of shepherds show up and start telling them about this awesome angelic experience. Luke tells us that Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. That is such beautiful expression of a Mother, someone who treasures memories of their children in her heart. I wonder if the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write that or if He talked to Mary himself? It is quite possible that Mary, though old, was still alive when Luke wrote this in 63AD. She would have been close to 80 most likely.
Anyway, continuing on, we have Simeon prophesying to Mary and Joseph when they bring Jesus to be dedicated. Again, we have a very clear description of what is said to Mary, and Simeon finishes with the lovely, "and a sword will pierce your own soul too." I don't think any mother would lie to hear that, but again, that is the experience of every mother, their hearts are pierced for their children! A Mother's love is so deep, that any struggle, any pain, any difficulty their child experiences is shared by her. In verse 33, we are told that Joseph and Mary marveled at what was said about Jesus, and that reaction is also so true of any loving mother. Regardless of the compliment about their child, the child's accomplishment, however small, or the new developmental stage a child goes through, their mother is going to celebrate it and treasure it!
As I think back to my childhood, and I think of the way I was raised by my Mother, I see many parallels in Mary's love for Jesus. As I think back to my Honey's raising of our children, I know that she experiences many of the these same things. I am in awe of the love, the affection, the heart-treasuring, the wonder celebrating, the faithful and unconditional love I have seen on display! I am so grateful for my own mother, and for my honey, the mother of our children, for their witness to love and care that is truly life changing!
I am so grateful for the love of these women! Their witness of loving their children, of laying down their lives, is proof to me that it is possible to follow Jesus' command. Thank You Lord for my Mom, and for my wife! They are a great gift to us all!
Amen!
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Wisdom From Heaven - How to Think
This morning I thought the following verses were helpful to contemplate. James 3:17-18 NIV: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
If you wonder how to think these days, I think these brief verses from James are helpful, for if we step back a moment and see how our thoughts are affecting us, we can identify where they are coming from. Wisdom from the Lord does not bring fear, or anxiety, judgment or condemnation.
As I think about my actions, these verses are also helpful. If I am working to represent the Lord in my life, then these descriptions should be applicable to my actions. Do I act with pure motives, do I instill peace, am I considerate of others, am I submissive to the Lord's direction, am I merciful, impartial and sincere?
As we begin to reopen and interact with others who may have different opinions about the plans and timing, and "rules", its good to check our hearts and thoughts. As I have written previously, its so important to look to the Lord for His perspective, His guidance and direction. My belief is that this list form James is a good for guidance if we are unsure about specifics.
Lastly, our primary motivation must always be love. The Lords words are just so simple, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:12-13 NIV)
Lord, help me to choose to love, first and foremost! Help me to represent You, and let my heart and actions be pure, peace-inspiring, considerate, merciful, and submissive to You.
Amen!
I pray that the peace and joy of the Lord might be yours this day!
Sam
If you wonder how to think these days, I think these brief verses from James are helpful, for if we step back a moment and see how our thoughts are affecting us, we can identify where they are coming from. Wisdom from the Lord does not bring fear, or anxiety, judgment or condemnation.
As I think about my actions, these verses are also helpful. If I am working to represent the Lord in my life, then these descriptions should be applicable to my actions. Do I act with pure motives, do I instill peace, am I considerate of others, am I submissive to the Lord's direction, am I merciful, impartial and sincere?
As we begin to reopen and interact with others who may have different opinions about the plans and timing, and "rules", its good to check our hearts and thoughts. As I have written previously, its so important to look to the Lord for His perspective, His guidance and direction. My belief is that this list form James is a good for guidance if we are unsure about specifics.
Lastly, our primary motivation must always be love. The Lords words are just so simple, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:12-13 NIV)
Lord, help me to choose to love, first and foremost! Help me to represent You, and let my heart and actions be pure, peace-inspiring, considerate, merciful, and submissive to You.
Amen!
I pray that the peace and joy of the Lord might be yours this day!
Sam
Friday, May 8, 2020
To Change Or Not To Change
This morning I felt I should read from Matthew 3, which is all about John the Baptist's ministry, and the Baptism of Jesus. I must say I haven't devoted much time to reflecting on John's ministry, but today I thought it appropriate. Here are the verses I am thinking about this morning - Matthew 3:1-2,5-10 NIV:
[1] "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea [2] and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
[5] People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. [6] Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? [8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [10] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
As I read these verses this morning I saw two different responses to John's message of repentance. There were those people that heard his message, were convicted by his message, decided to change (repented), asked forgiveness, were baptized for forgiveness and then lived their lives differently. Secondly, there were those Pharisees and Sadducees who came and saw no need to heed John's message. They relied on their present understanding and refused to change their minds. Worse yet, they might have said they were going to change their minds, but then never did. In other words they produced no fruit of repentance, they did not change their minds and actions.
So my question this morning is which response do we have to this opportunity to change our minds and ways that we have been presented? That we are in a time of transition, of change, of the birthing of something new is clear. We hear the phrase "New Normal" and that is tossed around both in the secular world as well as the Body of Christ, so I think we all agree that things will be changing. John's message was a preparatory message to a season of change that was going to blow over the Jewish people, and His call was one to turn back to God.
In this present situation, we weren't really given a clear call to change, or repent, but the impact of this time has certainly produced that in our lives. We have been given an opportunity to stop what we were doing, to look to our relationship with the Lord, and see where things need to change. As churches we have had to stop most everything and revisit what we were doing, how were were doing things, and now as we look at reopening, we have a chance to do the same, to look hard at our ministries and see what things need to change! The question for us all is whether we will produce the fruit in keeping with repentance, or will we go right back to what we were doing before?
Another question is whether we have even turned to the Lord in this season, or have we just turned to comfort foods, comfort TV shows, comfort drinks, whatever we needed to do to get through this time? We have changed our activities because we have been forced to change them, but have we changed our hearts and minds, and our plans for our futures?
Repentance is about change that we decide to make, not change that we have been forced to make. God is after our hearts and minds turning towards Him, not our obedience to authorities.
These questions and thoughts have certainly got me thinking this morning. My prayer is that I come through this time, changed, renewed, and repented of past wrong focus and pursuits, and that I am instead more focused on the Lord and His purpose, His plan and my relationship with Him.
Amen!
May the Lord speak clearly to our hearts today, to help us see the opportunities for change in front of us! May He bring clarity to opportunities for repentance! May the Lord help us all to embrace His word fully, and help us to produce good fruit!
Sam
[1] "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea [2] and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
[5] People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. [6] Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? [8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [10] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
As I read these verses this morning I saw two different responses to John's message of repentance. There were those people that heard his message, were convicted by his message, decided to change (repented), asked forgiveness, were baptized for forgiveness and then lived their lives differently. Secondly, there were those Pharisees and Sadducees who came and saw no need to heed John's message. They relied on their present understanding and refused to change their minds. Worse yet, they might have said they were going to change their minds, but then never did. In other words they produced no fruit of repentance, they did not change their minds and actions.
So my question this morning is which response do we have to this opportunity to change our minds and ways that we have been presented? That we are in a time of transition, of change, of the birthing of something new is clear. We hear the phrase "New Normal" and that is tossed around both in the secular world as well as the Body of Christ, so I think we all agree that things will be changing. John's message was a preparatory message to a season of change that was going to blow over the Jewish people, and His call was one to turn back to God.
In this present situation, we weren't really given a clear call to change, or repent, but the impact of this time has certainly produced that in our lives. We have been given an opportunity to stop what we were doing, to look to our relationship with the Lord, and see where things need to change. As churches we have had to stop most everything and revisit what we were doing, how were were doing things, and now as we look at reopening, we have a chance to do the same, to look hard at our ministries and see what things need to change! The question for us all is whether we will produce the fruit in keeping with repentance, or will we go right back to what we were doing before?
Another question is whether we have even turned to the Lord in this season, or have we just turned to comfort foods, comfort TV shows, comfort drinks, whatever we needed to do to get through this time? We have changed our activities because we have been forced to change them, but have we changed our hearts and minds, and our plans for our futures?
Repentance is about change that we decide to make, not change that we have been forced to make. God is after our hearts and minds turning towards Him, not our obedience to authorities.
These questions and thoughts have certainly got me thinking this morning. My prayer is that I come through this time, changed, renewed, and repented of past wrong focus and pursuits, and that I am instead more focused on the Lord and His purpose, His plan and my relationship with Him.
Amen!
May the Lord speak clearly to our hearts today, to help us see the opportunities for change in front of us! May He bring clarity to opportunities for repentance! May the Lord help us all to embrace His word fully, and help us to produce good fruit!
Sam
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Facts, Narratives and Belief
This morning I felt led to read from John 9, which is a chapter with which I am very familiar, the story of the man born blind, but healed by Jesus. I have always enjoyed this story, especially the interactions between the man who was healed and the Pharisees, as it just sounds so real. This morning as I was reading it, I realized that there is an interesting parallel to all the confusion that is in the wind over competing videos, and facts and rules and requirements for response to covid-19. Anyway here are the verses - John 9:13-34 NIV:
[13] "They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. [14] Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. [15] Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.
“He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”
[16] Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. [17] Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”
The man replied, “He is a prophet.”
[18] They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. [19] “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
[20] “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. [21] But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” [22] His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. [23] That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
[24] A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
[25] He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
[26] Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
[27] He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”
[28] Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! [29] We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.”
[30] The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. [31] We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. [32] Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
[34] To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out."
As I was reading these verses this morning, I realized that some people will never believe the facts, as the facts don't fit their narrative, or understanding, and so rather than being open to changing their mind, they reject the facts, and reject those that know those facts to be true. It seems we have the same issue now, except now we have so many voices, so many opinions, so many "professional" responses. Ugh, what are we to think?
We see here the Pharisees sticking to their understanding of the Law, rather than acknowledging that Jesus could possibly be from God. They believed that anyone who broke a law was unrighteous, and thus could not be from God, who was perfectly righteous. The specific Law that Jesus "broke" was the commandment to do no work on the Sabbath. Spitting into the dirt to form mud and then spreading the mud on the man's eyes sure doesn't seem like work, but according to the Talmud, which is not Scripture but man's attempt to define exactly what the Covenant of the Law meant, it could have been seen as work.
Talk about missing the forest for the trees in front of them. They also had countless verses from the Prophets that indicated that God would open blind eyes, but rather than look at this situation from that perspective, they chose to focus on one tiny man-made addition to the Law, and throw out the whole of truth that was right in front of them.
So, how do we apply these verses to our lives today? For me, I am confident that if I turn to the Lord, that He will guide me to clarity and understanding. I am purposely shutting out the myriad of voices, looking to the facts and asking the Lord to help me know how to respond. I don't need the media or the hundreds of opinionated voices telling me what to believe, and what not to believe, I want to hear from the Lord.
I am not trying to make this into a religious argument at all, but rather saying that the Lord has a perspective, and I am going with His, to the best of my understanding. Our faith is meant to be lived personally, each in relationship with the Lord, hearing His voice for ourselves. We are to be guided in this by the whole of scripture, and the recorded experience of those people of faith who went before us. I am not telling anyone what to believe or what to think, but I must come to a place of peace myself.
Going back to John's story, we see that in the next verses (35-38), John records Jesus finding the man, and telling Him who He is, and the man responds by worshipping Jesus! Oh, that we would let Jesus be enough! Not that we put our head in the sand and ignore everything else, but rather that we choose Him, His peace, love, mercy, compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness over everything else. It is possible to view the world from the arms of Jesus, and that is my intent. I am reminded of Jesus' statement found in John 14:6 NIV: "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
If we want to know the truth, we should turn to "The Truth".
Amen!
May the peace of Christ and the clarity of His mind be yours today! May He guide you into all truth!
Sam
[13] "They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. [14] Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. [15] Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.
“He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”
[16] Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. [17] Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”
The man replied, “He is a prophet.”
[18] They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. [19] “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
[20] “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. [21] But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” [22] His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. [23] That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
[24] A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
[25] He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
[26] Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
[27] He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”
[28] Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! [29] We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.”
[30] The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. [31] We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. [32] Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
[34] To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out."
As I was reading these verses this morning, I realized that some people will never believe the facts, as the facts don't fit their narrative, or understanding, and so rather than being open to changing their mind, they reject the facts, and reject those that know those facts to be true. It seems we have the same issue now, except now we have so many voices, so many opinions, so many "professional" responses. Ugh, what are we to think?
We see here the Pharisees sticking to their understanding of the Law, rather than acknowledging that Jesus could possibly be from God. They believed that anyone who broke a law was unrighteous, and thus could not be from God, who was perfectly righteous. The specific Law that Jesus "broke" was the commandment to do no work on the Sabbath. Spitting into the dirt to form mud and then spreading the mud on the man's eyes sure doesn't seem like work, but according to the Talmud, which is not Scripture but man's attempt to define exactly what the Covenant of the Law meant, it could have been seen as work.
Talk about missing the forest for the trees in front of them. They also had countless verses from the Prophets that indicated that God would open blind eyes, but rather than look at this situation from that perspective, they chose to focus on one tiny man-made addition to the Law, and throw out the whole of truth that was right in front of them.
So, how do we apply these verses to our lives today? For me, I am confident that if I turn to the Lord, that He will guide me to clarity and understanding. I am purposely shutting out the myriad of voices, looking to the facts and asking the Lord to help me know how to respond. I don't need the media or the hundreds of opinionated voices telling me what to believe, and what not to believe, I want to hear from the Lord.
I am not trying to make this into a religious argument at all, but rather saying that the Lord has a perspective, and I am going with His, to the best of my understanding. Our faith is meant to be lived personally, each in relationship with the Lord, hearing His voice for ourselves. We are to be guided in this by the whole of scripture, and the recorded experience of those people of faith who went before us. I am not telling anyone what to believe or what to think, but I must come to a place of peace myself.
Going back to John's story, we see that in the next verses (35-38), John records Jesus finding the man, and telling Him who He is, and the man responds by worshipping Jesus! Oh, that we would let Jesus be enough! Not that we put our head in the sand and ignore everything else, but rather that we choose Him, His peace, love, mercy, compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness over everything else. It is possible to view the world from the arms of Jesus, and that is my intent. I am reminded of Jesus' statement found in John 14:6 NIV: "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
If we want to know the truth, we should turn to "The Truth".
Amen!
May the peace of Christ and the clarity of His mind be yours today! May He guide you into all truth!
Sam
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Strength to Stand Firm In Chaos and Clamour
This morning my reflection comes out of the Letter of James. I spent quite some time just reflecting on the following verses, trying to understand the connection and active word of the Lord in them, as it wasn't at first apparent. Here are the verses - James 5:7-11 NIV:
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!"
[10] "Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
If I were to pull the focus words for this morning out of these verses they are patient, waits, patiently waiting, patient, stand firm, patience, persevered, perseverance. I think those words set the thematic overview nicely.
In the midst of chaos, confusion, disparate voices, arguments, opposite opinions, it is hard to wait, to be patient and to stand firm. This is especially true when one's life, or the lives of those you love are being negatively impacted. How much more difficult is it to stand firm in one's convictions and faith, when one is in pain, anxious, fearful or frightened?
James was writing to a dispersed church, to those Jews who believed in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, who were scattered among the nations, a group of people who were doubly persecuted, first by their own brother Jews, who didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah, and secondly by the governmental forces of Rome that considered the practice of Christianity illegal. The letter is clearly written after the persecution that broke out following Stephen's martyrdom, as James addresses those scattered among the nations. It is also very clear he is writing to a troubled people for he begins the letter as follows - James 1:2-5 NIV:
[2] "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
This is certainly not the opening lines to a great celebratory tome, but rather a repositioning or retuning of a mindset in the midst of a struggle. Its more pep-talk, rallying the troops, focusing on the inner strength and benefits to a group under siege, enabling those to rise above the struggle and see the benefits, see the growth, see the strengthening that is occurring in their lives.
I believe that it is in this light that James writes the verses we looked at earlier. It is so helpful if we have a goal in mind, and understand our personal growth and betterment as we are encouraged to stand firm, patiently waiting in the midst of the struggle all around. I am reminded of the childhood game, King of the Hill, where one would try to stand at the top of whatever hill (growing up in Minnesota it was often a pile of snow) and push down all that tried to take your place. I don't think we had any view for personal growth, but I do know that it was an exhausting game.
Right now we are being assailed on all sides, we are separated from those in our fellowship, we are hearing constantly changing reports, battling opinions and competing "facts". This battle is all around us, and affecting those who believe and have faith in the Lord, every bit as much as those who don't. So why the encouragement from James? I believe its because we need to get our hearts and minds above the fray, to understand the season we are in so that we can prepare for the season that is coming.
In verse 7 above, James uses the analogy of the farmer waiting patiently for the autumn and spring rains. This isn't a cattle famer, but rather a produce farmer. The farmer is waiting patiently for the time of the harvest! As I was reading these verses this morning, this is the goal that stood out to me! The harvest! I was immediately reminded of something Jesus said in Matthew's Gospel. Here are the verses that came to mind - Matthew 9:36-38 NIV:
[36] "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Could it be that we are entering into a time of great harvest of souls? Is is possible that the harassed and helpless, the milling and confused masses could recognize their need for the truth of the Gospel? Are we being encouraged to look around and see a changing season so that we might prepare ourselves? When harvest time approaches, the farmers get everything ready, they make sure the barns are ready, the combines are working, the crews are hired, whatever is necessary, for the time of harvest is short.
Going back the original verses and the focus words I pulled out, I believe the need for patience, perseverance, and standing firm, is so that we can be found in place and ready to move to the task at hand. We must rise above the fray, not just to see, but so that we can be seen by those who need direction! W need to stand strong in our faith so that those around us can rally to our position. In the midst of chaos, those who are at peace will shine bright!
Finally, I am reminded of some very appropriate verses from Isaiah 60:1-4 NIV:
[1] “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
[2] See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
[3] Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
[4] “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip."
Amen, Amen, let it be so Lord!
May the Lord strengthen you this day! May He give You His peace in the midst of this chaos and clamour! May He give you strength to wait patiently for the coming season!
Sam
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!"
[10] "Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
If I were to pull the focus words for this morning out of these verses they are patient, waits, patiently waiting, patient, stand firm, patience, persevered, perseverance. I think those words set the thematic overview nicely.
In the midst of chaos, confusion, disparate voices, arguments, opposite opinions, it is hard to wait, to be patient and to stand firm. This is especially true when one's life, or the lives of those you love are being negatively impacted. How much more difficult is it to stand firm in one's convictions and faith, when one is in pain, anxious, fearful or frightened?
James was writing to a dispersed church, to those Jews who believed in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, who were scattered among the nations, a group of people who were doubly persecuted, first by their own brother Jews, who didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah, and secondly by the governmental forces of Rome that considered the practice of Christianity illegal. The letter is clearly written after the persecution that broke out following Stephen's martyrdom, as James addresses those scattered among the nations. It is also very clear he is writing to a troubled people for he begins the letter as follows - James 1:2-5 NIV:
[2] "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
This is certainly not the opening lines to a great celebratory tome, but rather a repositioning or retuning of a mindset in the midst of a struggle. Its more pep-talk, rallying the troops, focusing on the inner strength and benefits to a group under siege, enabling those to rise above the struggle and see the benefits, see the growth, see the strengthening that is occurring in their lives.
I believe that it is in this light that James writes the verses we looked at earlier. It is so helpful if we have a goal in mind, and understand our personal growth and betterment as we are encouraged to stand firm, patiently waiting in the midst of the struggle all around. I am reminded of the childhood game, King of the Hill, where one would try to stand at the top of whatever hill (growing up in Minnesota it was often a pile of snow) and push down all that tried to take your place. I don't think we had any view for personal growth, but I do know that it was an exhausting game.
Right now we are being assailed on all sides, we are separated from those in our fellowship, we are hearing constantly changing reports, battling opinions and competing "facts". This battle is all around us, and affecting those who believe and have faith in the Lord, every bit as much as those who don't. So why the encouragement from James? I believe its because we need to get our hearts and minds above the fray, to understand the season we are in so that we can prepare for the season that is coming.
In verse 7 above, James uses the analogy of the farmer waiting patiently for the autumn and spring rains. This isn't a cattle famer, but rather a produce farmer. The farmer is waiting patiently for the time of the harvest! As I was reading these verses this morning, this is the goal that stood out to me! The harvest! I was immediately reminded of something Jesus said in Matthew's Gospel. Here are the verses that came to mind - Matthew 9:36-38 NIV:
[36] "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Could it be that we are entering into a time of great harvest of souls? Is is possible that the harassed and helpless, the milling and confused masses could recognize their need for the truth of the Gospel? Are we being encouraged to look around and see a changing season so that we might prepare ourselves? When harvest time approaches, the farmers get everything ready, they make sure the barns are ready, the combines are working, the crews are hired, whatever is necessary, for the time of harvest is short.
Going back the original verses and the focus words I pulled out, I believe the need for patience, perseverance, and standing firm, is so that we can be found in place and ready to move to the task at hand. We must rise above the fray, not just to see, but so that we can be seen by those who need direction! W need to stand strong in our faith so that those around us can rally to our position. In the midst of chaos, those who are at peace will shine bright!
Finally, I am reminded of some very appropriate verses from Isaiah 60:1-4 NIV:
[1] “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
[2] See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
[3] Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
[4] “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip."
Amen, Amen, let it be so Lord!
May the Lord strengthen you this day! May He give You His peace in the midst of this chaos and clamour! May He give you strength to wait patiently for the coming season!
Sam
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
What Time Is This?
This morning I felt led to read from another Old Testament book, Ecclesiastes. I seldom read from this book, but I know a couple of famous verses from that book, so that was what I thought about as I opened it, and that is exactly where I turned. The verses might be familiar as there was a song written in the 60s by the Byrds to these words - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV:
[1] There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
[2] a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
[3] a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
[4] a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
[5] a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
[6] a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
[7] a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
[8] a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."
These verses always seemed a bit comforting, as they help to explain the seasonality of life. We definitely go through different seasons, and change is one of the only constants in our lives. We are constantly changing, developing, learning, interacting with people.
What I found myself thinking this morning, is that we are in an in-between time, as several of these statements apply equally well right now. I think that is part of the struggle for many of us, we need clarity and direction, and yet, things are muddy and confusing.
Times where we are in-between are always times of transition. We are leaving something to go into something new, but when the transition is slow it can be confusing, almost like we are stuck somewhere in the middle of a maze, and we don't know which way to go to move on! This is why its so important to look to the One who can see the beginning from the end, to the One who has a different perspective, to the One who loves us and guides. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our counselor, our teacher, and our guide (John 14:161,27 & John 16:13). He will help us every day, but especially during times like these.
I don't know what things will look like on the other side of this time, but I do expect them to be different. We are moving forward, not backwards. As we turn to the Lord, we can lean upon His understanding, and we can trust that He is good, loving, merciful and kind. We can pray and ask the Lord for greater understanding and perspective, so that we might be ready when we leave this time of transition. We can ask the Lord to prepare us, to train us, so that when the next door opens we can move through it and into our purpose and calling, fully engaged.
As I was writing that last bit I saw in my mind's eye the landing craft from D-Day steaming towards the distant shore. I don't know that I like that image, but the truth is that the men that were in those landing craft were trained to do what they needed to do the moment the ramp went down. They were part of a much bigger plan, and huge move that was the beginning of the end of the German war machine. They were prepared, and had been trained to rely on each other, to work together, to advance into the face of danger, but a danger that they were able to defeat.
Let us believe that we have in us the strength and character to move past this present time into our purpose and calling. As Paul preached to the people of Athens, "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings," (Acts 17:26 NKJV). In other words, He chose us to be alive in this exact time, living exactly where we live, and it is part of His plan for us all. We are not here by mistake, we are a people of destiny! Just like the generation f men that struggled in WWII, we are a generation that has been appointed this time. Rest assured God has this all in His hands.
In summary, I am encouraged to look to the Lord, to allow Him to guide me and direct me, to listen to His voice to tell me which way to walk, how to move forward! I can expect Him to prepare me for anything and everything I might encounter once this time of transition ends. Lord, help me to move forward in You, in Your peace, in Your strength and power. Help me to step into the new season prepared and ready!
Amen!
May the Lord Bless you with clear vision and a clear mind this day! May He give you understanding and courage to move forward into His Glorious purpose and plan.
Sam
[1] There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
[2] a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
[3] a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
[4] a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
[5] a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
[6] a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
[7] a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
[8] a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."
These verses always seemed a bit comforting, as they help to explain the seasonality of life. We definitely go through different seasons, and change is one of the only constants in our lives. We are constantly changing, developing, learning, interacting with people.
What I found myself thinking this morning, is that we are in an in-between time, as several of these statements apply equally well right now. I think that is part of the struggle for many of us, we need clarity and direction, and yet, things are muddy and confusing.
Times where we are in-between are always times of transition. We are leaving something to go into something new, but when the transition is slow it can be confusing, almost like we are stuck somewhere in the middle of a maze, and we don't know which way to go to move on! This is why its so important to look to the One who can see the beginning from the end, to the One who has a different perspective, to the One who loves us and guides. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our counselor, our teacher, and our guide (John 14:161,27 & John 16:13). He will help us every day, but especially during times like these.
I don't know what things will look like on the other side of this time, but I do expect them to be different. We are moving forward, not backwards. As we turn to the Lord, we can lean upon His understanding, and we can trust that He is good, loving, merciful and kind. We can pray and ask the Lord for greater understanding and perspective, so that we might be ready when we leave this time of transition. We can ask the Lord to prepare us, to train us, so that when the next door opens we can move through it and into our purpose and calling, fully engaged.
As I was writing that last bit I saw in my mind's eye the landing craft from D-Day steaming towards the distant shore. I don't know that I like that image, but the truth is that the men that were in those landing craft were trained to do what they needed to do the moment the ramp went down. They were part of a much bigger plan, and huge move that was the beginning of the end of the German war machine. They were prepared, and had been trained to rely on each other, to work together, to advance into the face of danger, but a danger that they were able to defeat.
Let us believe that we have in us the strength and character to move past this present time into our purpose and calling. As Paul preached to the people of Athens, "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings," (Acts 17:26 NKJV). In other words, He chose us to be alive in this exact time, living exactly where we live, and it is part of His plan for us all. We are not here by mistake, we are a people of destiny! Just like the generation f men that struggled in WWII, we are a generation that has been appointed this time. Rest assured God has this all in His hands.
In summary, I am encouraged to look to the Lord, to allow Him to guide me and direct me, to listen to His voice to tell me which way to walk, how to move forward! I can expect Him to prepare me for anything and everything I might encounter once this time of transition ends. Lord, help me to move forward in You, in Your peace, in Your strength and power. Help me to step into the new season prepared and ready!
Amen!
May the Lord Bless you with clear vision and a clear mind this day! May He give you understanding and courage to move forward into His Glorious purpose and plan.
Sam
Monday, May 4, 2020
Vengeance or Mercy?
This morning I started my reflection in Lamentations, which was apparently written by Jeremiah. I was reading through chapter three and there are some challenging verses to understand concerning God, and His judgement and vengeance. These are a great example of verses we must read and understand through the revelation of the Father, as represented by Jesus' life.
While I much prefer verses 23-26, which talk about new mercies and compassion evey morning, I found myself drawn instead to the verses where the prophet is asking God to destroy his enemies. Here are a couple of verses from the end of the chapter - Lamentations 3:61-66 NIV:
[61] "Lord, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me---
[62] what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long.
[63] Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs.
[64] Pay them back what they deserve, Lord, for what their hands have done.
[65] Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them!
[66] Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the Lord."
This is some pretty heavy stuff the Prophet is praying God will do to his enemies. These types of judgments and curses sometimes seem right to us, as we focus on God's hatred of sin. There are even prophetic voices speaking of our present afflictions as judgments of God. When we just consider Old Testament verses like theses, and look to our own human desires for justice, these type of proclamations seem right. However when we compare these to the words and actions of Jesus, we quickly run into something very different.
If we look at some of the final words of Jesus, as He was hanging on the cross, we find an almost completely opposite prayer. Here are some verses from Luke that record this prayer - Luke 23:33-34 NIV:
[33] "When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals---one on his right, the other on his left.
[34] Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
If anyone had a right to call down judgment and punishment, it was Jesus, for He was perfectly without sin (See Heb 4:15). Rather than call down judgment, He cries out for mercy and forgiveness! One would think that if God were vengeful like man, then Jesus, after He rose from the dead, would have visited destruction on each and every man who had a part in His death. We have plenty of movies and stories where people are left for dead, but they recover and then come back and kill each of those who had tried to kill them. We like that sort of vengeance, and yet we see Jesus coming back from the dead, and rather than spend even a moment on vengeance, instead meeting with and teaching His disciples (Acts 1:3), calling them back to their purpose, speaking words of restoration (John 21:15-19).
If we look at Jesus' earlier teachings, we find a similar theme of mercy over judgment, of love rather than hate for one's enemies. Here are a few examples -
Matthew 5:38-39 NIV:
[38] “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV:
[43] “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Jesus maintains this attitude, this heart of mercy, this love for one's enemies all the way through the cross. He never swore down vengeance on those who were responsible for His death. He never even judged the sinners, instead He said He was sent for the sinners. Here is a short exchange between Himself and some teachers of the Law, found in Matthew 9:10-13 NIV:
[10] "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Lastly, we have a couple of verses from James that speak of mercy and judgment - James 2:12-13 NIV:
[12] "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
It is not that judgment won't happen, its that judgment seems to be reserved for a specific Day of Judgment. Jesus references this day several times in Matthew, Peter refers to this day a couple of times, and Jude calls it the judgment on the Great Day. God is just. He is also patient, loving, compassionate and good. He is all these characteristics and more, and He is always, all of them. He never sets aside one characteristic to embrace another seemingly incompatible one. I believe there will be a day of judgment, a day of final decisions rendered by God, His justice requires this, and He has promised this will occur.
We, however, are not God. We do not think like Him, and He doesn't act like us (paraphrase of Isaiah 55:8-9). We don't know people's hearts, their life experience, nor their intent. We don't have God's patience or understanding. We are quick to lump people by geographic region, or city and call down judgment over a whole area, but God looks at the individual hearts of everyone, and will judge us accordingly. Thank God!
Finally, I want to quote from Paul's letter to the Roman's as he sums up this whole theme nicely - Romans 12:9-21 NIV:
[9] "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
We can trust God to be loving, merciful, compassionate, good and just! We are called to love and bless, to prayer and belief, to mercy and compassion. We are called to represent Jesus, and continue His ministry here on earth. Let us leave the judgment to God, and work to love all those around us, even those we find most challenging.
Amen!
May the Lord's blessing be with You this day! May His peace reign in your hearts and in your minds.
Sam
While I much prefer verses 23-26, which talk about new mercies and compassion evey morning, I found myself drawn instead to the verses where the prophet is asking God to destroy his enemies. Here are a couple of verses from the end of the chapter - Lamentations 3:61-66 NIV:
[61] "Lord, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me---
[62] what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long.
[63] Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs.
[64] Pay them back what they deserve, Lord, for what their hands have done.
[65] Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them!
[66] Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the Lord."
This is some pretty heavy stuff the Prophet is praying God will do to his enemies. These types of judgments and curses sometimes seem right to us, as we focus on God's hatred of sin. There are even prophetic voices speaking of our present afflictions as judgments of God. When we just consider Old Testament verses like theses, and look to our own human desires for justice, these type of proclamations seem right. However when we compare these to the words and actions of Jesus, we quickly run into something very different.
If we look at some of the final words of Jesus, as He was hanging on the cross, we find an almost completely opposite prayer. Here are some verses from Luke that record this prayer - Luke 23:33-34 NIV:
[33] "When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals---one on his right, the other on his left.
[34] Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
If anyone had a right to call down judgment and punishment, it was Jesus, for He was perfectly without sin (See Heb 4:15). Rather than call down judgment, He cries out for mercy and forgiveness! One would think that if God were vengeful like man, then Jesus, after He rose from the dead, would have visited destruction on each and every man who had a part in His death. We have plenty of movies and stories where people are left for dead, but they recover and then come back and kill each of those who had tried to kill them. We like that sort of vengeance, and yet we see Jesus coming back from the dead, and rather than spend even a moment on vengeance, instead meeting with and teaching His disciples (Acts 1:3), calling them back to their purpose, speaking words of restoration (John 21:15-19).
If we look at Jesus' earlier teachings, we find a similar theme of mercy over judgment, of love rather than hate for one's enemies. Here are a few examples -
Matthew 5:38-39 NIV:
[38] “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV:
[43] “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Jesus maintains this attitude, this heart of mercy, this love for one's enemies all the way through the cross. He never swore down vengeance on those who were responsible for His death. He never even judged the sinners, instead He said He was sent for the sinners. Here is a short exchange between Himself and some teachers of the Law, found in Matthew 9:10-13 NIV:
[10] "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Lastly, we have a couple of verses from James that speak of mercy and judgment - James 2:12-13 NIV:
[12] "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
It is not that judgment won't happen, its that judgment seems to be reserved for a specific Day of Judgment. Jesus references this day several times in Matthew, Peter refers to this day a couple of times, and Jude calls it the judgment on the Great Day. God is just. He is also patient, loving, compassionate and good. He is all these characteristics and more, and He is always, all of them. He never sets aside one characteristic to embrace another seemingly incompatible one. I believe there will be a day of judgment, a day of final decisions rendered by God, His justice requires this, and He has promised this will occur.
We, however, are not God. We do not think like Him, and He doesn't act like us (paraphrase of Isaiah 55:8-9). We don't know people's hearts, their life experience, nor their intent. We don't have God's patience or understanding. We are quick to lump people by geographic region, or city and call down judgment over a whole area, but God looks at the individual hearts of everyone, and will judge us accordingly. Thank God!
Finally, I want to quote from Paul's letter to the Roman's as he sums up this whole theme nicely - Romans 12:9-21 NIV:
[9] "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
We can trust God to be loving, merciful, compassionate, good and just! We are called to love and bless, to prayer and belief, to mercy and compassion. We are called to represent Jesus, and continue His ministry here on earth. Let us leave the judgment to God, and work to love all those around us, even those we find most challenging.
Amen!
May the Lord's blessing be with You this day! May His peace reign in your hearts and in your minds.
Sam
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Holy Spirit Led and Validated
This morning I am continuing on reading where I left off, and I am reading from Acts, chapter 8. Again, this is where the church is scattered due to a persecution that breaks out after the stoning of Stephen.
Acts 8:4-8 NIV:
[4] "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. [7] For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city."
Samaria is a very interesting place to start preaching, for the Jews basically rejected the Samaritans for false religion, and tried to have little to nothing to do with them. Jesus had spent a bit of time there (See the story of the Woman at the well - John 4:1-42) but in general had focused His ministry on the Jews, and to this point, it was apparent the Apostles had followed His example. Peter hasn't had the vision nor visited Cornelius's house yet, that occurs in Acts, Chapter 10, so this is pretty new territory for any of the Apostles, but Phillip appears undeterred.
One would believe that similar to his experience later in this chapter where Phillip feels led by the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26-40), that He also felt led to visit this specific city in Samaria, for, as noted before, this would not seem a normal next step for a Jew. Anyway, he enters the city, again, likely feeling led there, and proceeds to proclaim the Gospel, speaking about Jesus, the Messiah. The Samaritans did apparently believe in the coming of the Messiah (See John 4:25), so for Phillip to be proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, is definitely in-line with their core beliefs, but taking them to the next step in those beliefs. The fact that Phillip was ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, provided the validation that what He was saying was true.
That thought just stopped me. The Holy Spirit used this scattering transition to send Phillip to the Samaritans and help them take the next step in faith, enabling them to step into a relationship with Jesus as their Savior and Messiah. The question popped into my head, "I wonder what next steps, and what people the Lord will touch during and following our present time of transition?" Could it be that the Lord is preparing a time of the outpouring of His Holy Spirit directed and validated ministry that will open eyes, and help people move forward into active belief in and acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Messiah? Is it time for us to leave behind the structure and comfort of what we have been doing to press into new peoples, places and groups we would have previously ignored or not visited?
Going back to the verses, we see three specific groups of people receiving healing and freedom from this Gospel, those with impure spirits, the paralyzed and the lame. As I read those, I thought of some of the ways they could be represented in the church today, for while the Samaritans were rejected by the Jews, they shared a very similar faith, and belief system, even following the Law. Anyway, my thought was that those with impure spirits could represent those in the church who have embraced the spirit of religion, rather than relationship with Jesus. The spirit of religion will judge, and control, and constantly steer away from the Gospel of Grace. The paralyzed could represent those in the church who are not moving forward in their faith and relationship with Jesus. Finally the lame could represent those that have been wounded, or have grown up under unbalanced teaching, or those who have a hard time walking out their faith. Oh that the Lord would pour out His Holy Spirit on all of us, that we might become healed, and healthy and pursuing Him.
Finally, the Holy Spirit is fully capable of actually casting out impure spirits, healing the paralyzed and the lame today, through us! He is the same Holy Spirit, and He is our advocate, helper, teacher and guide. He can do the same things through us, as Jesus promised in John 14:12 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Amen! Today, I am encouraged to listen to the Holy Spirit, to allow Him to direct my steps, and specifically to allow myself to be directed to those I would not normally visit or engage. I am encouraged to be willing to be used to preach the Gospel of Jesus our Savior, and to allow Holy Spirit to work through me to set people free and heal them! I am encouraged that He is leading us through this time! I am encouraged that in the Lord's eyes, people taking the next step in faith is very important, and something He is about validating! Lord, help me to hear and follow Your direction!
Amen and Amen!
May the Holy Spirit lead you today, providing direction, the words to speak and the results to validate His words spoken through you! May the peace of Christ, the One who finished all that had been given Him to do, reign in Your heart and minds.
Sam
Acts 8:4-8 NIV:
[4] "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. [7] For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city."
Samaria is a very interesting place to start preaching, for the Jews basically rejected the Samaritans for false religion, and tried to have little to nothing to do with them. Jesus had spent a bit of time there (See the story of the Woman at the well - John 4:1-42) but in general had focused His ministry on the Jews, and to this point, it was apparent the Apostles had followed His example. Peter hasn't had the vision nor visited Cornelius's house yet, that occurs in Acts, Chapter 10, so this is pretty new territory for any of the Apostles, but Phillip appears undeterred.
One would believe that similar to his experience later in this chapter where Phillip feels led by the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26-40), that He also felt led to visit this specific city in Samaria, for, as noted before, this would not seem a normal next step for a Jew. Anyway, he enters the city, again, likely feeling led there, and proceeds to proclaim the Gospel, speaking about Jesus, the Messiah. The Samaritans did apparently believe in the coming of the Messiah (See John 4:25), so for Phillip to be proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, is definitely in-line with their core beliefs, but taking them to the next step in those beliefs. The fact that Phillip was ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, provided the validation that what He was saying was true.
That thought just stopped me. The Holy Spirit used this scattering transition to send Phillip to the Samaritans and help them take the next step in faith, enabling them to step into a relationship with Jesus as their Savior and Messiah. The question popped into my head, "I wonder what next steps, and what people the Lord will touch during and following our present time of transition?" Could it be that the Lord is preparing a time of the outpouring of His Holy Spirit directed and validated ministry that will open eyes, and help people move forward into active belief in and acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Messiah? Is it time for us to leave behind the structure and comfort of what we have been doing to press into new peoples, places and groups we would have previously ignored or not visited?
Going back to the verses, we see three specific groups of people receiving healing and freedom from this Gospel, those with impure spirits, the paralyzed and the lame. As I read those, I thought of some of the ways they could be represented in the church today, for while the Samaritans were rejected by the Jews, they shared a very similar faith, and belief system, even following the Law. Anyway, my thought was that those with impure spirits could represent those in the church who have embraced the spirit of religion, rather than relationship with Jesus. The spirit of religion will judge, and control, and constantly steer away from the Gospel of Grace. The paralyzed could represent those in the church who are not moving forward in their faith and relationship with Jesus. Finally the lame could represent those that have been wounded, or have grown up under unbalanced teaching, or those who have a hard time walking out their faith. Oh that the Lord would pour out His Holy Spirit on all of us, that we might become healed, and healthy and pursuing Him.
Finally, the Holy Spirit is fully capable of actually casting out impure spirits, healing the paralyzed and the lame today, through us! He is the same Holy Spirit, and He is our advocate, helper, teacher and guide. He can do the same things through us, as Jesus promised in John 14:12 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Amen! Today, I am encouraged to listen to the Holy Spirit, to allow Him to direct my steps, and specifically to allow myself to be directed to those I would not normally visit or engage. I am encouraged to be willing to be used to preach the Gospel of Jesus our Savior, and to allow Holy Spirit to work through me to set people free and heal them! I am encouraged that He is leading us through this time! I am encouraged that in the Lord's eyes, people taking the next step in faith is very important, and something He is about validating! Lord, help me to hear and follow Your direction!
Amen and Amen!
May the Holy Spirit lead you today, providing direction, the words to speak and the results to validate His words spoken through you! May the peace of Christ, the One who finished all that had been given Him to do, reign in Your heart and minds.
Sam
Friday, May 1, 2020
Scattered, But Spreading!
This morning as I asked the Lord where I should read, a couple of verses from Acts popped into my mind. Here are the verses - Acts 8:1-5 NIV:
[1] "And Saul approved of their killing him (Stephen).
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [2] Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there."
As I read these verses, my mind immediately saw the parallels in the scattering of the early church, and what has happened in large part, to the world-wide church. We have been scattered, each to his own home, house, apartment or flat. We have been forcefully separated, and while we are not suffering an actual persecution for our faith (at least openly and actively because of the virus), we are seeing a deep impact on the Body of Christ world-wide.
I am not going to reflect on this whole persecution theme, although it is worth thinking about, instead I want to focus on the church's reaction to this scattering. Looking at verse 4 above, we see that the church didn't forget the Gospel, the Good News, in the midst of their scattering and struggle. Instead they embraced the opportunity to become evangelists!
Isn't that an interesting reaction to being threatened for their faith? Rather than sheltering and hiding they actually take this opportunity to proclaim the very beliefs for which they were being persecuted. For them, the Gospel became not just something they lived, but now something they actively proclaimed! Wow! One could argue effectively that this persecution really caused the explosion of Christianity, it certainly produced the church's greatest evangelist of the time, Paul. The other fact that is clear is the church was never the same once the persecution broke out, and the believers were scattered. I think it was made better, as they turned to the Lord to guide them and direct them.
This makes me think about our present situation in a new light. Am I using this opportunity to advance the Gospel? Am I embracing this time as a time to learn to live the Good News? Am I turning more towards the Lord, depending on Him, or am I turning to myself? Do I see God using this time to change the make-up of the church? Do I see this as an opportunity for change, or more as a set-back? Am I taking the Word with me into my home, into my life, as I am separated from the rest of the church? Do I have within me the belief, knowledge and capabilities to effectively proclaim the Gospel and advance the Kingdom of God?
Lots of questions to think about! I do believe that we are at a turning point in the life of the Body of Christ, the Church here on earth! I believe that we need to each look at our lives, and see how we are living out this scattered life! Like what happened in the early church, this change could be the beginning of a great outpouring and multiplication, and for that to occur, we each must become bearers of the Gospel!
Lord, strengthen us! Lord, help us! Lord, protect and direct us!
Amen!
May the Lord bless you this day, in the place where you have been scattered to. May He give you strength and encouragement in Him, through the power of His Holy Spirit.
Sam
[1] "And Saul approved of their killing him (Stephen).
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [2] Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there."
As I read these verses, my mind immediately saw the parallels in the scattering of the early church, and what has happened in large part, to the world-wide church. We have been scattered, each to his own home, house, apartment or flat. We have been forcefully separated, and while we are not suffering an actual persecution for our faith (at least openly and actively because of the virus), we are seeing a deep impact on the Body of Christ world-wide.
I am not going to reflect on this whole persecution theme, although it is worth thinking about, instead I want to focus on the church's reaction to this scattering. Looking at verse 4 above, we see that the church didn't forget the Gospel, the Good News, in the midst of their scattering and struggle. Instead they embraced the opportunity to become evangelists!
Isn't that an interesting reaction to being threatened for their faith? Rather than sheltering and hiding they actually take this opportunity to proclaim the very beliefs for which they were being persecuted. For them, the Gospel became not just something they lived, but now something they actively proclaimed! Wow! One could argue effectively that this persecution really caused the explosion of Christianity, it certainly produced the church's greatest evangelist of the time, Paul. The other fact that is clear is the church was never the same once the persecution broke out, and the believers were scattered. I think it was made better, as they turned to the Lord to guide them and direct them.
This makes me think about our present situation in a new light. Am I using this opportunity to advance the Gospel? Am I embracing this time as a time to learn to live the Good News? Am I turning more towards the Lord, depending on Him, or am I turning to myself? Do I see God using this time to change the make-up of the church? Do I see this as an opportunity for change, or more as a set-back? Am I taking the Word with me into my home, into my life, as I am separated from the rest of the church? Do I have within me the belief, knowledge and capabilities to effectively proclaim the Gospel and advance the Kingdom of God?
Lots of questions to think about! I do believe that we are at a turning point in the life of the Body of Christ, the Church here on earth! I believe that we need to each look at our lives, and see how we are living out this scattered life! Like what happened in the early church, this change could be the beginning of a great outpouring and multiplication, and for that to occur, we each must become bearers of the Gospel!
Lord, strengthen us! Lord, help us! Lord, protect and direct us!
Amen!
May the Lord bless you this day, in the place where you have been scattered to. May He give you strength and encouragement in Him, through the power of His Holy Spirit.
Sam
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