Salt, Fire and The Holy Spirit

This morning I have been reflecting on Mark 9, and thinking about Jesus' closing comments about salt.  I did a study 8 years ago on the Salt Covenant, and it was one of those things I had never heard of previously, and based on the number of times that topic has been read from my blog, it seems that there is not much on the subject.  It was an interesting study, and although related, today the theme is just salt.

Anyway, I was thinking about the last two verses of that chapter - Mark 9:49-50 NIV:

[49] "Everyone will be salted with fire.

[50] “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

For an interesting perspective about salt losing its flavor, see my blog at the following link:

http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2012/03/you-are-salt-of-earth.html

So the question is what is Jesus referring to in these two verses?  The verses immediately preceding these have to do with sin, with eternal judgment, and the fires of Gehenna.  Jesus clearly isn't talking about them here, for He is talking about salt as something good, and says we will be salted with fire. In my study of salt, as a sign and part of the salt covenant, I understood salt to stand for endurance, purity and permanence, all good things.

As I was thinking through these verses this morning it occurred to me that Jesus was possibly referencing the coming fire of the Holy Spirit.  John spoke of Jesus as baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire - see Matthew 3:11.  I was thinking that the Holy Spirit coming and empowering the disciples was what really caused them to stand out, and to make a difference.  The Holy Spirit's visitation and residence in someone's life is considered the proof of God's permanent acceptance of the person, a seal of redemption, if you may.  Paul wrote the following in his letter to the Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV:  "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession---to the praise of his glory."

We see Paul encouraging Timothy in the following verses from his second letter to him - 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV:  "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

There are several other verses that I could quote, but suffice it to say that there is a correlation between fire and the Holy Spirit and His gifts.  There is also a correlation between salt and fire as described here by Jesus, and thus we might make the logical conclusion that there is a correlation between salt and the Holy Spirit  and His gifts, for clearly He is a seal signifying our permanent and eternal redemption by the Lord.  David prayed the following in Psalm 51:10 NIV:
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Our call as Christians is to live our lives in such a way that those who see us, see God in us.  Peter encouraged the church as follows - 1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV:
"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

However, our call is also much more than just living good lives, filled with good deeds, we are called to preach the Kingdom, and to demonstrate the Kingdom realities, and God's presence.  Jesus' sent out the disciples with the following instructions - Luke 9:1b-2 NIV:... "he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."   For all of us, these instruction are impossible to do without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote of his own ministry - 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV: "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power."  Paul, who was probably the most capable speaker and writer of all the Apostles, didn't depend on his human abilities to share the Gospel, instead he relied on the Spirit's power.

Looping back to the original verses, as I look at being salted with fire, and salt losing its saltiness, I wonder if Jesus wasn't speaking about a Holy Spirit-less church?  I heard one preacher say that the problem with many churches today is that they could have a wonderful church service whether the Holy Spirit was present or not.  Is it possible that we have lost our saltiness, the very thing that is supposed to make us stand out, that which distinguishes us?

Jesus continues speaking and says the following, "Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other."  Is is possible that He is calling us to encourage one another in the pursuit of, and growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit?  The gifts of the Holy Spirit, in addition to fueling evangelism, are meant to help the Body of Christ grow, mature, and function correctly.  Without the Holy Spirit guiding and leading the Body of Christ, we will fail.  Additionally, peace is one of of the Holy Spirit's fruit (Gal 5:22) and the fruit of the Holy spirit in our lives is meant to bear witness in our lives and lives of those around us to our relationship with the Lord.  Paul further writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

In summary, it seems to me that the Lord, although speaking somewhat cryptically, is indeed encouraging us to press into all that He has for us, especially into the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.  He desires that we fulfill the ministry He started, which is the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, and demonstrating this Gospel through our lives and through the power of the Holy Spirit (fruit and gifts).  If we lose our reliance on the Holy Spirit, we being to look just like every other well intentioned group of people, and while that is good, we are meant for more!

I finish with this prophecy and promise of Jesus, speaking about his followers, found 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."

Oh Lord, I pray that we might be restored to our rightful place, to our right-mindedness concerning the absolute need of all the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives!  We pray that we might be salted with Fire!  That we might encourage one another deeper in You, in Holy Spirit, that our preaching might not be with wise an persuasive words, but rather a demonstration of the Spirit's power!!

Amen and Amen!


May you be salted with Fire today, empowered by Holy Spirit!  May your life be a light, a fire of passion for the one who saved you, redeemed you and put His seal upon you!


Sam

Let Peace Begin With Me!

This morning I was glancing through Facebook, and was just so sad to see all the outrage, all the dueling facts and thoughts, and found myself praying, "Where is the peace Lord?"  The almost instant reply was, "You are the peace!"  That certainly got my attention.  Lord, help me to unpack what You mean!

The first thought I had was that I am responsible for the words that come out of my mouth, the words that I write, and the opinions that I share, and I can either foment division or spread peace.

I guess I should define what I think He meant by peace.  I don't believe He meant passivity or quietness, but rather the fruit of the Spirit - peace.  I was immediately reminded of the verses from Paul's letter to the Galatians 5:22-26 NIV:

[22] "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Oh to see the world expressing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives and with their mouths and online posts!

Secondly, as a representative of Jesus, as someone who has Him living inside me, I am responsible for my actions in His name.  Bill Johnson, one of my favorite authors and preachers, says that He can't afford to have any thought in his head that doesn't come from God or agree with God's thoughts (or something along that line).  He is often speaking about our own inner thoughts and how they impact our identity, for we believe our inner voice more than just about any other voice.  However, I think  this should also mean the thoughts that come out of our mouths.

So again, what fruit am I bearing?  What fruit am I showing the world?

Am I living by the Holy Spirit, staying in step with the Holy Spirit, as Paul encourages us in verse 25 above?

Paul, in writing those verses was providing a counterpoint to an earlier statement, and I thought that was enlightening in context to what I was reading this morning on Facebook.  Here are the verses immediately preceding that which I quoted above - Galatians 5:19-21 NIV:

[19] "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

I think that comparing the two lists, it is easy to see which is more prevalent in today's social media news reel.  If we tweak the word rage to the more common phrase "outrage" we find an almost exact list of the headlines and posts... hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of outrage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, etc.

Again, stepping back and looking at these lists, I can choose which fruit I want to bear, which fruit I want to showcase with my life and my words.

So, this morning, I am encouraged to be a bearer of peace, to live my life in such a way that my words and actions promote peace!  In fact, I want to bear all the fruit of the Spirit in my life, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  I want my words and actions to establish peace in my heart and mind.  I want to be a beach-head of God's presence here on earth, expressing His character and representing Him in all I do.

Lord, to quote a famous song, "let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!"

Amen!


May the peace of the Lord, and all the other fruit of the Spirit be poured into your life today!  May His presence in your heart and mind establish a beach-head of peace that pushes back the clamoring voices.


Sam

Hearing AND Understanding

This morning I felt led to read from Mark's Gospel,  the seventh chapter.  I read the whole chapter, and the verses that made me stop and think and reflect were the last verses of the chapter, having to do with Jesus healing the deaf and mute man.  Here is the story, as recounted by Mark 7:31-37 NIV:

[31] "Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. [32] There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 

[33] After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. [34] He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). [35] At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 

[36] Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. [37] People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

What caught my mind, was the actual healing that took place, and is greatly understated by Mark, that of the man's healing in his mind.  Speaking words clearly has much so much more to do with just being able to hear, it requires a knowledge of language, which for those who hear is gained through listening.  I studied deaf education for a bit, back when I was getting my education degree, and specifically the acquisition of language for the profoundly deaf.  It was such an interesting topic and one that intrigues me to this day.  

Without getting into the depth of this topic, let me summarize and say that apparently when Jesus prayed for the man, not only were his ears and mouth healed, but his brain was rewired, as knowledge of spoken language was suddenly acquired as well, for he could speak plainly.  This is a HUGE deal!  The Greek word used to describe his speaking is Orthos, from which we get the word othrodontists, it means straight and correct.  In other words the man spoke correctly, which would be impossible without an understanding of language.  

Thus when Jesus prayed for his healing, He didn't just pray for his ears, He prayed for his mind as well, that He might know language, hear language and speak language that everyone else could understand, a complete acquisition and understanding of the complex rules of language instantly.  This would normally take years of intensive work for the profoundly deaf person, and he received it instantly!  

That is Awesome, and that is why the people were so amazed in verse 37!

So what does this have to do with me, and my life?  Well, this morning I was praying that I might hear and understand the word of the Lord better, both for myself, but also for our church body.  Yesterday one of our pastors preached on the importance of going to a quite place (wilderness) to converses with God, to hear from God, to be empowered by God.  That is impossible to do, if we don't have the ability to hear, and understand!  God does speak to us, and does so constantly, but many of us, myself included miss most of what He is saying, for we are not able to hear His voice in the midst of the busyness of life. Thus, our pastor encouraged us to get away to a place where we could hear!

Secondly, as important as hearing is, thinking correctly is just as important!  One of the reasons I read scripture is to see where my thinking doesn't line up with the word of th Lord, so that I can change the way I think.   I believe this should be a common prayer, "Lord help me to think clearly, and correctly!!"  

Just the other day in my daily prayer, I was reading through one of Paul's letters, and I saw something where I was out of line with the Word of the Lord, and I had to repent (Change the way I was thinking, and have been thinking for a long time).  It wasn't a chastisement, but rather a gentle correction.  Some of us need bigger corrections of course for the way we think, or have areas that specifically need adjustment.  We can ask the Lord to help us both hear and understand (think correctly), and He will do that which we ask!   That is really good news! 

Lord, I pray that you would heal my ears AND my mind, help me to hear You clearly, and help me to understand exactly what You are saying to me!  Amen!

I pray that the Lord might bless you this day with a clear word, with an understanding of His word to You!  I pray that His word would bring You peace and Joy, as You hear Him clearly!

Sam

Christ's Love Compels

I was reading through Paul's second letter to the Church in Corinth, and came across some interesting verses that seemed applicable to our present times.  Here are the verses - 2 Corinthians 5:13-17 NIV:

[13] "If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. [14] For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. [15] And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 

[16] "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

I gotta say verse 13 is what grabbed my attention, as "out of our mind" seems to describe many of the people around the world today.  I know that is certainly a judgmental statement, as it really relates to how I think compared to others.  I find I am not necessarily a good judge of my own perspective or my own reality, and thus must turn to the Lord for the Truth, for He is the Truth (John 14:6).

Once captured by the opening line, I was then thinking about how Paul writes that "Christ's love compels us", and I was thinking that is such a different motivation than what we often see when we look to the Church.  Again, that is a judgment of sorts, for I cannot tell what the motivation is in the hearts of the many leaders but I can assess what seems to be the motivation based on their ministry focus, their pastoral messages, and their programs.  

The key to this statement by Paul, is the personal experience of the love of Christ, both personally, and as a motivating force.  The wind that is blowing them along is Christ's love for the lost.  They know His love personally, and they know His heart, and they feel His love for the lost, and because they love Him in return His passion becomes their passion!  This isn't about programs, or doing the right thing as a human being, this is about a passionate love that becomes the driving force of their life!  As I think about this, I realize that much of the time, I am a far cry from this sort of expression and life motivation.  Lord, help me!  Help me to know the passions of Your heart, that I might join myself to this passion, that it might become mine!  Help me open my heart to the same things that cause Your heart to burn.   Help me to be open to the lost, to the lonely, to the widow and orphan, to the oppressed, to the poor, to the hungry, to the wounded and sick, to your sons and daughters of every nation, tribe, and color.

Secondly, verse 16, seems helpful in this day of increasing division and strife, of judging people by the color of their skin, of their beliefs, of their benign actions.  We can't seem to help ourselves from judging people from a worldly point of view!  We are so quick to affix labels, to group people by certain characteristics, and think that we know everything about them by one label!  I know good, even great people of every color, belief system, gender, socio-economic level, and job.  I also know that there are likely bad, even evil, people in every segment of our population.  I also know many people who are nothing like their parents, or their grandparents, and judging someone due to the history of their people is just as wrong.  All of this would be classified as regarding people from a worldly point of view.

As Christians, we are called to a higher perspective, stepping from a worldly perspective to God's perspective.  God looks at each of us as unique, and as someone He loves, someone that He created, someone that He died for.  This is exactly what Paul is talking about here, this is Christ's compelling love.  He holds nothing back from anyone.  He loves each of us individually and infinitely.  His passion burns for each of us, from the least to the greatest!  His love for us was His compelling motivation (John 3:16).  His love was so great it caused Him to act.  In the same way, we are called to embrace His love, and allow this love to compel us to act.  

When the Lord looks at us,  He either sees someone who is lost, whose life He paid for with His blood, or He sees a new creation, someone whose whole life has been joined with His, as a result of His great sacrifice.  In either case, His love is unabated and unchanged.  He sees no label, nor does He limit Himself to a certain tribe or nation.  He is all in for all of us!  

My prayer for myself, and for all of us today is that we might lay down our labels and embrace Christ's passionate love for each and everyone we meet!  Whether lost or found, His love burns with a passion we can only slightly comprehend!  Let us choose to embrace this river of passion that flows from His throne to all mankind!  Let it burn within us and compel us to act!  

Peace and Love in and through Christ!

Sam

He Wept & He Weeps

This morning I felt like I should go back to the story of the death of Lazarus, found in John, chapter 11.  I have spent a fair amount of time reflecting on this chapter over the last few years, so I am always interested in going back and having the Lord provide fresh revelation from a familiar story.  Today, I felt like one one verse from this whole story needed to be shared and reflected upon - John 11:35 NIV:

[35] "Jesus wept."

I can think of no better description of the Lord's reaction to all that is happening right now.  

He wept because He loved!  He loved Lazarus, and He loved Mary and Martha.  

He wept because He understood their pain, their loss, and their grief.

He wept because He understood that they had put their trust in Him.

He wept because they couldn't yet see the good that would come form Lazarus's death.

He wept because they though He had abandoned them.

He wept because He shared their pain and felt it himself.

As I look at the pain and suffering that is present today in our nation, in our cities, and around the world, I believe Jesus weeps.  He weeps for all those that have died, including George Floyd.  He weeps for those that have been killed in the riots.  He weeps for those police officers that have been killed.  He weeps for the racial injustice.  He weeps for the financial impact of the riots, for those that have lost everything.  He weeps for those who are living in fear.  He weeps for those that no longer value human lives.  He weeps for the ways we are treating one another, in anger and judgment, spewing accusations, fomenting lies, even threatening one another.

He weeps for those that have been afflicted with Covid-19. He weeps for those families who have lost loved ones.  He weeps for those health-care workers who are giving their all to treat those with this disease.  He weeps for those millions who have lost jobs, businesses and their livelihood.  He weeps for those who are living in fear, who no longer trust their fellow neighbors, and family.  He weeps for all those who are confused and no longer know how they will make it, how they will live.

He weeps for all people, in every nation, tribe and tongue, for His eyes are over the whole world.  He weeps that there is racial injustice everywhere.  He weeps for the downtrodden, the marginalized, the poor, those in slavery, those who are indentured, those who are in prison, those who live in abject poverty, those who are sick with no hope of medical care, those who are dying, and those who live under religious, social, or governmental oppression.

He weeps for the division found in the Body of Christ today!  He weeps for the way brothers and sisters use His name to justify all sorts of terrible injustices.  He weeps for the way His Name is represented by those who preach hatred, division, judgment and violence!  He weeps that so many don't know Him, don't know His love personally.  He weeps that many churches no longer worship Him, but rather worship some image of Him.

He weeps.

It is right for us to look to Him, to represent Him as one who feels deeply, as one who sees the infinite value in every human, in their life, in their purpose, in their ability to bring about beauty to this world.  To Him every  life matters. He is not some cold and distant God, He is  God who came to earth, become fully human, and who understands our human feelings, pain and suffering!  He knows, and He Loves!

Let us embrace those around us who are hurting, whatever the source!  Let us represent the Lord, the one who feels deeply, who mourns with those who mourn.  Let us also represent Him as the Resurrection and the Life, for He is the only one who saves, whose words lead to eternal life!  He is the only one in whose name the dead are raised, the wounded are healed, and the lame are made whole.  

Let us not shy away from this time of passion and pain, but let us bring the life and peace of Jesus to our hurting world!  

As Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  (John 11:25-26 NIV)

Amen and Amen!

May the peace of Christ Jesus, His deep love, Him overwhelming compassion be yours today!  May He meet you where you are, and speak His words of Life!  May He bring comfort and empathy, mercy and grace for you today.

Sam

Filling My Mind...

I am in a state of brain-blank this morning... so I thought I would fill it up with something good, and turned to Psalms.  As I turned there, I felt like I should read Psalm 19:7-14 NIV:

[7] "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 

[8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 

[9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 

[10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 

[11] By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward." 

[12] "But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults. 

[13] Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression." 

[14] "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

I love how this is really a bit of David's self talk.  He is reminding himself of the truth he has learned and experienced.  It is like he is giving himself a pep-talk, and in large part that is what I need to do today!  

I need to remind myself... 

of God's goodness, 

of the blessing of relationship with Him, 

of His constant love and affirmation, 

of His speaking into my identity, 

of His unrelenting love, 

of His endless forgiveness and mercy,

of His gentleness,

of His authority and power,

of His Glory and Majesty,

of His wonderful creation,

of His love for His Body here on earth,

of His Kingdom,

of His miraculous signs and wonders,

of His desire for me,

of His love for me,

of His peace which passes my understanding,

of His thoughts, which are higher than mine,

of His ways, which are different than mine, 

of His perspective, which is perfect,

of His provision,

of His constant leading and guiding hand,

of His wisdom,

of His command to love one another, as He loves me,

of His invitation to daily take up my cross and follow Him,

of His equal love for everyone else,

of His sacrifice for me,

of His call to me,

of His preparing a place for me,

of His humility,

of His seat in authority in heaven,

of His finished work,

of His kindness,

of His ability to speak His perfect word into my life,

of His plans for me, which are full of hope,

of His overwhelming love!

May meditations and words be pleasing to You, Lord!

Amen.

We Are One

This morning just as I was waking up, I heard the Lord say a simple phrase, "I am one!"  I knew immediately what He was talking about, that in this world there is only One Body of Christ!  There may be different names and different beliefs about certain things, but we are all part of His Body, His One Body.

I was reminded of Paul's writings concerning this and thought it would be good to reflect on these verses again, during this time of strife, protest, division, anger, sorrow, pain and disagreements.  Here is Paul's famous analogy from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV:

[12] "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 

[15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

[21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don't need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

The verse that hit me hardest this morning is verse 26, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it."  As I look around at our world, at all the noise and pain, at all the  opinions and judgments flying, I see a suffering Body of Christ!  The Lord is intimately aware of our situation and He is calling me, at least, to pray and act like we are one.  In the eyes of the Lord we are all His Body, whether colored or white, whether denominational or non-denominational, whether conservative or liberal, whether Catholic or Protestant, whether Eastern Rite or Western Rite, we are all part of His One Body, and if one part is suffering, we are all affected.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the wounded and hurting state of our Body.  For many of us, we are allowing our opinions to actually cause more strife and pain, by striking at other parts of the Body!  Oh Lord, let us learn to love one another, to embrace our belonging to Your Body.  Let us act as one Body, coming alongside those who are hurting, and helping them to heal!  Whether they are suffering from racial injustice, the rages of Covid-19, or impacted economically from the recent world-wide quarantine, let us come alongside one another in love, mercy and grace.  As I wrote that list bit I was reminded of some additional verses concerning living as members of Christ's Body from Paul's letter to the Romans 12:3-21 NIV:

[3] "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

[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."

Yes Lord, help us overcome this present evil with good!  Let us rise up as Your Body, here on earth, and let us love, and devote ourselves to one another!  Let us mourn with those who mourn!  Let us embrace one another, and care for one another.  Let us recognize our need for one another, and our connectedness with one another.

Finally, let us reach out to our hurting world, and let us embrace them with the Love of Jesus Christ!  Let us show them His love and compassion!  Let us become the church militant, a church that wages war against this present evil with love, goodness and prayer!   

May the Lord protect you with His peace, bless You with His favor, and empower you to love through the Holy Spirit!

Sam

Loving "the Other Side"

This morning I was reminded of a dream I had a bit over 2 years ago - and I thought it was worth re-sharing.  

June 12, 2018:

Last night I had one of the most interesting dreams I have ever had.  In the dream there was wide unrest and strong protests going on in the city, and both sides were engaged in rolling street confrontations.  For some reason I found myself in the headquarters of what would be "the other side" to me.  They didn't know me and I was just hanging out with them for several hours. We were joking back and forth, and I wasn't saying anything about the cause, just listening and engaging in the joking and normal life that people engage in.  I was invited into photos, was sitting on the couch with them drinking coffee, basically just enjoying their company, and they were enjoying mine.  We were becoming friends and I was even being invited into their inner circle, as they shared plans and ideas and messages they were receiving from the people out in the city.

As the day wore on they were trying to figure out who I was and what group I belonged to, sure that I was one of "them".  They were talking about upcoming events and past events and thinking they had seen me at some of the past ones.  Finally they thought they had me figured out and told me their thoughts and I had to laugh because their assumption about who I was and what I believed in was 100% wrong.  When I told them how I would classify myself they suddenly stepped back from me  and were almost repulsed at my revelation.  I had to laugh, because I was still sitting on the couch drinking coffee like I had been 30 seconds before, but suddenly I saw fear and hatred in their eyes, and confusion on their faces.  

I spoke into the moment, and said how interesting it was watching their faces and demeanor change when I applied a few labels to myself.  I was no different then 30 seconds earlier, I was not pretending to be one of them, I was just relating to them as human beings , each unique, each beautiful, each valuable.  They hadn't labeled me, and thus were willing to accept me.  I said it was a great example of the reality of our days - we are so quick to affix labels and hate people because of those labels, never getting to know them for who they are.  I reminded them of the funny things we had shared throughout the day, joked with them about meeting at future protests, and told them all that I would still consider them my friends, even as I had all day long, knowing full well they were from "the other side!"  They were good people, with different ideas than mine, but still good people nonetheless!  I was honored to be their friends and told them so.  The dream ended with us back to semi-normal joking back and forth, as they realized I just loved them for who they were, and wasn't a threat.

I share this dream as an encouragement to us all to look past the labels and look at the people!  We are all brothers and sisters, moms and dads, sons and daughters!  Regardless of our political views, or our beliefs about how to fix our world, we each are beautiful, valuable, unique and deserving of love, respect, kindness and care.  We deserve to be listened to, to speak our thoughts and opinions, but we should never allow that freedom to cause us to hate one another.  We are all needing of love, acceptance, friendship and communication.  We need people who will love us and accept us for who we are, regardless of their stands or beliefs.  

My prayer and hope is that this might at least be my reality, and hopefully yours as well.  The division and hatred needs to stop and it will begin with us learning to love those on the "other side", to see them as people of worth, value and uniqueness.  It will cease when we refuse to label one another and instead treat each other with kindness, care and respect.

That was such an interesting dream, and I woke up thinking that was probably what Jesus would have done, and probably did.  He was often surrounded by tax-collectors and sinners  "the other side" if you want to call them that.  He was so unlike them, and yet by spending time with them was communicating to the world their value in His eyes, and in the eyes of the Father!  I felt deeply encouraged to open my eyes and look around and see people as Jesus sees them, each as unique, valuable and worth knowing!  

I am so thankful for the revelation of the Lord, for the way He speaks to our hearts, and brings revelation, even to us old men (See Acts 2:17). 

So today my prayer is that we will each be encouraged to be Jesus to all we meet, especially to those from "the other side" those we wouldn't normally associate with!  Let the light of Christ that is in us, His love, shine forth to all the world!

I pray for our nation, our cities, our brothers and sisters of every color, that we might love one another as Christ loved us and work to push past the labels, the judgments and see each other as people of great value.  I pray for peace, and justice, and an end to all the evil that works to sow distrust, division and death.

Amen and Amen!

When the Lord Visits

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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