Forgiveness

December 31, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Peter's question about forgiveness; Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18: 34 - 35 (ESV)

34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.

35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

We all know the story. A man who owes a lot gets forgiveness by the Lord, but then will not forgive a small debt of another person. Many have looked on it as a story of how we are to learn to forgive, and it is by nature that.

But look at the last two verses and you see a little but of gold that may not be evident on first glance. You see, in verse 34 he is delivered to the jailers (some translations read punisher) till the debt can be paid. My question is how much debt can be repaid from prison? And even if you can, how large was this debt.

We have made a huge debt in the way we live out life. It includes how we treat others, how we maintain integrity, and many other things. Jesus has accepted us for this. He has washed the slate clean. We could never repay the debt but He has done it willingly. If we turn around and not forgive others when the grieve us, then we are like the servant. And the question would be, if you have been forgiven and refuse to forgive others, where does your heart truly live.

Read for next time: Feast of Booths at hand; John 7:2

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I appoligize for my absence the last few months. Along with taking on multiple jobs, I have a new supervisor position at my full time job and it has taken much time and energy. I hope now to get these back on the road again.

Like I did last year I will talk about the scope of the Devotional.

The mailing list has 41 members, up from 27 members last year. As before all new members are moderated till their first post. This is done to prevent spammers from joining to dump spam. I do encourage feedback if you are so inclined. We have stopped a lot of spam by doing this and those people are not allowed to post at all.
The Blog has 3,510 while last year it was at 2,980. The quick math tells you 530 hits this year. I am sure it would have been more if I kept the content current.
Along with the current ways to get the devotional (email, blog site, Facebook and You Version Web site) I have added Google's Orkut to the list.

Pray for me as I try to get this kick started again. If anyone ever has anything to add, send it along.

Wrongs

October 26, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Instructions on church discipline; Matthew 18:15-20

BBE Matthew 18:

15 And if your brother does wrong to you, go, make clear to him his error between you and him in private: if he gives ear to you, you have got your brother back again.

16 But if he will not give ear to you, take with you one or two more, that by the lips of two or three witnesses every word may be made certain.

17 And if he will not give ear to them, let it come to the hearing of the church: and if he will not give ear to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-farmer.

So simple a thing to do. How many relationships could be repaired if these simple steps were taken. But they are not, and friends part and feelings are hurt. Worse yet, marriages crumble because of things like this.

If we could only learn to go to those who hurt us and ask to reconcile. And when someone does come to you to reconcile, not to rear back in horror and say 'no way, you have hurt me so much!'

Read for next time: Peter's question about forgiveness; Matthew 18:21-35

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To sin or to tempt?

September 20, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Parable about the lost sheep; Matthew 18:12-14

Matthew 18:14 ISV
(14) In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost."


This verse picks up from where we left off yesterday. As you remember, Jesus promised a punishment for those who cause another to be tempted. Now we have the parable of the Lost sheep. I never tied the two together before but it is so like our Father in heaven to do things this way. Causing others to stumble is bad. But Jesus does not say that he chases after the one who causes the temptation, but the one tempted. He will try to nudge them along so gently to get them back to Him. The one who caused the temptation in the first place is left to their own devices.

So we ask ourselves a serious question. Is it worse to sin, or to be what causes others to sin?

Read for next time: Instructions on church discipline; Matthew 18:15-20

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Causing others temptation

September 19, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Warnings about stumbling blocks; Matthew 18:7-11; Mark 9:43-50

Matthew 18:7 (Amplified Bible)

⁷Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!

Sometimes verses just kind of jump at you. Some verses kinda sit there at surprise you when you are not looking. As I prepared for this devotional, this was the latter. I have read this verse in many translations and never did see it there. Jesus is clearly saying that there will be temptations to sin. I can say that from experience. In fact, Jesus says it is necessary. Why, because it builds us. We can choose to sin or not. When we do not we build ourselves up just that much more and are ready for the next step that God has for us.

But the last part of the verses.... ouch! If I am a person that causes temptation in the life of someone else, what is my fate. Jesus does not make it clear, but it does not sound good. So what does that mean to cause someone else to have temptation?

If I am a boss who does not pay my workers a fair wage, and they are tempted to steal to survive am I guilty of causing his temptation?
If I am a husband who hides affection for his wife and she finds herself in the arms of someone else .....
If I am a wife who withholds normal sexual intimacy in life of my husband and he finds it in the arms of someone else .....

Read for next time: Parable about the lost sheep; Matthew 18:12-14

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Enemy

September 16, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: John's zeal without understanding; Mark 9:38-42; Luke 9:49-50

You know the old statement 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' But is it really true. Sometimes, the person that you perceive to be the enemy is actually the friend. Years ago after I first moved to Oklahoma, and as a baby Christian I started going to a Baptist church. My whole reason for going, they had the time that services met posted on the sign in front. I did not understand the theology of the church and I was just starting to make my way. Later, after I realized that I leaned more towards a charismatic/pentecostal style of faith, I left the church to attend a pentecostal one. We left on good terms, and though they disagreed with my theology we both realized we were Christians.

Now on the other hand, after I got settled in the new church, our pastor got the men together to play in a men's softball league. The church I had gone to before was in it, but another Baptist church in town was not. Their reason, 'if we join with them we endorse what they are doing.' What were we doing. Well, we were getting people saved, helping families in need, and all the other stuff that a church should do. So what was the problem, we were also talking in tongues and preaching divine healing that they did not believe in. They could not get passed the idea that we could be doing the Lord's work as well as them.

Jesus had the same problems. As he walked the earth, people who were not part of His group preached in his name. The disciples called Him on it. What should we do about it? Jesus replied, do nothing.

Mark 9:40 ALT
(40) "For [the one] who is not against you* is for you*.

As Christians, unless there are obvious cult like qualities of a church, or they say you have to do a work to be saved, then we need to learn to accept one another. For just as the one who is not against us is for us, our enemy may not be our enemy.


Read for next time: Warnings about stumbling blocks; Matthew 18:7-11; Mark 9:43-50

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Being First

September 1, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Disciples argue about who is the greatest; Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48

Mark 9:35 ESV
(35) And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."


Years ago I attended a real small church. Only 3 staff members and they all ran a print shop part time to keep the church running. While it had a limited membership it was a church with ideals and a desire to grow. Several members joked with the pastor that he only worked 2 days a week. Though we joked about it, it is a common belief that most pastors do little if any real work during the week except for maybe prepare a sermon or two.

Nothing could have been further from the truth in this case. As I already stated he was the one who was running the print shop and drumming up the business for it. He also visited the sick, council with people and made sure that the church was set up for services.

It takes a special person to do that. And it does not matter if the church is big or small, the attitude of a pastor, at least one who succeeds, is one that is a servant. It is the only way to be the first in the kingdom.

Read for next time: John's zeal without understanding; Mark 9:38-42; Luke 9:49-50

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Offending Christians

August 20, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today:
Jesus pays Temple tax with a miracle; Matthew 17:24-27

Matthew 17:24-27 NET
(24) The Temple Tax

After they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Your teacher pays the double drachma tax, doesn't he?"
(25) He said, "Yes." When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tolls or taxes — from their sons or from foreigners?"
(26) After he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
(27) But so that we don't offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four drachma coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you."

the tax talked about here was not a tax laid down by a king but by God through the written word. It was to pay for the upkeep of the temple. It was quite clear what Jesus was saying here. Hey, God is my dad. Does the son of the king pay a tax? For anyone that dares say that Jesus never claimed He was God, well Jesus says it here.

But Jesus makes it clear that he does not want to offend anybody. He was willing to pay the tax to not offend anybody and God approved of it by the fish giving a coin in his mouth, a clear miracle.

If Jesus does not want to offend, then why should we. In a Sunday school class recently, the teacher mentioned that he has a hard time talking to some people about Jesus. Why? Because they have been offended by the tactics of well meaning Christians trying to lead them to Christ. There is no one size fits all in salvation. Jesus used many different ways. One needs to take time and listen to the Holy Spirit and be guided in how to tell others about Jesus.


Read for next time: Disciples argue about who is the greatest; Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48

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Fear

August 19, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus discusses his death; Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45

Luke 9:44-45 ESV
(44) "Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men."
(45) But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

How much is God willing to give us if we just ask? Here Jesus is on His way to die and tells the disciples what is going to happen. They could have been a comfort to Him in His time of need. They were afraid to ask, it was hidden from them. I am sure that they could see Jesus needed them but fear is a powerful enemy.

How often do we not help people that we know need help but do not because we are afraid to help?


Read for next time: Jesus pays Temple tax with a miracle; Matthew 17:24-27

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F

Mustard Seed Faith

August 18, 2009
The life of Jesus. Read Today: Disciples ask about the miracle; Matthew 17:19-21; Mark 9:28-29

Matthew 17:19-20 BBE
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, Why were we not able to send it out?
20 And he says to them, Because of your little faith: for truly I say to you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Be moved from this place to that; and it will be moved; and nothing will be impossible to you.


I bought for my daughter years ago a necklace. She loved it so much. In a little glass ball was a mustard seed. To her it represented the faith that Jesus talks about here. How one small seed can be such a big plant. And for years that is what I have read, heard taught, and taught my children as well. One small seed, one big tree, have faith and things will changed, if only you had that little bit of faith.

A new thought came to me recently. What if Jesus was not saying the quantity of the faith but the quality. A mustard seed does not know anything, just that it is a plant and it will grow. Day by day that is all it does is grow. It is that blind, childlike faith that keeps it pushing on.

The disciples were trying to logic and reason out the way to healing the child like so many of us do. What we need is faith that says when we say it will happen, it will.

Read for next time: Jesus discusses his death; Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45

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Faith Yelling

August 11, 2009

August 7, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Demon is cast out of boy; Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:14-27; Luke 9:37-43

Mark 9:19 BBE
19 And he said to them in answer, O generation without faith, how long will I have to be with you? how long will I put up with you? let him come to me.

Jesus seems to be really angry here. He is chewing out a man for wanting his son to be healed. If that is the case, then why should I ask for healing for my children or even for me. But that is not what is really happening here. The disciples could not get the child healed and Jesus is upset that they are expecting Him to be there forever and do this. By this time, Jesus knows the path that is set before Him. He know that He will die and that they will have to carry on where He left off. He wants them to learn.

As a younger Christian, I saw many great miracles happen in my life. Bills met, bodies healed, they were all common. But as I get older in the faith, these miracles do not seem to take place as often. God expects me to use my faith to get them, along with the faith of others. What was granted when I was younger I have to work for now. Just like I could ask my parents for some money when I was a kid and do little or no work, now, as an adult I have to work for every once of it.

Jesus was not yelling at the dad, He was yelling at the lack of faith. Do you need a little yelling in your life to get your faith going again.

Read for next time: Disciples ask about the miracle; Matthew 17:19-21; Mark 9:28-29

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Seeing what we want to see

August 7, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Elijah discussed while descending; Matthew 17:9-13; Mark 9:9-13

While receiving council from a man of God recently we talked about how people will often look for things and see them the way they want to. For example, if I think my boss is out to get me, then I will see those things in him that help mu opinion and disregard all the rest. It does not matter that the reality is that he may be trying to help me, I see the other. This was true in Jesus time as well. The Jewish people expected the Messiah to come and it said that Elijah must come first.

Matthew 17:10-13 CEV
(10) The disciples asked Jesus, "Don't the teachers of the Law of Moses say that Elijah must come before the Messiah does?"
(11) Jesus told them, "Elijah certainly will come and get everything ready.
(12) In fact, he has already come. But the people did not recognize him and treated him just as they wanted to. They will soon make the Son of Man suffer in the same way."
(13) Then the disciples understood that Jesus was talking to them about John the Baptist.

The people had it in their hearts that Elijah's return was to be the real return of Elijah, not a person acting like Elijah.

In how much of our own lives do we sin like the Jewish people did, in wanting to see God the way that we want to see Him, and not how He is?

Read for next time: Demon is cast out of boy; Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:14-27; Luke 9:37-43

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Shut up and listen

August 5, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: The Transfiguration; Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

Matthew 17:4-5 ISV
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it's good that we're here! If you want, I will set up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 He was still speaking when a bright cloud suddenly overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him. Keep on listening to him!”

To often, like Peter, we want to live in the high points of our lives. Peter saw Jesus and what appeared to be Moses and Elijah. He was ready to set up camp there. What could be better than this? Think about it, what could be better than this? Jesus, if He had stayed put, would not have gone to the cross and there would be no salvation for us.

God knew this was not the time or place for Jesus to rule. So he did the next best thing, He told Peter to shut up and listen to Jesus.

Next time you want to live for the high point in your life, shut up and listen to Jesus.

Read for next time: Elijah discussed while descending; Matthew 17:9-13; Mark 9:9-13

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From hero to zero

August 4, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus rebukes Peter; Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:18-27

Peter goes from hero to zero real fast. One moment Jesus is telling Peter that Jesus will build His church on Peter. The next moment:

Matthew 16:23 MKJV
(23) But He turned and said to Peter, Go, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you do not savor the things that are of God, but those that are of men.


Why the change? We often like to live in the praise of the moment. It puffs us up to think that we can do no wrong. Peter was in that mood. When Jesus talks about his death and how soon it will be. Peter jumps in and tells Him no! I am sure Peter is thinking, Jesus is testing me, I will protect Him so He will not die. Jesus knew what was before Him and rejected Peter and his promises.

In my personal life I got a letter the other day. The old fashioned kind that uses paper and ink. My kids had come home from summer camp and had a great time. I thought typical youngsters, had fun now back to work. But in this letter one of the camp councilors told me what a treat it was to minister to my kids. They had blessed him with the way they lived and how they reacted to others. I was on cloud nine. I think I felt like Peter felt when Christ said He would build his church on Peter. If I was not careful I could try to live in that moment. But like Peter I would not be doing God's plan for my life. I have years more of training for those kids.

Do not allow yourself to live long in the moment of glory. Enjoy it, realize that there is more work to do for the kingdom.


Read for next time: The Transfiguration; Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

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Who do you say Jesus is?

July 31, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ; Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30

Matthew 16:13-15 MKJV
(13) And coming into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, saying, Who do men say Me to be, the Son of Man?
(14) And they said, Some say, John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
(15) He said to them, But who do you say I am?


There is a big difference between head and heart knowledge. From Jesus first question we know that the people thought that Jesus was a good man, maybe even one of the former prophets reincarnated. After all, they expected Elijah to return to bring them into a deliverance.

In the middle of their discourse on who people though Jesus was, He stops them and asks them 'who do you think I am?' If you were to ask the average person on the street who Jesus was you would get a lot of different answers. In truth many of the people responding, including Christians, ones who claim to follow Christ, would give you the answer as the world sees it.

It is only when you get up close and personal with Jesus that you can answer that question. So I ask it, who do you think Jesus of Nazareth is?


Read for next time: Jesus rebukes Peter; Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:18-27

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A little at a time

July 30, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Blind man cured in Bethsaida; Mark 8:22-26

Mark 8:22-26 (NIV)
22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.

23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

26Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don't go into the village.


I often wonder why, when I read this passage, that Jesus did not just heal the man. Then as I re-read it one day I realized, each time I read the Bible, a little bit more of it comes clear to me. This set of verses makes it clear to me that anything that we get from God does not always come all at once.

When I pray for God to help me with a situation, I have found that He will help me out a little bit at a time. It is up to me to take what He gives me and make it more complete. How about you?

Read for next time:
Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ; Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30

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What leven is in your life?

July 29, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Leaven of the Pharisees; Matthew 16:5-12; Mark 8:13-21

The disciples take Jesus on the boat again and when they get across they realize they did not bring any food. Jesus then says something strange to them.

Matthew 16:6 ISV
6 Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!”


The disciples look at each other and start saying to each other how they messed it up. They must have figured that Jesus was upset with him and when they went to get some that the Pharisees sold some bad stuff. What was He really saying to them though?

The Pharisees and Jesus had just had many confrontations. They kept trying to tell Jesus what He could and could not do and why he should not be doing it. They were in effect trying to get Him to doubt in himself. Doubt is a bad thing. When you start to doubt yourself in one area of your life, it will spread to most every other area of your life.

Leaven, or yeast is like that as well. It does not take much in a ball of dough to get the whole ball full of yeast. In fact, just take a pinch of that dough and save it for the next batch and you can leaven it as well.

People in life, when you try to do things for God, will try to make you doubt you can do it. They may try to give you wisdom that does not match what God told you. They may tell you that based on your past life and the sins in it, you may not qualify. They may just tell you that you are not good enough. I am not talking about a ministry saying that you are not qualified to do a job, they have that right to protect their ministry. If God has told you that you have a job to do, then find a way to do it. Do not let yourself get leavened.

Read for next time: Blind man cured in Bethsaida; Mark 8:22-26

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Do you make others jump through hoops?

July 28, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Pharisees seek a sign; Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-13

Matthew 16:1-4 (MSG)
1 Some Pharisees and Sadducees were on him again, pressing him to prove himself to them.

2 He told them, “You have a saying that goes, ‘Red sky at night, sailor's delight;

3 red sky at morning, sailors take warning.’ You find it easy enough to forecast the weather-why can't you read the signs of the times?

4 An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you'll get is the Jonah sign.” Then he turned on his heel and walked away.

People always seem to want a sign of what is happening in their lives. Before the religious people of Jesus day could believe on Him, they wanted a sign that Jesus would not give them. It is easy for us to reach across the centuries and say that they were foolish. They should have seen the living God in their own midst. Guess what. We are no better.

We want to see a sign that people love us. We want to see in them what we expect them to be to prove that they love us. None of us are immune from doing it. A husband or wife looks at their mate and says, you are not doing this for me, you must not love me, show me a sign that you do.

There is a problem with that. Now in order to show love, each time we must, like the trained lion at the circus, jump through each hoop that is set before us, or force our loved ones to do the same for us. Jesus very wisely chose not to jump through their hoop. He knew it would only lead to more.

We as believers need to stop making others jump through our hoops. In the end it proves nothing.

Read for next time: Leaven of the Pharisees; Matthew 16:5-12; Mark 8:13-21

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Compassion

July 15, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus feeds 4,000; Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10


Mark 8:2 MKJV
(2) I have compassion on the crowd because they have now been with Me three days and have nothing to eat.

Compassion, interesting word.

Dictionary.com defines it as: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Jesus lived His life that way. How do we live it? Do we walk in compassion?

Read for next time: Pharisees seek a sign; Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-13

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Divine Healing - Why?

July 14, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Many healed on a mountain; Matthew 15:29-31

Matthew 15:31 BBE
(31) So that the people were full of wonder when they saw that those who had no voice were talking, the feeble were made strong, those whose bodies were broken had the power of walking, and the blind were able to see: and they gave glory to the God of Israel.

In the past I have been asked why I believe in divine healing. Why would God want to heal people today? It is simple. It gives Him glory. Let me put it another way.

Money is tight. I told my kids that if they wanted to go to church camp this summer that they would have to raise money through fund raisers at the church. My daughter is in band. She is already spending some time at band camp but her little brother was not going to be able to go anyplace. She decided to raise money, not for herself, but so that he would get to go to camp. I thought it was neat but I know her real well and knew her heart. In telling that story to someone, they looked me in the eye and said, 'you have a special kid, you have raised her right and you must be real proud of her.' I was given the glory in something that she was doing.

God is our father, and like any father, He is happy when He sees his kids doing good.

Read for tomorrow: Jesus feeds 4,000; Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10

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The touch of Jesus

July 11, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus heals a deaf man; Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:32 BBE
32 And they came to him with one who had no power of hearing and had trouble in talking; and they made a request to him to put his hands on him.


So often we beg and plead to God to deliver us from this or that. We want some special person to pray for us, or want a sign from God to show he is there. I know that I have been like that in my life.

The people in today's story knew better. Jesus did not have to pray, they did not have to plead with him for deliverance. All that it took was a touch from Jesus. That is all they asked for.

Seek Jesus, and his touch in you life.

Read for tomorrow: Many healed on a mountain; Matthew 15:29-31

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Ever been called a dog?

July 10, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Gentile woman's faith; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

Mark 7:27-28 CEV
(27) But Jesus said, "The children must first be fed! It isn't right to take away their food and feed it to dogs."
(28) The woman replied, "Lord, even dogs eat the crumbs that children drop from the table."


A woman asks for help and Jesus insults her by comparing her to a dog. Yet she gets what she wants. Why? Faith!

She wants her daughter healed. She will make sure that it gets done. She persists, and in the face of the insults she receives, she knows what she wants.

Sometimes I falter, I get weak. I whine to God how what I have believing for has not come to pass. One time, years ago, I got tired of it all and ran away from God. Is my faith anywhere near this woman's faith? This winds up being a good lesson to learn when I want to complain to God. Have faith and stick to it no matter what happens.

Read for tomorrow: Jesus heals a deaf man; Mark 7:31-37

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The cause of marrige problems

July 9, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Parable explained in private; Matthew 15:12-20; Mark 7:17-23

Matthew 15:19-20 CEV
(19) Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others.
(20) These are what make you unclean. Eating without washing your hands will not make you unfit to worship God.


My church has been doing a series on the family while our pastor was out with surgery. Many of the other people in the church, who with the knowledge they have could easily have been pastors at other churches, have stepped in and focused on things from their specialties. You would think with about 10 different people hitting the topic of families and marriages that they would have exhausted all the scriptures on them. Maybe because I was so aware of the topic because of this, but in reading today's verses I saw something I never saw before. One of those 'when did God put that in the Bible' moments. Did you see the family related part of the verse?

Unfaithfulness in marriage, it comes from the heart. The King James calls it fornication and adultery, let's call it what it is. It would never have been done if there was faithfulness in the marriage. That unfaithfulness comes from you and me, not the other people in our relationship. When the husband wishes that his wife would respect him more, or strays to look at other woman, that gives him no reason to cross the line. Likewise, the woman who thinks that life should be one big romantic story like she sees in the movies and TV, and wonders why her husband can not be like that and starts to look elsewhere, she has in her heart crossed the line.

We are not to seek our completion in our mate, we are to seek it in Jesus. It does not matter what the mate says or does, it is most important for us to keep our hearts pure and not cross that line. God puts that up there with murder, and we know how bad that is. Next time you think about getting out of a relationship, look at your heart to see where it is coming from.


Read for tomorrow: Gentile woman's faith; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

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Its only words...

July 8, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Traditions of men rebuked; Matthew 15:1-11; Mark 7:1-16

Words are powerful, words can hurt. We should always be careful of what we say and what we do. I know of a denomination that puts priority on what you eat to be what shows you are a Christian. They site Old Testament law to back them up. But Jesus made it quite clear what kept you apart from God.

Mark 7:15 CEV
(15) The food that you put into your mouth doesn't make you unclean and unfit to worship God. The bad words that come out of your mouth are what make you unclean."

The next time that you say something to someone, maybe it should be a time to reflect what you say. Does this build the person up. If not, make a conscious effort to say the right thing.

Read for tomorrow: Parable explained in private; Matthew 15:12-20; Mark 7:17-23

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Freedom Decision

July 4, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Bread of Life discourse; John 6:22-7:1

Here in the United States of America we celebrate today at Independence Day. In 1776 the people of this country decided to go to war to secure their freedom. In Jesus day, the disciples were faced with a choice for their freedom as well.

Jesus talked about how He was the bread of life and how the people that were to come to Him must eat His flesh and drink His blood. They did not fully understand the symbolism He was trying to convey and they got angry at Him. Just like people today, when they do not understand something, especially when they get angry they all walked away. And all that was left was the disciples.

John 6:66-69 ESV
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,
69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Just like the disciples, we can come to choose what we want to follow. We can get angry at God and walk away from Him, or we can embrace the confusion, knowing that He will make it all clear in the end. The disciples had it right. Which way will you go?

Read for tomorrow: Traditions of men rebuked; Matthew 15:1-11; Mark 7:1-16

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Seeing Jesus

July 3, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Healings in Gennesaret; Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56

Mark 6:54-55 ESV
(54) And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him
(55) and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was.

Do people look at you and see Jesus in you? Do you know how to know if they do? Do they tell others about you and how you have helped them. Do people come to rely on you for things.

Not everyone will be looking for Jesus in you. In fact those closest to you may think you have other motives. Others may think you are weird and try to take advantage of you. But the ones who are seeking God will see Him in you and be drawn to him.

Read for tomorrow: Bread of Life discourse; John 6:22-7:1

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Peter and Faith

July 2, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Peter walks on water, then sinks; Matthew 14:28-33

Matthew 14:30 KJV
(30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Our story today deals with good old Peter. While many talk about his lack of faith, as he started to walk on the water and then failed, I do not see it as a lack of faith. But I get ahead of myself.

Recently when I was listening to my MP3 player on the way home from work I heard an oldie on it. Twilah Parish singing Warrior is a Child. Let me quote you a few words from it:

Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
I'm strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

Chorus:
They don't know that I come running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
'Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)

Unafraid because His arrow is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
I never face retreat, oh no
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

Chorus:
They don't know that I come running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
'Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)

Words by Gary Valenciano

I think that is where Peter was, I know that is where I am a lot of times. I think I have the battles all won. Then something else hits. It is then that I go running back to the only one that can pick me back up. When Peter got on the water he was doing what no one else in the boat would do. And he started to sink. Did he give up and just sink? No, there was a battle to be won here and he turned to Jesus. He knew who was the one that could save him. I do not see Peter as having a lack of faith, I see it as being faith in the one person that could pull him out of the problem he was in. That is the faith we need if we are to do anything at all.

It is OK to drop your sword in the battle against Satan once in a while. Just make sure that you are in the loving arms of He who loves you so that you can get strength back.

Read for tomorrow: Healings in Gennesaret; Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56

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Peter's Twitter Page

June 30, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus walks on water; Matthew 14:24-27; Mark 6:48-52; John 6:16-21

What if they had Facebook or Twitter back when the disciples were around. I think I can see Peter's series of tweets...

Fishing_Pete: we are out on a lake rowing our backs out. Jesus no where around.
Fishing_Pete: getting real dark, storms coming
Jesus_loves_John: Thinks that we should turn this boat around.
Fishing_Pete: Story weather hits us
Jesus_loves_John: Thinks he sees the Ghost of Jesus
Fishing_Pete: Man am I scared.

John 6:19-20 CEV
(19) When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified.
(20) But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!"

You see, it is possible to know Jesus in the deepest most wonderful way, as the disciples did, and yet, when Jesus comes to talk to you and get you through a situation you will be scared out of your wits.

Recently a friend changed his Facebook status to 'wanting to see more of Jesus in my life.' He is going through some tough times and feels he needs a touch from God. I wonder if he would see God move in his life if it were to happen. Or would he be afraid of it and try to push it back away from himself.

We have the advantage of the Word to follow every day, and 2000 years of history about Jesus. We should not fault the disciples when they were scarred, we most likely would react the same way.

Read for tomorrow: Peter walks on water, then sinks; Matthew 14:28-33

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Down time

June 23, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus prays alone; Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-47; John 6:15

Solitude, it is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Because when all is quiet, there is no TV blaring, no radio telling us things, no MP3 players giving us the latest music, then we are by ourselves and without distractions, we have to look into ourselves, or talk to God. And either one of those can be scary.

When we take time to reflect who we are we may see someone who we do not really like. We may try to justify it, say it is the way we have to be to survive. Maybe even say that our life partner is not living up to their end of the deal so we have to be the way we are. But then we take the time to talk to God about it. God does not take the excuses we make. Sure we can make them explanations, but that will never justify behavior that goes against what God's Word teaches.

Matthew 14:22-23(NIV)

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

Jesus knew that the importance of the time alone. He got away from the crowds and thought and prayed. He looked to His Father for guidance in what must be done. I am sure that there are times that he did not want to hear what he was hearing, but he did it anyway. Likewise, when God speaks to us in our time of quiet, we need to listen and do as well.

Read for tomorrow: Jesus walks on water; Matthew 14:24-27; Mark 6:48-52; John 6:16-21

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Food to eat?

June 20, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus feeds 5,000; Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:3-14

Matthew 14:16 (Amplified Bible)

16Jesus said, They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat.


What was really going on in the mind of Christ here? We know he had been told that the people were hungry. But was that what he was thinking. Remember that just before this He had sent the disciples out to witness to the people. Now he was telling them to feed the people. Maybe he was telling them to feed them not food. but what they needed for their spirit.






Read for tomorrow: Jesus prays alone; Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-47; John 6:15
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Mega

June 19, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus teaches and heals the multitude; Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:33-34; Luke 9:11; John 6:2

Sometimes I wonder why churches were invented. I ponder it and say to myself that they were a man made creation. Maybe we would be better pursuing God on our own. One on one would be best, that way there could be no abuses of power and authority by church leaders. As I ponder these things often God will put verses past me like this one:

Mark 6:34 Darby
(34) And on leaving the ship Jesus saw a great crowd, and he was moved with compassion for them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Jesus very often had church. Now it was not the organized mega-church of today but it was probably a large service. But the reason He did was simple. The people were like sheep without a shepherd. A shepherd did many things for his sheep. He protected them, cared for them, taught them about dangers, made sure that they had food and water. Sure he was a leader, but in that leading he also served them as well. He met their needs.

I often hear complaints about the mega-churches of today. I think the reason that many got so big is that they know that the people need things and meet those needs, either by themselves, or most likely, by gathering staff around them that they know they can trust. Jesus followed the same model. He did not do all the work, He had 12 people he trained to do it with and for Him. And just like Jesus, an occasional bad apple may be part of the group.

There is a need today for churches both big and small, just as their was in Jesus day.

Read for tomorrow: Jesus feeds 5,000; Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:3-14

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R and R

June 18, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: 12 return and they withdraw; Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 9:10; John 6:1

Many churches use volunteers to do much of the ministry in the church. It seems to be a good thing, staff are not needed as much and cost can be kept down if the volunteers do most of the work. The problems happen though, when only a few people are doing a lot of the work.

My current church is good about that. They make sure that people get to go to church as well as serve and on the services that are missed because of schedules, the service is recorded and CDs are made available. At the end of the year an appreciation banquet is given to let all who serve know they are appreciated.

But it was not always that way in churches I have been in. I remember one that I was asked to do sound in. Since I knew computers I became the IT guy. I had some time on the weekends so I cleaned the church. In fact I can remember one Sunday when we had a meal to invite people in I came in at 8:30 AM and did not leave till 10:00 PM. And not one thank you from the people for all the work I had done, and in fact at points in time I was the only one there.

You could say I let my self be used, and you would be right. I learned one thing that year. Burnout is not good. In serving God, you do no good if you do not take care of yourself. In fact, for years afterward I was reluctant do volunteer much at all.

Jesus faced the same thing. At one point he sent the disciples out to do the ministry on their own. They did many great things. But when they returned Jesus made sure of one thing:

Mark 6:30-31 BBE
(30) And the twelve came together to Jesus; and they gave him an account of all the things they had done, and all they had been teaching.
(31) And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.


Notice, they had a time to debrief, tell Jesus what had happened. Then Jesus made sure that they got a little rest and relaxation. He knew that they would not be able to serve others if they were drained themselves.

As you get involved in ministry remember the sponge principle. A sponge must soak up water before it can give out any. If you squeeze the sponge out, it will be dry. Likewise, if you give out more than you take in spiritually you will be dry. Take some time to rest even in the middle of ministry.

Read for tomorrow: Jesus teaches and heals the multitude; Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:33-34; Luke 9:11; John 6:2

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Placeholders

June 17, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Herod fears John the Baptist has risen; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9

Sometimes we like to think that we are important. That we are the only ones that can do God's work and the only ones that can do the job we are doing for others. Many times God will use people as placeholders, to tide things over till the right person can get there. That my case years ago. I never felt called to do anything in the church but a wise minister took me aside one day and saw the skills I did not see in myself. I took care of the sound in that little church and I was happy with it.

Then one day the person who ran the ministry for teens left for no real reason. The pastor and I prayed and I took on the job. I felt like I was doing too much but that God gave me the strength to do it. About six months later a man came in to the church. When I looked at him I knew that he was to be the new youth minister. There was nothing special about him that gave it away, just a knowledge that only could have come from the Lord. Two weeks later the pastor came to me and asked me to step back from the youth, he had found someone new to take the position. I could have fought and said I deserve this, I took a few kids and grew it to where it is now, but I knew I was not the one to do it. In the end, when they laid hands on him to put him into that position during a public service, I felt the anointing come off of me. God had told me that my time was up, and it was time to get on with my actual calling.

John the Baptist was a placeholder. He was not the one that was to be lifted up. He knew this and he willingly gave up his life so that he could point the way to Jesus. And it worked. After his death some things happened.

Mark 6:14-16 ESV
(14) King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."
(15) But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old."
(16) But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."

We have to ask ourselves sometimes if we are placeholders in the things gave us to do. Even if what we are to do is our full calling, we need to look and see that if we were not there, could the ministry be taken over by others and run with. In our ministry, do we point to Jesus, or to ourselves?

Read for tomorrow: 12 return and they withdraw; Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:30-32; Luke 9:10; John 6:1

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Promises

June 11, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Death of John the Baptist; Matthew 14:1-12

Matthew 14:9 GodsWord
9 The king regretted his promise. But because of his oath and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted.

Promises (or as the King James says, oaths) can be very strong things. They never should be taken lightly.

A few years ago I worked on getting my bachelors degree. Working two jobs, raising a family and school full time, that was too much and something had to suffer. The window of opportunity was thin for the education and I had to work to keep the family a float. So I turned to my family, and in particular my daughter who missed her dad a lot. I promised her that I would spend as much time with her as I could. I had one more year to go and if she would stay with me through that year, I would not neglect her again.

I graduated, she was so happy, pictures of her wearing my cap from graduation are in my scrapbook. A month afterward I had a chance to start work on Master's degree. I could do it full time and get it done or part time and take a while. I looked at my daughter and remembered my words. It was clear what I needed to do. Part time it was. My word was my bond and she was going to get her dad back.

We often look at the story from today and say that it is sad that John the Baptist had to die because of a drunken promise. I propose another way to look at it. It was a promise and it had to be fulfilled. The ideal thing would have been never to make the promise in the first place if he could not keep it. But he had made a promise and it had to be kept. Especially to children. They will remember the promises that you break more than the ones that you keep.

Read for tomorrow: Herod fears John the Baptist has risen; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9

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Value

June 10, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: 12 sent out to preach; Matthew 9:35-11:1; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6

Matthew 10:31 BBE

31 Then have no fear; you are of more value than a flock of sparrows.

I know that one of my greatest problems in life, and I would assume the same for a lot of other people, is that I have no worth in this life. When you work a lot of jobs and everything seems to be spent before you get it, you question what your work means. When there are troubles in relationships you wonder if there is much more in life if this is what those who love you are like. Even just the day to day grind of the same thing can get you down.

No enter Jesus. As He sends the disciples out to preach He tells them of their value. You are more value than a flock of sparrows. Now out of context that does not seem to mean much. But He had just said that not one of them dies that the Father does not let them.

On the college campus where I work we have a bunch of Canadian Geese that come in each spring and summer. At times they seem to be in a larger population than the students. As I look at them I see the eating grass and leaving messes behind all over campus. I think that they serve no useful purpose, save that a hunter might get one and have a good meal. But as I look on them, I can see, that as useless as I may think they are, they have value to God. My value, according to Jesus, is even higher.

So the next time you see something in nature that seems to have no value, think just how much more valuable you are and know that you are loved.

Read for tomorrow: Death of John the Baptist; Matthew 14:1-12

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Those around you

June 9, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: The 2nd rejection in Nazareth; Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6

Mark 6:2 BBE

2 And when the Sabbath day had come, he was teaching in the Synagogue; and a number of people hearing him were surprised, saying, From where did this man get these things? and, What is the wisdom given to this man, and what are these works of power done by his hands?

So they could not understand Jesus. Do you think they will understand you. The late Keith Green did a song where he used these words, 'I only want you there'. In it he is trying to tell his family of his salvation and what it means, and all they can do is reject him. Why? Because they knew what he was underneath. They had seen him grow up. Now he was trying to tell them that what they believed in all those years was wrong.

People who know you are not going to understand when you try to tell them about Jesus. They know you and how you act. They know the 'hot buttons' that will get you very un-Christian like in a hurry. Do not ever give up talking gently to them about Jesus, but pray that the 'Lord of the harvest' will send laborers to them.

Read for tomorrow: 12 sent out to preach; Matthew 9:35-11:1; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6

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For and against

June 8, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus heals a mute demoniac; Matthew 9:32-34

Matthew 9:33-34 ESV 

 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” 

Do you know that no matter what you do for God, there will be some that are for you and some that are against you.  It always is going to happen, just as it did for Jesus. The people loved what they saw, but the leaders thought He did things through the power of Satan.  

Does this mean that if people are against you that you must be doing something right. No. Just know that not everything will go smoothly. We seem to think that all is going to be a bed of roses when we become Christians. It is not. 

Read for tomorrow: The 2nd rejection in Nazareth; Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6

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A question for faith

June 5, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus heals two blind men; Matthew 9:27-31

Matthew 9:27-28 ESV 

 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”

Here is a thought for you.  These blind men had been following Jesus according to what we read.  But Jesus did not heal them until after He got to the house that He was staying at.  How come?  I mean, they were crying for help.  Why did He ignore them for what ever distance was involved in going from Jairus house to here?

Jesus asks them if they believe He can do it and they say yes so He heals them. He must have know they believed that, they had been yelling it at Him.  So He knows they believe.  What was He up to?

Matthew 9:29 ESV 

 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”

There is your answer.  Their faith.  Him asking them if they believed was just the final test.  When did they have the faith that they could be healed?  Was it they said they believed.  No, it was when they asked for it in the first place. Why do I think that? Because in verse 27 they were recognizing Him as the Messiah.  Their faith was established then.  Your faith will get questioned from time to time, just as these men had their faith questioned.  In the end, you need to say 'Yes, I believe.'

Read for tomorrow: Jesus heals a mute demoniac; Matthew 9:32-34

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Do they laugh at your faith?

June 4, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus raises Jairus' daughter to life; Matthew 9:23-26; Mark 5:37-43; Luke 8:51-56

Luke 8:53 WEB 

 53 They were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead.

Now is a time that Jairus faith was really being put to the test. The daughter sick and near death. He then shoves his pride away and goes to Jesus.  He agrees to come but has a healing and testimony service for the woman with the issue of blood.  On top of all that they come and tell him that she is dead but Jesus tells him to have faith.  

Now he is face to face with what he has had his faith on.  Jesus tells them that the girl is asleep and they ridicule Jesus for it.  What would you do if you were Jairus?  All these people cannot be wrong.  One man is standing up against them.  Sure he has healed others, but bringing someone back from the dead, can even this man do that?

To Jairus credit, he kept his mouth shut.  He could have said to Jesus to pack it up and leave.  But he did not.  Because of that a wonderful thing happened.

Luke 8:54-56 WEB 

 54 But he put them all outside, and taking her by the hand, he called, saying, "“Child, arise!”"

55 Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.

56 Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done.

He got his daughter back. 

The time for digging in with your faith is when all seems to be going against you. That is not the time to run away from God but to run to Him. 

Read for tomorrow: Jesus heals two blind men; Matthew 9:27-31

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How big is your test of faith?

June 3, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Daughter's death is reported to Jairus; Mark 5:35-36; Luke 8:49-50

Mark 5:35-36 BBE 

35 And while he was still talking, they came from the ruler of the Synagogue's house, saying, Your daughter is dead: why are you still troubling the Master?

Put your self in Jairus place. As a ruler he had lowered himself to Jesus, showing that Jesus, a carpenter, had the authority and he did not.  Jesus goes with him to heal the girl and what happens?  We get a healing service (the woman with the issue of blood) and then a testimony service about what happened. And now what happens. His daughter is dead.  His lowering of himself seemed to do nothing at all.  He had faith in this man and nothing happened. 

36 But Jesus, giving no attention to their words, said to the ruler of the Synagogue, Have no fear, only have faith.

Jesus knew what was going through this man's thoughts as He does with all of us. He looked at the man and said do not fear, have faith. He says that to all of us.  He wants us to have faith.  As you go through life and begin to have faith in things, like Jairus your faith will be tested.  And it will seem that the bigger your faith is, the bigger test of faith you will have.  What looked like it was impossible, Jesus asked this man to have faith in.  

So, how big is your test of faith?

Read for tomorrow: Jesus raises Jairus' daughter to life; Matthew 9:23-26; Mark 5:37-43; Luke 8:51-56

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Where is your faith?

June 2, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Ill woman is healed by touching Jesus; Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:24-34; Luke 8:42-48

Mark 5:28-29 BBE 

 28 For she said, If I may only put my hand on his robe, I will be made well.

29 And straight away the fountain of her blood was stopped, and she had a feeling in her body that her disease had gone and she was well.

Mark 5:34 BBE 

 34 And he said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be free from your disease.

As a young Christian I had to try to understand what seemed a contradiction to me.  I had come out of a church steeped in its worship of relics.  Yet I came face to face with faith healers like Oral Roberts.  I wanted to believe that God could heal but had problem with the use of their 'gimmicks' like prayer cloths.  But looking at this verse I can see where they came from.  Her belief, her faith, was in touching the hem of God's garment.  It was not however, Jesus clothes that healed her, it was her faith.  Jesus even said it. 

Now that faith has to be in the right place.  God can work with you where you faith is.  For some, that faith may be in a piece of cloth that appears to have been anointed by a preacher.  The next step however is not to keep your faith in the item, but to move it to the Father God and His Son Jesus.  Jesus through this event, and the healing of Jairus's daughter coming up, took the time to teach the people to move their faith to a higher place.  But he met each one where their faith was at. 

Read for tomorrow: Daughter's death is reported to Jairus; Mark 5:35-36; Luke 8:49-50

Faith in your beliefs, or God?

July 1, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jairus asks Jesus to heal his daughter; Matthew 9:18-19; Mark 5:22-23; Luke 8:41-42

Mark 5:22-23 BBE 

 22 And one of the rulers of the Synagogue, Jairus by name, came, and seeing him, went down at his feet,

23 And made strong prayers to him, saying, My little daughter is near to death: it is my prayer that you will come and put your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and have life.

Sometimes in reading the Bible we miss some of the small things because we are not familiar with the culture.  So many times we read about how a person bows reverently before another.  It starts in Genesis and happens all through the Bible.  By the time of Jesus however, things had changed.  In earlier years, this had been a sign of respect one to another.  By now it has become a sign of respect for the lower class to the upper.  

So here is Jesus, an preacher who travels from town to town. Coming to Him, the leader of the synagogue, one who, by his title demands respect from the likes of people whom Jesus appeared to be like. This is different however.  Jairus comes to Jesus and bows low to Him.  He knows where the power is in life and he realizes he does not have it.  So even though the leaders are teaming up against Jesus, Jairus knows that the only hope for his daughter lies in the one who he is supposed to speak against.  As we will see in the next few days, He has reason to believe that his faith in Jesus will be misplaced, but for now he goes with his faith. 

So often we are faced with speaking out against things that may be beneficial to us.  So often people say they have no need for God when in fact, that is what they really need.  I am not talking organized religion here.  While there is a need for religious organizations and denominations, too often they get in the way of true faith in God.  Are you letting your beliefs get in the way of your relationship with God?

Read for tomorrow: Ill woman is healed by touching Jesus; Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:24-34; Luke 8:42-48

One night?

May 10, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus sails to Capernaum; Matthew 9:1; Mark 5:21: Luke 8:40

Matthew 9:1 BBE 

 1 And he got into a boat and went across and came to his town.

Kind of a weird verse to pick I think I can hear you saying.  He gets in a boat and goes back to his home.  Except what has been happening just before this.  He talks to the people in parables, then He tells the disciples to cross the sea while he sleeps.  They wake Him up scarred, they go across and meet a demonic man, heal Him and get back in the boat.  

Wait, they rowed all night in a storm to get to the other side to heal a man of his demon.  YES!

God may send you some place and park you there to tell His story.  Or he may send you on a one night mission.  You do not make the decision, you just need to do what He asks you to do when He asks you to do it. 

Read for tomorrow: Jairus asks Jesus to heal his daughter; Matthew 9:18-19; Mark 5:22-23; Luke 8:41-42

Go where you senf me.. how will you send me

May 9, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Legion cast out of violent man; Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39

Luke 8:38-39 ESV
38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Why did Jesus not let the man return with him? I mean that would be a good thing? So why?

The man asked Jesus to let Him go. Jesus could use him as an example of His healing power. Jesus however sent him back to his own people. They knew what he was like before. If anyone could appreciate the change and be brought into the kingdom, this was the way to do it, not as a tag along to the people that were with Jesus.

Sometimes we want to tell God where he will send us to work for Him. Maybe, sometimes we need to listen to where He tells us to go!



Read for tomorrow: Jesus sails to Capernaum; Matthew 9:1; Mark 5:21: Luke 8:40

Faith

May 8, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Jesus calms a stormy sea; Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:23-25

Luke 8:25 ESV
25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

A good question to ask I think? When Jesus said they would go across, did they have faith? Why now, is that faith gone.

It was the darkest time of the night and they were in a storm. When things come against you, they will often come in the darkest time. The storms will buffet you. And Jesus will come to you if you listen and He will say where is your faith. I told you that marriage was good, now stick it out. I told you that if you train up your child they will not depart the way, now stay with it.

We often are like the disciples, out of faith. Jesus can help us to have faith.

Read for tomorrow: Legion cast out of violent man; Matthew8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39

Just do it

May 7, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Orders to cross the Sea of Galilee; Matthew 8:18; Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22

Matthew 8:18 LO
 18 Jesus seeing himself crowded on all sides, gave orders to pass to the opposite shore.

Some key words here considering what is to happen next to them.  As they journey across the lake, a storm arises and the the disciples loose faith. But did Jesus say, 'let's try to go to the other side'?  No, He gave a command.

When God gives a command to you, He gives you the ability to do the job.  You may not feel adequate for the job.  You may feel like you need more money, skill, training, or whatever.  The fact of the matter is that God says do it.

So to quote the Nike ads... 'Just do it'. 

Read for tomorrow: Jesus calms a stormy sea; Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:23-25

What is your price?

May 6, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Parables explained and told in private Matthew 13:36-53

Matthew 13:44 ESV 

 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

What is more important to you, time at work or time in the Word.  I am not saying that you give up your job, but the pursuit of the things of the world are going to get you nowhere fast. In the end your relationship with God is what is important.  That is what God is saying here.  Are you willing to give up what appears to be important to get what is important.  I have a decision to make.  Reduce my income but be home nights, or keep the income and be gone 7 nights a week.  It is time for a change in my life.  What are you willing to give up. 

Read for tomorrow: Orders to cross the Sea of Galilee; Matthew 8:18; Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22

Giving and getting?

May 5, 2009

The life of Jesus. Read Today: Parables by the Sea; Matthew 13:1-35; Mark 4:1-34; Luke 8:4-18

Mark 4:24-25 ESV 

24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” 

At a part time job I have my boss walked up on a group of us that were working.  While the rest of the group was standing around doing nothing, I was sweeping.  I saw a job that needed to be done and did it.  While he went over and told them to get to work in general terms, he asked me to do a specific task when I was done.  Why me specific and them generic, I do not know.  What I do know is the words of Jesus. to the one who has, more will be given. Now a lot of preachers like to make that in to a financial blessing scripture but I do not see it that way. 

There is a worldly proverb that meshes in with this verse nicely. If you want someone to do a job, find someone that is busy and ask them to do it. If you want to be a minister of the Gospel, you need to start out with the small things.  Some people would flinch at working with kids but it is a start and they need to hear Jesus taught as well.  God can then take the work that you do and give you more and greater things. 

Get involved in your church. 

Read for tomorrow: Parables explained and told in private 13:36-53