Those That Don’t Get it……

Reading chapter 12 of Matthew, I can’t help but notice how religion plays such a large role in society. You tend to have 4 types of people. The religious and the unreligious. Within the religious, you have those that “get it”, and those who don’t. Among the unreligious you have those that hate religion and those that don’t care about it. Here, we focus on the people that don’t “get it” among the religious. Jesus, being God Himself, wrote the guidelines of “being religious”. He knows exactly what’s required on the Sabbath. Unfortunately, the Pharisees didn’t understand Its true purpose. As Jesus tells us, the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. He also goes on to tell us that it’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Finally, He tells us that He is Lord of the Sabbath. The problem with “being religious” is when people don’t “get it”. When people practice religion without the proper understanding, it becomes a misguided burden to everyone. “Being religious” is when someone makes their convictions an obligation to someone else. God never planned this. It’s man’s attempt to justify his own sin, by comparing himself to others (making him feel better about the guilt he feels from his sin). This comparison is a deception that Satan pushes on every single soul alive today. It targets our pride. If we serve ourselves, it attacks us by feeding our ego, allowing this pride to swell. It eventually gets to the point where you have no room left for God. It’s only when you see your sinfulness as a opposition to God, and give it up, embracing the grace that God gives freely, that this deception of Satan is clearly seen. God grants us the discernment to syphon out the truth from the lies, and then grants us the power to resist or flee these attacks. True religion isn’t practicing any rituals or holding others to impossible standards. True religion in living in the position Christ gives us through His death and resurrection. Our unearned position in Christ humbles us and makes us grateful to our Creator. It teaches us what pursuing God really is, and what He requires of us: to love mercy, to do justice, to love our neighbor, and to walk humbly with Him. Jesus is the true Hope of the world.

At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. 2 But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, Your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”3 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.5 And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath?6 I tell you, there is One here who is even greater than the Temple!7 But you would not have condemned My innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ 8 For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Jesus Heals on the Sabbath 9 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where He noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping He would say yes, so they could bring charges against Him.)11 And He answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”13 Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant 15 But Jesus knew what they were planning. So He left that area, and many people followed Him. He healed all the sick among them,16 but He warned them not to reveal who He was. 17 This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Him: 18 “Look at My Servant, whom I have chosen.He is My Beloved, who pleases Me.I will put My Spirit upon Him,and He will proclaim justice to the nations.19 He will not fight or shoutor raise His voice in public.20 He will not crush the weakest reedor put out a flickering candle.Finally He will cause justice to be victorious.21 And His name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:1-21a

Common Sense and Discernment….

Common sense and discernment. These are not valued much in today’s society. They are not pursued or appreciated. Sadly, they are rare these days. To see discernment in action is a reminder that God is in control. It refreshes your soul by reminding the participant that as long as he is in the will of God, he is safe and secure. He may not know the details, or the path on which he travels, but he knows his ultimate destination. He knows that along the way there might be strife, but he also knows that conflict caused by his obedience is rewarded in the end. Lastly, he knows that honoring God in his decisions, brings the greatest reward, the satisfaction of knowing he’s serving his purpose. He sleeps comfortably at night. He has no fear of tomorrow, for the Lord is his security. When someone wrongs him, he knows vengeance belongs to God, so he doesn’t waste any energy trying to plan revenge. Common sense and Discernment are gifts from God. You can only obtain them, by asking God to grant you these abilities. Ask today, and start using them to better the world, starting with yourself.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.Hang on to them,22 for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.23 They keep you safe on your way,and your feet will not stumble.24 You can go to bed without fear;you will lie down and sleep soundly.25 You need not be afraid of sudden disasteror the destruction that comes upon the wicked,26 for the Lord is your security.He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:21-26

He Is No Fool….

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose”. -Jim Elliott

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it. Matthew 10:37-39

Detrimental to Fear Man….

I’ve always thought it detrimental to fear man more than God. Yes, men can kill the body, but after that, they can do no more. God can kill us, and then do more, by sending us to Hell. This is a clear sign to us where our priorities should be. The problem is, Satan distracts us from seeing this truth. By acknowledging Jesus in public, we show where our true allegiance lies; where are fear is properly placed. If God is for us, who can stand against Him?

28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29 What is the price of two sparrows–one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.32 “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven.34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:28-34

The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom….

The difference between knowledge and wisdom is wisdom is the proper application of knowledge. Only time and experience can turn knowledge into wisdom. Our willingness to listen to those who possess wisdom will determine our progress. The problem with society today, particularly in education, is that students don’t feel the need for learning. They have all the answers right in their pocket, in the form of a cell phone. Why should they have to sit in a classroom and be forced to learn boring, irrelevant stuff? What people miss about education, about teachers, is the fact that they are teaching knowledge that’s attached with experience. The wisdom that comes from a good teacher is priceless. It’s what the youth of today need, but refuse to see. Technology is great when it benefits society. Buts it’s also detrimental in that it deceives people into thinking they don’t need to learn because they have the answers waiting for them on their phones. Knowledge is good, but the proper use of that knowledge is called wisdom. And that can only be passed on from one person who possesses it to someone who doesn’t. Wisdom is the goal of education. It’s so sad that people have lost insight to this truth.

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,the one who gains understanding.14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,and her wages are better than gold.15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her.16 She offers you long life in her right hand,and riches and honor in her left.17 She will guide you down delightful paths;all her ways are satisfying.18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:13-18

If More Parents Taught….

Just think, if more parents taught their children about God, about how to pursue Him, to know Him, what society would be like? We probably wouldn’t have many atheists, or scientists arguing about God’s existence. We wouldn’t have all the social media backlash, due to everyone’s thinking their opinion matters. We probably wouldn’t have 10% of people totally irreverent towards God. And those that do oppose God would be silenced by the strength of character that those taught as children would be displaying in their lives. When you are well-grounded in God’s word, you have the ability to silence your enemies.

2 You have taught children and infants to tell of Your strength, silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You. Psalms 8:2

One Man and One Woman…..

Marriage has always been meant for one man and one woman. It’s God’s design. When we try to go beyond or outside this design, we run into consequences. These consequences are God’s way of saying, “you didn’t listen”. Can you imagine trying to please more than one wife? Here in Genesis chapter 30, we get a clear picture of one of these consequences. Jacob is trying to juggle 4 wives, and the one he loves the most is complaining to him about not being able to have children. Her plea for him to give her a child, tips his breaking point and he lashes out. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to love and meet the needs of 4 wives. One is enough for me. God designed it, so why should we try to change it? As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it”. Trying to fix what God has established only leads to your own misery. And when a society tries to fix what ain’t broke, confusion and chaos happen.

1 When Rachel saw that she wasn’t having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!”2 Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the One who has kept you from having children!” Genesis 30:1-2

A Brief Summary of “Witnessing”…..

There’s much to say about witnessing to others about Jesus. Here is a brief summary of what we are to do, and the mindset we are to have. Minus the miraculous ability to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons, we are to share the Gospel with others. When they don’t respond positively, we are to move on. When we don’t have the words to say, there’s no need to worry, for God will give us what we need to say at that moment, when we ask. Here’s the surprising one, most Christians have forgotten, “be as shrewd as snakes”. This doesn’t mean we are to check our brains at the door and roll over on our backs like a submissive dog. Nor does it mean we trample people under our feet either. It means we are to use the faculties God has blessed us with to try to convince or show people their predicament: they’re sinners in need of rescue. This rescue is Jesus, the only way to be made right with God. This passage destroys the modern day approach of “not to offend” anyone in our culture’s twisted view of the Gospel. If someone is sick, and headed for death, isn’t our duty to point them in the direction of a hospital? Take them to a doctor? Have the desire to help them get well? Of course. But in reality, we can’t force someone to want to get well. We can only point out the seriousness of their life-threatening status, present a the Cure, and show them how to get to the Doctor that can heal them. They have to do the rest. And regardless of their reaction, we need to know how to respond to all of their possible reactions, good or bad. Here, in Matthew chapter 10, Jesus tells us just that. Who says the Bible isn’t practical?

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel–God’s lost sheep.7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts–no gold, silver, or even copper coins.10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing.13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are My followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about Me.19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.20 For it is not you who will be speaking–it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:5-20

Tell Them The Truth….

If you truly love someone, you will tell them the truth, in order to lead them to repentance. Correcting those we love is a delicate matter. You do it out of love, but you also do it in a respectful manner. Regardless of your approach, you don’t let them willfully continue to sin.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you.12 For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12a

Believe in Him, Simply Because….

God wants us to believe in Him simply because He is God. We don’t need miracles to believe. To people, seeing is believing. To God, believing is seeing. The woman who suffered for twelve years, the synagogue leader whose daughter just died, the two blind men, and the demon-possessed man, started out with the same philosophy of “seeing is believing”, but it wasn’t until they were desperate enough to approach Jesus to heal them, that their philosophy changed. When we believe God, and take Him at His Word, we begin to see in a whole new way. Believing God, having faith in Him, opens our eyes spiritually to see an entire new perspective in life. We see the spiritual side, the too often neglected by humans side of life that changes how we live. If only there was a way to show others this side. Wait, there is. It’s up to us to demonstrate to the world what it’s like to walk by faith, not a blind faith, but rather a living, breathing, real faith that sees things that most will never see. Living by faith opens our eyes to the One Who made us, and thus helps us have a hope that can never be taken away.

18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but You can bring her back to life again if You just come and lay Your hand on her.”19 So Jesus and His disciples got up and went with Him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind Him. She touched the fringe of His robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.”22 Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, He saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” He told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at Him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.  27 After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind Him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”28 They went right into the house where He was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”“Yes, Lord,” they told Him, “we do.”29 Then He touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” 30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” 31 But instead, they went out and spread His fame all over the region.32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. Matthew 9:18-33

Honoring God With Our Best….

Honoring God with our best guarantees one thing: God is pleased. Your honor will be exceeded with Him honoring you with His best. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will....

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.10 Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

If Only….

If only our society took adultery as serious as the people of Isaac’s generation did; we wouldn’t have such a high divorce rate. And families would be valued more and left intact. Kids wouldn’t grow up without a father in the home, and boys would understand how they are supposed to treat women. If only.....

7 When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” 8 But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.9 Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.10 “How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.”11 Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!” Genesis 26:7-11

Purpose of Fasting…..

Here’s a thought: the purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God. The reason why the disciples didn’t fast is because they didn’t need to draw closer to God, Jesus was right there with them.

14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked Him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” Matthew 9:14-17

Hypocritical Waters….

When the religious leaders called those eating with Jesus, at Matthew’s home, scum, how did they know who was there? They knew because they were there too. Isn’t it hypocritically revealing, that they would eat with this “scum”, but not consider themselves to be like Jesus, even though they were participating in the exact same atmosphere as Jesus was? We have to stay close to God, for He keeps us humble in heart. When we drift away, we find ourselves treading in hypocritical waters.

9 As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”12 When Jesus heard this, He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do.” 13 Then He added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13

What “We Think” He Says…..

Sometimes we ask questions we really don’t want answers to. Unbelievers do this quite often. The irony throughout scripture always makes its point clear. The religious leaders were too busy being “religious” that they missed the point of God (Jesus) being right there in their presence. “Does He think He’s God?” Yes, He does, because He is. When we doubt God’s existence, or for those that acknowledge it, doubt His ability, these thoughts come from only one place, the Devil Himself. How do I know this? It says it right here in today’s scripture. Jesus’ response to them questioned the condition of their hearts. Satan uses “being religious” with the same motive of ignorance or rebellion, to twist truth and turn our focus on ourselves and away from God. Being “religious”, even though it makes people think you are a God follower, only deceives it’s practitioner away from what God really wants. And that is having a selfless heart fully committed to Him and the promotion of His kingdom. Being “religious” only promotes pride, the exact opposite of what God desires for us. It’s a deceptive practice twisted by Satan to get your full attention and dedication to destroy the Gospel by doing what you think is right. There’s a fine line between serving God by doing what He actually says, and serving God by doing what “you think” He says.

Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to His own town. 2 Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.”3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does He think He’s God?”4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority. Matthew 9:1-8a

Specific in Prayer….

How often do you get specific in your prayers to God? I mean, ask exacting, measurable, defining requests? Abraham’s servant did just that. ”If I do this... then another person does that”, then I’ll know it was from God. This can be very dangerous when done from a selfish, genie-in-a-bottle type of attitude. But when it’s done from a truly sincere motive, one for God, it’s liberating, knowing the God of the universe takes the time to grant you your request. Isaac wouldn’t have found his wife, Rebekah, if it weren’t for a very specific request taken to God in prayer. Gideon wouldn’t have only taken a small portion of his army if it weren’t for specific prayers answered. Do you have this type of mindset? One that believes God hears our tiny requests? If not, why not? The tiniest requests we present to God never falls on deaf ears, especially those that hold Him in the highest regard.

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. 3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. 7 For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send His angel ahead of you, and He will see to it that you find a wife there for my son. 8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.”9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions. 10 Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled. 11 He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.12 “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. 13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’–let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission. 22 Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”24 “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah. 25 Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”26 The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. 27 “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” Genesis 24:1-27

Demons Know Their Own Fate…..

Isn’t it interesting that demons know their own fate? They know their time is short, so they terrorize their captives. Why is it so hard for people to see their mortality? Why is it hard to acknowledge God? Why is it so offensive to talk about judgement day? About Hell? Because deep down inside every human being, there is a small voice that knows the above to be true, but will not admit it. The saddest part about it is the fact that the demons admit it, and most human beings won’t.

28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met Him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.29 They began screaming at Him, “Why are You interfering with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If You cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged Him to go away and leave them alone. Matthew 8:28-34

Seeking the Right Path….

When you face uncertainty, and have no clear path in sight, trust God. When we seek His will in all that we do, He will reveal which path to take. Right now I’m in this situation, no certainty, no clear path to take. It’s hard when you know what serving Him is, but don’t have a clue what path, or better yet, having to make your own path, without knowing which direction you’re to start forging ahead. The Bible says, “seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take”. The question arises, what does “seeking with all of your heart” look like in a time frame? That’s where trust comes in, setting aside the uncertainties, and exchanging them for the certainty of His promises. I’ve got to trust Him with my future. It’s all I can do.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

His Way and In His Timing…

When you’re feeling down, insecure, scared, worried, or anxious, you have to learn to put aside your feelings and go with what you know to be true. God may not answer your prayer the way you want, but He will hear your plea and answer your prayer, His way and in His timing. Trust is the basis in any relationship. We need to work on our end of the relationship.

9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. Psalms 6:9

Trusting God Overrides the Impossible….

You really begin to wonder about Abraham. When he was told to sacrifice Isaac, he was willing to do it. Did he know God would resurrect him, if he went through with the sacrifice? Evidence for this was when he told his servants he would return from the mountain, both he and Isaac. Did he mean what he said when he told Isaac that God would provide the sacrifice? In any account, he faithfully raised the knife over Isaac ready to make the sacrifice. This proved his loyalty to God. God knows our heart, and when it’s willing to serve God, no matter the cost, all the angels in Heaven rejoice. Was this test really about sacrificing a human being? No. It was seeing where Abraham’s loyalty really was. Do you have this kind of loyalty? If God asked you to give up what you treasure most, could you do it? Is your heart aligned with His? Trusting God overrides the impossible. It defies logic. It rewards the one that’s faithful.

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”2 “Take your son, your only son–yes, Isaac, whom you love so much–and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?”“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.“We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from Me even your son, your only son.”13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”15 Then the angel of the Lord called again to Abraham from heaven. 16 “This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed Me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by My own name that 17 I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. 18 And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed–all because you have obeyed Me.”19 Then they returned to the servants and traveled back to Beersheba, where Abraham continued to live. Genesis 22:1-19

He May Have Chosen the Israelites, But……

God’s heart is for all people. He may have chosen the Israelites to usher in His plan, but it has always included Gentiles. Here in Matthew chapter 8 we get solid evidence for this truth. We find a Roman officer pleading with Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus was amazed to see such faith in a non-Jewish pagan. Then He tells the crowd that gentiles will share in the kingdom of Heaven as well. God loves people, especially those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. He will always honor those that honor Him.

5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with Him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come into my home. Just say the word from where You are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world–from east and west–and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.12 But many Israelites–those for whom the Kingdom was prepared–will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:5-13

Sexual Immorality Distorts Reality…..

Sexual immorality, regardless of what form it comes in, distorts reality for all who choose to participate in it. Lot was heavily influenced by the behavior of the common practice of Sodom’s citizens. He offered his own daughters, to be sexually molested and raped in order to stop the men of the town from sexually abusing the two visiting angels. When he didn’t allow the men into his home, they told him that they would treat him far worse than what they planned on doing with the two angels. How depraved and sick is that? Then when they were fleeing Sodom, just before it’s destruction, Lot hesitated, so much so that the angels had to grab him and his family by the hand and run them out of the city. And it didn’t end there. After fleeing the city, and Lot’s wife dying, Lot’s daughter dreamed up a situation in which they would get their father drunk in order to get pregnant by having sex with him. Can you see the effects that living in a sexually immoral atmosphere had on Lot and his family? There is nothing good or positive about sexual immorality. No matter what anyone says, it’s a self-consuming, mind-altering, Truth-deceiving practice. It’s ultimate end is doom and death. Why would a culture promote something that is detrimental to it? The answer is simple. Satan wants to destroy all that God calls good. His method is deception. Be aware, and be proactive when it comes to being sucked into the world’s promotion of sex. “Anything goes”, “sex sells”, “safe sex”, and “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” are only lies the Satan uses to deceive you and destroy whatever is healthy and good in your life. God’s plan for sex is what’s natural, healthy, and good. Lot is an example of what happens when you buy into this notion of “anything goes” in the sexual realm.

3 But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. 4 But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. 5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!”6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. 7 “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.”9 “Stand back!” they shouted. “This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge! We’ll treat you far worse than those other men!” And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door.10 But the two angels reached out, pulled Lot into the house, and bolted the door. 11 Then they blinded all the men, young and old, who were at the door of the house, so they gave up trying to get inside. Genesis 19:3-11

For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and He has sent us to destroy it.”14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking.15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful. Genesis 19:13c-16

30 Afterward Lot left Zoar because he was afraid of the people there, and he went to live in a cave in the mountains with his two daughters. 31 One day the older daughter said to her sister, “There are no men left anywhere in this entire area, so we can’t get married like everyone else. And our father will soon be too old to have children. 32 Come, let’s get him drunk with wine, and then we will have sex with him. That way we will preserve our family line through our father.”33 So that night they got him drunk with wine, and the older daughter went in and had intercourse with her father. He was unaware of her lying down or getting up again.34 The next morning the older daughter said to her younger sister, “I had sex with our father last night. Let’s get him drunk with wine again tonight, and you go in and have sex with him. That way we will preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So that night they got him drunk with wine again, and the younger daughter went in and had intercourse with him. As before, he was unaware of her lying down or getting up again.36 As a result, both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their own father. 37 When the older daughter gave birth to a son, she named him Moab. He became the ancestor of the nation now known as the Moabites. 38 When the younger daughter gave birth to a son, she named him Ben-ammi. He became the ancestor of the nation now known as the Ammonites. Genesis 19:30-38

Good Piece of Advice…

Here’s a good piece of advice: surround yourself with good people. People who fear God, are grounded in truth, and are connected with God. They will help keep you from evil.

20 Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.21 For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. 22 But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted. Proverbs 2:20-22

A Resting Place….

When we take refuge in the Lord, is that a guarantee that adversity or pain won’t come our way? Absolutely not. It is however, a resting place; a time where we can gather our thoughts, and rejuvenate. It’s like a real-world timeout in the game of life, where we can catch our breath and refocus with a new play. Sometimes this refuge is like the calm of the eye of a hurricane. It gives us a reprieve, a moment to prepare for the second half of the storm. Knowing He loves us, and that His plan is for our best, enables us with the mindset to step back into the playing field with resolve. This resolve allows us to face the future, the uncertainty, knowing the outcome will be worth the suffering and hardship. Take refuge in the Lord, rejoice, and let His shield of love surround you, preserving your faith in Him.

11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.12 For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love. Psalms 5:11-12

The Ultimate Judge…

God is just. Everything He does is Right. He is the Ultimate Judge. We have to trust Him with His judgement, even if we disagree. He knows more than we do, and is worthy to make those decisions. And every decision He makes is 100% accurate, just, and true. We need to leave that kind of judging to Him.

16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way.17 “Should I hide My plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. 18 “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19 I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.”22 The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. 23 Abraham approached Him and said, “Will You sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose You find fifty righteous people living there in the city–will You still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? 25 Surely You wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, You would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely You wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”26 And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.”27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will You destroy the whole city for lack of five?”And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.”29 Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?”And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.”30 “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak–suppose only thirty righteous people are found?”And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.”31 Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue–suppose there are only twenty?”And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?”And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”33 When the Lord had finished His conversation with Abraham, He went on His way, and Abraham returned to his tent. Genesis 18:16-33

Not Knowing…..

Nothing is impossible for God. When we do not see the outcome, or when a situation seems hopeless, we have to remember God is in control. What seems impossible is possible when He is behind it. The hardest part is the waiting, the unknown aspects. Sarah was told she would have a son by this time next year. She laughed because she was 90 years old, almost a half-century past the normal child-bearing age range. She thought she was a old, worn-out woman. But God told Abraham directly, “Is anything too hard for Me”? It’s easy to see things when God tells you, and even if they seem impossible, we know if God says it, it will happen. The harder part is in the not knowing at all. Trusting God when disappointment happens, and you don’t have any instruction, has to be the hardest part of faith. The “not knowing” with no direction, seems to put a faith-supressing twist on the situation. But we have to go back to what we know to be true. And that is, God has our back, He’s in control; He wants the best for us. What makes this type of situation seem even more impossible, because of the “not knowing”, should only make us trust Him more. If nothing is impossible with God, the unknown is included in that. Not knowing the “why” or having any “details or direction” should only up the “ante” and point us into the “trust Him with the even more impossible” realm. A very, very hard-to-do concept. Nothing is impossible for God, we just have to tattoo this into our brain, and pull it up when the situation calls for facing the unknown future.

10 Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!”Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. 12 So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master–my husband–is also so old?”13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”15 Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.”But the Lord said, “No, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:10-15

When We Align Our Will….

When we align our will with God’s will, there is a guarantee: our needs will be met. Nothing can stop God’s will. So when our agenda is His agenda, it will happen. It’s unstoppable.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34

Our Goal in Life….

Our goal in life shouldn’t be what we get out it, or the accumulation of things. It should be gaining wisdom from God, knowing He gives us the tools to interpret our life. It’s not what happens to us that matters, it’s how we handle it that does. Ask God today for wisdom and discernment. It’ll help you have a better attitude, which is what God wants. We are more willing to help others, when we see the bigger picture.

6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. Proverbs 2:6-9

Never a Need to Diet….

Starting your day with God is essential. It’s like feeding your soul. When people allow themselves to get busy, and not spend time with God, they slowly begin to starve themselves spiritually. Starting off each morning with prayer and communion with God, sets the atmosphere and attitude of your day. When you make it a habit, you feed your soul, and are properly nourished. You can’t expect to be a faithful witness for Jesus when you purposely starve yourself. Make pursuing God a priority, like eating your 3 meals everyday. You can never get too much of God, so there’s never a need to diet.

3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:3

Faith Is Simply Believing God….

Faith is simply believing God. It’s not some hocus-pocus, magical procedure. It’s not some superstition, that if you believe it enough, it will happen. It’s not a genie in a bottle, or a dear-old dad granting us whatever we want. Faith is simply believing God exists, examining the evidence, and acting on it with our behavior. Abram believed God, when he heard God’s promise, and he was counted as a righteous man because of it. He got reassurance when God showed him the starry night and told him to count the stars. He was shown proof when God caused the fire to pass between the offerings. Faith does need reassurance at times, humanly speaking, but God grants it to us when we believe what He says. We exercise faith everyday, with every decision we make: sitting in a chair, driving a car, getting on a plane, eating food. Faith is acting on what you know to be true. And sometimes, it’s acting on what you’re unsure of as well. The constant is trusting the One that is trustworthy with our lives. The uncertainty and fleeting of life can be unsettling at times, but the One trustworthy of our faith is steadfast and rock-solid. He is eternal, doesn’t change, and is worthy of our faith. Believe God, it’s what faith is.

1 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all Your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since You’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”8 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?”9 The Lord told him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 So Abram presented all these to Him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.12 As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400  years. 14 But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. 15 (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) 16 After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River–19 the land now occupied by the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.” Genesis 15:1-21

Vain Attempt To Please Ourselves….

Our relationship with God is first personal and private. What I mean by this is it should be a priority to meet daily with Him in His Word and in prayer, alone. The world only matters, in your communication with Him, not the other way around. Your concern should be what God thinks, before it should be about what man thinks. Your prayers may be about people in the world, but not about the world accepting or liking you. Here in Matthew chapter 6 (still in the sermon in the mount) we see Jesus addressing several issues: giving to the needy and prayer and fasting. When you do it with only God’s concern, it’s true and relationally right. When you do it with the mindset of getting praise from those around you, it’s religious. Jesus came to save us us from death and eternal condemnation. But In the process He shed light on religious practices. The truth is, Christianity is only about having the right relationship with God, done only through Jesus. Religion is man’s attempt to justify his sin without Christ, by doing works. True believers know the latter attempt is in vain. Without the right knowledge of truth, all religion is in vain, no matter how sincere you are. God frowns upon hypocrisy. But when we are sincere with the right knowledge, truth, God allows us to serve Him and make a difference in the lives of others. In order for sincerity to work, our hearts have to be aligned with God’s heart. Anything else is just a vain attempt to please yourself.

1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do–blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Teaching about Prayer and Fasting 5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,may Your name be kept holy.10 May Your Kingdom come soon.May Your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven.11 Give us today the food we need,12 and forgive us our sins,as we have forgiven those who sin against us.13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,but rescue us from the evil one. 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-18