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