Luke 10:36-37 8/25/2020*

“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?”  And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan in answer to a lawyer who was trying to establish who he had to love to fulfill the commandment “love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Jesus doesn’t tell him how to identify a neighbor - but instead how to be a neighbor. 

The subtle message in that answer is one we need to hear today.  

By worldly definition, the victim in the story was not a “neighbor” of the Samaritan. Their culture would have made them enemies…. different tribe and ethnicity. In fact, making the Samaritan the hero of the story probably offended the Jews.

But Jesus is teaching a lesson. He is showing that skin color, ethnic origin, nationality…none of these matter in the Kingdom of God. 

He is telling us not to worry about who the person in need is…worry about who we are.

 In the parable the Priest and the Levite who passed by the injured man were just too busy. The things on their “to-do list” precluded them from being a neighbor that day and If we are not careful our calendar can do the same thing to us.

Some days it seems there isn’t time to fit being a Christian into our busy schedule. But Jesus says go and act like the guy whose schedule took a backseat to his Christianity.

 There are people near you who need to feel loved…Will you make time?…Is that a priority to you?

Will you call the senior citizen who has been trapped in their room for months and talk to them for a while?

Will you mow the yard of the person down the street who is struggling?

Will you call the friend who lost their job and offer a helping hand?

Jesus said – “go and do the same”.…He is telling you to mimic someone who allowed another person’s problem to interrupt their schedule.

Love is seldom convenient - so act when the opportunity presents itself - don’t just agree with the concept…make a plan and do it today  

“You do not write your life with words. . . You write it with actions.“ - Patrick Ness

Psalm 103:2 8/18/2020*

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;”

How often do you stop and thank God for individual blessings? It seems we ignore blessings until they disappear.  

Just six months ago - did you thank God when you went to a concert or a ball game?...Did you appreciate being able to hug your grandmother?...  Were you grateful that you could meet friends at a restaurant in a carefree environment?

Probably not…What about now?  When did you last thank God for the good things you have today?

Even with all the problems we face – We are awash in blessings. Most people on earth would trade places with us in a heartbeat. Do you thank God for those benefits?

Have you thanked Him that there is a grocery store – or just complained about wearing a mask? 

Are you grateful for our brave first responders – or do you just grumble about the fraction that abuse authority?

Do you appreciate your right to vote – or do you spend your time complaining about the choices?

It is completely up to you – the mood of your life depends on what you do with this verse.

Make the choice to be thankful. Stop spreading criticism and despair. Quit telling everyone what they’re doing wrong and instead find a way to encourage. Constantly correcting and arguing does not come from your intellect – it comes from your ego.  

When I coached there were inevitably players who felt the need to continually tell other players what they were doing wrong.  My usual comment to them was: “You encourage, and I’ll coach”. 

I think God may be saying that to some of us right now.

Maybe we should stop pointing fingers and look in the mirror. Maybe we should have some faith and be reassuring. God is working out revival and restoration as we speak…That is His job…our job is to trust that He is working.

Live differently today…Instead of anxiously focusing on the virus…or fretting about the economy… or worrying about politics – open your eyes to your current blessings.

See the things God is doing and be grateful.  It will change you from the inside out.  And perhaps when others hear your thankfulness - it will disrupt the flow of negativity- and rescue those around you from despair. 

“The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.”- Robert Louis Stevenson

Psalm 51:10 8/11/2020*

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

David wrote this prayer after his greatest personal failing and it reflected a sentiment that, despite his sinfulness, made David a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22)

“Create in me a clean heart” is not a request for renovation – but a plea for new construction.…David desires to have his adulterous heart obliterated and replaced with a clean heart free from lust, selfishness, and pride.   

“Renew a steadfast Spirit” is an appeal to be made faithful.  David asks to have a loyal spirit restored within him that will allow him to please God and resist temptation.

Though he is a king, David is not decreeing what he plans to do for himself – he is begging God to do something for him. Trying to have communion with God any other way is a waste of time. Your sanctification is solely dependent on God’s authority and grace. All you bring to the table is your need.

David remorsefully admits his guilt and asks for forgiveness.  He does not blame Bathsheba for bathing on the balcony.  He does not excuse his infidelity by citing the pressure of being king.  Nor does he attempt to minimize his sin…. He confesses in brokenness, offers no excuse, and repents. 

To chase after God’s own heart is to agree with His standard.  To acknowledge His truth as the only truth. To have a clear mirror that shows your faults. No deflection. No justification.  No self-help theory…Just a recognition of your corruptness, and a desire for forgiveness and transformation. 

No matter how catastrophic your fall has been… you can be redeemed. You need a clean heart - and a spirit that is loyal to your King. You cannot acquire either of these through good works, or religious ceremonies…so run to God and find them in Him…abandon all hope except the hope based on God’s sacrificial mercy.

Desperately cling to God… Be a man after His own heart. Nothing satisfies the soul like unpolluted fellowship with your Heavenly Father. And nothing will bring change to your life – except a humble recognition that you are morally bankrupt - and a deep longing to have God make you new.

“I want to deliberately encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate.”  - A.W. Tozer

Matthew 14:15-17 8/4/2020*

But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”  They said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”

Jesus told the disciples to feed a crowd of thousands…and one word polluted their response.

There is a difference in saying “We have five loaves of bread"... and saying, “We have (only) five loaves of bread”... one word moves the response from informative to argumentative.

Christ’s comment was not a question… He did not ask them to evaluate the difficulty of locating diner for 5000 people.  He clearly and simply said “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

What he wanted was for them to have faith.  To take their eyes of earthly restrictions and look to the power of God. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6) … and when you have it you do not look for obstacles – you look for pathways. 

Faith in God means I bring what I have to Jesus… fully expecting that it is enough. Faith is not a desperate last resort – it is my first and only strategy. 

Each day when I open the Word of God it contains clear commands like – fear not – love others – trust God– have peace. 

Yet my tendency is to point out the problems with these orders.… How can I not fear with sickness all around?...How can I love in the middle of hate? … What peace can be found in a divided nation?

Admittedly those commands are difficult… and to ignore difficulty is irrational.  A man who does not understand his own limitations is foolish…But a man who thinks God is limited is a fool.  

Faith is deciding to look at God’s power – instead of my weakness… I must start each day aware that God is able.  I lay what I have at His feet and expect miracles.  Faith is the Christian’s nuclear weapon…it does not point out obstacles – it destroys them.  

Though the crowd around you is starving for truth and it feels overwhelming – they do not need to go away – you need to feed them - bring your limited resources to Christ, stand back, and watch what He does.

Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. – Oswald Chambers

Proverbs 6:6-8 7/28/2020*

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Self-discipline seems to be disappearing. Our culture is becoming entitled and less willing to work. That attitude is not supported in scripture. If you believe that life is supposed to be easy, or that the world owes you something – then you and the bible disagree.

Scripture says we are to be responsible for ourselves and others. We are meant to work. Daily doing things that will produce a harvest not waiting for someone else to take care of us.

That may not seem compassionate, but there is a difference in being compassionate and enabling…Compassion for others is helpful. Enabling laziness is debilitating and destructive.

But don’t worry about applying this verse to others - because God wrote it to you.  You need to be disciplined. Like the Ant, you need a game plan and a way to implement it… starting today.

Working at the office… working remotely…or looking for a job…You need structure and routine.  Get up early and meet with God – turn off all distractions and focus…don’t wait for others to lead you…lead yourself. 

Discipline is taking small steps that lead to great destinations and it is life changing…The greatest athletes are the most disciplined. Successful entrepreneurs thrive on discipline.  Effective fathers and husbands are those who discipline themselves to the task. 

You will never be excellent by accident.

It may not seem like it, but the kindest thing I can say to you is stop wasting time wishing for things, and discipline yourself to achieve them. 

There are no short cuts. A mansion is built one brick at a time, so put a brick in place today…and tomorrow place another one. Never tolerate self-pity… no one can steal your discipline, so use it to build your dreams. 

Write down specific goals in every area of your life… layout steps needed to achieve those goals…then every day, take those steps.  

If you are not disciplined enough to commit to a year…commit to a day…and tomorrow you can commit again. 

“The best DO sweat the small stuff. They get the seemingly insignificant details right. They have the discipline to focus on the small things which gives birth to spectacular giant things.” -  Robin S. S

Matthew 22:29 7/21/2020*

“Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”"

This was the answer given by Jesus when the Sadducees tried to trap Him with a question about Heaven… the answer applies to us as well.

When we are in error it is usually because: We either do not know scripture – or we do not grasp the power of God.

Both problems occur because, like the Sadducees, we don’t want to know the truth. We are more inclined to change the truth to fit our lives – than our lives to fit the truth.

Real unmovable truth is found in scripture. Yet we seldom look there… We are well versed on the stock market – political scandals – the latest on Covid – but we do not know scripture because we do not make it a priority.

If you doubt this, consider whether you are more likely to go a day without social media - or a day without the Word of God? Do you live like you believe “All scripture is God breathed”? (2nd Timothy 3) ... or do you “cherry pick” verses that don’t offend or inconvenience you by demanding change?

Jesus said basically the Sadducees were in error because when it came to scripture - they didn’t know what they were talking about…. Do we? 

What inaccuracies exist in our lives because we don’t spend time studying the Word of God? How can we be too busy to read instructions written by the Creator? Our lack of knowledge is a fatal flaw.

The Sadducees second problem was that they had forgotten Who they were dealing with… they had underestimated the power of God.

There is no box big enough to contain God. …. When we try to put Him in one - we make inaccurate assumptions about Who God is - and what He can do. This leads to anxiety and poor decisions.

Decide to treat scripture as the most important information you will receive today - and make disciplined study a non-negotiable priority…Be cognizant of the fact that the One who wrote it is unfathomably powerful.

Understanding Scripture - and recognizing the power of God…Neglecting either of these will lead to a life of error.

“We were given the Scriptures to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.”
― Rich Mullins

1 Peter 4:8 7/14/2020*

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Sometimes we make this harder than it has to be…This doesn’t say agree with everyone.  It doesn’t say make sure everyone thinks like you think…it says love each other.

In fact, it acknowledges that people will make mistakes, even sin…and yet love covers them. 

When Julie and I were preparing for our wedding Tommy Nelson made a statement that stuck in my mind. He said when he counsels couples with problems he can tell immediately how difficult it will be to reconcile.

If there is a hardness - like metal on metal – things will be challenging. But if there is softness - like rabbit fur hitting rabbit fur – almost anything can be worked out.

Our society has become metal on metal – any little bump creates a permanent dent.  Any collision of concepts wrecks relationships.  We hold our political affiliations like battle flags…We wear our beliefs like game jerseys and if yours is different than mine you are the enemy.  We have completely abandoned the concept of biblical love.

This verse says there is something stronger than political convictions. There is something more important than our feelings…This verse says ABOVE ALL – love each other. 

And it’s not referring to a shallow “I love him, but I don’t like him” kind of love….it says to love each other deeply…And then it tells you why – because love is the rabbit fur of relationships.

It prevents permanent dents and scratches…It allows for differences without division. It prevents a sin from permanently separating people…. How can we as Christians not be different than the rest of the world in this?

Jesus knew the rich young ruler would walk away from Him in disagreement – but loved Him anyway. He didn’t lower the bar of holiness – He didn’t redefine sin to make him comfortable… they never agreed - but Jesus still loved him.

We are to do the same… love each other deeply.  

The most powerful force on the planet is at your disposal. You have been commanded to direct that force generously at each other…If you do this it will change your life, and our society. 

It may not change people’s votes…but it could change their eternity.  

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  - Jesus

Proverbs 24:16 7/7/2020*

“For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.”

Theology matters.

Righteousness is not about never making mistakes. It is not about living a pristine life. According to this verse it is about tenacity…And that is where theology comes into play. 

If you read the bible as a self-help book to make yourself “better” - you have missed the point. There is no “better” – there is only dead in your sin or redeemed.

Everything in the bible points to the fact that we are not capable of righteousness on our own....  Everything in our arrogant hearts tells us that we are … Either you heart, or your bible is wrong…you need to decide.

Does God love you because you are good… or do you strive for goodness because God loves you?...One path leads to frustration and the other leads to victory and redemption.

Jesus died to make you holy…If there was any other way God would not have paid that price.

That was the only solution because we had all have fallen “short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Because “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ ...” (Romans 6:23)

If you try to earn salvation you will fall short and in frustration, blame God, and become angry.  However, if you accept the gift God offers - you will be given a righteousness that is indestructible.

This gift is what allows you to fall down over and over … and get up and keep going. This amazing grace makes you new each morning. There is no scale of justice…there is no keeping score…there is only mercy.

That is the gospel – The good news is you can be completely holy.  Through the blood of Jesus, you can be unbreakable.

So, do you want to be relentless? –Then get good theology….

Turn from your sin…Surrender to Christ, accept His holiness, and follow Him. Stop polluting your deliverance with self-centered hypocrisy and free yourself to love as you have been loved.

Then and only then, will you be a righteous man who is unstoppable.

“The saints shall persevere in holiness, because God perseveres in grace.” ― Charles H. Spurgeon

2 Corinthians 8:2 6/30/2020*

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”

Read that verse again…Does that make sense to you?

Paul is describing the Church at Macedonia which had been decimated by three civil wars, persecuted by the Jews, and existed in dismal poverty. When this church got squeezed …. Joy and generosity came out.

What comes out of you when you are put under pressure?

I’ve been watching a series on TV called “Alone”. Ten people are dropped off by themselves into the wilderness and the last one to “tap out” wins the game. I have noticed that one of the most important determining factors is a good attitude.  A positive outlook is not developed in the wilderness, but it is revealed there. What is inside comes out when tested.  

Like the contestants on “Alone” we all think we have endurance – but it is not endurance until you are exhausted …Stamina is not stamina until you want to quit…So, as you grow weary what is overflowing out of your life?

As we collectively endure the current trials, it is a good opportunity to examine your response to hard times. If you do not like what is coming out of you - change what you have been putting in... 

Confidence in a loving Father gives you the ability to choose - joy, and generosity.  If that is what you desire – then fill your heart with Faith.  Draw close to God and drink in His word. Spend time in prayer, meditating on His promises. Change what goes into your heart, and it will change what comes out of your mouth.

Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth – and it will change your attitude. What the enemy has intended to harm you will instead produce strength and joy…what causes anxiety in others will not disturb the peace of God which sustains you.

Unlike the participants on the show, you are not alone.  Choose to focus on that fact and it will provide strength that is internal, and unwavering. 

When put under pressure – a heart filled with the Spirit of God will overflow with joy and generosity– which will make your response to difficulties a beautiful thing that attracts others to your source of strength.

“Your problem isn’t the problem, it’s your attitude about the problem.” - Ann Brashares

Mark 6:30-31 6/23/2020*

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

When is the last time you took Jesus up on this invitation?

The disciples had just returned from missionary journeys and they were telling Jesus all about it.  But people were crowding in and Jesus recognized that His guys were tired.

He didn’t say “suck it up and keep pushing” …He said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

It did not matter that the disciples were doing important work - or that Jesus knew that time was running out… Christ saw their need and chose to meet it by spending time with them.

What has you so busy today that you can’t be alone with Jesus?  What are you doing FOR Him that is preventing you from being WITH Him? 

You might need to re-evaluate what is essential. You might be allowing the urgent to overshadow the important…and that can be a costly mistake.

Jesus is not worried about the unfinished projects in your life. If you need more time He has already demonstrated that he can add hours to your day (Joshua 10) so your desperation is unnecessary.

He loves you…He sees your exhaustion and His response is “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” …

So, what are you waiting for? … turn off your phone for a few minutes...you will survive… and it will allow you step off the treadmill and relax in His tranquility.

Why would we ignore such a beautiful invitation? Nothing will impact your day like isolated time in a quiet place studying His Word and praying.  If you have been too busy lately…go with Him now to a quiet place and rest.

It is bewildering that we would prefer to franticly peddle - than meet with the one who will allow us to mount up with wings as eagles.

Take a breath…Wait on the Lord …. He has this. 

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
― Martin Luther