Friday Focus #42

Get Near to Jesus

There was so much power in the physical touch of Jesus as he was God in the flesh. He could touch you and heal you. He could speak to you and heal you of an ailment that has plagued you for decades. There was nothing that he couldn't heal. In Luke 6:17-19, Jesus ministered to a bunch of people. The first thing he did was he stood on a level area (verse 17). That could just be a simple way of saying so he was balanced in a place where there was not much balance to be found (mountainous or hilly area). But you can metaphorically connect it to mean when you are going to do some preaching and teaching and ministering, make sure that your life is in balance, not imbalanced. Imagine watching someone stand in an area that was unstable. You could get distracted by watching them try to keep their balance. The same way we need to keep our balance with God's word and managing what we allow in our lives from the cultures that we live in. My second point is contained in verses 18-19 which show how people from various areas knew of Jesus and wanted to hear him speak and have him heal their illnesses. Those who had unclean spirits and were troubled sought to be healed by Jesus. They wanted to be healed by him because they knew he had power. Just getting near to Jesus can be healing. You must have faith to even believe that he can heal. If they didn't believe that he could heal, would they have gotten near to him or tried to hear him speak. Get near to Jesus.

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Wednesday Wake Up #41

Be, Just Be

Be, just be is my take on a directive given by Paul to the Corinthian church and the men in it. These directives can come for any number of reasons, but this one was in response to waiting for Apollos, another church leader who was to come to the Corinthian church and lead. Before Apollos arrived, Paul wrote the Corinthians a letter telling them to "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 6:13-14)." Being watchful like when Jesus wanted the disciples to stay up through the night and keep out a watchful eye. Stand firm in the faith meaning do not waiver and dilute the faith and add unto it, but stand strong in what is whole, virtuous and true. Acting like men may get taken to mean not to be effeminate, but I think here in this context it means be strong like men as men are naturally stronger than women (that's not sexist). The strength here isn't about physical strength, but emotional strength or endurance and perseverance and courage while waiting for Apollos to arrive. Lastly, let all you do be done in love. If you hold God up high first and foremost and you love and honor His word and His will, then you can love people (even unbelievers) as God loves them. So, be, just be. Be strong. Be a man. Be loving. Be like Jesus. Be, just be.
 

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Wednesday Wake Up #34

What Do I Get?

There are conversations I have had with people regarding their life situations and the Christ-like, God honoring response to an issue rather than the typically unfiltered human reaction. The question that usually comes from a conversation like that is "But why would I do that?" Basically, they are having an issue with not being encouraged to just respond the way that they are accustomed. They don't see the benefit in responding in a way that honors God or shows that they are a disciple/follower of Christ. I will say this, if you are a Christ follower then your focus should not be on "why be loving" but on "how can I be loving?"

Ask yourself "how do I serve the Kingdom of God (in terms of serving those who are poor and less fortunate). If you do not, can you? Of course you can. Maybe you truly cannot afford to buy the homeless food, but one thing people need is time. Would you ever spare some time? Can you spend some time once a month with the homeless in a shelter or some sort of function? You can. Maybe not the homeless, what about the elderly? Kids? The sick? The poor? There are all types of people who could use financial help or just some time. What can you do? Something. If you need some encouragement, read Proverbs 21:13 and know that when you hear that the poor need help and you answer it benefits you. But do it out of love, not obligation.

What about the problems we have with people? There are ways to respond and ways to not respond. First, think about James 1:19 and remember to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. We might think "But they said 'x-y-z'. I cant let them get away with that. My response is, look at how Jesus responded to the Pharisees. Read through the gospels and examine the responses Jesus had. When he "lost his cool" it was because people were being cheated in the church which was also being used for non church/God things. When it comes to people we have to remember to look at the perspective of not just what is best for us personally, but what benefits others and honors God. In Philippians 2:4 we read "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." In verse 3 Paul writes "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." So when you question "what's in it for me", rethink that and turn it into "how can I honor God?"

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1 Thessalonians: Be Consistent

Be Consistent

If you have been reading along or have already read through the New Testament you may have noticed something that I think is remarkable. Some may say it is  not, but to me it shows character. When Paul begins his letters to the churches (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3), he consistently opens up with "peace" and "grace" and shows what he represents in God and in Christ. To some, that is no big deal as he is just writing letters. You will see though that these letters are also letters of direction or correction. I know when some of us are correcting or directing others that we are in charge of, we can become tyrannical. Paul consistently sends grace and love. He does not stray off the path of being loving even when correcting or directing. Why? Because he represents Jesus. We could learn from Paul's example.
 

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Acts 25: Paul Before King Agrippa

Paul Before King Agrippa

The plot to kill Paul had not ceased. Festus knew that the Jews were still after Paul and told them to come with him and they could accuse Paul of whatever charges they had against him. Paul defended himself once again in verse 8 stating "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense." Still not being defensive nor accusing them of anything, Paul stands his ground again, not giving up.

 

 

Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor and have Paul tried in front of Caesar (since Festus himself was new at his job and didn't free Paul who could not be charged with any wrong doing). Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar, which he did exercise since Festus would not free him. Paul has stayed strong while fighting for his good name in the Holy Spirit. Festus stood before King Agrippa and told why they were there in regard to Paul's charges. Agrippa agreed to hear Paul out himself the next day. If you read through the chapter there is no mention of complaining or whining or verbally attacking others who were in the wrong. This man's soul has been in tune with God. 

Saturday we will continue with Acts 26.

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Acts 18: Paul's Journey with the Holy Spirit

Paul's Journey with the Holy Spirit

We have seen all that Paul has gone through from being imprisoned and chased from one town to another avoiding death. As we see here in Acts 18:4 he was still preaching the word. I love that even though he would have every human reason to give up, he didn't. He feared for his life. It was not a made up "people are after me" though as people were truly after him Paul has been a man of perseverance and persistence in the Holy Spirit. he wasn't always there, but once he started following Christ you saw a big change in his behaviors and his life. 

In verses 5-6, he was testifying that Jesus was the messiah but when the Jews opposed and reviled him, he did not sit there and keep arguing and get madder and madder. He did what he was supposed to do. He let them know that they are responsible for themselves now and he left and went to the Gentiles. God told Paul in verses 9-10 (in a vision) to go on speaking and to not be afraid because God was with him. Paul did just that for a year and 6 months. 

In Acts 18:18-23, we see that Paul worked hard at strengthening the disciples that he came in contact with and still preaching the word of Jesus from land to land as he traveled whether it be Ephesus, Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia and Phrygia. Paul had left Ephesus and left 2 that he traveled with there in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila. While they stayed behind, they met Apollos who also preached the word accurately. Priscilla and Aquila (husband and wife), took Apollos aside and taught him how to preach the word more accurately. And with that he continued to spread the word that Jesus was the Christ, even in public against the Jews (Pharisees).

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Acts 11- Further Development of the Church

Further Development of the Church

Peter met with the members of the church and told them about the Gentiles (non Jewish people) who had received the word of God. The brothers and sisters accused Peter of not being a faithful Christian Jew because he ate with Gentiles and they were uncircumcised at that. Peter tells them of the vision he had that allowed him to see that God had no distinction or partiality when it came to who could receive the word of God. Through this the church members were able to understand that everyone, including Gentiles, could receive the word of God. No partiality (Acts 11:1-18).

The Church in Antioch (which was far away) was growing. While there Barnabus and Saul met with other believers and taught for a year and it was also there at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians. A prophet named Agaubus warned of a great famine that was coming to all the earth. he disciples determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea and they sent that relief by Barnabus and Saul., Everyone pitched in according to their ability (Acts 11:19-30). 

From this chapter I have pulled out that when it comes to the word of God and the life and resurrection of Christ, there is no partiality. It does not matter what you look like. You can receive the word of God regardless of the outside. The word will stick based on the inside. I also learned that this was the the first recorded relief effort from one group of people helping another group of people. That takes love and concern and selfless care for others. We need that when there is a national or worldwide disaster. We need that kind of selfless giving on weekdays, weekends and holidays. We need that more often. Love takes no days off.

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Acts 9: Saul's Turn of Faith

Saul's Turn of Faith

Saul is the same man who was imprisoning Christians and he is the same man who had an apostle stoned to death. You would not say that Saul was a man after God's heart. You would not say that Saul was a "good person." But, you also can't say Saul's story is over and he has no chance for redemption.

While he was still searching for more Christians to imprison, a light from Heaven shone down on him. A voice started speaking and asked why Saul was persecuting him. Saul did not know who it was and the voice revealed itself to be that of Jesus. The men Saul was with heard the voice too but did not see anyone just as Saul did not. Saul was blinded and could not eat or drink for three days (Acts 9:1-9).

A man named Ananias was told by God to go to Damascus (where Jesus sent Saul). Ananias was told to go there because Saul (whom Ananias knew of) was there praying and had a vision of a man named Ananias who was to lay hands on him and heal his sight. God said in verse 15, "he is a chosen instrument of mine." God also said that Saul would have to suffer in God's name. Ananias did as he was told and Saul's sight was restored, he was baptized and finally was able to eat and drink.

Saul began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God to people in Damascus and the people plotted to kill him. He escaped out of Damascus and tried to join the disciple who of course did not believe him. Barnabas spoke up for Saul and told of the light being shone on him and of Saul spreading the word of Christ in Damascus (Acts 9:19-31). When God wants to use someone, he will not pick someone who is perfect, but He will choose those whom He sees as able, even one who had persecuted and murdered Christ followers.


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Acts 6- Obedience and Changing Customs

Obedience and Changing Customs

As the church was growing and the disciples were growing in number and the priests were growing, they were not just becoming members and being stagnant in their faith. They did not just claim to have a faith, but there is a key word that describes their commitment to the faith. The word is obedient. We see this in Acts 6:7 that the priests became obedient to the faith. That means not succumbing to culture and the ways of tradition, unless they were done in accordance with God's will. 

In Acts 6:1-6, being obedient also meant praying for one another. There were 7 chosen men who had good reputations, and were full of the Spirit and wisdom. These men's roles were to help the disciples (the 12) and help spread the gospel of Christ. It wasn't just anyone, there were specifications needed for new men to be selected to assist the 12. These men were selected and prayed for. It really looks like a team working together in unity for a common goal.

One of the seven chosen (Stephen) served as a martyr for the gospel of Christ. He was arrested. False witnesses were brought against Stephen in order to stop him and God's work. His charges were stirring up the people (just like Jesus in Luke 23:1-5). They were afraid to change customs (Acts 6:14) and so they tried to stop someone seeking to do God's will. It takes a strong person to do God's will in the face of adversity. Would you be able to do what Stephen did?

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Acts 5:16- What is Your Role?

What is Your Role?

It is very easy to just go to church and pray and consider that we are doing our part in the Kingdom of God. Yet, we never read our Bibles, we don't seek to understand the depth of God's word and we don't serve. I know I keep bringing up the message of selfless, God focused serving, but this topic keeps coming up in various ways in scripture. 

In Acts 5, we read about Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Ananias sold some land and while other's had given all of their sales of property to the apostles to divide among those in need, Ananias kept some of the sale of his land for himself. When he was called out for his sin, he died. He was convicted by being told "You have not lied to man but to God." His wife Sapphira was complicit in the cover up of the money as well and once she was called out, she died as well. Lesson: Hold true to your oaths. God knows what you do even when you hide it from man. Their heart was not focused on being selfless.

In Acts 5:12-16, we read that the apostles were regularly doing signs and wonders, more believers came to know Jesus and were added to the church. In Acts 5:15-16 we see, that members of the church did their part to help others who needed help. They carried the sick out into the streets in hopes that they could be healed by Peter's shadow (there is no text that states that his shadow did heal- could just be the thought of people). But, ultimately I see that others were helping those in need. We all have different abilities. What are you doing with your God given abilities to help others for the Kingdom of God? That is a question you can answer or ask someone who truly knows you. Don't be a lazy, selfish Christian.

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John 16- Overcome the World

Overcome the World

Jesus was explaining to his disciples that he came from God and man (Mary) and would be returning to God. Typically, he would say things like this in figures of speech, but changes his method hear as the time drew near that he would be crucified.

When Jesus was relaying to them that there is a time when he will return to God, he let them know that their faith may be shaken and they will return to their homes and leave him alone. That is a glimpse into the death on the cross and his body being placed in the tomb. He told them not to worry because he would be with the Father. He told them this so that they could have peace and for them to understand that there will be tribulation in the world but he overcame the world (John 16:33).

 
Jesus wanted them to be at peace and not worry about him as he was with the Father. His overcoming the world is the overcoming of sin by being sinless, overcoming being arrested, beaten, misjudged, and even the overcoming of death through his resurrection. Life has problems. We all have had them, will have more and may even have some now. But, no matter what the problem has been, Jesus has overcome it. With him we can overcome them too.

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John 13: Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Are there certain jobs or careers or tasks that seem "beneath" you? Would you ever clean a toilet? Pick up trash? Cutting grass? Maybe you see jobs like that or other ones as beneath you. You can try to qualify your pride by saying you are over qualified, but what about when we are serving others. Are we "too qualified" to be humble and serve? If so, then you are also too prideful.

Jesus wasn't prideful at all. He didn't go on and on about all of the works he has done and bragged about being the son of God. He didn't get all the fancy robes and attire fit for a king. Jesus was humble and sought to serve the will of God above all else. We see in John 13:15-17, after Jesus washes the disciples feet that he tells them that he has set an example for them that they are to follow. We are to do for others what Jesus has done for us. This is not to gain something from God or people, but to serve God by serving people.

In John 13:21, Jesus reveals that he knew one of the disciples would betray him. I love that he didn't call out the guy's name and put his name all out there. Jesus was still serving and did not ostracize him. In this day and age, if we feel wronged by someone we ignore them, hate them and maybe even talk about them on social media. Or we may gossip to people about them. What good does that do? How does that glorify God or reflect our walk with Christ. Yes, we are all imperfect, but we need to check our decisions too.

If you are looking for a way to stretch yourself to serve this coming week, Subway has a deal on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. If you buy one sub you get one free. That doesn't mean you eat both, but give one away. Maybe to a homeless person or someone you work with. Anyone!! Click here for to read more on the offer.

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Luke 5:6- Faith in Jesus

Faith in Jesus

Luke 5 has numerous examples of how the faith people had in Jesus was able to bring about what they needed and also what they didn't expect.

The first example was Jesus telling Simon to let down the fishing nets he had just finished cleaning. Simon's response was we tried to catch fish all night but since you said let down the nets, we will do it. They let down the nets and caught a whole bunch of fish. There were so many fish they needed help to lift them up and the weight from the fish started to sink the boat (verses 4-7).

This section of the chapter does not just include faith in Jesus, but also doing what Jesus says. Jesus said to let the nets down into the water. Even though Simon and the others had fished all night, they gave it one more try. It worked. Simon had given up and was gonna move on, but Jesus says give it another chance and it worked with abundant results.

After witnessing all of this Simon Peter (a different Simon, usually known as Peter) fell on his knees humbled by what just happened. Simon Peter knew of the healing of his mother-in-law by Jesus, but this miracle really hit home for him. Jesus told Simon to not be afraid and stated that from now on he would be catching men- that is men to follow Jesus aka making disciples (verses 8-11).

Think about those times you have been praying for someone or something. Or the times you have invited someone to church. Think of a friend or acquaintance that you talk to all the time. You see them out on jogs, hikes, places to eat, the grocery store. Don't stop sharing your story. Don't stop sharing the Good News. Don't stop sharing the life of Christ. You never know the impact it can have on someone's life. I once was also very, very reluctant of attending church, bible studies, and fellowship (spending time with other Christ followers). I did not outwardly or inwardly follow Jesus nor did I read the Bible. People have prayed for me, shared with me and been patient. It is not up to us to change people or force them to follow Christ. Let God use you as a tool to spread his message.

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Mark 6:7-13- Shake off the Dust

Shake off the Dust

In Mark 6:7-13, we read about Jesus sending out the twelve apostles/disciples. In verse 8, Jesus charged/commanded them to only take one tunic (garment of clothing) and and sandals. They were not to take any bags or bread or any money in their belts. In my reading from Dave Guzik, he states that the rule/law was that Jewish rabbis were not to have the appearance of doing any other business in the temple. So, when Jesus sent out the twelve (2 by 2) they also were not have the appearance that they are doing any other business than spreading the word of Christ. Not having those items also put them in position to have more faith in God that He would provide for them while He did their work. If a preacher/pastor doesn't have have faith in God, then how can they teach others to have that faith?

A second point that I found interesting was the command in verse 11 to "shake off the dust" if any place would not have them or receive their message. The practice of this comes from Jewish people shaking off dust as they would travel through Gentile/non-jewish cities. it was seen as a way to not want to take anything from a city that was not Jewish. Do you see the connection? If a person or place does not receive the word of Christ then do not take that mentality or way of thinking with you in any way shape or form. That includes anything as small as dust. It is not your job as a pastor/preacher or follower of Christ to convince people to receive Jesus. You can share the faith, but you do not have to argue with them until you are blue in the face or until they accept Jesus. You deliver the message. They choose to receive it or reject it. Jesus did not need to argue and neither do you.

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Wednesday Wake Up #2

Proverbs 27:17 serves as more than just a cool little illustration, but a reminder that if you want to be strong you will need to be kept in check by someone who is also strong. the idea behind iron sharpens iron is that in order for the metal iron to be sharpened, it must be done so by another iron.

In your Christian walk, who is walking with you that is strong or even stronger in their walk than you? Do you have a mentor? Do you have someone who keeps you accountable? I can't grow as strong in my walk with Christ if I am never held accountable by someone who also follows Christ. we are not made to just exist on our own. Paul was a mentor to Timothy. The disciples walked with each other while following Christ. People have mentors in business, and coaches and partners. We are not made to exist on our own.

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