Friday Thought – July 29, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’” (Matthew 8:23-27)

By this time in His ministry Jesus had already demonstrated His power to the disciples. He’d turned water into wine and He had healed many, some with just a word from a distance. There should have been no doubt among the disciples about Jesus’ ability and willingness to help in time of need. Yet, here they are in the middle of a storm, with Jesus in the boat with them, and they are afraid to the point of despair.

Two things help our opinion of the disciples. One is that most of the disciples were fishermen. That means they were familiar with the Sea and familiar with its storms. If they were in despair because of this storm, it must have been a significant storm!

The second thing that helps our opinion of the disciples is that we know we suffer from the same problem! We’ve seen Jesus come to our own aid. We’ve been the recipients of His care and His power. Yet, who among us doesn’t still experience fear in times of distress?

Lord, we know our faith is small. Increase our faith. Teach us to trust You more.

Peter invited us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) We can lay fear aside and trust Him. If we will!

His, by Grace, Steve

Thursday Thought – July 28, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ Another disciple said to him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’” (Matthew 8:18-22)

Following Jesus will not always be convenient or comfortable.

Jesus Himself did not always live a comfortable life. There were often times that He didn’t even have a place to sleep. Those who are His servants cannot expect to be above our Master (Matthew 10:24). While God does bless us tremendously, sometimes hardships also come our way.

The statement of Jesus to the man who wanted to bury his father before following Jesus seems without compassion. Yet it is likely that the man’s father wasn’t even dead yet. What he requested was not the opportunity to deal with a family crisis, but a way to delay his decision to follow the Lord. Jesus doesn’t call us to follow Him just when it is easy for us. He doesn’t say “when you are ready, follow Me.” He calls us to make a deliberate choice, even at great cost to us, to follow Him.

It’s not always convenient or comfortable for us to follow Jesus, but it is always right!

His, by Grace, Steve

Wednesday Thought – July 27, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I will go and heal him.’ The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go,” and he goes; and that one, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, ‘I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’” (Matthew 8:5-10)

The centurion in this account impresses me! There are three things about him that I think are especially notable:

His compassion. The Romans were not well known for their compassion toward their servants. In fact, the common attitude among slave owners in that society was to treat their slaves as human machinery! Here was a master so concerned about his servant that he sought out Jesus when no one else could help.

His humility. The centurion told Jesus “I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” That demonstrates how much respect he had for Jesus and the humble attitude with which he considered himself. A centurion was a powerful and influential Roman soldier, but this man had not let his position go to his head.

His faith. Jesus was astonished by the man’s faith. He had not found anyone in Israel with faith like this man. This man saw Jesus as someone with authority. He trusted Jesus’ word. The result was a marvelous miracle happened that day as the servant was healed the very hour when Jesus spoke the word.

Compassion: love others. Humility: honor Jesus. Faith: trust His word.

His, by Grace, Steve

Tuesday Thought – July 26, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:28-29)

It wasn’t just what Jesus said that amazed the people who heard Him. What He said was truly amazing, but how He said it was equally amazing. He spoke as One with authority. There was no doubt in His voice, no questioning whether or not what He said was right. He spoke as though He knew what He was talking about, because He did!

There are many in our world today who give honor to Jesus as the greatest teacher who ever lived. He was a great teacher, but the honor due Him does not come just from the content of His teaching. The honor due Him comes from the underlying authority by which He spoke. Who is this One who could speak with such authority about such heavenly things?

At the conclusion of the transfiguration, while Jesus was speaking to the three apostles He had taken on the mount with Him something unique and awesome happened. “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5)

A voice from heaven -- the command of the Father Himself -- listen to what my Son is saying. Heaven is where Jesus’ authority came from! To listen is the proper response to what He says. The proper response is not to debate how wonderful His teaching is. It is not to decide whether or not to follow what He says. It is not to marvel at the teaching techniques He used. It is simply to hear what He says, and follow!

We live in a world without absolutes; at least that’s what many people say. Those of us who follow Jesus know differently! We follow the One with authority. Listen to Him!

His, by Grace, Steve

Monday Thought – July 25, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.’ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” (Matthew 7:24-29)

A life built upon Jesus Christ is the only life that has a firm foundation. All other philosophies of life are shaky and subject to collapse at the worst possible moment. There is, however, nothing that can shake a life that is built upon Jesus: not sin, not sickness, not disaster, not death, not abandonment, not abuse, nothing.

It is because He is always there, “the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) It is because nothing can separate us from His love, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

He is always there, because He knows what He is talking about. When all others guess, or hope, Jesus speaks with authority. He surprised those who heard Him speak, and continues to surprise people today. He speaks with the authority of Someone who knows. He speaks with the authority of Someone who can be trusted.

He is THE firm foundation for life. Thank God for the sure foundation He has provided for your life.

His, by Grace, Steve

Friday Thought – July 22, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)

Good preachers tell great stories. They know how to keep people on the edge of their seats as they weave a tale.

Good preachers can bring a crowd to laughter and to tears. They know how to pull on the strings of a person’s heart and have them in the palm of their hand.

Good preachers keep their message well organized. They move cleanly from point to point – great introduction, moving conclusion, well thought out main points and smooth transitions between each one.

But Jesus doesn’t say that any of those characteristics of popular speakers is the key to discerning if they are worth listening to. Jesus says that the primary key is not in the speaking at all, but in the lifestyle of the one speaking. It’s not about the quality of the speaker’s skill – it’s about the quality of the speaker’s heart.

The truth is that nothing we offer to God or to other people is about the quality of our skill or training. The real effectiveness of what we offer God and other people is the sincerity of our heart.

So, check out the fruit of the life of those to whom you listen. Check out the sincerity of your own heart, too.

His, by Grace, Steve

Thursday Thought – July 21, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

It is easy to go to hell. The road to hell is the path of least resistance. You don’t have to do anything to go to hell. It is the most natural thing in the world.

The road to heaven, on the other hand, requires a deliberate and difficult choice. The road to heaven starts with repentance, a change of direction that must be made intentionally. I believe it was C.S. Lewis who says of repentance, “It is not to be viewed as a hurdle that God requires a person to jump over in order to be acceptable to Him. Rather, it is simply a description of the way back to God.” It is an about-face, a turn-around, from walking selfishly as our own heart dictates, to loving God and walking under His control.

A person can’t just stumble into heaven. Somewhere along the line a decision point is required. It is so radical that Jesus could accurately refer to it as a new birth. It is so complete that Paul called those who come through that point a new creation.

The majority of Americans are convinced they are Christians, bound for heaven -- aren’t all Americans. It is probably the greatest deception the devil has ever conceived. If you have never come to that point of crisis where you said “yes” to the urging of Jesus to follow Him, drop me a note, I’d love to share more with you.

His, by Grace, Steve

Wednesday Thought – July 20, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:9-11)

If you ask God for something good, will He trick you and give you something bad? No. That would be out of character for God, and God never acts out of character. God’s character is dominated by love and every action of His fits within that character. You can trust God.

How about the opposite -- if you ask for something harmful to you, will God give it to you? No. That would be out of character for God, too. You can trust God. When you ask for something harmful He will not give it.

There is insight in this passage into why many of our prayers go unanswered. We are so blinded by sin and selfishness that much of what we ask for is stone and snake. Stone is something useless that will not meet our needs. Snake is something harmful. God doesn’t give useless or harmful gifts. When we ask for those kinds of things, He turns us down.

There is confidence in prayer. As Paul instructed, we can bring every request to God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) You can trust that God will always answer right, even when the request is wrong.

His, by Grace, Steve

Tuesday Thought – July 19, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5)

Just a few verses late, Jesus teaches the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Jesus encourages us to act toward others as we would like others to act toward us. He starts that thought in today’s passage. He encourages us to judge others as we would want them to judge us. How would you want others to judge you?

I want others to give me the benefit of the doubt.

I want others to assume my motives are as they appear and not assume my motives are selfish.

I want others to be compassionate, even toward my weaknesses and areas of blindness and sin.

I also want others to will help me -- kindly and lovingly -- to face the problems they see in me. I don’t want brothers and sisters who just overlook my problems, but who care enough to help me see them and overcome them. I don’t want constant criticism or a judgmental spirit, but patience and compassion.

I want those who help me to be aware of their own weakness and sins, and know they too have areas of blindness. I’m not looking for people who will stand in condemnation of me as if they are on a higher level, but those who recognize we are all sinners helping each other be conformed step by step to the image of the One we serve.

I’m thankful that I have brothers and sisters like that. I hope I can be that kind of brother to others.

His, by Grace, Steve

Monday Thought – July 18, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25-33)

Worry dwells on the “what ifs.” What if the economy turns down and my investments collapse? What if my company doesn’t do well and I lose my job? What if I get cancer? What if my kids start doing drugs? What if _______, you fill in the blank with the area(s) of life over which you are most prone to worry.

Worry seems to be a universal problem. People worry about different things from individual to individual, but most of folks struggle with worry just like I do.

Jesus addressed it as a very common problem. It was a problem for which He knew the solution: replace worry with trust. Trust your Heavenly Father.

Jesus urged us to give up worry for two reasons:

It doesn’t help. Worry can’t even add an hour to your life.

You don’t need it. God promises to take care of you.

His, by Grace, Steve

Friday Thought – July 15, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

There are many things worth treasuring in life: your spouse, your children, your parents, your family, your friends, your church, the opportunities you have to serve God.

There are many things worth treasuring in life: but money is not one of them! Money is not worth treasuring, but it is worth using. The best way to use money is to put it toward things that are worth treasuring. Use it for your family, use it for people in need, use it for the church, use it to advance the kingdom, use it to accomplish the things you believe God wants you to accomplish with your life. Use it, don’t hoard it and don’t treasure it!

Someone has said that many people can be described by the following phrase: “love money, use people.” Jesus offers a better philosophy toward money: “love people, use money.”

Jesus says that how we use our money is an indicator of what we really treasure. If you hoard your money, then money is what you really treasure. If you use your money for the things that are truly important, then those are the things you treasure.

Jesus says that if, as act of will, we will put our money where we want our hearts to be, that our hearts will naturally follow. Where do you want your heart to be? Is that where you are putting your money?

His, by Grace, Steve

Thursday Thought – July 14, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)

Fasting is such a foreign concept in our American “indulge yourself” culture. Not only do we not fast, but we usually go to the opposite extreme, eating far more than we need to eat or should eat. But fasting is not about what’s good for the body. It is not God’s great diet plan to keep us looking good and feeling good.

Fasting is about self-control. It is a demonstration to us, and to the Lord, that some things are more important than food, more important than what makes us feel good.

Fasting is a concrete way to appeal to God for help. I don’t know how or why, but God attaches power to fasting.

Hundreds of thousands of Christians fast each year for the specific purpose of appealing to God to send revival and spiritual renewal to our country. Some people fast for up to 40 days, which is almost unbelievable to me. Others fast for much shorter periods of time, perhaps as little as one meal. But all of them, by exercising self-control over food, appeal to God to intervene in America.

Jesus said “when” you fast. Not “if,” but “when.” It was His expectation that His followers would fast.

It is a foreign concept to most of us, but a biblical one.

His, by Grace, Steve

Wednesday Thought – July 13, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:6-15)

Not IF you pray, but WHEN.

Pray with a right attitude, not as hypocrites, but with sincerity.

Pray expectantly, He will reward you, He will hear and answer your prayers.

Don’t think you have to pray in formulas, with babbling -- just talk to God about what’s on your heart.

Remember who you are talking to. He’s not a mean, spiteful God. He is your loving Father.

When you pray, remember what’s really important in this world. It’s His Kingdom.

Don’t be afraid to ask Him for what you need.

Pray with a right heart, one that is right with God and right with other people.

Someone said, “When we pray, we touch the heart of eternity.” By praying you can do more to change the world and advance God’s Kingdom than by anything else. So, friends, PRAY. Jesus Himself taught us how.

His, by Grace, Steve

Tuesday Thought – July 12, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

To God, the motive is just as important as the action. It is important to ask ourselves why we do the things we do for Him. To bring glory and honor to God -- to obey Him -- because of the needs of others -- those are all good motives. To receive acclaim -- to earn His favor -- to make us feel good -- those are all motives that are less than right.

God spoke through Isaiah to say, “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.” (Isaiah 42:8) The glory for everything we do does not belong to us, but to our heavenly Father. It is His work in us that accomplishes what we do.

Giving to those in need is a God-honoring thing to do. Be sure you’re doing it for Him and for them, though, and not for yourself.

His, by Grace, Steve

Monday Thought – July 11, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-20)

This is a hard teaching that Jesus gave and He continued it by giving some specific examples of the extent of the Law’s restrictions. It’s not just actual murder that makes us guilty under the Law, but even getting angry at someone else. (Matthew 5:21-26) It is not just committing adultery that breaks the Law, but even looking at a woman lustfully. (Matthew 5:27-30)

So, if we are bound by the Law and guilty when we break it, what hope is there? All of us have been angry at someone in our lives. All of us men, at least, have looked lustfully on a woman. And there are many other attitudes of the heart for which we all stand guilty, even if we’ve never followed through with those attitudes to sinful action. We’re guilty, and therefore, condemned under the Law. That was true for Old Testament people and true for those of who live after New Testament times.

Thank God, there is One hope: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Through Christ, God forgives sinners and welcomes us into His family.

Thank God! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

His, by Grace, Steve

Friday Thought – July 8, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

People influence each other. If we think back through our own lives we will remember many people who have had an impact on us that has lasted all the years since then. A speech teacher when I was a junior in high school, a friend during my first two years of college, a preacher at my home church, a small group of pastor-friends, and many others have made a difference in my life.

Jesus challenges us in this section of the Sermon on the Mount to deliberately and intentionally strive to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Be salt to the people who are around you. Salt adds flavor to food and is also used as a preservative to prolong the life of some foods. So, too, we have the opportunity to bring flavor into people’s lives, to make them better and their lives more meaningful through Christ. By sharing Christ we have the opportunity to be involved in their eternal preservation!

Light exposes evil, protects us, and helps us see the next steps to take. So, too, we have the opportunity to be used by God in those ways in the lives of the people around us. Our lives have been lit by Him and He has asked for our help in bringing the light to others.

Remember and thank God for those who have made a difference in your own life. And think about how you can make a difference in the lives of others around you.

His, by Grace, Steve

Thursday Thought – July 7, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 5:1-10)

Someone has described the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as the teaching of Jesus capsulated in one sermon. And the Beatitudes have been described as the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount summarized in a few verses. The attitudes that Jesus describes and encourages in the Beatitudes are perfectly modeled in Jesus and they are the attitudes He longs to build into our lives.

Humility, a proper attitude toward sin, self-control, a longing for God, mercy, purity, a commitment to helping others, and a commitment to God, these are the attitudes God would build into our lives, if we’ll allow Him to.

And the overriding teaching of the Beatitudes is that when we allow God to build these attitudes into our lives we discover that the blessing comes to us. The bottom-line is that following God is the best thing for us and it is the best thing for the people around us, too.

His, by Grace, Steve

Wednesday Thought – July 6, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written:  “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan!  For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”’ (Matthew 4:1-10)

Jesus faced three powerful temptations. Satan was calling into question Jesus’ identity and power. They were also powerful temptations because they struck at points of need in Jesus’ life. He was hungry – to the point of starvation and turning the stones into bread would have been an easy way to satisfy His hunger. Throwing Himself off the temple was a temptation because Jesus wanted the multitudes to follow Him and if He had performed that feat the crowds would have seen and been in awe. The third temptation was powerful because Jesus did want the world and the path Satan offered was the easier path to that goal -- much easier than the cross.

The way Jesus was able to say “no” was through His knowledge of the Bible and ability to call it to His mind in the face of temptation. David wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Jesus had no special power that enabled Him to face temptation. He used the same tools that are available to us. He did that to conquer sin for us -- and to show us how to overcome temptation in our own lives.

His, by Grace, Steve

Tuesday Thought – July 5, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.  As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:13-17)

John tried to deter Jesus from His baptism. I’m convinced that his intentions were good. It was an act of humility, recognition, and worship. John wanted Jesus to baptize him, not the other way around. Jesus did not rebuke John, He just explained it further so that John could understand and then John was willing to do what Jesus asked of him.

But, I wonder, do we ever act like John did that day? Do we ever hear what Jesus asks us to do, and argue with Him about it? Do we ever give Him excuses why we should not do what He has asked? I know He’s patient with us, and often doesn’t rebuke us, He just explains further so that we understand. But that shouldn’t be necessary. Who are we to question God?

I know that what Jesus asked John to do didn’t seem reasonable. Sometimes what God asks of us doesn’t seem reasonable, either. But who is Master and who is servant?

Lord, what do you want me to do? What You ask doesn’t need to be reasonable, it just needs to be from You!

His, by Grace, Steve

Monday Thought – July 4, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.’” (Matthew 3:7-10)

Jesus is the great dividing place of life. What a person does with Jesus and His message will profoundly impact his life here in this world, as well as for all eternity.

John the Baptist was a strange man. He dressed funny. He had a funny diet. He lived in a funny place -- the wilderness. But his message was clear and straight-forward. He was calling people to a changed life.

Many people responded positively to John’s message and spiritual renewal came to Israel. People heard John’s message, came to him for baptism, and their lives were not the same afterward. But there were also curious people who came to John. These people weren’t really interested in hearing John’s message, they just wondered what he was about and wanted to see for themselves his impact upon other people. They heard the message, but they did not respond to it. They left with no change in their lives.

The message of Jesus is not to be a curiosity point. It’s not a message meant only for intellectual stimulation. It is meant to be life-changing! It will be if we respond to it in faith.

His, by Grace, Steve

Friday Thought – July 1, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

The second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel records three of the dozens of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled during His lifetime.

“Herod asked the priests and teachers of the law where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written.’” (Matthew 2:4-5)

“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:17-18)

“He went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’” (Matthew 2:23)

God carefully planned and divinely prearranged the coming of Jesus into the world. It wasn’t “plan B,” it was what He planned from the beginning of time. God knew before the world was created that man would need salvation. It wasn’t a plan hastily thrown together, but carefully prearranged and announced in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15) and through the prophets hundreds of years before His birth. Then, “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.” (Galatians 4:4) When all was just right, the plan unfolded and Jesus came.

God loves us enough that He carefully planned how He would save us. Then, at great cost to Him, He fully carried out His plan in Jesus. That’s the miracle of Christmas! It’s worth celebrating all year round!

His, by Grace, Steve