Thursday Thought -- May 31, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:31-40)

Talk about challenging!  There aren’t very many more challenging passages in the Bible than this one.  I know how I’d treat Jesus if I saw Him, but I know, too, that I don’t always treat those in need with the same concern and compassion that I would if it were Jesus.

If the person in front of you was Jesus, how would you treat Him?  That is a good challenge and test to apply to our lives.  And Jesus says that’s the way our efforts will be judged!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- May 30, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

In Matthew 25:14ff, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents.  Before leaving for a journey, a wealthy man entrusted his wealth to three of his servants.  To one he gave 5 talents, to one 2 talents and to the third one talent.  When he returned after a long time, the first servant had put the money to work and gained 5 more talents, the second had done the same and also doubled the wealth he had been entrusted with.  To each of them the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)

But the third servant had been afraid he would lose what the master had entrusted to him and so had hidden it in the ground.  When the master returned he gave the one talent back to him and the master said, “You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” (Matthew 25:27)

Jesus was not providing investment counsel with this parable, although it is good advice for that area of life.  Rather, He is talking about that with which He has entrusted His servants when He went on His long journey to heaven.  In the time between Jesus’ return to heaven after the resurrection and His second coming, He has entrusted to us, His servants, the responsibility of taking care of His kingdom.  What will we do with it?  Will we bury what we have received to protect it so that no one can take it from us?  That is a fortress mentality that would argue for Christians to get out of the world and live in isolation to keep from being affected by the world.  But to take that attitude would be to greatly disappoint the Master!

Jesus doesn’t want us to be isolated to protect what we have, but to be bold in using it to affect the lives of others.  We are to invest what He has entrusted to us so that it will produce a great return.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- May 29, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.  The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.  At midnight the cry rang out:  Here’s the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’  Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.  The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’  ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you.  Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’  But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived.  The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet.  And the door was shut.  Later the others also came.  ‘Sir!  Sir!’ they said.  ‘Open the door for us!’  But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’  Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13)

This story is told by Jesus to encourage His followers not to grow lax as we await His return.  It’s been 2,000 years!  It’s hard to keep thinking that He really is coming back when life has gone on as normal for so long.

But the promise of the Lord will prove true and He will return.  He delays for only one reason, His patience with people, His desire to see as many saved as possible.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”  (2 Peter 3:9-10)

So, stay alert and ready.  Watch for His coming and be prepared for it at any time.  Every morning, awake with this thought:  It could be today!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- May 28, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9-14)

Jesus predicted that a time would come when fierce persecution would overtake the church and many would desert the faith they said they had embraced.  Has that time come?  I don’t know if the particular time Jesus was speaking of has come or not, but many times like that have come in the 2,000 year history of the church and we are in a time like that even today.  Worldwide the church is experiencing as much persecution as it ever has.  More Christians died for the faith last century than in any other century in history.

Two important lessons strike me from Jesus’ prophetic words:

We have to hang on to Him.  Whether life is easy and comfortable or we are threatened with torture and death, we need to cling tightly to Jesus.  There isn’t any magic formula for doing that or any hidden secrets that can be shared.  It’s a matter of staying in the Word, maintaining a life of prayer, being in fellowship with other believers, and walking in obedience to the steps He lays before us.  These have always been the keys to a strong and growing relationship with Jesus and they always will be.

Even in the midst of the persecution, the importance of spreading the gospel remains.  Before the end will come Jesus promises that the Gospel will be preached in the whole world.  Persecution can never halt the spread of the Gospel and we must never allow it to.

The Second Coming may well be around the corner or it may be another thousand years away.  Whichever, the truths remain the same:  hang on no matter how tough it is and keep being involved in spreading the Gospel.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- May 25, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

Jesus said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You give a tenth of your spices -- mint, dill and cummin.  But you have neglected the more important matters of the law -- justice, mercy and faithfulness.  You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.  You blind guides!  You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.  Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  Blind Pharisee!  First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.  Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.  In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:23-28)

It’s easy to get caught up in the external things and ignore the internal things.  That’s what the Pharisees had done.  They got caught up in the law-keeping that could be seen:  tithing, praying in public, attending religious meetings, and other “religious duties.”  And they ignored the things of the heart:  justice, mercy, faithfulness, honesty.  Jesus compared them to people who worry and fret over the smallest impurity, but all the while are being defiled by major problems:  straining the gnat while eating the camel!

You see, Jesus knew that what is inside is far more important than what is outside.  The whole thrust of the Gospel is that we must take care of the matters of the heart.  And the truth is that if we take care of the matters of the heart they will work their way into every aspect of the way we live.

How often are you in church?  How do you worship?  What is your giving record?  In what way were you baptized?  The answers to those questions are absolutely meaningless, unless those things come out of your heart.  Take care of your heart first so that in the end you don’t hear the same horrible rebuke that the Pharisees received:  pretty on the outside, but rotten on the inside!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- May 24, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:  ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  So you must obey them and do everything they tell you.  But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.  They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.’”  (Matthew 23:1-4)

Hypocritical teachers, that’s what the Pharisees were.  Jesus was willing to call them hypocrites right to their faces.  He would do that several times before this chapter is finished.  Yet, the hypocrisy of the teachers did not invalidate what they taught.  Jesus still challenged the people to obey their teachers, not because of the quality of their lives, but because of the truth of what they taught.

We still have hypocritical teachers today.  There have been all too many times when American pastors of large churches have been accused of immorality or embezzlement.  The truth of the charges has been evident.  The church has been faced with many such scandals over the years.  Hypocritical teachers are not confined just to the days of the Pharisees -- nor just among large churches.

It is tempting, then, to ignore everything we’re taught by someone else.  Who knows whether or not that teacher will be revealed as a hypocrite someday.  And, in truth, every teacher could be revealed as a hypocrite at some level and in some area of life.  There has never been a sinless and perfect teacher, except Jesus!

But it is not the quality of the teacher that makes what they say worthy to be followed, rather, it is the truth of the message.  If it is from the Word, the message is true and should be followed, despite the inadequacy and failure of the messenger.

Focus on the Divine Message, not the human messenger.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- May 23, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’  Jesus replied:  ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:35-40)

Two biblical images come to mind when I consider Jesus’ answer to the question the legal expert asked:

The father was longingly waiting for the return of the prodigal.  He deeply love his lost son and hoped that his son would return.  What that father wants from his son is his son’s love!  It is what every parent wants most from their children.  A parent hopes for obedience, yes, but not out of a grudging heart.  A parent longs for the child to return his love.

The groom came for his bride.  Jesus’ day was a day of arranged marriages and strange courtships.  Yet, then, as now, the groom longed to woo his bride and see her respond with love.

Jesus chose those who images to describe God’s relationship to His people.  He is Father to us, and we are His children.  He is the Groom and we are His bride.  He loves us with a depth we cannot even imagine and He longs for us to respond to His love by loving Him.  That is what He desires most of all!

God loves you.  Love Him back!  And then learn to love others, too, because God does!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- May 22, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“‘'Teacher,’ the Pharisees and Herodians said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.  You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.  Tell us then, what is your opinion?  Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’  But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?  Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’  They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, ‘Whose portrait is this?  And whose inscription?’  ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.  Then he said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’  When they heard this, they were amazed.  So they left him and went away.” (Matthew 22:16-22)

Giving our highest allegiance to God does not mean that we ignore whatever responsibilities we have to others.  In fact, those who honor God will be the most responsible spouses, parents, citizens, and employees, as long as what is asked does not contradict our allegiance to God.

Paul and Peter provided a similar instruction about how to live our lives.  Paul wrote, “Give everyone what you owe him:  If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:7)

Peter said, “Show proper respect to everyone:  Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

Show respect and honor, and be responsible to all of the authorities God places in your life, but keep in mind above all, that God deserves our highest allegiance and nothing and no one should be allowed to interfere with that.  “Seek first His kingdom.” (Matthew 6:33)

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- May 21, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“When the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.  ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’  The man was speechless.  Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14)

The story above that Jesus told is a strange one of an invitation given and then taken back because the man didn’t come dressed appropriately.  It sounds elitist -- if you can’t afford to dress right, you don’t get into the feast!

But the wedding garments are freely given by the King and the one not wearing them did so because of his own stubbornness.  He would come to the banquet, but only on his own terms.

The truth of the matter is that we can only come to God’s banquet on His terms!  No matter how much He wants us there and how often He has invited us to come, He will not allow us in on our own terms.

And what is the wedding garment that we must put on before we are allowed into the eternal feast with God?  Paul’s admonition was to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:14)  He is the wedding garment, freely given by God, without which we will never be allowed to enter the feast.

Jesus is the terms of salvation … the only terms.  None will come to the feast without Him, with Him, anyone can come to the feast.

Thank God for Jesus.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- May 18, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

The prince was getting married and all the best people of the kingdom were invited to the celebration.  But they didn’t want to come!  Apparently they had better things to do.  They had other ideas of what was important.  Then Matthew records,

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.  Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’  So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” (Matthew 22:8-10)

The king sent his servants to invite those who “did not deserve to come.”  And so they invited “anyone” they could find.  Of course, it’s a parable about God’s grace and His invitation to us to join His eternal party with the Prince as the guest of honor!

We sure don’t deserve to come, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  But we’ve all been invited, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

That’s grace, an undeserved and unearned invitation to God’s eternal celebration … Heaven!  Everyone who has a relationship with God has received grace.  It’s the ONLY reason we’ll be in heaven for eternity!

Isn’t that great!  Thank God for it.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- May 17, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures:  ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?  Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.  He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whom it falls will be crushed.’” (Matthew 21:42-44)

The decisive element in all of life is what a person has done with Jesus.

The Jews of Jesus’ day rejected Him and in doing so thought they were hurting Him.  They were wrong.  They did not hurt Jesus, instead they only served to exalt Him to the place of preeminence.  They hurt only themselves, for they rejected the most marvelous gift God has ever given to man!

People of our day do the same.  In large measure, the world has rejected Jesus.  Most Americans don’t outright reject Him, they just ignore Him or marginalize Him.  They assign Him a tiny corner of their lives, if any at all.  In doing so, they hurt only themselves.

Their rejection will not affect who Jesus is.  It will not impact the ultimate outcome of creation.  But it will affect them.  One day they will discover that the One they turned away from was in truth the focus of all life.

For those who come to Jesus, He shows Himself the strong Rock that will never be shaken, the only right foundation for life.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- May 16, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“What do you think?  There was a man who had two sons.  He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’  ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.  Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.  He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.  Which of the two did what his father wanted?  ‘The first,’ they answered.  Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.  For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did.  And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.’” (Matthew 21:28-32)

Which of the two sons are you more like?  Are you like the one who promised and did not fulfill his word?  Or more like the one who didn’t promise, but fulfilled what the father wanted anyway?

There is an adage in the business world that is worth considering:  “Under promise, over deliver.”  Following that adage is a good way to build a long-term positive reputation in business.  Its opposite may get a company a lot of first orders, but repeat business is hard to come by:  “Over promise, under deliver.”

God is looking for those who will do more than mouth the right words.  God is looking for those whose lives reflect what we say we believe.  Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- May 15, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry.  Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.  Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’  Immediately the tree withered.  When the disciples saw this, they were amazed.  ‘How did the fig tree wither so quickly?’ they asked.  Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’” (Matthew 21:18-22)

God did amazing things through Jesus.

And Jesus said that God will do amazing things through us, too.  Paul declared that He was able to do, “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Jesus taught that we can tap into the power of God through our prayers.  God responds to prayers spoken with faith.  “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)  James said, “when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7)

God is looking for men and women who will ask with a confidence born of their trust in Him and with hearts that have been purified of their selfish motives and seek only His will.  When He hears those kinds of prayers, the answers He gives are amazing!  God does answer prayer.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- May 14, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.  ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him.  ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?’” (Matthew 21:15-16)

Why would anyone criticize others, especially children, for praising God?

Jealousy perhaps.  No one shouted praise to them like these children were doing to Jesus.

Fear that Jesus was going to take away their places of honor and power.

Fear of change.  If Jesus was the Messiah, He might well point out some areas in their lives that were not pleasing to God and change would be required.

A protective spirit.  They were comfortable with the status quo and anything that threatened to alter it would be viewed with great suspicion.

Indignation over what they thought was blasphemy.  The priests and teachers were not convinced Jesus was the Messiah, yet the praise of the children attributed that title (“Son of David”) to Him.  We, too, would be upset by what we considered blasphemy.  On the other hand, the miracles and teachings of Jesus should have already convinced these leaders of God’s people that Jesus was the Messiah.  They had been given ample opportunity to consider Him and more than sufficient evidence to be convincing.

Anytime something new comes along, criticism will always come along with it.  Change is hard.  But the question is not, “Do I like the change?” or any other question like that, but, “Is it from God?”  If it is from God, nothing else matters.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- May 11, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’’” (Matthew 21:12-13)

God longed to see His temple used as a place of prayer and some did use it so.  The early days of Jesus’ life includes a short story about a woman named Anna.  Luke says, “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.  Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38)  Anna spent all of her time at the temple and it was devoted to prayer.  God rewarded Anna’s faithfulness by allowing her to see and know the Christ-child.

But God no longer has a house!  Paul declared to the people of Athens, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” (Acts 17:24)

God dwells in a “house” made, not by human hands, but by Himself, for He dwells in the people who are His.  We are His temple, His dwelling-place. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

And God still longs for His temple to be a place of prayer!  God longs for His children to be people of prayer.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- May 10, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.  They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.  A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’  ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’  ‘Hosanna in the highest!’  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’  The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” (Matthew 21:6-11)

From our place in history, the acclaim of the crowd for Jesus that day doesn’t seem very impressive.  It would take only a few days for the crowds to turn from highest praise to its call for His death.  Jesus, too, knew what would happen in a few days.  The praise wasn’t all that gratifying to Him.

However, His disciples didn’t have the advantage of knowing the hearts of men or of knowing the future as Jesus did.  They must have been terribly excited by what was happening among the crowds.  For them, it must have seemed like vindication.  Though it didn’t always seem like it, they had made the right choice in following Jesus.

For Jesus, the last week of His life was not a roller-coaster of emotions going from the high of the Triumphal Entry to the despair of the cross.  But for His followers it was.  In reality, the highs weren’t really as high as they seemed and lows weren’t really as low as they seemed, either.  Their thoughts and emotions were so clouded by the temporary and by their lack of understanding.

Often mine are too!  What seem to be terrific highs often aren’t really as exciting as they seem.  What seem to be terrible lows often aren’t as devastating as they seem, either.

It’s just that I don’t see so clearly.  A good reason to trust and follow Someone who does!!!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- May 9, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her.  Untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.’  This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:  ‘Say to the Daughter of Zion,  ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’’  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” (Matthew 21:1-6)

This passage is the beginning of the Triumphal Entry, but before we move on to the actual ride into the city of Jerusalem there is an interesting point that comes out of the preparations.  When Jesus told the disciples to go to Bethphage and get the donkey and colt, He said to tell the owner, “The Lord needs them.”  Jesus knew that would be enough for the owner to release the animals without hesitation.

I wonder if I would have been so willing to release my animals to the Lord, or any other possession He asked for?  The Lord knew the heart of this owner and he knows my heart, too.

“The Lord needs them.”  Would that be enough for you to release possessions or money to Him?

“The Lord needs your time.”  Would that be enough to get you to volunteer?

“The Lord needs your talent.”  Would that be enough for you to take on a task?

When He asks, are we so willing to respond?

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- May 8, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.  Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  Jesus stopped and called them.  ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.  ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:29-34)

I’ve learned a lesson about prayer over the years of my relationship with the Lord.  When I pray very specifically that God would move in certain ways, the answers are often remarkable.  I can name numerous very specific, very unexpected answers to the requests I’ve made of the Lord when I’ve prayed seriously and specifically.

Jesus asked the two blind men, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He wanted them to specifically ask Him to restore their sight.  And when they asked, Jesus answered with compassion and power.

James wrote, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2)  Are there answers to prayer God is waiting to provide that we do not receive simply because we do not ask?  There were in the lives of those to whom James wrote.

Paul told the Philippians, “present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)  Let God know what you want Him to do!

Let’s ask God to purify our heart so that our motives are His motives, our desires are His desires, and then let’s ask, seriously and specifically and see how God answers with compassion and power!  He did for the blind men and neither His compassion nor His power has changed since then!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- May 7, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Matthew 20:25-28)

The rule of the Kingdom is service to others and an unselfish heart.  That spirit was perfectly modeled in Jesus.  If anyone had right to demand that others serve Him, Jesus did.  He was Lord of Creation, yet willingly became a servant to those He created.  Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus -- being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

He made Himself a servant to others.  He washed their feet.  He met their needs.  He served them even when He was hungry and tired.  The defining characteristic of His life was giving, He gave of Himself to those around Him.

And those who follow Jesus are called to the same lifestyle that He modeled.  We are called to a life of service to others, a life characterized by giving of ourselves to those around us.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- May 4, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.  ‘What is it you want?’ he asked.  She said, ‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’  ‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them.  ‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’  ‘We can,’ they answered.  Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant.  These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.’” (Matthew 20:20-23)

The Psalmist promised, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)  That sounds like the key to getting everything out of life that I want.  And my wish list is a long one:  wealth, prestige, power, etc., etc.  I have to admit that I would like it all.

But not all that I desire is something God will give me.  After all, my heart is “deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

The story from Jesus’ life of the request from the mother of James and John is an example of heart desires that God does not grant.  The request was wrong.  It was requested with a wrong spirit and wrong motivation.  It was not a request that was motivated by God and it did not come from a heart that delighted in the Lord.  The request came from the selfishness of the heart of the mother -- or perhaps of her sons -- and God said “no.”

Thank God that we don’t always get everything we think we want.  The world would be in even worse shape if all of us got what we wanted.  However, the more we focus on the Lord and delight in Him, the more heart surgery He will be able to do on us.  And as our heart reflects His heart more and more fully, the things we desire will be granted.

If we truly and fully delight in the Lord -- then, He will give us the desires of our hearts!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- May 3, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you!  What then will there be for us?’  Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’”  (Matthew 19:27-30)

Sometimes it costs to follow Jesus.  It cost Jesus’ first followers.  Peter was married, but left his wife and home for long periods of time to be with Jesus.  Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen.  They left their boats and nets, their businesses to follow Jesus.  It could not have been a good economic decision.  The same is true with Matthew.  The tax-collector’s booth was profitable, but Matthew walked away from it for Jesus.  Paul is still another example.  Advancing quickly beyond those his own age, Paul was destined for leadership and power and prestige among the people of Israel.  He laid it aside to follow Jesus and go from a persecutor to one being persecuted.

Is it worth it?  That seems to be Peter’s question.  Will there be some reward for what we give up?  It’s not a particularly good motivation for following God.  We are to follow Him not because of what we’ll get out of it, but because it’s right and because of how much He loves us.  Yet, rewards will come.  There will be eternal rewards, glorious rewards.

Whatever it costs you to follow Jesus will be worth it in the long run, the eternal run.  A hundred times as much awaits us!

It’s worth it to follow Jesus, no matter what it costs!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- May 2, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’  Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matthew 19:23-26)

Why is it hard for the rich man to be saved?  Because the rich man is usually able to handle everything for himself.  He can take care of all his own needs and doesn’t need help from anyone else.  But salvation requires the help of Another!  Until a person realizes he is helpless, he is without hope for salvation.

In America, we are taught to be self-reliant.  We are taught independence and the value of learning to take care of ourselves.  Those qualities make good Americans, but they are a barrier to salvation!  Salvation cannot come to the independent, to those who think they can take care of themselves.

Salvation can only come to those who throw themselves upon the mercy of God realizing that without Him they are completely and eternally lost.

The first step to salvation is recognizing our desperate need for Him!  We all have that need, none of us can truly take care of ourselves.  Some of us just think we can!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- May 1, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’  When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” (Matthew 19:13-15)

Jesus was a great man, and great men don’t have time for those who are not worthy to be in their presence.  Check out who gets the opportunity to have an audience with the President.  The powerful, the famous, the rich, the beautiful, these will be allowed to see him.  But the helpless, the unknown, the poor, the ugly, the common people, it’s extremely rare for such to have any chance to see him at all, unless there is some political advantage for the President.

The disciples must have been guarding Jesus’ time like the President’s men guard his.  They didn’t want Jesus’ time to be wasted on those who were not important.  Of course, their view of importance was different from the view of the President’s men, but some still didn’t measure up, as here the children did not.

Jesus taught His followers an important lesson here -- that no one is too unimportant for Him.  He has time for the lowliest, the least important persons in the world (and they are only unimportant in the eyes of the world, not in the eyes of the Lord)!

He has time for the children.  He has time for you.  He has time for me.  He has time for anyone who will come to Him!

His, by Grace,

Steve