August 31, 2012 Your Precious Life

Your Precious Life Matthew 27:13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge — to the great amazement of the governor. HERE’S one of those places where you see the extraordinary humility and love that personified the Son of God come in the flesh. With a few words from Jesus in defense of himself, Pilate would likely have released him. Jesus, the master orator, the great Teacher, the one who “tells you the truth” could have spoken a few words of truth to Pilate. Pilate was looking for a reason from Jesus to free him. But Jesus was humble and silent. Jesus remained the Jews’ and the Romans’ prisoner that day, so he could set you free from your prison on this day. Jesus’ great and good purpose on earth was to proclaim and do the purpose of God on earth. (John 3:17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Jesus could have condemned Pilate, Rome, King Herod, the Jewish authorities and the crowd that called, “Crucify him!” But he kept quiet and spoke only a few more words of care and forgiveness before he died that day. “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) In his last few breaths, Jesus fulfilled his servant mission with a prayer, petitioning the Father to forgive his killers. Indeed, Jesus is the humble servant King. Do you need assurance Jesus will walk with you through your very hard days, to free you from your sins? Look to this day in history and see Jesus humbled himself to save you. It’s True! Your life is the purpose of Jesus’ death.

August 30, 2012 What's Jesus Worth?

What’s Jesus Worth? Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot — went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. WE’RE always good in our lives at pointing to other people with accusation and say, “You did it!” Certainly through the centuries, Christians have pointed to Judas and said, “You did it, Judas! You betrayed Jesus.” Yes, Judas betrayed Jesus. He “sold Jesus” for 30 pieces of silver – a nice sum for a penniless rabbi-following Jewish man. I guess Jesus was worth more to Judas dead than alive. As I look at my own life—and I encourage you to look at your life—I wonder this: Is Jesus worth more to me dead than alive? I know, strange question, but think about it. What did you do today – or yesterday? What decisions did you make? What actions did you take? What words did you say? What words didn’t you say? Did you decide to “sell Jesus” for that porn site on your computer? Did you decide to “sell Jesus” for that lie you told to protect your back? Did you decide to “sell Jesus” for that money you spent on stuff rather than give to the church? Did you decide to “sell Jesus” for TV time as you kept his Word in your drawer? Need I continue? As Jesus taught Judas the truth, so he instructs you. Judas succumbed to Satan’s temptations. Judas sold his Savior and died to hellish torture. What must you do to treasure the Savior? It’s True! The Savior is your treasured possession. Keep him safe in your heart.

Augus5 29, 2012 Care for His Own

Care For His Own Matthew 25:31-40 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 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. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “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. 35 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, 36 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.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “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.’” YOU see a fascinating picture of Jesus’ power and of faithful living to the King. As Jesus goes to the righteous ones who cared for people in need, you see, too, how their faith in Jesus became a lifestyle of serving. Their faithful actions lead to eternal life. It’s True! A faithful heart serves the King.

August 28, 2012 Ready?

Ready? Matt 24:44-46 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. HOW DO you prepare for your meeting with the Lord Jesus? Whether you see him come in the air as the Son of Man, or you die and meet him in heaven, you will meet him, and you must be prepared. Preparation happens when you express the truth of you sins to Jesus and confess to him and the world he is the Savior of your life. But please know, through Jesus’ servant parable here, he clearly tells you your faith confession is more than words. When Jesus is truly your Savior, your faith response is to take action. As Jesus offers to you a picture here of a servant doing as his master commanded, so must you live in a servant way to your Savior, the Master. He commands you to obey his words and act to serve those around you. “How,” you may ask, “do I do that?” The truth is, I don’t know. I could offer to you some general examples from life and Scripture, but Jesus is the one who will answer your question. Seek him in his Word. Listen to others of faith as they speak to you about your gifts. Pray and listen to what he reveals in your mind. Examine your passions. Listen, hear and see, and you will know your Master’s servant path for you. It’s True! Jesus shows you if you want to know.

August 26, 2012 In or Out?

In or Out? Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 “But they paid no attention and went off — one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 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. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. 13 “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.’ 14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” WHEN Jesus told this parable of judgment upon those who would reject God’s invitation to salvation, the Pharisees were enraged and plotted to kill him. What’s your reaction? Obey Jesus or “kill” him? It’s True! Jesus saves.

August 24, 2012 Not Fair!

Not Fair Matthew 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” DO YOU believe the lie that everyone is equal? I know. This is a radical statement. After all, for those who live in the United States, the Declaration of Independence begins with, “All men are created equal.” And we cling to this concept to be sure all people have equality in every aspect of life. We spend trillions of dollars desperately trying to keep everyone “equal”. But the biblical reality is that God forms people for very different purposes. For example, as Isaac blessed Jacob, Esau was left out of the blessing. As God anointed David as King of Israel, he left David’s brothers on the “farm”. As John was given a long life, his brother James was young martyr of the church. These brothers had different, certainly unequal lives; yet, they lived in the life God formed for them. Furthermore, Jesus chose only 12 disciples, and God chose only one nation. Some are chosen to salvation. Some are granted the blessing of long healthy living. The “unequal” list goes on. You are not created to have an equal life with everyone else on the planet. But the thing is equality with other humans exists in the context of God’s sovereign authority guiding your life through all circumstances. We all have equal access to the Father through prayer. We all have equal opportunities to read his Word and to live in his truth. God shapes our lives differently, and he calls you to submit to the life he forms for you. Do you feel life is unfair? Look instead to see your life as a gift from God to live in the plan and purpose he has for you. It’s True! You are to be content with the ways God forms you.

Augus5 23, 2012 Deadly Sin

Serious Sin Matthew 18:8-9 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. PARENTS, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all you with kids around, what do you do to impress upon your children how they MUST look both ways before they step into the street? Do you tell them how they could be hurt badly, even killed or maimed? Do you tell them how important they are to you, how you desire they are safe? Your warning purpose is to make an impression on them, so they will make the correct, safe decisions and save themselves from harm, even death. Jesus speaks to his disciples in the same “child protecting” language you use for children. Just as you know the deadly danger that awaits a careless child, Jesus knows the hellish fire that awaits the unprepentant sinner. In your street warning, there is no compromise. As you tell your child, “Do this or die.” Jesus is saying, “Do this or die.” The eternal torture that awaits you if you live in sin is so utterly terrible, it would be far better for you to remove the foot, hand, or other body part that causes you to sin. Is there a battle in your heart between dashing into the street or safely crossing the street? Then pray for a heart and mind to cut off the sin, before the sin cuts you off from Jesus. It’s True! Sin will kill you—forever.

August 22, 2012 Mustard Seed Store

Mustard Seed Store Matthew 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn't we drive the demon out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” YOU who live in Waupun, Wisconsin are very aware of the Bargains Galore Thrift Store. Several years ago, a few faithful people stepped out with mustard seed faith to “move a mountain”. Quoting from the store’s website: “Bargains Galore Thrift Store officially opened its doors on August 2, 2001. The Central Wisconsin Christian School society was hoping the store would profit $40,000 the first year. But God poured out His blessings upon the store as the store had sales of $150,000. “Each year since has seen significant increases. As of 2012, Bargains Galore has amazingly contributed over $2,600,000 to Central Wisconsin Christian School and Randolph & Faith Christian Schools.” As Jesus proclaimed the power of mustard seed faith to “move mountains”, I hope this story helps you to pray to move “mountains” in your life. Here you see people moving into action. As they prayed for God’s will to be done, funds and facilities came to the group. Bargains Galore grew into a business that has brought income beyond the founders’ goals. The money has helped hundreds of children rest upon the branches of a Christian education. What “mountains’ need to move into or out of your life? Is fear of failure or doubt holding you back? Faithfully pray for Jesus to move the mountain. Then see what he will do. It’s True! In Jesus’ will, mountains will move.

August 21, 2012 Right Teaching

Right Teaching Matthew 15:8-9 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. HOW do you decide the right thing to do? That’s a question that seems to come up several times a day as you are involved in work, family, church and even your leisure time. At the foundation of your response to, “What should I do?” are some basic rules to help you sort out the right “doing” from the wrong “doing”. As Jesus stepped onto the world’s stage to announce the Kingdom of God, he proclaimed he had come to “free the prisoners” (Luke 4:18). This statement referred to those imprisoned in sin’s ways. And one of sin’s ways was the Jewish way of adding to God’s law. God’s gave his law to his people so they would know what to do and what not do as they related to him and to each other. God’s law freed his people to clearly answer, “What do I do?” And God’s good law cared well for his people’s spiritual and physical life. As Jesus came to “fulfill the Law” (Matthew 5:17), he came to release his people from restrictive rules formed by the Jewish culture through the centuries. Those cultural rules caused people to focus on their human leaders instead of the Lord God. Jesus’ teachings were to turn mankind’s focus off man’s ways and onto God’s truth. As you decide, “What do I do?” base your choices on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, by his blood, he has set you free from sin and the world’s ways. A good thing to thing to do is to do is what Jesus has taught you to do. It’s True! This works for all of you decisions.

August 19, 2012 Out of the House

Out of the House Matthew 13: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. I DON’T know. Maybe I’m just tired right now, feeling a little lazy and wishing I could just “stay in the house” – do what I want to do. Is that why I stop to consider Jesus’ very plain and simple action? After all, there is so much good teaching in this chapter, I could easily write reams of lessons for you on how to live a Kingdom life. The thing is, this verse is a lesson on Kingdom living. And here it is. Jesus left his house to get ready to teach the remarkable words recorded in this chapter. He went to a place prepared to receive a large crowd. He went in anticipation, not of a day off, but of a day “on” – a day preaching on the truth of the Kingdom of God…a day teaching on the lake so more could hear…a time of being on center stage, so the world would know the King had come. Yes, Jesus went out of the house because that’s where the action was. That’s where the ministry happened. He left his cozy confines, choosing to meet with the lost, the weary, the broken and the lifeless. He left the house and went to the lake to prepare for the work the Spirit would do through him. The lesson is so “Jesus”. Jesus is a doing Savior. As he left this house that day, he illustrates how he left his heavenly house, came to earth and sat down to teach the world, to teach you his magnificent Kingdom truths. He’s the king worth listening to. He’s the king worth following. It’s True! Get out of the house, and you, too, can do Kingdom work.

August 17, 2012 See Me

See Me Matthew 11:1-6 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” AS John was in jail for his true preaching to Herod, he had to be wondering if, indeed, Jesus was the one who save the world. If the Kingdom of God had come to earth, how could he, John, be in jail? Jesus’ words defined Kingdom reality. Certainly as John’s disciples reported Jesus’ answer to John, John would have received the answer he needed to rest in the assurance that the King had, indeed, come. What do you need to see the Kingdom in your life? Do you sometimes look at your circumstances and feel Jesus hasn’t come to you, hasn’t saved you, and hasn’t made a difference in your life? Do you ask him in your heart and mind, “Are you the one?” Then be as John and seek an answer. You can ask Jesus personally in your prayers. You can get his answer in your prayers as he speaks to your mind. His will show you his answers, too, in his book, the Bible. It’s True! Pursue Jesus and he’ll clearly answer you.

August 16, 2012 Who Wants It?

Who Wants It? Matthew 10:16-18 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.” WOULD YOU apply for this job? Watch yourself! Be shrewd and don’t cause any trouble. You’ll be put into jail or flooged because you tell the Gospel message to Jewish and Gentile authorities. “Okay, Jesus, sign me up! I love being beaten and telling the Gospel to people who will not listen to me.” What do you think? Are you ready for this part of being a Christian? We love the part about being saved, about Jesus being our King and about going to Heaven someday. We even can get excited about serving Jesus in some way. But can we get excited about risking our repuatation and our lives for the Good News? Why not? Why are we so afraid to tell Jesus to the world? What do you think the disciples thought? Were they ready to leave Jesus and go home as he instructed them? I don’t think so. I believe they were excited to speak the Good News precisely because it is the Good News! They had seen the Word of God walk into the world’s sinful, broken lives to forgive and heal. They had watched the transformation of people from lame to strong, leprous to pure skin, deaf to sound, mute to speech and death to life! They knew the power, and they went. How about you? It’s True! A Good News passion is a passion for life.

August 15, 2012 Who's the Sinner?

Who’s the Sinner? Matthew 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” A HUGE challenge in the church and Christian circles has always been to reach out to the “sinner”. In the church’s first years, some of the Jewish people who converted to Christianity felt it was inappropriate for the Gospel to go to the Gentiles, the non-Jews of the world. After all, God certainly didn’t intend for salvation for the sinner Gentiles, too! As churches have developed in communities throughout history and the world, there often seems to be this mentality of “us” and “them”. “Don’t go where the ‘sinners’ are. They’ll contaminate you.” Jesus’ actions clearly show you that it is necessary to enter into the “sinners” homes to teach them Heaven’s truths. The fact that Jesus came from Heaven’s holiness to earth’s sin is a wondrous picture of divine grace pouring out to you, me and the whole sinful world. He has come to us that we might be saved. What is your response? Jesus, perfect and holy, has come to save you the sinner. Will you pray for the unsaved? Will you support missions to the unsaved? Will you go to the unsaved? The “sinners” need Jesus. Will you give them Heaven’s truths? It’s True! Life begets life. Go and offer life to those who are dieing.

August 14, 2012 Popular Truth

Popular Truth Matthew 8:1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. JESUS’ sermon is done. He has come down the mountain from the “Sermon on the Mount”. He must have said some really popular things—“You’re all good! Live as you like. Don’t let a thing called sin get in the way of your happiness. Be yourself!” After all, “large crowds followed him”. The thing is, the Sermon on the Mount is one of history’s most compelling calls to live into Kingdom truth. Consider such radical commands as, “Turn the other cheek. Do not judge, or you, too, will be judged. Do to others what you would have them do to you. Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 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. Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock.” Jesus has spoken into the culture to tell them in effect, “You are not good. You are in danger of perishing in the storms of sin. You must change to the ways of God and build your lives on God’s eternal truths. You must do these words, or you will perish.” Jesus spoke the truth, and large crowds were followed him. In the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s Kingdom work was done on earth as it is done in heaven. Do you desire the church of Jesus Christ to grow? Do you desire people to be saved in his truth? Then pray for the compelling Kingdom truth to be spoken in the church. Large crowds will come to the truth. It’s True! People long for the truth.

August 12, 2012 What Worries you?

What Worries You? Matthew 6:25 “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?” DO YOU worry? Of all the ways I see people struggle, worry could be the most common. Why do I call worry “struggle”? After all, as many people will say, “I have to do something! I can’t just let it go.” My response is, “Why not? Jesus commands you ‘do not worry’.” When Jesus speaks, he speaks the truth, and this “worry truth” is for you. What, may I ask, has worry ever done for you? Oh, that’s right! Worry has raised your blood pressure, caused you sleepless nights, given you headaches, caused a rash on your skin, or separated you from healing thoughts. Worry has stifled you and restricted your relationship with Jesus. After all, if you worry, you certainly are in control, aren’t you? Actually, you’re not. The fact is, you’re not trusting Jesus, and you’re out of control. Physically, emotionally and spiritually, worry will take your eyes off the Master and focus your eyes on you. Worry is right there alongside pride to cause you to feel, “I’m in control.” Jesus, of course, knows this. He speaks against worry because worry means you lack faith in God’s consummate love, authority and protection for you. You disdain moving out of your comfort zone because you worry “something might happen”. Worry can keep you from truly understanding Jesus’ grace, from trusting he will completely care for you. As you know Jesus as your Savior, consider this: Did Jesus save you because you worried he wouldn’t? It’s True! Worry is a faith issue. Pray for release from worry.

August 11, 2012 A Good List

A Good List Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” YOU’VE probably seen these “blessings” on a wall plaque or on a list somewhere. The “beatitudes” or blessings of Jesus are wonderful words to live by as you go through the joys and trials of everyday life. When you realize there is joy out of the mourning, there is strength out of the meekness, there is reward for offering mercy and peace, you can see how good it is to live in the Lord’s ways. To bless someone means to add value to someone’s life. In this list, Jesus adds to your life a view past “right now” to point you to a blessed life with him forever. It’s True! Blessed are those who believe in Jesus.

August 10, 2012 Why Geneologies?

Why Genealogies? Matthew 1:1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: SO, YOU’RE all excited to read Matthew’s Gospel about Jesus’ teachings, but then you come to this—a genealogy. Are you still excited? You might be if genealogy is your hobby. Or you might just skip over it and get to the “good stuff”. Why would it be good to pause and consider the genealogy? Actually, this genealogy is for you because Matthew desires his readers to know the Gospel’s truth. Matthew was a Jew—his name was Levi when Jesus found him in the tax collector’s booth. He’s one of the two disciples whose account of Jesus’ life is in the Bible. Matthew is writing to convince other Jews that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah from David’s line. Matthew’s original title is “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” In the Jewish language, this means this is the total story of Jesus, the Messiah. Matthew indicates he is about to reveal the truth of Jesus’ birth, his life’s activities, his suffering, his death, his resurrection and his ascension! Imagine what the first Jewish readers thought when they saw the title. They may have excitedly opened it to say, “I want to learn all about the Messiah!” Others may have said, “You’ll have to prove this to me, Matthew.” Others may have said, “I’m sure this is a bunch of lies. The Messiah certainly wasn’t Jesus.” So, the genealogy is part of the testimony of the truth of Jesus Christ. It is a snapshot of God’s grand picture of salvation come from Abraham to you. It’s True! Matthew wrote to prove Jesus to the Jews. I pray he’s proved it to you.

August 9, 2012 All That Matters

All That Matters Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. THE TEACHER teaches well. He teaches true. His words are words of life for you. As you long to see God, he will show up. The Teacher reminds you life is beyond your human understanding. You strive to know, “Why?” You get close, but you don’t quite reach that place of complete understanding, knowing what God is saying to you and what he wants you to know. You want the music of God’s voice to strengthen you and comfort you. You long for God’s voice to save you from discouraging and disappointing days. I think the song “Sound of Your Voice” by Third Day is a good modern day paraphrase of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: I ran away from your love But you waited for me Yes, you waited for me And then I heard your song Singing over me Singing over me Now that I hear you, Lord I want to know you more I want to know you more Sing your song to me Oh, there’s no greater thing Than to listen to the sound of your voice When I hear your song I want to sing along And listen to the sound of your voice The sound of your voice Yes, God’s voice comes to give to your life truth and meaning. Listen to his voice. Know the good things he has for you. Keep away fromevil. Walk with him on a faith journey of wonder and joy. It’s True! God gives your life meaning.

August 6, 2012 Life Help

Life Help Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. THIS PRETTY well covers it, don’t you think? We live in a world of change. The events of time and conditions of human life are very different and occur in conjunction with each other as life moves from moment to moment. And what causes life to move and events to change? Of course, it is God, the Maker of Heaven and earth. You do not have the power to change what is appointed for you, but you do have the Lord to guide you through what he gives you. People will say, “God doesn’t give you what you can’t handle.” That’s not true. He gives you life you can’t handle on your own. He wants you to turn to his wisdom to help you know what to do. It’s True! Life comes from God. So does His wisdom to live life.

August 5, 2012 Where's Meaning?

Where’s Meaning? Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? ECCLESIASTES is a book of varied thoughts, a wide range of emotions and an ultimate understanding that everything outside of God is meaningless. To go from this beginning to the end of the book, the writer contemplates what life looks like from a human point of view, and helps you see what life means from God’s point of view. The evidence isn’t conclusive, many credit Solomon, the son of King David, to be the author. Although he was a man of immense wealth and wisdom, he had strayed from God. As he approached the end of his life, God gave him a view of his family’s future. As God’s punishment to Solomon, God would remove his descendants from Judah’s throne. These opening words to Ecclesiastes are Solomon’s response to what God’s Spirit had revealed to him. Solomon saw that he kingdom of Rehoboam, his son, was about to be divided with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat; and the temple he had built would be destroyed. Solomon also saw that the people of Judah would be sent into captivity. Solomon is seeing that his earthly work will come to nothing for his family’s future. Solomon has rejected the legacy of wisdom and truth in God. He has traded God’s ways for the world’s ways. And all is empty. Yes, what he says here is true. All is meaningless IF you look at the world. Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s plea for meaning in life. What he forgot is that life’s meaning comes only from Life himself. It’s True! Life gives breath to life.

August 3, 2012 Jesus Feeds You

Jesus Feeds You Matt 16:8-12 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." WHAT don’t you understand? Why do you constantly need convincing that Jesus is LORD and that he is King over all things—even you? Jesus is wondering that about his disciples. They had twice witnessed miraculous meals of thousands of people from a few loaves of bread and fish. They had seen many blind, lame and mute people healed. Yet, in the Scripture prior to this, they wondered how they would get food for themselves that night in a remote place. In the miracles, Jesus was displaying his glory to his disciples. He was showing them physical healings and offering spiritual teachings. Yet it seems that all the things Jesus had done made no difference to their relationship with Jesus. Daily, Jesus had to begin again to teach them. So do you. The world floods you with doubt. You ask yourself, “What do I do?” instead of seeking Jesus, “Show me the way, Lord.” To combat the doubt, I urge you listen to your LORD’s words. Notice what he is doing in your life. Notice and remember the blessings he gives you, and you will trust him in testing times. It’s True! Jesus is always ready to feed you.

August 2, 2012 The Healer is Here

The Healer is Here Matthew 14:34-36 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. WHAT DOES it take to know the healing power of Jesus? You must recognize him and believe on him. That’s what happened in Gennesaret. Do you see what the men did when they recognized our Lord as he came off the boat? They went to “all the surrounding country” to tell people he was here. “The healer is here. The one who makes the blind see, the deaf hear the lame walk. He is here!” Did they have to persuade people to come? No. The people had heard, and they were ready for him. Oh, that this would be so today for friends, for family, for neighborhoods that deny our Lord. How wonderful it would be if they came running to touch his cloak and receive his incredible power of cleansing and restoration. How truly magnificent it would be to see this healing of bodies and souls within our midst. Pray for such things. Pray the Lord will come through you, that people will recognize the Lord in you and the church, that they will come running to touch him in profound and eternal life-changing ways. It’s True: Jesus healing is really for you.