Faith to Forgive

So watch yourselves.“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Luke 17:3-5 NIV

Sometimes it seems hard to trust God that if we forgive someone that we won't be opening ourselves up for more hurt. Forgiving someone does not make them perfect. Christ forgave my sins, but, I still sin (See I John 1:8-10), even though I try not to. Sin happens. 

Faith, trusts God to be Sovereign over even the damage of sin in our lives. Our sin and the sin of others, intentional and accidental. 

Father, give us the faith to forgive and trust you with what happens. 

Value RIght

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

Luke 16:14-15 NIV

I guess the question is: Do I value what God values?

You Are Always With Me

   The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him...

  "My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." 
Luke 15:28, 31

God, always makes the first move. His Spirit is the One who works within us to desire to even think about God. If you are seeking God in any way (even reading this blog), that was not your innate spirituality causing you to do that, no, it's the Spirit of the Living God drawing you to Himself. Every thought of God is proof of the Spirit of God within you. God goes out to you. 

It's easy to forget that God is with us. It shouldn't be, but it can be. Yet, the truth is that God will never leave us or forsake us and even if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful. Notice that in the parable it says, "you are always with me." It does not say, "I am always with you." Jesus is placing the focus on the son knowing where he was. Where are you with God? If you are a Christian the answer is that you are always with God. 

Are You THE Judge?

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 4:11-12

All Times Are Trust Times

Trust in him at all times, you people; 

   pour out your hearts to him,

   for God is our refuge.

Psalms 62:8 NIV

I love that "all times" is the time to trust God. Isn't that awesome! What kind of time is it for you right now? Wether it's a time of rest or a time of trial, at time of battle or victory, it's time to trust the Lord, to pour your heart out to him and seek him as your refuge.  

Here's the Keys

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:31-32 NIV

When I was in my teens I had a bit of a dare-devil, Evel Kneivel, in me. So, by the time I was old enough to drive my dad (wisely) told me if I wanted to drive I could, I'd just have to pay for the car and insurance myself. Because I really was into sports I didn't have the time to work enough to pay for a car and insurance. 

Eventually, I got my drivers license but not a car. I actually was just graduated from high school and no longer living at home. I was working for  a construction company and driving the company truck. One day my day called me up and said I could use his truck. It was a very nice two-toned four wheel drive pick up truck with mag wheels. He said he noticed me driving the company truck and if I was responsible enough for that then I was responsible enough for him to let me use his. 

In the same way my father was pleased to let me use his truck, our Father in heaven is pleased to give us the kingdom. He will care for our needs. We just have to seek his kingdom, seek to be faithful, seek to lift up Jesus in our lives. 

I encourage you, seek first his kingdom. Let him be king in you today where ever you go and what ever you do. 

Go Ask Your Father

I don't know how it goes in your family, but sometimes I am on the father side of, "Go ask your father." You know what? For the most part I would like to give my children everything, because they usually ask for reasonable stuff. But, I can only give what I can afford. Our Father in heaven has no such issues. And his love is even greater. So, go ask your Father. 

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:11-13 NIV

Stirred, not Shaken

Waking up this morning you're probably, like me, started thinking about all the things you want to do and have to do today. But, one thing we absolutely need is to find rest for our souls in God alone. 

Today, while you are taking care of the needs of your family know that God is your rock, your mighty rock and no matter what may happen, in him, you will not be shaken. 

Be stirred to trust in Christ to be your rock and don't be shaken by the trials of the day!

Lose It To Save It

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self ?

Luke 9:23-25 NIV

A Prayer for the Heart

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Luke 8:15 NIV

Father, I pray that my heart would be noble, honest and good so that I may hear Your word and obey it. May Your word find root within me and produce an abundant and fruitful crop of righteousness. 

What Comes Up?

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Luke 6:45 NIV

I've noticed that there are two times when I can see what is in my heart. The first is when I have a moments down time. The second is when I'm reacting quickly, usually if someone or something upsets me. What comes up then gives me a pretty good indication of what's in my heart. 

In a moment of down time I tend to think about what is really occupying my thoughts. When I am upset I can see what is at the bottom of my heart. 

What I need to do is fill my heart and mind with good things. Again, I am not throwing out a guilt bomb telling you to read your Bible every spare moment you have or pray every day during your coffee break and lunch. (Don't be afraid to if you want, but don't vow yourself into a corner.) But, do spend some time in prayer and reading the Bible. Put all things in perspective, under Christ. 

Enemy Love

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:35-36 NIV

Thinking purely in human terms an enemy is someone to be defeated, destroyed and killed. That is a mutual stance. But, in the kingdom of God, that is not necessarily how it works. 

In Christ, God is merciful to us, even though we were ungrateful and wicked. We, even after accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, often act more like enemies of God than faithful servants. Yet, he still loves us faithfully and mercifully. 

Now the application of this truth is that we need to be merciful to the ungrateful and wicked people in our lives. A few people come to mind that I know I will probably see today. Because I work with them. Who comes to mind for you?

Lord, give us the love to be merciful to our enemies just as you have been and are merciful to us. 

It's Not About the Mat

Legalism always gets us looking in the wrong direction. Legalism focuses on the outward manifestation of right or wrong while faith starts from the inner being, the heart.  

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Luke 5:22-26 NIV

It may be easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," but, to say, "Get up and walk," and actually heal the paralyzed man...that demonstrated Christ's authority. 

As my friends in the south would say, "Let me ask you this," which is harder to do heal the paralyzed man or forgive his sins? Frankly, the death of Christ on the cross shows us that to forgive our sins is the costliest and most difficult thing in all of history, if not eternity. 

Think about it. The heavens and earth were created with a word. Our redemption cost the death of Christ, his separation from the Father, his humiliation as a man. He left eternity and was stuck in time. In human form he experienced our need, our pain, our hunger. At the moment of his death he cried out and "the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks split. The tombs broke open..." (Matthew 27:51-52a). 

Back to the mat. Jesus may heal you, but, what you need is forgiveness.  When Christ says he will forgive your sins, it's no mere flippant word by Jesus.  Christ may tell you to pick up your mat and walk, but, don't forget he forgave your sins. 

Look to the Lord, Your Rock.

Thank you, Lord, because you are the Rock that is higher than us!

Whenever David found himself in trouble, which apparently was quite often, he would look to his Rock, the Lord God Jehovah, and trust in him. 

Whatever the trouble you have found yourself in, look to the Rock because he is above it all and he will hear your prayer.

Vow Up

I am under vows to you, my God;

   I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death 
   and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

   in the light of life.

Psalms 56:12-13 NIV

On Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming album there is a song titled "Gotta Serve Somebody". I remember watching him perform the tune on Saturday Night Live. The reality of life is that you are either serving God or you're a slave to sin. There is no other option.

Today is a good day to remember that we belong to Christ. We thank him because he has delivered us from death, eternal death, which is eternity without God and without hope. That is the good news for the future. Someday we will be with him in paradise.

In his amazing grace he also keeps our feet from stumbling in the present. Remember that David wrote this about a time when he was escaping the Philistines by acting like a mad man while running from Saul, who was trying to kill him. If you have ever run from someone you know that if you stumble and fall, your done. The Spirit of God is there to help us as fight the good fight on a daily basis. 

The end that God has in mind for us is that we walk before him in the light of life. Get it? God delivers us so that we, by faith, may enjoy his presence now. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12b). Thank God that he sent his Son to die for us, that his Spirit may indwell us and light the path he puts before us. 

In a sense, what we must do is vow up. Remember we gave our selves to Christ and promised to follow him. Vow up, brothers and sisters in the Lord!

Got Fear? Get Trust.

When I am afraid, 

   I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise—

   in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalms 56:3-4 NIV

Fear is not abnormal. Fear, can be an honest internal warning sign God has placed within us to help us avoid a potentially disastrous situation. In 1 Samuel 21 David had fled Saul and ended up in Achish, which was a kingdom he had attacked. Your classic out of the frying pan and into the fire deal. So, he acts like a crazy man and they send him on his way, hiding in caves from Saul. 

In the midst of that he sought God, he put his trust in God. He doesn't say he was never afraid. He does not hint that fear is a lack of faith. He just says when he is afraid, he seeks God, puts his trust in God and realizes that man can only do so much to him. What can mere mortals, mere men do to him? 

Do you have fear? That's probably normal. There are a lot of things that can be scary. What's important is that you turn to Christ and trust in him. He loves us enough to come down as a man and die in our place, for our sins. He said he would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Nothing can take us out of his hand.

God fear? Trust God. He is with you. 

Prepare the Way: Be Real, Be Willing

And you, my child, will be called 
   a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord 
   to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation 

   through the forgiveness of their sins,

Luke 1:76-77 NIV

Every day we represent Christ to the dying world around us. This is no guilt trip. It's just the truth. We don't have to be perfect, we just have to be real and willing. 

If we are not real, as in honest about our own shortcomings and sinfulness, we will just be hypocrites. You see, as a Christian, our witness is not about how good we are, but, it's about how good God is. Our neighbors, co-workers and friends don't need us, they need Jesus. Our very humanness is our opportunity to let the grace of God in our lives witness to those around us. 

Be willing, when the moment appears, to share in whatever way you can. You don't have to have an alter call. You don't have to stand on a soap box. Just be willing to share anything that God has done in your life. The Holy Spirit can take the smallest thing (in our eyes) and use it to make a way into someones heart. Maybe all you did was mention that you went to church in a conversation. That's all the Spirit needs. Just be willing. 

Got Cares?

Cast your cares on the Lord 

   And he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalms 55:22 NIV

The Upside Down Kingdom

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"

Mark 15:29-30

The world just doesn't get it. Jesus didn't come to save himself, he came to save sinners, to save you and me.

The Kingdom of God is not like the world's kingdoms which are all about who's on top, no, the Kingdom of God is the upside down kingdom. Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, came not to be served but to serve. Jesus was not on the cross to make himself king, he already was king. Jesus was on the cross to get us into the kingdom.

Thank you, Jesus, that you died for me. Thank you that you endured the cross so that I might be in your kingdom. Thank you, my Lord and my King. 

Set Your Sights

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. 

   Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 

   “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:61-62 NIV

We look back to the when Jesus first came and we look forward to the when he will come again reigning in power. 

As we start off this new week I encourage to remember that the real purpose of our lives is to advance the Kingdom of God. No matter where you work, God still reigns in you. You are his Kingdom representative. As Paul told the Colossians, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will  receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." 

So, set your sights on serving Christ in everything you do.

God Has Delivered Me!

For he has delivered me from all my troubles,
   and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
Psalm 54:7

Drop a Sacrifice of Praise in the Comment Section

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
   I will praise your name, O LORD,
   for it is good.
Psalm 54:6

OK, here's the deal. I am not going to suggest you kill a dove, goat or a bull. Neither will I challenge you to set apart an hour of your day to read the word and pray. 

I will encourage you to take a moment and thank God for something in your life that he has done recently. Write it in your journal, text it to a friend, or put it on your calendar. Maybe post it in the comment section below. 

Thanks be to God because he is good!

By His Might

David wanted to be saved and he wanted to be vindicated. He knew if either of those were going to happen it had to be by God's hand, by God's MIGHT in his life. David might fight the battle but he knew it was God working through him that would bring the victory. 

I've coached several of my kid's sports teams. Every now and then there are a few kids who are just sort of there. Maybe their parents made them participate, but, clearly it wasn't their idea. Once I was coaching a soccer team and a couple of girls were out on the pitch and the ball went by them and they didn't even notice because they were so engrossed in their eleven year old girl conversation, intently listening to each and giving each other their full attention. Both girl's parents were screaming, "Get the ball! Stop talking and get the ball!!" (Yes, one was mine.) They both jerked to attention and ran futilely after the ball.  

Here's the deal: we must realize that we are in a spiritual battle and that our victory is in Christ in order to attain the victory. We must look to God, because the victory is by his name and by his might, not ours. It is easy to get sidetracked and distracted and miss what God has for you. Sometimes God will use something to sort of jolt you to get your attention refocused on the spiritual battle you are in. Refocus and get after what ever God has before you!

How Can I Help?

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as 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 slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:41-45 NIV

You know the difference between a "Here I am" person and a "There You Are" person? The first is all about themselves and the other is all about others. Christ, who is God, always has been God, and always will be God, came to serve, not be served. We should be like him. 

As you approach each person, as yourself, are you maneuvering to get something for yourself or are you looking for an opportunity to serve? 

Let me ask you, how can I help you?

Wise Up

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

James 3:13 NIV

What I do, not what I say demonstrates wisdom. I am a teacher so, I realize the importance of speaking accurately and intentionally. But, if my students don't think I give a rip about them, they find it hard to value much I say.

The love of God, the wisdom of God in action, is seen in Christ's sacrificial death for us on the cross. That wisdom provides peace for us with God and other people. 

My prayer is that you and I can act in wisdom. May the love of Christ compel us to humbly act with godly wisdom as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

It's Your Call

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Mark 8:34-38 NIV

There isn't any thing you can add. We just have to decide, follow Chrisi or not. If you are. Christian, you have to ask yourself, "Am I?"

Healing for Your Hearing

People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mark 7:37 NIV

A few years ago my wife told me I needed to have my hearing checked. The thing is that I could hear her, I just seemed to miss a word in the middle of a sentence. Apparently, loud music, years working construction, plus supervising screaming school children have had an adverse affect upon my hearing. 

The audiologist told me that the loss of hearing is not so much the 10% for one ear and 30% the other, but, that certain sounds become muffled, like say the "f, ph" sound.  That explained why sometimes I seem to miss just one word. It's as if my wife just covered her mouth for one word. Strangely, it always seems to be the most meaningful word in the sentence! She'll call me at work and ask, "Honey, on your way home please pick up some mmfppfff." Even when I say, "Pick up some what?" She thinks I'm not listening or paying attention. 

Spiritually, I think we get like this. We hear everything but the specific word we need to hear. We can go to church and somehow miss what the message was all about or how it applies to us. We read the Bible and find our thoughts wandering to the strangest places. 

If you remember the verses in the first part of Mark 7 you will remember that what goes into our hearts can determine what we choose to let out by our actions. 

The bottom line is Christ needs to heal our hearing and our speaking. The Spirit of God needs to fill us with living waters that will flow out our lives. The abundance of our hearts needs to be the grace, mercy and forgiveness of the love of Christ.

Father, heal us so we may hear you speak and that we may speak of your love. Praise be to you in us today.

Don't Let Your Fears Stop

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:50-52 NIV

I detect a bit of a theme these past few days: Don't let your fears stop you from trusting Christ. 

Sometimes it takes a little courage to step out in faith. It may be admitting you are a Christian in a very hostile environment, like your workplace. It might be a lot of things. You know. The Spirit of God is moving in you or will move in you to show you. 

Remember, when you are out there in the middle of the storm, when Jesus gets in the boat with you, it will all calm down. 

Just Believe

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Mark 5:36 NIV

I get it. I would be afraid to believe. I would worry about getting my hopes up. Think about it. From the moment the bearer of bad news came to him until Jesus took the synagogue ruler and his wife and went into the room with their daughter, everyone around them was telling them it was hopeless, don't expect Jesus to do anything. 

Jesus only told him to not be afraid, only believe. 

I'm going to ask you a question that I want you to take a moment to wait upon the Lord for the answer. What have you been told is dead in your life, that Jesus wants to say, "Arise"?

Use a Big Measure

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 

Mark 4:24 NIV

Pay attention. Listen up. 

"With the measure you use"... 

Consider: What is the measure, of the gifts that God has given you, that you are using at this time of your life? That is a very simple question. 

The meaning of this verse is very profound. If you want God to work in your life, you need to step out in faith and serve in some way. For me, this is a direct hit between my eyes. I need to use a greater measure. 

The promise is that Christ says, he will measure out to us what we use and more. Do not be afraid to serve. Do not be afraid to offer anyone the grace of God. 

Lord Jesus Christ, help us measure out and use all that you have given us. Open our eyes today to see what you have before us. Praise be to you in us today!

New Hope, New Year

For what you have done 

   I will always praise you 

in the presence of your faithful people.

And I will hope in your name,

   for your name is good.

Psalms 52:9  NIV

May your hope find fulfillment and may you recognize the goodness of God in your life each day.