Do you have a friend or family member who is need? Are you challenged by her illness, her lack, her suffering, her constant woes? Does it seem that no matter how hard you pray, even if a little spark flies here or there... there seems to be no real light at the end of her tunnel? Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” Luke 5:17-20 Who’s faith was being challenged? Who went to the farthest ends possible to get in the healing presence of Jesus? Because it wasn’t the man who was in need of the miracle... the ill friend or family member. Rather it was them. They were the ones who had been praying. They were the ones who shared his burden. They had known his needs, they had given him rides, they had brought him meals, they had taken care of his children they had posted on Facebook his prayer request, They had wondered... is this faith truly working? For their friend didn’t seem to ever get better no matter what they did. So they did what was no longer reasonable. They stretched their faith beyond the normal limits. When they were left outside, and couldn’t get in where miracles happen they wouldn’t take no for an answer. They had to get to Jesus, where... the power of the Lord was present to heal. So they set their minds on higher things, and didn’t take no for an answer. When He saw their faith, their friend, who was no longer strong enough to hope for himself, was healed... was made whole. Sometimes the one most desperate, the one in the darkest place, who is barraged by illness, challenged by her lack, her suffering, her constant woes... is left without the faith to carry herself to the place of healing But that's where friends and family like them are needed most. They stretch their faith for the one who no longer can. And they lift their friend to Him. For He honors their faith. Is there someone you need to pray for? Someone who's request seems out of bounds? Maybe your just needed, like them... who can help when they lift prayers past the point of reason to the God of unreasonable hope. Maybe be you can be faith when your friend or family has no more left. Jesus will honor the healing prayers when He sees your faith in action. Dont quit until you see the miracle. Word of God train me today... To stretch my faith for my friend even when hers has run low. To join with them in love, action, and support, bringing her closer to Jesus' tender touch with every daily prayer.
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I've heard it said that the two greatest days of your life, are the day you were born, and the day you find out why. To know one's purpose. That is something people have pondered for centuries. Why am I here? It's a question even asked by those who don't believe in God. But not one ever asked by God Himself. In fact, very early in Jesus ministry, even before He had chosen all of His disciples, he was very clear about that which was His purpose. He had just begun traveling about and the crowds were beginning to notice Him and tell of His signs and wonders. His only disciples at the time were Simon Peter, and his brother Andrew. Along with the brothers John and James. They all had just left the home of Peters mother-in-law, when the crowds began to grow by word of mouth. For He had come into her home and healed her of fever. And immediately she got up and started to serve Him. And as the sun began to set on that day, people brought their sick to Him to be healed by His hand. Even those possessed by demons were cleansed, the evil spirits came out saying, "You are the Son of God." And for all the signs and wonders the people were amazed and wanted Him to stay with them. But Jesus clearly spoke that He could not stay in one place. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43 NKJV It's interesting to ponder... because we are all used to the life of Jesus as it is already written. He lived His life traveling about. But don't you think He could have settled down somewhere and the people would still have come to Him? I mean, I'm sure it would have been more convenient to have just taken up residence somewhere nice and live a more comfortable lifestyle. You know... have all your stuff where you like it. Not jammed in a small travel bag, rummaging for some tiny sample size soap, or running out of Q-tips on the road. Surely word would spread and those sick and desperate enough would find a way to get to Him. He could have even put a sign outside His door that posted hours that He was open for signs and wonders. That way He could get some time off. I mean, we all deserve a little of that, right? But that's not what Jesus did. Jesus saw... and felt the crowds. I'm sure they pressed in, like people tend to do when they want something. But rather than thinking only ic Hinself, He took the time to lay His hand on them and heal each one of them. And then... when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. The next day... Jesus took time away from the crowds to withdraw, not necessarily to a dry desert, bur rather a place that was quiet, where He could find solitude and peace. And Mark gives us a better description of His whereabouts... Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35 Maybe because He simply longed to connect with His Father. Maybe because He needed to recharge His spiritual batteries. Maybe because He needed to remember what His purpose was and where He was to go next. Because it sure would've been more convenient to settle. Especially when the crowds demanded that He stay with them. I mean, how awesome when they wanted Him to be with them. What a great high it must have been to have the crowds thrill to His presence. But He knew that later, they wouldn't be so welcoming and wonderful about receiving Him and all He was. No, Jesus knew His purpose. And it wasn't to settle in one place and be adored by the crowd. “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Jesus wouldn't be able to reach the whole world with redemption, healing and salvation by being adored in one place by one group of people. He stayed connected to heaven, to His Father God who sent Him, to keep His focus, to set His mind on the greater purpose that had nothing to do with the perspective of this world. He didn't come... for comfort, for adoration, for settling into a life of ease. All of that would come later... on heaven's side of the Kingdom. Jesus had told them... The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, Luke 4:18-19 as read by Jesus to the people of Nazareth from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Word of God train me today... To celebrate not only the day I was born, but even more, Lord, that You have revealed why! To take time early, and each day, set aside in prayer the reset of mind, my perspective on the higher Kngdom. Most days, I feel fairly confident that I know who I am. But then when I make the mistake to use my peripheral vision and start comparing myself, measuring by the yardstick of other people's accomplishments, my insides get all twisted about and I end up knotted and tanged in self-doubt and discouragement. And then whatever task I was working on, or whatever goal was in front of me get's totally lost in the mess of distraction and frustration inside. It's like I can no longer focus because all I can think is that it won't be good enough, because I'm not... all that other person is. But can you imagine... what if the yardstick standing nearby wasn't just some plain ol' Jane. What if instead, it was Jesus! And... Then there arose a dispute... John 3:25 NKJV Because that's a scenario which actually happened. It was a long time ago, mind you. But there were some people who knew John the Baptist and they just did their thing, of stirring up some trouble. They were seemingly traveling back and forth, or at least listening to the talk that was coming from where Jesus was baptizing people in one river and comparing it to the numbers of people that John was baptizing in another. As if Jesus was the newest preacher in town trying to steal the converts from John. And if John hadn't known who he was, and what his message and purpose was with regard to Jesus, then he could have really gotten mixed up. He could have really struggled with doubt and insignificance. Because what if he let those people divide his loyalty from Jesus, rather than stir up his support for Jesus? What if John the Baptist felt that Jesus didn't value him, did't appreciate all that he had done before Jesus came on the scene? Let's sneak up on them and see how he handled it. John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ John 3:27-28 Wow. Sounds to me, like John was pretty clear from the start, before Jesus even showed up, that he had told them he was NOT they one they were waiting for. But that he was only sent to prepare them for the ONE. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 2:29-30 Even more impressive. John the Baptist gives them such a great example of Jesus as the groom, but lets them know that even as the friend of the groom, he has a place, he is significant, and he can be joyful about who he is as the friend of the groom. Even in his statement about Jesus increasing and John decreasing, I sense humility but not self-doubt or insignificance. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:31, 36 John the Baptist clearly knew his purpose. He was to go before Jesus. Not to be pridefully competing for the glory or the numbers, but to point the way to the One who had the power and authority. And John didn't let shallow people who like to stir things up and cause trouble distract him from that purpose. Not in his actions, not in his head. He was focused, directed, purposed and planned. But through it all he remained humble, knowing that... A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. and He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly. Word of God train me today... To give thanks to You first, knowing that all blessings from above are for Your glory. To not be distracted by comparison to others, but rather to stay focused and purposed on the paths You direct in my life. Traditions. They don't seem to be celebrated with the same sentiment today as I imagine in times long ago. But I sure do like the idea of having a dear old family tradition. I was not raised in a home where we held true to many, but I so admire those who have kept them. Even as we near the holiday season, it makes me long for something nostalgic, some tried and true tradition that others would cling to as well and celebrate with me, remembering how it used to be. Because that's what makes a tradition special. The honor of it. The respect and quiet solitude you show toward whatever actions others began with intention that made it sacred, that kept it true. Tradition. That's what always comes to mind when I read this account of Jesus turning over the tables of the merchants who set up theirs booths in the temple. At least it's now one of the burdens I realize behind His actions, once I understood that to Him, yes, this was a sacred place, a holy temple... But this was also an annual event. Jesus had come to Jerusalem as did many other travelers because it was the Passover Festival, the tradition celebrated annually by the Israelite people to remember their heritage... their Exodus from Egypt, their freedom from slavery, the faithfulness of their God. And it was part of Jesus' family tradition... Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Luke 2:41 NLT And it also marked a significant life event when he was left behind at the age of twelve, while his family absently headed back home without him. His parents were devastated during the three days of searching. But when they found Him, He was safe in the temple, calmly sitting among a crowd of scholars discussing higher things. And He seemingly could not understand their confusion or despair when He replied to His parents... “Why were you looking for Me? Do you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 Jesus, even as young as twelve, was simply comfortable, and at home in the House of God. He had taken up residence, literally. I mean, his parents had left him behind. So He needed a place to stay. And when these men took Him in, gave him a place to sleep and meals to eat, I imagine they found Him quite unique and surprising, at ease, even in His left behind state. He knew that this was His Father's house. You know, like when you go back home to visit and know you're way around. Maybe it's not where you live all the time, but it's still a comfortable place to be. Often times it holds memories and tradition. And Jesus simply belonged there, even though his parents did't understand. Nor could these money changers and merchants who had now set up shop. Can you imagine? Jesus comes back into Jerusalem. Just as He always did... every year for the Passover festival. He no longer lives with His parents, but this is tradition, this is a very honored celebration and holy time for the Jewish people. This is where Jesus remembers spending time "camping out" when He was twelve and first felt really at home in His Father's house. And Jesus expects to enter the temple and speak to the same crowd of scholars whom He sees each year. He expects to be able to pray in peace and sense presence of His Father. But instead... Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. John 2:13-14 NKJV Animals being sold... not just for profit, but for sacrifice. Because it was convenient. So that people wouldn't have to "bother" with bringing their own firstborn from their heard at home all the way on the long trip to get here. They could just make a quick stop outside the temple and buy a sacrifice then give it to the priest. Because that's what God wants... right? Clearly Jesus walks upon a scene that not only does not fit the tradition worthy of the Passover Festival, but it has completely changed the meaning of the sacrifice that was the basis of a repentant heart coming unto God. And He has a reason to be upset. His expectations are not met. He has a just anger at their complete disrespect for this holy place and this tradition of the Israelite people. This is His Father's house. Who would tolerate someone treating their father's house with such disrespect and dishonor. Jesus was a good Son defending the House of His Father. Jesus had a righteous anger protecting the holiness of a tradition that celebrated God's deliverance and faithfulness; Of holding true the meaning of sacrifice and it's dedicated heart to God. Are we also willing to stand up for the holiness of our God? Are we also in a habit of showing up to the house of our Father so often that we would know when it was no longer honoring Him? Let us not lose heart. Let us not allow our flame to flicker or grow dim. But rather let us fan the flame and burn hot for the passion of God within. Word of God train me today... To honor the glory of Your name. To stand faithful in defense of Your righteousness. It's a rare occasion that you meet someone new and start up a conversation when they DON'T ask you what you DO for a living. You know... Where do you work? What's your profession? And I get that people are trying to make a connection, to learn more about us, in the hopes of finding some common ground. But too often, I think we get tangled up in doing, rather than being. I particularly think that's true within our Christianity. I mean, haven't you ever gotten caught up in the To Do List of Religion? Like...
Or whatever else you might put on your list, it almost becomes more like we are checking off boxes to earn our way into the good graces of God rather than realizing that His good grace was available before we ever had a To Do List. And to be very honest, it's taken me most of my life to get to the point where I can wrap my mind around the concept that God approves of me... JUST AS I AM. And just so you don't have to struggle as long feeling that same way, until you finally figure it out too, let me share with you what God has revealed to me. When Jesus came to earth He began life as a baby, grew up as a boy and had a pretty normal life until adulthood so that He could gain the perspective of what life was like for us... so He could know how we see things, how people treat us and how we feel when they do. But when it was time to begin His ministry, and before He had performed any miracles, or had chosen His disciples He went to see His cousin who had been sent ahead announcing the coming Christ. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:14, 16-17 NKJV Now remember, that Jesus had yet to PERFORM any miracles. And here He was being baptized, coming up from the water. The Holy Spirit came upon Him... the very same Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of us. And then this voice from heaven proclaimed from the Father God, himself that He was pleased with Jesus... BEFORE He had even DONE one miraculous thing. God announced that He was pleased with His Son... just because He WAS His Son. That's it... because of the relationship. Because the Father God loved His Son, He was pleased with Him. Now let me backtrack a bit to creation. A couple days ago, I posted about how God spoke the world into being. And I marveled at the creative power of words. (click here to read post) God spoke the world into being.. Day and Night Heaven and Earth Land, Sea, and Vegetation Sun, Moon, and Stars Birds and Fish Land Animals All of those wonderful creations He made with words; spoken commands that caused inanimate objects to obey. And some that never existed to amazingly exist from nowhere. But then, the spoken commands ceased. And God moved into a much more personal form of creation. For to create man, He gathered some of His earth... And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 NKJV This a more personal creation. This handheld, handmade, molded and crafted. This face to face and breathed into... the very breath of life. And special enough to be like Himself... So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them... And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good, and He approved it completely. Genesis 1:27-28, 31 AMPC Wait. Stop and re-read that last part again. Because we have read it so many times, possibly without grasping what it really means. This is KEY! And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good, and He approved it completely. Let me ask you... have you ever made something all... by... yourself? Really, anything! Even as a kid? Like a science project for school, a present for your mom on Mother's Day, a lemonade stand that no one came to but your Dad. Or even as an adult? It could be as simple as baking a cake. As artsy as writing a song. As fun as building a fort for your kids. Or as career driven as completing a big project at work. But when you're finished... you stood back and looked at it and you realized that it was pretty good. Then you walked away from it... and maybe the next day looked again, and realized... Hey, that's actually, really good! I did that! And you get this pride that swells a bit because that thing you made or did was good. Now remember, that's just like what God said about us. But probably just a fraction of how God felt when He made YOU! God knit you together in you mother's womb... a more personal creation. a handheld, handmade, molded and crafted. face to face and breathed into... with the very breath of life creation. Yes, that's you! God Created you for His pleasure. And just like when Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized and before DOING or performing one good thing for Him... He approved you completely. You see, God is not waiting for us to check off our religious To Do List to get His approval. He is not waiting for us to get our act together, to straighten up and fly right. God is not looking for the perfect, the planned out, the righteous and holy ones. God made you and me the way we are on purpose, for a purpose... flaws and all. And before we can get around to DOING one thing for, or against Him He approved completely. Because He made us for His pleasure. He made us, stood back and was very glad. But where we get all messed up is the lie that we are not enough. That our flaws disqualify us, that our sin and shame makes Him so mad at us that He cannot accept us. That is a lie. Because it is exactly those reasons that He came as a man to the earth to sacrifice His life. He knew all that stuff about us before the world even began. Look at this... For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time... to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT Did you read the whole thing really thinking it out? It's not about pre-destination. Don't get wrapped up in that. Or the part about being holy. Focus on the part about... NOT deserving it. We can all wrap our minds around that. Here, I'll use myself as an example even though I applies to you as well. God, who existed before time began, knew I was going to be created. And He also knew that He was going to really love me, but that I would screw things up for myself by sinning and then having shame over my sin. So He planned ahead and decided upon this whole "saved by grace" idea. That is the plan that even though I don't deserve it, God gives me the free gift of salvation... the free forgiveness of my sin. He wipes my dirty slate clean, just as if I had never sinned because He took my punishment... the punishment of death, actually. And then He miraculously raised from the dead and gave me that too. He gave me eternal life with Him forever. Jesus!
Praise His wonderful name. And I honestly did nothing. He planned it all before time began. Before I could have even done something, if there had been anything I could have done. So here's my point. We are always so wrapped up in trying to earn our way in life. And I get that we need to earn a living. That is the way it is on the earth. Yes, pay your bills, please. But in the Kingdom of God, Jesus paid the bills. And I don't have to earn anything. I am free, saved by grace. I can like and even love myself. Not pridefully, but because He approves of me. He is pleased with me and I can accept that freely. Now I am free to ask Him BOLDLY to work in my life to become something great for His glory. And what's awesome is the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus after His baptism, that was within Him as He walked the earth doing miracles, is the same powerful Spirit the lives inside of me... and inside of you, if you have salvation in Christ! So let us accept ourselves today as God does. Let us come before God knowing that He is pleased with us simply because we are His children and we were created by Him. Word of God train me today... To walk with a new spirit of freedom knowing that I am approved by You, Lord. To boldly BE the one You created for a purpose, rather than striving to DO things to earn Your love. |
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January 2019
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