The Cost

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.

Mark 14:3-5 (ESV)

As we read this scripture we have a few individuals we need to discuss; Simon the Leper, the women and the disciples. Each of them brings an area that we as Christians need to examine in our own life. Simon the Leper for example is hosting a dinner two days before the Passover feast. He is entertaining Jesus and His disciples; what you need to understand though is lepers where not welcomed by others and those who did not have the disease stayed as far away from lepers as possible. They were considered unclean and those who touched them were also unclean. Theologians’ hazard the guess that Jesus had healed him and like many of us he still carried a label of leper so those who heard the testimony would know the miracle Jesus had brought to His life. We always must remember what God has delivered us from so we can serve others who struggle with those same issues.

Then we have a woman we do not know who she is as we read this scripture. Some of the other gospels refer to her as Mary of Bethany; but who she was really is not as important as what she has done. She has come to anoint Jesus and in doing this she has sacrificed financially and personally. The cost of the oil is the equivalent of a year’s wages. Who here would be willing to give every penny of your income to God for the next year? If you would not give your finances how about your time; a year dedicated solely to the service of God. So this women has basically done both. Given where how we use and spend our money often reflects what is important to us. She is rewarded for what she has done eternally even if the disciples complain at this point.

 Let us look at their reaction and see what we can learn from it. These men became indignant, which means they were jealous. You might wonder why I say they were jealous; well indignant means, to become angry or annoyed at what is perceived as unfair treatment. As far as the disciples were concerned that was money and time wasted; their excuse was it could have gone to the poor. In reality it was really about someone receiving something that the others did not. This happens in our churches today and often it leads to problems and divisions amongst God’s people. Too many individuals become jealous of those who desire to serve God and begin to say things that are untrue about them. They will talk about other preachers and teachers trying to cause trouble and to stir up dissention within the body of Christ. Not just with in the local church but within the Church as a whole. People leave one church and say things about where and why they left. In a hope of that others will follow them to this new and better place. As always in the end Scripture holds to be true. This woman and her testimony have been preached throughout history as an example for us to follow about service to God and His Son Jesus. It should always be about service to Him first and foremost no matter what the cost. Your rewards are not here they await you in glory. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Rules of Engagement

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33  Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35  Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Mark 13:32-37 (ESV)

I want you to be prepared; you may not believe this, but there is a day coming when Jesus will return for His people. I know that as a Christian you might have heard that claim all your life but today is not the day to say, "oh well he has not come yet." We are to be ready at all times. It should be something that in our hearts we ensure that we are ready. In reality He comes for people every day; we see death at every turn, and often it is unexpected. When it comes in the form of an accident we are not ready to deal with it. How much worse would it be if it was your turn? I only ask that question because I believe God desires that no one perish and that those who do it is because of their own choosing. We make choices in our lives and often we desire to avoid the consequences of those choices. Your choice about Jesus has eternal consequences. So be sure you are awake when He comes for you.

The difference between awake and asleep would seem to be straight forward but in our world today it is often misunderstood. As an example; when a sentry takes up their position at a guardhouse they are given a set of rules. These rules are called the rules of engagement. They sentry is instructed in how to deal with almost any situation that might arise to include when to shoot and when not to shoot. Having been in this position personally it is easy to lose focus in the middle of the night as to what you are supposed to be looking out for.  You might be physically awake but your mind might be on anyone of a thousand other things going on in your life. That is when a car horn blows or your relief walks up and scares the snot out of you. You weren’t asleep you just weren’t focused on the mission. The church and those who attend are often not focused on what we are told to do in God’s word. Than we turn around and have allowed a lot of stuff to slip by us and then we are left wondering how it got there. It is time we wake up and start watching what God has told us to. We need to get our bibles out and read the rules of engagement He has placed before us. I challenge you to take up your bible look what it says we are to do and walk in the light of His Word each day. Have a blessed day.

Reflection

19 As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

Proverb 27:19 (NLT)

This is a simple truth we are what we believe to be true in our hearts. Often we can put on a good face and fool ourselves and others. Yet I have learned that the truth is not something that stays hidden it always seems to come to the surface. When that happens it does not matter what face you try to show the world; just that everyone knows you to be a fraud. Jesus gave instruction and understanding to the apostles about the content of a man’s heart and the sin that it will allow.

15 But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

Matthew 15:15-20 (ESV)

In our lives we are good at putting on faces that hide what our hearts are truly bringing out in us. I challenge you today to examine your heart and to allow God to remove those things that are found to be wrong in it. Today is a great day to turn from our sin and walk in the light of His Word. Have a blessed day.

Salvation Requires a Repentant Heart

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?

Romans 6:1 (ESV)

As we read the scripture Paul addresses an issue that even today is often misunderstood and still is and can be a problem in our churches and our walk with Christ. It is the idea that we are able to continue living a life of sin and that God’s grace will continue to be shown to us. I have to be honest with you this idea or teaching is why some denominations have gone astray and allow sinful acts; like homosexuality, to permeate the church. They only teach and preach the love of God and in His love He is merciful and will give grace to those who trust in Him. Well I guess it is time for someone to burst that bubble. Yes, God’s grace and mercy are more than sufficient to forgive us of all our sin’s and in that perspective the scriptures are clear. We are to die to sin daily and ask God to strengthen our hand so that we are able to walk in accordance with His word. But what we fail to teach those who have come to Christ; that it requires repentance from that sin to truly be saved. Repentance means to have regret for a past action, or a deep sorrow. The problem is often we are taught that because of God’s grace we have been forgiven and we leave it at that. We need to look at how Peter speaking to the crowd on the day of Pentecost answered the crowd when they asked, “What must we do to be saved?” His response is found in Acts 2:38,

“³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

We today as Christian often leave out the call to repentance. We are to turn from our sin with sorrow and regret asking for forgiveness for our failure and sin. This can and should be done daily because we are not perfect yet. I want to challenge you today to understand that we fail to meet God’s standards on our own and we require the shed blood of Jesus to one day walk in the presence of God. So let me warn you of this; Jesus through the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in a house that is living contrary to God’s Word. If you find yourself struggling it’s time to turn away from the sin and ask Jesus to strengthen your hand; just as Nehemiah did when he was try to restore Jerusalem. When we turn to Jesus with a heart of repentance He is more than willing to deliver us from whatever sin we struggle with. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of His Word.

Tresspass and Forgiveness

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” 26 

Mark 11:20-26 (ESV)

I was going to share about forgiveness this morning but I believe we need to understand something about trespassing so we can understand forgiveness better. Sometimes that is why we are so unable to give and receive forgiveness because we don’t really believe what we have done was wrong to start with. The understanding of what it means to trespass is the answer to finding and giving true forgiveness. A trespass as defined by Webster’s dictionary as anything that is a violation of moral or social ethics, very broad definition; it is also defined as an unlawful act committed on the person, property or rights of another. That definition is as a noun as a verb it is an action it means to make an uninvited or unwarranted incursion. So I am sure you’re wondering what the point is. The point is often we do not realize or admit when we have trespassed on others. It happens first out of a lack of understanding and secondly out of a lack of self-control. We as people are going to make mistakes and poor choices. We would like to blame them on God or the devil; but our failings and weaknesses are to be honest often a conscious choice for us; to do what we know is wrong. When we do that we are trespassing on those around us who we should be caring for and showing love to. I challenge you to watch your step and your interactions make sure what you are doing is in obedience to the Word of God and then you won’t find yourself treading on others as we all try to walk with God. Than forgiveness becomes much easier to give and receive. Have a blessed day.

Not Good Enough

11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalms 34:11-14 (ESV)

Do you desire to experience all the good things God has planned for you? If so he has given us advice through King David of a few things we need to do and apply to our lives. First and foremost is a healthy fear of God. We should understand that we are not worthy of any of the blessings He has promised to provide us because of anything we have done. Yet because Jesus came and died for us we are shown the mercy of God. There was a group of individuals who lived in and around the Jews through out there history that were not Jews; but they were called God-fearers (worshipper of God). They were often people who had been allowed to live in proximity to Israeli recognizing the power of Jehovah God in the Old Testament they were called strangers. They understood and feared the power of God but did not abide by the full law. I challenge you to ask yourself a question; are you a born again Christian or are you a God-fearer. Do you know there is a God and believe in Him not truly understanding what you need to be doing to abide in a life with Him or have you excepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior there is a difference. That difference is as far as I am concerned very important. You can fear God throughout your life; keeping your tongue from evil and never speaking deceit you can seek and purse peace and live a good life. But in the end you will find yourself wanting. Because scripture tells us in Acts 4:12 that, “"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." That name is Jesus. I ask you today where you stand are you a God-fearer or a Jesus Follower? The choice is yours and the difference is eternal. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of His word.

Strengthen My Hands

1 Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. 3 And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. 5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” 8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” 9 For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.

Nehemiah 6:1-9 (ESV)

Do you every find yourself in Nehemiah’s sandals? Are you busy doing what God has called you to and feel as if you everyone and everything is trying to attack you and tear you down? If so I would tell you congratulations you have an understanding of what is at stake when you serve God.  In Nehemiah’s case those who were trying to bring him down and prevent his work in Jerusalem were leaders and lords in the surrounding areas of Jerusalem. They did not desire to see the walls or the city restored because in their hearts jealousy ruled. The same can be said of us as Christians today. Often we talk bad about other Christians and pastors because we are in truth jealous of the success they seem to be having as the serve God. But to be honest with you; we are all called to serve Jesus in different ways. That is why there is a comparison of Christians to the parts of body found in 1 Corinthians 15. We each have our own jobs to perform; and individuals and areas that we are to be working in for the glory and furthering of God’s kingdom here and in heaven.

There is something here that I ask you to guard your heart about and be in prayer that it does not happen to you. They accuse Nehemiah of plotting rebellion against King Artaxerxes and they use this as they try to prevent Nehemiah from completing his work. It is untrue and unfounded but this could have cost him his life and in the end lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. If you do not know something to be true or something is told to you in confidence be sure you keep your tongue. Too many works of God have been stopped because of the miss use or slander of God’s man or women, as they were serving God. I would not want to know that something I did or said was a hindrance to the work of Jesus.

I want to leave you with this if you find yourself under attack in your work for Jesus either from others who profess Christ or the outside world do as Nehemiah did ask God to, “Strengthen my hands.” There is really no way of telling how many works of God have been prevented because we fall to the pressure of the outside world and even other Christians as we serve God. Always be sure to trust in His Word and walk in it. It will provide you the strength you need; to hold fast and complete what He has called you to. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of His word.

Only Seeing the Trees

14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Mark 8:14-21 (ESV)

There is an old saying that goes something like this, “you can’t see forest for the trees” and that is what you have going on in the minds of the disciples as best and simply as I can present it to you. It means that sometimes we are just too close to a situation to get much out of it and the actual purpose for the experience is completely lost on us.  It is easy to sit back and read the bible and say well they were ignorant and that Jesus was trying to tell them  that the influence of the Pharisees and Herod where  bad and that they would bring nothing but problems for the disciples and Jesus in the near future. But we are 2000 plus years removed from the day and the boat they were in. Yet often we have this same issue in our own lives because we are either not willing to or not able to get past our situation or trial to understand what God’s word and the council of Godly people is really all about. We are just as blind and ignorant as anyone of the disciples and Jesus had been physically with them. They were just too close to him to appreciate what and who He was.

The disciples were mere humans just like you and I; they were thinking and living in the flesh. Allowing it to control how they viewed the words of Jesus. They did not allow themselves understanding of the real issue. It is almost as if; and we do it today, they did not desire to hear what He was trying to say. That is why we have some of the teachings within the Christian faith that we have today. They have either been misread to allow someone a right or to prevent someone else from receiving a right. It is a shame and a sin when we fail to see what God has divined for our well-being when we misrepresent or misinterpret His words. I challenge you to always take a step back and ask the question how this applies to me and my life. If you back far enough away from the trees you will be able to see the whole forest; that is how God sees it. He has the whole picture and only desires what is best for you have a Blessed day as you walk in the light of His word.

Hardened Hearts

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ ”

Hebrews 3:7-11 (ESV)

Have you every just been so tired that you felt as if you could not go any further or that the trial you have been going through is never going to end? I think there are times were we all face this issue. Often we begin to feel this way when someone is sick and we have prayed and prayed for healing and it has not yet come. Other trials can bring us to a place that causes us to question if God is real and if so why is he allowing this to happen to me. I want you to understand one thing that I have learned in my own life and it is a simple truth no one can tell you why these things happen. I never expected to lose my son when he was 18 years old. But in that lose, situation or trial whatever you might call it.  I had a choice to make and in your trial or circumstance you do to. Are you allowing your circumstance to harden your heart or are you willing to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of your faith. He knew before you were ever born that as you went through your life and made choices this situation you are in would be possible. It does not catch Him by surprise.  I have often heard people say, it would be easier to turn away from God when we struggle with life. We see others who are not following Him and they seem to be doing alright. I warn you don’t be fooled in the end the choices you make have eternal consequences.  It is not always easy to follow God to be honest sometimes it seems impossible but those are the times when we need to stop trying to live on our own and remember all that He has already blessed us with like the extra days we have had to spend with those we love. There are moments that he has allowed us to have a glimpse of His majesty, from the birth of a child to a wonderful sunset. And those are things that might be considered everyday occurrences by some.

I want to leave you with hope and a warning. If you have heard the voice of God in your life and have seen and experienced a relationship with him don’t allow your circumstance to harden your heart. If you allow it to become hard you will never find rest in Him. That’s not my opinion that is a truth found in His word. Israeli wandered in the desert for forty years because their hearts were hard and none but two who trusted in God saw the Promised Land and found rest.  I challenge you seek to walk and serve God in the light of His Word. He has promised to be a light unto your feet in those days that are filled with darkness. Have a truly blessed day.

The Simple Truths of Christ

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (ESV)

This morning I was searching scripture and wisdom was the area in which I am seeking understanding personally. We all desire wisdom even though we might tell others; ignorance is bliss, without wisdom and knowledge we can and will find ourselves outside the will of God. Yet one of what the areas that I consider the most important issues facing the church today is the simple basic beliefs we should all hold no matter what Christian denomination we might find ourselves attending and worshipping in. Paul appears to have the same concern as he instructed Timothy on the basic fundamentals of what every person who was a member of the living church need to hold as foundation to their belief as they lived together in the household of God. It’s truly a shame and should concern every Christian to know today that many Christian denominations have walked away from these seven basic beliefs about who Jesus was and how we are to believe.

He was manifested in the flesh; Jesus stepped down out of heaven and allowed himself to experience the world just as every other human being has living a sinless life but taking all of ours on the cross.

Vindicated by the spirit; God proclaimed Jesus to be His only Begotten Son in whom He was well pleased at His baptism by John the Baptist and again through all the miracles that were wrought by his hands through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was not done by His power but by the power of God.

As seen by angels; the announcement to Mary and proclaiming His birth and the care provided to Him after His temptation of forty days are two accounts of him in flesh. Yet scripture tells us He was eternal and from the beginning He was present in heaven. The angels knew Him.

Proclaimed amongst the nations; No other name has brought as much peace to those who suffer or so much conflict to those who desire to live their own way. The good news has been shared all around the world but there is still more to do. Currently there are 392 complete translations of the Old and New Testament. But all the languages that have part of God’s word is 2, 287.

Believed on in the world; 2.1 billion Christians in the world make it the largest religion to date. And many people are still to hear the good news

Taken up to glory; as recorded in the gospels and proclaimed in the letters and epistles to serve as our intercessor before a Holy God.

It might sound too simple but if Paul believed that these seven basic beliefs was the wisdom required of everyone who called o the name of Christ I cannot take it away or add anything to it. I challenge you today if you call on Christ as savior and do not believe in any of these examine your own walk against the light of God’s word and I can promise you will find yourself lacking. Have a Blessed day  

Walking in Wisdom

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)

Have you ever been around a church person who uses a lot of words and for the most part never really says anything? You know what I mean they have been reading the latest book on this and that written by some individual that has made a name for themselves as being the next great apostle. The person you are talking to uses words like dispensationalist, exegesis, or pericope or any one of a thousand words that I causes me to thank Bill Gates and the folks at Microsoft for spell check. So the conversation is often lost not just on outsiders but also those who are in the church. Now don’t get me wrong what you say is important but how you say it has a place of importance to. I personally desire to have a correct understanding of what God’s word says. That is what is important we must have a correct understanding and be able to share it in a way that helps others understand the word and the mysteries of God.

11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders,”

Mark 4:11 (NLT)

Often we use big words that confuse those both inside and outside the church. Thinking as if we can retain the knowledge of God for ourselves and hold power over those who might not have your same hunger for God. We are often guilty of using terms that are churchy, slain in the spirit, Holy Ghost moved, hanging from the chandeliers or anyone of a thousand other things that to an outsider make us sound like idiots. God’s word is to be shared in a way that those who here it will be given understanding. Without understanding of God’s word it’s like walking around in the dark with a flashlight that there are no batteries in it. It really does not do us a whole lot of good. I want to leave you with this.

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)

Be sure you know what God’s word is calling you to? Understand what it is trying to say? Be wise in your future and your walk with God as you live in the light of His Word.

Shared Blessings

25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 28 But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 And he said to her, "For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter." 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. Mark 7:25-30 Is who you are important to God? Or does he work in our lives for other reasons? When we read the above scripture we see a women who is not a Jew asking Jesus to heal her daughter of an unclean spirit and at first Jesus tells her he will not because he has not come to the Gentiles. Have you every wondered why He would say such a thing? He is after all the Son of God who is love and should show love to everyone He meets. in our churches today many of those sitting on the pew hold some of this same opinion that Jesus expressed. You know what I mean why are we helping those people? Why do we give this money to the state office? Why are we involved in that soup kitchen? Don't we have enough people inside our walls that need our assistance? But you have to love what the women proclaims to Jesus, it is almost funny. She explains that out of the abundance that the children are blessed with even they dogs are blessed as the scraps fall to the floor. Are we a blessed people? Are we a blessed church? So why would we not bless those around us who might not know they Lord as a means to help them come to faith in Jesus. Often we get so wrapped up in ourselves and the activities of the church we forget that one of the greatest gifts Jesus gave people was mercy. This women was not part of Jesus assignment He came to bring salvation to the Jews. But through this woman's faith and persistence Jesus answered her prayer. It was not because of who she was but because she believed in Jesus that he maded her daughter well. We read in Acts 10:34-35, "34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." We need to understand that God in the end does not care for you because you are the son of so-and-so or the next big movie star. He loves you because He created you to live in relationship with Him. That relationship is different for everyone but in your relationship with God you are the child who gets to eat first. Yet as God blesses you others will also be blesseblew challenge you to accept your blessing and as the lord leads share it with those around you. It might just be what changes a heart and brings one more soul into relationship with God. Allow God'sword to be alight unto your feet.

Pickup Your Mat

5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

John 5:5-8 (NLT)

I have been studying this section of scripture and have begun to understand it in a different light and I wanted to share it with you all. This is the testimony of Jesus’ third miracle it is only recorded in the Gospel of John. One of the first things you need to understand is the man who had been sick for 38 years had no idea who he was speaking to. It is not even explained why out of all those who were lying at the pool why Jesus chose this man. It can be argued that Jesus new his situation through revelation. We don’t really know anything else about the man. We do know he had been afflicted before Jesus was ever born to Mary. The man could be anyone of us He was just outside the temple seeking healing but did not recognize the one who could provide it was standing right before him. Instead he had been trusting on a place not the person.

Jesus asks the question, “Would you like to get well?” in some translations it is phrased, “Would you be made whole?” I actually like that one better. You see individuals can get better for a time and live a life that looks and feels good but they may still be living in their sin and thereby still just as sick as the always were. When the man is asked he responds positively but explains that because he has no one to help him others always get there before him. He might be thinking that Jesus is going to help him into the pool. You see this man understood one thing that many of us fail to recognize he could not do it on his own. He was going to have to depend on someone. It is funny when you realize he was placing his hope on Jesus to help him to the water when Jesus was able to heal him just by saying the word.

There is a time and place where we must stop and recognize who we are talking too. Often when we are praying and communing with God we come with a list of our desires in the process we miss out on all the plans He has for us. Has Jesus told you to move? Is there some instruction He has given you that you failed to heed? He commanded the man to, “Standup, pick up your mat and walk!” Has Jesus told you that; are you being obedient? I read this on a church sign yesterday; Saints have a past, sinners have a future, I like it. The man had to carry his mat; that was where he came from. If he had left it behind he no one would have recognized him; that is us we have a past we carry with us because that is how some people know us. But when he was confronted all they knew was he had been made whole. They only saw the miracle because he walked in obedience to the word of God. I challenge you today; are you walking in the light of God’s word? I pray that you are when we shine the light others will see it and be made whole. Have a blessed day.

Stumbling in the Dark

14 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he answered, “Go up and triumph; they will be given into your hand.” 15 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” 16 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’

2 Chronicles 18:14-16 (ESV)

Have you ever asked a question of someone expecting not to believe or like the answer that you are going to get. And you asked yourself why I even bother. Well that is how King Ahab viewed the advice and counsel of Micaiah. We probably all know people like that and we try to avoid them we much rather would hear what we want to hear and believe only what is going to benefit us personally. I have been guilty of that myself and so have many of you. The problem is though who are we trusting. I actually laugh at verse 15 when I read it. You know the truth is often sought but very seldom is it appreciated or even received by those who are asking for it.

17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”

2 Chronicles 18:17 (ESV)

If you are asking people questions about your future are you sure in whom you are asking. Those who know God and are in His word will not be quick to give you an answer they will first ask you one question; “What does God’s word say about it.” My son thinks I am crazy when he asks me questions now because that is how we approach looking for answers in my home now. We must understand you will view life in only two ways; one is through the eyes of God and against His Word or through the world’s eyes. The world’s view is often a lie and it is like the rest of this testimony.

18 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 19 And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 20 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ 21 And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ 22 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. The Lord has declared disaster concerning you.”

2 Chronicles 18:18-22 (ESV)

The spirit of those four hundred prophets is alive and well in our world today. We see them on TV, read them in books, listen to them on the radio just to name a few places we encounter them.  When we refuse to consult God’s word about all areas of all life’s we are listening to the spirit that will lead to our destruction. I know it is not easy to make time to be in God’s word but only through reading it and applying it to your life will you be able to discern what He has called you to do in your walk with Him. I want to challenge you today to make your bible study a priority in your day. Without His Word you are walking on a dark path and when you walk in the dark it is easy to stumble and fall. I pray you find and use God’s word as a light to your path have a blessed day.  

Living a Lie

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.15 Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.

Revelation 22:12-15 (NLT)

Will you be ready? I know that this is probably a hard subject for a devotional but I feel led to ask that question. All life comes to an end we will leave this world either through our death and the end of our physical lives or when the trumpet sounds in the blink of an eye. Either way we will all one day stand in judgment before God. In the final words of His revelation to man he tells us that we must be washed of our sins. That washing is only found in the blood of Jesus. We must allow Him to be the Lord of our life giving all we have to Him. In doing this he will bring change to your situation and allow you a new life. For those who refuse to accept him and there will be many they will not enter into His presence. The choice is simple accept the truth or live the lie. The truth we were created to be in relationship with God. The truth is Jesus came suffered and died on the cross for you. He was laid in a tomb and then raised from the dead by the power of God. Today He is in heaven serving as an intercessor for everyone who calls on His name for salvation. The lie is I can do this on my own we are here by accident. We are not created with a purpose we are only here by chance. That after you die there is no more. I must challenge you today to examine your life are you living in the truth or living a lie. The truth can be found only as you live in the light of God’s Word. Have a blessed day.

Preaching Everywhere

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things; immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Tim 4:13-16 (ESV)

Paul is giving Timothy instruction on how he is best to conduct himself as he serves God. These same instructions can be applied to each of us in our daily walk you may not stand behind a pulpit or a lectern teaching the word to groups of people; yet your interactions with others as you meet them on your job or in the grocery store or market shows your relationship and understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you. I know you may think that no one is watching you and that what you do has very little effect on those you meet but you will be surprised. Something I have learned is that Christianity and a walk with Jesus is not really something you can teach. It has to be something that is caught; it is best described as a fire. You can strike a match and you hold one flame as you move that flame near other stuff it catches and the flame spreads that is a simple visual of how your Christian walk should effect those you meet the bigger your flame for Jesus the more people will come to know Jesus through your actions more than through your words.

Don’t miss understand me; you must feed your flame through prayer and bible study. It is important that you personally know God’s word and apply it to your life and that is so when others come to you; you will be able to share it and give them direction on how to have a saving relationship with Jesus. Francis Assisi’s motto in life was, “There is no need to go and preach; if you do not preach everywhere you go.”  I have to say I love that philosophy and it is one we should all desire to have. He was a man who believed in service to God and his fellowman. Through that service he was able to change the hearts and minds of those he met bringing Jesus to them and allowing the Holy Spirit to do its work amongst them. I want to help you understand the Holy Spirit is the one who brings salvation. You just have the privilege to be a vessel for Him and to God’s glory. I pray you are blessed and highly favored as you walk in the light of God’s Word today and every day.

Self-discipline

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1Corinthians 9:24-27   I want to be honest with you most of my life I struggled with one main issue and that issue is self-discipline. After several years of complete failure I have really begun to understand what it takes to have self-discipline and that is never giving up. If you stop trying I promise you; you will never get there. Yes it might sound simple but to be honest more people never get what the really want or need out of life mainly because they are too scared to try or it is really not that important to them.   This is not just about physical desires like losing weight or exercising; but our spiritual walk with God. I have probable struggled in that area more than the other through out my life. You see the physical brings results that as individuals we understand because for most of us we are very visual; especially men. So when we can see the waist shrinking and the clothes getting loose and are muscles toning we are more likely to continue to train. In our spiritual life though advances are not always easy for men, we like to be able to hold onto something solid that we can say; “I can count on this to be here.” When we are trying to get closer to God it is hard to say, “I can depend on this.” But our lack of understanding and trust is based on the fact I do not really know Him. I can turn to my friend and fishing buddy for advice but he is there before me. If I don’t like what he tells me I can smack him. It is not easy for guys to grasp the life and activity of the Holy Spirit mainly because we do not really take the time to get to know Jesus through His word and the Holy Spirit. We are always quick to try and make it on our own; please understand God actually wired us to be the providers and protectors of our homes and families, but He has called us to live in accordance with His word.    I will close with a challenge to you all; men and women; but especially the men. There is an old Chinese proverb that states the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. If you are reading this today you have taken the first step. The next one is on you ask God to put a desire in your heart to be in His word ask him to open your heart and mind to understanding of it. I pray God shows you all he has promised to you as you walk in the light of His Word. Have a blessed day.

Acknowledge Power

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Mark 6:53-56 (ESV)

Have you ever been to eat somewhere and on the wall is a picture of the owner with someone famous? I love to go to places like that because the food is usually really good but some people will go just so they can say they have eaten in the booth that so-an-so sat in. You see we today still seek out and follow those who represent power to us as individuals. People watch American Idol and follow these want to be stars, they watch celebrate gossip shows to find out more about people we see on TV and movies. We stay abreast of those running for political office and try to connect with them because of the idea of the power they may one day hold.  Often we might never meet anyone famous that you like and more often with politics people forget your name unless you have a large wallet.

When Jesus enters into the picture its different He knows you, He has sacrificed for you, He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you; yet we are so afraid to tell anyone about him.  You know that if you met the president of the United States that would be a story you would tell everyone you met the rest of your life; even if you did not like him. Yet we have met someone that is more powerful than all the leaders of the world combined that loves us all and desires only for our best. We should pray that we can begin to look at Jesus the way most of us look at the famous people in our world. We know He can, will and does do more for us than any of them ever will; we need to not be afraid or ashamed of that relationship.

We often treat Him more like the black sheep of our family; you know what I mean that when someone asks if your kin to them you say, “No that’s a different set.” I leave you with a simple scripture that we must understand;

32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Matt 10:32-33 (ESV)                                                                             

Our acceptance and proclamation of who Jesus is means a lot. Who are you telling? I pray God give you the strength to share about Jesus as you walk in the light of His W

Missing Miracles

49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:49-52 (ESV)

What miracles has God brought into your life? Has he answered your prayers does He provide for you when you have no means? The question is not what He has done for you lately but do you recognize what He is doing in your life. To be honest we often overlook what He is doing in our lives and through our lives. Something good happens and we are often quick to forget, “Him that is the author and finisher of our faith.” Just as the apostles did? I look back over my own life today and see all the wonderful things God has brought me through even when I was not walking in obedience to Him and His word. When I was an alcoholic and addicted to pornography He still cared for me. From surviving car crashes, my marriage to my wonderful God fearing wife, to the birth of my children, the loss of my father, the loss of my oldest son God has always been present in my life. I assure you if you will take the time to look He has done the same for you. You may still be in a trial; we all go through them the difference comes in whom do you place your trust. Like Paul told the Philippians,

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Phil 4:11-13 (ESV)

When we recognizing the miracles that God has already worked in our lives we can allow that understanding to lead us into a closer walk with Him. I pray that as you learn to trust Him and walk in the light of His Word you will be strengthened to endure all that the world might throw at you knowing that it may not bring understanding but that in whom you trust will bring peace. Have a blessed day.