Month: January 2016

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 7:1-27 (day one)

“Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and ONLY A FEW find it.”–v 14.

Jesus was no fan of the human race, not in a generalized “I’m OK, you’re OK” sort of way.  He loved us but also saw the fatal flaw that operates in our hearts.  Most people are, as a rule, “blind guides”.

In John 3, Jesus said, “he who does not believe is CONDEMNED ALREADY”  Not a judgement that will SOMEDAY be declared, a judgement that (apart from conversion) is ALREADY true.

Some people say that eventually everyone will be saved.  Not Jesus.  The gate is small that leads to life.  ONLY A FEW find it.

We read this week the words of Christ that tell us not to judge.  Whatever else it means, it does NOT mean that all truth is equally true or that the “majority is always right”
where God is concerned.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day seven) “If your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”–v 23.

“As long as you think the problem is ‘out there’, that very thought is the problem.”–Stephen Covey.

Jesus is an astute observer of human behavior and psychology.  He made us.  He knows how we “tick”, the mistakes we easily make.  First on His list is the desire for wrong things, setting our eyes on them.

Just as the physical eye can focus on an object or goal, so the inner eye.  We call it ambition or desire.  “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and besides Thee I desire nothing on earth.”–Psalm 73:25.

The problem with people is not what we HAVE.  It is what we WANT and until our vision gets clear every decision will be clouded and counterproductive.

I hope you can be in Bible Study and worship this morning.  We can talk about it.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day six)

There is a lot to say about Jesus’ teaching about money, possessions, and the Kingdom of God, and all of it becomes real personal real fast. I’m not going to talk about any of that. Phew, right?! What I would like to say is this: Jesus is far more interested in restoration than judgement. The entire Sermon on the Mount is a beautifully rich invitation into the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus’ teaching on money, is no different. Jesus invites us to a little self-evaluation, and then says, “wouldn’t you rather live for the Kingdom of God?”

So, relax Jesus is not trying to clobber you, he is hoping to restore you! So, practice a little Holy Spirit-led self-evaluation, and ask for the grace to “seek first the Kingdom of God.”

 

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day five)

Do you feel the personal intensity of this sermon (on the Mount) as Jesus begins to make application and challenge each of His listeners? The way Jesus does this in Matthew 6, is the same way His Spirit (Holy Spirit) does it now. God will begin to speak to particular areas of our lives that are NOT “in step with the Spirit” and do not reflect the strength, trust, love, and hope found in a life with Christ. And so in our Re:Verse passage this week, Jesus speaks to particularly personal areas that are outward reflections of our inward desire to trust, love, and hope in the Lord. Jesus is not intimidated by our sin. He will continue to place tension and conviction at the place and point of our sin. The goal is for our outward conduct to match our inward desires. It was the life He lived- perfect obedience. . Jerry Bridges says, “Obedience that isn’t delighted in is not perfect obedience”

“I delight to do your will, o my God; your law is within my heart” – Psalm 40:8

 

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day four)

It was one of my Mother’s favorite verses…Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” It embodies how we should live our lives…focused upon God and His purposes. Too often we get distracted from seeking His will and instead, focus upon our own needs, directions, or desires. Whether it is food, or clothing, or possessions…we need to leave that in God’s hands. When it says ‘they will be added to us’, it does not mean we will get the fanciest car or the latest fashions in clothing or even the most sumptuous meal. When we are focused upon God and His kingdom, even our desires and our level of contentment will be changed. God will be the Lord of every part of our lives. And what a wonderful promise…each day will take care of itself. How freeing is that? We have enough to take care of today…why worry about tomorrow?

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day three)

“The eye is the lamp of the body.” We think we know what we’re looking at. But do we? Jesus says maybe not. Do you know how to tell the difference between something that will last into the age to come and something that won’t? Jesus tells us clearly that there are such things that will last and such things that will crumble. Are you learning which is which? The words Jesus speaks in this passage–and his words and actions from other passages–will teach us how to see what lasts and what doesn’t. If we will believe it, the Bible will help us learn to see the world like Jesus sees the world.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day two) “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’” ‭‭vs 30-31‬ ‭

Over the past week I have had the opportunity to spend time with my family in Phoenix. It was the first time all my siblings and parents have been together in about three years. It has been a blessing to watch my daughters connect with cousins and to enjoy these moments together. Later April and I were able to spend a couple of days in Sedona and one at the Grand Canyon. It is hard to imagine that a creator that would consider the majesty, nuance, shape, design, color, and overall beauty of these spectacular formations would not also care deeply about his own children. Worry can overwhelm and cause unnecessary distraction from purpose. Go to the edge of a mile deep canyon and cast your worries there. He considered it, and he will consider you.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day one)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. . .no one can serve two masters. . .do not worry about. . .what you will eat or drink. . .(or) about clothes. . . seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”–v 19, 24, 25, 28, 33.

“The most important things in life are not things.”–Anthony J. D’ Angelo

Jesus was an astute observer.  He was not reluctant to talk about the issue that often acts as a “substitute God”.  His sermons were often about money and possessions.

Money is not a bad thing.  Material things are provided by God for our enjoyment. (See 1 Timothy 6:17).  BUT, money does have the potential to draw our hearts away from God. Worry is the sure sign that we have stumbled away from his wisdom.

This week we read the words of Christ on money/possessions.  He will declare, again, that He is the King of things.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 5:17-48 (day seven)

“Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”–v 39.

His words must have been hard to hear.  Charismatic young preacher.  Rumors of miracles. Suddenly, He begins to talk about turning the other cheek.

It sounded illogical.  Impossible.  Impractical.  Both then and now.

“Isn’t this a formula for enabling bullies and con men?” they protested!  It just sounded wrong.

But Jesus wasn’t giving a new Law.  He was telling them/us that the old Law had to be interpreted by looking at the heart–the presence or the absence of love.

Do you love the bully?  Do you love others that he may be hurting?  Is love how you reach your decision?  Are you willing to sacrifice personal pride for a larger, better solution?

Not a new Law.  Insight into the old Law.  The question that matters is, “What does love look like?”