"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." Matthew 7:28-29
Matthew closes his record of the Sermon on the Mount by stating that the people were amazed at Jesus' words. Most of the rabbis in Jesus' day didn't come up with anything new to say. Mainly, they just regurgitated what they were taught. They might have done so in a charismatic way, but it was just transferring information...without authority. Jesus spoke, and it was obvious that He knew what He was talking about. Of course He did...He not only was able to correctly interpret the Law and the Prophets, but He was the one who inspired the words in the first place. Of course He had authority in teaching about those words, and in reflecting on how to live the life God truly calls us to...He is the ultimate model of that.
Does Christ have authority in your life? This is not as asking if you've accepted Him as your savior. This is not the same as saying that you're a Christian. Does He have authority? If He says "jump," do you say 'how high?" and "when should I land?" If you have truly acknowledged Christ as the authority of your life, then no matter what the Spirit tells you to do, do it.
Thank you for journeying with me through the Sermon on the Mount. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog.
Showing posts with label Sermon on the Mount. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sermon on the Mount. Show all posts
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
SOnTheM 40
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods went up
The rains came down and the floods went up
The rains came down and the floods went up
And the house on the rock stood firm.
Would you build a house on sand? Yes, of course, it is possible to do using posts which go deep into the ground, but that's a lot of work, and it defeats the principle of the story.
Sand is moved around by just about anything. Why would you want the foundation of your home to be so malleable? Wouldn't you want a firm substance? I know I would.
May you go today and put Jesus' words into action, and be like the wise man.
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods went up
The rains came down and the floods went up
The rains came down and the floods went up
And the house on the rock stood firm.
Would you build a house on sand? Yes, of course, it is possible to do using posts which go deep into the ground, but that's a lot of work, and it defeats the principle of the story.
Sand is moved around by just about anything. Why would you want the foundation of your home to be so malleable? Wouldn't you want a firm substance? I know I would.
May you go today and put Jesus' words into action, and be like the wise man.
Monday, March 3, 2008
SOnTheM 39
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " Matthew 7:21-23
It's easy to go with the flow when you're around "church-folk" and act like a Christ-follower. It's even easy to do some type of "mission work" when you're with other people who have a true relationship with Christ. It's something totally different to have that relationship with Christ, though. Jesus' goal in coming to earth, living a sinless life, and dying on a cross, though He did not deserve it, was not so that He could fill all of the empty space in heaven. He did those things so that you and I could live alongside Him, in relationship.
If you don't know Christ, then it doesn't matter who else you do know. It makes no difference what you've done or how you've acted...if Jesus won't be able to say that He knows you, then all is vanity.
May you know Christ, and make Him known.
It's easy to go with the flow when you're around "church-folk" and act like a Christ-follower. It's even easy to do some type of "mission work" when you're with other people who have a true relationship with Christ. It's something totally different to have that relationship with Christ, though. Jesus' goal in coming to earth, living a sinless life, and dying on a cross, though He did not deserve it, was not so that He could fill all of the empty space in heaven. He did those things so that you and I could live alongside Him, in relationship.
If you don't know Christ, then it doesn't matter who else you do know. It makes no difference what you've done or how you've acted...if Jesus won't be able to say that He knows you, then all is vanity.
May you know Christ, and make Him known.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
SOnTheM 38
"Watch our for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:15-20
First off, know this: not all prophets are true prophets. There were false prophets in Jesus' time, and there are false prophets now. The devil masquerades as an angel of light. It would be great if the good guys looked pretty and the bad guys looked ugly, but most of the time they look the same to our physical eyes. So how do we tell them apart?
By their fruit. By all that one says and does. However, this isn't as easy as is sounds. Anyone is capable of bearing "good fruit" for a season or "bad fruit" for a season. Determining whether a prophet (in using prophet, I don't mean an Old Testament prophet type of person, but anyone who claims to know God) is true or false is by watching their life.
Do not put your faith in men, but in Christ, and let His words determine whether you should walk alongside others in your followship.
May the Spirit in you help you determine whether your prophets are true or false. If they are false, may you deal with them in a manner which honors Christ. If they are true, may you walk alongside them, seeking life in Christ.
First off, know this: not all prophets are true prophets. There were false prophets in Jesus' time, and there are false prophets now. The devil masquerades as an angel of light. It would be great if the good guys looked pretty and the bad guys looked ugly, but most of the time they look the same to our physical eyes. So how do we tell them apart?
By their fruit. By all that one says and does. However, this isn't as easy as is sounds. Anyone is capable of bearing "good fruit" for a season or "bad fruit" for a season. Determining whether a prophet (in using prophet, I don't mean an Old Testament prophet type of person, but anyone who claims to know God) is true or false is by watching their life.
Do not put your faith in men, but in Christ, and let His words determine whether you should walk alongside others in your followship.
May the Spirit in you help you determine whether your prophets are true or false. If they are false, may you deal with them in a manner which honors Christ. If they are true, may you walk alongside them, seeking life in Christ.
Friday, February 29, 2008
SOnTheM 37
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
One way leads to life. One way leads to destruction. Wouldn't it be nice if we always chose the narrow road? If you're like me, more often than not you find yourself traveling the broad road and don't even realize it. We must purpose to stay on the narrow road. We must purpose to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, and by doing so, continue to walk the narrow road, to the small gate, to life.
-"The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost
May you walk the narrow road.
One way leads to life. One way leads to destruction. Wouldn't it be nice if we always chose the narrow road? If you're like me, more often than not you find yourself traveling the broad road and don't even realize it. We must purpose to stay on the narrow road. We must purpose to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, and by doing so, continue to walk the narrow road, to the small gate, to life.
-"The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost
May you walk the narrow road.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
SOnTheM 36
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12
I think this speaks for itself.
May those in your presence today know that you care more for them than for yourself, and may the love of Christ pour from your every movement.
I think this speaks for itself.
May those in your presence today know that you care more for them than for yourself, and may the love of Christ pour from your every movement.
Monday, February 25, 2008
SOnTheM 35
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11
I'm reminded of a time when my friend Nate and I were in Greer, SC. Without giving too many details (because most of the details allude to my own stupidity), I'll say that our adventure ended with me twisting a chassis support in my Bravada. Well, when I told my dad, he wasn't too thrilled. A couple of days later, he drove from Summerville to Tigerville (about 3 1/2 hours, give or take) to look at the car. He was prepared to rent a car dolly, and tow the Bravada back to Summerville to have it fixed (and to remain there indefinitely). Well, instead, he left the Bravada with me (though it was undriveable) and a few days later, he returned with the part needed to fix it. He spent the day in the parking lot of North Greenville under my car, fixing the problem. Then he went back to Summerville.
I think what Jesus was saying was something like this: If you, even though you have evil in your hearts, are willing to take two full days off of work, drive a total of 14-15 hours, spent a day working on a car which a stupid college student messed up, just because you love your son and want him to have a car, how much more must God love us? I can't really answer that question...God's love is neverending. Even His wrath is spawned from His love.
May you know God's love for you today. May you spend the rest of your life trying to return it.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11
I'm reminded of a time when my friend Nate and I were in Greer, SC. Without giving too many details (because most of the details allude to my own stupidity), I'll say that our adventure ended with me twisting a chassis support in my Bravada. Well, when I told my dad, he wasn't too thrilled. A couple of days later, he drove from Summerville to Tigerville (about 3 1/2 hours, give or take) to look at the car. He was prepared to rent a car dolly, and tow the Bravada back to Summerville to have it fixed (and to remain there indefinitely). Well, instead, he left the Bravada with me (though it was undriveable) and a few days later, he returned with the part needed to fix it. He spent the day in the parking lot of North Greenville under my car, fixing the problem. Then he went back to Summerville.
I think what Jesus was saying was something like this: If you, even though you have evil in your hearts, are willing to take two full days off of work, drive a total of 14-15 hours, spent a day working on a car which a stupid college student messed up, just because you love your son and want him to have a car, how much more must God love us? I can't really answer that question...God's love is neverending. Even His wrath is spawned from His love.
May you know God's love for you today. May you spend the rest of your life trying to return it.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
SOnTheM 34
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6
Pretty freaky, huh?
I thought so, too.
After being taught (by word and example) that we are too love everyone, why would Christ say that we shouldn't share the glorious truth of the gospel with everyone? He isn't saying not to live Christ to them, but rather that we shouldn't force the gospel in front of people, especially if they are clearly rejecting Christ with scorn and contempt. Does that mean we should wipe the dust from our feet and move on? Sometimes, it might. I think, rather, that at those times we should redouble our efforts to love and pray for these people. Rather than abandoning or overwhelming them, we should covertly show them what Christ has shown us. The secret mission of the followers of Christ.
May you be discerning today, listening for the Spirit to tell you who is ready to hear the gospel of Christ, and who just needs to be loved right now.
PS Happy Birthday, Dad!
Pretty freaky, huh?
I thought so, too.
After being taught (by word and example) that we are too love everyone, why would Christ say that we shouldn't share the glorious truth of the gospel with everyone? He isn't saying not to live Christ to them, but rather that we shouldn't force the gospel in front of people, especially if they are clearly rejecting Christ with scorn and contempt. Does that mean we should wipe the dust from our feet and move on? Sometimes, it might. I think, rather, that at those times we should redouble our efforts to love and pray for these people. Rather than abandoning or overwhelming them, we should covertly show them what Christ has shown us. The secret mission of the followers of Christ.
May you be discerning today, listening for the Spirit to tell you who is ready to hear the gospel of Christ, and who just needs to be loved right now.
PS Happy Birthday, Dad!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
SOnTheM 33
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5
This passage doesn't mean that all types of judgment are wrong. In fact, elsewhere Jesus tells us to make right judgments, and Jesus Himself judges (albeit, He is perfect and therefore is the only one with the authority to judge all others) others. Jesus is here telling His disciples not to be be judgmental, which is a lot different than making judgments.
As far as the plank in your eye, well, just remember that you can only lead others as far as you're willing to go yourself. If you're not seeking Christ, then don't try to help a brother or sister try. First, focus your heart, mind, and strength on Him, and then you'll be fit to assist others on their journey.
May you, today, make right judgments, focus your entire being on Christ, and lead others to do the same.
This passage doesn't mean that all types of judgment are wrong. In fact, elsewhere Jesus tells us to make right judgments, and Jesus Himself judges (albeit, He is perfect and therefore is the only one with the authority to judge all others) others. Jesus is here telling His disciples not to be be judgmental, which is a lot different than making judgments.
As far as the plank in your eye, well, just remember that you can only lead others as far as you're willing to go yourself. If you're not seeking Christ, then don't try to help a brother or sister try. First, focus your heart, mind, and strength on Him, and then you'll be fit to assist others on their journey.
May you, today, make right judgments, focus your entire being on Christ, and lead others to do the same.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
SOnTheM 32
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34
This really is a continuation of the previous passage. Don't worry about your life. God will take care of you...if you're seeking Him. This doesn't mean you should quit your job because "God will provide" and you can "better serve Him without a job," but rather make him priority 1 in your life. Do what He calls you to do, and He'll take care of the rest.
Remember: Obedience is success.
This really is a continuation of the previous passage. Don't worry about your life. God will take care of you...if you're seeking Him. This doesn't mean you should quit your job because "God will provide" and you can "better serve Him without a job," but rather make him priority 1 in your life. Do what He calls you to do, and He'll take care of the rest.
Remember: Obedience is success.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
SOnTheM 31
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:25-30
Now that I'm married, it's much harder to do this than it used to be. I never used to find myself worrying about stuff. I knew that God would take care of me. I still know that. It's just harder sometimes, because I care so much for my wife, and I want her to be taken care of, even if I'm not.
This reminds me of a particular moment in my life. I don't remember specific moments very much, but this one will stand out for all time. It was a Sunday morning, in September of 2003. I graduated from North Greenville the previous May, worked all summer at Awanita, and was staying at home with my parents while waiting to move to Spartanburg for a particular job that I was very excited about. Well, before church, I went to check my email, and got a message from the person who would be my boss, and he said that he wasn't able to hire me on because of budget issues (OH WHAT COULD WE DO IF WE LIVED ON FAITH AND DIDN'T BASE ALL OF OUR DECISIONS ON BUDGETS!!!). Anyway, I had planned on taking this job for several months at that point, and so I didn't know what I was going to do. And what was worse, I had to tell my parents, and had to tell Sarah.
Well, during church that morning, we sang a song entitled "Made Me Glad." During that song, God completely reassured me that He had His hand on me, and that I didn't need to worry about anything. He was already planning to take care of it. Since that morning, I have had total confidence that God is going to take care of us, even when we don't know what to do.
May you live today without worry of what will come. May you instead focus on what God has in front of you, so you may succeed in obedience to Him, without concern of what tomorrow may bring.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:25-30
Now that I'm married, it's much harder to do this than it used to be. I never used to find myself worrying about stuff. I knew that God would take care of me. I still know that. It's just harder sometimes, because I care so much for my wife, and I want her to be taken care of, even if I'm not.
This reminds me of a particular moment in my life. I don't remember specific moments very much, but this one will stand out for all time. It was a Sunday morning, in September of 2003. I graduated from North Greenville the previous May, worked all summer at Awanita, and was staying at home with my parents while waiting to move to Spartanburg for a particular job that I was very excited about. Well, before church, I went to check my email, and got a message from the person who would be my boss, and he said that he wasn't able to hire me on because of budget issues (OH WHAT COULD WE DO IF WE LIVED ON FAITH AND DIDN'T BASE ALL OF OUR DECISIONS ON BUDGETS!!!). Anyway, I had planned on taking this job for several months at that point, and so I didn't know what I was going to do. And what was worse, I had to tell my parents, and had to tell Sarah.
Well, during church that morning, we sang a song entitled "Made Me Glad." During that song, God completely reassured me that He had His hand on me, and that I didn't need to worry about anything. He was already planning to take care of it. Since that morning, I have had total confidence that God is going to take care of us, even when we don't know what to do.
May you live today without worry of what will come. May you instead focus on what God has in front of you, so you may succeed in obedience to Him, without concern of what tomorrow may bring.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
SOnTheM 30
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Have good vision.
Serve God.
First, Jesus talks about two ways to store treasure (earth or heaven), and then two ways to see (with good eyes or bad eyes), and now He talks about two people you can serve. When He says "serve," though, it's not something that we, as westerners, can really understand easily. Jesus meant that no one can be a slave to two masters. Sure, you can work for two different employers (I've been doing that for quite a while), but if you're a slave of someone, then that person owns you...completely. Of course, we don't like to think of God a slave-owner. But the truth is, all of God's children are his bondservants.
A bondservant (doulos in Greek means "slave") is someone who loves his master so much that he is willing to give up his entirety to serve his master. That means that God is not my owner because He's all-powerful and forces me to be His subject, but rather His love for me spawns a love in me for Him that is so powerful that it compels me to serve Him. What greater joy is there than to serve the Almighty? I have found none.
May you choose to be God's slave. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Have good vision.
Serve God.
First, Jesus talks about two ways to store treasure (earth or heaven), and then two ways to see (with good eyes or bad eyes), and now He talks about two people you can serve. When He says "serve," though, it's not something that we, as westerners, can really understand easily. Jesus meant that no one can be a slave to two masters. Sure, you can work for two different employers (I've been doing that for quite a while), but if you're a slave of someone, then that person owns you...completely. Of course, we don't like to think of God a slave-owner. But the truth is, all of God's children are his bondservants.
A bondservant (doulos in Greek means "slave") is someone who loves his master so much that he is willing to give up his entirety to serve his master. That means that God is not my owner because He's all-powerful and forces me to be His subject, but rather His love for me spawns a love in me for Him that is so powerful that it compels me to serve Him. What greater joy is there than to serve the Almighty? I have found none.
May you choose to be God's slave. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
Monday, February 11, 2008
SOnTheM 29
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23
Just in case anyone is wondering, this actually has nothing to do with your eyes. Just because you were coke bottle glasses doesn't mean you walk in darkness.
Moving on...the body finds its way because of the eye, right? Yes, you can slowly walk through a dark room using your hands and feet to feel around you, but isn't it a million times easier when the light is turned on? Of course it is. When your eyes are working, light is provided to the body to go where it should go and stay away from those places it should stay away from.
Similarly, in a spiritual way, the heart tells the rest of you where you should go and where you shouldn't. If your heart is illuminated by the Light of Christ, then you will go where you the Spirit moves you. However, if your heart is not illuminated by the Light of Christ, then, even if you think you're on the right track, you're most likely way off.
This reminds me of something that happened a few months ago. My wife, Sarah, recently bought some glasses for driving. She's always been supposed to wear glasses to drive, but most of the time has just squinted her way through it (doesn't that make you feel safe?) and managed to be a pretty good driver without any glasses. Once she got her glasses, though, she was amazed at how clear everything was. Before, she could see what she needed to see, but after, she could see so much more, kind of like upgrading to HDTV (so I'm told...I've never seen anything on HDTV).
May your heart be illuminated today by the Light of Christ, and may His Spirit move you to the places you need to be.
Just in case anyone is wondering, this actually has nothing to do with your eyes. Just because you were coke bottle glasses doesn't mean you walk in darkness.
Moving on...the body finds its way because of the eye, right? Yes, you can slowly walk through a dark room using your hands and feet to feel around you, but isn't it a million times easier when the light is turned on? Of course it is. When your eyes are working, light is provided to the body to go where it should go and stay away from those places it should stay away from.
Similarly, in a spiritual way, the heart tells the rest of you where you should go and where you shouldn't. If your heart is illuminated by the Light of Christ, then you will go where you the Spirit moves you. However, if your heart is not illuminated by the Light of Christ, then, even if you think you're on the right track, you're most likely way off.
This reminds me of something that happened a few months ago. My wife, Sarah, recently bought some glasses for driving. She's always been supposed to wear glasses to drive, but most of the time has just squinted her way through it (doesn't that make you feel safe?) and managed to be a pretty good driver without any glasses. Once she got her glasses, though, she was amazed at how clear everything was. Before, she could see what she needed to see, but after, she could see so much more, kind of like upgrading to HDTV (so I'm told...I've never seen anything on HDTV).
May your heart be illuminated today by the Light of Christ, and may His Spirit move you to the places you need to be.
Friday, February 8, 2008
SOnTheM 28
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
If you're like me, you grew up in church hearing this verse. It's kind of annoying, don't you think? I mean, it's almost as though Jesus is saying that materialism is wrong. What the heck? Oh wait, it is wrong! Nothing you gain in this life is worth anything. Paul knew that. He said that compared to Christ, everything is rubbish. Now, for you New Skool kids who don't know what rubbish is, it's pretty much garbage. I'd go as far as to say Paul wasn't even saying garbage, but that he was saying crap. Compared to knowing Christ, everything is excrement. So, if it's rubbish, why store it? Have you ever seen someone who saved a load of dung (besides Joe Dirt)? That's ridiculous. Of course not.
Several times prior to this, Jesus spoke about the heavenly Father rewarding those who followed His teaching. Guess what--that's how we store up treasures in heaven. Just follow Christ's teaching and let the Spirit reign in our hearts. If you're an intellectual like me, then there's your formula. Now go for it.
May you, today, be intentionally storing up treasures in heaven, not to be wealthy, but to show the love of Christ to all you come in contact with.
If you're like me, you grew up in church hearing this verse. It's kind of annoying, don't you think? I mean, it's almost as though Jesus is saying that materialism is wrong. What the heck? Oh wait, it is wrong! Nothing you gain in this life is worth anything. Paul knew that. He said that compared to Christ, everything is rubbish. Now, for you New Skool kids who don't know what rubbish is, it's pretty much garbage. I'd go as far as to say Paul wasn't even saying garbage, but that he was saying crap. Compared to knowing Christ, everything is excrement. So, if it's rubbish, why store it? Have you ever seen someone who saved a load of dung (besides Joe Dirt)? That's ridiculous. Of course not.
Several times prior to this, Jesus spoke about the heavenly Father rewarding those who followed His teaching. Guess what--that's how we store up treasures in heaven. Just follow Christ's teaching and let the Spirit reign in our hearts. If you're an intellectual like me, then there's your formula. Now go for it.
May you, today, be intentionally storing up treasures in heaven, not to be wealthy, but to show the love of Christ to all you come in contact with.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
SOnTheM 27
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18
I doubt that most of you fast on a regular basis. I know I don't. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that if we do fast, we shouldn't make it look like a struggle we're going through in order to please God (especially since our true intentions would be to look more godly than we are). If you should fast, be sure to be joyful about it. Be excited that you're doing something that will bring you closer to the heart of God. Don't be miserable because you've missed a few meals.
And let those missed meals be a reminder to you: your body is longing for sustainance...is your soul?
At Crossroads, we're in the middle of a 40-day fast. Our main directives are developing a kingdom mission and becoming radically generous with our money, possessions, time, and our lives. If you're interested in fasting, check out Fast For Greenville, a website that our Connections Pastor, Rich Butler, runs. There you'll find prayer directives for our 40-day fast, as well as links to numerous resources about fasting.
May your life be one that is obviously filled with the Spirit, and may any suffering you endure for the sake of Christ be joy to you.
I doubt that most of you fast on a regular basis. I know I don't. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that if we do fast, we shouldn't make it look like a struggle we're going through in order to please God (especially since our true intentions would be to look more godly than we are). If you should fast, be sure to be joyful about it. Be excited that you're doing something that will bring you closer to the heart of God. Don't be miserable because you've missed a few meals.
And let those missed meals be a reminder to you: your body is longing for sustainance...is your soul?
At Crossroads, we're in the middle of a 40-day fast. Our main directives are developing a kingdom mission and becoming radically generous with our money, possessions, time, and our lives. If you're interested in fasting, check out Fast For Greenville, a website that our Connections Pastor, Rich Butler, runs. There you'll find prayer directives for our 40-day fast, as well as links to numerous resources about fasting.
May your life be one that is obviously filled with the Spirit, and may any suffering you endure for the sake of Christ be joy to you.
Monday, February 4, 2008
SOnTheM 26
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
Basically, this is a reiteration of what Jesus was saying in verse 12: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The community of Christ-followers should always be forgiving, because our God and Father is always forgiving. Some of us haven't realized that we really aren't perfect, and that others aren't either. So why do we continue to hold back forgiveness? I think it may be some part of the old man rising again in us. I don't know for sure, though. All I know is, I should be MUCH more forgiving than I am, and I'm pretty sure each of you should be also.
May you forgive today, regardless of the harm that has been done to you. In doing so, you shall put a smile on the face of the Almighty.
Basically, this is a reiteration of what Jesus was saying in verse 12: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The community of Christ-followers should always be forgiving, because our God and Father is always forgiving. Some of us haven't realized that we really aren't perfect, and that others aren't either. So why do we continue to hold back forgiveness? I think it may be some part of the old man rising again in us. I don't know for sure, though. All I know is, I should be MUCH more forgiving than I am, and I'm pretty sure each of you should be also.
May you forgive today, regardless of the harm that has been done to you. In doing so, you shall put a smile on the face of the Almighty.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
SOnThem 25
"This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew 6:9-13
In order to contrast the ostentatious prayer he previously spoke of, he chose to give us an example of how we should pray. I have chosen not to spend time discussing the Lord's Prayer in my blog because we have numerous resources pertaining to it already. Not only that, but I'm sure all of us have heard a hundred sermons about it, and we've probably done some type of study on it in church at one point or another.
That being said, remember this:
God reigns over heaven and earth.
God is sovereign.
God is our provider.
God is full of grace and mercy.
God does not tempt us.
God is our conqueror.
May you go today, and know God in a new light that you have not known Him before. May He reveal some new part of Himself to you, that you can glorify Him all the more.
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew 6:9-13
In order to contrast the ostentatious prayer he previously spoke of, he chose to give us an example of how we should pray. I have chosen not to spend time discussing the Lord's Prayer in my blog because we have numerous resources pertaining to it already. Not only that, but I'm sure all of us have heard a hundred sermons about it, and we've probably done some type of study on it in church at one point or another.
That being said, remember this:
God reigns over heaven and earth.
God is sovereign.
God is our provider.
God is full of grace and mercy.
God does not tempt us.
God is our conqueror.
May you go today, and know God in a new light that you have not known Him before. May He reveal some new part of Himself to you, that you can glorify Him all the more.
Monday, January 28, 2008
SOnTheM 24
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:7-8
Occam's Razor = the more complicated a solution is, the more likely it will be incorrect.
KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid
God prefers an honest prayer over a long one. He knows what you need. He knows what you want. He also knows what He's going to give and what He's going to hold back. He's waiting on you to seek His face, then He'll shower His blessings down on you, even if you don't realize it.
Prayers don't have to be short, and they don't have to be long. Just make it honest, and express your heart to God.
May you go through your day today expressing your heart to God in an honest way.
Occam's Razor = the more complicated a solution is, the more likely it will be incorrect.
KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid
God prefers an honest prayer over a long one. He knows what you need. He knows what you want. He also knows what He's going to give and what He's going to hold back. He's waiting on you to seek His face, then He'll shower His blessings down on you, even if you don't realize it.
Prayers don't have to be short, and they don't have to be long. Just make it honest, and express your heart to God.
May you go through your day today expressing your heart to God in an honest way.
Friday, January 25, 2008
SOnTheM 23
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6
Is anyone seeing a pattern here? Cry out to God. Call to Him. Fall on your face before the Throne of Glory. But don't do it so that others can say, "That guy/girl is spiritual. Do it because the Spirit compels you to do it. By all means, intercede for others, but do so in such a way as to keep a pure heart, not being motivated by any selfish desires.
Does this mean we shouldn't have prayer meetings? That we shouldn't pray over our food when we go out to eat? For those of you who are asking these questions, drop the legalism, and love God! Of course we should meet with other believers and cry out to our God together. Of course we should pray a blessing over our dinner. Just be sure your motives are pure.
May your heart be pure today.
Is anyone seeing a pattern here? Cry out to God. Call to Him. Fall on your face before the Throne of Glory. But don't do it so that others can say, "That guy/girl is spiritual. Do it because the Spirit compels you to do it. By all means, intercede for others, but do so in such a way as to keep a pure heart, not being motivated by any selfish desires.
Does this mean we shouldn't have prayer meetings? That we shouldn't pray over our food when we go out to eat? For those of you who are asking these questions, drop the legalism, and love God! Of course we should meet with other believers and cry out to our God together. Of course we should pray a blessing over our dinner. Just be sure your motives are pure.
May your heart be pure today.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SOnTheM 22
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus is saying here that we should not perform good deeds so that others will see us and think we are good people. After all, we are all beggars at the foot of God's door, right? If you do good deeds so that others will think good of you, then God will not reward you, for you have already received the reward you wanted--the approval of men, which pales in comparison with pleasing the Father.
But wait! Doesn't Jesus also say to let our light shine before men? Yes, but He says to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds AND GLORIFY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN (Matthew 5:14-16).
Don't do good deeds to gain the approval of men. Do them to glorify God.
May you seek to be righteous today, so that others will see you and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Jesus is saying here that we should not perform good deeds so that others will see us and think we are good people. After all, we are all beggars at the foot of God's door, right? If you do good deeds so that others will think good of you, then God will not reward you, for you have already received the reward you wanted--the approval of men, which pales in comparison with pleasing the Father.
But wait! Doesn't Jesus also say to let our light shine before men? Yes, but He says to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds AND GLORIFY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN (Matthew 5:14-16).
Don't do good deeds to gain the approval of men. Do them to glorify God.
May you seek to be righteous today, so that others will see you and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
