September 2013

"Cleansing Zeal"

September 30, 2013

“Cleansing Zeal”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 21:12-13
Mark 11:15-17
Luke 19:45-46
John 2:13-17

pastedGraphic
We have here the accounts of Jesus driving out the moneychangers, etc. from the temple.

It looks as if He might have done so on at least two separate occasions.
Once at the beginning of His public time...another at the end.

Here are the truths to be gleaned.

The Temple was the “house of God.”
It was a House of Prayer.
Yet, man had turned it into a den of thieves with the moneychanging, bartering, etc. that took place within.

Why the business transactions?

To expedite the sacrificial system required by God.

Man had brought sin into that required by God.

Jesus drove out the sin and corruption.

He does the same today.

The body of the Believer is the temple of the Most High.

We are to be a house of prayer, not a den of iniquities.
We are not to carry about the “merchandise of sin.”
The zeal of the Lord for His house...us...should consume us.

Does He?

"Fruitful"

September 29, 2013

“Fruitful”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 21:18-19
Mark 11:12-14
Luke 13:6-9

pastedGraphic
This is an interesting account.

Jesus was returning to Jerusalem.
It was morning.
He was hungry.
He saw a leafy fig tree and went to eat of it, though it was not the season for figs.

When He found no figs, He declared that the tree would not longer bear fruit.
It “at once” withered”.
Jesus was hoping to find some remnant for fruit.
Fruit from a past season.
But none was found.

Was he angry?
Perhaps.
But, without sin.

His disciples saw and heard this.

The point?

We are to be fruitful.

Often in the Word the fig tree represents Israel.

Israel had not be fruitful and faithful.

Are we?

"Praise and Overturning"

September 28, 2013

“Praise and Overturning”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 21:10-17
Mark 11:11-17
Luke 19:45-46



pastedGraphic
Jesus came to Jerusalem
He examined the town.
Then He went to Bethany due to the lateness of the day.

The next day He returns.

The city is stirred.
Some people wanted to know who Jesus was.
Others stated He was the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.

Jesus entered the temple.
Angry with what He saw as to the buying and selling, He drove out those doing such.

Jesus declared “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a robbers den’ “.

The blind and lame came to Him.
He healed them.

But…
  • what a sad word
  • what a powerful word.
  • what meaning

Even though they saw…
Even though they knew it to be real..
The chief priests and scribes became indignant.

They could not stand the praise of the children proclaiming the Truth of Jesus.

They sought to silence the praise.
They sought to condemn the Lord.

Quench not the praise of little ones.
Be not indignant with the move of God.

Rejoice and give Him praise.

"Visitation from God"

September 27, 2013

“Visitation from God”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 19:41-44

pastedGraphic

Jesus was a man of emotion.
Expressive emotion.

We see Him rejoicing, dancing, grieving, angry, etc.
Here we see Him crying.
Again.
We saw how He cried over the people in the situation with Lazarus - even though He knew what He was about to do.

LIkewise here.

Jesus cries over Jerusalem.

Why?

Because they did not recognize the time of their visitation from God.

How many times have we not recognized the same?

Jesus declares some things.

  • if only they had known what made for peace. Remember, they had been declaring the desire for peace.They saw it in an earthly King. They had hope that Jesus was the King.
  • since they did not recognize (acknowledge, receive) the time of their visitation, these things are hidden from their eyes
  • the days would come when their enemy would destroy Jerusalem...build up embankments, surround on every side, demolish...the walls and those within…leave no stone unturned.

Have you experienced a visitation from the Lord?

Seek Him.
He shall be found.

"Look, the World Has Run Off After Him"

September 26, 2013

“Look, the World Has Run Off After Him”

Blessings follk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 21:1-9
Mark 11:1-10
Luke 10:28-40
John 12:12-19

pastedGraphic

All four gospel give an account of this episode.
We call it “the triumphal entry.”

The people thought is was triumph.
The people thought the Lord was declaring His Kingship.
He was.
But, not in the way they hoped or thought.

Give thought to these points:
  • the Lord told them how to procure the donkey, even down to what to say if confronted...which they were. What if we were to listen to Him in this way? What if we trusted in this way?
  • the Lord needed the donkey to fulfill prophecy. I believe the religious rulers were totally aware of the prophecy. I believe that with this “entry” they knew that He was Messiah. Many would eventually believe and be saved. Many others would reject Him.
  • The people acknowledged who Jesus was and what He did…they gave Him praise.
    • Son of David
    • Comes in the name of the Lord
    • King of Israel
    • Peace from heaven would be found in Him
    • He was the bearer of the Kingdom of their father David

Of course, the Religionists were outraged.
They demanded that Jesus rebuke His disciples, to quieten them.
Jesus declared that the very rocks would cry out if He did so.
The Religionists fretted because “the world was running after Him.”

The Masses were correct in their declaration unto the Lord.
They were incorrect in their expectations of what would occur next.

I believe some of the priests might have known what was to occur...whether they actually believed it or not.

Do we believe?
We look back and see what occurred and believe.
Do you look ahead and believe?
The Lord tells us much about what is yet to occur.


"Kill Him"

September 25, 2013

“Kill Him”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 12:9-11

pastedGraphic
Here is something folk rarely preach/teach on.

Lazarus, he who was raised from the dead, was causing the Religionist problems.

Many of the Jews were “going away”...leaving the synagogue...and were believing in Jesus.

This was due to what had happened to Lazarus.

So, what do you do as an important, powerful religious leader confronted with such a situation?

You kill the man.

The chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death “also”...along with Jesus.

We should not be surprised that we experience that which the Lord did.

He promised such.

"Giving With Abandon"

September 24, 2013

“Giving With Abandon”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 26:6-13
Mark 14:3-9
John 12:1-8


pastedGraphic
So many things to be gleaned and learned in this encounter.

It was just before Passover.
Jesus comes to Bethany.
He is staying in the household of Lazarus, Martha and Mary.

Another Mary comes and anoints Jesus with an extreme amount of perfume.
A fragrant offering.
An offering of abandon withholding nothing.

The disciples, apparently led/influenced by Judas, were indignant with what they consider a waste.
The perfume could have been exchanged for money.
The money could have been used to feed the poor.

Or so they said.

We see that Judas was unconcerned for the poor.
He wanted the money.
He was a thief.

Jesus commands that they leave her alone.
What she had done was preparation for His death.
She literally anointed His Body beforehand for burial.
Because of this, she is remembered to this day.

The poor they would always have.
Jesus’ time with them was limited, quickly drawing to an end.

May we be faithful to the leading of the Lord - giving with abandon as He leads.
May we refuse to be indignant.
May we refuse the voice of the evil one.

"Entrusted Abilities"

September 23, 2013

“Entrusted Abilities”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 25:14-30
Luke 19:11-27


pastedGraphic



What are you doing with that entrusted to you by the Lord?

Each believer has been granted abilities.
These abilities are varied and diverse.
These abilities are exactly what the Lord designed and desired for us.

We should not be jealous over others abilities.
We should be faithful with that entrusted to us.

Faithfully living in the power of the Kingdom, in the abilities entrusted by the Lord, will enable us to enter into the joy of the Master...now and in the future.

Note that the worthless slave was thrown out into the outer darkness.

All mankind is entrusted with life.

What will we do with our life?

"Zaccheus"

September 22, 2013

“Zaccheus”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 19:1-10
pastedGraphic

The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

We have heard that Word often.

Did you know the context in Luke 19?

Zaccheus was a despised tax collector...a chief tax collector.

He was rich, likely at the expense of those from whom he collected taxes.

Zaccheus simply wanted to see Jesus.
For what was he looking?
What was his expectation?

You know the story.

Zaccheus ran ahead, found a tree and shimmied up it for a viewing spot.

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up...with intention, guided by Father (John 17) and told Zaccheus to hurry down, He was staying at his house.

Jesus initiated.
Jesus knew his name.
Jesus told him He was staying with him.

Zaccheus received Jesus with joy.

Of course, we know the response of the Religionists.
They grumbled because Jesus was to be the guest of a sinner.

The Kingdom does not avoid sinners.
The Kingdom seeks sinners.
The Kingdom avoids sin.

There is a distinction.

Zaccheus stopped, apparently before they reached the house.
He repented of his past deeds.
How do I know?
Because of what he said.

He would give half of his possessions to the poor.
If he defrauded anyone of anything, he would return four-fold.

Jesus tells him that salvation had come to his house.
Zaccheus’ belief, evidenced by his desire to provide restitution, was proof of true salvation.

Zaccheus was a son of Abraham.
Now, he is a Son of God.

Are you?

"Blind Men Crying"

September 21, 2013

“Blind Men Crying”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 20:29-34
Mark 10:46-52
Luke 18:35-43


pastedGraphic
Most are familiar with this incident.

Give close heed to the detail.

Matthew tells us that there are two blind men.
Mark gives us the name of one man - Bartimaeus.

The blind men heard Jesus passing by.
They cried out to Jesus.
They cried out in faith.
They cried out in desperation.
They cried out in the midst of persecution and ridicule.
They cried persistently.

They cried unto the Son of David for mercy.
Mercy.

Jesus called for them asking “what do you want Me to do for you?”

They wanted their eyes open.

Jesus, moved with compassion, healed them.
He touched them.
They followed Him.
They glorified God.

Note that the crowd...the masses...told them to be quiet.
The masses sternly warned against crying out to Jesus.

The masses...especially religious folk...will warn against crying out to Jesus.
They are embarrassed by such.

But, when the masses saw what happened...they gave praise to God.

Have you cried out in faith?
Persistently?
What would you have Jesus to do for you?

"To Serve"

September 20, 2013

“To Serve”

Blessings folk:

Today’s reading:

Matthew 20:20-28
Mark 10:35-45
Luke 22:24-27
pastedGraphic
Ah, the Sons of Zebedee - James and John.
Pillars of the early church.

They come to Jesus with a child-like...wait, childish...question.
Paraphrased, “Jesus, we want to ask something of You, but You have to promise to do it.”
To make it “worse”, they got Momma to ask. LOL

Did they initiate?
Did Momma?
Does it matter?
Either way, they “went along”.

They wanted to sit on both sides of Him.
They wanted the glory, the power.

Jesus spoke simply.
“You do not know what you ask.”
“Are you able to drink the cup I drink?” They had no idea.
“Are you able to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They had no idea.

They thought they knew what was ahead.

Jesus said, “OK, you will have such.”

But, to sit on the right/left was not Jesus’ decision.
It had been prepared already for someone.

We can imagine the response of the other ten disciples.
They were indignant.

Jesus dealt with it.

“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.”
“Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.”
“Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
The Son of Man came to give His life a ransom for many.

Are you seeking to be served or to serve?

"Things Written Through the Prophets"

September 19, 2013

“Things Written Through the Prophets”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 20:17-19
Mark 10:32-34
Luke 18:31-34

pastedGraphic

What must the Twelve have thought?

Jesus repeatedly told them that death awaited Him

In these passages He lays it out in detail:
  • going to Jerusalem
  • Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes
  • they will condemn Him to death
  • they will hand Him over to the Gentiles
  • He would be mocked, scourged and crucified
  • on the third day He would rise again.

Jesus told them.
Yet, did they believe?
Their actions betray unbelief, confusion and disbelief.
They were amazed.
They were fearful.
They did not understand these things.
It was hidden from them.
They would eventually understand.

But, on the third day…
The things written through the prophets…
The Son of Man would accomplish.

"Jesus Retreats"

September 18, 2013

“Jesus Retreats”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 11:54-57

pastedGraphic
The passage today begins with “therefore.”
Remember, always consider what the “therefore” is “there for.”

Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews...specifically the leadership.

Why?

As we saw yesterday, the Jewish leadership had decide to kill Him.

So, Jesus and His disciples went to the country near the wilderness.

Passover was approaching. (Give heed to the Feasts that are mentioned in the gospels. They are important guideposts as to the timing of Jesus’ life and events.)

There was great discussion in Jerusalem.

Would Jesus come to the feast?
It was required of every Hebrew male.

Would the chief priests and Pharisees seize Him?
They were planning to do so.
They were fearful of doing so during the Feast, but were determined to eliminate the “Jesus threat.”

Think it not strange when we encounter various trials and tribulations.
Jesus, The Master, faced such.
We, His slaves, will also.

Be strong in the Lord.
Be of the courage He has placed in you.

"One Must Die"

September 17, 2013

“One Must Die”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 11:45-53

pastedGraphic
Note the reaction of the people.

  • Many of the people with Mary believed in Jesus. They did so based upon what they saw Jesus do.

  • Others of the people with Mary hurried to the Pharisees and reported Jesus had done. Seeking to endear themselves to the religious leadership.

  • The Chief Priests and Pharisees panicked.
    • they called a council
    • what to do?
    • Jesus’ performing of signs would cause people to believe Him
    • then, the Romans would come and take away our sanctuary and nation.

Well, there you have it.
The Pharisees feared loss of power, resources, prestige, position.
Always follow the money.

They were religious, political opportunists who saw a developing problem related to their power structure.

The High Priest Caiaphas revealed the heart of the leadership.

Without realizing it, he spoke prophetically.
Caiaphas declared “You know nothing at All! You do not realize that it is more to your advantage to have one man die for the people than for the whole nation to perish”

In anger and resentment, he spoke the plans of the Most High God.

The Word clarifies.
Caiaphas did not say this on his own.
Because he was high priest that year...apparently the Lord chose to speak through him due to his position.
He prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation.
But, not only the Jewish nation.
Jesus would gather together into one the children of God who are scattered.

The council agreed to move upon Caiaphas’ suggestion.

They planned to kill Jesus.

"Sometimes, Waiting for God Stinks"

September 16, 2013

“Sometimes, Waiting for God Stinks”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 11:1-44

pastedGraphic
Most are very familiar with this account.

Let’s focus in on a couple of details.

Note the relationship between Lazarus and Jesus
“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters.
They were close.
Jesus spent time, much time, with them.
Jesus declared that the sickness was not to death.
Jesus declared that the hard time was for the glory of God...so that the Son of God may be glorified in it.

Jesus loved so much that when He received the word he waited two days.
Huh?

Then, Jesus went.
When Father said.
He went back to where the Jews wanted to kill Him.
Jesus’ disciples were not excited about it.

They must go.
“Our friend” Lazarus was asleep.
The disciples thought actual sleep.
Jesus meant dead.

I chuckle at Thomas’ response.
“Let’s all go die with Him…”
Man so readily seeks the role of martyr.

Jesus first encounters Martha.
Martha knew that her brother would have lived if Jesus had been there.
Was she accusing? Likely, though without sin. Just in pain and despair.
Jesus tells her Lazarus would live.
Martha acknowledges that resurrection was coming, but she was not thinking immediately.
Jesus did not clarify.
Martha went to fetch Mary.

Mary said the same thing to Jesus that Martha had.
Jesus responded differently.
He saw her weeping.
He was the weeping for those with her.
He was deeply moved in spirit.
He was troubled.
He wept.

Some saw His love.
Some accused...could He not have done something?

Jesus arrives at the tomb.
He commands the stone to be removed.
Martha then artfully pronounces the great line from the KJV - “By this time he stinketh.”

Jesus reminds Martha of their conversation.
Believe.
See the glory of God.

Jesus speaks to Father.
Jesus speaks to Lazarus - “Come forth”

Lazarus does. Intriguing.
How did he physically come forth when his hand and feet are bound by wrappings?
He did he see with his face wrapped?
Did the Lord call forth the body of Lazarus to relocate it? I think so.

Jesus then tells those there to unbind him and let him go.

Sometimes, waiting for God stinks.

The Lord could have traveled to Lazarus days earlier.
Why did He not?
Because Father had not told Him to.
It is that simple.

Jesus only did the things that Father told Him to, so we can assume that He only went when told.

The Lord is calling us to unbind those that He has brought to life.
Are we doing so?

Religion, for the most part, binds rather than frees.

Perhaps we do not see the glory of God because we do not believe.

Do you believe?
Really?
Truly?

Are you bound or are you free?

"To the Other Side"

September 15, 2013

“To the Other Side…”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 10:40-42

pastedGraphic
As we have seen, Jesus moved from place to place.

He did so at the behest of Father.

He went to the other side of the Jordan - “beyond the Jordan”.
He went to where John was first baptizing.
He stayed there.

We learn from the people:
  • John performed not signs
  • Yet, everything John said about Jesus was true
  • Many believed in Jesus there.

Oh that the same would be so today.
That many would truly believe.
Not a “belief” of religious exercise, but a belief that is life transforming.

Believe.

"I/Father 1"

September 14, 2013

“I/Father 1”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 10:22-39

pastedGraphic
The conflict between the Jewish religious leadership and Jesus intensifies.

Take time to read and re-read the passage.
Many truths here that need to be gleaned.
Give heed to what we see about the various people involved.

Jews
  • feigned suspense as to Who Jesus was
  • demanded a forth-right declaration by Jesus
  • did not believe what Jesus had told them
  • did not believe because they were not Jesus’ sheep...interesting. Did not Jesus come for the Jews first? What does this mean?
  • sought to kill Jesus, to stone Him...not for good works, but for blasphemy. One with Father.

Jesus
  • did works in Father’s name
  • the works testify of Jesus
  • knows His sheep
  • gives eternal life to His sheep
  • sheep given to Him by Father
  • One with Father
  • called the Jews to believe the works...if they did not believe Him
  • Father in Him

Believers
  • the sheep of Jesus
  • hear Jesus’ voice
  • follow Him
  • receive eternal life from Jesus
  • will never perish
  • no one will snatch them out of My hand (a tremendous defense of “eternal security”...not “once-saved-always-saved” as often taught/understood. The problem arises in that many who claim to be saved are not. If you are saved, you are kept by the Lord.)

God the Father
  • works of Jesus done in His name
  • gave Jesus sheep
  • sheep unable to be snatched from Father’s hand
  • One with Son
  • sanctified Son
  • sent Son into the world
  • Jesus in Father

Do we understand the wonder and glory of the Most High God...Father/Son/Spirit… three -in-one, One in us?

Are you truly saved, or just a modern day religionist?

"Whatever Is Right…"

September 13, 2013

“Whatever Is Right…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 20:1-16
Mark 10:31
Luke 13:30

pastedGraphic
Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom...using a parable.

Several things are revealed:
  • People will continually be brought into the Kingdom
  • There is work in the Kingdom
  • We must be on guard to…
    • complain not
    • grumble not
    • be satisfied with our “wage”, do not think you will receive more
    • be not envious
    • resent not those who “come in in the last hour”

The Lord will give “whatever is right.”

May we remain faithful in the labor, rejoicing in those that are added during the day.

"Trust in Riches?"

September 12, 2013

“Trust in Riches?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 19:23-30
Mark 10:23-31
Luke 18:24-30
pastedGraphic
It really boils down to this.
In who/what do you trust?

Do you trust in God?
Or do you trust in something else?

Anything other than God is a fatal error.

Jesus was teaching how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom.
This came out of the previous encounter.
Why?
Because, often, the rich trust in their abilities and substance rather than in God.

This teaching does not say that one cannot enter the Kingdom if rich.
No.

The disciples were awed.
How then, can anyone be saved?

An amazing statement by Jesus.
One repeated several times in the Word in various way.
One that is extremely intriguing in the context.
With people this is impossible…
But with God all things are possible.

This touches on so many thing…
  • the calling of God of those elect
  • the power of the Lord to transform

Good ole Peter.
He of “foot-in-mouth” condition.
We are just like him.
“We left everything Lord!”
“What do we get?”

Jesus answered Peter directly.
  • the 12 will sit upon 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. Wow!
  • everyone who last left houses, family, etc. for Jesus’ sake will receive many times more...and will inherit eternal life
  • there will be a regeneration
  • the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne (where is that throne?)
  • but, many first will be last and last, first

Are you trusting in God and His Way/Word?
All things are possible with God.
Trust Him.

"Rich, Ruler, Young, Grieved"

September 11, 2013

“Rich, Ruler, Young, Grieved”

Blessings Folk!

Matthew 19:16-22
Mark 10:17-22
Luke 18:18-23

pastedGraphic
Man always looks for the “one thing to do” so that they may procure eternal life and proper relationship with God.

We do so many things, save that which the Lord asks.

A young man inquired of Jesus what good thing needed to be done to obtain eternal life.
Note the situation.
The man ran up to Jesus…
The man was setting out on a journey…
It is as if he wanted to “take care of this eternal life thing” then “get on with life.”

So much of what the “church” does today has the same attitude.
The Kingdom is not an addendum to our lives.
The Kingdom is Life.

Jesus asked why the man was asking Him about what is good.
Then, Jesus told him to keep the commandments.
Jesus listed some of the ten commandments - the ones that deal with our relationship to other people.

The man said he had kept these.

Jesus did not question this.
Jesus felt a love for him.
“A” love for him?

Jesus told the man to give up that which he worshipped - his possessions.
...to sell all he possessed.
...to give it all to the poor.
...to seek the treasure in heaven.

The young man went away grieving.
He had much.
He loved his stuff much.

What do we worship?

"Permit the Children"

September 10, 2013

“Permit the Children”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 19:13-15
Mark 10:13-16
Luke 18:15-17


pastedGraphic

Babies were being brought to Jesus.
Apparent the disciples thought that such was unworthy of Jesus.

Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jesus was indignant with how the disciples behaved.
Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to these.
Who are “these”?

Jesus explains.

Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.

The Kingdom is entered by faith - child-like faith.

But, there are some others here also.

What of those who brought the children to Jesus?

This too is faith.

Parents bringing their children to the Lord.

May be do likewise.

Do not hinder children.
Do not hinder child-like faith.

Allow the children to be held in the arms of the Lord, blessed by Him.

"Divorce/Celibacy"

September 9, 2013

“Divorce/Celibacy”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 19:3-12
Mark 10:2-12

pastedGraphic
The Pharisees again sought to test Jesus.
This time they chose the subject of divorce.
It was a divisive subject.

Still is.

They worded the question carefully.
“Is it lawful to divorce a wife for any cause?”
For any cause.

Jesus modeled for us the response to such inquiries.

He immediately quoted the Word of God.

Jesus quotes from Genesis.
From this we can glean some serious truths.
  • Jesus believed that Genesis is the Word of God. He quoted Genesis 1.
  • Jesus believed in a literal Adam/Eve/Eden.
  • The covenant union of marriage creates a “one flesh”.
  • God joins through covenant
  • Man is not to set asunder this covenant.

You can hear the accusing, whining in the next question of the Religionists.
“Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?”

Again, a carefully worded question.

Jesus would not be tripped by the Religionists.

Moses=Law permitted...not commanded… divorce due to the hardness of their hearts.

Marriage is not designed this way...from the beginning.

Immorality is the only reason allowing for divorce.
But, even immorality does not require divorce.
Grace and forgiveness should be sought.

The disciples...often they can be somewhat humorous… stated that if marriage is this way it is better to not marry.

Wonder what they meant by that?

Jesus acknowledged that not everyone can accept this truth.
It is given to some to not marry.

Jesus clarifies.
There are eunuchs from birth.
There are eunuchs made by others.
There are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven...a decision to abstain.

The one who is able to accept, should accept.

"Relocation"

September 8, 2013

“Relocation”

Blessings folk!

Matthew 19:1-2
Mark 10:1
Luke 9:51


pastedGraphic

As we have seen, Jesus moved from region to region with the Word of the Kingdom.

Here, He is moving from Galilee to Judea “beyond the Jordan”…across the Jordan.

Note what happened.

Large crowds followed Him.
Jesus healed them.
As was His custom, He taught them.

The same occurs today.

People want the Word...they may not know it, but they do.
People need healing.

The church today tries to be “attractive” to unbelievers.

We should seek to be bearers of the Word and Power.

People would then be transformed.

Jesus was moving in Word and Power...as He determined to go to Jerusalem.
He knew what was ahead...

"Demon? Insane?"

September 7, 2013

“Demon? Insane?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 10:19-21

pastedGraphic
The Words of Jesus brought division among the Jews.

The same occurs today.
The Word brings division among those who profess to be believers, as well as unbelievers.

Some said that Jesus was demon empowered/possessed.
They said Jesus was insane.

Others questions how He could be demon possessed/insane and do the miracles He did - healings, etc.

Those who considered just the Words explained them away by demon/insanity.

But, those who considered the Word and the Power realized there was something more.

Do we just speak words?
Or, do we speak the Word and move in His Power?

The Kingdom consists of Word and Power.

"Sheep/Shepherd"

September 6, 2013

“Sheep/Shepherd”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 10:1-18

pastedGraphic
So much in this passage.

Most of us are very familiar with it, yet I suspect we do not know the depth.

Look at what we learn about two things.

The False.
Jesus.

The False
  • does not enter by the door into the sheep
  • climbs up some other way, over the fence, over the wall
  • is a thief
  • is a robber
  • a stranger
  • comes to kill, steal, destroy
  • a hired hand
  • not a shepherd
  • abandons sheep to wolf
  • flees
  • not concerned about the sheep

Jesus
  • is the door of the sheep
  • is the way of entry
  • shepherd of the sheep
  • calls His own sheep by name
  • He leads sheep out
  • Sheep will follow Him
  • anyone who enters by Him will be saved, will go in and out and find pasture
  • came that the sheep might have life and have it abundantly
  • is the Good Shepherd
  • lays down His life for His sheep
  • Knows His own
  • His own know Him
  • Knows Father
  • Father knows Him
  • Has other sheep not of this fold...speaks of Gentile being in the fold with Jews!
  • they will be one flock
  • Father loves Him for this reason
  • lays down His life, has authority to lay it down and pick it up
  • lays down life by His own initiative, received this commandment from Father

Are you of the flock?
Are you one who has “jumped over the fence? You are religious. You “go to church”. You have for years. Your family has for generations, yet you are not saved.
Repent.
Confess.
Call upon the name of the Lord.
You shall be saved.
You shall walk through the gate that is the Lord into the flock!

"Blind"

September 5, 2013

“Blind”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 9:1-41

pastedGraphic
Jesus and His disciples encountered a blind man.

The disciples asked an interesting question.

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?”

Obviously it was believed that the sins of the parents could cause physical problems.
But, were they asking if the man sinned before He was born?
Looks like.

Jesus states that neither was the cause.

Jesus says it was so that the works of God might be displayed in Him.

So unlike the thoughts of man.

Jesus states that they must work the works of Him Who sent Him...as long as it is day.
Jesus states that while He is in the world He is the light of the world.

Jesus then healed the man.
He spit on the ground.
He made clay from the spittle.
He applied the clay to the eyes.

I believe that He Who spoke creation into existence created a new set of eyes...actual physical organs.

Jesus then told the man to wash in the pool at Siloam.

The man was healed.

Debate arose among the people as to whether is was the man or not (he would look different with eyes).

The people brought the man to the Pharisees - the Religionists.

The Pharisees rejected Jesus. Why?
Because He healed the man on the Sabbath.

You read the account.
You saw the turmoil.
You saw the fear.
The fear of the parents in being rejected from synagogue.
The fear of the people.
The wretched control and manipulation of the religious leadership.

All in the name of God.

Jesus was accused of “not being of God”.
Jesus was called a “sinner”.

Do you see?
Are you blind?
So many religious think they see, yet they are totally blind.
Be not one of them.

"I AM"

September 4, 2013

“I AM”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 8:48-59

pastedGraphic
The encounter continues...and intensifies.

The Jews now accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan.
A huge insult consisting of mixed, “racial” components.
The Jews then boldly state that Jesus was demon possessed.

Jesus calmly responded that He did not have a demon.
He was honoring Father.
They were dishonoring Jesus.

Jesus told them that He was not seeking His own glory, but there is One Who seeks and judges.

Then this bombshell: “if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.”

The Jews could not believe that.
Abraham died.
The prophets died.
Who is Jesus to say this?

The conflict intensifies.
It is headed to a point of revelation and Truth which the Jews will refuse to believe.

Jesus states the truth:
  • He did not glorify Himself
  • Father glorifies Him
  • The Jews claimed that Father is “our God”, yet they did not know Him
  • Jesus knows Father
  • They were liars
  • Jesus know Father and keeps His Word
  • Their father, Abraham, rejoiced to see the day of Jesus...Abraham saw, was glad.

The Jews wondered how Abraham could have seen Jesus when Jesus was not even fifty years old..

Jesus now brings the kicker.
Before Abraham was born, “I AM”.

Jesus was stating that He is “I AM”.
The Most High God.
The Name given to Moses at the burning bush.

What was the religionists reaction?

Stone Him!
But Jesus hid...interesting...did He run? How did He flee?
He left the temple.

May we not behave as the Religionists.

"Which Father"

September 3, 2013

“Which Father?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

John 8:37-47

pastedGraphic
The heated discussion continues between Jesus and the Religionists - the Pharisees, scribes, et al.

They were resting upon their lineage through Abraham.
They were “children of God.”
Therefore, they were in correct relationship with God...that is what they thought.

Jesus acknowledged that they were of Abraham.
He also pointed out that they wanted to kill Him.

Jesus tells them that He is speaking the things of Father.

Things He had heard.
Things He had seen.

They replied that “Abraham is our father.”
Good.
Then do the deeds of Abraham.

They were doing the deeds of their father.
Who?

They were furious.

They replied “we are not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.”
What was meant?
At the surface, they were saying that they were of the line of Abraham.
They were not corrupted by blood of unbelief.
Under the surface, in a less-than-subtle way, they were accusing Jesus of being the fruit of fornication.

More than 30 years later they were still bring up the birth circumstance of Jesus.
In another place they said that Jesus was the “supposed son of Joseph.”

They could not hear.
They could not understand.
Why?
Their father was the devil.
They wanted the desires of their father.
They were not of God.

We learn some things about the devil:
  • father of lies
  • has offspring
  • has desires
  • murderer from the beginning (beginning of what?)
  • does not stand in truth
  • no truth in him
  • whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature
  • a liar

We learn some about Jesus:
  • spoke the things He has seen from Father
  • proceeded forth and came from God
  • did not come of His own initiative
  • Father sent Him
  • Speaks the truth

Do you believe Him?

He who is of God hears the words of God.
He who is of the devil hears the words of the devil.

"Free Indeed"

September 2, 2013

“Free Indeed”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 8:30-36
pastedGraphic
Jesus spoke.
Many believed.

The same occurs today.
If the Words of Jesus are proclaimed, many believe.

Sadly, many also believe the words of man.
Words that create kingdoms of man rather than the Kingdom of God.
Words that create slaves.
Words that bind, kill, destroy.
Words that do not bring the freedom of the Lord but rather the false religious systems of man.

Did you note who Jesus was addressing?
Jews who believed.

Jesus told them that if they continued in His Word then they are truly His disciples.
The proof of their belief would be their faithfulness.
Continuation in His word would bring forth knowledge of the truth.
The truth would make them free.

They had no problem with gaining truth.
Their hackles were raised with the declaration that they would be free.

They thought they we already free.
They declared that as Abraham’s descendants they had never been enslaved to anyone.

Really?

We know that historically/politically they had been slaves.
Even then they were under “another government”.

Were they speaking of being free within their relationship with the Lord?
Abraham’s children?
Likely.

But, Jesus clarified.

He was speaking of sin.
Spiritual, not national.
Spiritual, not lineage.

If one commits sin, then he is a slave to sin.
Truth will set us free from sin.

The Son makes us free.
Therefore, we are free indeed.

Are you free?
Are you bound in religious weights that often pass as “freedom”?

Today, be set free.
Today, allow the truth of the Most High to set you free.

"I AM…I Go"

September 1, 2013

“I AM...I Go”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

John 8:21-29
pastedGraphic
Jesus continues the conversation with the Religionists of the day.

He tells them much.
  • I go away
  • You will seek me
  • Where I am going you cannot go
  • You are from below
  • You are of the world
  • I am from above
  • I am not of this world
  • Unless you believe...unless you believe in Me...you will die in your sins
  • They must believe that Jesus is “I AM”
  • I speak the Words of Him Who sent Me

They wondered if Jesus was speaking of killing himself.
They did not realize that Jesus was speaking of Father.
They still did not believe.

Jesus tells them when they would know…
  • When you lift up the Son of Man...Jesus is speaking of His death on the cross

Yet, even then many would not believe...though many of the priests would believe!

Jesus did nothing of His own initiative.
Jesus spoke the thing that the Father taught Him.
Father was with Jesus.
Jesus always did the things pleasing to Father.

What about us?

Do we do the things that are pleasing to Father?
He is with us.
He is within True Believers.