21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
Matthew 16:21-23
Last evening I spoke some words to my wife Paula that should have never been spoken. My mind was consumed with human concerns; concerns about crabby neighbors and property values; what would appear to be a no win situation as far as the place in which we live and the dream of living in peace with the lost and broken souls who live next door. Then this morning, God, as He usually does, reminds me of the cross that He had to bear; He reminds me of the humiliation, suffering unconscionable pain and separation from God that He endured for all of us who call Him Lord. So, today I am humbled and ever so thankful for Jesus, the price that He paid on the cross and the beautiful blessing of my wife Paula with whom He lets me enjoy life. May I never take for granted all that He has done for me, and I pray that the Master Healer would heal the brokenness of my heart that so easily runs toward my own selfish concerns easily replacing the concerns of God which bring life, love and peace unimaginable. Be careful today, as I will, to be considerate of the things of God as He deserves all of our love and devotion today. Keep your eyes on Jesus as you live your life for the King!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
What about You?
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Matthew 16:13-20
No logical thinking or reasoning or concrete answers to all of the questions that Peter had concerning who Jesus Christ was had anything to do with his response here to the Son of God. No, as you have read, Jesus explains how Peter believed, not as a result of working it out in his own mind, but only as a result of divine intervention from God. Who do you say that Jesus is? If you are waiting for all of your questions to be answered concerning the reality of who God is in a tangible way then you will never believe as belief is a gift from God and comes only from the Father in Heaven to those who truly seek Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to them. You see, Jesus is waiting for you to seek Him, to invite Him into your life and when you approach the Throne of God in this way it is then and only then that you will know for sure that Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings as it is only after you invite Him into your heart of hearts that our Father in Heaven will give you a peace that passes all understanding concerning your newfound relationship with Him. It is only after you have surrendered your heart that will know for sure who God is and how much He loves you. Who do you say that Jesus is? Invite Him into your life today and you will know, without a doubt, that He is your Creator and Friend and Lover of your soul who will never let you go. Take that step of faith today!
14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Matthew 16:13-20
No logical thinking or reasoning or concrete answers to all of the questions that Peter had concerning who Jesus Christ was had anything to do with his response here to the Son of God. No, as you have read, Jesus explains how Peter believed, not as a result of working it out in his own mind, but only as a result of divine intervention from God. Who do you say that Jesus is? If you are waiting for all of your questions to be answered concerning the reality of who God is in a tangible way then you will never believe as belief is a gift from God and comes only from the Father in Heaven to those who truly seek Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to them. You see, Jesus is waiting for you to seek Him, to invite Him into your life and when you approach the Throne of God in this way it is then and only then that you will know for sure that Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings as it is only after you invite Him into your heart of hearts that our Father in Heaven will give you a peace that passes all understanding concerning your newfound relationship with Him. It is only after you have surrendered your heart that will know for sure who God is and how much He loves you. Who do you say that Jesus is? Invite Him into your life today and you will know, without a doubt, that He is your Creator and Friend and Lover of your soul who will never let you go. Take that step of faith today!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sign of Jonah
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4
Jonah, not wanting to obey God, ran from Him and ended up separated from God and from the world that he knew, in the belly of a fish for three days. Jesus willingly separated Himself from God to the grip of death for three days in order to redeem you and me and pay the penalty for our sin. God became man, suffered the most horrible, humiliating and painful death imaginable in order that you and I could be reunited with our Creator; that we could live an abundant life, full of His Grace and love; in order that we could act out the very purpose for which He created us in the first place. Are you looking for a sign today? Are you waiting for some big, miraculous thing to happen prior to surrendering your heart of hearts to the King of Kings who died for you and wants so much to be reunited with you in a love relationship that is like nothing else that you have ever experienced in this life? If this is you, then know today that the big, miraculous thing has already happened – Jesus has paid the penalty for your sin and now He is whispering in your ear to accept His gift of life and let Him in. Answer His call today and start living the abundant life of love alongside the One who set you free.
2 He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4
Jonah, not wanting to obey God, ran from Him and ended up separated from God and from the world that he knew, in the belly of a fish for three days. Jesus willingly separated Himself from God to the grip of death for three days in order to redeem you and me and pay the penalty for our sin. God became man, suffered the most horrible, humiliating and painful death imaginable in order that you and I could be reunited with our Creator; that we could live an abundant life, full of His Grace and love; in order that we could act out the very purpose for which He created us in the first place. Are you looking for a sign today? Are you waiting for some big, miraculous thing to happen prior to surrendering your heart of hearts to the King of Kings who died for you and wants so much to be reunited with you in a love relationship that is like nothing else that you have ever experienced in this life? If this is you, then know today that the big, miraculous thing has already happened – Jesus has paid the penalty for your sin and now He is whispering in your ear to accept His gift of life and let Him in. Answer His call today and start living the abundant life of love alongside the One who set you free.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Giving to God's People
32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."
33 His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
34 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied, "and a few small fish."
35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.
Matthew 15:32-39
I love the response of Jesus’ disciple here when he replied to Jesus, as I sometimes forget just as he did, who Jesus is and just what He can do. The disciples gave what they had to Jesus, which happened to be seven loaves of bread and a few small fish and Jesus took what they gave, fed four thousand plus people and left them with seven basketfuls of leftovers! Sometimes I feel like what I have to give is not nearly enough to make a difference. How much of an impact can the Journey Bread ministry have when it is not on the best seller list or what kind of fruit can my life bear when at times I feel so broken and so weak and so vulnerable? How much can my small contribution of money help the hungry and hurting and lost people who are all around us and in such great need of so much more than just material things? And then, God shares this story with me and I remember who Jesus is and I remember the depth of His love and the limitless power of His Spirit who takes what you and I have to give and always turns our sacrifice into something beautiful that reflects His love and power to the world around us. Be encouraged today as you give away this amazing love that God has blessed you with as He will take your giving heart and use it in ways that are unimaginable. Give your life away for the cause of Christ today.
33 His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
34 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied, "and a few small fish."
35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.
Matthew 15:32-39
I love the response of Jesus’ disciple here when he replied to Jesus, as I sometimes forget just as he did, who Jesus is and just what He can do. The disciples gave what they had to Jesus, which happened to be seven loaves of bread and a few small fish and Jesus took what they gave, fed four thousand plus people and left them with seven basketfuls of leftovers! Sometimes I feel like what I have to give is not nearly enough to make a difference. How much of an impact can the Journey Bread ministry have when it is not on the best seller list or what kind of fruit can my life bear when at times I feel so broken and so weak and so vulnerable? How much can my small contribution of money help the hungry and hurting and lost people who are all around us and in such great need of so much more than just material things? And then, God shares this story with me and I remember who Jesus is and I remember the depth of His love and the limitless power of His Spirit who takes what you and I have to give and always turns our sacrifice into something beautiful that reflects His love and power to the world around us. Be encouraged today as you give away this amazing love that God has blessed you with as He will take your giving heart and use it in ways that are unimaginable. Give your life away for the cause of Christ today.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Praise
29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:29-31
There is something deep in side of my heart of hearts that resonates with praise of accomplishments and successes and overcoming unthinkable odds to live out a life of excellence and honor for the Glory of the awesome God that we serve. Last night Paula and I had an opportunity to go to an excellent opera performance in the city of Charlotte where we live and although the show was incredibly done, my favorite part of the whole evening was the standing ovation at the end when the lead performers were applauded and cheered on for a job well done. As I ponder this soft spot in my soul this morning, I am convinced that we as God’s children who were made in His image were created to praise Him and to live out a life of praise by letting the redeeming glorious and amazing Spirit of Jesus who lives inside of all who believe live through us as we strive to live as Jesus lived and to love as Jesus loved. Our God deserves to be praised this morning just like He was praised so long ago by the people of Israel that He touched as His excellence and beauty and healing touch can be seen so much in the world around you. Have a look at the world around you today with the eyes of your heart and you will see the One who deserves all of your praise.
Matthew 15:29-31
There is something deep in side of my heart of hearts that resonates with praise of accomplishments and successes and overcoming unthinkable odds to live out a life of excellence and honor for the Glory of the awesome God that we serve. Last night Paula and I had an opportunity to go to an excellent opera performance in the city of Charlotte where we live and although the show was incredibly done, my favorite part of the whole evening was the standing ovation at the end when the lead performers were applauded and cheered on for a job well done. As I ponder this soft spot in my soul this morning, I am convinced that we as God’s children who were made in His image were created to praise Him and to live out a life of praise by letting the redeeming glorious and amazing Spirit of Jesus who lives inside of all who believe live through us as we strive to live as Jesus lived and to love as Jesus loved. Our God deserves to be praised this morning just like He was praised so long ago by the people of Israel that He touched as His excellence and beauty and healing touch can be seen so much in the world around you. Have a look at the world around you today with the eyes of your heart and you will see the One who deserves all of your praise.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Test
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly."
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25 The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26 He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."
27 "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."
28 Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:21-28
The region of Tyre and Sidon was approximately 30 – 40 miles north of Jerusalem where Jesus had previously been and so, back in those days it was no easy or quick task to travel such a distance. Knowing this, it is evident that Jesus did not just stumble across this area but that He intentionally went to meet this Canaanite woman, even though his first words to her would suggest otherwise. To understand Jesus’ initial response, you will need to dig a bit deeper into the conflict that had been present for some time between the Israelites and the Canaanites. What is clear though in reading the text is that Jesus was testing the Faith of this Canaanite woman and that her faith proved more than genuine. The persistent and humble approach of this woman can teach us a great lesson about how you and I approach God. Even in the worst of circumstances, Jesus longs for us as his children to come to Him, day after day after day in an effort to be restored and comforted by His love and grace. Be persistent today in your pursuit of God as it may be in your relentless and humble approach that you will find a miracle.
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25 The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26 He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."
27 "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."
28 Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:21-28
The region of Tyre and Sidon was approximately 30 – 40 miles north of Jerusalem where Jesus had previously been and so, back in those days it was no easy or quick task to travel such a distance. Knowing this, it is evident that Jesus did not just stumble across this area but that He intentionally went to meet this Canaanite woman, even though his first words to her would suggest otherwise. To understand Jesus’ initial response, you will need to dig a bit deeper into the conflict that had been present for some time between the Israelites and the Canaanites. What is clear though in reading the text is that Jesus was testing the Faith of this Canaanite woman and that her faith proved more than genuine. The persistent and humble approach of this woman can teach us a great lesson about how you and I approach God. Even in the worst of circumstances, Jesus longs for us as his children to come to Him, day after day after day in an effort to be restored and comforted by His love and grace. Be persistent today in your pursuit of God as it may be in your relentless and humble approach that you will find a miracle.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
External vs. Internal
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. 11 What goes into your mouth does not defile you, but what comes out of your mouth, that is what defiles you."
12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"
13 He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."
15 Peter said, "Explain the parable to us."
16 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17 "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile you; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile you."
Matthew 15:10-19
God is not as concerned about the external actions that you may do today as much as He is about the internal workings and meditations of your heart! You see, a relationship with Jesus Christ, at its very core, is all about letting the Holy Spirit restore the brokenness of your heart that has been tainted by original sin. Your utmost priority as a follower of Jesus should not be to “look the part” of a Christian through external acts of righteousness but to “be” in love with Jesus at the very core of who you are. As you fall in love with Jesus in your heart of hearts, the external fruits of His healing touch and His redeeming Spirit will naturally show in the words that you speak as well as in your actions as the world looks on and see’s Jesus in you. Fall in love with Jesus today.
12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"
13 He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."
15 Peter said, "Explain the parable to us."
16 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17 "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile you; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile you."
Matthew 15:10-19
God is not as concerned about the external actions that you may do today as much as He is about the internal workings and meditations of your heart! You see, a relationship with Jesus Christ, at its very core, is all about letting the Holy Spirit restore the brokenness of your heart that has been tainted by original sin. Your utmost priority as a follower of Jesus should not be to “look the part” of a Christian through external acts of righteousness but to “be” in love with Jesus at the very core of who you are. As you fall in love with Jesus in your heart of hearts, the external fruits of His healing touch and His redeeming Spirit will naturally show in the words that you speak as well as in your actions as the world looks on and see’s Jesus in you. Fall in love with Jesus today.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Heart Problem
1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!"
3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' [and 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'] 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is 'devoted to God,' 6 they are not to 'honor their father or mother' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8 " 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.'
Matthew 15:1-9
The Pharisees had a heart problem! They manipulated God’s law to be self serving in that they made traditions and rules that helped to feed their greed for money and power, all the while missing out on what could have truly fulfilled them and made them whole – an authentic relationship with God. At the very core of who you are today lies your soul and what your soul is longing for and hungers for and subconsciously thirsts for is to know and love the God of this world who ultimately created you for one reason – to know and love Him with all of your heart. You see, this morning, your Father in heaven doesn’t care what happened yesterday, He doesn’t care about how you might have failed Him 1, 10 or 15 years ago; He couldn't care less about the feeble attempts that you may try to make today within your flesh to earn His love or favor or to somehow try to make up for wrongdoings of your past. No, your Father loves you 100% completely right now, today, with an all encompassing love that is full of grace and mercy, not because of anything that you have done but as a result who He is. You see, all that Jesus asks of you today is to love Him; to spend some time with Him conversation; to tell others how much you love Him by the way that you live your life and the words that you speak. All that He asks of you today is to give Him your heart, entirely and completely in such a way that you can learn to forgive yourself and thus forgive others. God just wants to love you today and to know you in a personal way in order that you can be free to live your life as you were originally created to live. Worship your Father this morning; spend some time with Him and set aside the foolish traditions of religion in order that you can know and love Him more!
3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' [and 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'] 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is 'devoted to God,' 6 they are not to 'honor their father or mother' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8 " 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.'
Matthew 15:1-9
The Pharisees had a heart problem! They manipulated God’s law to be self serving in that they made traditions and rules that helped to feed their greed for money and power, all the while missing out on what could have truly fulfilled them and made them whole – an authentic relationship with God. At the very core of who you are today lies your soul and what your soul is longing for and hungers for and subconsciously thirsts for is to know and love the God of this world who ultimately created you for one reason – to know and love Him with all of your heart. You see, this morning, your Father in heaven doesn’t care what happened yesterday, He doesn’t care about how you might have failed Him 1, 10 or 15 years ago; He couldn't care less about the feeble attempts that you may try to make today within your flesh to earn His love or favor or to somehow try to make up for wrongdoings of your past. No, your Father loves you 100% completely right now, today, with an all encompassing love that is full of grace and mercy, not because of anything that you have done but as a result who He is. You see, all that Jesus asks of you today is to love Him; to spend some time with Him conversation; to tell others how much you love Him by the way that you live your life and the words that you speak. All that He asks of you today is to give Him your heart, entirely and completely in such a way that you can learn to forgive yourself and thus forgive others. God just wants to love you today and to know you in a personal way in order that you can be free to live your life as you were originally created to live. Worship your Father this morning; spend some time with Him and set aside the foolish traditions of religion in order that you can know and love Him more!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Courage
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 14:13-21
Having courage is the key to living out a successful life in this fallen world. Having the courage to give unconditionally without expecting anything in return; having the courage to love and forgive no matter what the offense; having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone in an act of faith, knowing that God’s power in your life will carry you through whatever it is that He has directed you to do. You see, the key to unleashing the power of God’s Holy Spirit who lives in the lives of all who have accepted Him into their heart of hearts is to courageously obey and to step out in faith, even when you feel less than adequate and all alone. Jesus will always be there to catch you when you fall and to reassure you with His love when you doubt, but taking the first step is up to you. Be courageous enough today to take that step of faith that God is calling you to take as the journey is ever so sweet to the soul and full of the grace and love and power of the One who gave His life to set you free!
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 14:13-21
Having courage is the key to living out a successful life in this fallen world. Having the courage to give unconditionally without expecting anything in return; having the courage to love and forgive no matter what the offense; having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone in an act of faith, knowing that God’s power in your life will carry you through whatever it is that He has directed you to do. You see, the key to unleashing the power of God’s Holy Spirit who lives in the lives of all who have accepted Him into their heart of hearts is to courageously obey and to step out in faith, even when you feel less than adequate and all alone. Jesus will always be there to catch you when you fall and to reassure you with His love when you doubt, but taking the first step is up to you. Be courageous enough today to take that step of faith that God is calling you to take as the journey is ever so sweet to the soul and full of the grace and love and power of the One who gave His life to set you free!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Jesus is All that you Need
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus, most likely saddened by the recent events concerning John the Baptist withdraws to a quiet place in order to spend some time with the Father. Today as life carries on; maybe you are saddened just a bit about the circumstances of a relationship or your job or by some type of weakness or struggle that you just can’t seem to overcome on your own. Know today that Jesus is all that you need to fill your empty soul and make you new again! Just as His followers here brought the little food that they had to Him and He turned what they brought into an overabundance of bread and fish, so too will Jesus take what you have to bring Him today in prayer and turn it into an overabundance of joy and love in your life. Jesus is all that you need today – come to Him on bended knee and let His Holy presence in your life restore your heart and make you new!
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus, most likely saddened by the recent events concerning John the Baptist withdraws to a quiet place in order to spend some time with the Father. Today as life carries on; maybe you are saddened just a bit about the circumstances of a relationship or your job or by some type of weakness or struggle that you just can’t seem to overcome on your own. Know today that Jesus is all that you need to fill your empty soul and make you new again! Just as His followers here brought the little food that they had to Him and He turned what they brought into an overabundance of bread and fish, so too will Jesus take what you have to bring Him today in prayer and turn it into an overabundance of joy and love in your life. Jesus is all that you need today – come to Him on bended knee and let His Holy presence in your life restore your heart and make you new!
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Wickedness of this World
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.
6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:1-12
Lust, pride, jealousy, anger, bitterness, envy – all of these and many other evil desires and tendencies are unfortunately present in this fallen world in which we live. It breaks my heart when I participate in or see others partake of the enemy’s lies that these types of behavior will produce any long term joy or satisfaction. In the end, the result is always pain, guilt and shame as any act that is done or word that is spoken or thought that is harbored outside of the life giving righteousness of the One who died to set you free is done in vain and will steal the joy of your salvation. Thanks be to God for His incredible grace and unconditional love and patience as we all learn to love Him more!
3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.
6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:1-12
Lust, pride, jealousy, anger, bitterness, envy – all of these and many other evil desires and tendencies are unfortunately present in this fallen world in which we live. It breaks my heart when I participate in or see others partake of the enemy’s lies that these types of behavior will produce any long term joy or satisfaction. In the end, the result is always pain, guilt and shame as any act that is done or word that is spoken or thought that is harbored outside of the life giving righteousness of the One who died to set you free is done in vain and will steal the joy of your salvation. Thanks be to God for His incredible grace and unconditional love and patience as we all learn to love Him more!
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