23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"
29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."
Matthew 22:23-32
Marriage is said to be a reflection and example of our relationship with God. The unity that is so magnificently realized between a man and woman in a healthy God centered marriage gives us just a taste of what eternity will be like when you and I are reunited with our Creator in a perfect, untainted relationship that is whole, pure and beautiful. There will be no need for marriage as we understand it today, through our limited scope and vision, because all God’s people will be perfectly united as one body, serving and loving each other as we enjoy the love and holiness of our Creator and King, forever. What a day that will be, and what a joy to have the privilege to be chosen by God to point His beloved into this beautiful perfected relationship through the way that you live your life today in the strength and power of His amazing love. Draw near to Jesus today as you prepare your heart and point the way for others to live forever in an abundant life with God the Father, our lover and friend and keeper forever.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Silver Tongue
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?"
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"
21 "Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22:15-21
The Pharisees were sly and crafty in their words here to Jesus. They had what we would call today in the business world a silver tongue in that they attempted to use flattery and even truth in order to trick Jesus into saying the wrong words that would undoubtedly trap Him into being handed over to the authorities to be killed. Jesus, in all of His wisdom called them out and did not let that happen as His answer was so simple and yet so true. Has anyone ever tried to trap you with the use of such flattering words? Remember, we are a world at war and the enemy at times comes in sheep’s clothing with flattery and enticement that may sound good on the front end but in the end will only lead to death, destruction and separation from God. Stay close to Jesus today in thought and in quiet prayer in order that you would be able to distinguish words that are righteous and full of life from the words that are false and only given for selfish gain or evil intent. God’s words are pure and holy and bring only life in its full abundance – fall in love with your Creator today!
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"
21 "Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22:15-21
The Pharisees were sly and crafty in their words here to Jesus. They had what we would call today in the business world a silver tongue in that they attempted to use flattery and even truth in order to trick Jesus into saying the wrong words that would undoubtedly trap Him into being handed over to the authorities to be killed. Jesus, in all of His wisdom called them out and did not let that happen as His answer was so simple and yet so true. Has anyone ever tried to trap you with the use of such flattering words? Remember, we are a world at war and the enemy at times comes in sheep’s clothing with flattery and enticement that may sound good on the front end but in the end will only lead to death, destruction and separation from God. Stay close to Jesus today in thought and in quiet prayer in order that you would be able to distinguish words that are righteous and full of life from the words that are false and only given for selfish gain or evil intent. God’s words are pure and holy and bring only life in its full abundance – fall in love with your Creator today!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wedding Clothes
1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
4 "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'
5 "But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.
13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22:1-14
Everyone is invited to be a follower of Jesus, the price of admission has been paid for all! It is up to you however to prepare your heart for acceptance into God’s Kingdom by clothing yourself with righteousness through the blood of Christ and the only way to do that is to accept Jesus into your heart of hearts and publicly commit your way and your life to Him. Have you taken this step? Are you wearing your wedding clothes? I would encourage you to pray a prayer, right now, today in order that you could start this incredible journey of knowing and loving the one who gave His life for you.
4 "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'
5 "But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.
13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22:1-14
Everyone is invited to be a follower of Jesus, the price of admission has been paid for all! It is up to you however to prepare your heart for acceptance into God’s Kingdom by clothing yourself with righteousness through the blood of Christ and the only way to do that is to accept Jesus into your heart of hearts and publicly commit your way and your life to Him. Have you taken this step? Are you wearing your wedding clothes? I would encourage you to pray a prayer, right now, today in order that you could start this incredible journey of knowing and loving the one who gave His life for you.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Fruit
43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but anyone on whom it falls will be crushed."
Matthew 21:43-44
There is no gray area when it comes to being a Christ follower and making a decision to accept the miracle of Jesus into your life in such a way that His Spirit restores and renews the brokenness of your flesh in order that His fruit could be produced and revealed to the world around you. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.” Either you make that decision and as a result you live an eternal life full of love, joy and fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams or you reject God’s grace and love and you can read Jesus’ words of what happens as a result of that decision. Where are you in this decision? Is your life producing fruit? When others observe you from a distance, do they see something different about your life that would draw them to the Savior? You are missing out on a life that is unimaginable and a love that is deeper and more fulfilling than anything that you could ever imagine if you have not surrendered your life to the one who died to make this all possible for you. Take that step of faith today and ask Jesus into your heart of hearts – surrender your life to Him and then hang on for dear life as the world as you know it will never be the same.
Matthew 21:43-44
There is no gray area when it comes to being a Christ follower and making a decision to accept the miracle of Jesus into your life in such a way that His Spirit restores and renews the brokenness of your flesh in order that His fruit could be produced and revealed to the world around you. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.” Either you make that decision and as a result you live an eternal life full of love, joy and fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams or you reject God’s grace and love and you can read Jesus’ words of what happens as a result of that decision. Where are you in this decision? Is your life producing fruit? When others observe you from a distance, do they see something different about your life that would draw them to the Savior? You are missing out on a life that is unimaginable and a love that is deeper and more fulfilling than anything that you could ever imagine if you have not surrendered your life to the one who died to make this all possible for you. Take that step of faith today and ask Jesus into your heart of hearts – surrender your life to Him and then hang on for dear life as the world as you know it will never be the same.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Marvelous in our Eyes
33 "Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.
35 "The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
38 "But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?"
41 "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end," they replied, "and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."
42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Matthew 21:33-42
The unconditional, unfailing love of our Creator and God is incomprehensible, all encompassing, never ending, offered to all who are willing to receive – it is marvelous indeed! Today, as you enter into another day that has been given to you as a gift of God’s incredible grace, please remember all that Jesus has done for you as you reflect His love and attempt to serve Him well in order that others who do not yet know Him would see Jesus in you and believe. I pray that your life would overflow with joy today as you live your life for the King!
35 "The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
38 "But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?"
41 "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end," they replied, "and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."
42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Matthew 21:33-42
The unconditional, unfailing love of our Creator and God is incomprehensible, all encompassing, never ending, offered to all who are willing to receive – it is marvelous indeed! Today, as you enter into another day that has been given to you as a gift of God’s incredible grace, please remember all that Jesus has done for you as you reflect His love and attempt to serve Him well in order that others who do not yet know Him would see Jesus in you and believe. I pray that your life would overflow with joy today as you live your life for the King!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Will you Go?
28 "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29 " 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31 "Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Matthew 21:28-32
What about you? Will you go? The Spirit of God has been wooing you into His Kingdom through other believers, how have you responded? Have you pretended to believe like the second son but have not taken any steps of obedience that are evidence of your faith and belief? Or maybe you have made that most important choice of entering into the Kingdom of God and accepting Jesus Christ into your heart of hearts and now God is asking you to go, to make a life change for the sake of winning others to Christ – will you go? The Christian life is a daily decision to take up your cross and follow Jesus, it is a daily decision to be willing to listen to the call and direction of God’s Spirit and then to make the decision to obey, no matter what the cost. Our Heavenly Father is calling you this morning to go and make a difference in this lost world by reflecting His love to everyone that you might meet today, how are you going to respond? I pray that you would go and that you would live your life for the one who gave His life for you – you will be extremely glad that you did. Go now in His love and make a difference for Him!
29 " 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31 "Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Matthew 21:28-32
What about you? Will you go? The Spirit of God has been wooing you into His Kingdom through other believers, how have you responded? Have you pretended to believe like the second son but have not taken any steps of obedience that are evidence of your faith and belief? Or maybe you have made that most important choice of entering into the Kingdom of God and accepting Jesus Christ into your heart of hearts and now God is asking you to go, to make a life change for the sake of winning others to Christ – will you go? The Christian life is a daily decision to take up your cross and follow Jesus, it is a daily decision to be willing to listen to the call and direction of God’s Spirit and then to make the decision to obey, no matter what the cost. Our Heavenly Father is calling you this morning to go and make a difference in this lost world by reflecting His love to everyone that you might meet today, how are you going to respond? I pray that you would go and that you would live your life for the one who gave His life for you – you will be extremely glad that you did. Go now in His love and make a difference for Him!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Authority as God's Son
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?"
24 Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John's baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?"
They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'Of human origin'—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
27 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know."
Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Matthew 21:23-27
What I love about being a Christ follower is the fact that God is less concerned about human authorization to preach his word than He is about receiving us back into authentic relationship with Him, human hearts that are willing to come to Him, just as they are with all of their sin and shame in an effort to be restored and renewed by His Saving Grace in order that through the power of His Holy Spirit working through their lives that they could reflect His love to the lost world which is all around them today and in desperate need of a Savior! See, the chief priests of Jesus’ time were concerned about man-made laws and traditions that allowed them to maintain power and control over the church and they were so self consumed and prideful that they missed the greatest blessing of all time - God, in the flesh, living among us through His Son Jesus Christ in order that we all could be free from the bondage of this sinful world. If they would only have looked outside of their personal circumstances they would have shared in a joy and reward that was incomparable to the short term pleasure that they received from being in control. What personal circumstance do you need to look beyond today in order that you could see God more clearly? What sin or selfish ambition or desire do you need to let go in order that God could use your life today? Bring them all to Jesus today on your knees and ask Him to take all of the junk of your life in order that the power and authority of the Holy Spirit can go to work through you today in an effort to change the eternal destiny of a loved one or friend or colleague that needs more than ever to see the love of Christ through you. Rest in the love of Jesus today as you strive to know and love Him more!
24 Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John's baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?"
They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'Of human origin'—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
27 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know."
Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
Matthew 21:23-27
What I love about being a Christ follower is the fact that God is less concerned about human authorization to preach his word than He is about receiving us back into authentic relationship with Him, human hearts that are willing to come to Him, just as they are with all of their sin and shame in an effort to be restored and renewed by His Saving Grace in order that through the power of His Holy Spirit working through their lives that they could reflect His love to the lost world which is all around them today and in desperate need of a Savior! See, the chief priests of Jesus’ time were concerned about man-made laws and traditions that allowed them to maintain power and control over the church and they were so self consumed and prideful that they missed the greatest blessing of all time - God, in the flesh, living among us through His Son Jesus Christ in order that we all could be free from the bondage of this sinful world. If they would only have looked outside of their personal circumstances they would have shared in a joy and reward that was incomparable to the short term pleasure that they received from being in control. What personal circumstance do you need to look beyond today in order that you could see God more clearly? What sin or selfish ambition or desire do you need to let go in order that God could use your life today? Bring them all to Jesus today on your knees and ask Him to take all of the junk of your life in order that the power and authority of the Holy Spirit can go to work through you today in an effort to change the eternal destiny of a loved one or friend or colleague that needs more than ever to see the love of Christ through you. Rest in the love of Jesus today as you strive to know and love Him more!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Power of Prayer
18 Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:18-22
There is indeed power in prayer! There is power when you believe with all of your heart that God will answer your prayer. There is power in the belief and the act of prayer, even if God does not change your circumstances right away as He will give you a peace that passes all understanding and knowledge that without a doubt He is in control. God longs more than anything today for you to come to Him in prayer like a little child with relentless faith that He hears you and wants only the best for your life. How is your faith this morning? How is your relationship with God? Have you spent time with Him lately just pouring out your heart; telling Him how much you love Him; telling Him your fears and worries; and letting Him know the desires of your heart? He is waiting for you today and yes, He will indeed answer in a way that just may blow you away. Spend some time with your Father in Heaven today!
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:18-22
There is indeed power in prayer! There is power when you believe with all of your heart that God will answer your prayer. There is power in the belief and the act of prayer, even if God does not change your circumstances right away as He will give you a peace that passes all understanding and knowledge that without a doubt He is in control. God longs more than anything today for you to come to Him in prayer like a little child with relentless faith that He hears you and wants only the best for your life. How is your faith this morning? How is your relationship with God? Have you spent time with Him lately just pouring out your heart; telling Him how much you love Him; telling Him your fears and worries; and letting Him know the desires of your heart? He is waiting for you today and yes, He will indeed answer in a way that just may blow you away. Spend some time with your Father in Heaven today!
Friday, September 11, 2009
House of Prayer
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," he said to them,” 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"
Matthew 21:12-13
Back in the days of Jesus, the act of worship by the Jews through sacrificial giving and sacrifice of their first fruits became a big business for the church. The focus then of the Jews in the temple became less about honoring God and more about what they could selfishly achieve by being in the temple of God whose original purpose was to be a house of prayer. Does this sound at all familiar with some churches today? What about you? Why do you go to church? Is it about going to achieve some sort of self-righteous reward as a result of your actions or involvement or do you go to truly honor and draw near to the one who loves you so dearly and wants only to be close to you in mind and body and Spirit? Do you serve in the church to earn the respect of others or do you serve out of a heart that can’t help but give away what is overflowing from the inside of your heart of hearts? God’s House of Prayer that can be seen in today’s times through His people who believe and not through a building as in the Old Testament, is here for you to draw near; to be encouraged; and to be challenged, inspired, and restored in an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. This should be the only purpose of God’s church today. So, don’t ever forget to honor God, every minute of every day as you live out your part of His beautiful church which He calls the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 21:12-13
Back in the days of Jesus, the act of worship by the Jews through sacrificial giving and sacrifice of their first fruits became a big business for the church. The focus then of the Jews in the temple became less about honoring God and more about what they could selfishly achieve by being in the temple of God whose original purpose was to be a house of prayer. Does this sound at all familiar with some churches today? What about you? Why do you go to church? Is it about going to achieve some sort of self-righteous reward as a result of your actions or involvement or do you go to truly honor and draw near to the one who loves you so dearly and wants only to be close to you in mind and body and Spirit? Do you serve in the church to earn the respect of others or do you serve out of a heart that can’t help but give away what is overflowing from the inside of your heart of hearts? God’s House of Prayer that can be seen in today’s times through His people who believe and not through a building as in the Old Testament, is here for you to draw near; to be encouraged; and to be challenged, inspired, and restored in an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. This should be the only purpose of God’s church today. So, don’t ever forget to honor God, every minute of every day as you live out your part of His beautiful church which He calls the Kingdom of God.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Story
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 "Say to Daughter Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "
Matthew 21:1-5
Just as Jesus fulfilled the foretelling of the early prophets by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, so too a story is playing out in your life in which you have a big role every day. You are special and dearly loved; God wants to use your life today in a script that has been playing out all around you in order that His love would be reflected to your colleagues, friends and family who are in desperate need of a Savior. Jesus wants to redeem and restore the broken and hurting hearts with whom you have crossed paths and He wants to use your obedience and your surrendered heart to start that process in other people’s lives. Keep the eyes of your heart open today for opportunities to share this awesome gift of love that God has placed in your heart of hearts and God will use you to hugely impact the world around you as the greatest love story of all time plays out in your life. Live your life for Him today!
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 "Say to Daughter Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "
Matthew 21:1-5
Just as Jesus fulfilled the foretelling of the early prophets by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, so too a story is playing out in your life in which you have a big role every day. You are special and dearly loved; God wants to use your life today in a script that has been playing out all around you in order that His love would be reflected to your colleagues, friends and family who are in desperate need of a Savior. Jesus wants to redeem and restore the broken and hurting hearts with whom you have crossed paths and He wants to use your obedience and your surrendered heart to start that process in other people’s lives. Keep the eyes of your heart open today for opportunities to share this awesome gift of love that God has placed in your heart of hearts and God will use you to hugely impact the world around you as the greatest love story of all time plays out in your life. Live your life for Him today!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Call for Help
29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
32 Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
33 "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:29-34
The main point in this recollection of Jesus healing the blind men does not have as much to do with the fact that these men received their sight as it does that they believed in Jesus and leaned hard on Him for help, despite what other people thought and despite the circumstances that they were in. You see, that’s the point of the Gospel isn’t it, that Christ could be here, right where we are, to help us through the most difficult of circumstances if you and I would just have the humility and boldness to call on His name each and every day of our lives. The point is that we surrender and rely on His strength in our lives, in every situation and every circumstance, no matter what the outcome. There are some things about my personality that will most likely never change until that day in Heaven when all who believe will be made new and whole and as a result I personally need to lean hard on Jesus each and every day in order to have the strength that is required to do what He has asked me to do in this life. I hate to think what my life would be like if I felt like I could do it on my own, without the grace, power and love that carries me through the challenges of every day. Lean hard on Jesus today as you learn and grow in His amazing love.
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
32 Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
33 "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:29-34
The main point in this recollection of Jesus healing the blind men does not have as much to do with the fact that these men received their sight as it does that they believed in Jesus and leaned hard on Him for help, despite what other people thought and despite the circumstances that they were in. You see, that’s the point of the Gospel isn’t it, that Christ could be here, right where we are, to help us through the most difficult of circumstances if you and I would just have the humility and boldness to call on His name each and every day of our lives. The point is that we surrender and rely on His strength in our lives, in every situation and every circumstance, no matter what the outcome. There are some things about my personality that will most likely never change until that day in Heaven when all who believe will be made new and whole and as a result I personally need to lean hard on Jesus each and every day in order to have the strength that is required to do what He has asked me to do in this life. I hate to think what my life would be like if I felt like I could do it on my own, without the grace, power and love that carries me through the challenges of every day. Lean hard on Jesus today as you learn and grow in His amazing love.
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