Ears to Hear

We all have different learning styles, ways that we learn most efficiently.  There are many different models defining the various styles, but I know that I learn best by seeing and in most cases by doing myself.  We know that Jesus was a teacher.  He used different methods for teaching and challenging those he came into contact with.  Throughout his ministry on earth, Jesus adapted his "lessons" to his audience.

• He spoke directly and posed very challenging questions to the Pharisees and Sadducees
• To the general masses of people, he spoke in parables
• When he was with his disciples, "he explained everything"  (Mark 4:34)
• He "spoke" through the physical evidence of miracles

My NIV study notes state that "Jesus used parables to illustrate truths, stimulate thinking and awaken spiritual perception."  Jesus met people were they were, but he wanted them to REALLY start thinking about spiritual things.  We are all in different places in our spiritual lives.  We have all had different life experiences.  Regardless of where we are or where we have come from, Jesus wants us to hear him.  He wants us to hear his Word and believe in Him.

"Then Jesus said, 'He who has ears let him hear.'"

~Mark 4:9

 

In chapter 4 of Mark, Jesus teaches the crowd using parables.  We have all heard or read these parables before.  They are some wonderful nuggets of truth:

• Jesus compares our hearts to the various types of ground or soil that a seed can fall on.  At times, our hearts are not prepared for truth to be deeply planted.  The most fruitful lives are those whose hearts are ready and willing to accept God's Word and respond in obedience.  I want a fertile heart, don't you?
• Jesus tells us that God's truth is meant to be revealed as a lamp on a stand... high and bright.  We are to "carefully consider what we hear." (v. 4:24) and respond by applying it to our lives.
• Like a growing seed, there is miraculous life in Jesus.  Even though we may not now how or why, it is a fact.
• Jesus describes the kingdom of God like a mustard seed.  It starts very small and grows exponentially.  Some may see God and His plan as insignificant, but one day His true glory will be seen by all.

In the last part of chapter 4 and all of chapter 5, we become second-hand witnesses to some of the miracles that Jesus performed.  Wouldn't you like to have been there to have seen first-hand glimpses?

• Jesus calmed the storm and used his power to teach the disciples who He is.  He taught them to have faith and not be afraid.  Many of us can relate to this and even the disciples had to learn this lesson over and over.
• Jesus healed a demon possessed man and instructed him to go tell his family how merciful he (Jesus) was to him.  We are to tell others of God's mercy and working in our lives.
• Jesus healed the woman with a bleeding disorder.  We can learn so much from the faith of this women.  She just wanted to touch his robe.  She did and she was healed by her faith.
• Jesus raised a little girl from the dead in an intimate setting with her parents and three disciples.  He also cared deeply for the continued physical well-being of this girl which was evident by him telling them to feed her.

Jesus continues to teach us us in different ways so that we may believe.  That's the ultimate goal and can only be met by the Holy Spirit opening our spiritual ears and eyes to reveal more of God to us.  We can learn through a variety of tools - self study, different Bible study teachers, pastors, music, and discussions with other Christians (like this blog).  Looking outward, I'm also reminded that others learn in different ways too.  Those that we are witnessing to may able to "hear" better by seeing how we live our lives, hearing our testimonies, by hearing God's words from the Bible, or through a combination of all of these.  God  made each of us uniquely and He speaks and ministers to use uniquely as well.  For that, I am thankful!

Lord, thank you for your word and for teaching us to believe.  Open our ears to hear you more and help us to be obedient to you.  Lord, let us hear and draw our hearts closer and closer to you!

MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN

It is the thought by most scholars that Mark is the oldest of the four gospels being written before 70 A.D. While Matthew was written for the Jews, Mark was written for the Romans. Mark was a very close companion of Peter and his writing shows the influence of the energy and the impulsiveness of Peter. Jesus is portrayed by Mark in ALL HIS POWER AND AUTHORITY while emphasizing His deeds.

FOLLOW ME: Jesus said these words to Simon and Andrew in Chapter 1. He also told this to James, the son of Zebedee and John, his brother. He spoke these words again to Levi in Chapter 2. He has said to us as well, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. God does not want us to accept Him and then do nothing but He wants us to serve Him.

Jesus went up into a mountain and ordained His twelve disciples so that he could send them out to preach, to heal the sick, and to cast out devils. We also are to serve Him and to do His will. Several of you sing in the choir, others teach, some do both. We all have our jobs to do to serve the Lord. Do we do our best when we serve Him? That is what He wants and expects of us.

In these chapters, Jesus performed several miracles. In Chapter one, He called an unclean spirit out; Simon's mother-in-law lay sick of a fever, the fever left when Jesus touched her; He cleansed the leper. In Chapter two, He healed a man of the palsy. Chapter three, He healed a withered hand.

Is God still in the miracle business? You betcha. Let me tell you of two that I heard this week. While in the Social Security office, a black lady came in and sat next to me. She said, "Don't we have an awesome God." She then started to tell her story to everyone who would listen. Her son was in the hospital on life support. The doctors came in and pronounced him dead and removed the life support. Her family told her he was gone but she refused to believe it. She told them God didn't say anything to her about taking her baby and He would have told her. She went in to see her son while she kept repeating he wasn't dead. After a few minutes, her son sat straight up in bed. Praise God, her son was alive.

On Thursday, our seniors went on a trip to the apple barn. First, we stopped at this restaurant for lunch. The lady who waited on us told us she had a miracle story to tell us. A twelve year old girl had an attack of appendicitis but before they got her to the hospital they had ruptured. She was a very sick girl for awhile. Afterwards the doctor told her she would never be able to have children because her insides was so messed up. When she married, her husband and her tried for years to adopt and every time it fell through. Then at 41 (I believe that was the age she said), she got pregnant. As she turned sideways, she told us she knew this story was true because she was that girl. Praise God, she not only is having her miracle but she is telling her story to everyone.

We serve an awesome God who is alive and well and still performing miracles. He has performed several miracles in my life. I know He has performed miracles in others of you. One that I know of was to Jaybrena's nephew. I am sure we all have our stories to tell. Let us tell them and give God the glory for what He has done. Yes, Praise God, He is still in the miracle business.

My Savior

I have to be honest with all of you.  I have absolutely no idea how I can possibly do this blog post on the crucifixion and resurrection of my Savior and put into words the most amazing event in all of history and in all of the universe.  There is just no possible way that I can add any insight to this most blessed of all events...ever.  Humans dared to put the God of the universe on trial?  I caused unthinkable pain and suffering to my Savior during flogging, beating, hitting, spitting, and crowning Him with a crown of thorns...to the Son of God? 

My sin did THIS to My Savior.  I put Him on this cross.  I disfigured Him so badly that you could no longer tell that He was human and was completely unrecognizable.  I drove every nail into His hands and into His feet.  I pushed up the cross with His beaten and broken body on it.  The most amazing thing...He did this all WILLINGLY...because He loved YOU and ME that much!!!

BUT...and this is the BIGGEST "but" ever...He did NOT stay in the tomb!!!  "He is not here; He has risen, just as he said." (Matthew 28:6)  MY Savior is NOT dead...He is alive and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He is coming again...soon.  All glory, honor, and praise is due to Him from ME every second of every day of my life.  ALL that I do should honor Him and point others directly to Him.  This is ALL that should matter in MY life...what He did for ME!

So...what should I DO with what my Savior did for me?  I am COMMANDED to GO...GO and love others as He has loved me...GO and live my life as a witness for Him...ALL that I say and ALL that I do should reflect His love...I HAVE to tell others of what He has done in my life and how He has changed me for all eternity...I MUST disciple others and teach them so they can live for Him...I MUST GO!!!!

My Savior,

There are no words...there is no way that I can EVER give back to you ALL that you have given to me...but this I CAN do...I give you my HEART and I give you my LIFE...I want to have crowns to lay down at your feet when I see you face to face someday...and my greatest dream is to hear You say, "Well done my good and faithful servant"...may my life show others how much I love you and may ALL that I say and do bring you honor and glory...because I love you...I just really love you.

Amen and Amen





The Work of My Hands

Recently I have found myself craving more of something. I look for meaning in every little thing that I do....especially at this time of year. What am I doing with my time? You know, time is a funny thing, it seems to slip by unnoticed and for the most part unmissed, and then all of the sudden, your baby is one year old, your toddler is twelve, and your childhood toys are collector's items. We have instant coffee, instant meals, instant messaging, instant polls, instant pictures....the list goes on. But does anything truly happen in an instant??? I have to think that each instant, was actually a series of instances....small decisions that lead us to this point. Decisions to pray, decisions to serve, decisions to love when it hurts are all things that lead to profound events and life-changing instances. I'd like to consider today's portion of scripture from this mindset.

What led Mary to that point? While in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, Mary entered with her worship offering. The precious oil that was spilled out from that alabaster flask over the head of Jesus that day, flowed from a heart of praise and thanksgiving. The decision to pour out such a thing was likely preceded by a series of instances in her life, where Jesus offered her so much more than the price of that oil. As the song goes, we don't know the cost of the oil in that alabaster box, we weren't there the night He came and wrapped His loving arms around her.

What was it like to hear Jesus tell the Passover story? Did they know that the sacrificial lamb He spoke of was actually Himself? Did they know that from the foundations of the earth, God had ordained this moment in time? Did they realize at that point that the time on the Kingdom Clock was about to begin ticking to a different beat of nails being driven deep into the hands and feet of the Man they loved so dearly? There were certainly many instances that led to this time. Oh, life for them changed in an instant when they realized what was happening, but did their minds flash the series of events that led up to this moment? The time by the sea, the time by the tree, that time on the road, the time in their homes were just beginning to come together. They were certainly mindful of the larger clock and calendar.

What was Judas thinking? Oh, the times I have rolled this over in my head! Maybe it's because as much as I hate to admit it, I feel dangerously close to betraying Jesus some days, too, and I want to guard my heart against that! Almost certainly, there were small decisions that Judas made leading up to the moment he accepted those 30 coins. It scares me to even type the words, but I can think of several instances that I've been tempted to sell Jesus out for less than that. It's usually in hindsight that God allows us to see how dangerously close we come. God help us, we know not what we do. I don't think it's coincidence that Jesus prayed in the Garden for us to "watch and pray lest we enter into temptation...the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

So, in summary, if I am watching and praying, being mindful of the Kingdom Clock, offering my praise and worship to Him, then how am I spending my time? Am I spending it like it's running through an hourglass as the psalmist says? It seems that we are bombarded with devices that save us our precious milliseconds in this life. My question is....what am I doing with the gained time? How do I redeem it? Moses said that in Psalm 90 that time will "quickly pass", and prayed the Lord would "teach us to number our days." Our heart's cry should be the same as his, that "God will establish the work of our hands." What are you doing for eternity today? Do your plans make a difference for eternity's sake?? I suppose the time we spend here serving the Lord, sharing His word, sending the gospel, seeking Him to save the lost will all be redeemed in eternity. Oh, what a day that will be!

Watching and Serving

Like all of us, Jesus' disciples wanted to know what would happen in the future - and they begin to ask him questions. Of course, they were expecting him to come in power on earth right there in Jerusalem as "king or ruler." As they were asking for a "sign" and when the end of the age would be, Jesus begins to tell them about His return. He explains that his return will be as lightening that comes from the east and is visible even in the west.

Jesus tells them to remain watchful - that no one knows the day or hour . . . except the Father. It will be sudden and swift. Therefore, we are to keep watch. The Boy Scouts have a motto that says Be Prepared. A wise admonition. Trying to explain his return, Jesus gives the disciples several parables, one of which is of the Ten Virgins (or Bridesmaids.)

Everyone loves a wedding (well, except most husbands). We love to be included in the festivities - to be invited to the engagement parties and showers. And oh, to be a bridesmaid! Do you remember when you served as a bridesmaid? D. A. Carson in the Expositor's Bible Commentary describes a first-century Jewish wedding this way: Normally the bridegroom with some close friends left his home to go to the bride's home, where there were various ceremonies, followed by a procession through the streets - after nightfall - to his home. . . Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch. Those without a torch would be assumed to be party crashers or even brigands . . . The torch was either a lamp with a small oil tank and wick or a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it which would require occasional re-soaking to maintain the flame.

Five of the bridesmaids were prepared - five were not. The five wise bridesmaids probably carried an extra cruse of oil to refill their lamps. They knew that a long night was coming and did not know when the groom would appear. They needed enough fuel to last until the morning. They needed to be prepared and to be ready for the groom's appearance. We need that as well. This parable could also tell us to be prepared in our lives for burn out. Do you get weary in well-doing? How can we avoid that? By feasting on the Word of God and asking God to fill us with the Spirit daily. Then, when night or "trouble" comes, we are ready and suited up with the full armor of God.

The verses in Matthew 25:35-40 are very special to me. They were used as part of the scripture at my father's funeral. He was a kind and godly man and lived his life helping others in many different ways - visiting the sick, taking food to the hungry, sharing with strangers, helping the needy. Every Christmas when I was growing up, he found a needy family in our community (this was before the lists from DFACS). My mother baked a ham, bought bags of oranges and apples, staples, clothes, and toys. Then as a family we delivered these items just before Christmas. In my mind's eye, I can still picture the children and remember the homes where we visited. A lesson well learned.

Let us never forget the cup of cold water that we offer to others - we offer to Christ as well.

An Invitation

Our reading today takes place sometime between Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his Last Supper with the disciples. So, it falls into his last week on earth as a mere mortal wearing human flesh. In this last week, he talks to the disciples a lot about the kingdom of heaven. There could have been a multitude of reasons for this, but two I can be pretty sure of are that it was heavy on his heart and mind as he faced human death, and that he wanted to make sure the disciples "got it."

In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus is telling an allegory of the Jewish nation. The King is God. The King's son is Jesus. The servants sent to the invited guests are the Old Testament prophets. The invited guests represent the Jewish nation. The servants sent to the uninvited guests could very well be the disciples from the New Testament. The uninvited guests are you, me and the rest of the "Gentiles," essentially the rest of the world. In Jesus' culture, two invitations were expected for banquets. One asking guests to attend and another announcing that all is ready. In this story, God sent out three invitations, and each time they rejected his invitation. God invites us again and again- have you accepted his invitation?

One guest accepted the invitation, but only for his own personal pleasure. In this culture, wedding guests were given garments to wear to the banquet. Can you imagine having to provide clothes to everyone who attended your wedding? To refuse to wear them was an insult to the host. Christ has provided us with a new garment of righteousness to wear as we enter heaven. To refuse that new garment shows the ultimate insult to Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. God will not accept anyone who refuses to pay honor to His son. We all have an invitation, but we must be willing to accept the garments that come with it.

All that Jesus was saying obviously hit a little too close to home for the Pharisees and other religious groups of the day. They begin plotting to "trap" Jesus. Their common hatred united former enemies against Him. They all try to be the smartest and stump Jesus. Each time they only end up making themselves look like fools. Anyone else ever tried to look smart and ended up showing just how foolish you really were?!

They start off flattering Jesus. Always be wary of anyone who begins a conversation by flattering you! They probably either want something or want to try and manipulate you into doing something. Neither is a good scenario! In this instance, they wanted Jesus to pick a side. The church, or the government. No one likes to pay taxes, but not doing so carries serious consequences even today. Many people have been ruined by trying to cheat the government out of the money they owe them. We are expected to abide by the laws of the country we are in. But, at the same time, Jesus reminds them that we have a dual citizenship. Our primary allegiance and commitment should be to God and his eternal Kingdom. After all, while images from our country are on our currency, we bear the image of God. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

After failing to trap Jesus with politics, they try to out think him. Again, Jesus shows how short sighted their thinking was- pointing out that heaven is going to be much more than we could ever expect or imagine. He also pointed out that they should not be so concerned with the things of heaven that they forget to live for God in this life. He also quickly summed up all of the law in the Old Testament for them: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments"

Love God.

Love others.

Who is first on my list of "loves?" Do my priorities need rearranging?

Obviously, the religious leaders of the day had things in the wrong order. God and others had to take a backseat to their own personal egos and agendas. Chapter 23 reads like a cautionary tale- be careful not to lift yourself up at the expense of others. By their actions and attitudes, the religious leaders of the day actually served to drive people further away from God rather than drawing them to Him. They were more concerned with the outward appearance of holiness than the actual conditions of their heart. Jesus says that He longs to care for, comfort and protect his people, but they run from it. Instead, they will become guilty of the blood of generations of martyrs when they send Jesus to the cross to die for them all.

Jesus sends us all an invitation to a beautiful wedding feast. It's written in his blood, and sparkling white garments are provided for us to wear to the banquet if we are willing. He offers us his protection and covering, warmth and care. Are you willing to accept his invitation?

Please enjoy this beautiful song called "The Invitation."

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Today we begin with a parable. This parable about the workers in a vineyard really stirs some thoughts. The story is that a landowner hires some workers early in the morning and makes an agreement of their days wages. A little later he hires more to work. Then a little later he hires more to work and even later still he hires some more workers. Then it is time to get paid. They all received the same wages. What?! Is this fair? Well in terms of your reward of being with God for eternity there is no amount of work to earn that. I have to admit that given the situation in this story I can relate to those workers that worked all day. It is hard not to give in to the temptation to complain about what is fair in life. The parable is not really about wages or what you have earned. It is about salvation and God’s generosity. Some may live their whole lives for Christ and some may turn to him in the last moments of life. We should all be cheering for anyone to turn to God at any time, because no matter how much work we do for the Lord we still do not deserve his grace.

Did anyone else feel a little embarrassed for James and John’s mother who was asking for her sons to be at the right and left of the King? Jesus tried to tell her and the boys that they had no idea what they were asking. They are basically asking for a high position in the kingdom. Jesus then explains that to be great, you must be willing to serve.

Chapter 21 begins with the Triumphal Entry. Jesus had already predicted his death and resurrection for the third time and now he was heading into Jerusalem to get things underway fulfilling prophecy the whole way. (Daniel 9:24-26 and Zechariah 9:9-10)

“ Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

This was the their cries. “Hosanna,” which basically means the answer to a cry for salvation. A close literal translation would be “Salvation has come!” Jesus caused quite a stir entering the city and then he goes over to the temple and really shook things up. He was angry at the greedy marketers using the temple as a place to make their fortune.

I have always loved to read the way Jesus responded to people. His authority was questioned by the chief priests and scribes as he was teaching. They wanted to know who he thought he was. Where did he get the authority to do the things he did? Jesus just answered with another question. I love how the men seem to have a little huddle time before answering. Jesus knew their hearts and he knew they wouldn’t want to answer his question about John the Baptist.

The last part of our reading is The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers. The vineyard refers to the kingdom of God. The landowner is God and the wicked vinedressers refers to the leaders of Israel who were rejecting the very Son of God. Jesus states that because they have rejected the truth, the kingdom of God will be given to another nation that bears fruit. This made the chief priests and Pharisees very angry. They really wanted to take Jesus down at that moment but was afraid of the crowd who loved him.

There will always be opposition to Christ. Many, will reject him as the Savior/Messiah. He is the only way to the Father and many want to find another way into heaven. Something that wouldn’t cost so much of them. Father, help us to be servants for your kingdom. Give us strength and humility to travel the narrow road as we follow you.

Like Little Children

Most of us can relate to watching a child grow over time.  In some cases, we are intimately involved with a child from the moment of birth until they become a fully grown adult.  Watching my now 6-year old son grow and learn in so many aspects of life has been an amazing experience.  To be able to see his mind process information and respond, to hear him learn to speak, read, and sing, to watch his physical growth, to observe how he interacts with other people are all wonderful treasures!

Twice in Matthew 18 and 19, Jesus teaches the disciples using little children as an example.  Twice he tells them (and us) that we have to become like little children to belong to the kingdom of heaven.  Have you ever spent time really thinking about what Jesus meant by that?  I cannot help but to think about some of the characteristics and behaviors of children and how I need to be changed to become like them.

Without reading in context, there are many wrong ways to interpret Jesus teaching.  Children can be selfish, dishonest (amazing how early we show this trait), and greedy.  However, in the context of Jesus' teaching, we know that He is teaching humility and trust.  As I think about young children and similarities to what God desires from us as our Heavenly Father, these traits come to mind:

• Trusting of others
• Completely honest
• No prejudices
• Curious and able to learn a lot very quickly (like sponges!)
• Total dependence on others for their care and needs
• Tender love for others
• Not wanting to stray too far from a parent
• Quick to forgive

Oh, how I desire to have the tender heart of a child!  Some days I do, other days... not so much.  Lord, please touch and humble my heart to trust you entirely.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, 

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child 

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

~Matthew 18:3-4

There are many other wonderful teachings in these chapters, but I wanted to see if any of you especially enjoyed reading about a camel going through the eye of a needle. Pastor Chris spoke about this yesterday during his sermon.  I love the disciples' response to Jesus about this:  "Who then can be saved?"  They understood the message!  I also love Jesus' answer:

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

~Matthew 19:26 

Lord, thank you for doing what we see as impossible!

ONE DAY HE'S COMING, OH GLORIOUS DAY

Matthew was written mainly for the Jews. Jesus is presented to them to be the Messiah of the Old Testament.

Chapters 15-17 are full of Jesus speaking. Wouldn't you just loved to have been there to hear Him speak to the multitudes who surrounded Him or to hear Him explain what He said to His disciples. When I read the words of Jesus, I can picture Him in my mind standing there saying them. I know soon I WILL see Him face to face and I WILL hear his voice as He welcomes me home.

It is so hard for me to understand how people of that era could see and hear Jesus and see all the good He did and still reject Him. Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites because the put down the disciples for not washing their hands before eating. While at the same time they was not living the commandment, "Honor thy father and mother." Sometimes in today's world, we are guilty of doing like the Pharisees. We look down on some people for the sin they have committed while at the same time committing sins ourselves that aren't all that bad. God looks at sin as sin; there is no such thing as big sins and little sins, they are all the same. I know I have done this and pray God will forgive me and remind me this is wrong should I start to do this again. Jesus then tells them that it is not what one puts in his mouth that defiles a man but rather what comes out of it. What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." (15:19)

As the people followed Jesus for THREE days with nothing to eat, Jesus fed the hungary with a few fishes and a few loaves of bread. It is recorded of Him doing this two times. At the same time, He was feeding their souls as well. Our Bibles are food for our souls. I feed my soul as I feed my body every morning. Do you have a special time set aside to feed your soul?

During this time, Jesus was teaching His disciples many things that would help them once He was gone. Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother to a high mountain where He was transfigured before them. His face shined like the sun and His clothing was white as the light. Moses and Elias was seen talking to Him. After it happened, Jesus told them: "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead." (17:9) Thereby predicting his death and resurrection. In Chapter 17:22,23 He again predicted His death and resurrection. "The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again."

Unlike other religions, we serve a risen Savior. While their leaders are lying dead in a grave, ours is seated at the right hand of our God. He is waiting for God to tell Him to go and gather his children home. I am looking forward to that, aren't you? One day He's coming, oh glorious day.

Parables and Power

I was going to try to write my post today without the help of any of the study notes in any of my Bibles, but I decided once I saw that I was going to have to write about some of Jesus' parables that this was probably NOT a good idea!  Keep in mind that Matthew was writing his Gospel account to the JEWISH people and proving to them how much Jesus perfectly fulfills the prophecies of the prophets is crucial to his message presentation.  There are a few important concepts about parables that are critical to mention here:

1. Jesus' parables had two distinct purposes.  The first one was to reveal truth to those whose heats would believe and to those who were willing to hear.  The second purpose was to conceal the truth from those who willingly rejected the message because of their calloused hearts. 
2. Jesus' interpretations of His own parables may suggest that many of them were allegories that had many points of symbolism and that taught many related truths.
3. "The hiddenness component of Jesus' teaching may seem harsh, but since greater exposure to truth increases one's accountability to God in judgment, the concealment may represent God's graciousness toward those whom He knew would be unresponsive."  (HCSB Study Notes)

Did you really catch that?  The concealment of the truth is a form of God's mercy!  WOW!  I had never thought of that before (hence the reason I HAD to share this with you all today).  All of the parables in Chapter 13 have to do with the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus apparently was REALLY trying to drive His point home as there are a total of five of these parables. 

In verse 14 of Chapter 13, Jesus states that "You will listen and listen, yet never understand;".  The word "never" used here is the Greek word "ou me" which means "will absolutely not" rather than "never will".  This suggests stony resistance NOT permanent resistance.  This means that the Jews will eventually ALL see that Jesus is the Messiah and will then understand these different parables.  Speaking in parables is actually a fulfillment of prophecy in and of itself.  Matthew is PACKED with these displays of Jesus fulfilling prophecy!

Chapter 14 opens up with the beheading of John the Baptist.  This was done because the mother of Herod's daughter wanted his head on a platter.  And so it was done.  What if someone was about to behead you because you believed in Jesus?  Would you denounce Him or would you be beheaded?  Just a little "food" for thought.  Then chapter 14 goes on to tell the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000.  This is the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels.  It is even MORE amazing when you consider the fact that there was probably about 15,000 people in total there including women and children.  Can you put yourself into the crowd watching them just keep handing out and keep handing out and keep handing out the five loaves and two fish until ALL 15,000 people were fed and thinking to yourself "Where does this stuff keep coming from?!?!".  ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!

Then enter Jesus walking on the water!  This miracle displays Jesus' incredible power over creation.  After all, if Jesus MADE the water, doesn't it make sense that He could WALK on the water?  But there was a violent storm raging at the time, which makes it all the MORE amazing!  You gotta just love Peter...he is the only one willing to come walking out on that water!  And he actually did it for a minute before He looked around and panicked.  And so that is the lesson for us as well.  If we take our eyes off of Jesus, ESPECIALLY during the storms, we WILL SINK!!!!  He is the only One that keeps us from sinking!  I just wonder...would I have asked Jesus if I could walk on that water??? 


P.S.  I apologize that this is SO late getting on here today!

What if I Say "Yes" to Him???

I love to learn new things. I love to increase my knowledge. However, I don't like to be wrong. And sometimes learning something new means that you will find out you've been wrong. It's a risk I'm willing to take. There's something about opening God's word that almost makes me hold my breath in anticipation! What will He say? Or more importantly to my walk, What will I say?? Invariably, God speaks to me and I have a choice to make....

John, the Baptist, said "Yes." He seemed to be strange....strange choice of home, strange clothes, strange diet, strange hair.....he even had a strange message. John's message: "Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!" He told the people that God could raise sons of Abraham from stones. He told them that he baptizes with water but One is coming Who will baptize with Holy Spirit and Fire. He baptized many, many people and even had disciples. Jesus, Himself, said of John, "Among those born of women, there has not arisen one greater." Wow! John must have been some kind of man! What did it get him?

Are you willing to be strange for Him?

To those who say "Yes" to Him, He gives rest. Jesus rebuked the cities where His word was proclaimed yet they did not repent, and follows it with a reminder that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I have often felt burdened and worn down. It was during these times that I realized the burdens I had were not of God....they were heavy and hard. Sometimes we have to reevaluate life and our commitments. He gives us strength for the things we are called to do, His yoke, His burden. Only Jesus can give true rest.

To others who say "Yes" to Him, He gives sight and speech. They receive peace, rather than troubling spirits who torment them day and night. Jesus said that a tree is known by it's fruit. He says that we are not to judge, but that we can know the truth. What is the truth of the fruit you produce, today? What about your speech? "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" and we will all give account. Jesus also said that His nearest relations are His disciples. These are His family, more than His own flesh and blood?? Yes. Those who are born again are born into His family. We have a whole new bloodline when we accept Him. Jesus gives new sight and new speech to all who follow Him.

Those who say, "Yes" to Him receive a blessing of measure untold. Those who ask for signs to confirm their faith are given miracles, because they believe. The Pharisees didn't believe, they asked for signs of power from a heart of pride. They criticized from unscriptural rules for "working on the Sabbath", to bring condemnation and death. Christ brings the opposite, approval and life. Jesus saw right through their questions. To say "Yes" to Him means that I may be criticized for decisions I make, or roads I choose, but those are temporal. The blessing of following Him is measureless.

What blessings we receive when we say "Yes" to our God. As strange as it seems to say "Yes" to Him.....I'm scared to death to say "No." I don't want to miss a moment with Him!

People Need the Lord

What is the greatest need in your life right now? Are you stressed, tired, sick, lonely, struggling with other issues? Today we have examples of "needs" that were met by the Master in Matthew 9-10.

A paralyzed man needed to be able to walk
A bleeding woman needed to be healed from her disease
A father needed his little girl to be raised to life
Two blind men needed their sight
A mute man needed to speak

Each of these needs required faith for Jesus to heal and restore. Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, "Yes,Lord." Sometimes we think it is "too late" for God to help us, but faith means that God, through believing, can change things that sometimes seem unchangeable. No job is too big for God - remember with God nothing is impossible.

Do you suppose that anyone in that day would have pictured Matthew as a follower of Jesus - a changed man? He was a tax collector - despised and hated by the Jews, a social outcast. Yet, as Jesus passed by and called him, you see the transforming power of Jesus on his life. Immediately Matthew wanted to share his new life with other people. He gave a feast at his house and invited his friends. When we are called to Jesus, do we invite our "former friends"? Or are we now concerned about the company we keep or who we associate with? Are we self-righteous? Do I share my faith with those who need it the most? People need the Lord . . .

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick (Mt. 9:12)

And who did Jesus call as his first disciples? Men with personal failings, some with and some without education, men with reputations, one with a temper; rich and poor, fishermen, common men - ordinary people. Many think that Jesus will call on the few, the brave, the elect. But this is not true. He is looking for real people - ordinary people - changed by His love and grace.



By the way, when He "called" them - He called them to come with Him. Too often I think I want Jesus to come with me. I want Him to fit into my schedule, my plans, my activities, my dreams. But it doesn't work like that, does it? Being a disciple of Jesus means that I go with Him - that I do what He asks me to do and walk where He wants me to walk. He called his disciples to take his love to the people.

People need the Lord - and by being his disciple, I can take Jesus where the needs are. Maybe it's not to Zimbuckto - it might only be across the street, the grocery store, or to my own family. That's why he called the Twelve - to come with Him and learn of Him - for his yoke is easy and his burden light. Then after being with Jesus, they could go to the people.

We are called to take His light

To a world where wrong seems right.

What could be too great a cost

For sharing Life with one who's lost?

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.

At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.

When will we realize that people need the Lord?

Counter Cultural Healing

Chapter 7 finishes up Jesus' sermon on the mount. At the end of his sermon, he had created quite a stir- mainly because his teaching was so different from the "teachers of the law" that the people were used to hearing. The religious leaders of the day were used to citing traditions and quoting other authorities to support their arguments. Jesus taught something new- something "counter cultural" that had everyone buzzing. God's word does that to me today- does it do it you as well? The words go against everything that our culture sends our way, but somehow they ring true and awaken something deeper in our hearts.

Our culture tells us to measure ourselves against the successes and failures of those around us. Jesus says to examine our own lives first, so that we can correctly see how to help those around us.

Our culture would have you believe that God wants to withold from us. Jesus tells us that God is the perfect Father figure who wants nothing more than to give us the best He has to offer. We should feel free to come to Him with every request.

Our culture tells us to look out for ourselves first. Jesus tells us to treat others as we would want to be treated.

Our culture would tell us that all roads lead to heaven. Jesus says there is only one, narrow road, and that is the only way to life.

Our culture tells us to listen to what sounds good to you. Jesus tells us to watch out for people who just tell us what we want to hear. Often their motives aren't pure and their deeds don't match their words.

Our culture tells us to trust in ourselves, but Jesus tells us that trusting in Him and acting in obedience to His words are the only way to find true security in this life.

A few of the people listening to Jesus got it. They didn't just talk about him like the greatest new celebrity. They believed in Him- and in His ability to heal. One man was a leper. An outcast- unclean by the law. In faith, he believed that Jesus could "make him clean." Amazingly, Jesus reached out and TOUCHED the man, unclean and with a skin disease. Can you imagine what that meant to him? The touch may have meant as much as the healing itself. Who knows how long it had been since someone touched him. We also all have a disease- called sin- that makes us unclean and unworthy to come before a holy God. Jesus also makes us clean, able to be touched by the hand of God.

Another man was a Roman centurion. A Gentile. A heathen by Old Testament terms. Jesus was amazed at his faith, and told the crowd that this man's faith would save him, where all the religious traditions of the holiest jews would fail them. I am also amazed at his faith. He didn't limit Jesus' ability to heal by either time or location. How often do I expect God to answer prayers or perform miracles based on human limitations? Don't limit God!

Again and again we see Jesus demonstrate his power- healing the sick, driving out demons, calming storms. Yet so often we still have areas of our lives we feel God just "can't handle." We think we have to get it cleaned up for Him first. If Chapter 8 hasn't convinced you otherwise, let me spell it out for you. There is nothing God can't handle in your life! There is no sickness, no demon, and no storm that He can't heal, drive out, or quiet. Leave it with Him and in His mighty hands!

Jesus was plain with those who wanted to follow Him about what the cost would be. There were no illusions of comfort or prosperity. Jesus also made it clear that nothing less than complete loyalty would suffice. There is only one narrow gate. Only one who should get the top priority in our life. Only one way to life- and only one God who can heal us and quiet the storms of our life with His power. Am I giving Him my all? Am I acting in obedience to His words? Is my faith lacking? What do I need to come to Him with today?

I know this verse is actually from John, but I think the spirit of it applies to our reading today. The above print can be found here. I have a small version at my house and it's a good reminder!

What is the Sermon on the Mount?

The reading assignment for today contains a large part of the famous teaching of Jesus best known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is impossible to address all the details of the Sermon on the Mount in this Tuesday blog. My goal is to hit some good points without taking up too much of your time. It is called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus went up on a mountainside to preach to the large crowd of people who had gathered. He began teaching with what is called the Beatitudes which means supreme blessedness. Jesus is telling us here that the truly blessed people are those who care more about the things of God rather than the things of this world. Here are the Beatitudes in my words:

We are blessed to need God to provide.
We are blessed to find comfort in the Lord after a loss.
We are blessed to learn patients, and are gentle and forgiving.
We are blessed when we long to obey our God.
We are blessed when our focus is to relieve the suffering of other people and express mercy.
We are blessed when we have our thoughts and motives pure and actions upright and sincere.
We are blessed as peacemakers providing reconciliation to family, preventing bitterness and misunderstanding.
We are blessed when we are persecuted for our righteous actions or desire to do what is right.

Salt and Light
Matthew 5:12 was one of the first verses I memorized when I was on the road to spiritual recovery and maturity.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how [e]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."

This meant so much to me because at the time I felt like salt without flavor. I had been living a life blending in with the world and the Lord sent a young lady to be some salt in my life. I recently heard a sermon about being salt and light. The pastor stated that we are to be salt and light where ever we are placed.

Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus tells us in 5:17 that he has come to fulfill the law. This means he satisfied the laws requirements in our place. We do still live observing those laws but we are not condemned by them because of Christ who completed them.

Jesus then talks about issues like murder, adultery, divorce, promises, and loving your enemies. All these things he taught about were details of a lifestyle we should lead. Our goal should be to bring glory to the Father and not ourselves. Which brings us into chapter six.

Giving to the Needy
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.

These first few verses of chapter six are talking about showing off our righteousness. Do you ever feel like you just really want a pat on the back after taking that bag of clothes and box of food to the ministry place for the needy? Or when you give up your only off day to repair an elderly woman’s roof? I have had those battles in my mind wanting to be recognized or thanked for good deeds. The problem is that we don’t understand God’s rewards. We do not look for his blessings. We are looking for the approval of man. It is a much richer blessing to learn the heart of God and feel blessed knowing you have relieved the suffering of another person. (Beatitude #5)

The Lord’s Prayer
Next we come to Jesus’ model of a perfect prayer. So many memorize this prayer and say it without stopping to think about what it means.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
We should recognize that he is like a father who loves and protect us. We also should recognize his greatness. His very name is Holy and he is all-powerful.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
We are asking God to allow us in his eternal plan. We are asking to do God’s will so earth can be like heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
We are asking God to provide all our needs daily.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive whose who trespass against us.
We are asking God to forgive us of our sins and that we will forgive others for their wrongs against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
We are asking God to protect us from situations where we would be tempted to do evil. Also to protect us from Satan’s snare that we would be able to resist.
Did you notice something missing?
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.
We are briefly lifting up praise to conclude the prayer but was not part of Jesus’ original prayer. It was added for public worship.

Fasting
We should fast privately, just like praying, and giving. Our goal is not to show everyone else how righteous we can be. Fasting should only be between you(me) and God. He will reward for the pure heart.

Treasures in Heaven
Our perspective needs to become eternal. A treasure on earth can burn up, rot, or be destroyed by bugs, but a treasure stored in heaven is everlasting. As we take in all these words of Jesus and apply them to our lives we will certainly store treasures in heaven. I don’t know if anyone knows what that means literally but I know it is a great thing because Jesus said it can not be destroyed or stolen.

Do Not Worry
Our last section is about not worrying. Oh to not worry. “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” People who worry and are anxious a lot crave control. I like to know what is going to happen and I like to prepare for what is coming. But God says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

God With Us

Ladies, we have completed a major milestone in our endeavor to read through the Bible this year.  I am honored to be a part of this group and have learned so much from each of you.  I can honestly say that I would NEVER have made it out of Genesis without you and the gentle accountability.  Thank you!

As we leave the Old Testament and fast forward 400 years to the New Testament times, I wonder about the Israelites' faith during those 400 years.  After such a dramatic and active presence of God for so many years, I wonder if during this relatively silent time most people felt like God had abandoned them.  The faith of those who continued to follow God's laws and trust in His existence, love, and desire to fellowship with His people is an incredible testimony.

God is going to reintroduce Himself to humans in a mind-boggling manner.  We are about to meet God in human form.  As we read of those closely involved, we know that some were ready to receive the Word and some were not.  In these short four chapters, we see several key figures in this story.  Let's take a look at some of their responses.

Joseph
I really felt for Joseph while reading of him and his role in this grand event.  He was a righteous man who was betrothed to wed Mary.  I realized for the first time that God not only chose Mary to be Jesus' mother, but clearly chose Joseph as well to be Jesus' legal, earthly father.  He was to give Jesus his name.  He was to protect, love, care for, and raise Jesus.  Joseph was not so sure at first, but he was obedient to God's plan revealed through dreams.

Joseph obeyed.

Magi
The Magi were not Jewish men, but had learned of the "king of the Jews."  They traveled great distances to seek Jesus and brought gifts.

The Magi worshiped Jesus.

Herod
Herod was disturbed when he learned that people were seeking Jesus.  He tried to find a way to take care of the "problem".   

Herod actively opposed Jesus.

John the Baptist

John had the very special job of calling people to repentance, baptizing them, AND preparing people for Jesus' arrival.  John understood his position and relationship to Jesus.  He knew Jesus was the Lord and John was humbled to the point of not wanting to baptize Jesus because he did not feel worthy.  When Jesus told John what needed to be done, John obeyed. 

John told others of Jesus.

Sadducees and Pharisees
These Jewish leaders were proud, religious, men with unrepentant  hearts.  They were reliant on their position in the long line of Jewish ancestors for their salvation. They were interested in what was going on around John the Baptist and went to check things out.   

They watched the early events unfold from a skeptical, condescending distance.

Satan
In the very early days of Jesus ministry, Satan tempted Jesus in ways that are very real to humans.  He tempted Jesus with food, worldly riches, and the opportunity to perform miracles for his own benefit.  Satan tempted Jesus using techniques that he still uses today.

Satan attacked Jesus spiritually.

The Disciples

I imagine the first disciples had no idea what was coming when Jesus walked along the edge of the lake and called to them.  However, they dropped everything they were doing and left their jobs, families, and friends. 

The disciples simply followed Jesus.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have probably responded similarly to all of these characters at one point or another.  Each minute, hour, and day that we have in this life is an opportunity to respond to "God with us".  We also have the opportunity and responsibility to continually prepare our hearts for what God has in store for us.

Introducing Immanuel, Jesus, the savior of the world!

'"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."'

~Matthew 1:23

SALVATION IS NEIGH

Malachi is the last book of the prophets in the Old Testament. The definition of Malachi is "God's messenger". For this reason, there are those who believe that Malachi is a title and not a proper name. They do not agree on who may have written this. Malachi lived while the temple was rebuilt and they had restored worship. Once again, the people started slipping back into their old way of life living in sin and so Malachi rebuked them for that. Like other prophets, he also predicted the coming of the Messiah.

As the Lord spoke through Malachi, He let them know He would not accept their offerings of the least of their possessions. God wants our best, the firstfruits of our earnings. I was reminded of the words of this song:
Is your all on the alter of sacrifice lay;
Your heart does the spirit control;
You can only be blessed and have peace and
sweet rest;
As you yield Him your body and soul.
Do we give God our best or are we like the Israelites offering polluted bread and fruit. Do we offer our blind and our lame or do we give of our best?

God tells us through Malachi in Chapter 1:11 that the Gentiles will be accepted:
For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of
same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every
place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering
for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord
of hosts.

Preachers often use the book of Malachi when they preach about tithes and offerings. God tells us when we do not give what we should, we are robbing Him. He also gives a blessing when we do as we should. Chapter 3:10 tells us:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,that there may be
meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord
of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and
pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it.
So many times, I have heard people say that they don't go to church because all they do is beg for money. These same people do not think a thing of putting down hundreds of dollars on a sporting event or a concert. Churches have operating expenses and need money to operate. What many unbelievers and sadly some Christians do not understand, God owns all we have. He only lets us use it. He doesn't need what we offer Him, we need the blessings He gives back to us.

Now as we leave Malachi, the last of the twelve minor prophets, let us go into the New Testament knowing the prophecy they told has come true. The Messiah is here. Salvation is nigh.

Encouragement & Exhortation

Okay...I know that you all think I am crazy for how much I love horses, but isn't this a cool picture?!?!?  When I found this representation of the horses mentioned in this intriguing book, I just had to put it into my post for today! 

Both Mrs. Barbara and Mrs. Jaybrena have done such an amazing job with the book of Haggai and the first half of Zechariah.  These two books are so interwoven in their purpose and message, it is hard to talk of one without recognizing the impact of the other.  Very different approaches...similar messages.  Both of these books center around the same time in history and are focused on the same set of problems (The Legacy Bible).  However, two things are added in the book of Zechariah:  prophetic visions and prophecies about the Messiah.  As a matter of fact, in my research about this book, I discovered that next to the book of Isaiah, this book has the most prophecies about the coming of Jesus and has the most Messianic prophecies of any of the minor prophets.
 
Let me show you this really cool pictorial outline of the book of Zechariah I found on the Internet:

PLEASE take a minute to really check this out.  It does a wonderful job of giving us a visual summary of this book and often times this type of thing helps us to make things "stick" in our minds.  The Legacy Bible makes several excellent points in the introduction to this book and I want to share them with you:

1. Zechariah the priest wove throughout his book tremendous words of encouragement and exhortation.
2. Encouragement can serve a variety of purposes.  It can motivate others to persevere in a task, to excel in character and to bring about change in circumstances.
3. To modern legacy builders, Zechariah's encouragement to display strong faith and diligent effort is a timeless reminder that a life of faith requires daily attention.  If it is well taken care of, and if we heed the kind words of those who champion us, encouragement can bring about remarkable change.
4. Zechariah encouraged the people to hope in the coming Messiah and to anticipate the day of God's salvation and restoration.

Okay, this is ANOTHER fantastic chart that does an amazing job of outlining this book.  PLEASE notice the many references to the coming Messiah that this book presents at the bottom of the chart.  So, in the attempt to put all of this information that I have given you into practical application, let me ask you a some key questions: 

1. What kind of words do you use the most when you are talking with and interacting with others?  Do you use words that build up others and edify them or do you use words to tear down and destroy?  Is the goal of your speech encouragement?
2. Do we hope in the day that our Savior will return as the people in Zechariah's day hoped in His first coming?  Do we encourage each other and strengthen each other with this hope?  How many days go by that you do not even think about the fact that our Lord and Savior is coming and coming soon?  Do you truly anticipate with joy and excitement the second coming of Jesus?  Are you REALLY ready for Him to return?

Let me assure you of one thing, and that is this:  Our Savior WILL NOT be coming back on a donkey as a lowly servant, HE WILL BE RETURNING AS A MIGHTY WARRIOR AND THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS THAT HE IS...ON A BEAUTIFUL WHITE HORSE!!!  BE READY...BE READY!!!!

Revelation 19:11  "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and makes war."

Let us keep all of this in our minds and in our hearts as we anticipate on Monday our entrance into the reading about our Messiah's first coming.  Amen and Amen...come quickly Lord Jesus!!!

If You Build It, I Will Come

The people were small, the task was great, and the enemies were many. Zechariah and Haggai were prophets in the same time period, just after the decree by the King of Persia releasing all Israelites to return to Judah. After 70 years in Babylonian captivity, God moved the heart of King Cyrus (after all, He holds the heart of the king in His hand) to release the captive people. We read in Ezra that about 50,000 Jews returned, a mere fraction of the mass numbers that used to live in the land. And, on top of that, they found the city and the temple in ruins! Solomon's great temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians and nothing was left but rubble (2 Chron 36:19). The prophets proclaimed that the people were to rebuild the temple, but the enemies in the surrounding lands were none to happy about this and made the efforts difficult. God wanted to dwell among them again, and the temple had to be restored.

For a minute, I thought I was in Revelation! The first several chapters of this book are full of visions, eight to my count. The visionary Zechariah was a young prophet, called into the ministry officially, just after Haggai. If Haggai's message was to "Get up and Get to Work", then Zechariah's message was "God will be your Strength!". Over and over again, Zechariah reminded the people that God was for them. "Turn to Me, and I will turn to You" (1:3), "The Lord will again comfort Zion" (1:17), "Shout Zion, for I am coming!" (2:10), and my personal favorite "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit" (4:6).....OH!!! those are shouting words, sister! God was for them, and not against them. Don't you need to know that when the Lord asks you to complete a task, that it's not by your own power, but HIS??! If they had set out to do it on their own, they would fail. Praise the Lord, the people had repented for the sins of their fathers, their own unfaithful hearts, and were working to honor God again (1:6).

Two Prophets, One Message: The message was to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed, so that God could come and live among them once again. Haggai's message was short and sweet, he said things like, "build the house" and "be strong." His commands were given to the people with no frills, as somewhat evidenced by the length of the book itself. Zechariah had much the same message, but delivered it in a different fashion. He was given visions and parables, or metaphors. God speaks to us, in our language. Some people are gifted visionaries and some are very practical, short, sweet, and to the point kind of people. Like Mrs. Barbara said yesterday, God uses us both. We each have a place, and a message to share in our own way.

Indeed, these prophets had more in common than I ever realized. The people worked, and eventually finished the temple once again. This temple, built during Zerrubabel's reign was no where near the former splendor of Solomon's great temple, but the work was completed. Haggai spoke in chapter two of the temple yet to come....the Kingdom Temple. And Zechariah spoke of the Messiah who would first come as a suffering servant, and then come again as King of the all the earth! In the mean time, God wants to live among us still!!! He wants to dwell in the lives of each of us, and in order to do that we must repent of our sin and come to Him. Matthew Henry paraphrases Zech 1:2 this way, "Turn you to me in a way of faith and repentance, duty and obedience, and I will turn to you in a way of favour and mercy, peace and reconciliation." This is the essence of true repentance, change your course....turn from your old ways and do a new thing. He gave His life, what more could He give?? Oh how He loves you. Oh, how He loves me. Oh how He loves you and me!

The Time Is Right

Haggai is a very short book - only two chapters - and one we have probably overlooked studying through the years. I know I have never really read this book before. His name means festival child, so some writers think he was probably born on a holiday.
After returning the Jews from captivity around 538, Cyrus, King of Persia, encouraged them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. They began this project and built an altar - but then the building stopped because they were fearful and hindered by enemies around them. For sixteen years they neglected the temple, focusing on their own houses - building places of beauty and splendor for themselves while the temple sat in ruins. Their excuse was that the time was not right for them to begin the work.
Enter Haggai in 520 B. C. with his messages of encouragement and promise of blessing from God for obedience. Along with the support from Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest, the people began the work on the temple just 23 days after Haggai's message.


Haggai's whole recorded service for the Lord is short - only three months and 24 days (or so say the commentaries). He might have been a devoted servant for years - we don't know. How simple his message was and yet how important. A few short speeches - maybe delivered in a very few minutes - but his service is recorded for us for all time.
Each of us has a chance to be of service to our Lord. At our own church we have an opportunity to sign up for a number of Ministries. Have you chosen one that fits your spiritual gifts and your personality? Has God spoken to your heart about some service He wants you to do? Do you have a heart for missions, or visiting the sick, or are you that friendly face that can greet newcomers who attend our church? What about the Ladies Ministry, decorating, helping with conferences? Do you love little children - how about serving in the nursery or children's choir? Do you play an instrument or love to sing? There's a place of service for you. Examine your priorities and see if the time is right, because you are the one who will receive the blessing by being obedient.
I experienced first hand this week seeing many give their service to the Lord by volunteering to help with the Super Seniors, and we all received a blessing. It is not the quantity, but the quality of work; and not our success, but faithfulness which is acceptable to the Lord (quote from E. Dennett). In this busy generation, let it be our heart's desire and privilege to be of service to the Lord and walk in obedience.

Why?

The weekend before last, Aaron and I went apple picking with some of our best friends and their two year old little boy. His response to everything was, "Why?" I'm sure most of you who are parents are familiar with the question. All kids seem to go through the "why" stage. The thing is, sometimes as adults, we still ask the question "why?" Only now our questions aren't about why the sky is blue, why the apples are so high, or why the tractor has metal things that stick out the back. The questions we ask come more from the sores of our heart. "Why does evil triumph?" "Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why don't things ever work out for me, but do for others?" The question is, who are we looking to for our answers?

Habakkuk took the aching questions of his heart to God. Discouraged by the world around him, he had some very burning questions about "why?" God told Habakkuk that he was going to provide justice. Then, God reminded Habakkuk that He was on His throne, and that He reigned over earth. Our hope, and answers are found in knowing that God is alive, on His throne and will do what is right. It's based on faith. This gives us the strength and hope to endure "though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls....yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." We have to focus our eyes somewhere besides our present circumstances.

Through Zephaniah, God is proclaiming the "Day of the Lord." This is the day that Habakkuk was asking for earlier- the day when God judges the world and evil is finally conquered by good. The message is a double edged sword though. Who of us are perfect? Who of us deserves to escape God's judgement? We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. At the end of the book we see that God will preserve his people. He will purify us for His glory. We will no longer need to be afraid or deal with deceit and lies.

We can't always see the answers to our "why's." We can't see all that God is doing; or understand it if we could. But we can know, through our faith in Him and His word that it is all working toward a glorious day of hope for those of us who believe.

Sing, O Daughter of Zion;

shout aloud, O Israel!

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,

O Daughter of Jerusalem!

The Lord your God is with you,

he is mighty to save,

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love

and rejoice over you with singing.

At that time I will gather you;

at that time I will bring you home.

Zephaniah 3:14,17, 20

The Judgement of Nineveh

I can’t help but think of Jonah while reading this book. I have to admit that I think this is the first time I have ever read Nahum. I was surprised to read that Nineveh was being destroyed. I am not good with history so I have to try real hard to understand the order of all this history we are learning. This period of time is over 100 years after Jonah had seen Nineveh repent.

“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power…”

Nineveh really messed up. It wasn’t just a little backsliding. They had returned to their grave wickedness. Nahum prophesied to Nineveh between 663 and 612 B.C.

“From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil
against the Lord and devises wicked plans.”

The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. The Assyrians were merciless people who had destroyed and plundered many nations. For Nineveh, the captial of the Assyrian empire, to be destroyed was a relief and cause for celebration (1:15). Nineveh had tormented Israel and Judah and now it was time they pay for rebelling against God.


While Nahum’s message was primarily for Nineveh there is much to learn from this scripture. There is encouragement in that the guilty will get what they deserve. It may seem like God is allowing the wicked to win but scripture shows us over and over that he is a just God. There is also a warning for us as Christians. We need not think we can get away with our sin. Although the eternal penalty of sin has been paid there are still consequences of sin. As our Heavenly Father he must discipline us. I am thankful he does because that means he loves me.

"Because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." Proverbs 3:12