The Wonder of it All

Mark 15:33-39
Matthew 27:45-56

The events of Jesus crucifixion are in all four Gospels; however, for today, I'm going to focus on the one in Matthew because it provides a few more details.

I find that I have heard this passage about Jesus' crucifixion so often, that I take it for granted way more than I ever should.

When I stop to think about the pain that Christ went through for me, how can I be so desensitized to it?  How can I not stand in wonder and awe every time?  Nails were driven through His wrists and ankles as He was nailed to the cross, a thorn of crowns placed upon His head. He, who did no wrong, suffered one of the worst kinds of death...a criminal's death. He endured and excruciating death so that His shed blood could cover my sins.

After reflecting on what Christ went through, take some time to think of the magnitude of God's power that was displayed in that moment of Christ's death.

• For three hours prior to Christ's death, darkness covered the land. (Matthew 27:45)
• At the moment Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51) 
• At that moment, there was an earthquake. (Matthew 27:51)
• At that moment, tombs opened and many holy people, who were dead, were raised to life and came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection. (Matthew 27:52)

I wonder what went through the onlookers' minds as they watched this.  I wonder what went through the minds of those in the temple.  Matthew mentions, "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, 'Surely He was the Son of God!'" (Matthew 27:54)

The symbolism of the curtain ripping in two is beautiful.  The curtain, or veil, separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in the temple.  It was a barrier between God and man. God is so pure and holy, He cannot look upon sin. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year, and he had to go through careful preparations to enter. If he did not complete these preparations properly, he would die when he entered. This veil that formed the separation between these rooms was too thick to be torn by human hands (some websites note 4 inches thick), thus pointing to a supernatural event...God tore the veil from top to bottom. Through Christ's shed blood, the barrier between God and man was removed.  Jesus, our High Priest, entered once and for all so we now have direct access to God.  (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 10:10-12) His righteousness covers my sin.  As a believer, I can now enter God's presence whenever I want!  I can come before God, unblemished because Christ's blood covers me! Words fail me; they can't do justice to the magnitude of God's mercy, grace, and love!

How can I become so lackadaisical to what Christ experienced and completed on my behalf?

As some of the lyrics in the song, Mercy, by Matt Redman, state, "May I never lose the wonder, oh the wonder of Your mercy..."

What's My Motive?

Mark 14:3-9  This is the story of a woman who anointed Jesus.  I believe this woman may have been Mary, the sister of Lazarus, based on the cross reference in John 12, but that's a study for another time.

This woman brought an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.  Now, this jar was extremely valuable.  Alabaster was considered a luxury item.  Then the perfume inside was a rare perfume worth roughly a year's wages.  This woman gave her most valued possession to Jesus.  That kind of gift can only come out of a deep love and devotion.

What is my most valuable "possession?"  I'm using the word possession loosely, to include items like time, money, talents, etc, not just things.  What is most valuable to me may not necessarily be an object.  A question came to mind as I was reading through this.  Do I love Jesus enough to willingly give Him what is most valuable to me or do I just give Him my leftovers?  If I answered honestly, I'd have to say I don't always give Him the most valuable.  I'm often selfish with what I consider "valuable."

After this woman anointed Jesus, some of the disciples, more specifically, I believe Judas (if you go to John 12), got upset.  The NIV uses the word "indignant."  The reason they were angry was because, in their minds, this anointing was a waste.  They felt it could have been sold and the money could have been used for the poor.  If you read in John 12, John notes that Judas said this because he was "keeper of the money bag" and wanted to take some of that money for himself.  After reading this, a disturbing thought came to mind.  Are there times when I mask the wrong intent with what is considered "good" for selfish gain?  In other words, are there times when my motive is wrong in doing "good" so that I can gain something for myself?  I find myself joining David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart....see if there is any offensive way in me..."

The more love I have for Christ, the more willing I'll be to give Him my best and act with the right motives in my heart.

You Mean I Have to Forgive?

Mark 11:25  Ouch!! This is one small verse, but it packs a mighty punch!

Jesus says that the Father will not forgive our sins if we don't forgive others of their sin.  That's a tough statement to hear.  Forgiveness is a very difficult thing to do in some circumstances, yet Christ commands us to do it; it's not a choice.  I find, at times, that I'd rather hold a grudge and be angry at someone rather than forgive them.  In some way, I feel that my anger/the silent treatment repays them for what they've done/said to me.  That feeling of "they don't deserve my forgiveness?" Have you and that feeling before?  You know what, though? The only person it's hurting when I do that is myself.  The Bible says that when I don't forgive others, God won't forgive me when I sin.  It can eventually affect me physically as well, but that's a whole other topic.

In Matthew, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive and asked if seven times was enough. Jesus responded, "...not seven times, but seventy seven times." (The KJV states, "...until seventy times seven.") Regardless of translation, Jesus was trying to get across that my forgiveness of someone should be never ending.  In other words, people are going to wrong me more than once; the same people will wrong me more than once.  I am to keep forgiving them.  There is not a limit to the amount of forgiveness I am to offer someone. Jesus then tells a parable about an unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35.

There is not a limit to God's forgiveness of me.  I don't deserve God's forgiveness, yet He willingly forgives me when I come to Him with a repentant heart.  Who am I to think I don't need to forgive others after God's forgiven me?  God takes it a step further and says that once He forgives me, He forgets that sin...wipes my slate clean.  Psalm 103:12 states, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." How often do I tell someone I forgive them, yet I am not willing to forget what they did? Forgiveness needs to come from my heart not just my mouth.  I will admit, there are times when it seems humanly impossible to forgive someone, but God will help me forgive when I, in my humanness, cannot.  I think two of the greatest examples of forgiveness in the Bible are Jesus and Stephen.  The Gospel of Luke mentions that after they crucified Jesus, He said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing."  (Luke 23:34) Stephen, when he was being stoned to death cried to the Lord, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them."  (Acts 7:60) I don't know about you, but to me forgiveness doesn't get much harder than forgiving those killing you.

One of my favorite quotes about forgiveness is by Max Lucado, "Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!"

Two songs came to mind that go along with today's passage. If you have the time, I'd encourage you to listen to the words of these songs.

7 Times 70 Times by Chris August

Forgiveness by Matthew West

What's in the Way?

Mark 10:17-31

This passage is the one where the rich, young ruler comes to Jesus asking Him what He needs to do to inherit eternal life.

I love how the verse in Mark states that "Jesus looked at him and loved him." (v21) Jesus knew what this man's greatest love was and He knew what He was about to tell him would be very difficult for him to hear and do, yet He loved him enough to point out his failure.

Christ told this man that if he wanted eternal life, he must sell all his possessions and give to the poor and follow Him. Christ targeted this man's wealth and possessions because He knew that was hindering him.  Unfortunately, the man chose his wealth instead of Christ, and verse 22 states that he went away "sad."  Jesus goes on to explain, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  The more I have on this earth, the more difficult it is to follow Christ.

In Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur prays this prayer,

                "Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and 
              lies far from me: give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I 
may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

God isn't necessarily asking me to sell all my possessions and give to the poor.  What God asks me to  give up will differ from someone else.  Christ is the best example of someone who gave up everything.  He left His throne in heaven to come live on earth for a little while and ultimately die so that by His death and resurrection, I may have life.  You won't find a greater example of sacrifice, love, humility, and service than Christ.

What is it that Christ is asking me to give up for Him today? There are many things that can keep me from following Christ....possessions, money, people, busy schedule, etc.

When God asks me to get rid of an obstacle(s) in my life, He's doing it because He loves me and knows what is best, not because He's a killjoy and wants me to be miserable.  He knows it will be difficult to do, but He promises to help me if I allow Him.

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. " Philippians 2:13, NIV

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

True Greatness

Mark 9:33-35

As I was reading this passage, I couldn't help but snicker at how many times my children and others take it out of context.  I hear children (mine included) argue over who will be first, and then someone will speak up and say, "The first will be last and the last will be first, so I'm going to go last, so I can be first."  I even remember doing some of that when I was young.  However, I think something got lost in the translation and message Christ was trying to get across.

In the Jewish culture of that time, rank and status were important.  Here are grown men arguing about who is greater after they've seen and heard Christ many times and witnessed countless miracles.  Sounds similar to us in America today, trying to be successful, "get to the top."  However, Jesus was trying to get a point across that none of that matters in God's kingdom.  In our culture today, greatness and success is equated with money, power, high position, etc, yet that is completely opposite what God considers "great." Several times in the Gospels, Jesus refers to having a servant's heart.  In a parallel passage in Matthew, Jesus explains that "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:4) The footnotes in my Bible note, "trusting and unpretentious." Greatness in God's eyes comes from a heart of true humility and service to others. Jesus is our ultimate example of someone who had a servant's heart.

I need to be careful of my motive, however, when serving. I shouldn't be doing it to get attention and recognition from others.  That's what the Pharisees tried to do.  They wanted recognition for what they did. When I serve, I need to have an attitude of true humility and service, not for the attention of others, but because of my love for God and others.

In God's eyes, there is not one person "greater" than another.  We are all sinners, period.  Christ's shed blood covers that sin, if we choose to believe and accept Him. At that point, we stand equal in God's sight.  There isn't rank and status in God's kingdom...i.e. "I've done more 'good' than you so I'm better in God's eyes, " or "My sin isn't as horrendous as that other person, so God see me as better." My sin, doesn't make me any less than another person in God's sight, and the lack of sin in my own eyes, doesn't make me any greater in God's sight.  The "good" I do for others doesn't make me greater in God's kingdom than someone else. However, if it's done with the right attitude and heart, it will make me "great" in God's eyes. I hesitate to use the words "good" and "great" because they are so easily taken out of context, so I pray the thoughts I'm trying to convey come across in the right way.

When my life comes to an end, in whose eyes will I have been great? Will it be the world's or God's?  All that matters in the end is how God sees me. Man only sees my outward appearance and actions, but God sees and knows my true heart.

It's Not About Me

Mark 8:34-38  I've linked this passage to the Message version of these verses this time because I like the way it phrases what Jesus is saying.

This is always a tough passage for me to read, because I find myself failing on so many levels.  Jesus is telling the crowd that if they want to come after Him, they must do 3 things:
                                 
                        Deny self.
                        Take up your cross.
                        Follow Him.

I am to deny myself daily.  This life is not about me, it's about bringing glory and honor to God.  God didn't place me on this earth to pursue all the pleasures that this world has to offer.

I am to take up my cross. Luke adds the word "daily" to the part about taking up my cross. I'd even go so far as to say sometimes, it's moment by moment that I need to take up my cross.  As a Christian,  I need to expect suffering in my life.  This life will not be easy.

I am to follow Jesus. I need to follow His leading.  As the Message puts it, I'm "not in the driver's seat," Jesus is, when I allow Him to be.  The key word is to allow Him to lead...it goes back to denying myself.  There are many times I find that what I want, where I want to go, what I want to do doesn't necessarily mesh with God's plan, and I have a choice to make.  I can do what I want to do or I can follow where Jesus is leading.

In the next part of this passage, Jesus goes on to say that if I am embarrassed or ashamed of Him in this world, then He will be ashamed of me when He returns. This one really hits home for me as well.  I like my nice, comfortable group of Christian friends.  I don't have to worry about being embarrassed to talk about Christ.  The test comes when I am with people who don't know God.  I find I try to keep quiet and not mention Christ for fear of offending them.  That does bring me great shame. There are Christians in other parts of the world who are willing to give their lives for Christ.  They are not ashamed to speak of Him; in fact I've read countless stories of where they count it joy to serve Christ in the midst of their suffering.  What would my response be when faced with their situation?  There is a small part of me that envies that joy those Christians face.  I know nothing of that kind of suffering; I know nothing of that kind of faith in and love for Christ.  What am I afraid of happening here in America? mean words, harassment, loss of friendship, loss of job? That's nothing compared to the suffering of those elsewhere, and that doesn't even compare to the suffering Christ did for me.

This life is not about me.  It's all about Christ, and what He's done for me and sharing that with the lost.  The rewards for denying myself, taking up my cross and following Christ will be far greater than any possession I could ever want while living on this earth. God gives me what I need to follow Christ, but I have to accept it and claim the power He gives me.

Ears to Hear

Mark 7:31-37

This passage tells about Jesus healing the deaf and mute man. There are several instances in the Gospels where Jesus heals those who are deaf and mute.  I think the physical condition and healing of this man has a great parallel to my spiritual condition as well.  Isaiah, who foreshadowed Christ's coming, states in Isaiah 35:5,6

                    Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 
                   Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

The Bible repeats several times, especially in the Gospels and Revelation, "Whoever has ears, let them hear."  As a Christian, how often do I turn deaf ears to what God has to say? There are times, I don't want to hear because I don't want to have to follow through with action. How often is my mouth silent when it should speak up? I stay silent in many instances because I don't want to offend someone or because I'm concerned about how they might respond.

Will I turn a deaf ear to what God is trying to tell me today, whether it's through His Word, prayer or another godly source?

Will I turn a deaf ear and blind eyes to those around me who are hurting?

Will I sit in silence when I know I should speak up, whether it's to stand up for what is right or whether it's to share what God has done?

Father, open my ears to hear the truth of Your Word and what You have to say to me today.  Open my mouth so that I may share Your truth with others who need to hear it.  Let me not stay silent.  Open my heart to share Your love with others.
   
              

Focus on Christ

Mark 6:45-51 and Matthew 14:22-33

         The disciples are heading over to Bethsaida by boat after Jesus is finished with feeding the multitude. As the disciples are working their way across the lake, Jesus sees them from the mountaintop and notices they are struggling because of the wind.  In the "fourth watch," Jesus sees them struggling and goes to them.  Instead of using a boat to reach them, He walks to them on the water.  The disciples thought it was a ghost and were terrified.  I would have been too, wouldn't you, seeing someone walking on water?  The account in Matthew adds more details about what happened. When Jesus calls to them telling them not to be afraid, Peter steps up and asks Jesus to prove it.  Jesus calls Peter to "Come" and Peter steps out of the boat to walk on the water.  Think about it the courage it would have taken Peter to step out of that boat onto water, yet he had just enough faith to at least step out and start.  He started off doing well, however, the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on his surroundings, he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him, and Christ reaches down and pulls him up.  When Jesus gets in the boat, the wind calms down, and the disciples were amazed.  From my perspective reading this, you would think the disciples would be used to events like this when Jesus was around.  They have witnessed so much already, calming a storm, healings, raising a dead girl, feeding a multitude, just to name a few.  The Bible says they didn't understand because their "hearts were hardened."

     There are several parallels I was able to draw from these passages today.

1) I have noticed in my own life when I'm struggling with something that God often comes during the "fourth watch," which is between the hours of 3 and 6 in the morning.  You know those times in the early morning when you wake up for what you think is "no reason" and can't go back to sleep or those times when God awakens you before your alarm goes off?  In the past, if it was closer to the 3 or 4:00 time, I'd go watch TV or read a book to try to go back to sleep, but failed many times.  It wasn't until later when someone pointed out to me what the "fourth watch" hours were that I realized those were the times God wanted to come meet and talk with me.  Since then, I've found if I take time to talk to Him and listen, I'm able to go back into a peaceful sleep.  For those times when it's too close to needing to wake up anyway, it's a great start to the day being able to spend time with God. It becomes a precious time in the quiet and stillness. 

2)  Like Peter, I often find myself asking God to prove Who He is; give me a sign that it's really Him speaking to me.  You have to love Peter. I am so glad God included him in the Bible. I find I can relate to him in many ways.  Peter became a great man of faith, but it didn't happen overnight.  Think about the courage and faith it took Peter to step out of that boat and walk to Jesus on the water.  I don't think I would have had that kind of faith in that moment.  He begins strong with his focus on Jesus, but then he shifts his focus to the wind and his surroundings.  Immediately, he begins to sink. How often in my Christian walk, do I take my eyes off Jesus and focus more on my circumstances?

3)  The disciples hearts were hardened, according to Mark.  They had witnessed all these amazing miracles, yet they still didn't have much faith in what Christ could do.  How many times has God done things for me? How many miracles have I witnessed in my life and in others, yet my heart is hardened, my eyes still blinded to what He can do?  

I need to keep my focus on Christ and not forget what He's done for me. It will help me get through the struggles of life.  As the chorus in the song Oceans, by Hillsong, states,

I will call upon Your name,

Keep my eyes above the waves.

My soul will rest in Your embrace.

I am Yours and You are mine.

What Do I Have to Give?

Mark 6:35-44  This is the familiar story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.  It's important, however to understand the setting and what happened prior to Jesus feeding the crowd.  Jesus receives word that Herod had beheaded John the Baptist.  Jesus and his disciples had been very busy with all the people that kept coming. He and his disciples withdrew to a private place by boat to rest their weary bodies and allow some time to grieve. When they get to this quiet, solitary place, it's not so solitary any more.  The crowds saw them get into the boat and decided to follow them on foot to this place they were going. Imagine how tired the crowds were when they arrived.  Imagine how exhausted Jesus and His disciples are.  They are emotionally and physically exhausted only to arrive and see a huge crowd waiting for them.  The passage states that Jesus was moved with compassion "because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (v34)  Jesus didn't send them away, but instead took time to teach the crowd.  As the day moved on, the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him to send the crowd away figuring they probably needed to get going in order to get food.  It had been a long day, and they were tired and wanted to be alone with Jesus. I often find myself following the disciples example instead of Jesus'.  It is difficult to put my needs aside, especially when I'm physically and emotionally tired and ready to rest. The last thing I feel like is being compassionate and caring.  Jesus, however, saw the needs of the people and, in the midst of the exhaustion and grief, He exhibited compassion.  For those moments when I am tired, and don't "feel" compassionate, and don't want to help others, God will give me the strength to be His hands, feet, and mouth.

The disciples asked Jesus to send the people away so they (the people) could get something to eat. Jesus, however, tells them to give the crowd something to eat.  Can you imagine the astonishment on the disciples faces?  Where were they going to get enough food let alone enough money to buy the food to feed over 5000 people?  Five thousand was the number of men, not including the number of women and children.  That's a huge crowd to feed!  The Gospel of John mentions a boy who had five small loaves and two small fish...not much, let alone not even close to feeding 5000+ people. One of the disciples went to this boy to get the food from him. Can you imagine being the little boy?  I wonder if he gave his food willingly to the disciples for Jesus to use or if he was reluctant to share.  Was he excited to participate in this huge miracle? This boy gave all the food he had with him.  I began to think about what I do with what I have...what God has given me.  Do I willingly give of my talents, skills, money, etc to God to multiply for His kingdom, or do I selfishly hold onto them?

After the feeding of the 5000+ people, Jesus was able to get away alone for the much needed rest and the time alone with His Father.  A couple thoughts that spoke to me through this story: God will give me the rest I need at just the right time, but it may not exactly be when I plan for it to occur.  If there is someone God brings my way that I need to show compassion to, I need to follow God's leading and not turn them away so my own needs can be met.  I need to give willingly of my time, talents, skills, etc so that God can use them to bless others.  I never know when God will use what I say and/or do for others to reach people and multiply His kingdom.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)

Christ's Healing Touch

Mark 5:21-43:  Please take time to read the passage; my paraphrasing won't do it justice. There are two events that occur in this passage.  Mark tells us about a man named Jairus, whose daughter is dying.  As Jesus is walking with Jairus, a huge crowd begins to follow.  A woman, who had suffered bleeding for many years, comes and touches Jesus' cloak and is healed. Jesus takes time to find the person who touched Him.  In the meantime, Jairus' daughter dies. Jesus still goes to Jairus' house and tells the mourners that she isn't dead, just asleep.  Then He heals/raises up Jairus's daughter.

I'm going to concentrate mainly on the woman because that is what spoke to me in reading this passage.  As Jesus is on His way to Jairus' house, I can imagine the crowd start to build around Him. If you've ever been crazy enough like me to do a Black Friday sale, that's the type of crowd I picture in my mind; people pushing and shoving trying to get close to Jesus.  This woman had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years and no one could find a way to heal her.  When she heard Jesus was in the area, she knew He could heal her, so she pushed her way through the crowds knowing that if she could just touch Him, she would be healed. (v28) This woman was desperate for Christ's healing.  The minute she touched Christ's cloak (Matthew and Luke state that she touched the edge of His cloak), she was healed.  Then Jesus turned around and asked who touched His clothes. Now, stopping here for just a minute...The disciples are amazed with Jesus' response because of the crowd pushing around Jesus, those near Him couldn't help but touch Him; however, Jesus chose to single out this woman who touched His cloak.  Do you really think Jesus didn't know who touched Him?  He knew; however, He wanted her healing and faith to be made public so those around Him could see. I imagine she was frightened and anxious when Christ questioned who touched Him. Here she was trying to do this quietly/privately, and Jesus didn't allow this to remain private.  Mark states that she came and fell at Jesus' feet trembling with fear.  Then Jesus tells her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." (v34) He calls her "daughter" when he speaks to her. I love that. She is His child now; she belongs to Him. Not only was she healed physically, but she was healed spiritually as well.

There are many ways in which Christ heals me. His healing can come in the form of physical and spiritual healing, but I'm going to focus on the spiritual healing.  It's easy to share with others when God performs physical healing.  It can become more difficult when it's a spiritual healing that occurs.  My first public act after I accepted Christ was to tell others and experience believer's baptism. However, it didn't stop there.  God is not finished when He saves me.  Like I learned in one of last week's verses, God is working and will continue to work in I until I am complete. My completeness won't happen this side of heaven.  I have a lot of rough spots He has to chisel away at...those hidden sins I don't want anyone to notice. I need to share with others what Christ is doing in my life.  It's hard for me to share publicly because I don't like to call attention to myself. I like to stay hidden behind the scenes, but this is not about me.  It's about what God's done and is doing, and if I look at it from that perspective, it makes it easier.  It's all about bringing glory and honor to God...shining the spotlight on Him.

Don't You Care?

Mark 4:35-41: The same account can also be found in Matthew 8 and Luke 8.  Jesus and His disciples are heading "to the other side" when suddenly a "furious squall," as the NIV calls it, came. Jesus knew before they left shore that this storm would come, yet He still led the disciples out onto the water. He had the power to keep it from coming. The storm was so bad that waves were coming over onto the boat.  Yet, during this horrendous storm, Jesus is asleep.  The disciples had to go awaken Him, and they didn't do it calmly. I can imagine them yelling with panic in their voices, "Get up! Get up! How can You still be sleeping? Don't You care if we drown?!" Jesus got up, quieted the storm, and then rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith.  I bet there was silence and awe as the storm stopped instantly. Can you imagine being the other boats watching this whole scene play out?  Did they see the panic of the disciples? Did they hear or see Jesus speak the words, "Quiet! Be still!?"  I wonder what went through their minds as they saw all this happening.  As I read this passage, I picture in my mind scenes from the movie A Perfect Storm. Waves are continually crashing over the boat; the boat is thrashing wildly in the water, threatening to capsize.  I would have been scared to death and wondering, along with the disciples, how in the world Jesus could sleep through it all.

Why did Jesus allow this storm to come? Why does God allow storms in my life? As a Christian, storms will come in my life.  I have experienced some and at other times, I've been caught in someone else's storm trying to help them out of it.  It seemed at times during those storms that God was silent, that He didn't care what I was going through. He didn't seem to be doing anything to calm the storm.  There are people in the Bible who experienced those same feelings.  If you have never read the book of Habakkuk, I encourage you to do so.  It's a short book, only 3 chapters. Habakkuk complains to God asking Him why He wasn't answering; why He was being silent. God's first reply was that He was doing something but Habakkuk wouldn't believe it even if he was told. The conversation between Habakkuk and God continues for a little bit and then Habakkuk has a beautiful response in the end "...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Read through the Psalms as well. In some of the Psalms, David expresses some of those same frustrations asking God why the wicked are getting away with evil, but he always returns to the fact that God is sovereign and He is still on the throne.  In looking at our world today, there is so much evil and wickedness, and I catch myself wondering where God is in all this. If He has the power to stop it, why doesn't He? Passages like the one today and in Habakkuk and the Psalms all point me back to the fact that God is still there. He is still on His throne. He is still working, although I may not be able to see it or I don't understand what He's doing.  Sometimes, my eyes have become so blinded, it's hard to see God's hand working.  Sometimes, I believe God does remain silent to chisel away at me and mold me into the person He wants me to become.  I can't become that person if my faith is stagnant. Other times God allows the storms in my life not for my benefit, but for those watching me.  I need to be mindful of my responses knowing that others are watching me. Am I going to allow others to see God through the way I respond?

In Psalm 46:10, God commands me, "Be still and know that I am God." The whole psalm, as a matter of fact, talks about how God is still in control.  In this busy day and age, it is so hard to just be still. This type of being still that God is commanding does not include TV, books (other than the Bible), computer, etc.  I find myself feeling guilty when I just sit and take time to be still because there's always so much to do.  I get so used to multitasking, I feel I need to be doing something when I'm sitting.

How do I experience that peace that Jesus exhibited during the storm?  Paul, in Philippians 4:7 talks about having God's peace which he says "transcends all understanding." I cannot comprehend the peace of God.  When the world sees me at peace in the midst of the storm, they can't grasp that peace I have, just like the disciples couldn't understand how Jesus could be asleep during this storm.  In the previous verse, Paul tells us how I can have God's peace.  He tells me to stop worrying.  Worry will only make those waves grow larger and the storm seem even worse than it may really be.  I am to replace my worries with prayer.  I need to take my troubles to God and leave them with Him and I also need to shift my focus to what God has done in my life and thank Him for His working. I can't allow that worry to blind my eyes to what God is doing.

God is still on His throne!  Nothing and no one can dethrone Him!  I already know who is victorious in the end. I need to cling to God's promises as I go through storms; take time to be still and know that He is God.  He never leaves, even though He may appear silent or I may not be able to see Him through the waves, wind, and rain.  There is a lot that God does behind the scenes that I don't see.

I am reminded of a song from a while back, by Babbie Mason titled Trust His Heart.  The words in the chorus state: "When you don't understand, When you can't see His plan, When you can't trace His hand, Trust His Heart."

Storms will come in this life. God is the only One Who can calm those storms. I have to learn to trust Him.  That's something I find very difficult to do at times because I don't understand the why or where He's taking me or what in the world He's doing.  I like to plan, to know where I'm going and why I'm doing what I'm doing, but God doesn't always reveal that to me right away and oftentimes when He does reveal something, it's only a small portion.

The answer to today's title "Don't You Care?" is a resounding "Yes!" God does care!  It is because of His care and great love for me that He allows these storms to come. Instead of allowing these storms to make me angry and run from Him, I need to run into His arms and let Him walk with me and even sometimes carry me through; let Him to give me His peace. It's my choice.



 

Stubborn Hearts

Mark 3:1-6: In this passage, Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and there is a man with a shriveled hand present.  The Pharisees are watching Jesus to see what He will do.  Jesus calls attention to the man and asks the Pharisees "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" The Pharisees didn't answer and Jesus became angry and greatly distressed at their stubbornness.  He healed the man's hand, and the Pharisees went on their way plotting how to kill Jesus.

There are three characters in the story: the man with the shriveled hand, Jesus, and the Pharisees.  The thoughts I have will center mainly on the man and the Pharisees.  I found it interesting in reading this passage that Mark does not state that the man came to Jesus for healing; he was just "there."  Maybe he was there out of curiosity or maybe he was hoping Christ would heal him, but he didn't want to make a big deal of it; I don't know. Both Mark and Luke mention Christ telling the man to get up in front of everyone.  I think Jesus wanted to make sure there was no question about the healing of this man, and He was trying to get a point across to the Pharisees.  After Jesus questions the Pharisees, and they remain silent, He heals the man's hand.

This is one of the few times the Pharisees, who always seem to have something to say, stood silent. Their hearts were so stubborn, they weren't willing to admit that Christ was right.  They were so focused on obeying their rules and regulations they lost sight of God's heart. They chose to concentrate on nit-picky details to try to find fault with Christ.  They were willing to allow this man with the shriveled hand to continue in his suffering instead of admitting Jesus was right.

How often am I so set in my ways that I am unwilling to budge even if deep down, I know I'm wrong?  Instead, I stand my ground and try to find whatever little negative detail(s) I can to help me feel better about standing my ground.  How often do I leave someone "suffering" because they believe or act differently than I think they should or because I don't think they deserve Christ's mercy? Who am I to make that judgement?

On the other side of the coin, there is the man with the shriveled hand.  I'm sure it was difficult for him to live what we might consider a quality life.  I would imagine his hand may have caused him some pain as well.  In this study, Rick Warren raises the question "Are you incapacitated in any part of your life?"  I'm beginning to notice a central theme that God is speaking to me through this study, and when I really stop and think about it, it scares me to death.  Whatever it is will require me to get out of my comfort zone, and for an introvert like me, that is very difficult to do.  However, I can't let that fear of the unknown incapacitate me and keep me from accomplishing what God has planned.  2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." In Philippians 2:13, Paul tells me that God is working in me "giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."

I need to take hold of the power God gives me and stop allowing my fears, insecurities, addictions, stubbornness, or whatever else may be incapacitating me, to stifle me in following through with what God calls me to accomplish.

Having Christ's Heart

Mark 1:40 - 45.  In a paraphrase, a leper approaches Jesus and begs, on his knees, for Jesus to heal him.  Jesus has compassion on him and heals him.  Jesus then commands him not to tell anyone, but the leper can't keep it a secret and he goes and tells. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter towns freely.

Looking at this from the leper's point of view, I would have been ecstatic that Jesus was willing to heal me. However, Jesus sends him off with a "strong warning" as the passage reads, "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." (v44)  It would have been very difficult to keep this a secret, and the leper didn't; he went and told everyone. Verse 45 states that he began to talk freely, spreading the news.  Then, it hit home with me as I was putting myself in the leper's position and thinking about how excited I would have been to be healed of my leprosy.  I have been healed of my leprosy, called sin.  Christ's shed blood has healed me completely, yet, do I go and speak freely, spreading the news of what He's done for me as I would have with a physical sickness? I am shamed by the fact that I often tend to shy away from sharing with others when I should be so ecstatic about my spiritual healing.

In the study, 40 Days in the Word, Rick Warren raises two questions:

From the viewpoint of the leper: "What are you desperate for God to do in your life?

I want to have the eyes and heart of God.  I want my heart to break for what breaks God's heart.  I am so "stuck" in my own little world and circle that it's hard to get out of that comfort zone to reach those who are in desperate need of Christ's healing.

From the viewpoint of Jesus: "Are you willing to touch 'untouchable' people?'

You know that person who is different, who looks and acts differently; that person or people group who has some disease I am afraid of "catching" ... Answering honestly, "no." I like my little comfort zone, my little box, but God didn't create me to stay hidden in my box and my comfort zone.

Who is God going to bring across my path today who needs Christ's love and healing? Will I make the most of the opportunity or will I run from it?

Father, give me Your heart and Your eyes to see as You see and love as You love. "Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like You have loved. Break my heart for what breaks Yours..." (from the worship song Hosanna )

What Do I Truly Need?

"My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

In looking at the previous verses, Paul is expressing his appreciation to the church in Philippi for giving to him during his traveling.  They were the only church at that time helping to support Paul.  Paul then says what the verse above is...that God will supply all their needs.  I like how Paul doesn't just say God, but he starts off with "My God" showing a sense of belonging; bringing a more personal touch.  Paul tells the Philippians that because of their generosity in giving to him, God would provide for their needs.

God provided for my most crucial need, that of salvation, when He sent His Son, Jesus to die and shed blood to cover my sin.  My physical needs pale in comparison to my spiritual need when I look at the big picture.  

This verse uses the word "needs" not "wants."  So often, I have to catch myself when I say that I "need" something.  When I really think about it, what do I genuinely need to survive in this world?  Food, water, clothing (or some type of warmth or protection from the weather).  In Matthew 6:31 - 34, Jesus states, 

"So do not worry..." (this goes back to the verse from a couple days ago about giving everything to God) "saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (NIV)  

What does Jesus command me to do here?  I am to seek His kingdom and righteousness first, then these things (food, water, clothing) will be given to me.  I have to get my priorities in line and put God at the front of what I seek and long for.  I have to come to the realization that I need God. Does God always give me what I need when I ask? No. He knows exactly the right moment when to supply those needs.  It could be it's not something I truly need at that time, or  it could be that He's teaching me to trust and stretching my faith.  I have found that the more I seek God and put my focus on Him, my thoughts begin to line up with God's and the less I feel that I "need."  

No matter how poor or rich I am on this earth, nothing can surpass the riches of Christ! I need to remember to seek Him first in my daily life.  I need to fill myself with the "bread of life" (John 6:48) before filling up on the "food" of this world.

Christ's strength

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

This is such a familiar verse but almost so familiar, that I fail to claim it in many instances.  In looking at the previous verses, Paul talks about how he learned to be content and that he learned what it was to have plenty and to be in need.  Then he follows it up with the fact that he could do all things through Christ who gave him the strength.   Paul came to the realization that he needed Christ's strength to handle the situations God put in his life.  Christ gives me the strength to handle the situations God allows in my life, to do what God has called me to do, to follow in obedience to Him in my daily walk, even in what I might consider the mundane tasks of my day.   I need to come to the realization that apart from God, I can do nothing.  I am insufficient in and of myself and in need of Christ's strength. I am incapable of completing what God asks me to do without His help. I find it's easier when I am in the "valley" and going through difficult times to allow Christ to strengthen me.  The danger comes when I am on the "mountaintop" and things are going well.  This is when I especially need to be cautious not to forget Who gave me the strength to get there.  

If God gives me the energy to do what He's asking of me (Phil 2:13) and Christ gives me the strength to accomplish it (Phil 4:13), then why in the world do I still try to do it on my own?  It's my fleshly nature trying to maintain control.  I have to relinquish full control to God for me to experience His energy and strength.

Stop Worrying!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Such a familiar verse, yet one that is so difficult to follow at times. Paul tells me to stop worrying about things.  Then he follows it up with that small, yet important word, BUT.  He doesn't just tell me to stop and leave it at that; he tells me what I should do instead of worrying.  I am to take my worries to God; leave them with Him.  Then Paul goes on to say "with thanksgiving."  The Living Bible states it this way, "...and don't forget to thank Him for His answers."  I am to do so with a thankful heart.  I find that the more I thank God for what He's done and is going to do, the more my focus returns to where it needs to be.  Thanking God for what He's done helps me to trace His hand through various situations and see how He has answered prayers.  He doesn't always answer the prayers the way I think He should, but He answers them in a way that is the best for me or the person for whom I was praying.  I can't stop there, though, because the very next verse tell me that if I stop worrying and take my requests to God and remember to thank Him, then "the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus."  Paul, in Colossians 3:15 commands me to "Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart."  In Philippians, he tells us how I can have that peace...Stop worrying!  Take all my requests to God, and remember to thank Him for what He's done and will do!  When I continually worry, I am telling God I don't trust Him to take care of the matter; not to mention that worrying also has negative effects on my body.  Worrying about something will never solve the problem.

This is a tough verse to follow sometimes.  I know for myself, it seems easier at times to worry than to take it to God, or sometimes I feel the request is too small for God and I don't want to bother Him with it.  Nothing is too small or too big for God.  

Let me close with the Message version of Philippians 4:6-7:

"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

Just getting started...

Our church has begun a small group study titled, 40 Days in the Word by Rick Warren.  Below are the  thoughts God has spoken to me from the first four days of this study.  After today, I will try to post them individually.

Thursday, 9/11:  I am God's masterpiece. I am not perfect in any way. I am flawed and in need of Him. He promises to complete me, however, and one day I will be perfect when Christ returns. Until then, I need to allow Him to mold me, shape me, and chisel away at those rough spots to make me into a beautiful masterpiece. Thank you, Father that You love me enough not to give up on me. Thank You for Your promise to continue to work in me to make me complete/whole/perfect.

Friday, 9/12:  How often do I turn people away from Christ because of my actions, attitudes, and/or words or even the lack of them in certain situations? Phillipians 1:27 states that I am to "conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, no matter what happens." Conducting myself in a manner worthy of the Gospel at all times, in all circumstances is a difficult thing to do, and it's even more sobering to think that my actions, attitudes, and words could potentially turn someone away if my conduct isn't worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

Saturday, 9/13:  Lots of thoughts came to mind in this morning's verse. Let's see if I can articulate them well enough.  Today's verse is Phillipians 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." This piggy backs on the verse a couple days ago that talks about how He, God, who began a good work in you will complete it. As Beth Moore would say "is working" is a PAP (present active participle) meaning He is continually working; he doesn't stop. He gives me the longing, strength and ability to do what He's called me to do. The Message version calls it "God's energy." I like how that's put...God's energy, not mine! However, as Paul would say in Romans 7, I don't always do what I know I should do because of the evil (fleshly desires) that wages war within me. I have a spiritual battle going on, and I have choices to make, whether to take hold of God's energy or my own. God supplies me with everything I need to be obedient to Him. I obey Him because of the desire and power He places within me, not because of my own self. I need to daily (even sometimes hourly or minute by minute) put on the armor of God to fight those fleshly desires so that I can take hold of the energy God puts in me to do His will. I have to be intentional about claiming and laying hold of this energy, this desire and power, that God places in me to obey Him.

Sunday, 9/14:  The verse for today comes from the second half of Philippans 3:12. "...I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." When I go back and read the previous verses and the verses afterwards, it seems the "that" is referring to becoming like Christ/having Christ's righteousness which can only come from God through faith. (v 9) I can't give up, no matter how difficult the journey is; how difficult the battle becomes. I must persevere, with "God's energy," as I learned yesterday, to finish strong. Later in the chapter, Paul talks about keeping my eyes fixed on the goal. Christ gave His life for me so His blood could cover me and make me righteous in God's eyes. If He loved me enough to "grab hold of me and not let go" as The Voice version states, then the least I can do for Him is not give up and persevere on this journey until He calls me home. Stay strong!