Matthew 8:3 “I will; be clean..."
A leper is encountering Jesus the Healer. No one else would touch the leper’s case. Certainly no one else would touch him. Yet he came to the great Healing One with confidence. He knew if he had come to an orthodox scribe or a rabbi he would have been repelled, even stoned away. Simply, he makes his request: “If You will, You can make me clean. I am so tired of saying ‘Unclean, unclean’ everywhere I go. I want to be clean. You can do it if You will.
It was not a question of could You, just would You?
This should encourage anyone who feels he or she is incurable in body or too far gone spiritually for Jesus’ healing and cleansing touch. If you put yourself in the place of a 1st century Jew, you could not imagine anything more astonishing than that Jesus should “put forth his hand and touched him.”
The incident underscores the painful ostracism of leprosy and the amazing love of God.That’s how it is with Jesus Christ - the leper or the sinner is not a loathsome spectacle or a menace to the community.
He is a human being in need of help. So we are encouraged to see how this applies to us and then how and why we should make it our prayer.
Sin is spiritual leprosy. It affects a person in similar ways. Leprosy was the most dreaded disease of ancient times. And people who say sin can’t be all that bad have swallowed the Devil’s lie. “The wages of sin is death” and as with leprosy that death comes by inches. Like leprosy it separates us from others, from our true selves, and of course, from God. That is the ultimate price of sin.
Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
The Word says that “all have sinned.” We all need to be cleansed of all sin. David’s repentance makes use of the word “clean” many times.
-God wants our hearts to be clean.
-His intent for all creation is cleanness.
-His will for us is cleanness.
-Before we ask for other blessings, we must pray as David did in Psalm 51:1-4: "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest."
If you ask He will hear and respond. Be clean!
Friday, January 20, 2017
The Race
Hebrews 12:1b "Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
Life is well defined as a race. It calls for discipline and determination, and, above all, perseverance. We must be willing to lay aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely. We must lay aside the garments that would hamper our progress and even cause us to stumble.
We must make any sacrifice that is necessary. If we think the race is important at all, it must become important above all. We who travel far must travel light, but not alone. Our inspiration comes from the heroes of the faith who went before us as the writer spoke of in Hebrews 11.
Their faith was tested and it did not fail. Above all, we are inspired by the examples of Jesus Christ. He is our example by His life, His willingness to serve in John 13, and His triumph over suffering as described in 1 Peter 2.
Jesus doesn’t tell us how to run the race, He shows us how. That is why we need to look to Him. He doesn’t tell us that we must be willing to serve others and take care of the humble necessities of life that others might be blessed. He shows us. Jesus doesn’t tell us that our love should suffer long and be kind. He shows us how, when reviled, not to revile again. He shows us how, when treated unjustly, we may rise above it all and continue to live for Him and with Him, having hearts that are filled with His love and guarded by His peace. He is saying, “You can do it.
You will be glad if you continue to run the race with patience, for you will finish the race with joy.” He even endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him. “Look to me,” Jesus is saying, “I did it for you. Now you do it for me and for the others who may be ‘looking to you’ and will be affected by the way you run the race.”
Life is well defined as a race. It calls for discipline and determination, and, above all, perseverance. We must be willing to lay aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely. We must lay aside the garments that would hamper our progress and even cause us to stumble.
We must make any sacrifice that is necessary. If we think the race is important at all, it must become important above all. We who travel far must travel light, but not alone. Our inspiration comes from the heroes of the faith who went before us as the writer spoke of in Hebrews 11.
Their faith was tested and it did not fail. Above all, we are inspired by the examples of Jesus Christ. He is our example by His life, His willingness to serve in John 13, and His triumph over suffering as described in 1 Peter 2.
Jesus doesn’t tell us how to run the race, He shows us how. That is why we need to look to Him. He doesn’t tell us that we must be willing to serve others and take care of the humble necessities of life that others might be blessed. He shows us. Jesus doesn’t tell us that our love should suffer long and be kind. He shows us how, when reviled, not to revile again. He shows us how, when treated unjustly, we may rise above it all and continue to live for Him and with Him, having hearts that are filled with His love and guarded by His peace. He is saying, “You can do it.
You will be glad if you continue to run the race with patience, for you will finish the race with joy.” He even endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him. “Look to me,” Jesus is saying, “I did it for you. Now you do it for me and for the others who may be ‘looking to you’ and will be affected by the way you run the race.”
Self Control
Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the spirit is . . . self control."
Children and animals alike respond to gentleness and affection, but they both need a firm hand once in a while. When my granddaughter Hannah was little, one of her first horses was Mighty Mouse, a large Quarter Horse. One time in particular I remember her walking too close to his hind quarters. I had to teach her that it was very dangerous to get that close, as MM might kick her. Although gentle, if spooked, he could have hurt her real bad unintentionally.
Children need love, guidance, and parameters. If we as parents and grandparents don't set the boundaries, chaos will be the result. As a pastor I can't remember how many times I met with families of wayward teens who had grown up with no parameters. Without rules and guidelines there is no self-control. It's sad to say, but even the best children can get caught up in stuff they don't understand sometimes.
Most of us respond to love and gentleness, but we also need parameters. Many times the satisfaction of momentary pleasures can be tempting, but the results can be devastating. God has set up boundaries in His word because He loves us. They are there to keep us safe. Practicing self-control means saying, ”No” to the things that God says “No” to. God’s rules are for our benefit, and we can follow them fearlessly.
Children and animals alike respond to gentleness and affection, but they both need a firm hand once in a while. When my granddaughter Hannah was little, one of her first horses was Mighty Mouse, a large Quarter Horse. One time in particular I remember her walking too close to his hind quarters. I had to teach her that it was very dangerous to get that close, as MM might kick her. Although gentle, if spooked, he could have hurt her real bad unintentionally.
Children need love, guidance, and parameters. If we as parents and grandparents don't set the boundaries, chaos will be the result. As a pastor I can't remember how many times I met with families of wayward teens who had grown up with no parameters. Without rules and guidelines there is no self-control. It's sad to say, but even the best children can get caught up in stuff they don't understand sometimes.
Most of us respond to love and gentleness, but we also need parameters. Many times the satisfaction of momentary pleasures can be tempting, but the results can be devastating. God has set up boundaries in His word because He loves us. They are there to keep us safe. Practicing self-control means saying, ”No” to the things that God says “No” to. God’s rules are for our benefit, and we can follow them fearlessly.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Extenders Of Grace
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
I have been contemplating God’s grace toward you and me, and how we, in turn, can extend His grace to others.
We naturally do just the opposite in most cases. We see and tell people how they should change and improve, rather than encourage them in what they are doing right. How many of us are impatient with a clerk who is slow in serving us or easily point out faults in our spouse and children without acknowledging our own. Many slander their co-workers, pastors, and church leaders. How can we learn to become gracious like Jesus who is supposed to live in us?
Richard Blackaby wrote a book entitled, "Putting A Face On Grace." He shares the following ideas about becoming an extension of grace:
-Speak words intended to build up, not to bring down.
-Focus on the needs of others, rather than your own.
-Freely forgive.
-Swallow you pride and say, “I’m sorry,” and “I was wrong.”
-Live your life with a goal of “no regrets.”
-Don’t keep score of what is fair.
-Don’t condemn or give up on people.
-Emphasize mercy, not justice.
-Read 1 Corinthians 13 regularly.
Always keep in mind that it is God’s Spirit within us who will change us into becoming people who extend grace to others. World changers are not born that way, but they become them by being extenders of grace.
I have been contemplating God’s grace toward you and me, and how we, in turn, can extend His grace to others.
We naturally do just the opposite in most cases. We see and tell people how they should change and improve, rather than encourage them in what they are doing right. How many of us are impatient with a clerk who is slow in serving us or easily point out faults in our spouse and children without acknowledging our own. Many slander their co-workers, pastors, and church leaders. How can we learn to become gracious like Jesus who is supposed to live in us?
Richard Blackaby wrote a book entitled, "Putting A Face On Grace." He shares the following ideas about becoming an extension of grace:
-Speak words intended to build up, not to bring down.
-Focus on the needs of others, rather than your own.
-Freely forgive.
-Swallow you pride and say, “I’m sorry,” and “I was wrong.”
-Live your life with a goal of “no regrets.”
-Don’t keep score of what is fair.
-Don’t condemn or give up on people.
-Emphasize mercy, not justice.
-Read 1 Corinthians 13 regularly.
Always keep in mind that it is God’s Spirit within us who will change us into becoming people who extend grace to others. World changers are not born that way, but they become them by being extenders of grace.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Languages Of Love
It's important to know the five languages of love, which are: words of affirmation, spending quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Knowing what a big difference these elements make in your own life, what can you do to help others "take heart" when the going gets tough?
-If an encouraging thought comes to mind, share it! It may not have the same effect if you wait. Don't let shyness hold you back. Instead, form a new habit as Hebrews 3:13 says, "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today…"
-Remind fellow Christians of the specific promises of God and characteristics of God. We may know something with our mind, but need to be reminded in our heart. The Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:12, "I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have."
-Write someone a note to tell them that you're praying for them. Tell them what you're praying. You can pray specific Scriptures for individuals such as Romans 15:13, "[I pray that] the God of hope [will] fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
-Encourage other believers with a reminder of Christ's coming. It redirects our thinking to an eternal perspective and ultimate deliverance from sin and death.
Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18, "We who are still alive and are left will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."
-Realize the power of your presence. Just being there is encouraging! When you're with others, you're telling them that they're important. The Apostle Paul closed his letter to the church at Colosse, promising to send his friend Tychius, "that he may encourage your hearts" in Colossians 4:8b.
-If you're part of a church, Bible study or fellowship, be committed to showing up. Your simple presence encourages others that they are part of a community of faith and that they are not alone. That's why the writer of Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the Day approaching."
Peace
Often when we have dealt scripturally with bad feelings that have been stirred by a certain situation, we like to believe that we will not experience them again. In some cases, we don't. But, as human beings, we may face situations in our lives that stir up painful feelings about certain persons or events. Those feelings in themselves are not sinful. But if we respond to them with unrelenting anger and hostility, they can rob us of fellowship with the Lord, His peace and joy, and abundant life. Psalm 37:1 advises us not to fret because of evildoers. We mustn't dwell on the grief others have caused us. Instead, we are to seek the Lord's help, and forgive again.
Someone said, "A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain."
Painful feelings may involve a missing or abusive parent, an errant or abusive mate, an ungrateful, uncaring child, or even something wrong that we did in the past. As an example of the latter, some folks I have counseled have told me of their guilt and self-accusation concerning the breakup of their marriages that have haunted them for years. Even though they had asked the Lord's forgiveness, they had not been able to forgive themselves, until they realized the depth and reality of Gods' forgiveness.
According to the Psalmist, God has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west in Psalm 103:12. Forgiveness is a key remedy for relief from painful feelings. If those feelings are caused by another person, we are wise to follow Jesus' advice when He said we are to forgive those who sin against us a limitless number of times, "until seventy times seven' according to Matthew 18:22.
Jesus gave us this teaching perhaps as much as for our sakes as for those we forgive. How can we enjoy His love, peace, and joy if we harbor wrath, malice, anger, bitterness and hostility toward someone else, or speak slanderously of that person. According to Ephesians 4:30, 31, we grieve the Holy Spirit when we do that. The Holy Spirit is the source of love, peace, and joy in Galatians 5:22. The proper response is given in Ephesians 4:32 "being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ' sake forgives us." How can we do that?
The Son of God knew all things; so He also told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us in Matthew 5:44. According to Roget's Thesaurus, 'persecute' means to molest, wrong, or 'torment' 'to annoy or disturb with hostile intent or injurious effect.'
When I've found it hard to love someone who has hurt me, I hold that person up in my hand to the Lord and ask His help. As I pray for that person I realize what a miserable person he/she must be to cause others pain. This gives me sympathy for that person, and the love of God fills in the rest.
Bitterness and anger at God and others because of past experiences cause many people misery for years. Such hurtful feelings can mar their lives and those of others close to them. How sad that they have thus wasted their lives on self-pity! The best way we can reject bitter thoughts and feelings is through forgiveness. "Make every effort to live in peace. See to it that, no "bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" in Hebrews 12:14, 15. Wise Christians put their trust in the love and power of God and reject bitterness and self-pity. They have in childlike faith forgiven those who have hurt them and they continue to forgive whenever hurt feelings rise again, and turn their thoughts to better things. In so doing they have achieved Christ's abundant life in spite of whatever has happened in their lives, and they enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding.
Someone said, "A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain."
Painful feelings may involve a missing or abusive parent, an errant or abusive mate, an ungrateful, uncaring child, or even something wrong that we did in the past. As an example of the latter, some folks I have counseled have told me of their guilt and self-accusation concerning the breakup of their marriages that have haunted them for years. Even though they had asked the Lord's forgiveness, they had not been able to forgive themselves, until they realized the depth and reality of Gods' forgiveness.
According to the Psalmist, God has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west in Psalm 103:12. Forgiveness is a key remedy for relief from painful feelings. If those feelings are caused by another person, we are wise to follow Jesus' advice when He said we are to forgive those who sin against us a limitless number of times, "until seventy times seven' according to Matthew 18:22.
Jesus gave us this teaching perhaps as much as for our sakes as for those we forgive. How can we enjoy His love, peace, and joy if we harbor wrath, malice, anger, bitterness and hostility toward someone else, or speak slanderously of that person. According to Ephesians 4:30, 31, we grieve the Holy Spirit when we do that. The Holy Spirit is the source of love, peace, and joy in Galatians 5:22. The proper response is given in Ephesians 4:32 "being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ' sake forgives us." How can we do that?
The Son of God knew all things; so He also told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us in Matthew 5:44. According to Roget's Thesaurus, 'persecute' means to molest, wrong, or 'torment' 'to annoy or disturb with hostile intent or injurious effect.'
When I've found it hard to love someone who has hurt me, I hold that person up in my hand to the Lord and ask His help. As I pray for that person I realize what a miserable person he/she must be to cause others pain. This gives me sympathy for that person, and the love of God fills in the rest.
Bitterness and anger at God and others because of past experiences cause many people misery for years. Such hurtful feelings can mar their lives and those of others close to them. How sad that they have thus wasted their lives on self-pity! The best way we can reject bitter thoughts and feelings is through forgiveness. "Make every effort to live in peace. See to it that, no "bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" in Hebrews 12:14, 15. Wise Christians put their trust in the love and power of God and reject bitterness and self-pity. They have in childlike faith forgiven those who have hurt them and they continue to forgive whenever hurt feelings rise again, and turn their thoughts to better things. In so doing they have achieved Christ's abundant life in spite of whatever has happened in their lives, and they enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding.
Who Is Jesus?
There are only four options for the identity of Jesus Christ. He is either:
-a legend
-a liar
-a lunatic
-or He is Lord and God.
There is little likelihood that Jesus’s claims are legend. There just wasn’t enough time for any legendary development of the story to replace what really happened. Also, if the claims Jesus made for Himself are legendary, the early Jewish opponents of Christianity would surely have charged that these claims never happened. Unlike modern skeptics, the rabbis apparently never denied that Jesus made such claims for Himself. Instead, they called Him a liar.
Jesus thought of Himself as divine. According to the various gospel accounts, Jesus believed He had the power to perform miracles and the power to forgive sins. He even claimed, “I and the Father are one” in John 10:30.
Since Jesus claimed to be God, His claims are either true or false. If false, He must have been a liar, deliberately misleading the multitudes. Or, He was a lunatic, sincerely believing Himself to be God, when in reality He was just a man.
Jesus’ moral character and His willingness to die for His claim to be God have convinced most people that Jesus was not lying. Jesus’ humility and unselfish love, His intelligent communication with the crowds, and His amazing self control and composure amidst the tremendous physical and emotional stress fo His betrayal and crucifixion, all point to His contact with reality. Jesus was no lunatic.
Since the evidence shows that He is neither a liar nor a lunatic, then the only other alternative left is that His claim is true. Jesus is Lord and God. And that conclusion is further supported by the remarkable evidence that Jesus rose physically from the grave.
-a legend
-a liar
-a lunatic
-or He is Lord and God.
There is little likelihood that Jesus’s claims are legend. There just wasn’t enough time for any legendary development of the story to replace what really happened. Also, if the claims Jesus made for Himself are legendary, the early Jewish opponents of Christianity would surely have charged that these claims never happened. Unlike modern skeptics, the rabbis apparently never denied that Jesus made such claims for Himself. Instead, they called Him a liar.
Jesus thought of Himself as divine. According to the various gospel accounts, Jesus believed He had the power to perform miracles and the power to forgive sins. He even claimed, “I and the Father are one” in John 10:30.
Since Jesus claimed to be God, His claims are either true or false. If false, He must have been a liar, deliberately misleading the multitudes. Or, He was a lunatic, sincerely believing Himself to be God, when in reality He was just a man.
Jesus’ moral character and His willingness to die for His claim to be God have convinced most people that Jesus was not lying. Jesus’ humility and unselfish love, His intelligent communication with the crowds, and His amazing self control and composure amidst the tremendous physical and emotional stress fo His betrayal and crucifixion, all point to His contact with reality. Jesus was no lunatic.
Since the evidence shows that He is neither a liar nor a lunatic, then the only other alternative left is that His claim is true. Jesus is Lord and God. And that conclusion is further supported by the remarkable evidence that Jesus rose physically from the grave.
He is, was, and always will be the Savior of the world! Let Him be yours in 2017!
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