Unbelief...

"And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief." -- Mark 6:5-6 

G. Campbell Morgan grew up in a Christian home and never questioned that the Bible was the Word of God. But in college, his faith was severely challenged by the philosophies of the day, and he began to entertain doubts. After a steady exposure to skepticism and unbelief, he wrote, "There came a moment when I was sure of nothing.”

The surrounding region was abuzz with reports of miraculous works performed by Jesus. The evidence was in and the numbers of lives touched and changed were numerous. People traveled great distances to hear the Lord and receive healing. Should there not have been a "mighty work" done where ever He traveled? Such would be true were it not for "unbelief".

Unbelief cripples the soul and hinders the mighty work of God. The Lord responds to belief and unbelief. Where there is doubt there is darkness. Where there is faith there is freedom. What is your "Faith Quotient" today my friend? Jesus said in Mark 9:23, "All things are possible for one who believes". Is your life marked by the "possibilities" of faith or the "impossibilities" of unbelief?

The Powerful became Personal...

"After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat." - Mark 5:40-43 

Over the years we've heard about some amazing new medication that will rock the world of health. We heard all the testimonies about unbelievable results from many people who had been helped. We were convinced that this treatment would bring hope and healing to a loved one but... it's wasn't available to the public. We needed the powerful to become personal.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. On the Lord's Day we celebrate His resurrection with joy and singing. We are reminded of the Lord's miraculous victory over death. We confess the resurrection of Christ as the very foundation of our faith. But hearing and singing about it doesn't bring a change until it comes home. When the risen Savior brings new life to a loved one or friend... the powerful becomes personal.

While our resurrection day is yet future, it begins when the Lord brings us from death to life, from darkness to the light, from bondage to freedom. We need the Lord to come home in our hearts before we can be at home in heaven. As Job said in Job 42:5... "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."  The wonderful truth about the risen Christ is... the powerful became personal.

A permanent vacation...

"And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid." - Mark 5:15

In the comedy "What About Bob", a psychiatrist writes his patient a prescription to "take a vacation from his problems". As a result the patient (Bob) finds an uncommon relief and emotional freedom. For many people such a prescription would be just right, but only if the vacation from their problems was permanent.

In this passage Jesus confronts a demoniac and the legion of demons that possessed the man. With divine authority the Lord sends the demons into a herd of pigs and relieves the man of a horrifying condition. As the crowd arrived they found that this man was now "in his right mind",  "taking a vacation from his problems". And since his deliverance was from Jesus, this vacation was permanent.

Does the idea of taking a vacation from your problems sound good my friend? Maybe you have tried a variety of resources and each one has fallen to pieces. Well, if you really want the kind of relief that will restore your "right mind", then turn to the Lord. Only Jesus can provide you with a "vacation from your problems" permanently.

Why so Afraid?

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  - Mark 4:39-40

At one time we had a very gentle and loving Australian Shepherd. She greeted everyone in the family with a wagging tale and "happy to see you" howl when we came home. But, she had one weakness; she was nervous around fire engines and loud trucks. No matter how often I told her that there was no reason to be afraid, she just couldn't seem to settle down and be at peace. Apparently, she had little faith in what I said.

Is it not amazing that the wind and sea responded so quickly at the words of our Lord? Jesus spoke and "the wind ceased, and there was a great calm". Yet, the disciples were completely unable to experience the same peaceful calm in their hearts. This is far too often the case; the words of Jesus were just not enough to calm their nerves. Apparently they had little faith in what He said.

Is this your story as well my friend? Can you recall numerous verses that tell of God's great power and faithful care of His children? And yet, in the face of stormy situations do you find that you are still often afraid? Is it true that no matter how much you know, you just can't settle down and be at peace? Well, maybe you need a little more faith in the One who "makes the clouds his chariot"... and "rides the wings of the wind" (Psalm 104:3). You need to give your fear to the One who says "Peace! Be still" and find your own "great calm".

Beauty...

"But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” -- Mark 4:20

Spring will be upon us in no time at all. With this season many will be busy planting new flowers and nurturing their gardens. As we walk through our neighborhood we will see some large, some not so large and some rather simple gardens. Yet, each one will have their own beauty.

In the same way the gospel seeds will be planted throughout the world today. As usual, many will reject the message as nothing more than foolishness. Yet, there will be a select few that will receive the truth with great joy. Their lives will be changed and in the years ahead they will produce a wonderful spiritual harvest. Large, medium or small, each one will have their own beauty.

What kind of soil are you today my friend? Has the gospel story fallen upon your heart and produced a great crop of thirty, sixty or even a hundred fold? Or has this message passed from your memory like the morning dew? May the good news about Jesus change your life and deliver you from the fruitless pursuit of worldly gain and unending worries! Rejoice and yield your heart to the work of the Lord as He brings about His beauty in your life.

Family

"For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." - Mark 3:35

What really is "family"? We are told by some that it's all about our blood line and ancestors. As a result there can often be a dramatic and tenacious loyalty to the "family" over all other relationships. Some people will refuse to embrace Christ as Savior because they are afraid of offending the "family". The will of God becomes secondary to the will of the family.

Our Lord was raised in a godly family. As a young boy we are told in Luke 2:51 that "he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart." But in time submission to God the Father became priority. This was so significant that He spoke of being a member of a new "family".  His brothers and sisters were not just those who adhered to family loyalty, but were those who did the will of God.

You too have a "family" my friend. And your family is one that can be traced through a very significant "blood-line". Your eternal brothers and sisters are those that are washed in the blood of the Lord Jesus. While your earthly "family" is of great value, remember that the most important family members are those who do the will of God above all else.

Only Open Hearts...

"He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored." - Mark 3:5 

“The millennium is at hand. Man has invented everything that can be invented. He has done all he can do.” These words were spoken by a bishop at a church gathering in 1870. Someone commented, “I think man will learn to fly.” The bishop replied that this was blasphemy. “Don’t you know that flight is reserved for angels?” The bishop was Rev. Milton Wright, father of Orville and Wilbur. Only open hearts can fly.

Jesus found the very same attitude among the religious elite of his day. God had broken into their lives and they were closed to the possibilities. They had reached the point where they worshiped their traditions more than God. If the miraculous couldn't fit into the traditional setting, it was rejected. The stubborn heart distressed Jesus because he knew that only open hearts could fly.

Are you ready for God to do the miraculous in your life today? Will you allow him to break into your life in ways that may challenge your traditions? When you pray for the Lord's intervention are you prepared for the change he might bring? Remember, only open hearts can fly.

Carry them to Jesus ...

"Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:3-5 

One afternoon, during my college years, I broke my ankle while riding trails on my motorcycle. I was quite a distance from the road and medical assistance. My friend, who was riding with me, took me out of the brush on his motorcycle, placed me in the back of an old Volkswagen Bug and transported me to the nearest hospital. Those rides were creative and bumpy, but they got me to the physician.

Bringing people to the Lord can be just as difficult. The paralytic in this passage was blessed with four friends who were determined to bring him to Jesus. They were willing to do anything necessary to make this happen. With a little creativity and hard work, four men succeeded in bringing their friend to the Great Physician.

Every day the Lord uses creativity and hard work to bring people to himself. Are you ready and willing to be one of those who will bring others to him? Do you know someone who needs the Lord today? Will you make the effort to carry your friend or neighbor out of the brush and down the road to the Great Physician?

He Prayed...

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35 

I have known a good number of people who rise early in the morning. Some get up before  dawn to get ready for work. Others get up to fish and still others get up to golf. While there are many reasons to beat the sunrise, there has never been a better reason than the one listed in the above passage. Take a moment and consider the following list of godly men who devoted themselves to early prayer:

"The men who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character, and have most powerfully affected the world for him, have been men who spent so much time with God as to make it a notable feature of their lives. Charles Simeon devoted the hours from four till eight in the morning to God. Mr. Wesley spent two hours daily in prayer. He began at four in the morning. Of him, one who knew him well wrote: “He thought prayer to be more his business than anything else and I have seen him come out of his closet with a serenity of face next to shining.” John Fletcher stained the walls of his room by the breath of his prayers. Sometimes he would pray all night; always, frequently, and with great earnestness. His whole life was a life of prayer. “I would not rise from my seat,” he said, “without lifting my heart to God.” Luther said: “If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.” He had a motto: “He that has prayed well has studied well.” - E. M. Bounds in Power through Prayer

Work, fish or golf may be worth the effort, but only prayer can make a lasting difference in your life and world. Why not "beat" the sunrise tomorrow and "greet" the Son of Righteousness?

Heart of Conviction...

"Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey." - Mark 1:6

We have all seen the commercial that tells men "You're going to like the way you look." Then the counsel is often given to "dress for success". Or, a visit may come from two TV personalities to show you "What not to wear". It's simple; in the eyes of the world, you are what you wear.

If the above quotes are really true, then what was John? And if his attire spoiled his credibility how was it that God used him in such a successful manner? The Baptist was all about his message as he prepared the way for his Savior. His dress was simple and his preaching was clear, without complication or distraction. It wasn't the hair of the camel, but the heart of conviction that marked John.

Are you preoccupied with what you should wear to church or elsewhere my friend? Do you believe people will only listen to your testimony if you "dress to kill"? Or do you only listen to those who dress according to your guidelines? Whether you're all about suits, ties and formal dress or casual and down to earth, it's never about the outer appearance. Remember the words of the Lord in 1 Samuel 16:7, "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." It's never about the hair of the camel, but always about the heart of conviction.

Do not fear...

"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay ...  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” -- Matthew 28:5-6, 10

I have a fear of heights. I remember having a job that required my climbing to the top of a natural gas tower in times of emergency. Thankfully no such occasions ever came, because I found that half way up the stairs I froze and was unable to move forward and was almost unable to back down the stairs. I am living proof that fear is a power that can seriously cripple someone.

In light of the power that fear had over the women, the angel and Jesus quickly spoke to the issue. "Do not fear" was the message and the resurrection of our Lord was all that anyone needed to trade fear for courage. It's just not enough for someone to say "Do not fear", but when all the evidence around you gives hope and security you can be brave. This is what the risen Savior offers to everyone who comes to him... courage.

I have found that I can be confident at any height when I am standing on firm footing surrounded by a protective wall. Fear disappears when we have something or someone in which to trust. Jesus is that someone my friend, because he is the risen Savior. Step out of the dark and hear his words to you today... "Do not fear".

Draw near...

"And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." - Matthew 27:51

Everywhere we turn, we find fences and walls. Some are built to provide simple privacy for quiet family and social occasions. Others are built to protect properties from vandalism and theft. But, no matter the reason, such obstructions are meant to keep people out at all cost. Only those with permission are allowed entrance.

Of all the events that surrounded our Lord's crucifixion, the torn curtain may hold the most significant message. Throughout the ages sinful man has been refused entrance into God's Holy presence. Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden and a sinful world has been shut out ever since. Throughout the ages, the only means of entrance was found in an annual atoning blood sacrifice. But, on this day, the curtain was torn by God, from top to bottom, and  through the shed blood of Jesus, permission was given to enter.

Our God is Holy, Holy. Holy and we are sinful in more ways than we can count. The wall is rightly placed between sinful people and a Holy God. But the words of Hebrews 10:19-22 point us to the torn curtain... "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Child of faith... you now have permission to enter, so draw near my friend, draw near.

Grace to Persevere ...

"They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said." - Matthew 27:28-29

A number of years ago, Pastor Saeed Abedini, a Christian with dual United States - Iranian nationality, was imprisoned at Evin Prison in Tehran, being tortured and cut off from his family. All this because he encouraged peaceful assemblies of Christians in private homes. While an international outcry for his release was overwhelming, there were many believers who asked why God would allow such persecution?

In the midst of such rejection from unbelievers we might step back and consider the events recorded in today's reading. Our Lord was humiliated and mocked, even before he suffered the agony of scourging and crucifixion. Concerning this experience our Lord said in John 15:20, "Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." 

Never believe that God's children are meant to live a well received and respected life in this world my friend. No matter how much we try, at the end of the day those who follow Jesus will be mocked and humiliated just as He was. While God allows such persecution, He also provides the strength and grace to say "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Who's Responsible?

"When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”" -- Matthew 27:24-25 

Some time ago a decision was handed down concerning a rape case in New York City. After a woman was raped repeatedly in the view of two NYC transit employees, the judge ruled that they had no obligation to do anything to help her other than to signal their superiors that police were needed at the station. The case is reminiscent of the Kitty Genovese murder in 1964, when a number of neighbors watched the stabbing without responding with help. When is someone expected to be responsible?

Social responsibility may be open to discussion, but spiritual responsibility is another matter entirely. When each person stands before God after they breathe their last, one question will be asked. "What have you done, in response to my Son?" Pilate wanted to be innocent of the blood of Jesus, but was that possible? Since "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23) and only "the blood of Jesus... purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7) "...how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3) Eventually, every individual person will be held responsible.

Have you found ways to "pass the buck"? Is the concept of personal responsibility archaic and  irrelevant to you? Are you aware that you have already made a decision about Jesus Christ, and you are responsible? John said it in 1 John 5:12, "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." What have you done, in response to the Son? The truth is; no one is innocent and everyone is responsible.

Make a Difference ...

"And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end." - Matthew 26:58

I always marvel at the vast number of onlookers that collect when an tragedy occurs. Whether it be rubber-necking on the highway or the crowd gathered around a heart attack victim, people collect like flies to honey. While a large number will come together out of curiosity, there are very few that will step forward in the time of need to make a difference.

Peter was filled fear. He initially drew his sword to protect his Lord, but such boldness had quickly faded in light of the circumstances. The enemy had become far to formidable so Peter backed way. He followed at a distance out of curiosity to "see the end", but failed to step forward in the time of need to make a difference.

The question hangs in the air doesn't it? What could Peter have done anyway? The wheels were in motion and what good could one man do? Is this the kind of rationale that floods your mind when you come across a crisis situation my friend? Consider the possibility that every crisis is a new opportunity to step forward in a time of need to make a difference.

The Best Fit ...

 "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”  -- Matthew 26:53-54

Occasionally I purchase a chair or small appliance that requires assembly. The process moves along quite well until I come to that one piece just won't fit. Now I have two choices; I can return to the store and exchange the piece for one that actually fits, or I can force the original one into place. Whenever I choose to force the process, things just don't work. The right fit is the best fit.

The time came for the atoning work of Jesus. It would involve tremendous sacrifice and distress for our Savior, but this was the only way for redemption to be achieved. Furthermore, the crown awaited our Lord, but only through the cross. Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels and forced the process, but the right fit is the best fit.

There are times that the Lord calls you to make serious sacrifices my friend. You might be tempted to force the issue to another path that would seem better and easier. The price to achieve the goal may seem too great, uncomfortable and undesirable. But as you reflect on the choice our Savior made when he went to Calvary, consider that the right choice is always fulfilling the Lord's will. Remember, the right fit is always the best fit. 

No Waste...

"And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me." -- Matthew 26:8-10 

With the intention to evangelize the previously unreached Huaorani, five young missionaries began making regular flights over Huaorani settlements in September 1955, dropping gifts. After several months of exchanging gifts, on January 3, 1956, they established a camp at "Palm Beach", a sandbar along the Curaray River, a few kilometres from Huaorani settlements. Their efforts came to an end on January 8, 1956, when all five — Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming and Roger Youderian — were attacked and speared by a group of Huaorani warriors. Some people at the time may have said, "Why this waste?"

This dear woman, Mary of Bethany as mentioned I n John 12:3, poured out a personal sacrifice to honor the Lord. No matter what the sacrifice, great or small, Jesus sees it as a beautiful thing. It is never a waste when we give our all to worship and serve the Lord. He sees the value in a far different manner than others. The moments to serve pass quickly and the wise servant will redeem the moments for the Glory of God. Our sacrifices for Jesus are never a waste.

When you evaluate your efforts made for the kingdom of God and wonder if it was worth it, remember that his ways are higher than your ways and his thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9) and "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) In retrospect, a number of those responsible for the above martyrdom became strong followers of Christ and powerful preachers of the Gospel. In addition, over the years, many young people were inspired to give their lives for Missionary work. No sacrifice for Jesus is a waste!

The Reach of blessing …

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40

Speaking as a father, I have always appreciated those who have been kind to my sons. There have been those who contributed assistance in moments of emergency and those who have opened their homes to provide encouragement and mentoring. From one degree to the other, when my family has been blessed, I have been blessed.

While Jesus spoke of kingdom issues in this passage, he also revealed His heart for His family. Another revealing moment was when the Lord appeared to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:4. In response to Saul's persecution of believers, Jesus asked "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?" When the Lord's family hurts, He hurts... and when His family is blessed He is blessed.

Be very careful how you treat the family of God my friend. Should you choose to offend or abuse a child of God, you may be certain that you are offending and abusing the Lord too. When you make a concerted effort to provide care, compassion and encouragement to a fellow believer, you are also doing it to the Lord. When His family is blessed, so is He.

More...

^"So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." - Matthew 25:28-29

Christian motivational speaker Zig Ziglar told millions of readers and listeners that they can have everything in life they want if they will just help enough other people get what they want. While this is a rather encouraging and positive thought, a parallel concept is found in the teachings of Jesus with the words of Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." The simple kingdom truth is this; the more you invest in and for the Lord... the more will be gained.

The servants mentioned in the above passage differed from one another in one significant way. Two, out of faithfulness sought to benefit their Master and the other, out of fear sought to protect himself. Kingdom life is about sowing and reaping, not surviving and reserving. In the end the one who feared lost it all and the one who faithfully invested the most for His Master, gained the most.

Living for Jesus isn't a Wall Street experience, but He has given each one of us a stewardship of time, talents and treasures. How are you investing your stewardship today my friend? Are you willing to step out in faithfulness and give your all for the benefit of your Master? Remember, the more you invest in and for the Lord... the more will be gained.

The Reservation Book...

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." -- Matthew 25:11-13

I stood in the foyer of a hotel some years ago and watched as a fellow traveler became quite animated when he was told that there was no reservation and no room for him. He was absolutely sure that he had a reservation, but the hotel had no record of such and they had no rooms available. No matter how sure he was, the record was clear... his name was not found.

"At midnight the cry came out: 'Here's the bridegroom'" The midnight cry is coming and we have no way of knowing when. The door will be open for all those who have reservations. But when it shuts, those left outside will be without hope. No matter how sincerely we believe that we have reservations, if we don't have the oil of salvation in the lamp of our souls, all we will hear are the words, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". If we don't know the bridegroom (Jesus) in this life, our name won't be found in the reservation book.

For some, the midnight cry is expected with great anticipation. What about you? Have you trusted Jesus Christ as the only means for your salvation? If you have done so, you have been filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit and your lamp is ready for the wedding banquet.  Don't wait until the last moment to come knocking at the shut door. Make sure that your name is found in the reservation book.

Timeless...

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." - Matthew 24:35

Homes are no longer illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps. We no longer cool our food in an "icebox", which used fresh ice blocks to do the job. We no longer travel to church in horse drawn carriages or heat the sanctuary with a coal burning furnace. All of the above have given way to modern development, but every week people join together to hear the Word of God preached. God's Word is timeless.

As Jesus spoke of His coming again on a day far into the future, He made it clear that many events and people will pass by the boards, but His Word will remain steadfast and sure. He spoke of events that have not yet occurred, moments that demand patience and great faith from God's people. Yet, he encourages every reader from every generation to be confident and alert. What the Word of God reports will surely come to pass. As then, so today, God's Word is timeless.

Does the Word of God speak to you today my friend? Are you reassured every day that Jesus is coming again? Do you find fresh insight and understanding as you pour over the pages of this ancient writ? The Scriptures are more unique than any book ever written. They make the past live and breathe while bringing the future within reach of every reader. We know that Jesus is coming again because the Bible tells us so and that Bible is, and always will be timeless.

Judgement Day...

"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be." - Matthew 24:21 

From my earliest years, I remember seeing people walking up and down city streets with signs that warned of the impending end of the world. The years have passed and there seems to be no end in sight.  Yet, every year there seems to be a new harbinger of world devastation which convinces some people and further hardens others into unrepentant skepticism. The lingering question remains: will there ever be a judgment day?

The answer is clear and sobering as it comes from the lips of our loving and compassionate Savior. He never carried a sign or encouraged the building of survivalist bunkers. Jesus just told it like it would be and left the warning waft in the air of time and space. A time is coming, "such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be".  Yes, my dear friend, there will be a judgement day.

The greater question is, "how then shall we live?" Our Lord placed no set time for that moment, just the factual account of its coming. Just because that day has not yet arrived, should not lull us to sleep my friend. Be alert and busy about the Lord's work, for our time is short. While the present family of God will be delivered from that hour (1 Thessalonians 5:9), we need to be watchmen that sound the alarm. In the words often used by the nineteenth century preacher Charles Spurgeon, "Turn or Burn" for  Judgement day is coming.

As He Planned....

"Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."" -- Matthew 24:1-2

Since 1650 there has been a vital gospel ministry in London called the Tabernacle Fellowship. Through the years such men as Benjamin Keach, John Gill and C.H. Spurgeon served as pastors. The Tabernacle of Spurgeon's day was burned down in 1898, and then rebuilt only to be burned down a second time during World War Two. The ministry continues to this day as a viable ministry of God. Buildings come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned.

As the disciples marveled at the great buildings of the Temple, Jesus pointed out their eventual destruction. In fact, in the year 70 A.D. Roman Military Commander Titus Flavius Vespasianus led a 143 day siege with 30,000 troops and destroyed the Temple buildings and burned Jerusalem to the ground. While Jesus spoke of this horrific destruction, he continued to foretell of many more prophetic events, including his second coming. Buildings will come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned.

As we take this passage under consideration my friend, stop for a moment and consider the building in which you worship. Are you caught with its splendor or historic characteristic? Do you think that the gospel ministry taking place in this building depends on the edifice? Remember, buildings come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned.

Lost Focus...

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." -- Matthew 23:23-24

The story is told about a coastal life saving station that saved a great many lives every year. As time passed the station became famous and efforts were made to buy better equipment and build a bigger building. The volunteers continued to give much time and energy to improve the looks and quality of the station. It eventually became more beautiful than any other station with more volunteers than ever. With all the activity focused on the station itself, one thing ceased to happen; saving lives. They lost their focus.

Within this passage we read strong words of rebuke from Jesus. He was greatly displeased with the leaders of Israel at that time. They were determined to follow the very fine details of the law with tremendous diligence. They were caught up in the technicalities of the law to such a degree that they forgot the more important matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. They lost their focus.

It's easy for us to become so obsessive about small microscopic issues that we forget the greater matters and why we are called of God. Some believers are determined to do church the right way and make it look and sound better than any other. In the process they lose sight of the reason the church exists: to save souls. Please be careful my friend, in your drive to do the very best for Jesus, that you don't lose HIS focus... "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them..." (Matthew 9:36)

Love, sweet Love...

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. "-- Matthew 22:36-39

In 1965 Hal David and Burt Bacharach wrote "What the world needs now is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of."  The song reached number 7 on the US charts in May of that year. Apparently this message hit a nerve that resonated for quite some time. But then again has there been any improvement over the last forty five years? Isn't there still a great need for love?

As Jesus responded to a Pharisee's inquiry with the above statement, he highlighted the greater love that was needed. While the world may join together in a call for loving one another, this love will never be what it needs to be without the greater love for God. Until the heart is converted and grows with an all encompassing love for God, loving others will always be more than difficult. Yes, what the world needs now is love, sweet love... for God.

How much do you love the Lord today my friend? Does he have your undying devotion that draws your heart, soul and mind into total commitment? Is the Lord the reason for your living? When love for the Lord is the driving force in your life, you can't help loving your neighbor as yourself. Such a love for God and others is "not just for some but for everyone".

The Map...

"Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." -- Matthew 22:29

 Have you ever been lost in a city? You stop and ask someone for directions and they give you a rather nebulous response. A few blocks later you have to stop again. This time you have an interchange with two or three bystanders and the discussion becomes even more confusing. Oh for a map! (Quite often more dependable than any GPS)

The Scriptures are God's map for life. We can sit around and discuss many ideas about spiritual matters, but if we don't use the map, we will get lost. A good map not only shows the right roads to take, but also has the power to provide us the distance and time our trip will take. God's Word gives clear direction and his power brings possibilities into reality. 

Be careful when theological discussions move toward perplexity. The study of the Scriptures will always give insight and the power of God will always give confidence for the future. Don't stay lost in a labyrinth of spiritual confusion without THE map. Study the Scriptures and find the direction and power you need for the journey.

Devoted?

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." -- Matthew 21:28-31

I had a friend some years ago that would argue to great lengths to explain why he wouldn't or couldn't do some task requested of him. It was a curiosity though, that on just about every occasion he came around and quietly did the work. On the other hand, there have been a vast number of committee members in every circle of my life that have failed to fulfill their assigned tasks. Which of the two were truly devoted?

Living for the Kingdom of God is far more than saying the right thing. Jesus pointed out that one needs to walk the talk, not just talk the walk. The walk does not provide entrance into the kingdom; it only verifies that one has been truly changed from within by the Spirit of God. Saying you've been changed and showing you've been changed are two different things. Which of the two are truly devoted?

You may have grown up in a church and may know the right lingo. But, has your heart been changed by Jesus? And if your heart is new in Christ, does your obedient walk evidence this fact? Some church goers have passive "religious" ties and some have active "relational" ties. Which of the two are truly devoted?

The House of Prayer...

"He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers." -- Matthew 21:13

The coffee shop was once a place of social interaction. People gathered to talk with one another and share the joys and sorrows of life. Today, putting aside the pandemic, when you stop by most coffee shops you will find tables with just one person bent over their laptop computer. The friendly communion of the past has been replaced with the self focused preoccupation of progress.

In the same way progress led to a preoccupation in the Temple courts. What was originally intended to be a place of communion with the Lord had become a place of self focused gaining of profit. The money changers of those days have become the church business pursuits of today. While there are those who are satisfied that nothing is sold in the foyer of the church, the fact that more church business is transacted than prayer is sad.

Where are the prayer warriors in church today? Do you attend your church with the intention to join your brothers and sisters in communion with the Lord? Does this quality time to seek the face of God hold a priority in your church life? Do you reserve the discussion of church business for other times and places? Remember, His house was and always is to be a place of prayer, not business.