Shine on...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 43, 44 / NT - Luke 8:1-18

"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light." - Luke 8:16

On this day, April 7, 1959 radar from Stanford, California bounced off the Sun for the first time. While radar can give us an average sun-to-earth distance, it isn't needed to verify the sun's existence. Every morning this mighty God-created star greets us, even on a cloudy day. The truth of the matter is this: the light of the sun regularly shines in the face of the world!

Every believer has received the Light of Jesus and has become a shining light as well. Our Lord never hid His light and He sends us out to let our light shine in the same way. No one should ever need radar to detect our spiritual light. Jesus never intended for our light to be hidden; He wants it to regularly shine in the face of the world.

Every day is a new opportunity for us to enjoy the light of God's radiant sunshine. At the same time every day is a new opportunity for our neighbors, family and friends to enjoy the light of God's radiant SON shining through us. Don't hide your light my friend, let it regularly shine in the face of the world.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 45 / NT - Luke 8:19-39

The Love of Jesus...

Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:33-55 / NT - Luke 7:18-50

"And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." - Luke 7:22-23

During my years at First Baptist Church of Bloomfield a team of men and women would minister at a city mission. Every month they gathered together and made a trip to share in music, testimony and Bible message. The men they reached were broken, beaten down and without hope. The mission was the last stop to nowhere. Yet, like our Savior, my dear brothers and sisters would reach out to these men with the love of Christ.

Such was the ministry and calling card of our Lord. He embraced the down-trodden, war-torn and social rejects. He brought them love, hope and good news from heaven. There were many who were disturbed over this fact, but there was great blessing to all those who were not offended by our Lord's compassionate care.

This is what Christ-like ministry is all about my friend. If you have been led to believe ministry is all about big crowds and palatial buildings, you have been misled. Stop and look around and you will see people who are hurting in every possible way. They need hope. They need love. They need compassionate care. They need Jesus and you may be the only "Jesus" they will ever meet. Love them like Jesus my friend, love them like Jesus.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 43, 44 / NT - Luke 8:1-18

Respect...

Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:16-32 / NT - Luke 7:1-17

"So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed." - Luke 7:6-7

Do you remember when Michaele and Tareq Salahi casually slipped into a White House state dinner without a formal invitation? Their attorney said, "They just went to party". People today are so flippant toward position and authority that they have no qualms about "crashing" by a presidential dinner. Respect has been lost.

The man was a rough and powerful Roman Centurion. He was revered and obeyed at many levels. But, when it came to Jesus, he considered himself undeserving of the Lord's presence. How interesting that a man of worldly authority approached the Lord with humility and honor and yet, so many of God's people come before the Lord of All Creation "just to party". Respect has been lost.

When you walk into the morning worship service each week how will you approach? While you have every reason to celebrate and rejoice, will you do so with a humble and worshipful attitude? Others may attend "just to party", but you choose how you will come before the Lord. If you will remember that we are all "undeserving" of standing before the Lord of Glory... Respect will be rediscovered.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:33-55 / NT - Luke 7:18-50

Looking Through...

  Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:1-15 / NT - Luke 6:27-49

"How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye." - Luke 6:42

Occasionally I notice that my computer screen is distorted and marked with various specks. After putting up with the annoyance for a while I take time to clean the beast. I use the best cleaner and make certain that I leave no scratches or marks behind. Then I kick back to resume my work only finding the distortion and marks still present. In a fit of desperation, I remove my glasses, wipe my forehead and glance back at a crystal clear screen. What? Where did the marks go? Hmm... the problem wasn't what I was looking at, but what I was looking through.

The Lord gives us such insightful counsel when He directs us to "take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly". Before we can ever assist others in their spiritual needs, wisdom tells us to clean up our own life. The amazing truth is that when we clean our glasses (or life) we see things much differently. Not only are we able to help others better, but we see them in a less critical light.  It's not always what we are looking at, but what we are looking through.

Consider what Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1 my friend, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." Yes, we should always be available to assist others in their spiritual walk. But let us be sure to be personally "spiritual" and watchful ourselves. Because, it not only matters what we are looking at, but what we are looking through.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:16-32 / NT - Luke 7:1-17

"Prayer-paration"...

 Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 1:28-54 / NT - Luke 6:6-26

"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." - Luke 6:12

This summer a large number of baseball teams will play toward the ultimate goal of becoming the 2022 World Champions. In many ways, these teams have been getting ready since last fall. But more specifically there has been a major concentration all spring to be set for the season. Let's face it, decisive plans require demanding preparation.

Jesus was about to select twelve men as His apostles. These men would come from almost every walk of life and intentionally include a traitor. They would sit under His teaching for the next three years and carry the Gospel into the world after His ascension. This moment was far more important than any baseball game. This decisive plan required demanding preparation.

My friend, do you see prayer as the best way to get ready for decisions in life? If so, how much effort do you give to such a pursuit? Jesus saw the need to pray all night before this historic moment, so how about you? Remember, decisive plans require demanding "prayer-paration".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 2:1-15 / NT - Luke 6:27-49

Assumed Righteousness...

 Today's Readings: OT - 1 Chron. 1:1-27 / NT - Luke 5:27-6:5

^"And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” - Luke 5:30-32

I have performed a vast number of funerals for people who would not visit their doctor when sick. Somehow such people believed that if they went to the doctor, clinic or hospital something would be discovered that would kill them. So, by avoiding medical care their assumed health killed them.

Spiritual illness is even more dangerous if ignored. In many ways the sinful heart is like high blood pressure... it's a silent killer. As long as we believe we are righteous and deserving of heaven, we are in serious danger. When we  acknowledge our sin sickness by coming to the Great Physician in repentance, we will be saved. But, when we avoid spiritual care, our assumed righteousness will kill us.

Be honest with yourself and the Lord my friend. We are all sin-sick rebels, separated from a Holy God and bound for eternal condemnation in hell. (Romans 3:23) None of us are righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10) We need the saving, healing touch of the Great Physician to give us new life. Remember, avoiding His spiritual care by assuming you're righteousness will ultimately kill you!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron.1:28-54 / NT - Luke 6:6-26

He knows better...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 21 / NT - Luke 5:1-26

"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." - Luke 5:4-6

Some years ago there was a young man in our church that couldn't seem to hold a job for long. Shortly after beginning a new job, he would tell his boss ways to improve his business. For some unknown reason, his employers didn't appreciate his ideas very much. We rarely take advice from those who are inexperienced in our field of expertise. We certainly know better...

The day Jesus told Peter how to fish was one of those moments for the experienced fisherman. How could Jesus know anything about fishing since he had been a carpenter and now a teacher? Peter agreed, out of respect, but with a slightly disagreeable attitude. To his surprise and wonder, the catch was overwhelming. Jesus certainly knew better!

How many times has the Lord prodded you to do something other than what you planned? How often have you resisted, believing that you knew better? Were there moments when you tried and failed too many times, and you were completely void of any faith? Make a note for yourself... Jesus always knows what will work and what he asks of you is always right. Jesus certainly knows better!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Chron.1:1-27 / NT - Luke 5:27-6:5