A Dangerous Calling ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 11:10-32 / NT - Matthew 10:1-23

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." - Matthew 10:16

Law enforcement is a stressful career. The officer needs to understand the lifestyle and techniques of criminals, but at the same time remain righteous. Such people live and work in the shadow of evil and darkness of deceit. Sadly, there are some who fall prey to temptation and end up as sheep to the slaughter. The calling is dangerous.

Choosing to follow Jesus is an exciting step in the beginning. The future looks bright and the adventure is challenging. But, in time the Christian disciple finds out that they are facing spiritual wolves that want to cause havoc. The threat is real and the schemes from the evil one are treacherous. (Ephesians 6:11) The calling is dangerous.

Peter told us in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." We are the presence of righteousness in a world of evil. We are "sheep in the midst of wolves". Therefore, we need to be wise to the ways of the world, but walk in the ways of the Lord. The calling is dangerous. 

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 1 / NT - Matthew 10:24-42

Harvest Time!

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 11:1-9 / NT - Matthew 9:18-38

"Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:37-38

A number of years ago we ministered in a community that was devastated by flood waters. People lost their homes and were living in motels for quite some time. Our church had the opportunity to provide food and supplies as needed for a few months. The work was demanding, but it was made easy and even fun by the good number of volunteers who gave their time. Families and friends were in need and it was harvest time.

As Jesus gazed upon the crowds that came to him for healing, he was moved with compassion. He saw the need and knew it would take a great amount of effort to make a difference. People were "harassed and helpless" and they were looking for someone who would care enough to help. The souls were many and the volunteers were few, so he encouraged his disciples to pray for laborers because... it was harvest time.

Look around you my friend. Are there not crowds of people that are "harassed and helpless" toady? People need the Lord more than ever, but the volunteers to show them the way are few. It's no time to procrastinate until another day. You will notice that in the next passage (Matthew 10:1-7), Jesus called and sent the disciples into the field. As you pray for laborers, be ready to go yourself because ... it IS harvest time!

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 11:10-32 / NT - Matthew 10:1-23

It's What's Inside ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 10 / NT - Matthew 9:1-17

"For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?" - Matthew 9:5

Which is easier for the auto industry, to build a slick looking exterior or create a powerful but energy efficient engine? Yet, for a good many customers, the exterior is what catches their interest first and foremost. They tend to forget; slick looks won't get you home at night, but a good running engine will. It's what's inside that counts.

Some good friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus for physical healing. They wanted his body to be strong and healthy. But, Jesus looked at the deeper and greater need. While it's easier to heal inactive muscles; a healthy body won't get you home to heaven, but a forgiven healthy soul will. It's what's inside that counts.

Are you looking for God to do great things for your health and wealth? Will everything be much better if all the tangibles are improved and you're wading in an abundance of material blessings? Remember well the words of our Lord in Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." With life and eternity,  it's what's inside that counts. 

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 11:1-9 / NT - Matthew 9:18-38

Significant Choices ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 9:18-29 / NT - Matthew 8:18-34

"And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." -  Matthew 8:26

What are your greatest fears?  Spiders, snakes, heights, dogs, flying or germs? Maybe you have a more exotic fear such as Arachibutyrophobia; the fear of peanut butter. Those of us that have such fears make life choices as a result. I wear cowboy boots, so I have no fear of snakes. I travel by car, so I have no fear of flying. In many ways fear directs us to make significant choices.

The disciples had no other way to travel than by boat. The waters they traveled were unpredictable at best and when their boat became swamped to the point of sinking they were afraid. There were no other life choices to make than to call on Jesus. They learned in a moment of desperation that having faith in Jesus is the best and most significant choice.

You're in the boat of  life my friend. It's the only way to travel and storms are definitely brewing. Yes, the unpredictable troubles will overwhelm, but why fear when you can have faith in the One who still calms the winds and waves? This is the best and most significant choice. 

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 10 / NT - Matthew 9:1-17

His Way is Perfect...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 8:20-9:17 / NT - Matthew 8:1-17

"And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." - Matthew 8:2-3

"Getting the Health Care You Deserve"... So reads the logo for a recent health care provider. If this isn't enough, you can get "The BMW You Deserve", "The Media Attention You Deserve", or "The Body You Deserve". The message is made loud and clear that we "deserve" everything we want in life. So, when in need, don't we deserve the same provision and care that others have received? Shouldn't we just "name it and claim it" from God?

We read about a poor man who was a social outcast and physical wreck. He heard about the many great works that Jesus was performing for others. Didn't he deserve to be healed? But, with a humble and worshipful heart he came to Jesus and asked "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean". The leper had complete faith that Jesus could do the job, but only if he was willing. He "named it and committed it" to God.

While the answer we are always looking for is "I will; be clean", it doesn't always come. When this happens those who "name it and claim it" are devastated. They feel that they have been cheated from what they deserved. They forget that we are sinners, and all we deserve  is condemnation. But, since "by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8) and "God's "grace is sufficient for you". (2 Cor. 12:9) we can quietly rest in "Lord, if you will". Just "Name it and commit it" to God, because "This God - his way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30) .

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 9:18-29 / NT - Matthew 8:18-34

Others First ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 8:1-19 / NT - Matthew 7

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12 

Lord of the Flies was a novel written by William Golding and published in 1954. The book is still often found on the required reading list in many schools. It tells how unchecked human nature and selfishness brings damaging results to others. The missing element for peaceful community living was, "it's about others first".

When people live with the rule "every man for himself" chaos reigns. Jesus taught a lifestyle of thoughtful consideration of others and careful evaluation of self. All this is neatly wrapped up in the above verse. These words are also stated with clarity and conviction in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others". The timeless message says; "it's about others first".

When you see the delivery man fumble at the business entrance, are you quick to open the door? When you see that mother with an arm full of groceries and a baby in the other, dropping her purse, do you reach out to help? The opportunities are plentiful to show the simple love and sincere compassion of God in a lost world. In the words of the Law and the Prophets, Jesus and Paul... "It's about others first!"

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 8:20-9:17 / NT - Matthew 8:1-17

Consider the Lilies ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 7 / NT - Matthew 6

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:30

In some parts of the country snow has covered the ground abundantly more than once. The temperatures have also dropped like a rock in many places. Winter is upon us full throttle and the thought of warm breezes and fresh mowed grass is far, far away. Last summer is now just a faint memory, but has the change of season changed the heart of our heavenly Father?

Stop for a moment and give thought to the beauty of the lilies. What do you see? Warmth, radiance, purity, hope, and the fresh reminder that we have a life of even greater promise. Our Father knows our every need and He is ever devoted to meet those needs "far more abundantly than all we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)

The promise of Isaiah 35:1-2 is: "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing." Whether we are in a dry land or the depth of winter... start each day with the lilies. And rejoice in the One who gives beauty to His lilies and blessing to His children.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 8:1-19 / NT - Matthew 7