SIGNS OF SPRING

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 24:6-35

 

“Spring is in the air.” Really?!? It snowed this week, the wind is bitter-cold, snow squalls are predicted once more. It seems like winter wants to hang around indefinitely. Will spring ever come?  In my funk about our seeming perpetual winter, a voice within encourages, “Look at the trees, check out the flowers.”  Buds are beginning to appear, green foliage has pushed up from the ground, and many spring flowers have bloomed.  Yes, though winter still has us in its grip, there are signs that spring is just around the corner. 

 

Jesus used such as analogy in talking to his disciples about the end times and his eventual return. “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its young shoots become tender, and it puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near; so you, too, when you see all these things [taking place], know for certain that He is near, right at the door (Matthew 24:32-33, AMP).”  What things would signal Christ’s return?  We’ve heard these before: “wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, increasing wickedness (Mt 24: 6-9),” …and are we not seeing these things taking place in our world today?  He is right at the door.

 

When I think about Jesus’ return, I must admit I wonder how we will know for sure it is He who has come. Jesus warns us to not listen to people who try to convince us that Christ has returned (vs 23, 26). There will be plenty of false prophets and “Messiahs.”  It helped me to read verse 27 of Matthew 24: “For as the lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” We won’t have to go looking for him among the counterfeit.  He will come swiftly and suddenly – like lightning – to be seen and known by all!

 

 

The promise of spring is sure – we have come to rely on the signs, and we look forward to its coming, especially after a hard winter.  Just so, we have heard Jesus’ words about his return. We see the signs, his promise is sure.  He has told us that heaven and earth as we know it, will pass away, but “[his] words will never pass away.” We look forward to his coming, especially so after all the hardships of this life.

 

Dear, Jesus, thank you for the sure promise we have as your children that you will be returning soon.  Thank you, too, that we can rely on your words – they will remain faithful and true.  Come Lord Jesus, Come quickly!  Amen.

Lamp to my Feet

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 

I have a tattoo on my right foot.  It is Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  It was a Mother’s Day present.  It’s a reminder to me on what keeps my faith strong.  God’s word.  I love God’s word.  I have spent years studying the reliability of his word. There are so many outside sources that corroborate the truth found in the pages of scripture, that I get giddy when I read them. 

God’s word is perfectly true and as hard as it is to read a rebuke meant to pull me back on the path, it is equally wonderful when I read words such as the ones in Daniel 12.  “But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life…”

I just love that! The promise of everlasting life.  This was actually the first time the reference to everlasting life was used in scripture.  How comforting it is to read that things are going to get hard, real hard.  A time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations hard, but there is hope.

Everlasting life. It is promised for God’s people.  This world is not the end.  All the trouble, disease, evil, and deception are not the end.  God has a plan.  It was rolled up in a scroll and saved for the exact right time, but it will come to pass.  His word says it will, so I believe it.

Connect - Your Mission this week

Matthew 9:10-13

Think about people you have felt a connection with. Why them? Was it something they said? The way they talked? How they listened? Their eyes?

It is a comfortable feeling when we sense connection and acceptance. When we know we can count on someone no matter what our circumstances, we feel a calm assurance.

Jesus loved and accepted all people. His mission was to seek sinners and the undesirable so that he could sincerely get to know them, demonstrate his love and acceptance and lead them to righteousness.

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12

Jesus also stated, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” when he heard the disciples being questioned about why Jesus was sitting with tax collectors and sinners.

All of the physical healing Jesus did, was due to the faith of someone. Sometimes it was the person in need, other times it was because of the belief of others who cared for them. Regardless, the vehicle through which Jesus worked was deep faith. Physical healing also resulted in spiritual health and eternal promise. When Jesus said "You are healed." He didn't mean just the external ailment.

In Mark:5, Matthew:9, and Luke:8, Jairus, a synagogue ruler was told his sick daughter had died as he was pleading with Jesus to save her. Though men were telling him not to bother Jesus any more, Jesus ignored them and told Jairus “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

 

If we look at those without faith as “not well” and approach them as a friend with a heart for their circumstance, we will likely get through to them in time and allow God to heal them from the inside out.

Lord, may we be the pathway you use to reach those in this world you guide us to minister to. Help us open our hearts and meet them where they are. Please give us the strength, courage, and deep faith to touch the lives of others in a way that delivers them to you, forever. Amen 

Through the Desert or Across the Room

            Mark 6:6-13, 30-34

In Mark chapter 6, Jesus spoke to the twelve apostles. They were sent out in twos to spread the Word. They were given authority over evil spirits. These were Jesus’ instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.  Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”

That is not a challenge for the weak of heart, or for one who trusts in himself alone. Only those who truly believe God is in control could take on that challenge. No food, money, extra clothes or anything. It is likely the twelve had reservations about the mission, but none questioned him. Jesus’ instructions were clear. They went. Yes, it may have helped that they were told they had authority to deal with evil spirits, but there was no guarantee.

Though today the Lord does not gather a specific group of us together and lay out exactly what to bring and not bring, or instruct each of us exactly where to go, his commands are clear. In addition, we have also been given the power of the Holy Spirit.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 1:13

The Bible is overflowing with guidance and instruction on how to live. If we abide by these three alone, will the Lord commend us as his "Good and Faithful Servant?" 

                                                                                                                                       

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 12:31

Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me. 

Matthew 25:40

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:12-13

 Book by: Bill Hybels

No need to walk through the desert. Look around the neighborhood. It is not essential to travel abroad, be patient with your children. Don’t seek out strangers until you have forgiven your relatives. Compassionate hearts, humility, kindness, etc. are qualities practiced and honed throughout the journey of life. As our character evolves we influence all those whose lives we touch in some way.

Read/Listen to Mark 6:6-13 

                         Mark 6:30-34

Acts 19:1-7

In the name of the Father 
and of the Son 
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We have a vision of who the Father and Son are, but the Holy Spirit seems more mysterious. 

It’s difficult to picture what a Holy Spirit looks like and because of our human limitations

 we seem to need things somewhat concrete to understand.

In Acts 2, the Pentecost took place. Luke writes of a violent blowing wind that came from 
             heaven. What appeared to be tongues of fire rested upon each of their heads and they began              to speak in tongues as the Spirit enabled them. As a crowd gathered these disciples’ words 

were clearly understood by each one in their own native language.

Acts 19 tells of another incident of disciples receiving the Holy Spirit. Perhaps we are those 

disciples. Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he promised the power of the Holy Spirit 

would come. That promise was not just for the twelve chosen Apostles, but for all men.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God here on earth. We are all free to receive it, but we must 

be still and open our hearts to feel and accept it. It need not happen in a great and glorious 

manner with wind and fire. It is a personal experience meant to help us feel and 

understand God’s purpose and our mission.

Might speaking in tongues to us be simply meeting people where they are, identifying

 with their pain, and walking them through it toward the Lord?

We have been given this gift of the Holy Spirit, but it does us no good to simply look 

at the beautifully wrapped package. We must open it, acknowledge its contents,

 thank our God, and use it for His purpose.
"Bringing Faith To Life"

Read/Listen to Acts 19:1-7

John 9:42-48

Why does God send people to hell?

He doesn't!

The Lord counsels us, guides us, directs us and reminds us over and over again.   He warns us, models for us, commands us, and offers us a grand reward.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 9:42-43 And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell.

These words of Jesus are not threats, they are warnings. He is not condemning, he is cautioning. God does not want to see any of his children enter into hell.

I doubt the picture we have in our mind of someone cutting off their hand is literally what Jesus meant, but it is that serious. It’s an illustration of our God’s great forgiveness if we are sincere in our repentance.

His love is extreme, just as our dedication to him should be. When we do wrong, we must not only sincerely confess and repent, but do something about it that causes us to change and not repeat the offense. Sometimes that means making an extreme transformation in our life that may be very difficult at the time.

We may wonder what God is waiting for. Why doesn't he come and fulfill his promise right now? This world is a mess. It may be wise to take advantage of God’s delay. 

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace with him.

Read/Listen to John 9:42-48

He Is Risen!

John 20:1-18

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke’s gospel readings on Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on the angelic appearance of the angels and Jesus, John approached the story of the empty tomb from the human response.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark and found the stone removed from the entrance. She went immediately to the disciples to tell them.

John and Peter raced to the tomb. John arrived first, stopped, peered inside but did not go in. Peter flew right past John and entered the tomb.  Perhaps Peter was anxious about what Jesus would think of him after his betrayal and wanted to make things right. John responded quite differently. He paused outside of the tomb, possibly reflecting on all that had happened and just what it might mean. John 20:9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Mary Magdalene, though she was the first one there before sunrise and remained after the disciples had gone, did not grasp the meaning of the empty tomb. Though told by two angels and Jesus himself she did not comprehend. Finally when Jesus called her by name she believed, listened to Him, and left to deliver His message to the disciples.

We have many like Peter in our churches, anxious about being there because of past wrongs, or fearful of judgment from others and the Lord. There are others similar to John, keeping their emotions to themselves. Those not so anxious who have a good relationship with God and know they are beloved by Him. Then there are those like Mary, stuck in their faith, though they hear the Good News, are unable to internalize it because of bad things that have happened in their lives.

All of us have been lost no matter where we are now in our faith journey. Think back to when you began a serious walk with the Lord. Was there someone beside you, or in the background cheering you on and praying for you? Do you know someone who is hiding from God or has so much baggage from their past they are unable to feel his love?

Consider this Easter a new beginning for them. With your love and guidance they may finally be able to realize the promise that awaits them in Jesus’ death and resurrection!  Help another come alive in Christ. What an amazing gift!

Read/Listen to John 20:1-18

You Promised!

Numbers 20:2-13

Israel in the Wilderness

 You Promised! Can’t you just hear her whiney little voice complaining about how she did not get what she wanted-what was promised? That annoying complaint can come from a child, adults, or perhaps the elderly, but no matter where it originates, it can be irritating just the same.

We can only imagine the times the Lord has heard this type of appeal. It goes back to long before Jesus walked the earth; perhaps to Adam and Eve as they endured the hardships that accompanied their dismissal from The Garden of Eden.  

In Numbers 20, the people of Israel are in the desert. They feel they have been wandering in the wilderness forever and can’t handle much more. They complain to Moses and Aaron that there is no food or water and question why they were lead away from where they were to begin with. They want it to end!

We can take example here. The only way to our Promised Land is through the wilderness. There is no secret passage way that will get us there quickly and pain free. Whining and complaining will not make it better, in fact it will likely bring about increased adversity.

Our God has promised us a new life in heaven, but the road there can be long and difficult. This wilderness world in which we live challenges us daily, and often brings us to the point of grumbling, quarreling, and losing heart. We are all on this journey together. Perhaps envisioning how some others have experienced the wilderness will help us realize it’s normal and common to struggle through feeling lost and alone at times.

Some of us play the hand we have been dealt with style and dignity, and others well, not so much. Those who seem to handle their wilderness well, are probably in close contact with God. When the journey seems too much to bear, go ahead…Ask God for peace and clarity. Let Him know you are willing to go where he is leading you and that you want what He wants. If you choose to go it alone, you will likely get no more than just “a little cheese to go with that whine.” 

Read/Listen to Number 20:2-13

How we say “yes" to God

“Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today.  Learn them and be sure to follow them.  The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb.  It was not with our fathers that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.”  Deuteronomy 5:1-3

[To read about the giving of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:1-22, click here.]

A little covenant theology, anyone?

OK, now that it's just you and me ... let’s look at three covenant “basics” and then apply them today.


Covenants.  Since the fall of man, God has made “agreements” with his people through covenants.  Unlike mutually forged contracts, God’s covenants are not negotiated, rather he alone sets their terms.  Our involvement lies in our response: we accept his terms or we reject them; we enter into his covenant, or we don’t; we say “yes” to God or we say “no” to God.

Covenant terms.  God speaks in two types of covenants terms: promises and commands.  Typically, both types are delivered together, one nestled within the other.  When God called Abraham, for instance, he began with a command: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”  Then showing his love for Abraham, God encouraged him for his task with rich promises of descendants, a land and a blessing.

So in the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses, we can already see two covenant basics in operation.  Clearly, God did not negotiate with Moses; rather he commanded while Moses dutifully took notes.  But what about encouragement for the people of the Exodus?  Had God no covenant terms of promise for them?

Yes, he did.  He had already delivered them.  Ten promises, to be exact.  They’re found in Exodus 6:6-8:  (1) I am the Lord, (2) and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  (3) I will free you from being slaves to them, (4) and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  (5) I will take you as my own people, (6) and I will be your God.  (7) Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  (8) And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.  (9) I will give it to you as a possession.  (10) I am the Lord.

In these Ten Promises – three of which are “I am the Lord” – God expressed his love and compassion for his people.  And into this reality did he then give them the Law, the Ten Commandments.

Saying “yes” to God.  So God speaks in unilateral covenant terms of promise and command.  Ours is to respond.  So how do we enter into his covenants?

It depends on the covenant terms.  We say “yes” to God’s promises by believing them and entrusting our entire lives to them.  And we “yes” to God's commands by obeying them, doing what he tells us to do.

Looking, then, at the Great Commission in Matthew 28, let’s apply our three covenant basics.  When Jesus unilaterally commands, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,” we say “yes” by obeying him.  And when, in encouragement, he unilaterally promises, “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age,” we say “yes” to such loving assurance by believing him.

It is in the power of God’s promises that we keep his commandments.  Believing, we obey.  Today.

Revelation 21: 1-7

Our Future-The New Jerusalem

This is the promise I wrote of last Sunday from 2Corinthians:

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eye. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will pass away."

John, follower of Jesus is the author of this book of Revelation. He writes of several essential points we can only imagine because they seem too good to be true, and we were told as children that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Well these promises do not fall into that category. John’s prophesy is the ultimate guarantee; the promise of a lifetime….

John proclaims:

-The world as we know it will come to an end.

-Jesus Christ will return to the earth to make all things new.

-At the end of human history, evil will be judged and contained forever.

-Those who trust in Christ for their salvation will enjoy eternal life with Him.

What will heaven be like? The bible uses symbolic terminology filled with inviting images so we can sense a glimpse of its majesty, yet our minds fall short of being able truly to comprehend what is yet to come. Just the thought of being able to dwell with The Lord, be near Him, and be at peace with Him and all the universe is unimaginable.  I pray I will meet you all there.

Read/Listen to Revelation 21: 1-7

Psalm 27

Prayer is Waiting

We wait in line at the grocery store. We wait in traffic. We wait to be seated at restaurants, then wait to give our order, wait to be served, wait for our check, wait for our change, and then wait to exit the parking lot so we can wait at the traffic light for our turn to go, so we can get to the next intersection and wait some more.

We accept this waiting because it is a must if we are to get what we want and remain safe.

Psalm 27: 1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:4-5 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”

In this fast food, express line world, we forget what it is we are called to do. Psalm 27: 14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

He will give us what we desire, and He has promised to keep us safe. We can count on that promise. Our grocery stores, restaurants, and cars may offer us momentary satisfaction, but our true source of peace and contentment can be found only in the Lord.

As we conclude this series in Psalms, please remember that this book is a wonderful source of encouragement and comfort when this world beats us down. Psalms holds truth and hope for all of us. Turn to Psalms when you are tempted to close off the rest of the world and have yourself a pity party. Open the book of Psalms when those you thought were friends disappoint you. Rest in the book of Psalms when your heart is broken. His word is always there for you, and His promises remain.

Strength Will Rise As We Wait Upon The Lord!

Listen to “Everlasting God” by Chris Tomlin

Listen to/Read Psalm 27 

Psalm 98

Prayer is Shouting

When it comes to expressing our faith, our conservative side tends to emerge, especially if we are in the presence of traditionalists. What would they think of me if I were to sing loudly or raise my arms? How would I be received if I sat when everyone else was standing, or stood when the rest of the crowd sat with their heads bowed? We typically conform to the masses.

I remember feeling extremely uncomfortable when I began attending a non-traditional service. I kept waiting for the pastor to indicate it was time to kneel, but there were no kneelers. I patiently observed in expectation, for the entire congregation to recite a ritualistic prayer, in unison, but it never happened. I even sat on the edge of my seat kind of hoping for a familiar ringing of bells or bringing up of the gifts. I sat back in my place wondering how God felt about this approach to worship. It was quite different from what I was accustom to. I wasn’t even sure how I felt about it, but I was drawn back again and again.

Some Sundays were rather low key in regards to the music and the intensity of the message from the Pastor, and others were overwhelming in varying ways. Sometimes I felt like God was speaking directly to me and I could barely contain my joy, other times my pain and sorrow were drawn from me like a magnet attracts metal. I never knew quite what to expect from week to week, and though I was often outside of my comfort zone, in my heart knew I was in the right place.

This weekly church experience truly changed my life. The raw honesty of the messages, and intensity of the hearts of all I observed serving in many ways was truly inspiring. This group of church-goers knew something I had not yet learned. It is not about the routine, nor the expectations of the people or rulers that be. It is about keeping our hands on the bible, our hearts in the Lord, and our feet walking and living His will, serving God and serving others.

My prayer today is that we all “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things…” His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. His Grace and mercy are what sustain us. This glorious world we reside in was created by His mighty hand. Nothing compares to the promise we have in Him!  

Please listen to "Shout to the Lord" by Hillsong

Read/Listen to Psalm 98