Breaking News!

Matthew 9:18-26

Sometimes when Jesus preformed miracles, he tried to keep them a secret, but it’s hard to keep those kinds of things quiet.  People tend to talk.  Imagine if they’d had the internet back then!  We would have known every detail of every miracle the second they happened and there would have been video proof.

While there wasn’t a video of the miracles in today’s passage, it does end by saying “News of this spread through all that region (v. 26).”  The days of Jesus trying to quietly go about his business were long over.  Once news had spread, everyone was looking to get close to him.

The woman who had been bleeding for twelve years said to herself, “if I only touch his cloak, I will be healed” (v. 21) and she was.  How amazing it must have been to be there and witness Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead and driving out demons.  I’m guessing it would have been pretty easy to become a follower once you’d seen something like that.

So, I’m wondering if that’s one of the reasons why Jesus wanted to keep things quiet?  Was it because he knew how easy it would be to gain followers with miraculous acts and he didn’t want it to turn into a chaotic show? Was it because he knew faith is rooted in never seeing yet still believing?

Most of us will go our whole lives never witnessing miracles like the ones Jesus performed, but our lives are still filled with them.  We just have to know what to look for.  It may be an addict entering treatment for the third time or a job coming through after months of unemployment.  God is at work and like the synagogue leader’s daughter we want Him to take us by the hand and raise us from death to a new life with Him.

Life on Mission

Today we begin a new journey together. For the next six weeks each of your Blog writers will follow the book and study called “Life on Mission” (God’s people finding God’s heart for the world) by Tim Harlow.

Tim is the Senior Pastor at Parkview Christian Church in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

As Christ followers, we certainly recognize the tragic state of affairs of this country and the rest of the world. We cannot stand still. Tim offers us real, biblically based insight and direction regarding God’s heart and His intended purpose for us. Each week will focus on one of the following;

Witness          Connect           Serve          Share          Grow          Pray

This day I offer you an overview of Pastor Tim’s passionate and sincere message. In Matthew 9:36 Jesus is described as having compassion on the crowds because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Our challenge is not only to personally live the life of a Christ follower, but to look at others through the eyes of the Lord. Each of us was created in the Image of God, and there is no denying that Satan is intensely interfering with our peace, love and happiness. This world is filled with lost sheep. 

When entertaining the idea of witnessing to others many of us become insecure in our ability to accurately and confidently share the Word. In Acts 1:8 Jesus explained to the apostles; “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Relax, and be at peace for the Holy Spirit is with us as well. You CAN do this! Pastor Harlow simply summarizes witnessing this way;

First: Connect Just hanging out and building relationships: 

Next: Serve Giving of your gifts or resources without complaint or judgment.

Later: Share the story of how God has affected your life in order to help those without God understand why you are so alive and content in Him.

Later still: Grow them in their faith walk and show them how to continue to grow on their own.

Finally: Pray! Be strong in the Lord.

This study also includes a DVD, which strengthens the message and offers pastor Harlow’s personal touch. Please join us for “Life on Mission.” Together we can make a difference!

Also, if you have not yet seen the movie War Room by the Kendrick Brothers, we highly recommend it.

Click here to view the trailer:
WAR ROOM 

Here is a journal to record your journey this week. Page down to Life on Mission. Each week a new journal will be posted.

Who Would Have Thought?

Earlier this year we went on a trip to Phoenix, and took an excursion to Page to see Antelope Canyon. Page is in northern Arizona, and passable roads to Page are infrequent. As luck would have it, the road we needed to take was not open, so we took a detour. This added an hour and a half to our journey.

Antelope Canyon, Page AZ

 

Impatient by nature, we were not very happy. After all, we had a schedule to keep!

 

Today’s lesson is Acts 24:10-21.

 

Paul had collected money from the Corinthians to give to the impoverished Jews in Jerusalem. He had delivered the gift in Jerusalem, and was arrested on trumped up charges. The true reason for his arrest was because he was a follower of “The Way”. That is, he was arrested for being a Christian.

 

Paul was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea to face the authorities. That was the first detour Paul had to make. Standing trial, Paul used his citizenship privileges and appealed to Rome. To Rome he was sent, his second detour.

 

Our detour, annoying at the time, turned out to be very beneficial. We ended up at the canyon later in the day, when the sun was higher in the sky, providing some very dramatic scenes. We would have missed these if we were “on time.” Who would have thought?

 

Paul’s detours were likewise beneficial. In Caesarea, he provided a witness of Jesus to Felix, Festus and Agrippa, governors and king of the region. In Rome, he also provided a witness to many members of the Roman power structure, probably including the Emperor and perhaps some Senators.

 

Imagine for a second that you were in Corinth and gave money to Paul for the impoverished Jews. Your gift helped the poor, which is great. But, perhaps, more importantly, the gift eventually led to Paul being sent to Rome where he gave testimony, fulfilling prophecy.

 

Small gifts can accomplish great things.

 

Who would have thought?

1 Corinthians 7:1-16

God wants to use us to influence others to believe.  We read over and over again of the importance of our testimony.  Our testimony isn't only the story of the big changes God has made in our lives, but it is also how we approach every day.  We live out our story day in and day out as we encounter people where they are.  A trip to the grocery store, the bank or the Department of Motor Vehicles offers us the opportunity to share our story.  Our actions speak louder than words; we have many chances to make someone's day better by our attitude or lack of attitude as the case may be.

The scripture today reveals this through a different light.  We are instructed to be equally yoked, meaning a Christian should not marry a non-believer.  But, when two non-believers marry and one of them accepts Christ into their hearts, the Word tells us this is an opportunity to witness. Our actions could bring the unbelieving spouse to accepting Christ.  The word sanctified means: holy, consecrated, blessed.

"To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband." (1 Corinthians 7:12-14)


Our witness to the world changes lives; how we act in everyday situations is important.  We must always remember that we are being watched; by God and by our neighbors.


Read the 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 text here.  Listen to an audio reading of 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 here.

To the ends of the Earth - Acts 1:1-9

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Above are Jesus' final words to his disciples while He was still on earth. They followed a question by those gathered, asking if Jesus was going to restore the Kingdom. It seems they were looking to have things move quickly.  I can relate, when I hear a message and feel compelled to act, I don't think to wait and pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance or wisdom.  I just want to do something.  I am beginning to realize that praying and waiting is doing something.

Jesus is instructing these men to stay put, not to go anywhere until He sends His Holy Spirit to help them.  These words tell me a number of things:

1. The power of the Holy Spirit is vital to a Christians effectiveness
2. Jesus is teaching his disciples right up to the moment He returned to His Father's side
3. Christians are Jesus' witnesses to the world
4. We are to reach out to the ends of the earth with the message of Jesus

We can't do this without help from the Holy Spirit.  Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit is ours for the asking, "Come Holy Spirit."

Read the Acts 1:1-9 text here.  Listen to the text here.

Stand Firm - Acts 25:10-26:1

During the time of my husband's illness, I wondered why God had brought him so far, had prepared him for ministry work like Kairos prison ministry, Honduran Mission trips, and outreach to men in local congregations through a program called Renewal.  Why did God give Dave such a powerful witness only to snuff it out a few years after it begun?

As I am reading about Paul's journey and the times he spent saying the same thing over and over with his words falling on apparent deaf ears.But Paul never stopped proclaiming the truth.  Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10-11)

I realize now that Dave's witness was even greater during his illness and following his death.  People listened to stories about all the amazing things God did during Dave's life.  People also heard of some of the more precious moments God blessed Dave with during this difficult time.

It is becoming apparent that Paul's ministry is enhanced with the length of time it is taking to clear his name. The more he proclaims his innocence and demands to be taken to Rome for his trail, the more people hear him repeat the gospel message. God worked in mysterious ways in Paul’s life and He will do the same with your life and mine.

Read the Acts 25:10-26:1 text here.

Matthew 25:31-46

There have been a number of stories which tell of acts of kinds.  A movie titled Pay it Forward, is about where random acts of kindness; the recipients were encouraged to perform another in return, or pay it forward.

The scripture lesson for today is about treating our Christian brothers and sisters with kindness.  We are to treat everyone as we would treat Jesus.  The reasoning is that those who don't yet know the Savior, will see our behavior and be amazed.  They will witness our love and want some of it for themselves.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" (Matthew 35:40)

At first read I thought that gave me a free pass, an easy out.  If I am generous and loving to those I already know it won't be that much of a struggle or challenge, I can do that.  Then I recalled a number of those people whom I find extremely difficult to deal with.  I wonder, who was watching.

When in the grocery line or at the bureau of motor vehicles or the restaurant, I don’t know if those around me are Christian, how then do I behave?  I do know that Jesus loves them and that should be enough for me.  I am thinking right now of those who are part of the Kairos prison ministry - loving the unlovable; the faithful who serve on short-term missions - loving the impoverished...just what Jesus would do.

Read today's Scripture at Biblegateway.

Change, Oh, it hurts! Matthew 17:1-13

My family has had quite a bit of conversation recently about change.  We asked questions like "Why all this change now?" and "Why does change always seem to come just when we were getting comfortable?"  The word transfiguration means change.  It also is defined as: altered, modernized, updated, and more.  

 Six days later, three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. (Matthew 17:1-3)

I had not written this piece before I went to sleep last night because I knew from experience, that God would wake me up early, with an idea.  He reminded me of the talks my husband and I have had about death and about what happens after we die. We dreamed of the new body Jesus would be giving each of us when we get to heaven.  We also envisioned the dazzling white clothes we could be wearing.

Jesus brought Peter, James and John up the mountain with Him to witness this change and to help them understand just who He is.  Jesus is walking Dave (my husband) and I up this same mountain so that we too can more fully understand who He is.

I will never read the passage about the Transfiguration of Jesus again, without remembering this season in my life.  What change does this story remind you of? What season of 'transfiguration" has God usher into your life to help you see Him more clearly? Will you share about it with us?

To read this text today in the Message go here. 

Paul in Corinth - Acts 18:1-16

When Bob and I moved to a small community in Virginia, we noticed square dancing was what people did for entertainment. We joined a group and as a result, met many people.

Paul arrives in Corinth not knowing anyone. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, who have also just arrived. As they talk, they realize they have tent making in common. They commit to work together and Paul moves in with them. Paul uses tent making to support himself and to build relationships with people. He is able to share his story about how Jesus changed his life.

Paul goes to the meeting place on the Sabbath. He tells both Jews and Greeks how much God loves them, and about the relationship they can have with Him through Jesus. The people argue and contradict him. Paul gets frustrated and exhausted. He shouts out telling them he is done with them. He is moving on to other places.

When Timothy and Silas arrive in Corinth, they encourage Paul. He is uplifted and continues on his mission to teach God’s Word.

Paul begins to see things happening. He meets Titius Justus and Crispus, two sincere believers. Many Corinthians begin to believe and be baptized.

God has His eyes on Paul. God encourages him with His Words of guidance and protection. When the Jews bring Paul into court, God shows how powerless they are.

We're encouraged to be witnesses for Christ. In our daily lives we are asked to tell our faith stories. We should encourage each other and pray for each other as we go out into the world or within our neighborhoods to proclaim the Good News.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.

Wait For the Gift -- Acts 1:1-11

When was the last time you had to wait? Right now we are waiting on our second grandchild to be born. The doctor said it could come any minute; that was two weeks ago. We don't know when any minute will be. We are excited so we want it to be right now. We know that the baby will come at the right time, the perfect time. We must wait. The gift will be precious.

Jesus tells His disciples to be His witnesses. The apostles, as eyewitnesses of Christ's death and resurrection, were expert witnesses. Jesus told the disciples they had to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit from God to empower them. Things had to proceed in the right order and in God's timing. The Holy Spirit would be with them to help guide them, comfort them, and give them the words they needed.

Jesus said to them, "Remember, I have told you about this before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." They must wait. The gift will be awesome.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. I ask You to empower me with Your guidance. Help me see clearly the opportunities You put before me to share with those who need to hear about You. Amen

Read text on Biblegateway, Acts 1:1-11

Your comments are welcome. Click on Comments below.

Pass It On -- Matthew 28:16-20

Sitting in a community garden area eating lunch, I was distracted by a lady gesturing to people sitting at another table. She wanted them to look at a cardboard sign she was wearing. She moved from table to table repeating this rather curious behavior. People were smiling and clapping, enjoying her presence. I wondered what she was about and was especially curious about the sign she was wearing.

When she appeared at my table, I looked at the sign, then up at a smiling face, the sign read, "God has been good to me."

"Yes!" I said and lifted my hand to meet hers in a high five.

I have told this story a number of times. As I share it in this devotion, I wonder how many other people are also passing the story around. How many people have heard the story of God's love through this one lady?

Jesus gave personal instruction to his followers to step out in faith, to spread the Good News that God offers a new life and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross.

Prayer: Father God, help me take steps to put my faith into action. Help me see who needs to hear about the new life and forgiveness you offer. Strengthen my faith. Put the desire on my heart to pass on what you have done for me as I go about my daily activities. Amen

Read text on Biblegateway, Matthew 28:16-20