If you are like most of the people you know and work with these days, you probably got up this morning and were already behind for the day regarding all the things you need to get done. Yes, it seems like no matter how hard or fast we work, we always seem to be rushing, running and wrestling with getting things done in a quick and orderly fashion….and that’s not good for our blood pressure…or our walk with Christ.
In fact, that story line dates all the way back to the time of Jesus when he stopped for a short visit with some friends of his….Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus.
Luke 10:38-42 from The Message reads, “As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. ‘Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, ‘Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main thing and won’t be taken from her.”
Martha was upset and displeased that she had been left to do it all, while her sister, Mary, had found her place at the Savior’s feet and was taking in His every word. Martha was anxious that all would not be prepared in time, while Mary was astounded by the words of the Savior that melted her heart and captivated her soul.
Martha demanded help ….Mary sought love and acceptance….Martha was concerned for the temporal things of this life ...Mary's heart was set on things eternal...and in the kind words of Jesus’ reproof, Mary found that she had indeed chosen wisely! Mary had chosen the one essential thing…The Main Thing…Time with Jesus.
Have you made the choice today to make the Main Thing, the main thing in your life? To forsake schedules, time constraints, excuses and even service for the sake of doing in pursuit of the main thing…Time with Jesus. The time you spend in reading and studying the Word of God will instill in you one thing that is inescapable....Your need for a Savior. Your alone time with Him will give you instruction in how you can make Jesus the Lord of your life and how you can effectively have a closer walk with him. …it will convince you time and time again of your need to keep the Main Thing…the Main Thing.
There is no substitute for getting to know Jesus better than by spending time with Him by reading, ingesting and meditating on His Holy Word. Martha thought it was service to Him…Mary showed her it was in spending time with Him…......
That was, and still is.....THE MAIN THING!
Keeping my seat at His feet...hanging on every word,
WPQ
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Trusting Your Headlights
I have a cousin who always had a rather odd quirk….to start reading any book, she always turned to the last couple of pages and read those first.
It seems that she had one of those personalities that needed to know the outcome of any and all situations. Maybe you can identify with that mentality.
In fact, when I think about it, I know a lot of Christians that operate their lives and the basis of their walk with Jesus in much the same manner. They are firm believers in Romans 8:28 that tells us that everything works out for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose….they are willing to follow Jesus; they just want to know what the final destination will look like before they get there.
In their head, they understand the scripture in Psalms that tells us that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet….it is a light for our way; however, their heart has a hard time letting them put into practice the trust that is involved in starting out on a journey with a limited light source.
But think for a moment about the headlights on your car. On a dark moonless night, most anyone with common sense would not start out on a journey (even on a familiar street) without turning on the car’s headlights…even if we knew exactly where we were going and how to get there. We would flick the switch and illuminate our path. An although our path might shine brightly, we would not be able to see all the way to our final destination…so we would have to trust the 150 feet or so of light that our headlights illuminate. In other words, we would trust that as far as the lights shine, we can travel unafraid and ready to deal with whatever might appear before us….we would trust our headlights and proceed to our final destination assured that if we follow the light, we will arrive safe and secure.
The same is true for us in our Christian journey of life. We know our final destination is home…our heavenly home; but unless we trust the headlights on our vehicle, we may never leave the comforts of the driveway. Maybe God is calling you to trust Him and move out in faith to lead a Bible study, to go on a summer mission trip, to comfort a co-worker and speak of your faith in Christ….you don’t have to know the outcome; you just have to trust the “lights” that God is using to illuminate your path.
My favorite Old Testament scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God knows our future is forever with Him and our hope is our eternal home in Heaven that He has prepared….nothing else really matters….but if your are like my cousin and need to know the end of the story first, then turn to Revelation 22:20 and read,
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”
Trusting His Word to Light My Path,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
The Bible is God’s headlights
To light the unseen way;
We need not know the destination
But just trust Him for today.
For when we put our faith in Him
His plans for us are sure;
To live a life in Him complete….
Righteous …Holy….Pure.
WPQ January 2011
It seems that she had one of those personalities that needed to know the outcome of any and all situations. Maybe you can identify with that mentality.
In fact, when I think about it, I know a lot of Christians that operate their lives and the basis of their walk with Jesus in much the same manner. They are firm believers in Romans 8:28 that tells us that everything works out for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose….they are willing to follow Jesus; they just want to know what the final destination will look like before they get there.
In their head, they understand the scripture in Psalms that tells us that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet….it is a light for our way; however, their heart has a hard time letting them put into practice the trust that is involved in starting out on a journey with a limited light source.
But think for a moment about the headlights on your car. On a dark moonless night, most anyone with common sense would not start out on a journey (even on a familiar street) without turning on the car’s headlights…even if we knew exactly where we were going and how to get there. We would flick the switch and illuminate our path. An although our path might shine brightly, we would not be able to see all the way to our final destination…so we would have to trust the 150 feet or so of light that our headlights illuminate. In other words, we would trust that as far as the lights shine, we can travel unafraid and ready to deal with whatever might appear before us….we would trust our headlights and proceed to our final destination assured that if we follow the light, we will arrive safe and secure.
The same is true for us in our Christian journey of life. We know our final destination is home…our heavenly home; but unless we trust the headlights on our vehicle, we may never leave the comforts of the driveway. Maybe God is calling you to trust Him and move out in faith to lead a Bible study, to go on a summer mission trip, to comfort a co-worker and speak of your faith in Christ….you don’t have to know the outcome; you just have to trust the “lights” that God is using to illuminate your path.
My favorite Old Testament scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God knows our future is forever with Him and our hope is our eternal home in Heaven that He has prepared….nothing else really matters….but if your are like my cousin and need to know the end of the story first, then turn to Revelation 22:20 and read,
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”
Trusting His Word to Light My Path,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
The Bible is God’s headlights
To light the unseen way;
We need not know the destination
But just trust Him for today.
For when we put our faith in Him
His plans for us are sure;
To live a life in Him complete….
Righteous …Holy….Pure.
WPQ January 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
R U Making a Difference?
Today’s thought is a true story that was sent to me by a friend in an email under the heading, “everyone is special.” Please read on and see if you don’t agree….
At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years. During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students. However, I have also had my share of what I call 'musically challenged' pupils - one such pupil being Robby…..
Now, Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano, so I took him as a student.
Well, Robby began his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary piano pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened, cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he would always say 'My mom's going to hear me play someday'. But to me, it seemed hopeless; he just did not have any inborn ability.
As it was, I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled, but never dropped in. Then one day Robby stopped coming for his lessons. I thought about calling him, but assumed that because of his lack of ability he had decided to pursue something else. I was also glad that he had stopped coming - he was a bad advertisement for my teaching!
Several weeks later I mailed a flyer recital to the students' homes. To my surprise, Robby (who had received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and that because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. He told me that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons, but that he had been practicing. 'Please Miss Honor, I've just got to play' he insisted. I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital - perhaps it was his insistence or maybe something inside of me saying that it would be all right.
The night of the recital came and the high school gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives and friends. I put Robby last in the program, just before I was to come up, thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he might do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my 'curtain closer'.
Well, the recital went off without a hitch; the students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on the stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked as though he had run an egg beater through it. 'Why wasn't he dressed up like the other students?' I thought. 'Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?'
Robby pulled out the piano bench, and I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen to play Mozart's Concerto No. 21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys; they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso; his suspended chords that Mozart demands were
magnificent!
Never had I heard Mozart played so well by anyone his age.
After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo, and everyone was on their feet in wild applause! Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. 'I have never heard you play like that Robby! How did you do it?
Through the microphone Robby explained: 'Well, Miss Honor, remember I told you that my mom was sick? Well, she actually had cancer and passed away this morning. And well ...... she was born deaf, so tonight was the first time she had ever heard me play, and I wanted to make it special.'
There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy. I thought to myself then how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.
No, I have never had a prodigy, but that night I became a prodigy ....... of Robby. He was the teacher and I was the pupil; for he had taught me the meaning of perseverance…of love… and of believing in yourself when all others might have their doubts. He taught me that everyone is special….all they need is a chance and a little encouragement to become the person God wants them to be.
So the question becomes by friend, are you making a difference as an encourager in the life of someone you know? It only takes a moment or a quick smile sometimes to provide the emotional lift that someone needs to keep going when all the odds seemed stacked against them…are you reaching out with an open hand and saying, “Let me help…let me encourage you to never give up; to believe in your dream and in yourself.”
God has done that for you through His Son and the gift of His Holy Spirit indwelling in you….go and do likewise!!
Longing to be called Barnabas….”Son of Encouragement”,
WPQ
At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years. During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students. However, I have also had my share of what I call 'musically challenged' pupils - one such pupil being Robby…..
Now, Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano, so I took him as a student.
Well, Robby began his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary piano pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened, cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he would always say 'My mom's going to hear me play someday'. But to me, it seemed hopeless; he just did not have any inborn ability.
As it was, I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled, but never dropped in. Then one day Robby stopped coming for his lessons. I thought about calling him, but assumed that because of his lack of ability he had decided to pursue something else. I was also glad that he had stopped coming - he was a bad advertisement for my teaching!
Several weeks later I mailed a flyer recital to the students' homes. To my surprise, Robby (who had received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and that because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. He told me that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons, but that he had been practicing. 'Please Miss Honor, I've just got to play' he insisted. I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital - perhaps it was his insistence or maybe something inside of me saying that it would be all right.
The night of the recital came and the high school gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives and friends. I put Robby last in the program, just before I was to come up, thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he might do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my 'curtain closer'.
Well, the recital went off without a hitch; the students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on the stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked as though he had run an egg beater through it. 'Why wasn't he dressed up like the other students?' I thought. 'Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?'
Robby pulled out the piano bench, and I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen to play Mozart's Concerto No. 21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys; they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso; his suspended chords that Mozart demands were
magnificent!
Never had I heard Mozart played so well by anyone his age.
After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo, and everyone was on their feet in wild applause! Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. 'I have never heard you play like that Robby! How did you do it?
Through the microphone Robby explained: 'Well, Miss Honor, remember I told you that my mom was sick? Well, she actually had cancer and passed away this morning. And well ...... she was born deaf, so tonight was the first time she had ever heard me play, and I wanted to make it special.'
There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy. I thought to myself then how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.
No, I have never had a prodigy, but that night I became a prodigy ....... of Robby. He was the teacher and I was the pupil; for he had taught me the meaning of perseverance…of love… and of believing in yourself when all others might have their doubts. He taught me that everyone is special….all they need is a chance and a little encouragement to become the person God wants them to be.
So the question becomes by friend, are you making a difference as an encourager in the life of someone you know? It only takes a moment or a quick smile sometimes to provide the emotional lift that someone needs to keep going when all the odds seemed stacked against them…are you reaching out with an open hand and saying, “Let me help…let me encourage you to never give up; to believe in your dream and in yourself.”
God has done that for you through His Son and the gift of His Holy Spirit indwelling in you….go and do likewise!!
Longing to be called Barnabas….”Son of Encouragement”,
WPQ
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Who’s Driving the Boat?
When I began my active duty in the Navy, I reported to my duty station, the USS Strong, without a billet classification; so, I was immediately assigned to the Deck Force. Now besides being in charge of the overall upkeep the ship, it was our job to steer the ship…to man the helm while underway.
I’ll never forget my trepidation when I took hold of the helm for the very first time. I was in the middle of the Atlantic, water surrounding me on all sides, no lines or boundaries or demarcations of any type to give me a point of reference ….absolutely nothing to help aim the ship and steer toward a destination. I only had the big wheel and a heading marker that gave our course direction in degrees.
I truly wanted to panic…but then the Officer of the Deck, the one who was in charge of directing our course, shouted out a command, “Come to a heading of 175 degrees north, speed 15 knots.” I immediately shouted back his command and began to spin the wheel and watched as the heading began to change…..155 …160….165…170…and then, I reversed the wheel several turns until the heading was exactly 175. We were on course and heading toward the direction that the OOD had called out. Now, I’m not sure how he knew exactly where we were heading or the calculations that were required to make sure that we stayed on course to our final destination….but day or night, whenever I was at the helm, I knew I could trust the Officer of the Deck to give me the exact heading to steer that would take me and my shipmates safely to our final port of call.
The same is true in our Christian experience as we set sail across the stormy waters we know as life. We are at the helm of our ship, seeking to sail safely through to our final port of call….but fear, anxiety confusion and so much more cloud our vision and make the way treacherous….in fact, all too often we fail to even leave the safety of the harbor.
But Jesus said in His word that he would provide us an Officer of the Deck…one whose commands we could follow and obey…one who would be with us and guide our journey.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7
The Holy Spirit is with you today as you take hold of the helm ….He has come to give you guidance and direction and to help you steer through the treacheries of life. The sailing will not always be smooth; your ship may be come battered and torn; you may want to turn around and return to the safety of the harbor….but you can trust the Officer of the Deck.
The Holy Spirit has made all the necessary calculations and he knows the waters, the currents and the ebb and flow of the tides. You can trust him to lead you to the calling that God has placed on your life. You can remain calm when seas toss you about and know that he can overcome any storm and lead you safely through to calm, still waters.
So, today ….get a firm grip on the helm of your life and listen intently for the voice of the Holy Spirit as he calls out the heading for today’s journey. It may be through uncharted waters or simply a shake down cruise that prepares you for a longer, more arduous journey…..but no matter the destination, you will arrive safely home...where you will be greeted by the Father’s loving arms and a whisper of …
“Well Done, my child….WELL DONE!”
Tossed Upon Life’s Waters….Steering Safely Toward Home,
WPQ
I’ll never forget my trepidation when I took hold of the helm for the very first time. I was in the middle of the Atlantic, water surrounding me on all sides, no lines or boundaries or demarcations of any type to give me a point of reference ….absolutely nothing to help aim the ship and steer toward a destination. I only had the big wheel and a heading marker that gave our course direction in degrees.
I truly wanted to panic…but then the Officer of the Deck, the one who was in charge of directing our course, shouted out a command, “Come to a heading of 175 degrees north, speed 15 knots.” I immediately shouted back his command and began to spin the wheel and watched as the heading began to change…..155 …160….165…170…and then, I reversed the wheel several turns until the heading was exactly 175. We were on course and heading toward the direction that the OOD had called out. Now, I’m not sure how he knew exactly where we were heading or the calculations that were required to make sure that we stayed on course to our final destination….but day or night, whenever I was at the helm, I knew I could trust the Officer of the Deck to give me the exact heading to steer that would take me and my shipmates safely to our final port of call.
The same is true in our Christian experience as we set sail across the stormy waters we know as life. We are at the helm of our ship, seeking to sail safely through to our final port of call….but fear, anxiety confusion and so much more cloud our vision and make the way treacherous….in fact, all too often we fail to even leave the safety of the harbor.
But Jesus said in His word that he would provide us an Officer of the Deck…one whose commands we could follow and obey…one who would be with us and guide our journey.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7
The Holy Spirit is with you today as you take hold of the helm ….He has come to give you guidance and direction and to help you steer through the treacheries of life. The sailing will not always be smooth; your ship may be come battered and torn; you may want to turn around and return to the safety of the harbor….but you can trust the Officer of the Deck.
The Holy Spirit has made all the necessary calculations and he knows the waters, the currents and the ebb and flow of the tides. You can trust him to lead you to the calling that God has placed on your life. You can remain calm when seas toss you about and know that he can overcome any storm and lead you safely through to calm, still waters.
So, today ….get a firm grip on the helm of your life and listen intently for the voice of the Holy Spirit as he calls out the heading for today’s journey. It may be through uncharted waters or simply a shake down cruise that prepares you for a longer, more arduous journey…..but no matter the destination, you will arrive safely home...where you will be greeted by the Father’s loving arms and a whisper of …
“Well Done, my child….WELL DONE!”
Tossed Upon Life’s Waters….Steering Safely Toward Home,
WPQ
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
R U SOLD OUT 4 JESUS?
One of my favorite miracles that Jesus performs early in His ministry occurs upon his return to his disciples’ hometown of Capernaum. He is probably relaxing at the home of Simon Peter, Matthew or James or John, the brothers of Zebedee.
As is typical, where Jesus went, large crowds followed as we read in Mark 2:1-5.
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by the four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
There are 5 things that we should examine regarding this miracle…..5 “C’s” that led this paralytic to end up in front of Jesus to be healed….
The first C is the CONCERN of the four that brought him to Jesus. These men knew their friend had a need for healing, perhaps both physical and spiritual.
Secondly, they were CONVICTED that Christ alone could meet their friend’s need. They had probably heard of the miraculous healings that were taking place across the region where Christ was ministering and teaching and they took it upon themselves to get him to Jesus.
Thirdly, they had CONSECREATED themselves to the task at hand and to seeing that their friend had an audience with Jesus…they were “sold out” to overcoming anything that might hinder or stand in their way of having Jesus meet the need of this friend…they had sold out to serving their friend unconditionally in seeking Jesus.
The fourth C deals with both their CREATIVITY, as well as their COOPERATION. The door was blocked and no one was leaving. I’m sure that people were peering through the windows and the way in looked insurmountable….so they looked up and decided the roof was their best plan of attack. But without the cooperation of all four men, it would have been impossible to carry their friend to the roof, dig through and then lower him down in front of Jesus….and then the best part of the miracle happens...
Scripture tells us. “When Jesus saw their faith,” he says to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven….” And after, chastising the religious scribes for their cynical and hypocritical hearts, Jesus tells the paralytic to take up his bed and go home.
Yes, the paralytic picked up his bed and the fifth “C” happened. He, and most likely his four friends were CONVERTED…..They knew that they had experienced God first-hand for verse 12 says, “And he rose up immediately, picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
I’m sure that no one was more amazed than the former paralytic and his four friends….they had come expecting to see Jesus and left glorifying God and proclaiming the miracle that God had done in their lives….so the question today is really quite simple.
Do you possess the faith of the friends so that you are sold out for Jesus and are willing to be concerned, convicted, consecrated, creative and cooperative to bring others to Jesus so that they may be converted by the love and the healing touch of Jesus?
What obstacles are standing in your way to being all that you can be for Jesus?
Take a moment today and ask God who can you carry to Jesus….He’s waiting to see your faith in action.
Working to be found a good and faithful servant,
WPQ
As is typical, where Jesus went, large crowds followed as we read in Mark 2:1-5.
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by the four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
There are 5 things that we should examine regarding this miracle…..5 “C’s” that led this paralytic to end up in front of Jesus to be healed….
The first C is the CONCERN of the four that brought him to Jesus. These men knew their friend had a need for healing, perhaps both physical and spiritual.
Secondly, they were CONVICTED that Christ alone could meet their friend’s need. They had probably heard of the miraculous healings that were taking place across the region where Christ was ministering and teaching and they took it upon themselves to get him to Jesus.
Thirdly, they had CONSECREATED themselves to the task at hand and to seeing that their friend had an audience with Jesus…they were “sold out” to overcoming anything that might hinder or stand in their way of having Jesus meet the need of this friend…they had sold out to serving their friend unconditionally in seeking Jesus.
The fourth C deals with both their CREATIVITY, as well as their COOPERATION. The door was blocked and no one was leaving. I’m sure that people were peering through the windows and the way in looked insurmountable….so they looked up and decided the roof was their best plan of attack. But without the cooperation of all four men, it would have been impossible to carry their friend to the roof, dig through and then lower him down in front of Jesus….and then the best part of the miracle happens...
Scripture tells us. “When Jesus saw their faith,” he says to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven….” And after, chastising the religious scribes for their cynical and hypocritical hearts, Jesus tells the paralytic to take up his bed and go home.
Yes, the paralytic picked up his bed and the fifth “C” happened. He, and most likely his four friends were CONVERTED…..They knew that they had experienced God first-hand for verse 12 says, “And he rose up immediately, picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
I’m sure that no one was more amazed than the former paralytic and his four friends….they had come expecting to see Jesus and left glorifying God and proclaiming the miracle that God had done in their lives….so the question today is really quite simple.
Do you possess the faith of the friends so that you are sold out for Jesus and are willing to be concerned, convicted, consecrated, creative and cooperative to bring others to Jesus so that they may be converted by the love and the healing touch of Jesus?
What obstacles are standing in your way to being all that you can be for Jesus?
Take a moment today and ask God who can you carry to Jesus….He’s waiting to see your faith in action.
Working to be found a good and faithful servant,
WPQ
Monday, January 24, 2011
K. I. S. S.
At sometime or at some point in our life, someone has told us to follow the advice of the acronym above….Keep It Simple Stupid….in fact, in more times than I like to recall that advice has been used on me. But today, I would like for us to see this acronym in a different light …I want us to KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT.
For everyone that calls themselves a Christian, I fear that all too often we make the Christian life harder and more complicated than God ever intended….follow my thinking for just a moment and you might find yourself in agreement.
Too often, we make the Christian life about the Regiment and not the Relationship. We spend all of our time trying to go to church, attend men’s or women’s fellowships, become part of a couple’s Bible study or attend a mid-week prayer service and other church functions. This often leads to our failure to remember it’s about our relationship with our Savior and not our regiment of responsibilities.
Yes, we need to be immersed in the fellowship of a solid, Bible-believing, God-honoring Christian church; however, we should never substitute DOING for BEING….the life of a Christian is not about what we do, but who we are and who we are constantly becoming in Christ Jesus.
God (as always) said it best in Scripture through his prophet, Micah, who used the acronym, KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT, when he wrote, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
God has given us the triune of truth in this simple statement of how to please and honor Him….First, we are to act JUSTLY….to provide justice in all our dealings with all those that He brings into our lives. Simply put, DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!! And you might ask….What is the right thing? It is what Jesus would do if He were standing in your shoes; so the question in any situation is always, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Secondly, God tells us to love mercy….to give more mercy than we receive. Jesus said it this way, “Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44
God, in His infinite mercy, has made a way for you to come back to a right relationship with Him through the shed blood of His Son….you are to do likewise…to offer mercy and restore broken relationships to wholeness through the love and compassion that is available in Jesus. And lastly…..
You are to walk humbly with your God….and why would you ever begin a journey of a lifetime with someone you don’t know personally? God has called each of us to sainthood….to becoming more like Jesus every step, every day…In every moment, in every way; we are to mimic Christ so that when others see us, THEY SEE JESUS!!!!!
Your life today can be made richer and fuller in Christ if you will just heed the words of Micah and learn to KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT….Let go of the routines, the rituals and start working on the RELATIONSHIP ….Jesus is waiting for you to draw closer to him by following these three simple steps….love justice, love mercy, love Jesus.
Living for Jesus…Drawing closer to Him,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
Father, it is through your Spirit
We are filled with your love and power.
Please make us more like Jesus
Each day and every hour.
Keep us humble in our daily walk
May our journey be in this…
We long to honor Jesus
When we simply abide in K.I.S.S.
WPQ January 2011
For everyone that calls themselves a Christian, I fear that all too often we make the Christian life harder and more complicated than God ever intended….follow my thinking for just a moment and you might find yourself in agreement.
Too often, we make the Christian life about the Regiment and not the Relationship. We spend all of our time trying to go to church, attend men’s or women’s fellowships, become part of a couple’s Bible study or attend a mid-week prayer service and other church functions. This often leads to our failure to remember it’s about our relationship with our Savior and not our regiment of responsibilities.
Yes, we need to be immersed in the fellowship of a solid, Bible-believing, God-honoring Christian church; however, we should never substitute DOING for BEING….the life of a Christian is not about what we do, but who we are and who we are constantly becoming in Christ Jesus.
God (as always) said it best in Scripture through his prophet, Micah, who used the acronym, KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT, when he wrote, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
God has given us the triune of truth in this simple statement of how to please and honor Him….First, we are to act JUSTLY….to provide justice in all our dealings with all those that He brings into our lives. Simply put, DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!! And you might ask….What is the right thing? It is what Jesus would do if He were standing in your shoes; so the question in any situation is always, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Secondly, God tells us to love mercy….to give more mercy than we receive. Jesus said it this way, “Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44
God, in His infinite mercy, has made a way for you to come back to a right relationship with Him through the shed blood of His Son….you are to do likewise…to offer mercy and restore broken relationships to wholeness through the love and compassion that is available in Jesus. And lastly…..
You are to walk humbly with your God….and why would you ever begin a journey of a lifetime with someone you don’t know personally? God has called each of us to sainthood….to becoming more like Jesus every step, every day…In every moment, in every way; we are to mimic Christ so that when others see us, THEY SEE JESUS!!!!!
Your life today can be made richer and fuller in Christ if you will just heed the words of Micah and learn to KEEP IT SIMPLE SAINT….Let go of the routines, the rituals and start working on the RELATIONSHIP ….Jesus is waiting for you to draw closer to him by following these three simple steps….love justice, love mercy, love Jesus.
Living for Jesus…Drawing closer to Him,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
Father, it is through your Spirit
We are filled with your love and power.
Please make us more like Jesus
Each day and every hour.
Keep us humble in our daily walk
May our journey be in this…
We long to honor Jesus
When we simply abide in K.I.S.S.
WPQ January 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Living On The Sidelines?
There are many Christians in our world today that are living on the sidelines of life. They have given their hearts to the Lord, asked for forgiveness and been “born again”; but it is at that point where their growth stops and complacency begins.
They are playing it safe…not venturing too far from the safe harbor of church, home and family. They have heard the Great Commission, but somehow have determined that it doesn’t apply to them. Their witness is lukewarm at best; their motto being, “No harm, No foul!” They applaud the good works of others, but seldom look for opportunities to share their faith and be counted for God in a world that is increasingly hostile.
Christ had something important to say about this in Matthew 16:24-26, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?”
In other words, playing it safe just won’t cut it for God! He is calling each of us out of our “comfort zones” and challenging us to take up our cross and live a life for Him.
Sure, there will be hardships, trials, set-backs, disappointments and calamities….but where’s the profit in playing it safe and missing out on all that God has promised those who faithfully seek His will and walk in obedience. Christ told us that He came to give us L I F E….So, what are you exchanging for the life that Christ has promised?
There is a payoff to the rest of this passage in Matthew as Christ continues in the next verse, “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of the Father….and then He will REWARD each according to what he has done.”
How you live; what you do for Christ and His Kingdom; the willingness to lose your life in obedience to Him….all these will determine what Christ and His angels bring with them as your reward. So, take a good look at your life…do you like what you see? Are you losing your life in Christ? Have you forsaken all and taken up the cross of Christ?
There’s an old saying that applies to any contest that says, “YOU CAN’T WIN UNLESS YOU ENTER…..and that surely applies to life. You can not be all that God wants you to be; you can not accomplish all that God wants you to do; you can not live the life that God desires for you…living on the sidelines.
You’ve got to get in the game, mix it up and trust that God will make all things work out for good as you love Him and seek His face. Lose your life in Him and you’ll come out the winner… It’s a PROMISE you can believe ….and a life that’s well worth living….
Remember…YOU’VE GOT TO ENTER TO BE A WINNER…. For Jesus is coming again soon and He will be bringing the reward you have earned ….are you ready and waiting on the sidelines …or are you working for His return?
The choice is yours ….the answer is eternal!
Counting the days…watching the eastern sky,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
For all who call on Jesus’ name
We believe this simple fact.
He’s gone to prepare for us a place,
But soon, HE’S COMING BACK!
He’s coming with His angels
To reward those He calls His own…
Then we’ll all ascend to Heaven
To worship Him around His throne.
WPQ Jan.2011
They are playing it safe…not venturing too far from the safe harbor of church, home and family. They have heard the Great Commission, but somehow have determined that it doesn’t apply to them. Their witness is lukewarm at best; their motto being, “No harm, No foul!” They applaud the good works of others, but seldom look for opportunities to share their faith and be counted for God in a world that is increasingly hostile.
Christ had something important to say about this in Matthew 16:24-26, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?”
In other words, playing it safe just won’t cut it for God! He is calling each of us out of our “comfort zones” and challenging us to take up our cross and live a life for Him.
Sure, there will be hardships, trials, set-backs, disappointments and calamities….but where’s the profit in playing it safe and missing out on all that God has promised those who faithfully seek His will and walk in obedience. Christ told us that He came to give us L I F E….So, what are you exchanging for the life that Christ has promised?
There is a payoff to the rest of this passage in Matthew as Christ continues in the next verse, “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of the Father….and then He will REWARD each according to what he has done.”
How you live; what you do for Christ and His Kingdom; the willingness to lose your life in obedience to Him….all these will determine what Christ and His angels bring with them as your reward. So, take a good look at your life…do you like what you see? Are you losing your life in Christ? Have you forsaken all and taken up the cross of Christ?
There’s an old saying that applies to any contest that says, “YOU CAN’T WIN UNLESS YOU ENTER…..and that surely applies to life. You can not be all that God wants you to be; you can not accomplish all that God wants you to do; you can not live the life that God desires for you…living on the sidelines.
You’ve got to get in the game, mix it up and trust that God will make all things work out for good as you love Him and seek His face. Lose your life in Him and you’ll come out the winner… It’s a PROMISE you can believe ….and a life that’s well worth living….
Remember…YOU’VE GOT TO ENTER TO BE A WINNER…. For Jesus is coming again soon and He will be bringing the reward you have earned ….are you ready and waiting on the sidelines …or are you working for His return?
The choice is yours ….the answer is eternal!
Counting the days…watching the eastern sky,
WPQ
Thought for the Day:
For all who call on Jesus’ name
We believe this simple fact.
He’s gone to prepare for us a place,
But soon, HE’S COMING BACK!
He’s coming with His angels
To reward those He calls His own…
Then we’ll all ascend to Heaven
To worship Him around His throne.
WPQ Jan.2011
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