Thanksgiving is next week. I love Thanksgiving because it's the one time a year I see a lot of my family; plus the food is awesome. I want to use this blog post to take a quick look at what Thanksgiving is to a Christian, and I'm not talking about the American tradition necessarily.
Psalm 100
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his,
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
This psalm is awesome! It teaches us about thanksgiving and the phrase "Know that the Lord is God" is the lynchpin of the psalm.
Also, when Christians have Thanksgiving they remember the good God has done for them. Remember the hymn "Count Your Many Blessings". Do that. List and see what God has done; "and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
I have so many to list that this blog would get ridiculously long if I did, so I wont do it in a blog. But if you are reading this you are most likely one of those blessings.
Finally, when a Christian celebrates Thanksgiving he/she should look at Deuteronomy chapter 16. Here Moses writes down God's decrees for certain parties the Jews will have. These parties sound lavish and awesome, but I don't want to overlook a key ingredient.
During these feast God says, "No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you."
This means we should present a gift to God at these celebrations. So I challenge you to do this. This can mean donating food to a food bank, giving more than your tithe in the offering, etc. Do something to thank God for blessing you.
I personally packed a shoe-box for Operation Christmas Child. This is a fun, easy, creative way to give your gift to God and give the gift of God to someone else. You see Christian living is all about loving God and loving people. I feel this tradition is an awesome tradition for a Christian Thanksgiving.
So count you many blessings, know the Lord is God and don't appear before the Lord empty-handed. Love Jesus today.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Matthew 8
Faith.
This word is such a simple word in our Christian lives. We say it without thinking. Really think about what Faith is while you read Matthew chapter 8.
Here are some thoughts on Faith from this chapter.
Jesus sees many people in this chapter; some have Faith, some don't. Which are you?
The man with leprosy had Faith. "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean?' Do you have Faith like this man that God can do anything he wants to do?
The centurion. "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." This man had Faith that God has the power to command. Do you believe this? When Jesus heard the centurion's statement, "he was astonished", do you have Faith that astonishes Jesus?
Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law and she got up and began to serve Jesus. When Jesus fulfills our need prayed to him by faith do we return to Jesus with an attitude of servitude or apathy?
I wont go into those in this chapter that didn't have much Faith because we've seen that side of the coin too much in real life. But here's a reason for Faith out of the mouth of a demon: "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?'
Boom! Even the demons know that Jesus wins in the end and they will be tortured. How can we not have Faith in the winning team?
Pray for more Faith today.
This word is such a simple word in our Christian lives. We say it without thinking. Really think about what Faith is while you read Matthew chapter 8.
Here are some thoughts on Faith from this chapter.
Jesus sees many people in this chapter; some have Faith, some don't. Which are you?
The man with leprosy had Faith. "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean?' Do you have Faith like this man that God can do anything he wants to do?
The centurion. "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." This man had Faith that God has the power to command. Do you believe this? When Jesus heard the centurion's statement, "he was astonished", do you have Faith that astonishes Jesus?
Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law and she got up and began to serve Jesus. When Jesus fulfills our need prayed to him by faith do we return to Jesus with an attitude of servitude or apathy?
I wont go into those in this chapter that didn't have much Faith because we've seen that side of the coin too much in real life. But here's a reason for Faith out of the mouth of a demon: "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?'
Boom! Even the demons know that Jesus wins in the end and they will be tortured. How can we not have Faith in the winning team?
Pray for more Faith today.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Matthew 7
Matthew 7 is the final chapter of the account of the Sermon on the Mount. This chapter is also awesome and packed with good, practical advice. But in reading it a few things stood out to me.
Jesus begins the chapter (not that he spoke in chapters) by saying, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." This is the non-Christian's favorite verse of the Bible. This may be better known than John 3:16 to most of the world.
People hate to be judged, and they should hate being judged. Jesus is serious when he commands us not to judge unless we like being judged. Still, I'm bad at this. I will judge someone based on what they wear. I'll judge you from the first moment I see you. I hope this doesn't scare you away, but it's true. Jesus is commanding me not to judge and I need to listen!
Judging is what non-Christians hate most about Christians. I get it too. We become exclusive when we judge... and we should never be exclusive.
However, God is exclusive. I'm not saying God doesn't love everyone. He does. But he is Holy and can't be any other way. Read this, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it".
Some loving God, huh?! Hell is going to be more crowded with people than Heaven?! Some loving God! Yes, he is very loving. We all deserve Hell, all of us. It is unfair that any receive Heaven.
Here's the tough thing. We Christians are called to not judge, and we are told that many people are walking straight to Hell. What are we to do? Is it judging to tell them they are wrong, to say 'look out, cliff ahead'?
Jesus leaves us hanging, doesn't he? He contradicts himself, doesn't he? No, he doesn't. The glue that holds these two statements both together as truth is Love. Love is the difference. Look at verse 12. The Golden Rule: "Do to others what you would have them do to you." When we are discerning whether we are judgmental or whether we are warning others of impending doom, we just need to test it with The Golden Rule.
If you are warning someone out of Love, good. If you are trying to look superior, don't do it.
For example: if I can't afford nice shirts don't judge me by pointing that out to me. You wouldn't want that done to you, would you? If I have dropped mustard on my shirt then tell me. You would want me to do that for you, wouldn't you? The heart is the key.
So love people. Warn them about the penalty of sin and point them to Jesus who can fix them. Do not judge for judging's sake according to your standard; or God will gladly judge you according to his standard, which is perfection.
Love and do not judge today, but fight for the Truth.
Jesus begins the chapter (not that he spoke in chapters) by saying, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." This is the non-Christian's favorite verse of the Bible. This may be better known than John 3:16 to most of the world.
People hate to be judged, and they should hate being judged. Jesus is serious when he commands us not to judge unless we like being judged. Still, I'm bad at this. I will judge someone based on what they wear. I'll judge you from the first moment I see you. I hope this doesn't scare you away, but it's true. Jesus is commanding me not to judge and I need to listen!
Judging is what non-Christians hate most about Christians. I get it too. We become exclusive when we judge... and we should never be exclusive.
However, God is exclusive. I'm not saying God doesn't love everyone. He does. But he is Holy and can't be any other way. Read this, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it".
Some loving God, huh?! Hell is going to be more crowded with people than Heaven?! Some loving God! Yes, he is very loving. We all deserve Hell, all of us. It is unfair that any receive Heaven.
Here's the tough thing. We Christians are called to not judge, and we are told that many people are walking straight to Hell. What are we to do? Is it judging to tell them they are wrong, to say 'look out, cliff ahead'?
Jesus leaves us hanging, doesn't he? He contradicts himself, doesn't he? No, he doesn't. The glue that holds these two statements both together as truth is Love. Love is the difference. Look at verse 12. The Golden Rule: "Do to others what you would have them do to you." When we are discerning whether we are judgmental or whether we are warning others of impending doom, we just need to test it with The Golden Rule.
If you are warning someone out of Love, good. If you are trying to look superior, don't do it.
For example: if I can't afford nice shirts don't judge me by pointing that out to me. You wouldn't want that done to you, would you? If I have dropped mustard on my shirt then tell me. You would want me to do that for you, wouldn't you? The heart is the key.
So love people. Warn them about the penalty of sin and point them to Jesus who can fix them. Do not judge for judging's sake according to your standard; or God will gladly judge you according to his standard, which is perfection.
Love and do not judge today, but fight for the Truth.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Matthew 6
Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. This chapter is full of great, applicable, everyday truths. I will touch on a few. If you want to read an in-depth blog on just The Lord's Prayer check out patrickrussellray.blogspot.com
1) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us to be careful who gets the glory.
Jesus says, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.
When we give to the needy, when we pray, and when we fast (notice Jesus does not say 'if') we are to do so for the glory of God. We don't need to make an announcement. Jesus knows the identity of an anonymous giver. Jesus knows when you fast even when you don't exclaim, "I'm so hungry". Jesus hears us pray in our room alone.
2) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us to think about Heaven.
"Store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
If our thoughts are on Heaven our hearts will be in Heaven. Heaven is real... the rewards of Heaven are real... and we can do something about that now. Rather than serving money or our pride; do things in secret and trust in God for great is our reward in Heaven if we do. And I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get to Heaven and I want to be able to hear God say, "Well done good and faithful servant". I want treasure in Heaven.
3) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us not to worry.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
I come from a family of worry-warts. We worry about what we will do this weekend. What we're going to eat tonight. We worry why so-and-so might be mad at us. Well, we shouldn't worry. Flowers don't worry about clothes and they are beautiful... because God wants them to be that way. God's plan will prevail. Worrying doesn't make a positive difference (if anything you'll die sooner). Rather, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." If we are consumed by the Kingdom of Heaven, God will take care of the rest and then some. This isn't prosperity gospel, it's truth. As the old hymn says "God will take care of you".
So trust God, think about your treasure in Heaven and give all the glory to God today.
1) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us to be careful who gets the glory.
Jesus says, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.
When we give to the needy, when we pray, and when we fast (notice Jesus does not say 'if') we are to do so for the glory of God. We don't need to make an announcement. Jesus knows the identity of an anonymous giver. Jesus knows when you fast even when you don't exclaim, "I'm so hungry". Jesus hears us pray in our room alone.
2) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us to think about Heaven.
"Store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
If our thoughts are on Heaven our hearts will be in Heaven. Heaven is real... the rewards of Heaven are real... and we can do something about that now. Rather than serving money or our pride; do things in secret and trust in God for great is our reward in Heaven if we do. And I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get to Heaven and I want to be able to hear God say, "Well done good and faithful servant". I want treasure in Heaven.
3) In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us not to worry.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
I come from a family of worry-warts. We worry about what we will do this weekend. What we're going to eat tonight. We worry why so-and-so might be mad at us. Well, we shouldn't worry. Flowers don't worry about clothes and they are beautiful... because God wants them to be that way. God's plan will prevail. Worrying doesn't make a positive difference (if anything you'll die sooner). Rather, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." If we are consumed by the Kingdom of Heaven, God will take care of the rest and then some. This isn't prosperity gospel, it's truth. As the old hymn says "God will take care of you".
So trust God, think about your treasure in Heaven and give all the glory to God today.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Matthew 5
This chapter begins Jesus' most famous sermon, The Sermon on the Mount. There are many upon many great truths in this chapter. This chapter is so fundamental to the Christian faith as Jesus is turning the world on its head setting up a new world order.
Let's look at a few difficult sayings Jesus has in this chapter.
1) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Are you serious? Rejoice when we are persecuted? Yes! My football coach would say to our defense, "If you aren't getting blocked you're going the wrong way." If the devil isn't bothering you then you aren't about to sack him. When people persecute us because of Jesus it is a big road sign that says, "Right Way: No U-Turn." Rejoice when you get blocked because the devil doesn't mess with Christian linebackers running the wrong way.
2) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Don't lose your saltiness. Hold on to your usefulness for Christ. Keep your passion bucket full (for Dan Patrick fans). How do we lose our saltiness? A little at a time, so don't let go... endure.
3) "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
Wow. I don't get this one. It is very hard to understand and if you get it help me get it too. But I do believe this is Christ's way of saying that the law still is important and even with faith works are valuable to him. Very valuable.
4) "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away."
How can we gouge our eyes today? I know I need to do some gouging. This can mean putting the computer in a visible place where you wouldn't look at porn. This can mean not reading that gossip magazine. This means removing our stumbling blocks because purity is important as we are the bride of Christ.
5) "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
This is the most difficult saying of all. I fall very short of jumping this hurdle. But realize that this command comes after Jesus speaks about loving our enemies. I can't achieve perfection like Jesus did, but he is saying that perfection starts with love. If I can love my enemies I am closer to obeying this command.
Read the whole chapter (or hopefully you already have). Realize that Jesus is serious about flipping this world on its head and start loving people and living for Jesus today.
Let's look at a few difficult sayings Jesus has in this chapter.
1) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Are you serious? Rejoice when we are persecuted? Yes! My football coach would say to our defense, "If you aren't getting blocked you're going the wrong way." If the devil isn't bothering you then you aren't about to sack him. When people persecute us because of Jesus it is a big road sign that says, "Right Way: No U-Turn." Rejoice when you get blocked because the devil doesn't mess with Christian linebackers running the wrong way.
2) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Don't lose your saltiness. Hold on to your usefulness for Christ. Keep your passion bucket full (for Dan Patrick fans). How do we lose our saltiness? A little at a time, so don't let go... endure.
3) "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
Wow. I don't get this one. It is very hard to understand and if you get it help me get it too. But I do believe this is Christ's way of saying that the law still is important and even with faith works are valuable to him. Very valuable.
4) "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away."
How can we gouge our eyes today? I know I need to do some gouging. This can mean putting the computer in a visible place where you wouldn't look at porn. This can mean not reading that gossip magazine. This means removing our stumbling blocks because purity is important as we are the bride of Christ.
5) "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
This is the most difficult saying of all. I fall very short of jumping this hurdle. But realize that this command comes after Jesus speaks about loving our enemies. I can't achieve perfection like Jesus did, but he is saying that perfection starts with love. If I can love my enemies I am closer to obeying this command.
Read the whole chapter (or hopefully you already have). Realize that Jesus is serious about flipping this world on its head and start loving people and living for Jesus today.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Not Matthew
So, the Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew has gotten a week behind. Therefore, no new Matthew post. But I'd better write something or I'll be like Patrick (kid leaves me hangin').
Aren't good friends good? I guess by definition, yes. But have you taken time to thank God for good friends. I have been looking around me lately and realizing how lucky I am to have friends who let me be a part of their life.
I have got to believe this is a huge gift from God because I need good friends. I am the type of person (whoops, I'm talking about myself and not God. I knew bloggers were full of themselves) who needs people in their life. I get charged by people. I get excited being around people. I do like some alone time, but I love being with friends.
So thank you God for good friends and thank you friends for allowing God to use you in my life.
Having said all this, I've got to admit that I don't always love some people as a friend. There are many people out there that feel alone today and I'm not loving them. They feel that no one cares about them. Friends, be to them what you are to me. I want to be to them what you are to me: a reflection of God's love.
So reflect God's love and be a friend today, maybe even to someone you wouldn't normally think of.
Aren't good friends good? I guess by definition, yes. But have you taken time to thank God for good friends. I have been looking around me lately and realizing how lucky I am to have friends who let me be a part of their life.
I have got to believe this is a huge gift from God because I need good friends. I am the type of person (whoops, I'm talking about myself and not God. I knew bloggers were full of themselves) who needs people in their life. I get charged by people. I get excited being around people. I do like some alone time, but I love being with friends.
So thank you God for good friends and thank you friends for allowing God to use you in my life.
Having said all this, I've got to admit that I don't always love some people as a friend. There are many people out there that feel alone today and I'm not loving them. They feel that no one cares about them. Friends, be to them what you are to me. I want to be to them what you are to me: a reflection of God's love.
So reflect God's love and be a friend today, maybe even to someone you wouldn't normally think of.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Matthew 4
Matthew 4 is jam-packed so I can't possibly touch on it all, so read Matthew 4 you'll be glad you did. I do, however, want to point out a few things:
1) What is Jesus' message?
We, as I mentioned in the post 'Hijacking Jesus', have answered this question many times on our own; but let's look at what Matthew says Jesus' message is. Matthew says Jesus preaches, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven in near." Jesus' main subject when preaching was repentance. Christians many times want to get The Kingdom of Heaven without repenting. Jesus says because The Kingdom of Heaven is certainly coming (near can be translated 'certain' from the Greek) we need to repent. Repenting is not fun and in fact many Baptist like myself shy away from the word because it makes grace sound works based. Grace isn't, but true repentance produces fruit.
2) How can we be a disciple of Christ?
When we read about Jesus calling his disciples we will find some truths. First, if you are a disciple of Christ you will value him. The disciples valued Jesus so much that they left everything for him. Is God calling you to leave everything? I don't know. But ask yourself: are you willing to leave anything to follow Jesus? Many times we are not. Secondly, to be a disciple of Christ you must have a heart for other people. One thing that obviously appealed to the original disciples was the idea that they would be 'fishers of men'. They wanted to save people. Do you want to save you friends and neighbors and give them The Kingdom of Heaven?
3) How do we beat the devil?
Quickly, the devil used many things to tempt Jesus. One of those was scripture. Satan knows how to use the Bible to trick us into sin. How do we combat this? We must know scripture too and be in tune with the Holy Spirit. Know scripture in context.
4) Why was Jesus tempted?
The Spirit led Jesus into the desert TO BE tempted. It was the Holy Spirit's goal that Jesus be tempted by Satan. Why? I'm not sure, but God is all about using tough times to grow us. Before one of Jesus' greatest works (preaching) he endures one of the worst times in his life. Before he preaches he battles Satan. Later before he conquers death his is killed. What's this mean? The night is darkest right before dawn... hold on daylight is coming (to steal a Remedy Drive lyric).
God uses our tough times. Hold on... daylight is coming. We are running a race. Endurance is key when running the race! Rejoice when we are tested because through endurance and holding on to Jesus we will prevail! We will do mighty, awesome work for The Kingdom of Heaven.
Endurance is key when running he race... hold on to Jesus today!
1) What is Jesus' message?
We, as I mentioned in the post 'Hijacking Jesus', have answered this question many times on our own; but let's look at what Matthew says Jesus' message is. Matthew says Jesus preaches, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven in near." Jesus' main subject when preaching was repentance. Christians many times want to get The Kingdom of Heaven without repenting. Jesus says because The Kingdom of Heaven is certainly coming (near can be translated 'certain' from the Greek) we need to repent. Repenting is not fun and in fact many Baptist like myself shy away from the word because it makes grace sound works based. Grace isn't, but true repentance produces fruit.
2) How can we be a disciple of Christ?
When we read about Jesus calling his disciples we will find some truths. First, if you are a disciple of Christ you will value him. The disciples valued Jesus so much that they left everything for him. Is God calling you to leave everything? I don't know. But ask yourself: are you willing to leave anything to follow Jesus? Many times we are not. Secondly, to be a disciple of Christ you must have a heart for other people. One thing that obviously appealed to the original disciples was the idea that they would be 'fishers of men'. They wanted to save people. Do you want to save you friends and neighbors and give them The Kingdom of Heaven?
3) How do we beat the devil?
Quickly, the devil used many things to tempt Jesus. One of those was scripture. Satan knows how to use the Bible to trick us into sin. How do we combat this? We must know scripture too and be in tune with the Holy Spirit. Know scripture in context.
4) Why was Jesus tempted?
The Spirit led Jesus into the desert TO BE tempted. It was the Holy Spirit's goal that Jesus be tempted by Satan. Why? I'm not sure, but God is all about using tough times to grow us. Before one of Jesus' greatest works (preaching) he endures one of the worst times in his life. Before he preaches he battles Satan. Later before he conquers death his is killed. What's this mean? The night is darkest right before dawn... hold on daylight is coming (to steal a Remedy Drive lyric).
God uses our tough times. Hold on... daylight is coming. We are running a race. Endurance is key when running the race! Rejoice when we are tested because through endurance and holding on to Jesus we will prevail! We will do mighty, awesome work for The Kingdom of Heaven.
Endurance is key when running he race... hold on to Jesus today!
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