Sunday, May 26, 2019

Memorial Day 2019

Message: “Memorial Day "

I intend this to be an interactive sermon so please join in. Feel free to sprinkle a few amens or Hallelujah, raise your hands during the hymns, or however the spirit moves you.

For most people, Memorial Day is just another flag waving holiday

like the 4th of July, Flag Day, and  Labor Day.

It marks the beginning of summer. Can i get a hallelujah?


It's the weekend of the Indy 500.


School's out. Many have mixed emotions about that, Right?


The pools open. Even if the weather is cold enough to turn your lips blue, we have to at least dip our toes in the pool.


It provides the first real chance for picnics, grilling, and of course an outing to Cutty’s. How about another hallelujah?

Memorial day hasn’t always been that way though.

Memorial Day grew out of the human need to remember where we have been. The needed to remember is why we save photos, letters, trophies, odd bits of ribbon, and a million other things.

What things are in your treasure collection?

We save the past to help us gain a better view of the where we've been. Only then can we figure out where we are going.

The cherished memories of a nation, a town, a church, a family, or an individual provide the values and dream that one generation passes on to the next.

Forgetting to share with the next generation means dropping the torch, as does failing tho learn from the party generations. We as a nation have often forgotten the lessons of the past and repeated the same mistakes once again. Amen?

One of the lessons we have failed to learn is the human cost of war. It is estimated that 1,255,500 US military personnel have died on active duty, including the 620,000 during the civil war..

This is Memorial Day weekend the time set aside to remember those who died during active military service.

Memorial Day unofficially  begun during the Civil War when some concerned women decided to decorate the graves of those who had bravely given their lives in that destructive civil conflict between the states.

I’m sure similar thoughts were on the mind of President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863 as he made his way to a Pennsylvania battlefield.

He feared that he might well be the very last President of the UNITED States of America.

He had good reason for that fear. The country teetered on the brink of self-destruction. It could easily have become un-united and only a confederation of allied but separate countries.

The ceremony that afternoon was to dedicate the site of a cemetery for the over 3,500 union soldiers killed at Gettysburg in the three-day battle the previous July. However the toll was much higher when the loss of Confederate soldiers is added in. Over forty thousand American soldiers died in or because of wounds suffered in that battle.

Though it is short, his speech that day is well remembered. He said,”

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.

We are met on a great battle-field of that war.

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground.

The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—

that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Lincoln's remarks provided the seedbed for what would become Memorial Day.

           Memorial day was set up to honor, as Lincoln said, those brave men who struggled and gave their last full measure of devotion t li. Over the years, many memorials have been erected to honor a person or persons who have died.

I have visited the memorials and cemeteries in and around Washington D.C. The row upon row of white crosses standing in military precision at the Arlington National Cemetery was an overwhelming sight.

At the Vietnam Memorial, as I was standing and reading the names of those killed, I suddenly noticed my reflection in the polished black marble. I have no words to discribe the flood of emotions that came over me. Though I was never in combat, I did serve in the army during that war.

What memorials have you visited? What was your reaction?

This is a worship service so let us think for a moment of the memorials to Jesus the Christ.

           What memorials to Jesus Christ do we have? In a way, every cross and church building is a memorial to him. But the memorial that comes most readily to my mind is the communion meal where we are commanded to “Do this in remembrance of me.”

“Do this in remembrance of me.”

Remember the miracles that he did. What miracles do you remember?


Remember His lessons on how to live. What life lessons have you learned?


Remember His Descriptions of Heaven. Tell me what heaven is like


Remember His Promises. What promises have you claimed? “Where I am you will be also. I’ll be with you until the end of the age.  I’ll send a helper, the Holy Spirit


Remember His betrayal by the religious authorities. Do you remember the illegal night time “trial” with false witnesses?


Remember the betrayal by his closest friends. Who betrayed him? Judas, our course, but all of them betrayed him by abandoning him. And to keep us from becoming smug, we see reminded that "all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory." (Romans 3:23)


Remember the humiliation of his beatings, the path through the streets with the weight of the cross, the mocking crown of thorns, the nails that pierced His flesh.


Remember the agonizing effort it took for him to speak His few words from the cross. Because of the cruel nature of the crucifixion most prisoners died of asphyxiation (couldn’t breathe). And yet, Christ pushed with his nail pierced feet and pulled with his nail pierced hands to raise himself enough to breathe out some important words, “


Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do


Today you will be with me in paradise

Behold your son: behold your mother


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?


I thirst


It is finished


Father, into your hands I commit my spirit


Remember His triumph over the grave.


Remember His final words … the last commandment to His followers after the resurrection and just before he ascended into heaven.  “So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News

And always remember that He did all of it for YOU and me!

Let us now remember through Holy Communion by receiving the Bread and the Cup. Join me in the prayer of confession.

Friday, March 29, 2019

WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED?




MUSINGS - March 2, 2019


WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED?


Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. Those who want to save their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for me will find them. What good will it do for people to win the whole world and lose their lives? Or what will a person give in exchange for life?

Jesus's message to his disciples then and to us now is the sane. If any one of us wants to be his disciple, we must not do only what we ourselves want to do. We must be willing to let people hurt us and disgrace us. In Jesus's time on earth they humiliated criminals and made then carry a cross to the place where the criminals were executed. Though in this age and in most countries the criminals aren't brutalized before their exicution there is certainly humiliation through the trial and incarceration. That is what anyone who wants to be his disciple must be willing to do. We must do that, because those who try to save their lives by denying that they belong to Jesus when people want to kill them for believing in him will not live eternally, but those who are killed because of being his disciples will live with God eternally. Some people might get everything they desire in this world, but if they do not follow Jesus, they would really be gaining nothing because they would not get eternal life! So, really what would they have gained if they have not become his disciples? They will have lost their eternal life! There is absolutely nothing that people can give to God that would enable them to gain eternal life, it can not be purchased. Have you secured your life eternal buy following Jesus? This earthly life is but the tiniest portion of eternity. Your tomorrow is not guaranteed but you CAN have your forever life guaranteed by giving everything over to Jesus's control. He died so that you might live. Accept that free gift while you are still able.

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Tuesday, March 5, 2019

THE TEACHING AFTER THE SERMON

THE TEACHING AFTER THE SERMON




MUSINGS - March 05, 2019


THE TEACHING AFTER THE SERMON


Matthew 13:36-43
When Jesus had sent the people away, he went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain what the illustration of the weeds in the field means."

He answered, "The one who plants the good seeds is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seeds are those who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are those who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The workers are angels.

Just as weeds are gathered and burned, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels. They will gather everything in his kingdom that causes people to sin and everyone who does evil. The angels will throw them into a blazing furnace. People will cry and be in extreme pain there. Then the people who have God's approval will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let the person who has ears listen!

The disciples didn't understand the illustration of weeds and wheat. They still were thinking on earthly terms rather than the spiritual realm. Jesus had already explained his previous story about the seed that was planted on various soils. Yet their eyes couldn't see nor their wars hear because the minds were closed tho the spirit.

How frustrating that must have been for Jesus that his closest followers still lacked understanding. How frustrating out must still be when so many have ears but can not hear.

Clean the wax from your spiritual ears. Put on your spiritual glasses and open your bibles. Pray for understanding, then read looking for what meaning it had for YOU. Ask, Who are you in the context of the story? Are you the farmer, the worker, the enemy, the good seed, or the bad seed? Now Ask yourself, How am I changed (or to change) by what I read?

I beg you, for the sake of your eternal life, read and study the bible, listen to and think about the sermons you hear. Search for understanding.

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All content (except quotations) ©2019 Thomas E. WilliamsTHE TEACHING AFTER THE SERMON




MUSINGS - March 05, 2019


THE TEACHING AFTER THE SERMON


Matthew 13:36-43
When Jesus had sent the people away, he went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain what the illustration of the weeds in the field means."

He answered, "The one who plants the good seeds is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seeds are those who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are those who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The workers are angels.

Just as weeds are gathered and burned, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels. They will gather everything in his kingdom that causes people to sin and everyone who does evil. The angels will throw them into a blazing furnace. People will cry and be in extreme pain there. Then the people who have God's approval will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Let the person who has ears listen!

The disciples didn't understand the illustration of weeds and wheat. They still were thinking on earthly terms rather than the spiritual realm. Jesus had already explained his previous story about the seed that was planted on various soils. Yet their eyes couldn't see nor their wars hear because the minds were closed tho the spirit.

How frustrating that must have been for Jesus that his closest followers still lacked understanding. How frustrating out must still be when so many have ears but can not hear.

Clean the wax from your spiritual ears. Put on your spiritual glasses and open your bibles. Pray for understanding, then read looking for what meaning it had for YOU. Ask, Who are you in the context of the story? Are you the farmer, the worker, the enemy, the good seed, or the bad seed? Now Ask yourself, How am I changed (or to change) by what I read?

I beg you, for the sake of your eternal life, read and study the bible, listen to and think about the sermons you hear. Search for understanding.

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Saturday, March 2, 2019

WEEDS AND WHEAT




MUSINGS - March 02, 2019
WEEDS AND WHEAT


Matthew 13:24-30

Jesus used another illustration. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted good seed in his field. But while people were asleep, his enemy planted weeds in the wheat field and went away. When the wheat came up and formed kernels, weeds appeared. "The owner's workers came to him and asked, 'Sir, didn't you plant good seed in your field? Where did the weeds come from?' "He told them, 'An enemy did this.' "His workers asked him, 'Do you want us to pull out the weeds?' "He replied, 'No. If you pull out the weeds, you may pull out the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. When the grain is cut, I will tell the workers to gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to be burned. But I'll have them bring the wheat into my barn.'"

In Jesus's illustration he sharers that there will come a time of separation of the evil from the holy. That time has not yet come. There is time for God to miraculously change weeds into wheat, sinners into saved.

To be saved, the sinners must hear the good news that Jesus lived tho show the way and died to take away the sins of all humanity. Once saved, we have a duty to perform. We are not saved by works. But we are saved to work. Jesus commanded, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16)

Romans 10:13-15 says, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells the Good News? How can people tell the Good News if no one sends them? As Scripture says, "How beautiful are the feet of the messengers who announce the Good News."

If you haven't heard that Jesus has paid the price to set you free from your sin, then listen: Through the grace of God you are free from the debt of sin. You must only accept it, believe it, and act on It. Go and sin no more.

If you have heard, have accepted, have believed, then duo your duty and share the good news. That's the only way that weeds can become wheat.

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Friday, March 1, 2019

GET OFF THAT ROCK!

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MUSINGS - March 01, 2019

GET OFF THAT ROCK!

Matthew 13:1-23
That same day Jesus left the house and sat down by the Sea of Galilee. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat. He sat in the boat while the entire crowd stood on the shore. Then he used stories as illustrations to tell them many things. He said, "Listen! A farmer went to plant seed. Some seeds were planted along the road, and birds came and devoured them. Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up, they were scorched. They withered because their roots weren't deep enough. Other seeds were planted among thornbushes, and the thornbushes grew up and choked them. But other seeds were planted on good ground and produced grain. They produced one hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much as was planted. Let the person who has ears listen!" The disciples asked him, "Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?" Jesus answered, "Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don't understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they're blind. They hear, but they don't listen. They don't even try to understand. So they make Isaiah's prophecy come true: 'You will hear clearly but never understand. You will see clearly but never comprehend. These people have become close-minded and hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. And they never return to me for healing!' "Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. I can guarantee this truth: Many prophets and many of God's people longed to see what you see but didn't see it, to hear what you hear but didn't hear it. "Listen to what the story about the farmer means. Someone hears the word about the kingdom but doesn't understand it. The evil one comes at once and snatches away what was planted in him. This is what the seed planted along the road illustrates. The seed planted on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and accepts it at once with joy. Since he doesn't have any root, he lasts only a little while. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls from faith. The seed planted among thornbushes is another person who hears the word. But the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can't produce anything. But the seed planted on good ground is the person who hears and understands the word. This type produces crops. They produce one hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much as was planted."

There is no interpretation needed here. Jesus himself explained the parable.

Unlike seeds, if you are on rocky ground, you can move to good soil. On the end times you will not greet by with the excuse, "I heard, but I was on a rock and couldn't grow. It's not my fault!"

Don't be like Those people who have become close-minded and hard of hearing. Who have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Whose ears never hear and minds that never understand. Get off that rock!

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Thursday, February 28, 2019

CLOSER THAN FAMILY


MUSINGS - February 26, 2019


CLOSER THAN FAMILY


Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was still talking to the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside. They wanted to talk to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside. They want to talk to you." He replied to the man speaking to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing with his hand at his disciples, he said, "Look, here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother and sister and mother."

Throughout this chapter Jesus had been responding to the Pharisees. Now, however, he is talking to the crowd. And while he was still talking, still teaching, still preaching he was interrupted with news that his mother and brothers wanted to talk to him.

I have some trouble imaging what that interruption would be like, to be in the middle of delivering a sermon and be told that my family wanted to talk to me. Can you imagine this happening in your church, with your pastor being interrupted by family members who have cone to visit? How disrespectful that was to Jesus and the to the crowd! It would be as if what his family had to say was more important than his teachings.

Jesus made use of the interruption as he turned it into a teaching moment. "Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother and sister and mother."

Who is your family? Are they the ones who share the same DNA? Or are they those who share the same beliefs, hopes, and convictions? Are these closer than family?

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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

GO AND SIN NO MORE


MUSINGS - February 25, 2019
GO AND SIN NO MORE


Matthew 12:43-45
"When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it goes through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't find any. Then it says, 'I'll go back to the home I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself. They enter and take up permanent residence there. In the end the condition of that person is worse than it was before. That is what will happen to the evil people of this day."

Jesus was still speaking to the Pharisees, who had come asking for Jesus to do a miracle. He now explains what happens when the soul had been cleansed. He then warned that the freshly cleaned "house", if left empty, was like having a welcome mat and an unlocked door.

What does that teaching mean tho us? Do you remember the story of the woman caught in adultry? (John 8:2-11) The last thing Jesus said to her was, "Go and sin no more." Once we are freed from sin, we are to go and sin no more. But the reality is, it is humanly impossible to sin no more. Sin happens anytime that we choose our own will instead of following the will of God.

Sin literally means to miss the mark or wander from the path. Once we have been set back pin the correct path we need to stay on it. Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit as our guide. And by having the Spirit indwelling we don't need to worry that our "house" had been left empty.

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Monday, February 25, 2019

PRODUCE INSPECTOR


MUSINGS - February 24, 2019

PRODUCE INSPECTOR
Matthew 12:33-37
"Make a tree good, and then its fruit will be good. Or make a tree rotten, and then its fruit will be rotten. A person can recognize a tree by its fruit. You poisonous snakes! How can you evil people say anything good? Your mouth says what comes from inside you. Good people do the good things that are in them. But evil people do the evil things that are in them. "I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty." Jesus is here still speaking to the Pharisees who had claimed that he was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. He now tells them that you can tell what kind of tree it is by the fruit it produces.

Jesus, the tree of life, produces only good fruit. His fruit was that blind people see again, lame people are walking, those with skin diseases are made clean, deaf people hear again, dead people are brought back to life, and poor people hear the Good News. (Luke 7:22)

Jesus then accuses the Pharisees of producing rotten fruit and being poisones snakes that cause only harm to the people. "You burden people with loads that are hard to carry. But you won't lift a finger to carry any of these loads." (Luke 11:46)

I warn you, before you start judging other people's fruit, check your own produce. Are you helpful or harmful? Do you liftup or put down? Do you lighten the load or increase the burden? Are you a servant to others or a slaver? Only once you have honestly checked your own fruit for rot, can you begin to judge the fruit of others.

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Saturday, February 23, 2019

UNFORGIVABLE SIN


MUSINGS - February 23, 2019 

UNFORGIVABLE SIN


Matthew 12:30-32
"Whoever isn't with me is against me. Whoever doesn't gather with me scatters. So I can guarantee that people will be forgiven for any sin or cursing. However, cursing the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this world or the next.

There is a sin that will never be forgiven, not in this age (the world) nor the next (heaven). That is bad news. That is VERY BAD NEWS! God doesn't want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. (2 Peter 3:9) However, Jesus makes it very clear that in this one instance there is NO forgiveness.

So what exactly is Jesus speaking about? We have to go back a few verses to Matthew 12:22-24.  Jesus cured a demon possessed man who could neither see nor speak. When the Pharisees heard this, they accused Jesus of working through the power of an evil spirit. They at that point, spoke against (blasphemed) the Holy Spirit at work through Jesus. And that is the sin for which there it's no forgiveness.

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Friday, February 22, 2019

BLIND AND MUTE


MUSINGS - February 22, 2019
BLIND AND MUTE


Matthew 12:22-29
Then some people brought Jesus a man possessed by a demon. The demon made the man blind and unable to talk. Jesus cured him so that he could talk and see. The crowds were all amazed and said, "Can this man be the Son of David?" When the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man can force demons out of people only with the help of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons." Since Jesus knew what they were thinking, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined. And every city or household divided against itself will not last. If Satan forces Satan out, he is divided against himself. How, then, can his kingdom last? If I force demons out of people with the help of Beelzebul, who helps your followers force them out? That's why they will be your judges. But if I force demons out with the help of God's Spirit, then the kingdom of God has come to you. How can anyone go into a strong man's house and steal his property? First he must tie up the strong man. Then he can go through his house and steal his property.

What a poor man this was that was brought before our Lord. He could neither see nor speak and demon possessed as well. What a true example of the lost in every generation. The unsaved are blind to the glory of God and speak no praise to His name, all the while held in bondage by the evil one's deceits.

Jesus came to save all of us from the devil's grip. He opens the eyes of the spiritually and physically blind and loosens the tongue physically and spiritually so that we may sing praises to God.

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BE CAREFUL HOW YOU JUDGE


MUSINGS - February 21, 2019

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU JUDGE

Matthew 12:14-21
The Pharisees left and plotted to kill Jesus. He knew about this, so he left that place. Many people followed him, and he cured all of them. He also ordered them not to tell people who he was. So what the prophet Isaiah had said came true: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, whom I love, and in whom I delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will announce justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or shout, and no one will hear his voice in the streets. He will not break off a damaged cattail. He will not even put out a smoking wick until he has made justice victorious. The nations will have hope because of him."

As we read yesterday, Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, breaking the rabbinical law, which was punishable by death. He had also, in their eyes, committed blasphemy by claiming that he was Lord of the Sabbath. They wanted to kill him so he left the synagogue and many people followed him. Imagine if a person came into your church,  did something they you consider sacrilegious, and then left, taking most of the congregation with him. Do you now understand how the synagogue leaders felt? You would, most likely, be outraged and filled with hate towards that person who was leading so many people away from what you believe to be the true and righteous path.

Before we judge the religious leaders of that day, maybe we should take a look at our own prejudices toward other denominations and sects. Remove the log from our own eyes. (Matthew 7:5)

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WHEN IS IT RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT?


MUSINGS - February 20, 2019
WHEN IS IT RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT?

Matthew 12:1-13
Then on a day of worship Jesus walked through the grainfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain to eat. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing something that is not right to do on the day of worship." Jesus asked them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his men were hungry? Haven't you read how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the presence? He and his men had no right to eat those loaves. Only the priests have that right. Or haven't you read in Moses' Teachings that on the day of worship the priests in the temple do things they shouldn't on the day of worship yet remain innocent? I can guarantee that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what 'I want mercy, not sacrifices' means, you would not have condemned innocent people. "The Son of Man has authority over the day of worship."

Jesus moved on from there and went into a synagogue. A man with a paralyzed hand was there. The people asked Jesus whether it was right to heal on a day of worship so that they could accuse him of doing something wrong. Jesus said to them, "Suppose one of you has a sheep. If it falls into a pit on a day of worship, wouldn't you take hold of it and lift it out? Certainly, a human is more valuable than a sheep! So it is right to do good on the day of worship." Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." The man held it out, and it became normal again, as healthy as the other.

To help with understanding why the religious leaders were upset with Jesus and his disciples you need to know that, historically, there are thirty nine categories of work that are forbidden on the Sabbath. These regulations of labor have something in common – they prohibit any activity that is creative or that exercises control or dominion over one's environment. I had a rabbi explain it by giving an example. If I were to move a chair around within the room in which it is located, I would not have worked, because I created nothing new. However, if I were to move the chair to another room, I would have changed the environment of both rooms, creating something new and that would be considered work.

By removing the grain from the plant the disciples had "created something new." And when Jesus healed on the Sabbath he had broken the rabbinical law, which was punishable by death.

And when he proclaimed, "The Son of Man has authority over the day of worship." He was claiming a divine right, that it's to do what only God can do. In essence he was saying that It always right to do that which is merciful, even if it goes against the Law.

Many centuries before, the prophet Micah declared, "You mortals, the LORD has told you what is good. This is what the LORD requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God." This it's exactly what Jesus was doing, showing mercy.

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NO UNEMPLOYED


MUSINGS - February 19, 2019
NO UNEMPLOYED

Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from wise and intelligent people and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, this is what pleased you. "My Father has turned everything over to me. Only the Father knows the Son. And no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son is willing to reveal him. "Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I read this scripture, before I accepted the forgiveness of God's gift of love and restoration, and it frightened me. I didn't understand the truth of "Place my yoke over your shoulders." I imagined a heavy wooden yoke placed upon my shoulders eggs then being forced to pull a plow or a wagon with a huge load in it. Now, having accepted the gift off salvation, I realize that I previously had my own yoke on my shoulders and was pulling that load alone. With Jesus's yoke, we are sharing the load and he is doing nearly all of the work.

Make no mistake, in the kingdom of God there are no unemployed. Every Christian had a duty to perform. However, Christ is with us doing all of the heavy lifting.

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FISH IN AN AQUARIUM


MUSINGS - February 18, 2019
FISH IN AN AQUARIUM

Matthew 11:16-24

"How can I describe the people who are living now? They are like children who sit in the marketplaces and shout to other children, 'We played music for you, but you didn't dance. We sang a funeral song, but you didn't show any sadness.' "John came neither eating nor drinking, and people say, 'There's a demon in him!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He's a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' "Yet, wisdom is proved right by its actions."

Then Jesus denounced the cities where he had worked most of his miracles because they had not changed the way they thought and acted. "How horrible it will be for you, Chorazin! How horrible it will be for you, Bethsaida! If the miracles worked in you had been worked in Tyre and Sidon, they would have changed the way they thought and acted long ago in sackcloth and ashes. I can guarantee that judgment day will be better for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to heaven? No, you will go down to hell! If the miracles that had been worked in you had been worked in Sodom, it would still be there today. I can guarantee that judgment day will be better for Sodom than for you."

Jesus came tho seek the sinners and did what the "religious" people would not, he went to where the sinners were. Our only makes sense. If you were going to catch fish you wouldn't build an aquarium and expect the fish to come to you, would you? No. You would get in your boat and cast your line or your net, right?

Then why do so many Christians think that, if we construct a church building, that the lost will come flooding in? Are we afraid to be seen associating with "tax collectors"?

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son listens to his father's discipline, but a mocker does not listen to reprimands.

Be wise.

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WHAT DID YOU GO TO SEE?


MUSINGS - February 17, 2019


WHAT DID YOU GO TO SEE?


Matthew 11:7-15

As they were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. "What did you go into the desert to see? Tall grass swaying in the wind? Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear fine clothes are in royal palaces. "Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet. John is the one about whom Scripture says, 'I'm sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way in front of you.' "I can guarantee this truth: Of all the people ever born, no one is greater than John the Baptizer. Yet, the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. From the time of John the Baptizer until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful people have been seizing it. All the Prophets and Moses' Teachings prophesied up to the time of John. If you are willing to accept their message, John is the Elijah who was to come. Let the person who has ears listen!

Jesus asked the crowd why they took the time and trouble to go all the way into the wilderness. It was not for the scenery. They went to see John. They didn't go to him because he dressed like a rich man or a ruler. They didn't go to see a confused man who changed his mind and his message. He was not like a reed blowing in the wind. His message remained the same. That message was to make themselves ready for the Kingdom of God.

When Jesus said, "Let the person who has ears listen!" he was telling them to really think deeply about what he was saying. If they would understand that John was Elijah, then Jesus was the Messiah and the King in that Kingdom of God.

I will ask, why do people go to church? Do they go for the spectacle, to be entertained? Do they go to be seen by other people as religious people? Do they go to raise their status in the community? Do they go to listen and learn? Do they go expecting an encounter with God?

Now I ask, why do you go to church?

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DOUBT AND VERIFICATION


MUSINGS - February 16, 2019
DOUBT AND VERIFICATION


Matthew 11:1-6

After Jesus finished giving his twelve disciples these instructions, he moved on from there to teach his message in their cities. When John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ had done. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?" Jesus answered John's disciples, "Go back, and tell John what you hear and see: Blind people see again, lame people are walking, those with skin diseases are made clean, deaf people hear again, dead people are brought back to life, and poor people hear the Good News. Whoever doesn't lose his faith in me is indeed blessed."

Read John 1:29-36 and you'll find John's revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. He even spread the news that he had seen the proof with his own eyes. And Jesus will testify that, "Of all the people ever born, no one is greater than John the Baptizer." (Matthew 11:11) Yet this great man, from his prison cell asked, "Are you the one?"

As strange as it may seem, John's doubt gives me faith. If a great man like John the Baptizer had questioned his own belief, then lesser people, like myself, who have doubts and questions, are free to question Jesus. Jesus didn't condemn him for his questioning. He sent him proof. Jesus will do the same for us.
Lord, I believe. Forgive my unbelief. Amen.

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Friday, February 15, 2019

DESERVING DISCIPLESHIP


MUSINGS - February 15, 2019 DESERVING DISCIPLESHIP


Matthew 10:34-42

"Don't think that I came to bring peace to earth. I didn't come to bring peace but conflict. I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A person's enemies will be the members of his own family. "The person who loves his father or mother more than me does not deserve to be my disciple. The person who loves a son or daughter more than me does not deserve to be my disciple. Whoever doesn't take up his cross and follow me doesn't deserve to be my disciple. The person who tries to preserve his life will lose it, but the person who loses his life for me will preserve it. "The person who welcomes you welcomes me, and the person who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. The person who welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. The person who welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. I can guarantee this truth: Whoever gives any of my humble followers a cup of cold water because that person is my disciple will certainly never lose his reward."

For the last few days we have been studying the instructions that Jesus gave the twelve disciples before sending them off on their own into the land of Israel. This last section is less of an instruction and more of a lesson on what it takes to be a true disciple.

Anything that is valued more than following Jesus is to be left behind. In a rather crude way of summarizing this teaching, we are to be empty of self and full of Jesus. At the same time we are not puppets, because we all have our own gifts and defects that God can use to His glory. As the Apostle Paul States, we are many parts but one body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) We don't get to decide what parts we play any more than a hand can choose to be an eye.

Each morning Ella and I pray that the light out Jesus shines through us, that people see Jesus when looking at us.

When I first read thus prayer of John Wesley's out spoke to me. To me this what it takes to be deserving of discipleship snd I often say it as my own prayer. "“I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

DENY OR PROCLAIM


MUSINGS - February 14, 2019 

DENY OR PROCLAIM


Matthew 10:29-33
"Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's permission. Every hair on your head has been counted. Don't be afraid! You are worth more than many sparrows. "So I will acknowledge in front of my Father in heaven that person who acknowledges me in front of others. But I will tell my Father in heaven that I don't know the person who tells others that he doesn't know me.

That reminded me of that last supper when Jesus said, "The hand of the one who will betray me is with me on the table. The Son of Man is going to die the way it has been planned for him. But how horrible it will be for that person who betrays him." So they began to discuss with each other who could do such a thing. (Luke 22:21-23)

Sadly the truth is that they all betrayed Jesus. Yes, Judas was the one who went to the chief priest, however after Jesus's arrest, they all went into hiding rather than testifying in his behalf. All four Gospels chronicle Peters denial*. In Peter's defense, he was the only one brave enough to follow into the courtyard.

These same men later went into the world and proclaimed his good news that Christ had died, Christ had risen, and Christ will come again. They did this because their sins (and ours) had been nailed to that cross and covered by the blood of the Sacrificial Lamb

We are given only two choices deny or proclaim. And in turn, when we stand before God, we will be welcomed or turned away. .

*Luke 22:54-62. Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, John 18:13-27
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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

TOUGH ROW TO HOE


MUSINGS - February 12, 2019


TOUGH ROW TO HOE


Matthew 10:21-23

"Brother will hand over brother to death; a father will hand over his child. Children will rebel against their parents and kill them. Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. But the person who patiently endures to the end will be saved. So when they persecute you in one city, flee to another. I can guarantee this truth: Before you have gone through every city in Israel, the Son of Man will come.

We are still,with this sculpture, in the midst of Christ's institutions to his disciples before sending then off on their own. However here he is predicting not their present trials but future hardships as well.

My mother had an expression, "That's a tough row to hoe." If you've never gardened, you might not understand. Long after the last rain when the sun has baked the earth, it can become as hard as bricks. Even in that condition, and maybe especially in those conditions, you still have to work the soil and remove the weeds. But is truly a tough row to hoe.

Christ is, metaphorically, telling hisdisciples that they will have a tough row to hoe. It is going to be hardship upon hardship. Pain and suffering and loss of life is not much of a pep talk.

These twelve men have left jobs and families to follow him. They were work-a-day men who were not terribly spiritually minded. When they began to understand that Jesus was the messiah, they were still expecting him to establish an earthly kingdom. They were expecting earthly rewards and places of power in this new kingdom. But now he tells them the truth of their future, if they continue to follow him. This was their chance to abandon him, but they didn't.

Things haven't changed that much for Christ's followers today. For the most part we in America a sheltered from being killed because we are his follower. That is not true in other parts of the world. But still families are divided and brother against brother still happens because we choose to follow Jesus. It still isn't much of a pep talk, is it? Our reward is eternal life and our goal is to bring others into that life also.

The question remains, are we willing to endure until the end?

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Monday, February 11, 2019

TRIAL OR OPPORTUNITY?


TRIAL OR OPPORTUNITY?


MUSINGS - February 11, 2019


Matthew 10:16-20 "I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as snakes but as innocent as doves. Watch out for people who will hand you over to the Jewish courts and whip you in their synagogues. Because of me you will even be brought in front of governors and kings to testify to them and to everyone in the world. When they hand you over to the authorities, don't worry about what to say or how to say it. When the time comes, you will be given what to say. Indeed, you're not the ones who will be speaking. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you." Still speaking to the twelve as he instructs them to go throughout Israel, Jesus gives them a warning and a promise. He warns them that the Jewish authorities will do everything they can to stop the message they are to deliver. The promise is that, when they are brought before the rulers, it is an opportunity for the spirit of God to speak through them. I will admit that I too often focus on the trial rather than the opportunity. How about you?

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Sunday, February 10, 2019

PEACE BE WITH YOU


MUSINGS - February 09, 2019


PEACE BE WITH YOU


Matthew 10:1-15

Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to force evil spirits out of people and to cure every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first and foremost, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James (son of Alphaeus), and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

Jesus sent these twelve out with the following instructions: "Don't go among people who are not Jewish or into any Samaritan city. Instead, go to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel. As you go, spread this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Cure the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse those with skin diseases, and force demons out of people. Give these things without charging, since you received them without paying. "Don't take any gold, silver, or even copper coins in your pockets. Don't take a traveling bag for the trip, a change of clothes, sandals, or a walking stick. After all, the worker deserves to have his needs met. "When you go into a city or village, look for people who will listen to you there. Stay with them until you leave that place. When you go into a house, greet the family. If it is a family that listens to you, allow your greeting to stand. But if it is not receptive, take back your greeting. If anyone doesn't welcome you or listen to what you say, leave that house or city, and shake its dust off your feet. I can guarantee this truth: Judgment day will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city.

The disciples were sent out into Israel taking nothing but the gospel and the power of Christ.  Several times earlier Jesus had berated them for their lack of faith. This was a test of their faith and the faith of those who received them.

The disciples were to greet others with a blessing, "Peace be with you." To those who refused the good news the blessing was withdrawn. Those who refuse the peace of Christ should be troubled. Their souls should remain restless so that they keep seeking so that someday they may onces again be offered that peace that can not be found in the world.

Remember that, though your message is sound and true, you mash not be the right messenger for that person. Pray that the right messager be sent to them, then move on.

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Saturday, February 9, 2019

WHERE ARE THEY?

https://musingsdevotions.wordpress.com MUSINGS - February 09, 2019

WHERE ARE THEY?


Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went to all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues and spread the Good News of the kingdom. He also cured every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops."

"Troubled and helpless", still discribes the human condition. We are like sheep without a shepherd. Or sometimes we have too many shepherds and we don't know which one to follow.

Where are the workers? The Lord's workers are still few. Pray for workers. But more importantly BE a worker! Share God's love every day and every way that you are able. Invite people into God's kingdom. If you don't think that you are able or don't know what you can do for Jesus, read Matthew 25:35-40.

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Friday, February 8, 2019

BROKEN SILENCE

https://musingsdevotions.wordpress.com MUSINGS - February 08, 2019


BROKEN SILENCE


Matthew 9:32-34

As they (2 no-longer blind men) were leaving, some people brought a man to Jesus. The man was unable to talk because he was possessed by a demon. But as soon as the demon was forced out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, "We have never seen anything like this in Israel!" But the Pharisees said, "He forces demons out of people with the help of the ruler of demons."

Between my ages of 4 and 6 my father, grandmother, sister, grandfather, and dog all died. I developed a speech impediment. Once a week for I don't know how long I saw a therapist. The impediment is gone but it wasn't instantaneous.

What a joyous thing it must have been for this mute man to be able to speak. I wonder what his first words were? I imagine him, with years streaming down his face, falling on his face before Jesus, thanking him and praising him over and over.

And standing nearby were the Pharisees trying to think of any excuse to deny the power of God flowing out of Jesus. I wonder what words the no-longer mute man would have for them?

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Thursday, February 7, 2019

SIGHT OF THE BLIND

MUSINGS - February 07, 2019
SIGHT OF THE BLIND


Matthew 9:27-31
When Jesus left that place, two blind men followed him. They shouted, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." Jesus went into a house, and the blind men followed him. He said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they answered. He touched their eyes and said, "What you have believed will be done for you!" Then they could see. He warned them, "Don't let anyone know about this!" But they went out and spread the news about him throughout that region.

Jesus was leaving the house of the synagogue ruler, where he had just brought a dead girl back to life. It was done in private after sending the crowd out of the house.

However not everyone had left. At least two blind men had remained. They began to shout, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." Son of David was one out the titles of the long awaited Messiah. Though physically blind, these men had an insight that most had missed. They recognised Jesus as the true king of Israel who was come to save his people.

These Men believed that Jesus had the power to change their lives. When Jesus asked then if they believed, their answer was, "Yes, Lord,"

Lord, give us the strong beleif of these blind men, that we too might see.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2019

GOD DOESN'T PLAY FAVORITES

MUSINGS - February 06, 2019


GOD DOESN'T PLAY FAVORITES Matthew 9:18=22 A synagogue leader came to Jesus while he was talking to John's disciples. He bowed down in front of Jesus and said, "My daughter just died. Come, lay your hand on her, and she will live." Jesus and his disciples got up and followed the man. Then a woman came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his clothes. She had been suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years. She thought, "If I only touch his clothes, I'll get well." When Jesus turned and saw her he said, "Cheer up, daughter! Your faith has made you well." At that very moment the woman became well. Jesus was on a mission of mercy for an important man in the community. He and his disciples are making their way through the crowd who are pushing and shouting to get close to him. Imagine an open air concert where people are sitting on the standing. Think Woodstock. Suddenly the Rockstar jumps down from the stage and makes his way through the crowd. That's as close of an analogy as I can think of for what it looked like that day. And in the middle of this a woman touches his clothes. It wasn't an accident. She was desperate. She had been bleeding for 12 years. For 12 years she had sought help. But nothing had helped. She made a plan. When she heard that Jesus was going to be there. She was going to get close enough to him to touch him or at least touch his clothes. She thought to herself, "If I can just touch his clothes I will be made whole." As he approached, she threw herself to the ground, reached out and touched the edge of his robe. Jesus felt power go out of him. He looked around and when he saw her said, "Cheer up, daughter! Your faith has made you well." Jesus was on the way to save an important man's daughter. But he wasn't in such a hurry that he couldn't show grace and mercy. God does not play favorites. (Romans 2:11) Visit my daily devotions blog Daily journal /

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Monday, February 4, 2019

PATCHES

MUSINGS - February 04, 2019


PATCHES


Matthew 9:16-17
"No one patches an old coat with a new piece of cloth that will shrink. When the patch shrinks, it will rip away from the coat, and the tear will become worse. Nor do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins burst, the wine runs out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, people pour new wine into fresh skins, and both are saved."

Sometimes, after Jesus had given a parable or analogy as an answer, he should take his disciples aside and explain its meaning. He did not do that here, and I wish he had!

John's disciples had asked him why his disciples didn't fast. He had answered with an analogy about a bridegroom. I understood that answer. However, he went on to say today's scripture about patches and wineskins. While what he said made sense in the natural world, I didn't understand how they answered the question about fasting.

So, since I was missing the spiritual meaning, I considered what his answer meant in the physical world.

New cloth on an old coat. Tailors and dressmakers know that many fabrics need to be laundered before cutting and sewing. Washing the fabric causes It to shrink. Therefore, it should be preshrunk so that measurements remain accurate. Knowing that, it makes sense to not use a non-preshrunk fabric to path fabric that had already shrunk.


New wine into old wineskins. Wineskins are exactly what It sounds like, a container made of skin that its used to hold wine and other liquids. As anything made of leather ages it becomes thinner and brittle. New wine is still fermenting and releasing gasses. If you pour new wine into an old wineskin the gasses would cause the skin to expand like a balloon and rupture which would destroy both the bag and the wine.


I understand Jesus was to be saying that adding new to old can be destructive. His disciples were rough men of the world, not raised in the strict religious practices of the Pharisees. To impose such strict practices as fasting on them, when they are not ready for them, would be counterproductive.

Notice that Jesus said, "The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15) There would come a time when his disciples lives would lose their worldly ways and would become more able to accept such spiritual practices as fasting.

This is my interpretation. If you have a different understand, please share.

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Sunday, February 3, 2019

WHEN AND HOW TO FAST

MUSINGS - February 03, 2019


WHEN AND HOW TO FAST


Matthew 9:14-15
Then John's disciples came to Jesus. They said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples never do?" Jesus replied, "Can wedding guests be sad while the groom is still with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast."

John's students came to Jesus with a question which sounds more like an accusation. It appears to me to be brought on by jealousy.
The purpose of fasting is to humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life. But some make a show of it and wear their fasting as a sign that reads "I'm more holy than you".

As a parent, I would be approached by one child with a similar question. There they would stand, hands on hips and lower lip stuck out. The question was not so much why their sibling was allowed to do something, as it was, "Why can't I?".

Jesus responded that it was inappropriate for his disciples to fast while he was yet with them, but that a time would come when they would once again fast. He gave his followers instruction on the proper way to fast: "When you fast, stop looking sad like hypocrites. They put on sad faces to make it obvious that they're fasting. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. When you fast, wash your face and comb your hair. Then your fasting won't be obvious. Instead, it will be obvious to your Father who is with you in private. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)

Why should you fast, to glorify God or to glorify self?

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Saturday, February 2, 2019

OVER CHURCHED



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MUSINGS - February 01, 2019


OVER CHURCHED


Matthew 9:9-13
When Jesus was leaving that place, he saw a man sitting in a tax office. The man's name was Matthew. Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" So Matthew got up and followed him. Later Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard that, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. Learn what this means: 'I want mercy, not sacrifices.' I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval."

The last line of this section of scripture really caught my attention. It was the words "people who think they have God's approval" that triggered a memory of the term "Over Churched". You know who they are and may be one, though I hope not. These are people who have grown up in the church. They attend every Sunday and have heard all the bible stories over and over. As soon as the scripture verse is read, they nod their head knowingly because they know where this sermon is headed. And that is the last word they hear until the choir sings the final song or the benediction is given.

The over churched think they have God's approval even of they don't. However, it is nearly impossible to introduce a new thought to their minds because their minds have slammed shut.

In Jesus's time on earth, that was the majority of the scribes and Pharisees. They were the religious elite. Jesus knew it was easier to save those who knew that they were sinners, than to save those who thought that they already had salvation or that they didn't need saving.

I don't want you to look at your church roster and judge who the over churched might be. I want you to honestly look at yourself. Have you become over churched? Do you already know everything? Are you really carrying out the commandments that the Lord gave you?

(For further reading: Preaching to People Who Have “Heard it all Before” -- By: J. Brian Tucker )

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Friday, February 1, 2019

INCARNATE



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MUSINGS - February 01, 2019


INCARNATE


Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus got into a boat, crossed the sea, and came to his own city. Some people brought him a paralyzed man on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Cheer up, friend! Your sins are forgiven." Then some of the scribes thought, "He's dishonoring God." Jesus knew what they were thinking. He asked them, "Why are you thinking evil things? Is it easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he said to the paralyzed man, "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home." So the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe and praised God for giving such authority to humans.

To understand the importance of this scripture, we need to understand the meanings of some titles given to Jesus.

Let's start with his name. Jesus is the English translation of the Greek name Iēsous (Greek: Ἰησοῦς), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua (Hebrew: ישוע‎) which means savior.

There is a term that you may hear people use about Jesus, God incarnate. It's one of those churchy words that you may not fully understand. The dictionary defines it this way: in·car·nate, adjective /inˈkärnət, (especially of a deity or spirit) embodied in flesh; in human form.

God in human form. Sometimes you may also hear Jesus called Immanuel. That isn't a name but a way of understanding his true nature. Immanuel is translated from Hebrew: עִמָּנוּאֵל‬ meaning, "God with us".

Jesus is also called Christ (from the Greek Χριστός, Christós) which, once again, is not a name. It is a title for the savior and redeemer who brought salvation.

Another title given to Jesus is Messiah (from the Hebrew: מלך משיח) which means anointed (covered with oil). The kings of the Jews were ceremonially anointed with oil as a sign that they were the king. Think of it as an oath of office like the president takes in the swearing in ceremony. So all kings were messiahs. But the Jews were looking forward to a special king, The Messiah to save his people, deliver them from slavery, and establish a kingdom that ruled the world.

Jesus was all of these things which is why he said, "I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Only God can forgive sin because all sin is against God. Jesus, by his action here, is claiming the role of God with us.

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