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Quick! Duck! Here comes Jesus! Matthew 10:32-39

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:32-39

Have you ever been somewhere and seen someone you know but hide because you don't want people to know that you know that person? It's usually someone who embarrasses you. This person may be a rather LOUD and IN YOUR FACE type. Come on you know the type of person I'm referring to. Kind of the Cousin Eddie from "Christmas Vacation".
What about the people from your church? You know the ones that are a little "too Christian"? Do you duck out of the way so you don't have to be seen with them?
Jesus made a comment just after He taught that the disciples what it means to fear God. He said that anyone  "who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven." You might be thinking "I would NEVER deny Jesus". But we have to some extent. Have you ever felt that you should have told a person about Jesus but instead made an excuse? "They probably already go to church" you might say. Or, "They might already be Christian and I might offend them".
Jesus addressed this. He said to the disciples that they should not think that He came to bring PEACE and HARMONY to the world. Father will be against daughter and son. Brother will be against brother. All types
of relationship will be broken because of Him and what He is.
Anyone who "doesn't take up his cross and follow HIM is not worthy of HIM. Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of HIM will find it" (capitalization mine and changed 'me' to HIM).
How often do we think of this? How often do we "Deny" Jesus. If He were in Walmart you you want to be seen with Him?

How to have the Right Fear Matthew 10:26-31

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:26-31


One of the objectives of Marine boot camp is to eliminate the fear of dying. A soldier who is afraid is also reluctant to go into battle and therefore useless. These guys train volunteers by putting them through "Confidence Courses". It's amazing to see young men clam up when they are asked to climb a 20 foot wall with no safety rope. Then after they complete the course most break down into a giddy laugh. It is then when they realize they are fearing the wrong things. They no longer fear death but rather fear that the person next to them will die. Any soldier will tell you that they don't do the things they do for themselves, it is for the guy next to them. This attitude change and change in what they fear is what makes them so effective.

Yesterday we read about how Jesus sent his disciples out with instructions. He told them that it was not going to be easy and they will face hard times against people that will not like them very much. Now, in this passage Jesus is laying the "get over it" factor. He puts into perspective of Whom they SHOULD be fearing.

"Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul;o rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." 

Who do you fear? The one who is making fun of you when you are trying to do the right thing? How about the one who threatens to harms you or your family? OR
Do you FEAR the one who has the power to speak eternity into existence or oblivion? How about the One who's very name has more power than all of the suns in the universe. How about the One who "thought up the universe and how it is all held together? How about the One who knows the thoughts we have and still loves us?
Isn't it freeing and liberating that we FEAR the One who loves us and knows our name? Isn't it good to know that we can call Him "Father"?
This is the same type of "Healthy" fear that the soldiers have. We shouldn't FEAR God because HE is able to do these things but rather we should FEAR Him because of the person next to us. We should FEAR Him enough to tell that person about what Christ has done!
So, what are you afraid of? GO!

We're on a Mission from God! Matthew 10:16-25

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:16-25
If someone told you that if you followed him that you would be made fun of, beaten, out-casted, bullied, thrown in jail for false accusations, or killed... would you still follow? What if the person promised that if you did these and endured he would reward you? You would probably base your decision on what that reward is wouldn't you?

What if that person was Jesus?

Jesus told his disciples at he was sending them out into hostile territory. He says that the tasks that is before them is an impossible task should they choose to accept it (cue Mission Impossible music) was NOT going to be easy. In the book "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" by John Foxe illustrates and records that the words Jesus spoke were correct. They were beaten, fed to lions, crucified, and hated. 

Today we do not hear about the same type of persecutions BUT they still happen. You see the world is an enemy of God. If we live like the world, talk like the world, then we will NOT experience the blessings of God and we become an "enemy" of God. However, if we live for God, follow Him, obey Him, we become the enemy of the World. Jesus says that because of Him we will experience persecutions such as the aforementioned. I have heard it said that if you are not being persecuted you are not portraying Christ. Does this mean that you are constantly going to experience trials? NO! Not at all but Jesus did promise that "those that ENDURE to the end will be delivered." I think that Jesus means that we go through persecutions so that we may SEE God's work more clearly. 

Think about this! There was once a man who was so hated that he was constantly on the move for fear of his life. He was "with far more labors,many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times. Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans.Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles,dangers in the city,dangers in the open country,dangers on the sea,and dangers among false  brothers;  labor and hardship,many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and lacking clothing." 1 Corinthians 11:23-27

Yet he still served God and NEVER waivered. How much more should we?

As you go through your day today, think about how many times you "follow" Jesus and how many times you notice that the "world" is against you.

Commissioned by Jesus! Matthew 10:1-15

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:1-15

During World War II General Patton was know to give lengthy but inspiring speeches to the troops. He would be blunt and harsh with his words. However effective as these were he was contributed as to building up soldiers to fight with fervor and honor. He was also known for his berating soldiers who were cowards and gutless.
Jesus in this passage gave a similar speech to his disciples, without the harshness and berating. He commissioned 12 soldiers ...er um... disciples. He told them to go into their own people, the Jews. He gave them power to heal and drive out demons. Some have commented that they were probably reluctant in going out but I beg to differ. Jesus Himself gave the command to go. He told them to their face to go. I believe that they were so anxious to go that they didn't hesitate at all.
Also Jesus told them to not take any money or an extra set of clothes. Why? So that they were COMPLETELY dependant on God. If they had brought items on their trips it could be said that they did these things under their OWN power. Who gets glory in that? Right they do, but the person who should get Glory, Honor and Praise in this God. So it was necessary to bring NOTHING.
As you go about your day today observe things you do under your own power and things you do under Jesus' power. Which is better? What is your motivation for your actions? (This is one that I struggle with ALL the time).
 Here are a few questions that I think will help with your study this morning:


What does this passage say?
What does this passage mean?
What is God telling me?
How am I encouraged and strengthened?
Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of my listening to God?
How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
What can I model and teach?
What does God want me to share with someone?

If you are keeping a journal, write these in there and your answers.


(PS It's good to be back)

Back in Business

Ok, so now we are back in business. With all the internet problems, computer problems, family issues, school both Seminary and work business the upkeep of a blog sometimes has to keep back burner. But tomorrow we will be back on track.

When it Rains it pours.

I never thought that if I were to take some time of that my computer would want to as well. My internet at my house is squirlley. Also paying too much for it. Any suggestions?
Any way soon as I find a connection I'll post the devotional.

Taking a week off

Sorry yall. I'm taking a week off to concentrate on Seminary and family. Please forgive me during this time I will resume Monday next week.

How to Improve Your Vision: Matthew 9:27-31

Today's Reading: Matthew 9:27-31

There was a story on the news one night about a man who could echo-locate. You know like the way bats do. He was born blind. They way he got around was by making a sucking "Click" sound. You can find the article here. Basically he claims that he can "see" better than anyone else. Think about it, if you and he were in a completely pitch black room with obstacles to traverse. Who do you think would be safe? Of course, then blind man.

Jesus encountered two blind men while He was traveling. The ironic thing about this is that the men recognized Jesus as being the "Son of David". How did they know? It's not like they recognized His voice or remembered a picture of Him. They simply BELIEVED that the man approaching WAS Jesus, the Son of David. Being called the Son of David was taken to be meant in the sense of the Davidic covenant that the Messiah would be a descendant. So by calling Jesus Son of David they were recognizing Him as the promised Messiah. Jesus calls this FAITH and by this He touched their eyes and healed them. But then Jesus tells them NOT to tell anyone. Do you think that they could have kept it a secret? How long do you think they contained their emotions? That's right! They went right then and spread the news about Him.

What if something miraculous happened to you, how long you contain yourself? What if you were blind and then a person touched your eyes and now you could see? Wouldn't you go out and tell everyone you could find about it? Of course you would! You wouldn't want anyone to miss out. 

You know you did experience something miraculous. You were blind and now see. So what are you waiting on? Go spread the News about Him!

What would you do to get to Jesus? Matthew 9:18-26

The following is an article from Wikipedia:

According to Wikipedia*, "Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis (July 1, 1818 - August 13, 1865) was the Hungarian physician who demonstrated that puerperal fever (also known as "childbed fever") was contagious and that its incidence could be drastically reduced by enforcing appropriate hand-washing behavior by medical care-givers. He made this discovery in 1847 while working in the Maternity Department of the Vienna Lying-in Hospital. His failure to convince his fellow doctors led to a tragic conclusion, however, he was ultimately vindicated.

Semmelweis realized that the number of cases of puerperal fever was much larger at one of his wards than at the other. After testing a few hypotheses, he found that the number of cases was drastically reduced if the doctors washed their hands carefully before dealing with a pregnant woman. Risk was especially high if they had been in contact with corpses before they treated the women. The germ theory of disease had not yet been developed at the time. Thus, Semelweiss concluded that some unknown "cadaveric material" caused childbed fever.

He lectured publicly about his results in 1850, however, the reception by the medical community was cold, if not hostile. His observations went against the current scientific opinion of the time, which blamed diseases on an imbalance of the basical "humours" in the body. It was also argued that even if his findings were correct, washing one's hands each time before treating a pregnant woman, as Semmelweis advised, would be too much work. Nor were doctors eager to admit that they had caused so many deaths. Semmelweis spent 14 years developing his ideas and lobbying for their acceptance, culminating in a book he wrote in 1861. The book received poor reviews, and he responded with polemic. In 1865, he suffered a nervous breakdown and was committed to an insane asylum where he soon died from blood poisoning.

Even as Jesus made his way to touch a dead girl, he came into contact with another threat to his ritual purity. According to Old Testament law, a woman having her monthly menstrual period was unclean for seven days, and anyone who touched her would be unclean "till evening" (Lev. 15:19-33). This woman, with her continual bleeding, would have been considered continually unclean, and was probably a social outcast. She acted boldly to come into close contact with a revered teacher. But she also limited her action, touching the edge of his cloak to minimize the likelihood of making Jesus unclean. In fact, she did not even want Jesus to know she had put him at risk.

This woman was another of the desperate, helpless people cataloged in Matthew 8-9. She was willing to go beyond the bounds of culturally acceptable behavior to draw on help from outside herself.

What would you do to get to Jesus? Would you go against the norm? Cultural barriers? What would you do about telling someone about Jesus? Would you go against the norm? Cultural barriers?

Are you Lamenting or Celebrating Jesus? Matthew 9:14-17

Today's Reading: Matthew 9:14-17

The original intent of a fast is to mourn or to lament. This was done usually after a loved passed away or when a catastrophic event took place in the city or country. They would deny themselves food to concentrate on the promise of God for a deliverer. If you had ever fasted before whether by choice or not, you have experienced a dependence on Provision. We have all kinds of distractions that keep our focus away from God and to do that we forget His promises. 

John's disciples and the Pharisees fasted because they were waiting/lamenting the fact that they were still without their DELIVERER. So when the disciples of John came to ask Jesus why didn't His disciples fasted they were in a way asking if He was the One that John talked about. 

Jesus uses an interesting illustration. During a wedding, if you haven't noticed, there isn't anyone lamenting (ok no bad and corny marriage jokes). Everyone is celebrating. They are celebrating the Joining of two individuals by an ACT of God. If the groom were to be taken away from the wedding then the celebration would stop and lamenting would commence. 

Jesus also uses the illustration of a patch and a wine skin. First, if a new patch were to be sewed onto an old garment then as soon as it was washed then the patch would shrink differently and the garment would be ruined. Same with the wine-skin. If new wine was put into an old wine skin then it would ferment and expand causing the old rigid wine-skin to burst. Both were illustrations showing the listeners that the teaching of Jesus was incompatible to that from the Pharisees. 

Think about this as your day goes on; Are you Lamenting Jesus? Or are you Celebrating Jesus? Are you still "waiting" on Him? 

The Call of Matthew: Matthew 9:9-13

One day I received a call from a person whom I recognized. He was trying to pull a prank call on a random number and dialed mine coincidentally.
"Is you refrigerator running?" he said.
"Phillip? Why do want to know about my refrigerator?" I answered.
"How do you know who this is? Who is this?" he answered with a puzzled voice.
"You called me remember? How do not know who you called?"

Jesus had just left the house in which He healed the paralytic man and saw a man who was a tax-collector. He said two words to him. "FOLLOW ME." That must have been enough because Scripture records that he got up and followed Him. We do not know the background story but we know that Jesus simply spoke a few words and Matthew obeyed.
Jesus is then seen sitting with other tax collectors (likely Matthew's friends) and other "sinners". Tax-collectors have always received bad raps from people and it was no different in this day. They were considered "cheats", "sinners", "traitors", and just plain dirt. They were the ones that collected money that was sent to the Empire as taxes. Often the collectors would take more than what the citizens were required to give. This is why they were not looked on with favor.
While reclining and hanging out with these type people, Jesus was approached by the Pharisees. They pointed out that He was in the presence of these people and enjoying their company. This was done possibly to sway the disciples away by discrediting Jesus. But Jesus answered back: "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus was giving his disciples an example of evangelism and I would suspect that Jesus was evagelising the house. You see it is one thing for Christians to gather around and worship God and enjoy fellowship. It is another to actually GO OUT and "hang" around sinners and be the reflection of Christ. It is sinners that need the grace and MERCY of Jesus. Everywhere we turn we can find soemone who needs Jesus. Have we adeqately told them about Him?
Homework for today;
1. First, do what Jesus said and find out what is meant by "I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE" from verse 13. You may have to dig a little into Scripture.
2. Next, find someone who doesn't know Jesus and strike up a conversation with them and ask God to provide a way to turn the conversation into "spiritual" things. Then start by telling how you came to know the Lord. Yes your testimony.

The Faith of Friends: Matthew 9:1-8

Today's Reading; Matthew 9:1-8

Have you ever seen the commercial that shows people seeing the good deeds of another person then doing one themselves? One person sees another open the door for a mother that has her hands full. Then that person pick up something that was dropped by another. Then so on and so on.

Jesus finishes His trip across the sea and ended up into His own town. First thing that happens is a group of people carrying their friend stops Him him and scripture doesn't record them saying anything. In parallel gospels they record that the friends went so far as to tear the roof up and lowered the man.

Matthew writes that Jesus saw the faith of the FRIENDS. Not anything about the paralytic. What we can learn in that we must realize that our faith or lack of faith has an impact upon the lives of others.

Know Jesus or No Jesus: Matthew 8:28-34

Today's Reading: Matthew 8:28-34

If Jesus were to pass you by in your normal life would you recognize Him? I mean if you were at work and Jesus is walking around in the background, you catch eyes with Him and He waves, would you know that it was Jesus at all? Chances are probably not. You couldn't know that it was He if you never met in person. Our passage today accounts of two demon possessed men that recognized Jesus for exactly who He is. “What do You have to do with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" They called Him "Son of God"! They know exactly WHO He is! and they tremble at the thought of the coming Judgement.
If the demons know and tremble so much how much more should we? What if we were given a choice to follow Him or face the same Judgement? That's right! We do have a choice. But it is much more than recognizing who Jesus is. It is following Him and making Him our Savoir by accepting His sacrifice for our sins. The demons do not have this offer of grace, hence they reason they tremble. They know Him just like we know Him but do not follow.
Have you you made this decision? You can know all there is to know about Jesus and be like the demons OR you can intimately KNOW Him! If you have not please do not hesitate to make this commitment now.
If you have made this commitment then who have told?

The Only True Airbender: Matthew 8:22-27

Today's Reading: Matthew 8:22-27

Ok, so I admit I like watching Blackbelt Theater. IF you don't know what it is, it is basically Chinese made movies that have kung-fu and a fantasy type story-line. These were quite popular during the 70's and early 80's. More recently, a movie called "The Last Air-bender" was out in theaters. It is about a boy who could manipulate air but supposedly could also manipulate water, fire, and earth as well. The story goes that the fire-country was taking over and this boy was still learning how to move water. I will not spoil the ending for you if you decide to watch it.
In today's passage, we pick up from yesterday and remember that Jesus was getting into a boat to escape the crowds that was forming around Him. A short time after that He goes to a part of the boat and starts to take a nap. Well, just then a storm rises up which was common in this area and it was tossing the boat around quite violently. Get this... the disciples had to WAKE HIM UP!!! During my time in the Navy, I took a cruise on a Amphibious Assault ship and sailed the North Atlantic. It too is known for high waves sometimes up to 50ft. Unlike Jesus, I was awake through the night for fear of my life. I could relate to the disciples very much. They were scared for their lives and were a little irritated that Jesus was still sleeping.
Then there is Jesus' reaction. “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm." He was still trying to teach them how to have faith. Even after this the disciples were amazed at His power and said "What kind of man is this?—even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
We go through bad times in our life and we can call our storms. Sometimes we go through them but we can be assured that Jesus is still with us. Think about this; there were other boats in the area that could easily set sail and get close to Jesus. Maybe He sent the storm to get away for a while to get some rest?
The bigger point and application is this. Sometimes Jesus sends storms in our lives so that our faith could grow. The disciples has the Creator of EVERYTHING in the boat and they still felt like they were going to die. When they saw Jesus speak to the wind and waves and they obeyed they got a glimpse of the stories of their own heritage when Moses spread his arms to split the Red Sea to allow the deliverance of the nation of Israel. That same power that separated the seas was the same power that calmed the sea.
Today as you go about think about some times that you were in one of life's storms and how God spoke to the elements and brought you through it.

Jesus and the Paparazzi Matthew 8:18-22

Today's reading; Matthew 8:18-22

Jesus just finished with a healing service that probably lasted all night. Picture it... people from all over the country that have traveled MILES just to see, and hear Jesus. People brought Him sick and diseased people. Imagine listening to Jesus teach and everyone around you is probably coughing or has open sores. Kinda gross huh? Now finish the thought with Jesus healing everyone. Do you think that He would have some people that would want to follow him wherever? OF COURSE!!! In fact, Jesus had so many people around him that he could barely move. So he gets into a boat just to distance Himself a little.

As He was getting into the boat a scribe, yes the same scribe(s) that Jesus was rebuking earlier, came and made a statement. He said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you will go." First, he called Jesus a TEACHER. By doing this he acknowledged that Jesus has authority and coming from a known scribe (they were known for being very knowledgeable in Scripture) was extraordinary. 

I love Jesus' reply: “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” WHAT?!?!? You mean that Jesus was refusing to have him follow? Not at all!! Jesus was merely trying to put things into perspective for him. He was telling the scribe that following Him was not going to be easy. Although while food and clothing are physical necessities for human survival, an established home is not. However, part of human emotional make-up is a strong drive for the security of a home. Jesus' demand for his followers was not impossible, but it was lofty enough that only the most committed would accept it. We are not told whether the scribe followed Jesus or not.

Next we see that another person that was ALREADY following Jesus said that he must go and bury his father. Jewish tradition was that the eldest son was responsible for the care and burial for the parents. This came from the commandment to "Honor thy mother and father." It was not known whether his father was dead already or not. It took one year from the time of death to fully bury a corpse. This was so that the bones, that were in the care of the eldest, could be placed in an estuary. 

Jesus' reaction? "FOLLOW ME, and Let the dead bury their own dead." Jesus saw this tradition and the way the disciple used it as an excuse. There is no excuse. 

Bottom line and thought for today;

Although it is no easy task to follow Jesus there is no excuse not to. What are some hindrances to FULLY follow Him? 

What is it about the Healing Touch? Matthew 8:14-17

Today's Reading: Matthew 8:14-17

I have heard it said that the touch from another human is like a healing touch. We crave to be touched as if we need to be accepted and consoled. If you have ever noticed when a person is sick in the hospital and they see a loved one, they will reach out to touch them.

The religious leaders in Jesus' day were known to never touch a woman because they did not want to find themselves defiled and unclean if they were in their menstrual cycle. But Jesus often found Himself touching people, man or woman, to heal them. He was not afraid of defiling himself because it was impossible. Jesus could not be defiled if he made the disease leave.

In this passage Jesus went to Peter's house. He saw his mother-in-law who had a fever. He touched her and the fever left. And the scripture says that she got and started to serve Him. Later that evening, people were bringing to Him demon-possessed and sick people. The contrast is that He spoke to the demons and touched those who were sick. I do not believe that this was Jesus only mode of healing people, however, it is significant that He spoke directly to the demons because He had authority over them. He touched diseased people because of the compassion and desire to make people whole.

Today meditate on the fact that Jesus has authority over our weaknesses and diseases. He is able and willing to make us whole.

Recognizing Authority

Today's Reading; Matthew 8:5-9

I wished I had a parallel story on this but quite frankly I do not. I guess sometimes you should just let the story speak for itself.

Here we have a member of the Roman army and not just any leader. He is a Centurion. He probably was entrusted with around 60-125 troops, hence the name centurion. This is where we get our word for century or 100 years. He must have heard the message of Jesus at some point. 

1. The Centurion PLEADED with Jesus. Roman soldiers were not known for pleading with anyone. They were given authority, especially over the Jews, to act in the place of Caesar. But this one was different. He obviously had compassion for his troops because he was concerned about his servant. "My servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony."

2. The Centurion recognized the Rank of Jesus. Or more appropriately he recognized that Jesus has AUTHORITY. He wouldn't let Jesus come to his house to heal his servant. But instead he says to Jesus that if He were to just say the word it would be sufficient. His basis was by Jesus' authority. Then he talks of his own authority by saying that what ever he says it happens, "I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my •slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” So just like the Centurion has authority and gives commands Jesus has authority and gives commands.

3. Jesus recognizes the Centurions FAITH. Jesus answered the Centurion with a tremendous statement. "I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith!" Yes! He said this IN FRONT OF OTHER JEWS! The Jews already did not have high regard for Roman soldiers. But when they heard this imagine what they must have thought? The Sermon on the Mount must still have been fresh in their minds and the teaching on faith was being reinforced here. Jesus points out that this man who just simply asked for Jesus to say the word and heal his servant without going to his house. But it was much more than this... The Centurion BELIEVED that Jesus could do it. 

How many times have we asked Jesus to do something for us but we expected Him to be there as well? Or, how many times have we prayed for something but not fully believe that it would be fulfilled. Is it a problem with our faith? Would Jesus say about us that He has not found anyone in Texas, Georgia, or _(fill in your place)____ that has greater faith?

Faith In Action Matthew 8:1-4

In the last series of devotionals, we took a close look at "The Sermon on the Mount". Jesus gave His listeners (that includes us by the way) some pointers for them to live as Christians. Most of which tore down traditions that have been built up and enforced by the Jewish leaders.
Now we have come to the point where Jesus has just finished His sermon and is now walking away from the mountain area. A man approaches Him who probably listened to the whole thing. He was a leper. Lepers were NOT supposed to be in public. They were banished from the city to a quarantine area better known as a Leper Colony. They were not allowed to leave even to get food and water. They did eat because family members would travel to the colony and leave food and water by the entrance. They were not allowed to worship either because they were considered "unclean" and had to wrap open sore with strips of cloth. Remember the verse in Isaiah? "All our righteousness are like filthy rags"? Those filthy rags that it refers to are these rags that are wrapped around a leper's sore. I will not get into the gross details but I think you get the picture. This man not only had faith to come and listen to Jesus and risk causing a scene but he knew that this man Jesus was no ordinary man.
Look at the passage and see what he says, "Lord if you are WILLING. You can make me clean". The leper man not only breaks away from being isolation but seeks out the one whom he knows can make Him clean. That took FAITH!!!
Also, this man must have been there when Jesus said "Ask and you will receive". So he did! And the Scripture says that Jesus was so full of compassion that He did not hesitate and touched the man. The Bible says the the disease IMMEDIATELY left him. Two things to note here. First, Jesus touched a leper. The transmission of the disease was by touching. Jesus was so filled with compassion that he knew the man needed a human touch. He had probably had not been touched in years. Second, Jesus had the power over the disease and it IMMEDIATELY left him.
Then what did Jesus do? He told him to "NOT tell anyone but go and tell the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed as a testimony." Why? So that his healing would be accepted among his people and he could worship again. This man was made whole just by asking.
Have we asked to be made whole? Sometimes we need to ask!

The Foundation for Kingdom Minded Warriors Matthew 7:24-29

Today's Reading Matthew 7:24-29

Just after graduating from Naval Aircrewman Candidate School, I was sent to SERE school (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape). The "survival" portion of the school was part of my favorite. During this phase we learned how to scrounge for the basic needs for life. FOOD, WATER, SHELTER. Food was scarce but we picked leaves and searched for bugs. Water was everywhere because it was Maine during January and it had just snowed. Only we learned to keep our canteens in our inner part of jackets otherwise it would freeze. When that happens you had to wait till it thaws before getting to drink. Building or finding a shelter was the toughest part. You wanted one that gives enough cover that you would EVADE from the enemy but also strong enough to battle against the elements. So naturally it could not be near a dried creek bed in low land or out in a field where it's hard to camouflage. It had to be under a fallen tree, under a rock, and it had to stand the test. We were "graded" that night when the instructors would hike through the forest and try to find us. We passed if our shelter was hidden and strong.

Jesus said that the person who hears what He is saying and does nothing is like the person who builds his shelter on the sand. You see if you build on the sand it usually meant that it is near a water source or in low lying land. If it rained the waters will rise and soften the ground causing your shelter to fall apart. Jesus says this is what the foolish man does.

However, if your shelter was built properly. It could stand the test of a rainstorm. Jesus used this to illustrate that what He just finished preaching about was a foundation to His ministry and is our foundation to being Kingdom minded. If we listen and ACT upon it we will be like the sensible man who built his shelter upon the rock.

This was the last verse in chapter 7 and it ends Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount". The last two verses are what is unique and is a transition from this scene to the next. The people who were listening were astonished because He spoke as authority. Even higher authority than the scribes.

Go about today and think about the Points of Jesus' sermon.
The Beatitudes
Believers Are Salt and Light
Christ Fulfills the Law
Murder Begins in the Heart
Adultery in the Heart
Divorce Practices Censured
Tell the Truth
Go the Second Mile
Love Your Enemies
How to Give
How to Pray
The Model Prayer
How to Fast
God and Possessions
The Cure for Anxiety
Do Not Judge
Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking
Entering the Kingdom
The Two Foundations

How to Spot a False Prophet and survive the narrow gate.

Today's Reading Matthew 7:13-21

One of the murals on the walls at the US Navy BUDS classrooms reads "The only easy day was yesterday".  Meaning that what you did today is NOTHING compared to what you are going to do tomorrow. They have the mindset that the body is capable of doing much more than what the mind tells it can. A SEAL team member chooses to go through the toughest situations so that he can be the best and able to save lives in challenging situations. This is the key to developing a strong minded and effective soldier. You would not want a person who chooses the easy way out. He would be ineffective and too self-absorbed. Imagine yourself involved in a situation where you needed rescuing. Would you choose a person who has not experienced hardship firsthand and only read it in a book? Or would you choose a person who willingly took the time to go through worst-case scenarios and hardships just to gain the experience?

Jesus taught that the easy way is not the good way. It leads to destruction and that MANY go through it. The Way to life is "narrow" and few people find it. Why can't they find it? The next few verses tells us. False prophets lead people astray. They do it by preaching in Jesus' name but adding to the Gospel. They preach a message that makes you "feel" good inside and even tell the congregation that you will be happy and prosperous if you have enough faith. How do you get faith? Send me a small monetary gift and we will pray that God will answer your prayer! (sorry couldn't help that). This is an example of the wide and easy gate that Jesus was referring to. 

These false teachers are sometimes hard to spot because they guise themselves as genuine Men of God! (7:15) They do it so well that many have deceived themselves! (7:22) So how do we know that they are false teachers? Here is what Jesus says:

You'll know them by their fruit (7:16)

       a. An apple tree produces apples. It can not produce an orange. So if they are evil then their deeds are going to show them as evil.

       b. A thorn-bush cannot produce any good fruit. Remember what the fruits of the Spirit are? Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

In general, the false teacher will not have any of these "fruits of the Spirit". You might remember watching the news or read an article on a popular televangelist that is arrested for indecency or tax-fraud. These ARE false prophets.

As for the Christian, we are to stay focused on the narrow road. If we are then it is hard to meander off and get distracted with worldly desires. Jesus said that we will face persecution for His name. But the path WILL lead to life. The only easy day here on earth was yesterday but it is good to know that we have the Holy Spirit as our Guide, Jesus as our Savoir, and the Promises of the Father. 

 

Something to Think About

Ever thought about the reasons why Jesus picked a few people to be His close followers? Well, the obvious ones were that He picked 12 symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel, He did come to save sinners, and he was considered a Rabbi and therefore had disciples, but why have a few to hang out with?
If you look at at of the teachings from Jesus that were directed specifically to the disciples they were mostly about developing Christian character. After all they are the Patriarchs of the Christian faith and had to develop the image. Sort of being Brand Marketers. The most important aspect of this training Jesus gave them was Personal Evangelism. 
How is your personal evangelism experience? Have you talked to anyone about Jesus? If it is like most and it happens almost none of the time then you are not alone. Perhaps you don't know how to go about doing it? Or maybe you experience fear of rejection? Either way we are commanded to tell others. 
I'm in the process of developing an online training course to teach and show how to share your faith without fear. 
In the meantime, be in prayer about this process and that it develops into a user friendly course that will assist those who need it. Also, pray for opportunities for you to share your faith and start by building those relationships. The easiest way to start is by fulfilling someone else's need.
Email or comment here if you have any questions. 
Carry On!

Being Persistent - Matthew 7:7-12

My Mother told me when I was young that I should never accept "No" from someone who has the ability to say "Yes". This was in reference to asking girls out on a date and I was VERY shy. She always wanted me to be persistent is asking for what I wanted, without being annoying, until I either received what I asked for or there was an acceptable compromise.The saying stuck and I believe it is applicable to different situations. 

In this Passage Jesus was urging the listeners to be persistent. Ask for what you say? Look back at the context. He was on a point that was teaching how to improve the Christian behavior to become Kingdom minded. Also, He is probably NOT referring to materials things because of the section about treasures. So what do you think Jesus is referring to? RIGHT! The treasures of Heaven. These are perfect gifts that help us carry on our mission with God. 

Today ask God what are the things that you need for your mission. Is it BOLDNESS? WISDOM? ENERGY? Then ask Him to equip you and guide you on your mission.

Excuse me sir! You have something in your eye!

Today's Reading: Matthew 7:1-6

Pointing out sin is not an easy thing to do. Especially if the person is not a Christian. Usually if you do the other person is VERY defensive and argumentative. Then they will try and quote Scripture. "Do not judge" they will say and this will most times shut the mouth. A close examination of this particular Scripture and a correct hermeneutic will reveal what is actually being said.
First, we are NOT to judge, yet. What I mean is Jesus says that we should look at our own life first then we are able to point out sin in others lives. Look closely to the sequence.

1. "Do not judge, SO THAT you won't be judged, AND with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." If we are willing to expose sin we should also be ready to be exposed ourselves. We are held to a higher standard (conduct wise) than those who do not know Jesus. I have once heard a good saying. "You can't expect an unsaved person to ACT saved". In other words, they do not know that some of the things they do are wrong and do not have the Holy Spirit to convict them of the sin.

2. "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye?..."
If we are quick to point out sin we should be willing to be exposed as well. Suppose that you see someone lying and you are sure of it, you must not be known to lie yourself. But how to I rectify this if I am commanded to expose sin (remember the lesson on 'Being the Light of the World'?)

3. Jesus says that we are to "First take the log out of your own eye then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Even though we are saved does not mean that we cease to sin. Christians are being watched whether we know it or not. As soon as one slips into sin, especially those who hold church offices, they are exposed with great fervor. When this happens the testimony is tainted and the reputation has to be reconciled. This process may take a LONG time but it is necessary in order to carry out exposing sin.

Jesus ends the thought by saying "Don't give to dogs what is holy or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces." The salvation that we have been given freely is not to be treated like a "GOTCHYA" to those who do not possess it. We must live our lives and maintain our reputation and testimony so that the unsaved see us and want what we have. It is too valuable to throw it in their face only to have it trampled and torn.

Today, examine your own life and pray to the Holy Spirit to expose sin in your life. Then, "take the speck out of your own eye".

Don't Worry About Worrying

Have you ever watched the TV show "Life without People"? It's w show that speculates what the world would be like if all of the people on earth just vanished leaving only the wild animals to rule. Do you think that there would be a problem with extinction? Sometimes I disagree with interfering with nature to "preserve" a species. The instincts that animals have allow the species to Move, Adapt, or die. They do not mope around the woods wondering if food is going to be available. They search for it. They do not worry where is their next bed is going to be. They simply bed where they are.
Jesus says that we too are not to worry about where our next meal or shelter is coming from. Or even wiry about the clothes we wear. In this passage Jesus lets us in on a little known sin that everyone commits to varying extents. It is a sin to worry. Why? Because people who do not know Christ as Savior do these things. If we worry and seek after things then our faith is in question. But Jesus tells us how to rectify this; "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow,because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Its like this... we have the richest most loving Father in the entire universe who knows us better than we know our self and we can know that He will give us everything that we need for His purpose. Just as he provides for the animals and plants how much more He gives us. How cool is that. Ever played "My dad is richer than hour dad?" I think ours tops everyone dad.
As you go thought pray think about how much we really depend on God. Food, money, job, house, and try to list them on a 3x5 card. Carry it around with you for a while and add to it as God reveals to you the things He provides.

True Valuable Treasure

Years ago in the news there was a story about a man who stole money from his boss a little at a time. It took him about 15 years to amass what he thought to be the equivalent of $1.5 million. He would be set for retirement and decided one day to quit his job take the money and move to a place where no one knew who he was. After informing his boss of his plans he retrieved his loot that was kept in a box under the house crawl space. He opened it only to find dust and remnants of old bills.

Jesus speaks of keeping treasure. He speaks of the corruptible treasure that we keep on earth and that we should not be concerned with it. Our treasures here can be and will be destroyed or stolen. But instead Jesus tells us what is more important, treasures in Heaven. 

In the middle of this thought it seems that Jesus says something unrelated to treasure "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!" Could this mean that what ever we see will determine what we will treasure? Sort of. You see, our eyes are the gates to our soul. If we guard what we see then that will determine what we value. Looking viewing or taking part of sinful things seep into our lives and become our treasures. However, if we are on guard then we are more apt to see what is truly valuable and store treasure in heaven.

Since we cannot have two masters we are either on guard or we are influenced by evil. Either we concentrate on what is incorruptible or what is destroyable. 

As you go through your day today, guard your eyes to what you see. Pay attention to what is a true treasure and what can be stolen or destroyed.

How to Go Slow When You are Going to Fast

The ritual of fasting is not so popular in today's Christian circles. Some do practice it but mostly we only hear of other religions doing it. There are different types of fasts; 1. Eating or drinking anything is forbidden, 2. Eating is forbidden but water is ok, 3. No food during sunlight and light colored broths are permitted and many more variations.

But why fast? Why would it be good to give up something that the body needs?
Some people do this in a variation to lose weight. Some do it to "detoxify". Some do it involuntary because of poverty. Is there any benefit to it?
Sure, some doctors will attest that while fasting your body resets itself in digestion, chemicals, and other hormones some people should not attempt it; diabetics, people with eating disorders, young children.  Those that do it for religious purposes do it not for any of these purposes.
Jesus was continuing the underlying theme that "we should be dependent on God for our needs." Fasting removes our need for food and replaces it with an extreme need for God. The longer the fast the longer the need. Remember Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the desert. If you have ever fasted for any length of time you would know that the hardest part is the beginning. Your body is going into starvation mode and signals your brain to eat. Studies have shown that after about three days of no food (water is ok) your body response is self preservation. Which means that the hunger pangs go away. However, your appearance will show signs of starvation. Think of those commercials you may have seen that shows starving children in a foreign country. Jesus instead instructs us that we, WHEN we fast, should clean ourselves up and not let anyone know we are fasting. we are not to follow the example of the Hypocrites (Pharisees) by letting our faces frown and carrying on about how hungry we are. No! Jesus instructs us to hide the fact that we are fasting. The motivation behind the hypocrites was to show that they were BEING RELIGIOUS. That is their reward. But when we fast for the right motivation then we will be rewarded by the One who sees it.
Notice that the passage says WHEN we fast and not IF we fast. Although it is not a command it is one of those expected duties we have that is designed to realign our minds to God's. The point of this whole lesson is that we MUST examine our motivation of our action toward God. Are they to be seen by man? Or are they to be seen by God?

Exercise for today:
The meaning behind the fast is to deny something that we depend on so our focus realigns with God. Some have said that we can fast not by giving up food but rather something that is a possible hindrance to our NEED for absolute dependence. Don't confuse this to the concept of Lent! That is another discussion for another time.
Prayerfully consider a fast. Look up verses that have to do with fasting. Here are a few to get you started.
Acts 14:23, Matthew 9:14–15, Mark 2:18–20, Luke 5:33–39, Mark 9:29

What NOT to do When Praying

One of the biggest misconceptions in the Christian faith is in the matter of prayer. Most people would argue that prayer is meant to benefit the one praying and those around. This is known as "Corporate Prayer". While this is not a bad thing, the direction and motivation of it is. Yesterday we looked at HOW NOT TO PRAY, today we are looking at HOW TO PRAY. Jesus gives us a MODEL for prayer. Notice I said MODEL. It was never meant to be recited as an actual prayer. The use of the words "pray like this" mean that He is using an example. So we are to PRAY by;
1. Direct your prayer to the one you are praying to.
Muslims will bow and face east (depending where they are) toward Mecca. This is to direct the prayer toward the Qibla and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Luckily, we as Christians do not do this however, we are to align ourselves to God when we pray. Yesterday we learned that we are not to pray so that men will praise us for it. Directing our prayer toward the Creator of the universe rids our attention of worldly attention.

Not only are we to direct our prayer but we are also to;
2. Pray for a present blessing toward a future consummation of God's rule
We are to pray for direction in our lives to align with God's will because just as His will is being carried out in heaven so it is on earth. It is going to happen whether we are in His will or out of it. We constantly need guidance to align or re-align our will with God's.

3. Pray that God will provide our daily need.
Bread was a necessary item in the diet. Although Jesus said that we "should not live by bread alone," it contained some of the nutrients that our bodies need for proper functioning. Also, bread back then would go bad and mold because there were no preservatives in it. So one would need to bake fresh bread everyday or at least every few days. Jesus says that we are to ask for our daily need (bread) to show that we are solely dependent on Him for His provision. We never would want to be in a place where we no longer need His provision.

4. Pray for the forgiveness of our sins just as we forgive sins toward us.
This is the only line that contains a prerequisite. Jesus says that we should pray that our sins are forgiven LIKE we forgive others. The word "debts" here is used in the sense of sins against another. The intent is that we are reminded that our sins place us in "debt" to God. Also, Jesus is not saying that we "earn" forgiveness by forgiving. But a person "evidences" his forgiveness by forgiving others.

5. Pray that we are protected against the evil one.
If we have prayed that our sins are forgiven then we are "cured" of our sin debt to God. In order to prevent further sins against God then we must ask for protection. As long as we are here on earth we can expect to be tempted.  God will never "lead us into temptation" but He most certainly will "deliver us" as He has promised.

6. End with another directive expression.
Usually prayers are ended with "In Jesus name, Amen!" But we do not see this in the Lord's Prayer. Instead we see an assignment of glory, honor, and worthy praise toward God. We do see in Scripture that we pray in the name of Jesus but we are not to literally do it. It is better to say that we can pray BECAUSE of Jesus and what He did. (This could be another subject for another time) The example we see here from Jesus is that we end the prayer by acknowledging God and that He alone is worthy of all of our praise and honor and glory FOREVER! Amen!

After saying of of the above do we refrain from Reciting the Lord's Prayer? Not at all! It is scripture and we know that "ALL Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Exercise for today? Pray a prayer using the example from Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in this and help you with the words to say. Sometimes it is helpful to read scripture to help get you started. Remember that we communicate to God by two avenues. 1. Reading Scripture is God talking to us and 2. Prayer is us talking to God.

3 Things to do when praying- Matthew 6:5-13

Have you ever been scared to death that you would be called upon to pray in front of people? Did you remember the prayer requests? In case you didn't know, I am an extreme introvert. I used to be terrified that I would be called on and I have a few times. Yet I survived and prayed a simple and somewhat canned prayer.
I remember growing up in the Nazarene church and sometimes there would be someone who would just stand up and start praying. He would start hooping and hollorin' (that's Southern for Hollering or yelling) and sometimes waving a hankie around. It was a sight to see and it lasted for quite a while.
Jesus might have witnessed people in His day putting on a display like this. He probably saw them stand up in the synagogues or maybe the street corners. Actually, He said that he did. He tells us NOT to be like them and gives us 3 things to do when we pray:

1. Instead of praying out in the open and drawing attention to yourself we should "go into our private room". Doing this we are by ourselves and our focus can ONLY be toward the one we are praying to. 
2. We are also to "shut the door". When we "shut the door" it allows us to open up in honesty toward God. We are more likely to confess before a Holy God our sins and repent from them.
3. We are to "Pray to our Father who is in heaven." We are to remember who exactly we are talking to. The "Creator of the Universe", the one who SPOKE everything in existence. Humbling to think about isn't it? That is the point.

Jesus was not at all forbidding public prayer and saying that we should ONLY pray in our closet. But He was saying that people who ONLY pray in public and never in private are praying for the wrong reasons.
Since when we pray and we do not truely know what or how we should pray Jesus gives us a model for prayer. We know it as the "Lord's Prayer". Some recite this as an actual prayer but in the context in which it is used it is a teaching tool.
Tomorrow we will break the steps down and examine each part. Today be thinking about your prayer life. Do you pray? If so, how often? Do you use scripture to help you?

Hey, Look at me! I'm trying to show you How to Give! Matthew 6:1-4

My wife and I are going through the process to try and teach our daughter how to ask for something in a respectful manner by saying "PLEASE." She has learned that if she says "PLEASE" loud enough and point out that she said "PLEASE" she should be allowed whatever she has asked for. She is trying to get our attention for doing something good.
Have we ever done this? Do we wait to do something good until someone is watching? After all if no one sees the good deed is it still a good deed? What's the reward if we do something good and no one sees it?
Jesus warned us that we should NOT do things to seek the praise of men. If we do then the praise of men will be our reward. Jesus instructs us that if we do these good deeds in "secret" our reward will be in heaven. He says "don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."
You can make the choice: Seek the praise of man and have it last while you are here on earth (70-80 more years)
OR- Do your good deeds in secret and be rewarded by God in heaven (Lasts forever)

Iron Bowl Love Matthew 5:43-48

This morning I'm reminded that there is only 5 days left until the start of college football season. It is my favorite time of year and many of you know that I am a huge Auburn fan. Having said that some of you know instantly what could ruffle my feathers. Yes that's right "Roll Tide" (Just typing that was like the Fonz saying ' I'm SORRY') Hands down the biggest rivalry is between Auburn University and The University of Alabama. It is so great that families have split, children have been disowned, and people have lost their jobs. When a child is born in the state of Alabama it is predestined to say "War Eagle" or "Roll Tide." I have even owned a bumper sticker that said "My 2 favorite teams are Auburn and anyone who plays Alabama. It was a real HATE for the other team.

Jesus  said that we are to Love our Neighbor, which is central to the Christian image, and then continues breaking the thought pattern of his listeners by adding that we should "Love our enemies as well." On top of that we are to pray for them. WHAT?!? You see what good does it do if we only show love to those who it's easy to love? Bad things happen to both the good and the evil in this world. So if we ONLY love those who are easy to love then what kind of reward would we have? Or in other words,  What kind of image does it paint for the unbeliever of a Christian?

Even unsaved people do these things. The Bible say that "if we are only loving those who love you ...and greet those who greet you... what are you doing out of the ordinary?" Then Jesus says that we are to "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." We are not to be  from the world that shows partiality. But if we show love impartially, guided by grace and mercy, then we show ourselves distinct, and we shine before the world, bringing glory to the Father.

That's the main idea; Our righteousness MUST impact the world because it surpasses mere "religiosity."

I have calmed down on my enthusiasm for college football, but not much. I no longer treat my Alabama friends as lepers and unclean outcasts. I congratulate them on wins and special achievements but I'll always root for the other team.

Exercise for the day;

Look around for those who you would consider your enemy and find ways to show love to them. It could be that you can simply just be an ear to them. Jerry Falwell had many enemies but he always showed them love. His biggest opponent, Larry Flynt, was also one of his best friends. Think of the impact that Dr. Falwell had for Christianity on Flynt's life even though his lifestyle has not.

Reflection

Last night I had "Meet the Teacher" at my school. It is always the one day that I dread the most and the day I look forward to the most. I look forward to it because I get to see some students that I have had in the past  and see how they have grown. I dread it because I have to work very hard trying to make a good first impression on those that are coming in to my class.
I relate this to the section we are studying by saying this; We look at Jesus as our Teacher. We are already in the school year and He is in the middle of one of His lectures. Are we listening? Are we taking notes? Are we doing the homework by applying what HE has said in our lives now?
Reflect back at some of the lessons so far in Matthew chapter 5. By the way this is a good teaching practice to stop in the middle of the lesson and go back and do a short review.
Feel free to comment on what the Lord has taught you through these passages.

Dentistry, Boxing, Lawyers, Physical Trainers, and Bankers- Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus again uses the formula "You have heard x, but I tell you x." Starting to see a pattern? You think that Jesus is trying to debunk everything that they have learned about the Law? Sort of a "Lawbusters" episode where He picks one of the Mosaic Laws and puts it to the test like Adam and Jamie do?
No not at all. Remember He started this sermon by saying that He didn't "come to destroy but to fulfill" the law. (5:17)
This section of the sermon Jesus is pointing out that we should go the "second mile". In other words, we are not only to meet the needs of those that are in need but go one step further.
First, Jesus pulls the Law that is the subject that deals with victims that have been wronged. The "eye for an eye" has been in ancient law for ages. Hammurabi included it and many other countries have used this as part of their "court system" of governing justice. Jesus takes this Law that they know very well and practice, and he tells them to "turn the other cheek". This is one of the more familiar saying in Christianity. This has been interpreted many times and in many different ways. I have heard that it is in place so that the Christian can hold a peace for a minute to prevent an instant outburst. Some would even add that you only have two cheeks, if it happened again then the Christian is verified in retaliation. But in the "Rule of Hermeneutic" we know that in order to properly interpret this for meaning we have to look at the context.
Second Jesus tells us that if someone sue us for our shirt then we are to give him our coat as well. Why would someone sue for our shirt. Hopefully no one during this day and age but back then it was understood that one could sue for shirts and coats. This was also the maximum you could sue for. People in those days didn't have many pieces of clothing as we do. If one was sued for both the shirt AND coat it was everything. Plus if the person sued for the coat and it was cold that night. The person could freeze (it gets real cold in desert terrain at night) and die. If this were to happen the person who sued for the coat was considered liable for that person's death.
Third, Jesus refers to the Roman rule that if a Roman soldier asked a civilian to carry his equipment He only could require one mile of him. This was so that the Roman soldier could be at fighting strength after traveling long distances. However, he could not require that civilian to go no more than one mile. It could be out of the way for the civilian but the trade off was the security in knowing the soldier was in a sense protecting the civilian from invaders. At least that was the idea. Jesus here points out that we are to go an extra mile. Even if it is out of our way.
Lastly, Jesus says that we are not to turn away anyone who wants to borrow and even tells us to give to those who ask. Historically, banking has always charged an interest on borrowed money. It is done for the time the money is away. That borrowed money could be used for investing for a gain. If it is loaned out that gain no longer is a potential unless interest is applied to the borrower. See how that works. So, Jesus addresses that we are to be generous by giving to those who ask for help and loan to those who want to borrow. There is a difference. If someone is asking for money, they aren't planning on repayment necessarily. But the one who asks for a loan is intending to pay back with interest.
What does all this mean? The law was not given to exact revenge, but to legislate justice. Breaking the law has consequences, but personal vengeance has no place. These passages have often been wrongly taken as a minimum guideline for retaliation. What Jesus clarifies is that they were always intended as a maximum or a ceiling for retaliation, and that mercy was always an acceptable intention underlying these laws.

For us, legalistically "letting the punishment fit the crime" and insisting upon a "eye for an eye" falls short. We must actually consider blessing the those that wrong us. Mercy (withholding deserved punishment) and grace (giving undeserved gifts) are legitimate forms of conduct.

Mean What You Say and Say What You Mean- Matthew 5:33-37

I love watching the "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials. One of them you hear the narrator say "People hang on his every word... even the prepositions." In case you have never seen them, these are commercials that portray a dapper bearded man that is in his 70's who has performed feats of peculiarity  someone who has a "Fonzi-esque" persona. (Only if he did jump sharks he would have made it... and the sharks would have applauded.) He had an almost cult following where you could read more of the interesting accomplishments this character did.

 Yesterday we talked a little on the condition of the heart. In this passage Jesus addresses the character of speech. He warns us about oaths and being careful in what we say.

Have you ever heard someone say "You swear to God?" meaning that you would keep your word otherwise God will strike you. OR how about "May God strike me down if it is not true"? Making these oaths have good intentions but we do not know what the future may bring. The Bible says that we "can not make a single hair white or black." (v. 36) We can not Have you ever made one of these oaths and then broken them because of other circumstances? We all have. Jesus knew this and taught that it is better to have a good reputation than to have to rely on a swear. Or we should simply just let our Yes mean Yes and our No mean No. My Dad used to tell me to "Mean what you say, and say what you mean!"

Go through today aware of you oaths to people, your kids, your spouse, and to God.
Please, if you would like to share comments leave them below.

***I do not endorse any products that said person in the above article represents***

Whatever it Takes - Matthew 5:27-30

After Jesus established that murder originates in the heart, He continues the thought of other sins that originate in the heart- Adultery
"I've NEVER committed adultery! I have always been with my wife/husband."
Remember that Jesus is addressing the heart issues. These are the issues that are seldom seen by people because we think of it as being an action. Jesus said- "everyone who looks at a women to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart." (v.28)
But wait a minute! I'm not even married.
Au contraire mon frere! Even if you are single this still applies. Those that wait for their mate may still lust after another.
Now wait just a second! You are telling me that I cant even look at the opposite sex with no thoughts of attraction?
Jesus gives a hyperbole by suggesting that if your eye or your hand causes you to sin then get rid of it! Because it "is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell!" Obviously Jesus isn't really wanting us to go around gouging our eyes out or chopping our hands off but the point is clear.
If ANYTHING causes us to sin then we are to get rid of it by any means possible! 
The hands and eyes don't actually CAUSE the sin but rather they are the tools used for it. Hands can commit actions of sin and the eyes can allow sin into the heart/mind. So the question is "How do we get rid of the possibility?" That is what we have to figure out with guidance from the Holy Spirit. 
Some of the missions I went on when I was in the Navy, we were told to do certain things "by any means necessary." The methods may not have been ideal however, they were necessary to accomplish the mission.
So in the case of sin we are to "Do what ever it takes to correct our heart attitude." 
For some, it may be deactivating Facebook for a while, selling your TV, taking a different route to and from work, or making sure that your spouse is with you when you eat out with coworkers.
God's Word contain many scriptures regarding our heart;
1. We are to guard it! Proverbs 4:23
2. Love God with it! 
3. Bind God's law with!
Just to name a few.

As you go through today as God to make you aware to the "THINGS" that are causing sin in your life. 

Get Your Mind Right!

Today is the day of the week that we prepare ourselves for worship. We should take a moment to self-examine our lives. The meaning of "worship" actually means that we should give our adoration to or show reverence toward an object or deity.Said object should receive our worthy time. So in essence, we should give our "worth-ship" to God. If God is "worthy" of our time and attention then we should give Him our absolute best. 
When I was in Rescue Swimmer School, the instructors used to yell out "Get your mind right!" just before we were going to PT (Physical Training). If we didn't get our mind right for the task then we could not give it our whole effort. The same is with getting ready for worship (worth-ship). If you don't get your mind right you can not give it full effort.
So today in preparation for tomorrow set aside all worldly things and GET YOUR MIND RIGHT!

Don't Murder the Person You are Forgiving Matthew 5:21-26

Today's Reading: Matthew 5:21-26

I heard one of my friends in the Navy tell me a story about when he was driving home from work. He began by saying in a loud exaggerated voice.

"Man, I was in my lane going about the speed limit. When all of a sudden this car came out of nowhere and cut me off. I mean within inches."
"I was so mad that I followed that car so close that I could smell the interior."
"We went in and out of traffic. Finally the car took an exit and I was right on it."
"We were speeding through the neighborhood and then the car pulled into a driveway." "I slammed on my brakes and skidded the car in front of the house and waited for the guy to get out of the car so that I could..."
"Then I saw. It was an old lady shaking so bad she could hardly walk. I even think she mouthed the words to me 'I'm sorry'."

Too often we let our emotions run our lives. Especially our anger. In today's reading, Jesus addresses the issue and equates it to breaking a Commandment. Remember yesterday when we read that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and that no one is able to keep all of the Law? This is the first point that He makes. Anger left unsettled is the same as MURDER!
What? Yes, that is exactly what it means. If you are angry with someone you just murdered them in your heart. But wait! That's not all! Jesus also takes this opportunity to also go one step further and teach on reconciliation. You should go first to the person who wronged you and reconcile while you are on the way. This way you are ready for worship.

I know there are many different applications here but these two are the most outstanding;
1. Anger left unsetteled is the same as murder (only in heart not action)
2. In order to get your heart right you must be reconciled to your brothers

As you go about today think about who you may have wronged. Maybe someone you know that has something against you. Think of a way of reconciliation. Pray about the situation and ask for boldness. Ask God to give you wisdom in the situation and the words to say. 
Also ask God to bring awareness in situations that make you angry. Think of the person the story and put yourself in both perspectives.

Legalistic Lawyers and Purposeful Propitiation Matthew 5:17-20

"Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:17-20)

You have heard that people say that we are no longer under the Law BUT under grace. What exactly does this mean? Do we ignore the Law? Do we follow the Law?

I'm here to tell you- neither and both. 

HUH? Well think of it this way. Why do we need laws? Easy answer... so the people would not live in Chaos. If there were "rules" to society then people would be in a constant state of fear.

But instead, God gave the Laws (10 Commandments) to Moses so that he could start the government for the nation of Israel. 

"But I'm not Jewish!" says you? Ha, neither am I but God is still going to hold people accountable for all of the Laws, not just the 10 commandments, but all 600 plus commands.

"But wait, following the law to the "t" is impossible!" I know, that's the point! When Jesus said that He didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, the Pharisees were in His presence. He briefly sides with them in that the Pharisees lived by these laws and thought that this was the key to heaven. But, instead Jesus ends this thought by saying that "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Those hearing this knew it was impossible to surpass them and much less able to keep the law. But that wasn't the purpose of the Law. Jesus started by saying He was the fulfillment of the Law. It was never intended to draw man closer to God but rather to show man how far apart from God he really is. Jesus fulfilled the Law by being the propitiation for sin. It is impossible to keep the law even a small bit of it. Hence the need for a Savoir.

The next verses Jesus goes into detail in why it's impossible to keep the Law. We will look at each of them individually.

Today as you go about. Think of the ways we break the law of today's society. Speeding? Running stop-signs? Tax Laws?