In this age of raw emotions expressed on social media, perspective is often lost. Subsequently, blogs, instagrams and tweets tend to exaggerate events, making things far worse than reality. Thus, if you troll social media long enough, don’t be surprise if you find a comment claiming, “that’s the worst.”
Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue, Psalm 120:2.
Whenever I drive, my patience is at its worst. Whether I am alone or driving my family, I am frustrated by the slightest mistake made by other drivers. These offenses strike a nerve, usually getting me bent out of shape. Unfortunately, I prematurely judge and label each individual behind the wheel as the worst driver I have ever seen.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; Luke 6:37.
Debates over what’s the “worst” varies. Some claim accidental deaths, others suggest cancer victims and a few argue that the millions of aborted babies since 1973 is a travesty. As for me, I believe eternal separation from God is the worst. In a discussion with his 12 disciples, Jesus brings up the concept of losing your soul. The context suggests the temptation to be rich, self-supportive and wealthy causes some to forfeit their soul. In view of this, follow Jesus’ advice within Matthew 16:24-26 by giving your life away.
Last Sunday, I made my way toward Sharp Top Mountain, the second highest point in the state of Virginia. After church my family took the 30 minute ride toward the summit. The closer I drove to the mountain, the more challenging this climb became. The longer I gazed at the peak, the less confident I grew, doubting if I had the strength to make it to the top.
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path, Matthew 13:19.
The parable of the weeds relates to my 1.6 mile hike. Around every corner, above each rise and over the various hairpin turns, distractions lurk. Fear, pain and time whisper ideas of stopping or quitting before you reach your desired destination. Unless you possess a peak vision, the human mind will allow temptation to steal your joy of accomplishment in life.
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful, Matthew 13:22.
My younger son Daniel set the pace on the trail, filled with excitement the closer we got. His energy keep me going, placing any temporary aches and pain on hold until we arrived. Meanwhile, an hour behind, my oldest son James and niece Rachael prodded my wife, unwilling to let her quit before reaching the summit. While this journey made me aware of my poor condition and overall shape of my body, the moral of this blog is that sometimes you need others to push you along the way until your peak vision is fulfilled.
The original sign man traveled across the country, attending several professional sporting events. After studying the cameras at each event, he put himself in the ideal position to display John 3:16 to viewers. This and other variables has made Jesus’ words in this passage to become one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Yet, there is another John 3:16 which often gets overlooked, possessing another powerful message.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, 1 John 3:16.
When it comes to love and sacrifice, I tend to miss the mark. While I do get emotional when I see something heart breaking or touching, my actions lack true compassion. When I served on a board of elders for six years, I witnessed first hand how messy life can get. Love takes energy, patience and time. Unfortunately, I often abandon ship along the way, not completing the act of love God wants me to carry out.
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? – 1 John 3:17.
The second verse in the passage above provides the frame work for a compassion test. Like taking a spiritual gifts test, here’s a few questions to consider. First, what are you laying your life down for? Second, where is the bulk of your free time spent? Third, is there anyone in your life that currently needs your help? Finally, what will you do to reorganize your priorities to become the hands and feet of Christ on earth. As you ponder the questions above, may the Holy Spirit guide and direct you to become a compassion soul on earth.
One of the ways restaurants attempt to improve business is through monthly or season specials. Whether its All You Can Eat, Buy One Get One Free or events like Crab Fest, these ads nudge families to go out to eat. As for me, I enjoy restaurants with all the fixings like my families favorite Chinese buffet. Although I don’t always practice self-control, my hunger is satisfied.
Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you, Jeremiah 32:17.
Beside food, there is another type of fixing which exists. Whether its a parent with a child, teacher with a student or spouse with a husband or wife, some become obsessed with fixing other people. While these intentions are good, some people like who they are. Thus, when you may mean well, many people don’t what to change or simply aren’t ready yet.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20.
In the end, its probably better to let God do all the fixing. While you wait for those whom you love to come around, the best thing you can do is pray. This may involve doing prayer walks through a room, seeking the advice of others and fasting for a specific need. If you take the words of the apostle above, remember the power of God who is able to do far more abundantly than the human mind can imagine. Let the fixings begin.
While I never finished completing seminary due to my iritis, the classes I completed have provided a plethora of knowledge. One of my favorite terms is the Greek word ethos. Philosophers like Aristotle used ethos in the context of a person’s character. Yet, ethos means so much more, its the expression of love, allowing others to see that you genuinely care about their lives. Those individuals who demonstrate ethos on a daily basis earn the right to be heard.
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, Matthew 9:12.
Unfortunately, as I interact with people, listen to what others believe and watch how different worldviews treat one another, the concept of ethos is vanishing. Narcissism, pride and stubborn hearts are leaving a trail of hate, attacking anyone who opposing their beliefs. C.S. Lewis eludes to this oblivious trait as diabolical pride in Mere Christianity. If this flaw continues, the concept of ethos may disappear.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” Matthew 9:13.
There are certain areas, subjects or topics where people claim to be experts, knowing much more than most others. Yet, it would help if individuals would learn to become humble and more teachable. While you may think you know more than a boss, manager or teacher, showing respect breeds ethos. If the phrase sharing is caring is employed, a generation will begin to witness the powerful effects of ethos on society.
For those of you who enjoy taking cup cake classes in school, searching for an easy A, the Bible contains some difficult challenges. Depending upon how self critical you are, the words of scripture expose darkness with light. Subsequently, no matter how good of a person you may be, its surprising how many people fail the Bible’s love test.
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen, 1 John 4:20.
The one whom Jesus loved opens up this short quiz. When all other disciples abandoned Jesus following his arrest, John stood by his side at the cross where he died. What John heard on this day sent shock waves to what he believed about love. Despite being beaten, mocked and tortured, Jesus cried out, “forgive them for they know not what they do.” This statement inspired question number one.
1. Is there anyone you despise, hate or treat with contempt?
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:14-15.
The second participant chimes as from an unique perspective. Serving as a tax collector, Levi also known as Matthew worked in one of the most corrupt occupations of his day. During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he mentions prostitutes on the same level with tax collectors. Thus, its highly possible that Matthew made many enemies, cheating and stealing money from hard working citizens. With this in mind, forgiveness is something that Matthew sought, touched by Jesus’ words above.
2.Have you forgiven everyone who has hurt you or is there a grudge you are currently holding on to?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:30-31.
Finally, John Mark is an individual who initially left the mission field, letting down the apostle Paul. Yet, over time Mark matured, eventually winning back the respect he lost with Paul. This transformation was made possible with the words shared by Jesus above. The context of this question involved a trap with Pharisees attempting to trick Jesus into de-emphasizing one of the 10 commandments. Yet, his words essentially summarize the first four with one comment and the final six with his second statement setting up the final question.
3. Where is your love for God currently and are you following the golden rule in your interactions with others?
If you failed this test like me, may God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy lift you up and fill you with a heart willing to bear with, embrace and love one another.
The gospel according to John was written for a specific purpose. The Holy Spirit led the disciple whom Jesus loved to concentrate on a collection of miracles. According to the book Master of All Trades, each miracle of Jesus demonstrates an unique God given power over death, elements, time and so on. In one account, a man blind from birth experiences tears of healing after seeing his reflection for the first time in a nearby pond.
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name, John 20:30-31.
Due to a battle with iritis of the eye, my vision tends to come and go. Some days I wake up and my sight is clear. Other times I feel like I’m in some sort of fog. Although there are many things I can’t control, my hope is in Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. During a Raymond Lee Band concert last Saturday night, I was moved by a few songs. As I was brought to tears, the water in my eyes served as a source of healing. The rest of the evening my vision was completely clear like the healed blind man in John.
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written, John 21:25.
At the conclusion of John’s gospel, he reveals the purpose of his book. Whenever anyone gives a testimony or shares about an account of a miracle, faith spreads. While some may never be an eyewitness, those who experience the supernatural instill hope within others. Unfortunately, healing doesn’t visit everyone as Paul suggests in 2 Corinthians 12. However, if you carefully examine the minor details within your life, perhaps your eyes will be opened to a miracle that can bring tears of healing.
Last weekend, I attended a benefit concert for one of my former students. While listening to the music, speakers and video, I am touched by the legacy these two students have left behind. Joseph Feeley was a gifted athlete, solid believer and destined to play professional baseball or become a long drive champion. Meanwhile, Kaylyn Warren was an aspiring actress in school plays, talented singer and godly leader. Unfortunately, each were taken away, struck down by vicious cancers.
And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary, Luke 18:3.
Like the tribulations of Job, somethings will never make any sense. Subsequently, those who endure horrific conditions are forever linked by time. From an earthly perspective, parents, relatives and students were robbed of spending more time with their friend. On the other hand, each were relieved of their suffering and reunited with God the Father in heaven. Trying to comprehend the Lord’s grand design can be overwhelming. Thus, for now, all I can grasp is that by dying, these two teenagers impacted their peers with a persistent faith.
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? – Luke 18:8
Over time, its easy to lose touch with the people you care about. Yet, wherever you are, its crucial to find a ministry to poor your heart and soul into on earth. Although, it may take some time to locate one that you believe in, God has a special place for you if you are willing. Sure, there are distractions, trying to grab your attention. Nonetheless, if you want to make an investment for eternity, remember the example of Joe and Kay so that others will be touched by your deeds when your time on earth runs out.
While attending a youth ministry trade school in Minnesota, I was first introduced to the term “red light thinking.” Growing up everyone hears the words I can’t. This may be spoken by adults, siblings or teachers. Whom ever spouts out this expression is suggesting that you can’t accomplish what you hope for, think about and want. Anyone who begins to believe this will be limited in what you accomplish in life.
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.
To combat red think thinking I was trained to practice a simple exercise. After you have taken an assessment of a dilemma, problem or situation, spend any where between five to fifteen minutes to write down as many possible solutions as possible. This time involves a collection of ideas without rejection, known as green light thinking. When every angle is considered, then you can go back and scrutinize the unrealistic.
For nothing will be impossible with God, Luke 1:37.
The older I become, the crueler and harsher critics get. Subsequently, the young, adolescents and adults are bombarded with daily chants of you can’t. Debbie downers and negative Norman’s pound away dramatically impacting self-esteem. Instead of facing a world full of challenges with hope, individuals struggle to believe in their dreams. If this mindset is not stopped, spirits of doubt will eliminate the American dream. May prayer, a supporting church and voices of optimism propel the hopeless toward a sense of with God I can.
Opening monologues are usually found at the beginning of cable and radio talk shows. This serves as an outline for a daily program, guiding discussion for the day. In the past few months, I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern. While freedom of speech exists in theory, its appears that powerful figures within America fueled by a secular worldview are using exaggeration, gossip and lies to distort the truth. Subsequently, alternative, conservative and progressive minds are waging war in the media attempting to gain the support of a majority of Americans.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered, Proverbs 11:3.
Whether this is accomplished through hacking, leaking or spying on individuals, I’m surprised that no voice of reason has intervened. Why hasn’t there been an outcry proclaiming, “we’ve gone too far.” What happened to honest civilized debates where the best and brightest ideas decide the outcome. Rather, a lack of standards has caused cable news, print media and social media to invoke smear campaigns on anyone who does not hold their political view. At some point, people are going to tune out completely.
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people, Titus 3:2.
The apostle Paul has a plan to reverse this current trend of cruelty and mean spirited words. First, don’t attack the person, address disagreements with dignity and respect. Second, when you reach a point of tension, be gentle in the words that you chose. Finally, follow the golden rule by treating others as you want to be treated with courtesy. There will always be conflict, disagreements and power struggles, but if this is done in a civil manner, decency will be restored. May these words give people a sense of hope for restoration and unity.
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