Category: Uncategorized

Don’t fear, Come see, Rejoice, Tell them, So they will see

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Matthew 28:1-10 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.28.1-10.NKJV

TRUTH

So often, we get lost in either empty, repetitive religious practices – or in our striving for works – or in our forgetting Christ and being distracted by this world. But we see laid out the foundation of our Christian lives in this passage.

Yes, it’s our fear of God that begins the uncovering, the revealing of God to us.  At some point we realize that there is something greater and more lasting than what we can see and touch and taste and smell. And as we grasp the concept of a Holy, righteous, and perfect God – as we catch just a tiny glimpse, just a bit of knowledge of His glory, we can become fearful because it shines light on everything in our lives that is imperfect.

EXAMINATION

Has our every thought today been pure and set on glorifying and praising God?

Have our words and actions been perfect examples of His love to everyone around us?

In my case,  I hope the answer to the first two could some days be yes, but I fear the answer might always be no – for some small infraction that I don’t even remember, right?

Have we held pride in our hearts over how good we are doing, claiming His victory and strength as something that we’ve accomplished ourselves?

Do we sit, hearing a message of instruction meant for our ears and our heart and our lives, but think to ourselves,  “I know that so and so needs to hear this message”?

Do we hear the message, let it stir our emotions, but not let it pierce the cold stone of our hardened hearts so that it might make  a difference in our lives daily?

I say this because how would we react if an angel of the Lord appeared before us this morning? Or maybe on a Friday or Saturday night after we’ve been comfortably removed from the rigid reminder of a Sunday morning pew?

If Christ himself stood before us right now, how would we react?

HOPE

I’m reminded of a song by Mercy Me –

“Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel

Will I dance for your Jesus

Or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence

Or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine”

How will you react this morning to a risen Savior, whose messenger comes to tell you –

“Do not be afraid,

I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

He is not in the tomb;

He is risen, as He said.

Come, see the proof.

And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead,

He is going before you g preparations for you;

you will see Him.

Believe and behold, because the Lord has told you.”

This messenger brings hope for those who seek Christ, not condemnation. The Lord recognizes our fear. He recognizes our conviction when drawn closer into the presence of his Holy Spirit. He does not come to beat us up, but to lift us up.

SELAH

SURRENDER

Lord, help us to examine our lives – not so that we can measure and compare with others, but so that we compare our lives to yours and are humbled by our need for your grace. Don’t let us get prideful about any good works that are just filthy rags, and don’t let us remain guilt ridden and ashamed of past sins confessed and forgiven and cast as far as the east is from the west. Help us to recognize our need,  not once, not once daily, but continually throughout our day – remembering the love you demonstrated and the price you paid so that we can follow in your footsteps and walk in the power, love, and self control that your Holy Spirit provides. Teach us,  guide us,  and help us find our way back home.

FAITH

When a messenger brings a message to us, we have the opportunity to either –

Run away in fear -OR- Be drawn closer in trust

Listen to the message -OR- choose to listen to other voices

Hear and understand and learn -OR- argue and justify and ignore

A message from the Lord does not leave us unchanged. We will either be drawn closer if we choose to listen and believe, or by ignoring and denying the message our hearts will be seared and hardened against the truth. The ones bringing truth are bringing a message that convicts us and that takes faith for us to believe and follow. The worldly and wicked will get mad at a messenger who brings truth that they do not want to hear – but those who love and respect God will be humbled by the truth and will be thankful for a message of truth and conviction that shines light on things previously hidden in darkness. The faithful want to see their lives changing to be more like Christ,  while the rebellious just want justification for their current ways of living and escape from any punishment or negative consequences. The faithful hunger not only for Jesus Christ as Savior, but as Lord as well.

LOVE

But let’s not get sidetracked by religious measuring and comparing of ourselves to others or even to our own past. Because our faithfulness and obedience, or our lack of it, simply exists to remind us of His love. When we were rebellious in the darkness, His love was the bright shining light that we thought that we had to hide from. Because the lies of the enemy told us that the condemnation and destruction in store was for us and that we had no hope.

You see, the enemy will take a truth and twist it. Yes, the world is condemned already. Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save it. And not to surrender light to the darkness, but to bring light and life into the darkness. You see,  there is a judgement ahead, and there is destruction ahead,but it is not hopeless for you,  friend,  because the wrath of God has been poured out upon Christ for the sins of the world, so that whoever believes may know life and may walk in light.

You see, He loves us. He is a loving and merciful and Good Father to His children. And He has, a will and purpose for our lives that aligns our gifts and talents with His love so that we can shine like peculiar greens hidden amongst the dust and ashes of this fallen world. Not because we are somehow working hard enough to increase our value – but because His hand on our lives is polishing us into a finished work. We are valuable because of His love poured out into us, not because of works, religious practice, or our own strength – but because of His loving presence in our lives.

And He teaches us His love so that the world might see and know and recognize His great handiwork. It is our grattitude for His work, our love for His ways, that shows the world the love of the Good Shepherd for His children. We are an undeniable testimony, a light shining in the darkness, love pouring out unexplainably upon both friend and enemy, lives laid down for our fellow man – so that all might know that they are called to receive His grace – and so that some might be chosen for His use.

SELAH

PRAISE

Lord, thank you for your love that does not leave us where we were, but changes us and molds us to be more like you.

The prosperous man looks at a nice,  new fancy car and says to himself,  “I NEED that.”

That same prosperous man looks at the struggling, homeless, addicted, and burdened man walking the streets asking for a meal or a place to sleep. And he says to himself, “If he WANTS food, let him work for it. Someone should put him in prison so that we don’t have to be reminded of his ignorance and defiance against our society. That way he might LEARN to be a contributing member of society.”

The religious man looks at two men in need,  and says to himself, “I have what these men NEED, I can TEACH them what I KNOW ABOUT.”

The religious man stands over both of them, pointing out their faults, and telling them what they need to change, telling them they need to pray more, read the Bible more, show up to church on Sunday more, and to tithe more. He then prays a long, loud, wordy prayer with them (mentioning Jesus at the end) and leaves them in their need – very content with himself.

The homeless man looks at his hunger and says, “I WANT food and shelter tonight, Lord, but KNOWING YOU is everything that I NEED.”

That same homeless man looks at the struggling, mortgaged, money chasing man walking the from his fancy car to his comfortable home and workplace, not asking for the one thing he truly needs. And he says to himself, “Lord, he wants for nothing in this world, but please have mercy on his ignorance, and free him from the prison that he has built for himself. Oh, Lord, I plead with you that you might REVEAL your life example of a humble servant and a child of God to us all more clearly. But nevertheless, your will be done.”

That same homeless man looks at the respected, titled, and educated religious man walking from one opportunity to speak to the next – and sees his striving,  burdened, chase after perfection. And he says to himself,  “Lord, this man wants for recognition and honor in both this life and in the next, but please have mercy on his ignorance, and free him from the prison that he has built for himself. Oh, Lord, I plead with you that you might REVEAL your life example of a humble servant and a child of God to us all more clearly. But nevertheless, your will be done.”

How many of us truly know very much about NEED vs WANT in our comfortable lives within this prosperous nation?

How many people who are truly in NEED have we taken the time to speak with, to get to know, to work with them towards getting back on their feet?

Are we satisfied that it is someone else’s job? The government? The charities? The churches? THEY ought to? THEY should do it? THEY are supposed to?

Why do we call WANTS that are ours a NEED, but call the NEEDS of others WANTS?

Why do we step to the back of the line with our excuses, clinching our hands around what is “mine”, looking for THEY to show up when it’s time to share by GIVING to help others in NEED?

Why are we quick to run to the front of the line, making sure WE have our hands open and outstretched wide to be seen when it’s time for RECEIVING what we WANT?

Carnal minded. 

carnal [kahr-nl]

adjective

1.pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual:

2.not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly:

It’s pride. It’s vanity. It’s that oldest enemy of ours, love of self.

And if we try to make up for our shame and guilt with a quantity of service and good works.

Diligence and Abundance

​The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5 ESV

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.  Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. – Revelation 3:17‭-‬19 ESV

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.   “Fear not, little  flock, for  it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you  the kingdom.  Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Luke 12:29‭-‬34 ESV

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where  moth and rust  destroy and where thieves  break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,  but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!   “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and  money. – Matthew 6:19‭-‬24 ESV

“The kingdom of heaven  is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy  he goes and sells all that he has and  buys that field.   “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,  who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:44‭-‬46 ESV

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.  The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. – Psalms 16:5‭-‬6 ESV

Where is our diligence being applied? 

In our own wealth that will rot and rust away? In our own self righteousness  works and empty religious ceremonies that are filthy rags and a stench in the nostrils of a perfect,  Holy and righteous God? Or in building an alive and abiding relationship with God upon the firm foundation of Christ?
How diligent are we in our drawing near to God? Or have we become complacent, lukewarm, useless? Do we not realize our need to be disciplined, corrected,  tested and refined through trials? 

Let us not come to spiritual poverty in trade for material riches and distractions of worldliness. Let us be diligent in the things of the LORD.

Hear Me, Oh LORD

Psalm 34:17-18 ESV
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Matthew 11:28 ESV
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 30:5 ESV
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 143:7-8 ESV
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Humble Yourself

In keeping with James 5:16 on this day of prayer –

I can be very prideful at times. Sometimes I forget to give Him all the credit for anything good in me because I want to boast in myself instead. Keep me humble in you, Lord.

I can allow my eyes to linger too long, or I can turn my back from that lost woman who I fear may serve as a temptation to my flesh when I know that she is in need. Teach me to trust in the strength of your Holy Spirit and to neither give in to temptation and sin, nor run from it in doubt, but to stand firmly trusting in you, Lord.

I can be zealous in my hatred of sin and forget to encourage with kindness and compassion those who are weak and doubting and fallen. Soften my heart and make me mindful of my words, Lord.

I can hold onto things out of fear for myself and my family that are meant to be blessings to those in need around me. Teach me to trust you even more and open my hands and heart wider to those in need,  Lord.

I can become so active in study and work, or isolated in the rigidness of a planned day that I overlook the unexpected opportunities for spontaneous outpouring of His love in surprise fellowship and service. Teach me to see the opportunities in each day to show your love, to free the captives, to break the chains that bind,  and to praise you and bring you glory and honor,  Lord.

I can talk too much and listen far too little. Teach me wisdom so that your Word remains in my ears constantly and on my lips when necessary, Lord.

I can find myself worrying about my day,  my family, this world, and the lost. Remind me that victory is yours and yours alone, Lord.

Forgive me.

Amen.

Sermon on the Mount

What is it like to be blessed?

Matthew 5:1-12

What is it like to live blessed?

Matthew 5:13-16

How does the law factor into a blessed life?

Matthew 5:17-20

How is the law of Christ greater than the letter of the law (outward compliance VS inward obedience)?

Matthew 5:21-48

The “why” of our heart’s desires either betray us or testify on our behalf.

Matthew 6:1

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:   “Blessed are  the poor in spirit, for  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   “Blessed are  those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.   “Blessed are the  meek, for they  shall inherit the earth.   “Blessed are those who hunger and  thirst  for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.   “Blessed are  the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.   “Blessed are  the pure in heart, for  they shall see God.   “Blessed are  the peacemakers, for  they shall be called  sons  of God.   “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for  theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely  on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.   “You are the salt of the earth,  but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   “Do not think that I have come to abolish  the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but  to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.   “You have heard that it was said to those of old,  ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable  to judgment.’  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.  So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.  Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.   “You have heard that it was said,  ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.   “It was also said,  ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’  But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.   “Again  you have heard that it was said to those of old,  ‘You shall not swear falsely, but  shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’  But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,  or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.   “You have heard that it was said,  ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.   “You have heard that it was said,  ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:1‭-‬48 ESV

“Beware of  practicing your righteousness before other people in order  to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.   “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may  be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have  received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.   “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love  to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.   “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as  the Gentiles do, for  they think that they will be heard  for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  Pray then like this:  “Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be  your name.    Your kingdom come,  your will be done,   on earth as it is in heaven.   Give us  this day our daily bread,    and forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors.   And  lead us not into temptation,  but  deliver us from  evil.    For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.   “And  when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,  that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.   “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where  moth and rust  destroy and where thieves  break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,  but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!   “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and  money.    “Therefore I tell you,  do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:1‭-‬34 ESV

The kid in the candy store grows up

Mia and I talked this morning as we rode to school and work about a story of two brothers who both loved candy. One brother said, “I love candy so much that I’ll run a candy store so that I can eat all the candy I want anytime I feel like it.” The other brother said, “I love candy so much that I want to travel the world,  learning how the best candies are made, so that I can experience the best and also share my findings with the world by writing reviews and articles about it.” One brother ended up with rotten teeth, diabetes, and in financial ruin,  because he over indulged and was overtaken by his desire to have the candy for himself. He left nothing for his wife and children but debt and ruin. The other brother stayed active, traveling the world, sharing his love with others and maintaining a self-controlled and profitable channeling of his desires. 

She asked, “Is that a true story?” And I told her that it is a parable, and that the truths that it teaches are real, but the story has been put together to demonstrate that truth. I asked her what the story taught us. “Don’t eat too much candy!” she replied. And I said, “but could the candy be something else that people might want too much of?” She said, “Yeah, like stuffed animals or something else!” And I could see that her words made her think about the pile of animals that cover her bed. Her own words had revealed something to her heart. So I talked to her about moderation, temperance, and self-control. What a blessed discussion. What in my life needs to be examined for temperance, moderation, and self-control. 

I think that it is healthy to look at anything in our lives that is taking up a good bit of our focus and time – television,  Internet, games, addiction, partying, social gatherings, hobbies, entertainment, etc – and ask ourselves honestly if we could give those things up for 40 days and replace that time with dedicated prayer, reading the Word, and serving the needs of others. Even more so than “can we do it” is “do we even want to do it”. If we are indulging greater in self and in those things than we are indulging in God, can we say that we’ve yet torn down our idols? If we haven’t yet, we are just a repentance away from seeing those walls come crashing down. But we must choose. 

I found a great article on Prayer and Self-Indulgence this morning here: https://theworddetective.wordpress.com/tag/self-indulgence-warning/

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 KJV

G1466

self-control: 

(the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites)

Temperance:

(Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.)

Foolish Things

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are  called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord .” – I Corinthians 1:26‭-‬31 NKJV​

Sat and talked with a man last night at the jail that reminded me a lot of the movie Slingblade, but even more so made me wonder if I was sitting with Jesus. Such a simple view of the world from a man who couldn’t read, who didn’t know scriptures,  who didn’t know deep theological concepts,  but he knew God. He knew Jesus and could share in little, broken and easily distracted gems of testimonies — in such a pure and undefiled by the world way  — that I was truly humbled. He would say things that we’re so simply profound while he was just wondering over trees and those he loved and prayed for.

Karl:
Reckon what you is wanting to know is what I’m a-doing in here. ‘Reckon the reason I’m in here is ’cause I’ve killed somebody. But I reckon what you is wanting to know is how come me had killed somebody so I reckon I’ll start at the front and tell ye. I lived out back of my mother and father’s place, most of my life, in a little ol’ shed that my daddy built for me. They didn’t too much want me up there in the house with the rest of’em. Mmm. So mostly I just sat around out there in the shed lookin’ at the ground. Mmm. I didn’t have no floor out there but I had me a hole dug out to lay down in. ‘Quilt or two to put down there. Mmm-hmm. My father was a hard working man most of his life, not that I can say the same for myself. I mostly just sat around out there in the shed, tinkering around with a lawn mower or two. Went to school off and on from time to time. But the children out there, they were very cruel to me. Made quite a bit of sport of me, made fun of me quite a bit. So mostly, I just sat around out there in the shed. My daddy worked down there at the sawmill, down at the planer mill for an old man named Dixon. Ol’ Man Dixon was a very cruel fella, didn’t treat his employees very well. Didn’t pay’em too much of a wage, didn’t pay my daddy too much of a wage. Just barely enough to get by on, I reckon. Mmm. I reckon he got by alright. Mmm. They used to come out, one or the other, usually my mother and feed me pretty regular. Mmm-hmm. So I know he made enough to where I could have mustard and biscuits three or four times a week. Mmm. But Ol’ Man Dixon, he had a boy by the name of Jesse Dixon. Jesse was really more cruel than his daddy was. He used to make quite a bit of sport of me when I’d be down there at the schoolhouse. ‘Used to take advantage of little girls there in the neighborhood and all. Mmm. They used to say that my mother was a very pretty woman. They said that quite a bit from time to time when I’d be down there at the schoolhouse. Well, I reckon you want me to get on with it and tell you what happened so I reckon I’ll tell ye. I was sitting out there in the shed one evening not doing too much of nothing, just kindly staring at the wall. I was waiting on my mother to come out and give me my Bible lesson. Well I heared a commotion up there in the house, so I run up on the screened in porch to see what was a-going on. I looked in the window there and I seen my mother laying there on the floor without any clothes on. Mmm. Mmm-hmm. I seen Jesse Dixon laying on top of her. He was having his way with her. Mmm. Well I just seen red. I picked up a kaiser blade that was sitting there by the screen door. Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade. Got a long wood handle kinda like an ax handle with a long blade on it shaped kinda like a banana. Sharp on one edge and dull on the other’n. It’s what the highway boys used to cut down weeds and whatnot. Well I went in the house and I hit Jesse Dixon upside the head with it, knocked him off my mother. I reckon that didn’t quite satisfy me, so I hit him again with it in the neck with the sharp edge and just plumb near cut his head off. Killed’im. My mother jumped up from there and started hollering, “What’d you kill Jesse for?” “What’d you kill Jesse for?” Well, mmm, come to find out I don’t reckon my mother minded what Jesse was doing to her. ‘Reckon that made me madder than what Jesse’d made me, so I takened the kaiser blade, some folks called it a sling blade, I called it a kaiser blade, mmm, and I hit my mother upside the head with it. Mmm… Killed her; Some folks has asked me if I had it to do over again, would I do it the same way. I reckon I would. Anyhow they seen fit to put me in here and here I’ve been a great long while. I’ve learned to read some. ‘Took me four years to read the Bible. I reckon I understand a great deal of it. Wasn’t what I expected in some places. Mmm. I slept in a good bed for a great long while. Now they’ve seen fit to put me out of here. They say they’re setting me free today. Mmm.

LORD, search out those things in our hearts and minds that are hindering your touch, your power, your will, your spirit from overtaking any area of our lives. Don’t let us be puffed up. And let us enjoy so much around us that we can be in awe of about you if we would just slow down to look and listen. Amen.

Ask the right questions

Do I NEED God?

Or am I foolishly trusting in myself – my talents, my wealth,  my strength, etc.?

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. – II Corinthians 3:5‭-‬6 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it  is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. – Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NKJV

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—  I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. – Revelation 3:17‭-‬19 NKJV

Do I WANT God?

Am I most comfortable with Jesus standing outside the house knocking, confined to whenever I have a need and feel like cracking the door to speak with Him about what He might do for me,  as long as He will leave the rest of my life untouched. Am I satisfied with Him offering a treatment for my consequences as long as He doesn’t heal me from the sin that I still love? 

Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with  their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching  as  doctrines the commandments of men.’  ” – Matthew 15:7‭-‬9 NKJV

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! – II Timothy 3:1‭-‬5 NKJV

Do I have God?

Am I a new creation,  a born again follower, a disciple, a student of the Word of God, a vessel of the Holy Spirit of God, an ambassador of Christ who lives in me? 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. – Revelation 3:20‭-‬21 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Examine yourselves as  to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. – II Corinthians 13:5‭-‬6 NKJV

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. – Colossians 1:27 NKJV

Was I honest? 

Or have I deceived myself with an empty religious practice dead of any abiding, faithful relationship with God?

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. – Galatians 6:7‭-‬10 NKJV

The coming of the lawless  one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. – II Thessalonians 2:9‭-‬17 NKJV

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. – Matthew 7:21‭-‬29 NKJV

Rest

I love that the rest that Jesus gives his busy disciples in Mark 6:31 is the blessed opportunity of giving something to eat to five thousand people in Mark 6:37. 
Showing that a heart like Mary (who was most comfortable right at Jesus feet in Luke 10:39) can be at rest in quiet stillness or in the midst of activity — but a distracted and anxious mind like Martha (who was most comfortable fretting over her own work and the lack of others in Luke 10:40) cannot be at rest in the joy of Christ whether busy or inactive.
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41‭-‬42 NKJV
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

John 21:17 NKJV
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I John 5:2‭-‬5 NKJV
Do not fret because of evildoers, 

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, 

And wither as the green herb. 

Trust in the Lord , and do good; 

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 

Delight yourself also in the Lord , 

And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 

Commit your way to the Lord , 

Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, 

And your justice as the noonday. 

Rest in the Lord , and wait patiently for Him; 

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, 

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; 

Do not fret— it only causes harm. 

For evildoers shall be cut off; 

But those who wait on the Lord , 

They shall inherit the earth. 

For yet a little while and the wicked shall  be no more; 

Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall  be no more. 

But the meek shall inherit the earth, 

And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 

The wicked plots against the just, 

And gnashes at him with his teeth. 

The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. 

The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, 

To cast down the poor and needy, 

To slay those who are of upright conduct. 

Their sword shall enter their own heart, 

And their bows shall be broken. 

A little that a righteous man has 

Is better than the riches of many wicked. 

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, 

But the Lord upholds the righteous. 

The Lord knows the days of the upright, 

And their inheritance shall be forever. 

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, 

And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 

But the wicked shall perish; 

And the enemies of the Lord , 

Like the splendor of the meadows, 

shall vanish. 

Into smoke they shall vanish away. 

The wicked borrows and does not repay, 

But the righteous shows mercy and gives. 

For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, 

But those cursed by Him shall be cut off. 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord , 

And He delights in his way. 

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; 

For the Lord upholds him  with His hand. 

I have been young, and now am old; 

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, 

Nor his descendants begging bread. 

He  is ever merciful, and lends; 

And his descendants are blessed. 

Depart from evil, and do good; 

And dwell forevermore. 

For the Lord loves justice, 

And does not forsake His saints; 

They are preserved forever, 

But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. 

The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever. 

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, 

And his tongue talks of justice. 

The law of his God is in his heart; 

None of his steps shall slide. 

The wicked watches the righteous, 

And seeks to slay him. 

The Lord  will not leave him in his hand, 

Nor condemn him when he is judged. 

Wait on the Lord , 

And keep His way, 

And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; 

When the wicked are cut off, 

you shall see it. 

I have seen the wicked in great power, 

And spreading himself like a native green tree. 

Yet he passed away, 

and behold, he was no more; 

Indeed I sought him, 

but he could not be found. 

Mark the blameless man, 

and observe the upright; 

For the future of that man is peace. 

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; 

The future of the wicked shall be cut off. 

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord ; 

He  is their strength in the time of trouble. 

And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; 

He shall deliver them from the wicked, 

And save them, 

Because they trust in Him.

Psalms 37:1‭-‬40 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/psa.37.1-40.NKJV