Tag Archives: family

Matthew 16 Part 2–Who Do Men Say that I Am?

16 Thursday Aug 2018

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 It truly is the age old question…Who do men say that I am? Jesus was now well established in his ministry and was moving through the land teaching, healing, showing the people who God was and what God wanted for them His people. He had made quite a splash on the scene with an amaing array of miracles and confrontations with the Jewish leadership. Jesus was now at the point where the mission began moving to the cross.  

Jesus asked his guys, “Who do men say that I am?” It seemesd like a harmless enough question. Some say your a prophet, a great teacher–John the Baptist–2.0. Then Jesus asked those that knew him best, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter dived right in–“The Messiah, The Son of the Living God!” There has never been an answer more correct.  Jesus knew that while Peter gave the right answer, he had no concept of its import. Just speaking the right answer, sadly, had little to do how one went forward in the world.  Jesus knew that what lay ahead would be terrifying, overwelming and world changing. He had to get His guys ready for the battle.

That is the amazing thing about our Lord; He is never surprized or alarmed by what lies ahead.  He is all-knowing, all-powerful and in all-places and times at once. No circumstance that occurs catches Him off-guard. He, therefore, prepares us for the things ahead. He provides for our needs, and he allows us to encounter trials of various kinds to reaffirm who He is and who we are in Him. We must never forget that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! But, we have to understand the import of being one of His own–He loves us, and is preparing us for an world changing and life changing journey, that leads to an eternity with Him.

God Bless You  

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.”20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Matthew 15 Part 2–In or Out–What Defines Us?

14 Tuesday Aug 2018

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The religious leaders were so concerned with what went into people’s mouths. Did you wash thouroughly? was it kosher? Jesus saw right through the rigor and religion the leaders were focused upon.  As He so aptly said, “It is not what goes into your mouth that defines you, it is what comes out.” It wasn’t that Jesus wanted to ignore eating laws, it was simply that those laws did little to affect the condition of men’s hearts.

Jesus was growing weary of the constant abuse of authority by the Jewish leaders.  They knew the laws better than most, but seemed clueless about the God that created them and those laws.  Jesus simply called them out.  He said look at what is coming out of your mouth and your thoughts. You have less regard for God or His people; than you do the administrative rules about food.  They lost sight of who and whose they were–God’s annointed and appointed.

In present day, Christians still struggle with that issue.  In their attempt to keep denominational or religious rules, they lose sight of the real key of trust, submission and worship.  As we trust in the Lord, follow him closely, and submit to his leadership; religious rules and habits become less important.  We become too busy seeking him and serving others; to keep track of others adhearance to administrative religious practice. When that happens, all of the sudden, revival breaks out and Jesus shines.  Then and now, all God wants is our hearts–he will carry the work to completion from there.  As Paul taught us in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God Bless You

 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand.11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides.[d] If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

15 Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”

16 “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. 17 “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”

Matthew 14 Final–Walking on Water

10 Friday Aug 2018

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Danny Gokey, country and Christian music artist recorded a song called I Believe, in it, he sang “I never met a man who walked on water, but I will still believe!” The miracle of walking on water was a high point of the faith discussion.  Jesus, mind you, had just finished feeding over 5000 folks with 5 loaves and 2 fish. He ministered to the crowd, and then sent them home. Jesus loaded the Disciples onto a boat, and sent them out onto the water; and promised to join them later.

Jesus, with a moment of privacy, went off to pray. The disciples were stranded  by  a storm and could not retrurn to get their master. All of the sudden they watched the master stroll out on the waves on foot to meet them.  They were freaking out–Jesus is walking on top of the water!??! First Jesus calms the disciples–Fear Not! Next Peter, his buddy, says I want to walk on water too! Jesus says, Sure! Hop out of the boat! Peer does it and does start walking on water. BUT, like most, he remembered, “People can’t walk on water!” he looked around, and saw the waves, and began to sink. Jesus grabbed him, they climbed back in the boat, and Jesus calmed the storm. Just another day with Jesus.

Here are a few Friday observations. 

1.  Jesus had established his authoriity of many aspects of life…healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons and cleansing lepers. But, after praying and recharging, he literally took authority over the very earth he created. He walked on water, calmed the storm, and helped peter to walk on water as well. Pretty much takes any doubt away that he is God. 

2. Jesus did take time to recharge and pray–even as the Son of God, He knew He could not do this stuff on His own. He needed the Spirit’s power and direction–to build what the Father sent Him to build.

3. Peter had amazing faith. Faith to ask to walk on water, to walk on water, and to cling to Jesus when he sank. Many question Peter’s faith because he sank, but, truth is He was the only one to trust Jesus enough to get out of the boat.

4. Despite his faith, when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the circumstances; his faith shrank and he sank into the water. Our lives often look just like that. We see God do great stuff in our lives, and then just as we are in sinc with Him; we allow life’s circumstances to overtake us, and we begin to sink. But, like Peter, we can rest assured–that even then, we can count on him to pull us up and bring us to safety. The we can watch as he calms the storms of life.

Walking on water is the miracle that can define Jesus Diety. He prayed, walked on water, saved Peter and calmed the storm–pretty impressive from any perspective. That kind of power, at least, should help us to join Peter in asking Jesus to let us join him in the Amazing Journey, Don’t You Think!!!!!

God Bless You

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Matthew 14 Part 1–Feeding the 5000

09 Thursday Aug 2018

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 Five loaves and two fish…really, dinner for thousands–it was the height of provision.  Jesus was having to remove himself from the limelight; after the death of John the Baptist. So, He got into a boat to withdraw, but thousands followed. He loved them, so, He healed them, and spoke to them. Then as the day progressed, Jesus not only protected and pepared them; but with the assistance of Andrew and one young man’s lunch, He provided for them–well over 5000 folks.

God does that, he brings what we need, when we need it. More importantly, Jesus does so, without frustration or worry.  He handles it with grace and ease–and in the end, He does so much more than meet the immediate need; He prepares folks for eternity.  

Personally, I have seen God deliver on His promises for almost 56 years. He took an Alaskan orphan and provided great family, upbringing, education, friends, wife, kids…Grandchild!! He has preotected me from weather–(Tidal wave, tornado, hurricane and flood), multiple car wrecks, crime and disease. I have always had a place to rest my head, clothes to cover my body, and food to feed myself and my family. He has raised me, prepared me for ministry, given me life long friends and family and eternal life.

There is little more He could do for me, and I bet for you. Like the crowd; He has healed, taught and fed us with grace and ease. All Jesus asked in return–is to trust and follow Him.  Seems fair!

God Bless You

Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 12 Part 2–God’s Chosen Servant

03 Friday Aug 2018

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The religious leaders were literally losing all decorum and sense–Jesus was winning on all fronts. He was changing hearts, healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons.  It was a time of blessing like none other. Still, the religious leaders were plotting Jesus assignation–Hey rules and law guys–What about “Thou shall not Kill”? 

Constantly acusing, trying to trick and literally calling him Devil Spawn! These guys were completely unhinged. All this, while Jesus was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.  It was expected, but still very sad. Jesus came to be their savior as well; and while they were plotting Jesus’ death, He was fulfilling the steps that could give them life.

In our world, the irony continues–the world remains adament that God should be removed from all things public. The last light that remains is the loving, selflessness of God’s people in missions, in communities and in ministries around the globe.  Other faiths focus on the eradicaton of those that do not conform, our faith continues to welcome all who would be saved. It is the people of faith, and the prayers of the faithful, that have kept us a nation.  

Still, we are the ones that are called hate mongers, narrow minded, crazy and criminal–sound familiar! He told us in Chapter 6–Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you–falsley, for my sake. We are actually being treated like “God’s Chosen Servant”–kind of an Honor, when you think about it!

God Bless You

14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

God’s Chosen Servant

15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21     In his name the nations will put their hope.”[b]

Jesus and Beelzebul

22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul,the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Matthew 11 Part 1–Are You The One?

31 Tuesday Jul 2018

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John was languishing in prison. He ticked off Herod and was losing popularity; and now, as he was facing death, he began to have doubts. Had what he accomplished been for nothing? Did he simply make a brief stir that would quickly fade to obscurity? Was Jesus truly the Messiah, or had he been confused by the roar of the crowds.  So John did what doubtful people do–He asked the question–“Are You really the one?”

Jesus felt John’s pain. He knew John’s heart–Jesus told the crowd–John was as great a man that their has ever been, yet, even great  men can’t compare to God’s chosen.  He told John’s guys to simply remind John the difference that was being made because of the ministry he started. Tell john what you are seeing. Comfort him, let him know it was not for nothing.  John did what he was called to do–prepare the way. Jesus now was doing what he was called to do–Change the world.

Those who trust and follow God and his path, invariably hit walls of doubt and insecurity. They question, to the very core, their commitment to Christ, and the journey that they are on.  It is a confusing, frustrating walk; that seems to be out of our control–if we are doing it right. It is hard, thankless and amazing. If we will keep our focus upon Him and on what he HAS done, IS doing and WILL do in our lives–then, we will weather the walls of doubt, and gratefully accept the life the Lord has given us; a life of purpose, of peace and of eternal value. We will see a full, meaningful and abundant history and legacy. That is what John did, and that is what John left. Trust Christ, and so will you!

God Bless You

After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.[a]

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’[c]

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 10 Part 2–This Is War, Men!

30 Monday Jul 2018

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Jesus sent the disciples out to do what he had been doing; to help them get the real picture, He said, “Go without supplies, swords, tents or money.”  He did that to prepare them for walking by faith. It is highly likely,  that “the 12” looked at Jesus with a mixture of confusion and horror.  As they considered the trip, they probably were highly concerned about making it through.  In the midst of the heightened concern, Jesus follows with–“This is war, men”. He shared with them the trials they would face; the deceit, the betrayal–all in His name. 

From a leadership perspective, Jesus didn’t want His guys blindsided; but, it was a horrifying idea.  Here they were traveling with a “rockstar”, and now–He said,you go do it, and , oh,by the way–this is going to be war. Here were the two take away’s for His men. 1.  He knew they could do it–even if they did not and, 2.  He knew they had to get ready–because his time with them was short.  Those men, the ones that built the early church, had visions of grandeur, palaces, chariots throngs and waving banners.  Jesus wanted them to understand that that simply was not the mission.

It is still not the mission.  Jesus calls us to prepare for war.  He reminds us that we can do what he did! He also reminds us we can expect the same treatment he received.  That is not meant to discourage us; no, it is meant to prepare us.  God is in the business of preparing, protecting and providing for us.  That is who he is and that is what he does. He does not sugar coat, but, he does arm and shield us for battle. We need to be ready for war–He will then protect and provide what we need to execute!

God Bless You

 

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

Matthew 8 Part 2–The Daily walk of Jesus

23 Monday Jul 2018

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Being the Savior was no easy task. In His early ministry, Jesus healed the sick, told people of God and His message, and trained his disciples.  People began to gather and crowds started to form. They crawled out of the woodwork to see the Master, be healed or be part of His band.  Jesus kindly met the crowds, healed the sick, spoke the truth and trained His folks. But it became more and more difficult to share the message over the noise of His celebrity.

The great news is that Jesus was not about the celebrity. He was about changing the world and saving mankind from itself. So, as He healed the sick, raised the dead, spoke the truth and trained His men–He always did it with the mission in mind. He would become the sacrifice; so that people could again have a personal relationship with God. A meaningful, eternal relationship–without the need of an intermediary like a high priest. He knew such a change would have dramatic impact and make Him unpopular among the religious elite. But, never the less, He continued to make each day count.

It is difficult too make each day count on the journey. It sometimes seems pointless or hopeless–in today’s Godless culture. Jesus knew it would require discipline, and He promised to provide His spirit to bring hope, training and comfort.  We need to seek Him with the faith it takes to trust His plan is the right plan. We need to set our hearts and minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). Like Jesus, we need to walk toward the goal; with our purpose in mind–execute the mission He has laid out for us. It may not always seem glamorous, but, it will prepare us for an amazing Journey that ends in Glory!!!

God Bless You

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities
    and bore our diseases.”[b]

The Cost of Following Jesus

18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus Calms the Storm

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Matthew 7 Part 3–The Message is to Focus

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

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Jesus starts to wrap up the “talk for the ages.” Clearly, He has the attention of the crowd–So, now He delivers the message within the message; the core, the main thing…

The message is to focus–FOCUS! Life in this world is extremely tough, So focus.  Focus on what you need, Jesus called them to focus upon turning to and turning your  needs over to  God! You need not be afraid to ask God for what you need–He is a Dad! Dads that understand loving their kids, give them their needs and desires-neither maliciously or with an agenda! God is so much more loving, selfless and kind! Search for Him, you will find him–knock; He will open up for you! He is God.

Next, Focus upon where you are going. He wanted folks to know–His path is the narrow one! It is neither easy; nor is there a great deal of room to maneuver. God wants our hearts and our submission. It is a non-negotiable. He offers to be our Lord AND Savior not Lord or Savior. The journey leads to life, peace and purpose! So, while it may be a narrow path, it leads to an amazing life–for now and eternity.

Finally, focus on who you are following and becoming. He reminded the people that there would be false prophets–they will look good and speak better! But, their fruit will be awful. Just focus; not only on their words, but, also upon their deeds and their mission. If they are not s glorifying God, they are simply like a wolf wearing a wool  sweater! It may look good, but, it does not make them less of a wolf! In the same vein, just because someone acts religious, it does not mean they even know God! they can put on a great front, but Jesus looks at the heart! So should we! 

We must focus–on what we need, where we are going, whom we follow and whose we will be! Unless God is the answer to the question, the results will be empty and short lived. This–is the message! This–is the life.

God Bless You

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

True and False Prophets

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7 Part 1–No Judging

17 Tuesday Jul 2018

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When one thinks about it, judging others when we know our own sinful hearts is pretty ridiculous.  We all walk through this world weighted down with the chains and baggage of a lifetime of terrible choices and a lineage of sin filled lives. Even Jesus own lineage contained prostitutes, incestuous fathers, adulterers and murderers. Still, because he came, each person has the opportunity to be free of that baggage, and walk as pure as the Savior, Himself.

Sadly, when we are freed from the bondage of sin and death, often, we become a little smug and a little proud; that the gross leprosy ridden rags, that were our lives, are now clean, pure and white as snow.  Jesus, in helping people to see things from God’s view, wanted the folk to realize how infuriating it was to see someone judge another’s actions–when they, themselves would never stand the scrutiny–if placed upon them. Plainly stated, “If you think you are the person to judge another–please point the flashlight of scrutiny you are using at your own life, see how YOU hold up!

We are called to seek God and follow His lead–let Him sort out the chosen from the wicked. He is singularly qualified for the job, and, is the one that is full of grace and mercy; the very grace and mercy Paul talked about in Romans 5–“God Demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!”  Jesus calls us to use every ounce of energy to examine our own lives and model His. Help me, Lord to follow You, seek You and allow You to be the judge!

God Bless You  

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.