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We are free from sin.
We are free from condemnation.
We are free from guilt.
We are free from anxiety.
We are free from fear.
We are free from worldly expectations.
We are free from addiction.
We are free from loneliness.
We are free to be loved.
We are free to love.
We are free to forgive.
We are free to let God.
We are free to tell the truth.
We are free to be the light.
We are free to live as God's children.
We are free for eternity.
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A lot of people today think God is no longer relevant. Has he forgotten us? Is he sleeping? In Bible times, he spoke so loudly with fire and thunder on the mountain that the people begged for God NOT to talk to them, but to talk to Moses instead. "Moses please don't make us listen to God because we will surely die! Instead you go talk to him for us. Then we will listen and do what he says." (Exodus 19 and 20) If God came in such a powerful way now, would we be ready?
Recognize him
When Jesus arrived on the scene, they were expecting something different. They were expecting a big, bold earthly king. Like their revered King David only bigger and better! They thought the Messiah would rally the Jews to rise up, throw out the Romans, and strengthen an independent nation of Israel. But God's plan was different. He sought to open his kingdom to everyone in the whole world! His kingdom was not a kingdom of swords and rulers, but of the heart. He wanted to start a revelation of the heart. Jesus came to turn our thinking upside down!
Jesus said "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10: 42b-45)
Perhaps today we also don't recognize Jesus when he acts in the world or in our lives. We may not see fire from heaven, but we do see people giving of themselves to help others. Take note of those who peacefully work for change in society. We can watch God change someone's heart. God speaks through his Bible and those who faithfully teach it.
Open Hearts
The religious leaders of God's chosen people made sure that they followed every detail of the law and that everyone saw that they did. When they visited a home, they would seek the place of honor because they believed they were better than others. But they missed the point! God's laws were to set the standard for holiness. God's people were to be different than other people of the time, held to a higher standard. But the leaders missed the point because they did not take care of the people, did not love them and teach them right from wrong, instead stood ready to accuse and condemn. (See John 12:37-43)
They sought to raise themselves up by putting
others down, and they were not ready to relinquish any power to someone
else. They heard about the many miracles Jesus did -- healing people of
diseases and afflictions, feeding the huge crowd of five thousand, and
raising Lazarus from the dead. How could they be so stubborn to ignore the
displays of God's love and power! Wouldn't you listen to a man who did
such wonderful, miraculous things?! But instead they questioned him and
tried to ensnare him. Their eyes and hearts were closed to God's
message of love. They were too busy holding on to their own positions
and prestige. (See Mark 3:1-6)
Today our hearts are also hardened to God. We can get caught up in looking like we're doing the right thing, putting on our mask of righteousness, that we also miss the point. We try to have the best job, best house, best kids, best marriage. We post on Facebook so everyone can see how perfect our lives are, when they are really whitewashed tombs, full of decay and death--selfishness, addiction, pride, deceit. We must humble ourselves and allow God's light of truth into our lives.
Be humble, be ready
Most who listened to Jesus were already humble people. Going back to the virgin birth...the first people that God announced the new king to were shepherds! Shepherds were considered the lowest ranked people of that time. There was no honor to be gained as a shepherd. And yet God chose them to hear the great news first! They could have made excuses--'We're too busy, we have all these sheep here sleeping, it's too far.' Instead they rushed to see the new born king and told others the news, praising God. (See Luke 2: 8-20)
Even lower than shepherds were ranked children. They were not treasured then as they are today. Children had no status. Yet Jesus welcomed them, saying "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:14b-15)
The shepherds and children were not too worried about deadlines and appearances. Jesus wants us to be humble and open to receive his love as simply as a child.
Ask questions
What about the woman at the well. If you met someone who you aren't supposed to even talk to and they knew all your darkest secrets, how would you react? Perhaps with a denial? Ignore them and run away? Instead this woman's eyes were opened. She knew that Jesus was something special and she wanted to know more about his living water.
"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him....Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:39-42)
Jesus even made time for Nicodemus, though he skulked to Jesus at night with his questions. Nicodemus was a Pharisees, a religious ruler. The religious leaders were trying to get rid of Jesus. Apparently Nicodemus was able to see God's power through Jesus' works and was ready to learn. "[Nicodemus] came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” (John 3:2b) Jesus starts teaching about being born again by the Spirit. Nicodemus asks for him to explain.
Jesus helps him understand, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3: 16-18)
Go ahead and ask the questions, seek the answers. 'Is Jesus the savior? How do I become saved? How do I know God?' God wants us to know him, he does not hide.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7-8)
Seeking Christ today.
Will we be ready when Jesus speaks to us? Are we his sheep that recognize his voice? We need to ask the right questions too. We can't be distracted by our own pride or expectations of God. We should not be caught up in our petty differences over the workings of the church. Don't be caught up in appearances and gossip. Instead earnestly, humbly seek Jesus-- reading the Bible, praying and listening for his words. Don't be surprised as our lives are changed, our churches are caught up in revival that spreads to our community as we humbly reach out to others in love. God wants us to be his voice to the world!
https://www.findshepherd.com/parable-of-the-wise-virgins.html
Jesus may come back at any time, not even Nostradamus can tell us when. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven will be like 10 virgins with lamps waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25). It seems odd to us now--what do virgins, lamps and polygamy have to do with the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus used images his contemporaries would have understood. The 'virgins' represent the people joyfully, eagerly awaiting the 'bridegroom' to come and take them to the celebration.
Jesus continued, saying that half of the virgins wisely brought extra oil for their lamps, but the others foolishly did not. "The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep." (vs. 5) The foolish ones had run out of oil and had to go get more, while the wise ones were ready for the wedding...
"Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (vs. 11-13)
The Bible warns us that we need to be ready. We feel the need more in these uncertain times. But how do you prepare for the end of the world? The first thing to do is get right with God. I have already explained this in earlier posts, but I will outline the steps again.
-Repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness.
-Accept Jesus as your savior who cleanses away our unrighteousness.
-Ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life and make you a new person.
-Walk daily in relationship with God, praying, reading the Bible and listening for his direction.
Becoming a Christian is a vital first step, but there is more that God expects of us, to keep running the race...
Next Jesus told the parable of the bags of gold starting in vs 14. A man getting ready to leave on a journey entrusts each of his three servants with different amounts of gold, according to their different abilities. After a long journey, he comes back to see how the servants did. The first two invested the gold and doubled it. The rich man said to each "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" (vs. 23)
But the last servant was afraid and did nothing with his gold, earned no profits. The rich man decided--"So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (vs. 28-30)
So what does the gold represent? It could be any good thing that God blesses us with--wealth, talent, opportunity, even family. It is crucial that we recognize that these things come from God and that they don't last forever. We need to make the most of them and not waste the opportunity. Does this mean we need to buy stocks and bonds or real estate? Should we pile up more and more money in the bank? No. Jesus makes it clear that earthly things do not last. He wants us to invest in His Kingdom-- one that lasts forever.
We need to invest our wealth, talents and time in His Kingdom. We need to find every chance to show our friends and family that we love them and God loves them. What rejoicing fills heaven when a lost lamb is returned to the flock! So Carpe Dium! Seize the Day!
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Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew West - Forgiveness
Okay, we know we need to forgive. We know that God made each person and loves us all. He wants all of us to be reconciled to him and become his children and heirs, even that person who cut you off in traffic, or the 'friend' that told everyone what you didn't want told. The coworker that put down your ideas at the status meeting. Even the spouse that continues to leave the wet towel on the floor or the child with the attitude problem. We have to let go of the bitterness and the 'poor me' martyrdom. Christ commands us to forgive. But what does that look like? Does the person who hurt us come to us, remorseful, begging for us to forgive them and be friends again? Is there a Hallmark movie moment where we commiserate as we meander down a sun-dappled country lane, just enough tears to add sparkle? Possibly, but unlikely. Often the wronger does not ask for forgiveness. Yet, we are to forgive, 7 times 70. We are to forgive as God forgave, with unconditional, unending love.
What if they continue their behavior? Are we supposed try to change them? Force righteousness on them? No. We show them mercy and kindness as Christ would, but we are not responsible for their behavior or character. That's one of the great freeing truths of God. We are only responsible for our own behavior as Christ works in us. We are to show them through our actions a different way, planting the seeds of Christian love. Then we pray for them and ask God to work in their hearts. Ask Him to soften their hearts and open their eyes. But that is not our job! We are not responsible if they choose not to change! If they continue to cause hurt, we must distance ourselves from them. Do not stay in a toxic relationship. Pray that someday in the future our seed will bare fruit, through God's grace.
But so far as it depends on me, I will seek peace and reconciliation.
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Romans 12:14-21 (TLB)
If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.
Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands. Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.
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Dear Father in Heaven, help us to remember your sacrifice and let the joy of our salvation show to others. Let us be kind and gentle even when others are not. Help us to be humble and merciful instead of resentful or spiteful. Let our light shine as a reflection of your love, that others may see and come to you. We pray that your peace will win out. We have faith that you have a plan for each of us, as you are bringing us nearer to your glory. By the precious blood of Christ, Amen.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
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Jesus told the story to teach us about forgiveness. We are the servant who owes ten thousand bags of gold. The amount represents a debt we can not pay. We have sinned against God and there is no way we can make it up. God takes pity on us and forgives the debt. He restores us to the place he intended as his children. Then we can receive his love. If we understand how much we are forgiven, how much God loves us, it changes us. We have a new perspective. God's love and Christ's spirit overflow from our hearts.
If we harden our hearts and do not forgive people who hurt us, then we have not embraced or do not understand the depth of God's forgiveness for us. I'm not saying that it is always easy. We need Christ's power to do it. Start by praying for the person and remembering that God loves him or her. Remember he desires that none should perish.
Also, forgiving someone does not alleviate all the consequences. For instance, if someone continues to hurt us or someone else, we should not stay in that situation. If a friend continually belittles us, then we should move on from the friendship. God calls us to seek justice for those who are abused. But we should release the anger and seek peace when possible.
When God works the miracle of forgiveness within our hearts, we will be set free. Free to enjoy the peace and security of a child of God!
