"These aren't the droids you are looking for"

LOL, I'm sorry but every time I read these verses, that is what I think of!  It's a good thing God has a sense of humor! 

Luke 4:28-30(NKJV)

So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 

and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 

Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

Heaven or hell is a long way off. What good is it being a Christian here and now?

One of my lifelong themes in my work for God has been to answer the question "what is in it for a believer here and now".  For most people I think, the fear of heaven or hell is so far off in the future, at least in their minds, that it is a bit theoretical.  However almost everyone out there is interested in making their lives better today so let's appeal to basic human nature.

And for some reason God has put it on my heart to write about that today.  I've been writing this blog for over 4 years now and one of the things I have learned is that when God says we are going to write about X, no matter what I intend to type, what comes out on the screen is about X.  :)

For me one of the biggest benefits of being a Christian in my daily life is experiencing the "peace that surpasses all understanding".  The certainty that God and Jesus have my back.  I just don't get rattled and worried about much anymore.  That doesn't mean that things always go my way.  They don't.  But it means that there is a certainty in my mind that all will work out for the best.

Now why do I believe that?  For the same reason we believe anyone else who makes a promise to us. First that they promised and second that they came through on the promise.  And the more they promise and come through the more we know that we can trust in that promise.

That is exactly what has happened in my life.  God has made promises in that Bible that I have seen come true, repeatedly, that lead me to experiencing the "peace that surpasses all understanding". 

Now what exactly does the phrase "peace that surpasses all understanding" mean?  I'm sure there are better ways to put this but I am just a plain spoken guy so let me speak plainly.  It means when you are at peace when everyone around you thinks you should be scared shitless!  Make sense?  :)

A very close second to this is the way that God steers my life on a daily basis.  The more I am willing to give up control and let God steer the more serendipitous blessings he lays on me.  Or again to speak plainly.  The more I let God steer, the more cool stuff that I never could have planned happen to me.

Now here is the coolest thing of all.  Each and every one of you can experience the same thing if you choose to.  It is totally up to you.  You can't be turned down or denied.  All you have to do is ask Jesus to come into your life and guide you. 

Have you done that yet?  Why not do it right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him to come into your life and guide you.  "Dear Jesus…."

 

John the Baptist's Revolutionary message.

You know it never occurred to me before just how revolutionary John the Baptist's message was. I always thought of him as a bit of a minor player, a side note.  He seemed to be there merely to usher in Jesus.  But today I realized how revolutionary his own message was that got things started. 

Luke 3:1-3(NKJV)

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 

while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 

And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 

In the old days under the Old Testament the people sacrificed animals for the forgiveness of sins.  What made John's message so revolutionary in my opinion was that forgiveness was not based on an animal sacrifice.  It was based on repentance and baptism with water which Jesus later replaced with baptism of the Holy Spirit.
 

Interesting. 

No Jesus was not homeless when he was born.

It always bugs me when you see people on the left saying "hey, don't forget, Jesus was homeless too!". 

No He wasn't. 

Luke 2:1-7(NKJV)

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 

This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 

So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 

to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

They were traveling and didn't have "hotel reservations" for where they were going.  I guess they didn't have hotels.com back then.  :)

He had a home back in Nazareth which He returned to and grew up in. 

Luke 2:39-40(NKJV)

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Why am I making such a big deal about this?  Because it is just another example in my opinion of why you need to know Scripture so that you aren't led astray. 

Did Jesus start to discriminate?

I've always found this story a bit odd.  It almost seems to me that Jesus was going to refuse to help her because "she was one of those people".  She even seems to "recognize her place" in her response to Jesus.  Her faith wins Him over and he eventually helps her even though she is "one of those people". 

I must admit that I find Jesus acknowledging the distinction and difference really weird.  Him calling this woman a "dog" just doesn't fit the vision I have of Jesus. 

Mark 7:27-29(NKJV)

But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

"The Lord is slow to anger and great in power…"

Just because He is slow to anger doesn't mean He won't get there eventually.  :)

Nahum 1:2-3(NKJV)

     God is jealous, and the Lord avenges;      The Lord avenges and is furious.     The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries,     And He reserves wrath for His enemies;

    The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,     And will not at all acquit the wicked.      The Lord has His way     In the whirlwind and in the storm,     And the clouds are the dust of His feet.

Just another Scripture backing up my growing belief that God is not a "live and let live" kind of guy.  He will put up with a lot.  He will give people multiple chances but in the end we will all be held accountable. 

Accountable for what?  Two main things in my opinion.  The first is did we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior?  If yes then cool beans, on to the next step.  If not then it is all over. 

Have you accepted Jesus yet?  There is no better way to live your life than to let Jesus lead you.  Why not live in God's favor and experience the "peace that surpasses all understanding"?  Just as Jesus to lead you.  "Dear Jesus.…".

Then the second thing we will be held accountable for is how much we served God by spreading the Gospel.  As I understand Scripture, that is what determines our rewards in Heaven. 

Seems pretty simple to me.  Accept Jesus.  Spread the Word!!!

But "live and let live"?  I don't think so.

Why do strangers believe quicker than those who know us?

Look how quickly the people of Nineveh believed when Jonah took the Word to them. 

Jonah 3:1-7(NKJV)

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” 

So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. 

And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”

So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. 

Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. 

And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying,          Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. 

Why is it that strangers believe quicker than those who know us best.  I guess it shouldn't be surprising since Jesus warned about it.  "A prophet is without honor in his own land".  :)

Does that mean Christians shouldn't work for the IRS? :)

Sorry, I couldn't resist with the 2015 tax deadline rapidly approaching.  :)

Mark 2:15-16(NKJV)

Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

The Prince of Peace???

One of the ways we hear Christians refer to Jesus is as the "Prince of Peace".  Here is one Scripture where I think that belief comes from.  However I think modern Christians have a mistaken view of what the Prince of Peace means.  Let me give you my take on it.

Micah 5:4-5(NKJV)

    And He shall stand and feed His flock     In the strength of the Lord,     In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;     And they shall abide,     For now He shall be great     To the ends of the earth;

    And this One shall be peace.      When the Assyrian comes into our land,     And when he treads in our palaces,     Then we will raise against him     Seven shepherds and eight princely men.

"…this One shall be peace".

Here is where I think the modern Christian errs.  I think many today think it means that Christianity is softened so as not to offend anyone because you know, after all Jesus is the Prince of Peace. 

They think it means not having standards or holding people accountable because we don't want them to feel bad because after all Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He wants everyone to get along, hold hands, and sing Kumbaya.

I think that is Scripturally incorrect.  Here is why.  Take a look at these two verses.  The first one is Jesus Himself speaking. 
 

Matthew 10:34-39(NKJV)

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 

For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 

and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’  

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

Revelation 19:11-16(NKJV)

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 

His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 

He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 

Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Is Jesus the Prince of Peace?  Absolutely.  But when does peace come?  Not until after the second coming of Jesus.  How is that peace ushered in?  Through strength and war. 

Have you ever heard the phrase "peace through strength"?  I think Jesus illustrates this perfectly.  When does peace come?  Only after Jesus returns and defeats Satan.  Only after all have been forced to choose sides and those who don't choose Jesus are defeated along with Satan.  Only then do we finally get peace.  Then Scripture tells us that "…He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.".  Peace through strength!

And that folks is the explanation of what I think people get wrong about the term "Prince of Peace".

"Take heed that no one deceives you."

 

Mark 13:5(NKJV)

And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 

I don't think enough people pay attention to this warning.  It is our responsibility to know out Bibles well enough that we cannot be deceived by false doctrine.  Just because something "sounds Christian" doesn't mean that it is. 

It is our responsibility to be able to tell the difference.  That is why being in the Word every day is so much fun and so enlightening……and so vitally important to our own wellbeing.

I always love it when I find Scripture to back up a belief!

I've always said that in my opinion the single best way to witness is sharing what God has actually done in your life.  Personal experience, personal testimony.  Isn't that essentially what Jesus is saying here?
 

Mark 5:18-20(NKJV)

And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 

However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 

And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Notice what Jesus didn't tell them to do!

He didn't tell them to stick around and try to talk the unbelievers in to believing.  He didn't tell them to soften the message to make it more appealing or inclusive.  He said "Next!!!!"

As I've said before, our job is to spread the word and let people make a choice.  Once they make a choice God respects their free will and I think we should too!

Mark 6:10(NKJV)

Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 

And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.

Honor in Heaven

This is one of my favorite verses that I believe backs up my contention that Heaven more resembles a Capitalist system than it does a Socialist system. 

The point here being that not everyone is equal in Heaven.  We don't all get equal honor and glory.  If we accept Jesus, we all get to go to Heaven,  but once there we all get different honor and rewards based on the service that we provided to God. 

Mark 10:35-40(NKJV)

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 

but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

Notice that Jesus didn't say "hey wait a minute.  There are no special seats in Heaven.  We are all equal".  Jesus didn't say that at all did He?  Nope.  Jesus acknowledged that there are different honors in Heaven.  Jesus just didn't have the authority to assign those honors. 

So if that is the system that God has in place in Heaven then why wouldn't He favor the same system here?  I personally believe that He does!

Notice he doesn't condemn the physicians.

Mark 5:25-34(NKJV)

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 

and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 

When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 

For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 

And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 

But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

One of the things that I have always found interesting about this passage is that Jesus didn't condemn the physicians for charging the woman for their services even though they were unable to cure her. 

Big difference from many "Socialist Christians" who seem to think that doctors should treat everyone out of the good ness of their hearts.

When God calls…answer the call!!!

Those of you who follow my writing or have heard me speak know that one of my bedrock beliefs is that when God calls we should answer the call and the more uncomfortable the call makes us the more important it is to answer that call.  The reason is that God has identified a new way he would like to bless us if we will only let Him by answering the call.

I've heard the story of Jonah since I was a kid and I had never make the connection.  Take a look.

Jonah 1:1-3(NKJV)

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

This was all about Jonah not answering the call and even worse, trying to evade the call.  Too cool!

How technical should we get?

I puzzle over this one a bit.  It's pretty much accepted Christian dogma that to be saved we need to accept Jesus by confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts that Jesus was the Son of God who was crucified, raised from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God.  If we do that our sins are forgiven and we get eternal life.

I can come up with all of the Scripture references that support this.  But I also see several Scriptures references like the one below of Jesus speaking and it makes me wonder just how much of a stickler we need to be here?  It's almost as if we have become a bit like that Pharisees on the issue.   Take a look at the following Scripture and I'll continue on the other side.

Mark 6:12-13(NKJV)

So they went out and preached that people should repent. 

And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

This is the part where Jesus sent them out the first time with just the clothes on their back and told them to spread the Word and trust God.  Jesus sends them out to tell people to repent.  I can't find where Jesus said that they had to say anything in particular or that they had to "accept" Jesus.  What I see is Jesus says they need to repent.  With Jesus it always seemed to be more of a heart issue than uttering a particular phrase.

When I read what Jesus said here I sometimes wonder if it applies to the issue at hand.

Mark 7:6-7(NKJV)

He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:      ‘This people honors Me with their lips,     But their heart is far from Me.

    And in vain they worship Me,      Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 

The reason it is an issue that I wonder about is because of the way I invite people to accept Jesus in my writings.  My invite usually goes something like this. 

If you haven't accepted Jesus yet, why not do it right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know where you are at and what you are looking for.  "Dear Jesus…."

I don't suggest that they need to say it in any particular way.  I guess my feeling is that if I can get them to start a conversation with Jesus, Jesus can take it from there!  :)

Anyway I've prayed about this more than once and the Holy Spirit has never told me to change it.  In fact the answer I keep getting is don't sweat the small stuff, you are doing just fine.  But I still puzzle over it occasionally. 

As Do I!!!

 

Mark 6:4-6(NKJV)

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 

Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 

And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

I also marvel at people's unbelief.  To me the proof is so overwhelming that I have a hard time understanding people not believing in God and Jesus.  That proof being all the times in my life when I have personally experienced God's direct intervention in my life.  The proof being all of the other people who have experienced the living God as well.

What strikes me about this sentence most though is that even  Jesus was taken a bit by surprise at their unbelief.  The way I interpret that along with other Scripture is that it wasn't that He didn't expect their unbelief.  He had spoken of that before.  Too me it just shows that He was a bit surprised at the depth of their unbelief. 

For some reason I find that a bit refreshing.  I like that even God can be taken by surprise a little bit now and then.  :)

Was this a prophecy of Paul's ministry 760 years before Jesus?

A little background here.  Amos was a prophet to Israel in around 760 BC.  That's 760 years before Jesus.  That is why I found this passage so interesting.  Is it prophesying Paul's ministry?  Read the passage and then I'll explain why I asked?

Amos 9:12(NKJV)

    That they may possess the remnant of Edom,     And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,”     Says the Lord who does this thing.

Back in the day the Jews were God's chosen people.  When Jesus came there were many who believed He was the Savior only to the Jewish people.  But then Paul came along and his ministry was to the Gentiles. 

Back in the OT I don't remember non Jews (Gentiles) being called God's people.  That is why I wonder if this passage from way back in the OT was a predictor of Paul's ministry. 

Something to ponder!