Lk. 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (NIV)
Jesus was approached by the Jewish elders. They were sent (out of respect) by a Roman centurion whose servant was near death. The elders, in their efforts to persuade Jesus to visit the centurion's home, pointed out that this particular Roman was a friend of the Jews (unlike most Romans) and had even built them a synagogue. Because of this work, they reasoned, he deserved (v.4) a favor, a healing for his servant. He was worthy. It was almost as if the elders were suggesting that Jesus was somehow indebted to this centurion.
So, Jesus went with them. But before He actually got to the house and the sick servant, He received a message from the centurion that we are told caused Him to marvel at the man. Other translations say Jesus admired him and was taken back by him. Exactly what was it that Jesus could determine about him?
First, he recognized the authority of Jesus (v.8). The centurion knew with absolute certainty that Jesus' words would be spoken and His will would be done (v.7). Great confidence produces great faith. Second, he recognized his own unworthiness (v.6). He realized that nothing he could ever do on his own would make him deserving of God's favor and blessing. You see, it wasn't a matter of deserving but rather one of believing. Humility accompanied his faith and, as a result, Jesus was moved to heal the servant.
Is it possible for God to marvel at us in the same way today? Yes. If, in humility, we have the same faith borne out of absolute, unwavering confidence and conviction in His authority, should we not expect the same results? God will marvel and God will move when He sees such great faith!
Sock Monkey Snippet: It isn't a matter of deserving but rather of believing.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Giants and Grasshoppers
Numbers 13:33 "There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (NIV)
Following God's instruction, Moses sent twelve men to spy out Canaan, the promised land. When they returned, all of the men confirmed and agreed that, indeed, it was a land of supernatural abundance with one small problem. Well actually and literally it was a giant problem. It almost seems like a fairy tale when we read about giants. Yet we must understand these inhabitants of the land as real, formidable, even life-threatening problems to any who would dare confront them. So, they stood between God's promise and God's people.
Simply put, giants are formidable, sometimes even life-threatening obstacles. And they are still around today, standing between God's promises and His people. We can face giants in our finances, in our health and in our relationships. Seemingly insurmountable, intimidating obstacles that cause us to view ourselves as grasshoppers, so much smaller than the giants.
How we deal with them depends on whether or not we believe we can overtake them. It is interesting to note that only two of the twelve were convinced that God was on their side (Num. 14:9). So, not surprisingly, these were the only two who believed they were able to overcome the giants and take possession of the land. If we are to believe we can overcome, then we must also believe that God is on our side. When we believe that, we will no longer see ourselves as grasshoppers. We will not be overcome but rather be over comers, moving beyond any giant we may face, able to receive the amazing abundance and blessings of a promise-keeping God.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Believe you can overtake any giant. God is on your side.
Following God's instruction, Moses sent twelve men to spy out Canaan, the promised land. When they returned, all of the men confirmed and agreed that, indeed, it was a land of supernatural abundance with one small problem. Well actually and literally it was a giant problem. It almost seems like a fairy tale when we read about giants. Yet we must understand these inhabitants of the land as real, formidable, even life-threatening problems to any who would dare confront them. So, they stood between God's promise and God's people.
Simply put, giants are formidable, sometimes even life-threatening obstacles. And they are still around today, standing between God's promises and His people. We can face giants in our finances, in our health and in our relationships. Seemingly insurmountable, intimidating obstacles that cause us to view ourselves as grasshoppers, so much smaller than the giants.
How we deal with them depends on whether or not we believe we can overtake them. It is interesting to note that only two of the twelve were convinced that God was on their side (Num. 14:9). So, not surprisingly, these were the only two who believed they were able to overcome the giants and take possession of the land. If we are to believe we can overcome, then we must also believe that God is on our side. When we believe that, we will no longer see ourselves as grasshoppers. We will not be overcome but rather be over comers, moving beyond any giant we may face, able to receive the amazing abundance and blessings of a promise-keeping God.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Believe you can overtake any giant. God is on your side.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
An Everlasting Love
Jer. 31:3 "...I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (NIV)
"...I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!" (MSG)
During a recent doctor's office visit, I noticed a pamphlet in the waiting room magazine rack entitled "Five Wishes". On the cover, below the bold print title, were listed five wishes that a person might want to make known to his or her family. Just to give you an example, one of them was, "Who do I want to be in charge of making medical decisions for me if I am not able?". But the one wish I read that made me stop and think was simply, "What do I want (wish) my family to know?".
At first, I thought about things like life insurance policies, retirement and bank account information. And that stuff is necessary and important. But the more I thought about this wish, I began to think about the most important thing I could tell them. The one thing I would want them to remember more than anything else and forever. I would want them to know my heart. Not what we had materially but what we had relationally.
I came to the conclusion that I would want each of them to know how much I loved them from the first day they came into my life until the last. And then some. And all along the way, no matter what happened in life, I had never quit loving them and never would. Although I'm sure mothers feel this way too, I believe this love to be very much that of a father for his family, for his children. I know it is mine. I hope my family expects love, love and more love from me.
Our Father in heaven expresses His unconditional, inexhaustible love for us in the same way. If there is one wish the Father would want His children, His family to know, I think this verse says it best. I've always loved you, I never quit loving you and I never will! Expect My love.
Sock Monkey Snippet: God loves you.
"...I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!" (MSG)
During a recent doctor's office visit, I noticed a pamphlet in the waiting room magazine rack entitled "Five Wishes". On the cover, below the bold print title, were listed five wishes that a person might want to make known to his or her family. Just to give you an example, one of them was, "Who do I want to be in charge of making medical decisions for me if I am not able?". But the one wish I read that made me stop and think was simply, "What do I want (wish) my family to know?".
At first, I thought about things like life insurance policies, retirement and bank account information. And that stuff is necessary and important. But the more I thought about this wish, I began to think about the most important thing I could tell them. The one thing I would want them to remember more than anything else and forever. I would want them to know my heart. Not what we had materially but what we had relationally.
I came to the conclusion that I would want each of them to know how much I loved them from the first day they came into my life until the last. And then some. And all along the way, no matter what happened in life, I had never quit loving them and never would. Although I'm sure mothers feel this way too, I believe this love to be very much that of a father for his family, for his children. I know it is mine. I hope my family expects love, love and more love from me.
Our Father in heaven expresses His unconditional, inexhaustible love for us in the same way. If there is one wish the Father would want His children, His family to know, I think this verse says it best. I've always loved you, I never quit loving you and I never will! Expect My love.
Sock Monkey Snippet: God loves you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Did, Does and Will
2 Cor. 1:10 ...who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,...
What I love about this passage is that it covers all the bases. In it are contained the past, present and future tenses of God's rescuing power. He did deliver us, He does deliver us and He will deliver us.
In the previous verse, Paul recalls an extreme situation, scholars debate as to exactly what that situation was, in which the apostles feared for their very lives. They didn't think they were going to make it. Certainly not in their own strength. So, they had no choice but to trust in Him. A God who raises the dead, who can rescue from the most extreme of all situations. A resurrecting God. And it was this past rescuing that caused Paul to acknowledge God's ability to rescue today and tomorrow as well. In such a God, it only makes sense to trust, hope and expect. He is our Resurrection and our Rescuer. Yesterday, today and forever.
Can you recall a situation in your own life that you didn't think you were going to survive? Can you look back on it now and know without a doubt that only God was able to rescue you from it or bring you through it? Do you see your daily trials and tribulations as opportunities for Him to rescue yet again? Finally, do you trust Him and realize your future is being overseen by the One mighty enough to raise and rescue even the dead? He did, does and will deliver us always.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Trust in God to deliver you always.
What I love about this passage is that it covers all the bases. In it are contained the past, present and future tenses of God's rescuing power. He did deliver us, He does deliver us and He will deliver us.
In the previous verse, Paul recalls an extreme situation, scholars debate as to exactly what that situation was, in which the apostles feared for their very lives. They didn't think they were going to make it. Certainly not in their own strength. So, they had no choice but to trust in Him. A God who raises the dead, who can rescue from the most extreme of all situations. A resurrecting God. And it was this past rescuing that caused Paul to acknowledge God's ability to rescue today and tomorrow as well. In such a God, it only makes sense to trust, hope and expect. He is our Resurrection and our Rescuer. Yesterday, today and forever.
Can you recall a situation in your own life that you didn't think you were going to survive? Can you look back on it now and know without a doubt that only God was able to rescue you from it or bring you through it? Do you see your daily trials and tribulations as opportunities for Him to rescue yet again? Finally, do you trust Him and realize your future is being overseen by the One mighty enough to raise and rescue even the dead? He did, does and will deliver us always.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Trust in God to deliver you always.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Nothing Back
1 Pet. 2:23 He never did one thing wrong. Not once said anything amiss. They called Him every name in the book and He said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. (MSG)
We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things we later regret. And so when we suffer the consequences of our words and actions, we accept those consequences and understand that we deserved them. But it is a completely different situation when we are treated poorly or wrongly accused when we don't deserve it. To accept such treatment without retaliating or defending ourselves goes against our human nature. Everything in us wants to rise up and lash out at those who would seek to hurt or destroy us. And often times, we do just that.
Jesus was perfect. In word and deed. And so, it is absolutely mind-boggling that, standing before Pilate, He responded to mistreatment and accusations in such an unexpected way. He said nothing back (Mt. 27;12, Mk. 15:3). No one would have been more justified in responding with righteous anger than He. And yet, demonstrating incredible restraint, He said nothing back. Why?
First, Scripture tells us (1 Pet. 2:21) that Jesus suffered everything that came His way so that we would know it could be done, that it was indeed possible. Verse 20 of The Message translation says, "But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God." Yes, it can be done. Jesus showed us how. No, it isn't easy. But it counts with God. Secondly, it tells us that He suffered in silence being content to let God set things right. That is to say, Jesus was content to let His Father be His Judge.
How then should we respond to being treated poorly and to being wrongfully accused and maligned? What should we give in return? Nothing back.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Continue in spite of how you are being treated and let God be your Judge.
We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things we later regret. And so when we suffer the consequences of our words and actions, we accept those consequences and understand that we deserved them. But it is a completely different situation when we are treated poorly or wrongly accused when we don't deserve it. To accept such treatment without retaliating or defending ourselves goes against our human nature. Everything in us wants to rise up and lash out at those who would seek to hurt or destroy us. And often times, we do just that.
First, Scripture tells us (1 Pet. 2:21) that Jesus suffered everything that came His way so that we would know it could be done, that it was indeed possible. Verse 20 of The Message translation says, "But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God." Yes, it can be done. Jesus showed us how. No, it isn't easy. But it counts with God. Secondly, it tells us that He suffered in silence being content to let God set things right. That is to say, Jesus was content to let His Father be His Judge.
How then should we respond to being treated poorly and to being wrongfully accused and maligned? What should we give in return? Nothing back.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Continue in spite of how you are being treated and let God be your Judge.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Recipe for Happiness
Phil. 4:11-13 I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances...I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. (MSG)
I suppose if you were to ask most people what would make them happy in life, they would say money or maybe good health. A few might say power, influence or position. But are these really the things that give true and lasting happiness? If so, then why are some happy with so little while other are miserable with so much? Why are some able to rejoice even in the midst of suffering and in the absence of comfort?
If we are, as Paul discovered, to be content in whatever state we are in, then our happiness has to be predicated on something else. Something other than our circumstances. Something other than our condition. It has to be based on a connection.
Jesus described Himself (Jn. 15) as the Vine to which we are to be connected. Why? Because apart from Him, we can do NOTHING. Paul understood that being connected to Christ guaranteed him the strength and sufficiency to make it through ANYTHING! A Divine Connection was more important and valuable to him than a desired condition. And maintaining it was his recipe for happiness in any situation. What's yours?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Seek a Divine Connection rather than a desired condition.
I suppose if you were to ask most people what would make them happy in life, they would say money or maybe good health. A few might say power, influence or position. But are these really the things that give true and lasting happiness? If so, then why are some happy with so little while other are miserable with so much? Why are some able to rejoice even in the midst of suffering and in the absence of comfort?
Jesus described Himself (Jn. 15) as the Vine to which we are to be connected. Why? Because apart from Him, we can do NOTHING. Paul understood that being connected to Christ guaranteed him the strength and sufficiency to make it through ANYTHING! A Divine Connection was more important and valuable to him than a desired condition. And maintaining it was his recipe for happiness in any situation. What's yours?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Seek a Divine Connection rather than a desired condition.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Expectation
Lk. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
What expectations did you have for this holiday season? Did you expect to relax and spend time with your family? Did you expect a special time of celebration in your local church? Did you expect to shovel snow? We all had a preconceived plan of how we thought things would play out. And perhaps things went according to OUR plan and perhaps not. The truth is, OUR expectations aren't always met.
The expectation that many Jewish people had of the coming Messiah was one of a Mighty Warrior and Conquering King who would establish His Kingdom by force. So, an innocent child, a rumored Messiah, born in a manger, probably left many scratching their heads. Things weren't quite going according to THEIR plan. What they thought was not what they got. Of course we can see and understand from our perspective in time, that regardless of THEIR plan, God gave His best. His only Son. According to HIS plan.
The new year is almost upon us and we all have expectations of how we would like to see it unfold. But whether or not it goes according to our PRECONCEIVED plan, rest assured that it will most certainly go according to God's PREORDAINED plan. And He wants only the best for us. With that knowledge, may we be encouraged and find peace as we begin 2013. Happy New Year!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Expect God's best in 2013.
What expectations did you have for this holiday season? Did you expect to relax and spend time with your family? Did you expect a special time of celebration in your local church? Did you expect to shovel snow? We all had a preconceived plan of how we thought things would play out. And perhaps things went according to OUR plan and perhaps not. The truth is, OUR expectations aren't always met.
The new year is almost upon us and we all have expectations of how we would like to see it unfold. But whether or not it goes according to our PRECONCEIVED plan, rest assured that it will most certainly go according to God's PREORDAINED plan. And He wants only the best for us. With that knowledge, may we be encouraged and find peace as we begin 2013. Happy New Year!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Expect God's best in 2013.
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