"Simply let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no', 'no'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Matthew 5:37
Am I the only one who is sick of hearing the word "absolutely"? I must hear it six times a day, either on television, radio or throughout normal conversation. This word is overused - why?
An online article from CNN I found had some interesting viewpoints. It said that people have become so cynical, they expect spin and deception, so they feel the need to emphatically answer with "absolutely", as though it sets their answer apart from the norm.
Paul Bossert, an assistant dean at the University of California, was quoted as saying, "In a time where there is so much mendacity and prevarication, a simple affirmative such as 'yes' doesn't quite cut it anymore." To better understand his point, I looked up the definitions of his chosen words. Mendacity is "a lie, a falsehood". Prevarication means "to walk crookedly, to evade the truth."
Isn't that sad? Falsehood is so prevalent that we feel the need to mark our answers with the exclamation point of "Absolutely!"
Jesus spoke plainly about this very topic in his Sermon on the Mount. We, as humans, have such limitations, we cannot even change one hair from white to black, but God can. If I live in him, his integrity becomes my own. By walking in the light, I should be able to plainly say "yes" or "no" and be as good as my word.
Live truthfully.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
When Jesus Touches You
"Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them."
Mark 1: 30 & 31
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.' Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean.' Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was cured."
Mark 1: 40-42
Faith heals. Just trusting in God's power brings relief. Peter's friends knew Jesus could rid his mother-in-law of her fever so they told him about it. The leper told Jesus, "You can." Imagine being a leper, having no human touch, being estranged from family and friends, suffering through a disfiguring disease all alone. Seeing Jesus, a flicker of hope fans into a flame through faith as you approach him, trembling. Will he shrink back? Will he command you to keep your distance, like everyone else does?
No. Jesus, filled with compassion, reaches out his hand and touches you, just as you are, diseased, dirty, discarded by society. Immediately, your skin is rosy, your burden has been lifted by Someone who is stronger than you.
This same Jesus meets us where we are, disfigured by sin, alone and discarded. He reaches out his hands, receives the Roman nails and lifts our burden for all eternity. Praise God!
Mark 1: 30 & 31
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.' Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean.' Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was cured."
Mark 1: 40-42
Faith heals. Just trusting in God's power brings relief. Peter's friends knew Jesus could rid his mother-in-law of her fever so they told him about it. The leper told Jesus, "You can." Imagine being a leper, having no human touch, being estranged from family and friends, suffering through a disfiguring disease all alone. Seeing Jesus, a flicker of hope fans into a flame through faith as you approach him, trembling. Will he shrink back? Will he command you to keep your distance, like everyone else does?
No. Jesus, filled with compassion, reaches out his hand and touches you, just as you are, diseased, dirty, discarded by society. Immediately, your skin is rosy, your burden has been lifted by Someone who is stronger than you.
This same Jesus meets us where we are, disfigured by sin, alone and discarded. He reaches out his hands, receives the Roman nails and lifts our burden for all eternity. Praise God!
What's the Forecast?
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:13
When the phone rang at an early hour to say that school was closed due to inclement weather, I was bewildered as I looked outside yet saw no snow or ice. However, the superintendent was wise in this decision after he heeded the forecast.
It is important to dress appropriately for the various elements. Our bodies are vulnerable without protection, so if the forecast is ten degrees with a negative windchill, it would be foolhardy to go out in a denim jacket. Or, if it's ninety in the shade, will thermal underwear do? Of course not.
The above verse forecasts a day of evil is coming our way. What can protect us?
Ephesians 6:13
When the phone rang at an early hour to say that school was closed due to inclement weather, I was bewildered as I looked outside yet saw no snow or ice. However, the superintendent was wise in this decision after he heeded the forecast.
It is important to dress appropriately for the various elements. Our bodies are vulnerable without protection, so if the forecast is ten degrees with a negative windchill, it would be foolhardy to go out in a denim jacket. Or, if it's ninety in the shade, will thermal underwear do? Of course not.
The above verse forecasts a day of evil is coming our way. What can protect us?
- The Truth. Seek it, know it, act on it. Do not listen to the father of liars, who is Satan. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Listen to him.
- The breastplate of righteousness will protect my most vital organs. How? By living in a right relationship with God, everything I do is in proper alignment because I then live to please him.
- The Gospel of Peace. The Bible tells me that, as far as it is up to me, live at peace with everyone. Do my part to get along.
- The shield of faith. I can use it to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16) because faith is being certain of what I do not see, sure of what I hope for (Hebrews 11:1). The Holy Spirit helps me to believe God's promises.
- Salvation I wear as a helmet so when the accuser tries to crush me, I stand firm at the foot of the cross, awash in the blood of the Lamb. There is power in the blood!
- My sword is the Word of God. Write it on the tablet of my heart. Always be prepared to give an answer for my beliefs. Jesus used scripture to combat temptations; so shall I.
- Prayer. "Be alert and always keep on praying for the saints."(Eph. 6:18) I am not in this battle alone. I have a direct line to God with Jesus as my divine intercessor. I have a family of fellow believers who will pray with me or for me at any time, placing a hedge of protection around me. Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered together in his name, he is there too.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Come Home
"There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So, he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father's house and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
Luke 15: 11-20
There was a Christian couple who had four daughters. When the youngest turned 18, she announced that she was heading off to a faraway place. Although they thought it was foolhardy, the parents gave her their battered suitcases along with their worried blessing, and let her go.
Once there, she married the wrong guy at a young age and soon began to be in need. She found herself with child, bill collectors hounding her and down to her last box of rice. When she swallowed her pride, she asked per parents for passage to come home. After a long journey with a newborn daughter in her lap, she rounded the corner near her childhood home, wondering what would await her? Behold, a banner across the garage said, "Welcome home, Rachel and Lauren!" She was both humbled and exhilarated as her family gathered around, showering her weary soul with love. She'd come home!
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.'" (Luke 15: 22-24)
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling, "O sinner, come home." You won't receive a lecture enumerating all your inadequacies. You will be cloked with the robe of righteousness and the crowned with salvation as your compassionate Father throws his arms around you and showers you with kisses.
Come home.
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father's house and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
Luke 15: 11-20
There was a Christian couple who had four daughters. When the youngest turned 18, she announced that she was heading off to a faraway place. Although they thought it was foolhardy, the parents gave her their battered suitcases along with their worried blessing, and let her go.
Once there, she married the wrong guy at a young age and soon began to be in need. She found herself with child, bill collectors hounding her and down to her last box of rice. When she swallowed her pride, she asked per parents for passage to come home. After a long journey with a newborn daughter in her lap, she rounded the corner near her childhood home, wondering what would await her? Behold, a banner across the garage said, "Welcome home, Rachel and Lauren!" She was both humbled and exhilarated as her family gathered around, showering her weary soul with love. She'd come home!
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.'" (Luke 15: 22-24)
Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling, "O sinner, come home." You won't receive a lecture enumerating all your inadequacies. You will be cloked with the robe of righteousness and the crowned with salvation as your compassionate Father throws his arms around you and showers you with kisses.
Come home.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Picture the Devil
"On another day, the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the Lord said to him, 'Where have you come from?' Satan answered the Lord, 'From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.'"
Job 2: 1 & 2
What picture do you have in your mind of the Devil? A red imp with horns and rotten teeth? Or perhaps a well-heeled gangster with gold teeth and a pinstriped suit? Whatever image you conjure up, the common denominator must be a creature who's up to no good, who incites evil by whispering heinous suggestions in one's ear.
What would you do if you looked out your window and saw him canvassing your neighborhood like a Kirby Vacuum guy, cutting across lawns and going door-to-door? Would you open the door? Would you think he's paying a visit just to share a few off-color jokes and pop a top?
Do not be fooled. The Bible warns that Satan prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Do not think Hell is like a smoky tavern that plays heavy metal music while people swear and throw darts. It is a place of utter darkness, foul smells and non-existant mercy. No one cares if you are thirsty. No one lends a friendly word or helping hand. Those are all Godly traits; they do not exist in such a place.
Present yourself before the Lord while you have time. Satan has to do that, too.
Job 2: 1 & 2
What picture do you have in your mind of the Devil? A red imp with horns and rotten teeth? Or perhaps a well-heeled gangster with gold teeth and a pinstriped suit? Whatever image you conjure up, the common denominator must be a creature who's up to no good, who incites evil by whispering heinous suggestions in one's ear.
What would you do if you looked out your window and saw him canvassing your neighborhood like a Kirby Vacuum guy, cutting across lawns and going door-to-door? Would you open the door? Would you think he's paying a visit just to share a few off-color jokes and pop a top?
Do not be fooled. The Bible warns that Satan prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Do not think Hell is like a smoky tavern that plays heavy metal music while people swear and throw darts. It is a place of utter darkness, foul smells and non-existant mercy. No one cares if you are thirsty. No one lends a friendly word or helping hand. Those are all Godly traits; they do not exist in such a place.
Present yourself before the Lord while you have time. Satan has to do that, too.
The Power of Being a Christian Parent
"His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had runs its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning, he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, 'Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.' This was Job's regular custom."
Job 1: 4 & 5
Job was described as being a blameless, upright man who feared God and shunned evil. A wealthy man, he had ten children, many servants and animals and was "the greatest man among all the people of the East." (Job 1:3)
It would be tempting, in Job's position, to become cocky and complacent, but he is so vigilant that he continues to plead to God on behalf of his kids, even after they have moved into their own homes.
A lesson for me, as a parent, is evident here. I do pray for my daughters, but I need to specifically ask God to purify them, forgive them if they have wronged him in their hearts. I could get up early each morning, remembering the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for all people, thereby demonstrating to Him how much their righteousness means to me, their mother.
Job 1: 4 & 5
Job was described as being a blameless, upright man who feared God and shunned evil. A wealthy man, he had ten children, many servants and animals and was "the greatest man among all the people of the East." (Job 1:3)
It would be tempting, in Job's position, to become cocky and complacent, but he is so vigilant that he continues to plead to God on behalf of his kids, even after they have moved into their own homes.
A lesson for me, as a parent, is evident here. I do pray for my daughters, but I need to specifically ask God to purify them, forgive them if they have wronged him in their hearts. I could get up early each morning, remembering the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for all people, thereby demonstrating to Him how much their righteousness means to me, their mother.
Plugged in to the Source
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
My home in Painesville was affected by the power outage today. I was quickly reminded how dependant I am on my power source as the house grew colder and colder. The electric blanket no longer kept me warm as I slept. Since we have a gas stove, we were able to make instant coffee which helped but, even with long underwear, a woolen hat and scarf, three blankets and two cats on me, I was becoming miserably cold. Sixteen hours without heat was a real challenge.
When the power was restored, I was so glad to return to my normal life: take off my Carhartt coat, watch a little television and work on writing this blog. I felt protected, cared for, embraced.
During some down times in my life, I have allowed my sinful life to disconnect me from the Power Source. Outside of right living with God, I felt cold and miserable. Once I finally came to my senses, the Good Father embraced me like the Prodigal Son who made his way home. A ring was placed on my finger, a robe replaced my tattered clothes and the fatted calf was served up with dessert! Why would I ever want to leave again?
Stay connected to God, our omnipotent source, and you will never be cold and miserable.
John 15:5
My home in Painesville was affected by the power outage today. I was quickly reminded how dependant I am on my power source as the house grew colder and colder. The electric blanket no longer kept me warm as I slept. Since we have a gas stove, we were able to make instant coffee which helped but, even with long underwear, a woolen hat and scarf, three blankets and two cats on me, I was becoming miserably cold. Sixteen hours without heat was a real challenge.
When the power was restored, I was so glad to return to my normal life: take off my Carhartt coat, watch a little television and work on writing this blog. I felt protected, cared for, embraced.
During some down times in my life, I have allowed my sinful life to disconnect me from the Power Source. Outside of right living with God, I felt cold and miserable. Once I finally came to my senses, the Good Father embraced me like the Prodigal Son who made his way home. A ring was placed on my finger, a robe replaced my tattered clothes and the fatted calf was served up with dessert! Why would I ever want to leave again?
Stay connected to God, our omnipotent source, and you will never be cold and miserable.
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