Choosing Things Over God

Matthew 19:16-26 is a study in contrasts. King Jesus is approached by a brash, spiritually needy young man. The man has questions for Christ. Jesus has answers, but not ones the wealthy man wants. He ends up leaving and grieving, unwilling to follow and grieved in his heart. He owned a lot and it owned him. Whatever rules your heart rules your life. Only in Christ is there eternal life. No amount of self-effort will work.

Bringing Children to Jesus, and the Blessing of Childlike Faith

Matthew 19:13-15 records a scene that had to be frustrating and beautiful. Christ's disciples turn away humble parents in an unloving way. Jesus disagrees with their actions and grants the desires of those who come to Him. This passage of Scripture has been used to justify any number of "I know it's not in the Bible but I have a strong opinion about it" things affecting children and families, running the gamut from infant baptism to various approaches to children's ministry. What does it actually, clearly teach us? 1. Jesus expects, enables and encourages childlike faith in Him. He already made the 'humble like a child' point in Matt. 18:1-4, and here strengthens it. It's a big emphasis we do well to latch on to in our evangelism and discipleship. 2. Jesus loves children. It is clear that Jesus values children and doesn't consider them intrusions or non-viable members of the community. 3. Jesus blesses the childlike faith of parents who bring their children to Him.  While Jesus does not stipulate here exactly how you are to do it, the message is quite clear: He wants you to bring your children to Him. Other places in Scripture show us how. A daily process, in community with other believers, of teaching your children to worship God and love Jesus through God's Word, prayer, fellowship. Acts 2:42; Eph. 6:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:14-16 and others. God bless you as you follow Jesus today. Be Christ-like!

Jesus is King

People deceptively try to play God. They exalt themselves above the One True God. They try to be king. They lead others to ruin in their folly. We read the news and it is everywhere. Pervasive sin perverts God's design. We see it in marriage, family, church, marketplace and community. Look in the mirror and try not to be too shocked. Sin has done a number on you too. We can blast away at others all we want, but at the end of the day we must deal with the enemy within us all: sin. It is a ruthless evil full of deadly poison. It attacks like a flesh eating bacteria. No mercy. It eats away like a cancer. Rust. And the cure is not to be found earthbound but in the heavenly realms. Jesus Christ defeated sin and death once for all at the cross. The cure must be applied by faith. No one is without sin. Grieve when you see people try to exalt themselves above God and His Word. Repent of your own sin and pray for their repentance. Call everyone to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our only hope. The only true King.

Once Again, the Truth Stands

The world in which we live celebrates godless, self-centered, worship of ourselves. Paraded in front of us is an endless array of false views and twisted truths. The world says: "Are you a man and want to marry a man? Go for it. In a marriage that doesn't make you happy? Walk away from it. Use your child to meet your needs? We encourage it." God says the exact opposite.  It is a sad state of affairs when right is now wrong and wrong is right and no one seems to be able to tell the difference. Beg to differ and you'll be called every name in the book. We live in a time where to open The Book and proclaim "Thus says the Lord" is seen as outdated and obsolete. But there is no greater Reality than God's Word handled accurately.  No matter what depraved mankind says, the Truth stands. Authoritative. Binding. Eternal. Our hope in Christ is an anchor for the soul, God's lifeline to us - by His Spirit, through His Word, and in His Church. God is greater than our greatest enemy. He reigns supreme. Jesus Christ is Lord over all.  Jesus loves you!

A Truly Great Parent

Do you feel like you need to be super-Mom (or dad), trying to be your version, or the world's version, or your neighborhood's version?  So much pressure to conform. So much confusion. So many frustrated people. God's version is always best. What does a truly great parent look like? Jesus. :)  But before you give yourself another guilt trip...either by figuring you have to walk on water, multiply loaves and fishes or some other attesting miracle to qualify as a super-mom; just relax, sit back, and calm down. Let's see what God has to say. 

Matt. 19:13-15 and Matt. 18.

It is not your performing that matters, but how conformed you are to God's design. Sure, we are not to be conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2) but rather transformed by the renewing of your mind. Being conformed to the world is enslaving, restricting, and legalistic. Let God renew your mind by His Spirit, through His Word, for His glory and your good.  There is a conforming that is freeing and pleases God. It is God's work, if conforming us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8). As God does that work and you cooperate, you will find a freedom you never knew before.  According to Jesus....A Truly Great Parent...is...before God and man...

1. Humble...therefore teachable.  Like a child. Willing to learn. Doesn't know it all. Knows they need Jesus. 

2. Dependent...therefore dependable.  Can be trusted. Trustworthy. Appropriately trusting. Walks by faith.  Commits. Stays committed. Trusts Jesus. 

3. Focused...therefore...enduring.  Eph. 6:1-4. Diligent. Stays the course. Fixes eyes on Jesus. Abide in Christ (John 15:5).

4. Repentant...therefore approachable. Aware of their sin and not afraid to admit it. Lots and lots of good stuff. Confesses sin. Gentle yet firm with those who sin. Understanding heart. Not jugemental.   Rests in Jesus. 

5. Courageous...therefore followable.  Takes risks for the Kingdom of God. Gutsy yet giving. Generous. Freely gives because everything is from God. Walks by faith not by sight. Prays expectantly and believes God's promises; then acts upon them with childlike faith.  There is one Truly Great Parent with a capital T: our heavenly Father, who knows what you need even before you do. He knows your greatest need is an eternal one that only He can meet. Believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust the Lord and be yourself. 

Jesus loves you!
Soli Deo Gloria