Wedding

Congratulations to my nephew Brandon and his beautiful bride Candace. They were married Saturday and I had the privilege to perform the wedding. The following is the bulk of the message.

Scripture states that “A man will leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” The Apostle Paul explains fuller by writing that “He who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” Brandon, Candice the two of you should be so close that the others best is your best. Brandon, if you love yourself you will love Candace. Candace if you love yourself you will love Brandon. Let me extend this thought further. Brandon if your friends love you they will love Candace. Candace if your friends love you they will love Brandon. For the two are now one. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”

Scripture gives us a couple who demonstrate this idea of being one. They are a couple to imitate. Their names are Aquila and Priscilla. They are mentioned in Scripture only six times, but from those few verses we gain a wealth of information on how to have a strong, happy marriage, how to be one. They are never mention separately. Never just Aquila, never just Priscilla. Always Aquila and Priscilla together. And that’s how you should be known. Always Brandon and Candace, Candace and Brandon. Strive to let everyone at work and all places know who your spouse is. Be proud of them. Speak highly of them, because when you do, you speak highly of yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” You will be as Aquila and Priscilla known always together as one.


Aquila and Priscilla did two things that make for a strong marriage. First they worked together. Scripture first mentions the couple in the city of Corinth where we are told they are tent makers. It was a Jewish custom for families whether rich or poor to teach their sons manual labor. Tent making was one of those vocations they taught. And so Aquila probably learned tent making from his father. Priscilla probably learned it from Aquila. Marriage is work. Both of you will be working and building your own tent. You will be building a home. Each of you will bring to this marriage skills and abilities that are vital for the building of it. Whether it is something useful like automotive maintenance, cooking a meal or writing a budget you will, at times, learn a new skill from the other. We don’t know if Priscilla enjoyed the skill of tent making but she learned it, because it was needed for her family. As you practice self sacrifice you will love each other more. You will meet each others needs without expecting anything in return. You will think the other more important than yourself, but if you love the other you love yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”


The most important example from Aquila and Priscilla is that they worshiped together. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he sends them greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, together with the church in their house. Christ was at the very center of their home and their marriage. Let the worship of Christ and His work be at the very center of your marriage. Pray together at home. Read the New Testament together. Do not neglect gathering with other believers at your church, in the worship of God. The closer to Christ you become the closer you will be to each other. Do not neglect what scripture calls your spiritual act of worship. Become involved together at your church. Be active. You can be greeters at the door, pass out bulletins, teach a Sunday school, work the food pantry or the clothes closet, or sing in the choir. Find a place of service and serve together.

And so Brandon and Candace, as you leave your fathers and mothers and cling together, may you truly become one flesh, united in work, worship and love.

What's A Man Worth?

What's a man worth?
Does anyone know?
Is he measured by riches,
By friend or foe?
Can we tell by his virtues,
His station in life?
His accent? His color?
His peace, or his strife?
The length of his hair,
The shape of his nose,
His smile or his handshake
The cut of his clothes?
What's a man worth?
We turn to our Guide.
And Christ gives His answer,
"For each man I died."

Author unknown.

Rebel

We are to die to self and live for Christ. Andrew Murray says that mankind has fallen from life in God into a life of self -- a life of self- love, self- esteem, and self- seeking, a life concentrated on the perishing pleasures of the world. He calls this the kingdom of self. I like the term. Jesus calls us to the kingdom of God. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news. Mark 1: 15.” Repent? From what should we repent? From the kingdom of self, sin. All sin which includes greed, drunkenness, slander, stealing, envy, sexual immorality and so on comes from self. Repent from sin, stop living life the way you want to, and live it God’s way. And what is God’s way. Jesus is God’s way. Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me. John 14: 6. C. S. Lewis writes that “fallen man is not just imperfect, needing improvement; he is a rebel who must surrender his weapons. It is not that man is only a little less then he should be but that he actively rebelled against his very best, what he was intended to be.”
And what is the good news? 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. John 3: 16. Repent and accept Jesus death on the cross as the punishment for your sin. Give up living life your way. Surrender and ask Jesus to forgive you for your sin and to come into your life and heart and lead you in the way you should go. That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10: 9. You will leave the kingdom of self and enter into the kingdom of God. You will be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our King. There is nothing to fear from God. God is Love. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Though you are hostile toward God, he loves you. Though you resent God for spoiling your good times he loves you. Though you have ridiculed God and laughed at Jesus and all of his followers, he still loves you and pursues you. There is nothing that you have done that Jesus will not forgive. He was betrayed, rejected, beaten and scourged, abandoned, and crucified. Yet on the cross as the religious leaders mocked him saying,” He saved others but he can’t save himself, let him come down now from the cross. He trust in God let God rescue him now if he wants him, Matthew 27: 41-43”, what did Jesus do? He said Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23: 34.” We have done this and more and yet Jesus will forgive us.
Repent and believe the good news. Surrender and pray for forgiveness. Accept Jesus unfailing love for you and ask him into your heart and life. The kingdom of God is here please enter in.

Grace

Grace. If there is one word that I want to understand fully it is this one. I have experienced the grace of God, and yet I really do not know what grace is. How can I experience something and not know what it is? I feel like Paul, “I see in a mirror dimly.” With me there is the realization that I fully do not understand the grace and love that God bestows upon me. I am still so blind in so many areas concerning Christ, especially grace. I have looked up definitions of grace, but from the written page they come across coldly. In Vines Expository Dictionary the definition of grace is in part, favorable regard, loving-kindness and goodwill generally. Jesus while we were still at enmity with Him responded with grace. Even now despite the pride, selfishness, condescension, materialism, etc...etc...etc... which still exist within, Jesus treats me graciously. He has a favorable regard, loving-kindness, and goodwill toward me. Amazing. If I truly believe that God is gracious to me, despite myself, why the difficulty in being gracious toward others? Do I have a high regard for the inattentive waitress? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness for my co-worker who insults? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the person who may or may not be taking advantage of social services or am I just angry? Grace. Do I have a favorable regard for my supervisor? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness to my wife when we are at odds? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the brother or sister in Christ who seems always to hold a different opinion at Church business meetings? Grace. Grace is wonderful and easy to receive but sometimes difficult to give. May we choose to be gracious and pray for the strength.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12: 14-17.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.” Colossians 4: 6.

Steadfast

“You will give him perfect peace whose mind is steadfast on You.” Isaiah 26: 3. I say this verse everyday. I want always, to keep my mind, my sight, on Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances. At present there is looming a situation that brings anxiety and I seek perfect peace by keeping my mind steadfast. The situation, though worrisome, is no greater than what most people have faced before and will face again. Life on earth is chaotic and Jesus will bring me through. In Matthew 14: 22-33, Jesus comes to the disciples with the storm, walking on the water. The wind and waves batter the boat just as chaos, turmoil and change batter our lives. We, as Peter, hear Christ say, “Take courage,” “Do not be afraid.” Peter shows us how we should respond. “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” If the storm is of God’s doing, the difficult circumstances are meant to bring us closer to Him. Peter got out of the boat. He acted courageously. As long as his gaze was on Jesus he walked on the waves. He conquered through Christ who strengthened him. When he became afraid, he focused more on the circumstances and sank. The situation overcame him. I can relate. Verse 31 is my favorite of the whole passage. “Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him.” I’m guessing it was a very powerful grip. It comforts me to know that in life’s storms I can come through walking above the waves, unafraid, with my mind steadfast on Jesus. If my faith falters and I look more at the problems of life instead of Christ, He will grab hold. A Hymnist wrote it best with these lyrics;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8.

Question

As I read Mark’s Gospel, I wonder where I would be if I lived during the time that Jesus was on earth. What would I be doing, where would I fit into the narrative? Would I need, like Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, to be taken by the hand and lifted up in order to serve? Ch 1: 31. Would I be like the leper who came in need of cleansing? Ch 1: 40. Would I be as the four, who brought their friend to Christ, and would let nothing and no one, including a crowd stand in their way? Ch 2: 3-5. Would I, as Levi, leave my love for money and follow Jesus. Ch 2: 13-14. Would I be like the man who turned away from following, because of my many possessions? Ch 10: 17-22. Maybe I would be just one within the multitudes, part of the masses for whom Christ had great compassion. Ch 6: 34. Certainly I would have been one of those who followed Him but were not one of the chosen twelve. Ch 4: 10. Probably not. A shiver runs down my spine, for I know myself. When Jesus chose the twelve, I would have left in disappointment and possibly anger, thinking that Jesus plays favorites. Would I be like the men who asked Jesus to leave the area because he hurt business? Ch 5: 17. How I wish I was like the Gentile woman from Syrophenicia, who no matter how rudely treated kept her faith in Christ. Ch 7: 24-30. Am I like the twelve, jockeying for position of who would be the greatest when Christ came into His kingdom? Ch 9: 33-34. Do I want more recognition within my church, and would I argue with others to get it? Would I be like the Scribes and Pharisees, unable to give up my position? Who were unable to say, like John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease?” John 3: 30. It is so difficult to voluntarily sit in a lower chair. I am some of all, good and bad. So who would you be? Who are you most like?

Share

All Christians should want to bring others to Christ. As we begin to experience and delight in Him there should grow a desire to share Him. We live in a country where the majority of its citizens have already heard about Jesus. There are some who have not heard, from lack of attention or interest. Most, I believe, have heard and rejected Christ at some time. To speak for Him, can seem futile, a waste of time. Every excuse and reason is given why they cannot believe in Him.
They abandoned the God who made them, and rejected the Rock their Savior. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you”? Deuteronomy 32: 4-6 & 15
We must not stop trying. How can we make our friends, family and co-workers realize the joy and peace of believing God by following Jesus if we do not tell them? Oh how I want them to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead so they will be saved (Romans 10: 9). How can we persuade them that Jesus brings peace even through trials, and that he gives hope for a glorious future. Our prayer should be the same as Paul’s.
Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan…pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him as I should”. Ephesians 6: 19- 20
Jesus also gave us a promise.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… Acts 1: 8
May we continually pray for our friends and acquaintances that they would accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit will give us courage and tell us what to say.

Peacemaker

These are articles from the Daily Oklahoman. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan-Militant attacks killed four Canadian soldiers and wounded ten. BEIRUT, Lebanon- Israel and Hezbollah sharply intensified fighting Saturday with air strikes, rocket attacks and brutal ground fighting. BAGHDAD, Iraq- At least 21 were killed or found dead, most of them in the capital. And now for a rebuttal. “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all of my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” Isaiah 11: 6-9.
I so much would like to be around for Christ return. What a privilege. Better yet that He would return today. The above verse states that when the earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord there will be peace. No one will be hurt anymore. When Jesus returns, the wars will be over. Why does He delay His coming? Why must sin and strife and wars continue? Because He want’s all who will, to freely love and join with Him. When He returns the chance is gone. Now is the only guaranteed time that anyone has to trust in Him. In the meantime we who are Christians should do our best to increase the knowledge of Christ to all the world, to all peoples. Because when we do, we increase peace, one person at a time.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5: 9

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear…” Psalm 46: 9

Devastated

One of the great theologians, Scarlett O’Hara, said in a time of great distress “tomorrow is another day.” If you don’t like receiving your theology from Scarlett how about from the Prophet Jeremiah? “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness,” Lamentations 3: 22-23. Jeremiah, unlike Scarlett, knew to hold on for the next day because he knew intimately God’s character. Jeremiah was a prophet that most did not want to hear. He did not fill large arenas. The popular false prophets told the citizens of Jerusalem what they wanted to hear. Jeremiah told them the uncomfortable truth. He brought God’s indictment against them. Their unrighteousness would bring punishment.
As he stood on a hillside overlooking the devastated war torn city, he wrote the great words “His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” He wrote these words after seeing things that no human eyes should have to see. He wrote these words after being treated like no one should be treated. I don’t believe he had great joy in his heart when he wrote about God’s mercies. He was as devastated as the city. His laments are sorrowful and full of pain. “He had besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.” Lamentations 3: 5-7. Walled me down with chains, besieged and surrounded! Jeremiah is paralleling his life with that of Jerusalem’s. His life has been bitter because he obeyed God, Jerusalem’s because they disobeyed. But then he remembered God! He remembered God and it brought him hope. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,” Jeremiah 3: 21, 22. Jeremiah knew God, he trusted God, and he had experienced God. The words he wrote about God’s character were fact. God is merciful and that was enough for him to go on to the next day and the next.
We know more of God’s character than even Jeremiah. Jeremiah was looking ahead for the Messiah. We know, that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..” We know that God gave His son to a world of chaos, devastation, bitterness and chains. Jesus experienced it all and he conquered. He loved us so much he was tortured and slain for us. Devastation is all around us, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars and terrorist have layed waste to many lives. Maybe the devastation is as simple as, being hurt by those we love, or the loss of a job. But then we remember God and there is hope.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35-39.

Mixture

I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted…. “Woe is me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6: 1&5. Someone told me this week that one sin is as bad as another. He spoke the truth and that is the great horror. There is a strange mix of joy, and horror in a relationship with God. The joy of being close and growing closer is very real but so is the horror of the awareness of sin and ugliness in my life. The closer my relationship to Jesus, the more I become aware, like Isaiah, of sin in myself and sin in the world.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7. Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain. “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6. And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix! “ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty;
The whole earth if full of his
glory.” Isaiah 6: 3.

Confession

I have a confession to make. I struggled with last weeks post. Jesus tells the woman at the well that when you drink the living water which He gives, you will never thirst again, never. I was thirsty last week. There have been times that I read the Bible, pray, seek Christ and it seems He is not there. So why the difference between my experience and Scripture? There could be many reasons. I think the main reason is one of not being able to see the forest because of all the trees. For the woman at the well and all who do not know Christ, there is nowhere to turn when life is full of burdens and struggles. They must rely on themselves or other flawed human beings. They may simply try to ignore the problem and use anything to forget. But the problems remain.
For the Christian there is given a Helper, a Comforter, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Councilor, the Holy Spirit. “He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said. From his inner most being shall flow springs and rivers of living water. He was speaking here of the Spirit…” John 7: 38, 39. The Christian is also given the living water of God’s word. “His delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water…” Psalm 1: 2, 3.
I still don’t think I quite understand what Jesus meant by never thirsting but this I do know, If I’m swimming in a large body of fresh water I don’t need to ever go thirsty. Jesus provides the Spirit in abundance, “welling up, flowing, bubbling, continually within.” John 4:14. I pray for you and me as the Apostle Paul prayed, that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ…according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3: 18, 19, 20. May we grow in Christ and come to the place where we will never thirst. May we comprehend, at all times, the enormity of His love.
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42: 7.

Thirst

I look danger in the face and laugh. I click the next blog button on Blogspot. I never knew there were so many knitters. Seriously I now know more than ever that the world needs Christ. They need him badly. I share him when I can and post comments, praying that they will follow the comment back to my blog. One of the most common types of blog is what I call the Blog of Angst. They write to find themselves, to work out their disappointments and frustrations. There are thousands of them, and they are thirsty for meaning, purpose and joy in their lives.
Jesus has a gift for all the bloggers of angst. A gift of living water. If you ask Jesus, he will give it. Jesus says to all who ask “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never be thirsty anymore. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) (continually) within him, unto eternal life.” John 4: 4 AMP. Jesus spoke these words originally to a woman at a well. A woman of angst. She was frustrated. She felt no doubt bitter disappointment over failure in five marriages. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was, his or hers. The result was the same. Five failed marriages and probably not much hope for the relationship she was in. She was thirsty.
Bloggers of angst, are you thirsty? The Psalmist writes that “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God the living God.” Psalm 42: 1-2. And who is this true living God? Jesus told the woman at the well and he tells you, “I Who now speak with you am He.” John 4: 26. Ask Jesus into you life. Believe, adhere to, trust in and rely on Him, and you will never, never thirst again.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread? And wages for what does not satisfy? Everyone who thirst, come to the waters. Isaiah 55: 2&1.

Disclosure

Prayer is like watching for the
Kingfisher. All you can do is
Be where he is likely to appear, and
Wait.
Often nothing much happens;
There is space, silence and
Expectancy.
No visible sign, only the
Knowledge that he's been there
And may come again.
Seeing or not seeing cease to matter,
You have been prepared.
But sometimes, when you've almost
Stopped expecting it,
A flash of brightness
Gives encouragement.

(Ann Lewin)

From, Watching for the Kingfisher,
published by the Methodist Publishing House,
ISBN 1-85852-256-0.

Pursuit

“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, give me a drink” John 4:7. So begins the conversation between the woman at the well and Jesus. This conversation is so much different than the conversation Jesus had with another non- Jewish woman in Matthew 15. (See last weeks post, Slain.) The difference is one of faith. The Canaanite woman of Matthew had strong faith in Jesus, even after being treated rudely by him and his disciples. The Samaritan woman doesn’t know who Jesus is. She has no faith in him. Jesus speaks to her first. Jesus pursues her. He wants her to know him. He wants her, as he does all of us, to put her faith and trust in him. Jesus will meet us where we are. The Canaanite woman’s large faith was exercised and shown to us by being greatly tested. She was ignored and ridiculed. The Samaritan woman who had no faith was pursued. Jesus knows how to treat each individual. One size does not fit all. He knows each of our needs and acts accordingly.
The one thing that the Samaritan woman believed about the Messiah was that he would know all things. “I know the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” John 4: 25. Jesus through his love and mercy for her provided this. Jesus brings her to faith by telling her about herself. “You have well said I have no husband, for you have had five husbands and the one whom you now have is not your husband.” John 4: 18. Jesus told her this before she told him that she expected the Messiah to know all things. She tries to change the conversation to one about differences in theology. Jesus patiently answers her question but returns the conversation back to knowing God. At the end of this conversation Jesus plainly and directly tells her “I who speak to you am He.” John 4: 26.
Sometimes I can say God is Love without really thinking about what that really means. The Sovereign Creator loves us so much that he will pursue us. He comes after us. He speaks first. He tells us about ourselves. He‘s patient with us. He wants our love as much as we need Him. And that’s truly an amazing thought.

There will be more about the woman at the well and her conversation with Jesus in upcoming post.

Slain

“Lord, Son of David have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. Matthew 15: 22, 23. He ignored her. She was not insulted; her need was greater than her pride. This Canaanite woman knew who could meet her needs. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” verse 23. She was persistent; she continually kept following after them to get to Jesus. Not only that but she was persistent in the presence of many, many who were condescending to her, and these many were the people who were closest to Jesus. Once again it didn’t matter her need was larger than her pride; her love for her daughter was greater than insult. He answered, “I came only to the lost sheep of Israel.” verse 24. Jesus tells her that he is here only to help certain people. For the third time she does not give up. The women came and knelt before him. Lord, help me! verse 25. And now what does Jesus do? He calls her a dog. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” verse 26. Was she hurt, was she crushed? No, she only knew the need of her daughter and she knew that Jesus was the only one who could help her. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. Job 13: 15. Her answer to Jesus seems even to have surprised him. Yes, Lord,” but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” verse 27. Then Jesus answered, “ Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” verse 28.
One of the great difficulties for us when we read this passage of scripture is that it seems so unlike Jesus. We can’t believe he could act in such a way, that he would respond in such a rude manner to this poor needy woman. Sometimes though Jesus would act much like an actor on stage to bring out the best in people. After the resurrection on the road to Emmaus Jesus acted like he was traveling further than the two disciples so that they would invite him to stay with them for the evening. Luke 24: 28-29. Jesus acted to bring out the best in this Canaanite woman so we could learn from her.
Is our need for Jesus greater than our pride? No matter how good the church there are always some in it who will ignore you. There are always people in it who are condescending because you’re not the right type of person, you don’t wear the right clothes, you’re not in management, or you don’t golf. Some of these people may even be in positions of leadership. But you must have fellowship, don’t let a few people keep you from experiencing all that God has for you. You can’t go it alone. Don’t let your pride keep you from your needs being healed. And her daughter was healed from that very hour. verse 28.

Example

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance of a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Philippians 2: 5-11.
To me this is one of the most exciting passages of scripture. My heart beats a little faster when Paul writes that every knee should bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is so wonderful, but Paul uses this as an example which we should follow in our relationship with others. This is how we should behave toward other believers. Paul writes in these verses that Jesus did four things and expects us to do them as well.
1. He made himself nothing.
2. He took the very nature of a servant.
3. He humbled himself.
4. He became obedient.
When we are asked to do as Jesus did the passage becomes daunting. It is our very nature to exalt ourselves, to be self important, to be dominating and to do as we please.
It is clear we are unable to do this without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Do we really believe that we can do nothing without Christ? If we do we will pray. The very act of prayer is an act of humility. If we cannot humble ourselves before God how are we going to be able to humble ourselves before man? If we do not pray then we are trying to be self-sufficient and we will never be able to obey.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2 what we should be like with other believers. Is this how we are when we gather at our local church? “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God. Philippians 2: 2-4, 14.” Let us pray.

Road

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7: 13 & 14. This is another of those verses that are disturbing. If you ask a group of people if they were going to Heaven most would say they are. According to Jesus that is not the case. How I wish this verse were reversed and told us that the majority would find life and only a few of the very worst of people would go to destruction. To write that most will go to destruction and not find life is difficult. But I didn’t say it, Jesus did. Am I more loving and compassionate than Jesus? No, no, no, and neither are you. For Jesus is love, and he came to this earth to die. To sacrifice his life, to suffer, that all who would accept his sacrifice, might take the narrow road to life. “Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13. In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul wrote about the narrow road to life and it has become known as the Roman Road. “All have sinned and fell short of the glory of God.” Romans 3: 23. I have heard it said that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. We all in our heart fall so short of the goodness and purity of God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6: 23. But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8. This is to me is the most amazing verse in scripture. To think that the Sovereign Creator of the universe would care for us at all is unbelievable! Add to that, that we are far short of what he created us to be and he still cares! He still loves! What is man that God is mindful of him? Yet Christ died for us! The last verses of the Roman Road state; “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10: 9. Welcome to the narrow road. “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10: 11 & Isaiah 28: 16.

Danger

“Forgive seventy times seven.” Matthew 18: 22. There are many times in scripture that what I read disturbs me. When I first read, Jesus wants me to forgive others infinitely, continually and completely, I think to myself, I can’t do it. This is impossible! Then I remember that Jesus doesn’t tell us to do anything that he doesn’t do himself. The greatest danger to my fellowship with Christ is when I sin and must ask him to forgive me for something I have asked forgiveness for time and time again. When this occurs I am so ashamed. Thoughts come to me that he will not forgive, that there is a limit. He is so holy. He is righteous. He is perfect. He also is love and he is merciful. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1: 9.
Another danger is if I do not forgive. After Jesus tells Peter to forgive seventy times seven he tells the parable about the unmerciful servant. The servant after being forgiven a large sum of money by his master did not forgive a small amount that was owed to him. The master finds out and “in anger turned him over to the jailers to be tortured.” Matthew 18: 34. I have been in that prison, the prison of anger, bitterness and resentment. There is no happiness or joy in that place. Jesus paid a heavy price so that we may be forgiven. He “being the very nature of God”, “made himself nothing, and taking the very nature of a servant.” “He humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!” Philippians 2: 6, 7, 8. Torture. To not forgive shows us as insincere and ungrateful for what He did.

Ride On

Ride on! ride on in majesty! Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry; O Savior meek, pursue thy road with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on! ride on in majesty! The angel-squadrons of the sky look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on! ride on in majesty! Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh; the Father on his sapphire throne expects his own anointed Son.

Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; bow thy meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God, thy power, and reign.

Henry Hart Milman 1791-1868

"HENRY HART MILMAN." LoveToKnow 1911 Online Encyclopedia. © 2003, 2004 http://63.1911encyclopedia.org/M/MI/MILMAN_HENRY_HART.htm

Thunder

“And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.” Revelation 4: 5. One of the things I like best about Oklahoma is the thunder storms. I thrill to the hard rain, the low roll of thunder followed by the flash of lightning. Then the loud boom, which shakes the ground and the house. I feel the power of God and yet I realize that this is only an infinitesimal fraction of that power. In our own solar system Jupiter’s red spot is a storm that can swallow the earth whole. On a 12 inch scale, Earth would be one inch away from the Sun, Pluto 3 ½ feet. The nearest star other than the Sun would lie 4 ½ miles away! Our sun is only one lonely star among several hundred billion throughout the universe. Our galaxy is one amongst millions. Yet the Sovereign Almighty God who created all this became a man and lived among us! He was born not in a palace but a stable. He cried. His wonderful mother not much more than a girl herself cleaned him. He grew. He played. He worked. His muscles ached. He hungered. He ate. He was thirsty. He drank. He grew tired. He slept. He showed anger. He laughed with our children on his lap. He prayed. He fasted. He had compassion. He healed us. He fed us. He forgave us. He told stories. He taught. He taught us how to love. He showed us how to love. He told us to pray for those who persecute us, to love our enemies. He washes our feet and told us to do likewise. And then we killed him. I hear thunder.

“And I looked and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by
Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,”
Revelation 4: 6, 7, 9.