AT JESUS FEET: ASK THE FATHER
Scripture Reading: Mathew 7:7-12
Jesus is teaching us (his disciples), that our stability is grounded in the loving reliability of our heavenly father. He commands us to “Ask”. To ask God for anything indicates that we are in prayer and trusting God to answer us. To “seek” indicates prayer, but it also links prayer to the action of faith in our lives. If we seek greater faith, we take action, by reading the word, fellowshipping and worshiping. If we pray for a job, we send resumes and actively follow the leads. There is responsible action in pursuing God’s good will for us. The verb “knock” is a command to act now, and continue to pursue what we have requested. Jesus wants his disciples, to be certain that God will hear and answer our prayers. Jesus assures us that it will be given, you will find, and the door will be opened. We can be certain that God delights in giving what is good to his children. If earthly fathers who are often sinful know how to give good things to their children, our perfect, holy, heavenly father is much more likely to give us what is good. We depend upon our heavenly father for every need, not only physical but spiritual. Jesus increases the stability of his disciples, by simplifying the law for them. The maxim is commonly called the “Golden Rule”. How do we treat people? Simply do to others what you would have them do to you. Jesus says that this “Golden Rule” sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for caring so much for us that you will always hear our prayers and give us what is good. May I continue to ask and act, consistently in faith always trusting you.
Scripture Verse: …how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him? Matthew 7:11
Friday, March 5, 2010
SHIFT WEEK 6 TUESDAY
AT JESUS FEET: DO NOT JUDGE
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6
Jesus gives us a command in this passage of scripture. He says: Do not judge. The type of judging that he is talking about is a disapproving, harsh criticism of others. Jesus warns us against setting ourselves over others, and condemning them in a self-righteous way. When we have adopted a critical and condemning attitude toward others, we have forced love out of our relationships. Every true disciple of Jesus has experienced the undeserved mercy and love of God. Instead of condemning us, (as we rightly deserved) Jesus extended his grace, love and forgiveness to us. The consequence of judging others has a boomerang effect. The one who judges will receive judgment, instead of God’s undeserved favor and mercy. If a disciple wants to be of help to a brother or sister, he or she must first get rid of their own self-righteous, judgmental attitude. The unexamined spiritual life causes one to be a hypocrite, blinded by the plank of inward sin. Then when the plank is removed, one is free to minister to their brother or sister. There is another type of judgment, which is the ability to discernment or evaluate. Jesus expects us to judge appropriately, discerning right from wrong. We are also to discern enemies of the gospel, who will trample the precious message of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for your love, mercy and forgiveness in my own life. May I not be judgmental toward others, but show them your love, mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture Verse: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6
Jesus gives us a command in this passage of scripture. He says: Do not judge. The type of judging that he is talking about is a disapproving, harsh criticism of others. Jesus warns us against setting ourselves over others, and condemning them in a self-righteous way. When we have adopted a critical and condemning attitude toward others, we have forced love out of our relationships. Every true disciple of Jesus has experienced the undeserved mercy and love of God. Instead of condemning us, (as we rightly deserved) Jesus extended his grace, love and forgiveness to us. The consequence of judging others has a boomerang effect. The one who judges will receive judgment, instead of God’s undeserved favor and mercy. If a disciple wants to be of help to a brother or sister, he or she must first get rid of their own self-righteous, judgmental attitude. The unexamined spiritual life causes one to be a hypocrite, blinded by the plank of inward sin. Then when the plank is removed, one is free to minister to their brother or sister. There is another type of judgment, which is the ability to discernment or evaluate. Jesus expects us to judge appropriately, discerning right from wrong. We are also to discern enemies of the gospel, who will trample the precious message of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for your love, mercy and forgiveness in my own life. May I not be judgmental toward others, but show them your love, mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture Verse: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
SHIFT WEEK 6 WEDNESDAY
AT JESUS FEET: WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
All earthly things are subject to the natural processes that slowing or rapidly destroy them. Any hurricane, tornado, or earthquake can quickly show us the fleeting nature of earthly things. People can expend tremendous energies on these things, while ignoring the things of God’s kingdom. We are not to let these material things become the center of our life’s focus. We are not to accumulate, or treasure up for ourselves treasure on earth. Jesus commands us to: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33 Material wealth is one of the things that can steal away the heart of a disciple, and lead to spiritual ruin. Jesus is not saying that worldly possessions are bad. Some possessions are a necessary part of our basic needs. Some are there merely for our enjoyment, and there is nothing wrong with that either. What Jesus is saying; is that the things of the Lord must be first in our life. There is a temptation, to worship the god of materialism. When the focus of the eye or center of attention is filled with the darkness of greed, hoarding and the idolatry of money, that darkness is so black, that only Jesus can bring one into the light of truth. If our eyes are good, our focus will be the treasures in heaven. There can be no divided loyalties. We can serve God with our money and possessions, or we can serve self, sin and Satan.
Prayer: It is my hearts’ desire Lord, to be wholly devoted to you. Keep me free from the love of money and help me to use all that you have given me, in a way that is pleasing to you.
Scripture Verse: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
All earthly things are subject to the natural processes that slowing or rapidly destroy them. Any hurricane, tornado, or earthquake can quickly show us the fleeting nature of earthly things. People can expend tremendous energies on these things, while ignoring the things of God’s kingdom. We are not to let these material things become the center of our life’s focus. We are not to accumulate, or treasure up for ourselves treasure on earth. Jesus commands us to: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33 Material wealth is one of the things that can steal away the heart of a disciple, and lead to spiritual ruin. Jesus is not saying that worldly possessions are bad. Some possessions are a necessary part of our basic needs. Some are there merely for our enjoyment, and there is nothing wrong with that either. What Jesus is saying; is that the things of the Lord must be first in our life. There is a temptation, to worship the god of materialism. When the focus of the eye or center of attention is filled with the darkness of greed, hoarding and the idolatry of money, that darkness is so black, that only Jesus can bring one into the light of truth. If our eyes are good, our focus will be the treasures in heaven. There can be no divided loyalties. We can serve God with our money and possessions, or we can serve self, sin and Satan.
Prayer: It is my hearts’ desire Lord, to be wholly devoted to you. Keep me free from the love of money and help me to use all that you have given me, in a way that is pleasing to you.
Scripture Verse: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
SHIFT WEEK 6 THURSDAY
AT JESUS FEET: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
The Jewish ethic regarding enemies in Jesus time was not much different than the ethics of our secular culture today. It was not a scriptural principle, but it was as common then to “hate your enemy” as it is today. It just makes logical sense to hate those who want to hurt, harm or destroy you. Then, I am reminded that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus is always there calling us to the higher standard of His perfect love. There is a two way love in most of our relationships with family and friends. Just being loved in return is a reward in itself. Jesus tells us that even sinners can love those who love them, but the highest reward comes from God who tells us to choose to love even our enemies. How do we show that love? First, we do not return evil for evil, or bear hatred in our hearts toward them. Second, we deliberately pray for our enemies, because they are desperately lost and in need of a savior. That is the very essence of the gospel. It was while we still sinners that Christ died for us. We were enemies of God, fighting against his will and his way, BUT JESUS loved us and freely chose to go to the cross. He bore the penalty for our sin. To be sure, God hates evil. He is a just God who will judge all sin, so pray for your enemies while there is still time for them to be reconciled to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me when I did not deserve your love. Help me Lord to care about those who are still enemies of the cross, and enemies of those who love you.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. Matthew 5:44
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
The Jewish ethic regarding enemies in Jesus time was not much different than the ethics of our secular culture today. It was not a scriptural principle, but it was as common then to “hate your enemy” as it is today. It just makes logical sense to hate those who want to hurt, harm or destroy you. Then, I am reminded that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus is always there calling us to the higher standard of His perfect love. There is a two way love in most of our relationships with family and friends. Just being loved in return is a reward in itself. Jesus tells us that even sinners can love those who love them, but the highest reward comes from God who tells us to choose to love even our enemies. How do we show that love? First, we do not return evil for evil, or bear hatred in our hearts toward them. Second, we deliberately pray for our enemies, because they are desperately lost and in need of a savior. That is the very essence of the gospel. It was while we still sinners that Christ died for us. We were enemies of God, fighting against his will and his way, BUT JESUS loved us and freely chose to go to the cross. He bore the penalty for our sin. To be sure, God hates evil. He is a just God who will judge all sin, so pray for your enemies while there is still time for them to be reconciled to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me when I did not deserve your love. Help me Lord to care about those who are still enemies of the cross, and enemies of those who love you.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. Matthew 5:44
SHIFT WEEK 6 FRIDAY
AT JESUS FEET: ADULTERY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus starts his teaching on adultery by quoting the seventh commandment: You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 & Deuteronomy 5:18. Adultery in the Old Testament was sexual intercourse with mutual consent, between any man and the wife of another man. It was considered a heinous crime, and both the adulterer and the adulteress were put to death (Lev. 20:10). Even a betrothed (engaged) woman was legally considered as a wife in the context of Old Testament law. Jesus again goes for the heart of the law, rather than the external action of adultery. He is not condemning a passing glance at a woman, but he is condemning a calculated, sexually desirous stare. That lustful stare betrays the unfaithful heart, breaking the bond of trust and oneness that a man has with his wife. Jesus is saying that it is not enough to maintain physical purity, but one also needs to have a heart of exclusive devotion to one’s spouse. The seriousness of lust is shown by two deliberate exaggerations; of gouging out the eye and severing the hand. Jesus is not asking for self-mutilation, but he is saying; deal with lust radically. It is far better to have a sexually restricted or incomplete life, than to have an impure lustful life that may eventually cost the loss of one’s soul for eternity. Whatever becomes a source of lustful temptation must be avoided and abandoned immediately.
Prayer: Give me Lord single-hearted and single-eyed devotion to you, that you might keep me pure within. Enable me by your grace to have that unbroken love & devotion to my spouse.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus starts his teaching on adultery by quoting the seventh commandment: You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 & Deuteronomy 5:18. Adultery in the Old Testament was sexual intercourse with mutual consent, between any man and the wife of another man. It was considered a heinous crime, and both the adulterer and the adulteress were put to death (Lev. 20:10). Even a betrothed (engaged) woman was legally considered as a wife in the context of Old Testament law. Jesus again goes for the heart of the law, rather than the external action of adultery. He is not condemning a passing glance at a woman, but he is condemning a calculated, sexually desirous stare. That lustful stare betrays the unfaithful heart, breaking the bond of trust and oneness that a man has with his wife. Jesus is saying that it is not enough to maintain physical purity, but one also needs to have a heart of exclusive devotion to one’s spouse. The seriousness of lust is shown by two deliberate exaggerations; of gouging out the eye and severing the hand. Jesus is not asking for self-mutilation, but he is saying; deal with lust radically. It is far better to have a sexually restricted or incomplete life, than to have an impure lustful life that may eventually cost the loss of one’s soul for eternity. Whatever becomes a source of lustful temptation must be avoided and abandoned immediately.
Prayer: Give me Lord single-hearted and single-eyed devotion to you, that you might keep me pure within. Enable me by your grace to have that unbroken love & devotion to my spouse.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
SHIFT WEEK 6 SATURDAY
AT JESUS FEET: MURDER & ANGER
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus reminds his disciples about the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder”. The Hebrew word (Rasah) is used here, which involves premeditation, and deliberateness of intention. This word does not apply to killing animals, or defending ones home or nation. Jesus concern is not only the external act of murder, but also the internal intentions of the heart. It was a personal and public humiliation to call someone (Raca) which meant empty head. To be called “a fool” in the Jewish culture meant that one acted continually like an idiot or moron. Anger and hatred in the heart are the source of murder, suicide, and name calling. The penalty for murder was death (Numbers 35:31), but Jesus tells us that there is also judgment for the one who is angry with his brother. A person could be called before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court) for insulting and degrading a fellow Jew. Today people are taken to court for the slander of another human being. To be in danger of the fire of hell, denotes a possibility of God’s final judgment. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this anger and hatred in the heart. God is more pleased with forgiveness and reconciliation with a brother or sister, than receiving our gifts and offerings. With God’s help we are to settle matters quickly before they become a wedge in our personal and public relationships with others.
Prayer: Lord, let me see the value in every person you have created. Help me to be caring and loving as I relate to others. Especially lord, help me to choose forgiveness whenever I feel offended by another.
Scripture Verse: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. John 3:15
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus reminds his disciples about the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder”. The Hebrew word (Rasah) is used here, which involves premeditation, and deliberateness of intention. This word does not apply to killing animals, or defending ones home or nation. Jesus concern is not only the external act of murder, but also the internal intentions of the heart. It was a personal and public humiliation to call someone (Raca) which meant empty head. To be called “a fool” in the Jewish culture meant that one acted continually like an idiot or moron. Anger and hatred in the heart are the source of murder, suicide, and name calling. The penalty for murder was death (Numbers 35:31), but Jesus tells us that there is also judgment for the one who is angry with his brother. A person could be called before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court) for insulting and degrading a fellow Jew. Today people are taken to court for the slander of another human being. To be in danger of the fire of hell, denotes a possibility of God’s final judgment. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this anger and hatred in the heart. God is more pleased with forgiveness and reconciliation with a brother or sister, than receiving our gifts and offerings. With God’s help we are to settle matters quickly before they become a wedge in our personal and public relationships with others.
Prayer: Lord, let me see the value in every person you have created. Help me to be caring and loving as I relate to others. Especially lord, help me to choose forgiveness whenever I feel offended by another.
Scripture Verse: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. John 3:15
SHIFT WEEK 6 SUNDAY
AT JESUS FEET: YOU ARE SALT & LIGHT
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Every day we go about our work and activities, and our attitudes, speech and actions reveal who we belong to. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ will function as salt & light, in their surrounding places of influence, whether it is the home, neighborhood, community or workplace. The main functions of salt are to enhance the flavor of our food, and to be used as a preservative. Salt just makes things taste better, that’s why we always find it on our tables. In the same way the Christian is like salt, they are to make things better wherever they go. We are loved by the Lord Jesus and we in turn can love and care about others around us. That makes anyplace a better place to be because Christians are sprinkled here and there. In Jesus day there was no refrigeration and salt was often rubbed into the meat or fish to slow the decaying process. So we as Jesus disciples influence the fallen world around us, thus slowing the moral decay of our society. Jesus calls himself the light of the world in John 8:12. What is amazing is; that Jesus also calls us the light of the world. We have Christ within our hearts and so we are like him. Christ shines out of our lives. We are the light! We are to be an illuminating influence of God’s truth and love, in a darkened world. Our good deeds and loving actions cannot be hidden, but they reveal the faith, truth, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ to a dying world.
Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to be salt and light in every place that I may be. Please enable me at all times, to be that preserving and illuminating influence for the sake of your kingdom.
Scripture Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Every day we go about our work and activities, and our attitudes, speech and actions reveal who we belong to. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ will function as salt & light, in their surrounding places of influence, whether it is the home, neighborhood, community or workplace. The main functions of salt are to enhance the flavor of our food, and to be used as a preservative. Salt just makes things taste better, that’s why we always find it on our tables. In the same way the Christian is like salt, they are to make things better wherever they go. We are loved by the Lord Jesus and we in turn can love and care about others around us. That makes anyplace a better place to be because Christians are sprinkled here and there. In Jesus day there was no refrigeration and salt was often rubbed into the meat or fish to slow the decaying process. So we as Jesus disciples influence the fallen world around us, thus slowing the moral decay of our society. Jesus calls himself the light of the world in John 8:12. What is amazing is; that Jesus also calls us the light of the world. We have Christ within our hearts and so we are like him. Christ shines out of our lives. We are the light! We are to be an illuminating influence of God’s truth and love, in a darkened world. Our good deeds and loving actions cannot be hidden, but they reveal the faith, truth, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ to a dying world.
Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to be salt and light in every place that I may be. Please enable me at all times, to be that preserving and illuminating influence for the sake of your kingdom.
Scripture Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Monday, March 1, 2010
SHIFT WEEK 5 SUNDAY Pastor Chris
SUNDAY
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:129-136
There is a mature understanding in the tone of this Psalm that is imperative to our perceiving where our life should be progressing toward once we’ve been granted forgiveness from our past sins, as we journey to holiness.
When we experience salvation, we ask Christ to forgive us from our past sins, confess that we are a sinner and believe that Christ is our risen Savior. It is at this moment of salvation that we begin to move toward a holy lifestyle. The Christian that continually seeks to grow in their Christian faith, no longer is content with just individually having forgiveness from their personal sins, but begins to develop a heart focused on seeing God’s redemption taking place in our world. The mature Christian doesn’t just want to be free from past sins, but desires to be free from any future inclination to sin as well. When we begin to get a glimpse of the heart of God and experience the depths of God’s love overtime, we move toward longing to see others changed and renewed by God’s grace and are comfortable in allowing God to use us so that our secular peers may get a glimpse of Jesus when they see us. “Make your face shine upon your servant” (Psalm 119:135).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see beyond my will and my innermost desires and help me to be an instrument of yours hungry to see your will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:129-136
There is a mature understanding in the tone of this Psalm that is imperative to our perceiving where our life should be progressing toward once we’ve been granted forgiveness from our past sins, as we journey to holiness.
When we experience salvation, we ask Christ to forgive us from our past sins, confess that we are a sinner and believe that Christ is our risen Savior. It is at this moment of salvation that we begin to move toward a holy lifestyle. The Christian that continually seeks to grow in their Christian faith, no longer is content with just individually having forgiveness from their personal sins, but begins to develop a heart focused on seeing God’s redemption taking place in our world. The mature Christian doesn’t just want to be free from past sins, but desires to be free from any future inclination to sin as well. When we begin to get a glimpse of the heart of God and experience the depths of God’s love overtime, we move toward longing to see others changed and renewed by God’s grace and are comfortable in allowing God to use us so that our secular peers may get a glimpse of Jesus when they see us. “Make your face shine upon your servant” (Psalm 119:135).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see beyond my will and my innermost desires and help me to be an instrument of yours hungry to see your will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
SHIFT WEEK 5 SATURDAY Pastor Chris
SATURDAY
How can it be that I still sin, when I am a follower of Christ Jesus and have made tremendous leaps and bounds in my faith development?
I had my teens make Lent commitments two weeks ago on Ash Wednesday to carry out for the 40 days of Lent as a way to give something up for the sake of growing closer in our relationship with God. However after asking them how the first week of Lent went, quite a few teens owned up to breaking their commitments, such as drinking soda and energy drinks, eating chocolate and swearing at school, after only 1 week.
I heard discouragement and frustration in the voices of many teens unable to uphold their commitments. They were ready to throw in the towel if they hadn’t done so already. My response to them was: “So what? Start your Lent commitment again today. It’s never too late to continue on toward your goal.”
Devoted followers of God in the Bible had committed atrocious sins in the midst of their faith in God. Moses doubted that God could guide them into the promised land, David committed adultery, and Peter denied knowing Christ 3 times while using profanity and oaths on God’s name in order to lie his way out of being associated with Jesus. I say all this not to condone any sinful acts, but to illustrate that sin can creep its way back into our lives no matter what level we are at in our Christian faith.
Just because we fall into the trap of sin, doesn’t necessarily mean that we have trailed back to our pre-Christian state. What it means is that we failed in this one instance, we should learn from this failure, and continue on our path of living a life pleasing to the Lord.
Don’t let your failures/sins keep you from continually seeking to follow God, but DO use this momentary lapse as motivation to strengthen your relationship with God and find ways to show love and mercy to others in the same way that Christ has freely extended his love and mercy to us. Press on toward the goal of holiness, and daily ask God to help you overcome any oncoming temptation
How can it be that I still sin, when I am a follower of Christ Jesus and have made tremendous leaps and bounds in my faith development?
I had my teens make Lent commitments two weeks ago on Ash Wednesday to carry out for the 40 days of Lent as a way to give something up for the sake of growing closer in our relationship with God. However after asking them how the first week of Lent went, quite a few teens owned up to breaking their commitments, such as drinking soda and energy drinks, eating chocolate and swearing at school, after only 1 week.
I heard discouragement and frustration in the voices of many teens unable to uphold their commitments. They were ready to throw in the towel if they hadn’t done so already. My response to them was: “So what? Start your Lent commitment again today. It’s never too late to continue on toward your goal.”
Devoted followers of God in the Bible had committed atrocious sins in the midst of their faith in God. Moses doubted that God could guide them into the promised land, David committed adultery, and Peter denied knowing Christ 3 times while using profanity and oaths on God’s name in order to lie his way out of being associated with Jesus. I say all this not to condone any sinful acts, but to illustrate that sin can creep its way back into our lives no matter what level we are at in our Christian faith.
Just because we fall into the trap of sin, doesn’t necessarily mean that we have trailed back to our pre-Christian state. What it means is that we failed in this one instance, we should learn from this failure, and continue on our path of living a life pleasing to the Lord.
Don’t let your failures/sins keep you from continually seeking to follow God, but DO use this momentary lapse as motivation to strengthen your relationship with God and find ways to show love and mercy to others in the same way that Christ has freely extended his love and mercy to us. Press on toward the goal of holiness, and daily ask God to help you overcome any oncoming temptation
SHIFT WEEK 5 FRIDAY Pastor Chris
FRIDAY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross made it possible that we may experience salvation and subsequently be forgiven from our sins upon our acceptance of the grace that God lovingly gave us. We graciously accept this eternal gift because we are given something that is truly incredible, a pardon from our sins. And yet, when people in our life sin against us or sin against our family, the incredibility of forgiveness that was given to us, seems impossible for us to likewise extend to the one who sinned against us. After all, our society tells us that it is only fair for us to react, retaliate, or get justice.
Perhaps it was FAIR for the master’s servant in this parable to go out and ask his co-worker to re-pay him the money that had be lent to him. And maybe it was FAIR to have the co-worker indebted to him to be thrown in prison. But consider this: earlier when the master’s servant was shook down for the money that he owed back to the master, the master had mercy upon his servant and unequivocally cancelled the debt. The master didn’t do what was fair or just, he showed mercy toward his servant. And yet the master’s servant did what was fair or just, showing no mercy to the co-worker who owed him money.
Incredibly, God forgave us, with the intention that we would likewise forgive others. God made forgiveness of sins possible, so we need not misuse the forgiveness by holding onto grudges for those who sinned against us or giving them what is fair or just. God forgave us for sins committed against God. Now it is our challenge to forgive others for sins committed against us. Pray that God may extend to you a heart of mercy that enables you to forgive others rather then storing up anger in your heart for them.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross made it possible that we may experience salvation and subsequently be forgiven from our sins upon our acceptance of the grace that God lovingly gave us. We graciously accept this eternal gift because we are given something that is truly incredible, a pardon from our sins. And yet, when people in our life sin against us or sin against our family, the incredibility of forgiveness that was given to us, seems impossible for us to likewise extend to the one who sinned against us. After all, our society tells us that it is only fair for us to react, retaliate, or get justice.
Perhaps it was FAIR for the master’s servant in this parable to go out and ask his co-worker to re-pay him the money that had be lent to him. And maybe it was FAIR to have the co-worker indebted to him to be thrown in prison. But consider this: earlier when the master’s servant was shook down for the money that he owed back to the master, the master had mercy upon his servant and unequivocally cancelled the debt. The master didn’t do what was fair or just, he showed mercy toward his servant. And yet the master’s servant did what was fair or just, showing no mercy to the co-worker who owed him money.
Incredibly, God forgave us, with the intention that we would likewise forgive others. God made forgiveness of sins possible, so we need not misuse the forgiveness by holding onto grudges for those who sinned against us or giving them what is fair or just. God forgave us for sins committed against God. Now it is our challenge to forgive others for sins committed against us. Pray that God may extend to you a heart of mercy that enables you to forgive others rather then storing up anger in your heart for them.
SHIFT WEEK 5 THURSDAY Pastor Chris
THURSDAY
Scripture Reading: James 1:2-5,12-18
The sweet, is never as sweet without the sour.
While Jesus Christ died on the cross to deliver us from the bondage of our personal sins, this does not mean that we are permanently immune from temptations, trials or the sins of others. Though we may have been personally freed from the disease of sin, the disease is still ever-present in our world and is something that we must be on guard against.
I’m sure we have all, at one point in our life, pondered this question: “Why did this bad thing have to happen to _______(Fill in the blank: me, my spouse, my child, my mom, my friend, my co-worker, my country, etc...).” In the midst of our struggle to understand why this bad thing occurred, we can either choose to call upon God who has already delivered us from our sins or we can choose to ride the storms of our trials and temptations on our own.
While it sounds baffling to consider our trials and temptation as a joy, God’s promise to us is that he will be there by our side to help us endure the evils and hardships that we endure in our lives. We should continue to turn to God in prayer and worship God enthusiatically in the midst of suffering, because it is only through our total reliance upon God that we can endure all things. After all, if a doctor cured you from your sickness and ailing, wouldn’t you fully rely upon that doctors in all other matters pertaining to this ailment?
Likewise we need to rely upon God in all times, good and bad, because God is our healer, encourager, and giver of life.
Scripture Reading: James 1:2-5,12-18
The sweet, is never as sweet without the sour.
While Jesus Christ died on the cross to deliver us from the bondage of our personal sins, this does not mean that we are permanently immune from temptations, trials or the sins of others. Though we may have been personally freed from the disease of sin, the disease is still ever-present in our world and is something that we must be on guard against.
I’m sure we have all, at one point in our life, pondered this question: “Why did this bad thing have to happen to _______(Fill in the blank: me, my spouse, my child, my mom, my friend, my co-worker, my country, etc...).” In the midst of our struggle to understand why this bad thing occurred, we can either choose to call upon God who has already delivered us from our sins or we can choose to ride the storms of our trials and temptations on our own.
While it sounds baffling to consider our trials and temptation as a joy, God’s promise to us is that he will be there by our side to help us endure the evils and hardships that we endure in our lives. We should continue to turn to God in prayer and worship God enthusiatically in the midst of suffering, because it is only through our total reliance upon God that we can endure all things. After all, if a doctor cured you from your sickness and ailing, wouldn’t you fully rely upon that doctors in all other matters pertaining to this ailment?
Likewise we need to rely upon God in all times, good and bad, because God is our healer, encourager, and giver of life.
SHIFT WEEK 5 WEDNESDAY Pastor Chris
WEDNESDAY
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10
When Zaccheus heard his name called out by Jesus Christ as he was nestled high up in the trees overlooking the street where Jesus’ took his steps, what do you suppose went through Zaccheus’ mind?
“How does he know my name?” “I’ve never met Jesus.” “How did he even see me up here?” “What else does he know about me?” “Why is he summoning me, when so many other people here are dying to meet him?”
Whatever went through his mind, Jesus had chosen to stay at the home of this Chief Tax Collector, Zaccheus, who had cheated some, if not several, people in the crowd out of their money. As Zaccheus walked to Jesus, he sensed the disdain and the disbelief of those in the crowd that Jesus would even acknowledge such a sinner and probably felt that Jesus was fully aware of his past sins.
So Zaccheus publicly repented his sins of greed and offered to pay back four times the amount of money he took from those he stole from. Notice that the sinner didn’t have to be confronted or disgraced in order for him to feel repentant of his sins, he needed to experience the love of his Savior. There are no pre-requisites to Jesus’ love, nor is there any pre-approval needed from your peers in order to experience the depths of this love that covers all sinners.
When confronted with the holiness of God, we as humans are made aware of where it is we all short of God’s glory. We understand that we need to be released from our sins, and even if other cannot forgive us for our past wrongdoings, God does.
Prayer: Thank you for coming into my life and bringing salvation to me and to all who are unfit to receive it. Your love knows no boundaries, and I pray that I am daily reminded of this love, encouraging me to press onward as I seek out for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10
When Zaccheus heard his name called out by Jesus Christ as he was nestled high up in the trees overlooking the street where Jesus’ took his steps, what do you suppose went through Zaccheus’ mind?
“How does he know my name?” “I’ve never met Jesus.” “How did he even see me up here?” “What else does he know about me?” “Why is he summoning me, when so many other people here are dying to meet him?”
Whatever went through his mind, Jesus had chosen to stay at the home of this Chief Tax Collector, Zaccheus, who had cheated some, if not several, people in the crowd out of their money. As Zaccheus walked to Jesus, he sensed the disdain and the disbelief of those in the crowd that Jesus would even acknowledge such a sinner and probably felt that Jesus was fully aware of his past sins.
So Zaccheus publicly repented his sins of greed and offered to pay back four times the amount of money he took from those he stole from. Notice that the sinner didn’t have to be confronted or disgraced in order for him to feel repentant of his sins, he needed to experience the love of his Savior. There are no pre-requisites to Jesus’ love, nor is there any pre-approval needed from your peers in order to experience the depths of this love that covers all sinners.
When confronted with the holiness of God, we as humans are made aware of where it is we all short of God’s glory. We understand that we need to be released from our sins, and even if other cannot forgive us for our past wrongdoings, God does.
Prayer: Thank you for coming into my life and bringing salvation to me and to all who are unfit to receive it. Your love knows no boundaries, and I pray that I am daily reminded of this love, encouraging me to press onward as I seek out for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
SHIFT WEEK 5 TUESDAY Pastor Chris
TUESDAY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:16-22
Do you dare ask Christ to look inside you and tell you where sin still has a foothold in your heart? Are you prepared for the answers that are to come?
In the case of the rich young man who came to Jesus looking for affirmation that he was doing all that was required to enter into heaven, he was not fully prepared for what Jesus was going to say in response to him. Notice that when he approaches Jesus at first he asks of him, “What good THING (singular) must I do to get eternal life?” He did not ask, “What good THINGS (plural) must I do to get eternal life?” The rich young man was looking for an eleventh commandment or some concrete addition to the law that would be rather easy for him to follow.
But when an employee known for mediocrity and average performance pulls his boss aside and asks what THING could I be doing better in my job performance, can the boss limit himself in offering one simple improvement that could be made when 20 things come to mind? Or does the boss, seeking to get maximum efforts from his employees, make a multitude of suggestions in order to encourage the employee to rise above doing the bare minimum amount of work? I would assume the latter of the two.
In this case Jesus saw that the love of money was a sin, hindering the spiritual walk of this rich young man in many ways. His love of money was perhaps greater than his love for God.
Sacrificing his money and possessions, for the sake of following Jesus, was too big of a price to pay for the rich young man as evidenced by his sadness.God desires for us to remove any sin from our life that keeps our Christian faith mediocre at best.
Pray for God to help you identify any sins in your life that are keeping your Christian life from growing. But be prepared if you choose to do so! The results might shock you! But undoubtedly, the peace of God is greater than any pleasures that may come as a result of your sin.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:16-22
Do you dare ask Christ to look inside you and tell you where sin still has a foothold in your heart? Are you prepared for the answers that are to come?
In the case of the rich young man who came to Jesus looking for affirmation that he was doing all that was required to enter into heaven, he was not fully prepared for what Jesus was going to say in response to him. Notice that when he approaches Jesus at first he asks of him, “What good THING (singular) must I do to get eternal life?” He did not ask, “What good THINGS (plural) must I do to get eternal life?” The rich young man was looking for an eleventh commandment or some concrete addition to the law that would be rather easy for him to follow.
But when an employee known for mediocrity and average performance pulls his boss aside and asks what THING could I be doing better in my job performance, can the boss limit himself in offering one simple improvement that could be made when 20 things come to mind? Or does the boss, seeking to get maximum efforts from his employees, make a multitude of suggestions in order to encourage the employee to rise above doing the bare minimum amount of work? I would assume the latter of the two.
In this case Jesus saw that the love of money was a sin, hindering the spiritual walk of this rich young man in many ways. His love of money was perhaps greater than his love for God.
Sacrificing his money and possessions, for the sake of following Jesus, was too big of a price to pay for the rich young man as evidenced by his sadness.God desires for us to remove any sin from our life that keeps our Christian faith mediocre at best.
Pray for God to help you identify any sins in your life that are keeping your Christian life from growing. But be prepared if you choose to do so! The results might shock you! But undoubtedly, the peace of God is greater than any pleasures that may come as a result of your sin.
SHIFT WEEK 5 MONDAY Pastor Chris
MONDAY
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-26
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
I love the television show LOST, and recently I saw an excellent illustration as to what the apostle Paul was talking about in this passage. A recent episode of LOST showed a flash-back to the childhood of Kate Austen, who is one of the show’s main characters. Kate decided that she wanted to shoplift a “New Kids on the Block” lunch pail for whatever reason. As she made her exit out of the store, Kate’s arm was grabbed by the store clerk who caught her in the act of theft. He told her he was going to call the police. In the middle of his phone call, a man by the name of Jacob handed the clerk a $20 bill, and said “I’ll pay for it.” The clerk looked at the money, hung up the phone and professed “Well as long as somebody paid for the lunch pail, there’s no harm done.”
Kate thanked Jacob for his help, and Jacob leaned down to Kate tapped her on the nose and asked her “Now you’re not going to be stealing anymore, are you?” She shook her head so as to reply “no.” Jacob left her with these words “Be Good now Kate.”
Jacob paid the price for Kate’s sin. Kate deserved to be punished for her wrongdoing, but Jacob had mercy on her and took the brunt of her sin. All Kate had to do was accept the act of grace, and her sin would go unpunished. She had the option of telling Jacob to put the $20 bill away and accept whatever punishment that was to come, but she allowed for Jacob to cover her sin and promise to steal no more.
When one fully accepts Christ Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins in spite of our lack of merit or worthiness and realizes Jesus‘ sacrifice of dying upon a cross made this forgiveness a reality, we should desire to make good on his sacrifice and turn from our life of sin.
If you have yet to experience this grace of God in your life, realize that the punishment for your sins have already been paid for. All you need to do is accept this grace from God freely given to you is believe that Christ is your Lord and Savior and accept that Jesus had paid the price for your sins so you may live a life pleasing to God and free from the bondage of sin
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-26
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
I love the television show LOST, and recently I saw an excellent illustration as to what the apostle Paul was talking about in this passage. A recent episode of LOST showed a flash-back to the childhood of Kate Austen, who is one of the show’s main characters. Kate decided that she wanted to shoplift a “New Kids on the Block” lunch pail for whatever reason. As she made her exit out of the store, Kate’s arm was grabbed by the store clerk who caught her in the act of theft. He told her he was going to call the police. In the middle of his phone call, a man by the name of Jacob handed the clerk a $20 bill, and said “I’ll pay for it.” The clerk looked at the money, hung up the phone and professed “Well as long as somebody paid for the lunch pail, there’s no harm done.”
Kate thanked Jacob for his help, and Jacob leaned down to Kate tapped her on the nose and asked her “Now you’re not going to be stealing anymore, are you?” She shook her head so as to reply “no.” Jacob left her with these words “Be Good now Kate.”
Jacob paid the price for Kate’s sin. Kate deserved to be punished for her wrongdoing, but Jacob had mercy on her and took the brunt of her sin. All Kate had to do was accept the act of grace, and her sin would go unpunished. She had the option of telling Jacob to put the $20 bill away and accept whatever punishment that was to come, but she allowed for Jacob to cover her sin and promise to steal no more.
When one fully accepts Christ Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins in spite of our lack of merit or worthiness and realizes Jesus‘ sacrifice of dying upon a cross made this forgiveness a reality, we should desire to make good on his sacrifice and turn from our life of sin.
If you have yet to experience this grace of God in your life, realize that the punishment for your sins have already been paid for. All you need to do is accept this grace from God freely given to you is believe that Christ is your Lord and Savior and accept that Jesus had paid the price for your sins so you may live a life pleasing to God and free from the bondage of sin
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