Tag: follow me

Is God Enough?

Today’s reading is Hosea 11-13 and Matthew 19.

Question : “How big is too big of a house?”

Answer: “Just a little bit bigger than my house.”

Do you believe you are rich? You probably don’t, but if you put your income into this website, https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/how-rich-am-i, by worldly standards you likely are.

I’m sure I’ve shared this before, but a pastor I know shared a story of picking up a pastor from Africa at the airport who had never been to the US before. As they began to drive to their destination the pastor said he would pray for those in US. When the US pastor asked why perplexed, the pastor from Africa stated it was because Americans have everything they need and more, they don’t “need God.” Most of us don’t need to rely on Him for our next meal and our everyday things and then some.

Jesus states in Matthew 19:23 that only with difficulty does a rich person enter the kingdom of Heaven. By worldly and historical standards, that is you and me if you live in the US. It is easy to think we don’t need God when our physical needs are easily met without having to fully rely on Him. Jesus also challenges the rich young ruler to leave his possessions and follow Him in Matthew 19:21. The saddened young ruler walks away disappointed. What would we do if we were in his shoes? What do we do every day when Jesus is subtly whispering in our heart to let go of our worldly possessions and passions? Do we hold on too tight like the young man or do we give them away to His Kingdom and follow Him? Sadly, I know what I do.

I am inspired by the disciples who dropped everything to follow Him. I’m also inspired by the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 where she gave 2 copper coins which were likely her last with the loss of her husband and his income leading Jesus to compliment her in comparison to the Pharisees who gave only the equivalent of their loose change.

I heard a past leader in our company speak and tell of a challenging time when her husband was killed in an accident, and she was about to lose her job for poor performance. She was at rock bottom and as she prayed she felt God asking her, “Am I enough?”

As we read about the rich young ruler today, and we reflect on our money, possessions, and passions we are holding onto too tight, this is a great question to ask ourselves, “If I lost it all, is God enough?”

Get Up and Walk

We all have things going on in our lives.  Some we share, some we don’t.  Maybe we are afraid of what others will say or think of you or the situation?  Maybe you just don’t want others to know? When we allow moments like this to linger it hurts. As I read through Matthew 9 I’m reminded Jesus heals.  To be honest, we all need healing. As I write this post, I think of my family dealing with addictions, physical pain, diagnoses , and even conversations of divorce. With some friends we have talked about recent losses, a future loss that is down to hours, addictions, abuse, anxiety and fears. I have also talked with others who have recently shared numerous things that are going on in their lives.  From loss of life, drug addictions, alcohol abuse, physical and verbal abuse, conversations of divorce, cancer, sickness, and everything in between.  It hurts to live out these situations, it hurts to hear them.  I take a deep breath, look up, and ask for Jesus to have his perfect love to be part of it all.  When I hear these stories my heart hurts and then I remember Jesus heals. Matthew 8 and Matthew 9 reminds us of the many ways in which Jesus healed so many people. The same Jesus that healed so many then is for us now. I think of a great friend who had his mother be diagnosed with a condition where she couldn’t walk. Through prayers, and Jesus’s grace and love she is now walking up to get communion. Jesus heals, and even though it may not always be by our timing.  He is faithful. . No matter where you at, Jesus can heal, taking away the pain that seems to linger, that leaves you most days half minded, or the pain that causes you to make choice to self medicate in a fashion that puts pain, fear, and worries to the side only to have them right back in front of you and probably worse next time.

No matter what you have going on, God has compassion.  God loves you!  There is nothing you have done, doing, or will do that will take His love away. In Matthew 9:2 Jesus heals a man who is paralyzed. So if you are spiritually blind, mute, paralyzed, sick, or even dead.  Jesus can heal.  He has already proven it.

So, in Matthew 9:28 Jesus asks, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? ” Do you? I do! He has proven it time and time again.  He can prove it with you.  He can prove it anyone! No matter what is going on with you, your spouse, a friend, a daughter, son, mother, father, whoever it may be, Jesus heals. You have to believe.

In the moments when things are hard and can take over your body, heart, mind, and souls.  Jesus says, “Get up and walk!”,  “Follow Me!” Matthew 9:5

“Take heart daughter or son, your faith has healed you.” Matthew 9:22

I Believe You Are My Healer – Hillsong

Today’s Reading Matthew 9 & Psalm 82

 

 

 

Breakfast with Jesus

Today’s Reading: John 21
As I am reading and reflecting on the final Chapter of the gospels of the apostles, I am overwhelmed with the song “Just a closer walk with Thee”, which was one of my grandmother’s favorite song.  On March 30th she would have been 97 years young.  She went to glory in 2004 and I truly really miss that lady.  I can still remember how she spoke, her “grandmother” smell – Red Door or White Diamonds, and her love for me.  She was a true rock of my foundation as a person, a man, a father, and as a Christian.  She was a minster’s wife for over 50 years, in the life and death of my grandfather.  It is fitting that the last Chapter and the song complement each other.
While I was reviewing the 21st Chapter, I had a realization that this is the second time that this particular passage has been given to me to review.  My journey in this Christian life has taken me to different places and allowed me to interact with many different and amazing people.  In 2004,  I had the chance to give my summer to service in the Dominican Republic.  The people I served did not have running water or electricity.  They would not have a dollar to spend for health care or any wants or needs.  They were completely impoverished by any standards, but they were the warmest people that I have ever encountered.  Their lives reflected God’s grace and they shared that with me.  As I completed my mission, I had a special chance to do some spiritual reflections lead by Jesuit brother and he gave me this passage to read.
John 21:10-14
            Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.  Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.  Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
What made this reflection even more powerful was the way it was executed:  My friends and I met on the beach at sunrise(~ 5am in the morning) and had devotion there.  It was almost surreal, you are there on the beach looking out to the ocean and “having breakfast” with Jesus.
After many years, I am amazed to have this passage revealed to me again some profound reflections:
1.) When we have experienced the fullness of Christ, will we forget his awesomeness and return to what we had before. John 21:1-3
2.) Jesus calls us every morning (daily) to spend time with him and have breakfast.  A renewing of the body to prepare for the day and journey ahead. John 21:12
3.) Jesus is in the miracle business and will always be looking out for you no matter how far you think you have gone from him.  (153 fish is the sign of abundance.  Coincidentally this is the number of recorded miracles in all of the gospels.) John 21:6-11
4.) Sometime we should be reminded to do his work and to submit to God’s glory. Its gentle like a father and son with Saturday’s chores. John 21:15-18
5.) God has a purpose for each of us, but he has control and not you or I.  John 21:20-23
God, thank you for wanting to spend time with us daily.  Help us to be mindful of the time that you have given of to fulfill your mission here.  May we keep our focus on you and no other things that can distract us.  Amen