Humble Heart

Have you been in deep distress thinking there was no way out and no one to turn to for help? If so, what did you do, where did you turn? Did you turn to a family member? Did you turn to a friend? Did you turn to God? Did you cry out to God in anguish?

When we experience devastation, we long for someone to help. When we are distressed to the point of breaking, we hope for a miracle. When all others have failed, we finally turn to God out of desperation. Thankfully, God is always with us and waiting for our turning to him.

Jesus is approached by someone who is despised. Notice she is a Canaanite. The Jews despised the Canaanites. She was considered unclean because of her heritage. In the patriarchal society, she was considered to be a lesser being because of her gender. Neither of those imposed viewpoints of her stopped her from coming to Jesus.

She has reached the end of her rope. She could not turn to the Rabbi’s because she was not a Jew. The doctors or magicians of her time could not help her. She was desperately seeking someone who could expel the demon from her daughter, who also would have been despised by the Jews. She cried out to Jesus in desperation, likely with tears streaming down her face.

When we are distraught, even if we have not maintained a good relationship with God, we can cry out to him. But we must remember, our cry must be from the heart. We must come in submission, recognizing his power. We must be willing to bow before a Holy God with humble hearts. This woman did so and received an answer from Jesus. If we come with humble hearts in total submission to God, we, too, will receive an answer from him.

I pray we all humble ourselves before God. I pray we cry out to God with a humble heart. I pray each one of us will submit to him, not just when we are desperate, but every day of our lives. Humble yourself before God. Cry out to God. Humbly submit to God each day. Trust God to provide what you need.

Matthew 15:22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.”

Defiled

Was being defiled mean to you? Do you have horrible thoughts running through your mind? Have you contemplated what it means to defile yourself? Have you at least thought about thinking about it? Are you afraid to think about it?

When we think of someone being defiled today, horrible things run our minds. Most of them are physical in nature. We do not like the images that come to our mind, nor do we want to spend time thinking about them. Rightfully so.

Yet, that is not how Jesus defined being defiled. We must remember, Jesus turned the world upside down. He turned the human way of thinking on its head. Jesus says it is what comes out of our mouth that defiles us. Spend some time thinking about what you have said yesterday, this week, this month, over the past year.

Why is it what comes out of our mouths? Because it reveals our hearts. It is not simply the use of curse words, though that is not good either. It is slandering someone else, speaking badly about them while not knowing their entire situation. We often see posts on social media on this very thing, but most people only picture the person who is struggling as themselves or someone they are very close to. When it should apply to someone they do not like, they cast aside any thought of pausing to consider what that person may be going through.

What does this mean for us? Our hearts are not in sync with Jesus. We are not showing the same grace He showed. We must remember that Jesus was likely appalled at both the woman caught in adultery (and her partner), and the crowd who brought her to Him. He chastised the crowd by using a parable that caused them to think and refused to condemn the woman. Bottom line, Jesus demonstrated the grace of God. The same grace He sheds on us.

I pray we all seek to demonstrate the same grace Jesus did. I pray we seek to get our hearts in sync with Jesus’ heart. I pray each one of us spend time thinking about what defiles us. Show grace to others. Seek to be in sync with Jesus. Know how Jesus defines defilement. Ask Jesus to help clean your heart.

Matthew 15:10-11 Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”

Irrevocable

Are you seeking something solid to hold on to? Do you wish you could find something that will never go away? Do you long for some permanency in your life? Are you looking for something that is unchanging? Do you know you can have it?

We don’t really like change. We want things to remain the same forever…as long as things are good. We like our routines. We do things the same way every day. It makes us comfortable. Then…something happens that throws them into disarray.

Yet, we know the only thing constant is change. Each day is a new day. Sometimes, we look forward to there being a new day, a fresh start. Those are the days we hope for something better after having had a bad day. We look forward to change when something bad has happened.

There are some things that will not change. When God gifts us with something, he does not take it back. The gift is ours to keep. It may be a gift of strength, courage, quick wit, quick learning, intelligence, understanding, and many more. When God gives us gifts for our lives, he gives them to us for the length of our lives.

God also calls us. He may call us to ministry, volunteering to help others, teaching, serving, leading, coordinating, comforting, and many other callings. God doesn’t stop calling us. He continues to invite us to join him in carrying out the work he has planned.

We may feel a tug in a specific direction. That is God calling. We may recognize specific talents or skills we have. Those are God’s gifts. What are we to do? Answer God’s calling using the gifts he has blessed us with. When we do, we find ourselves where we are supposed to be doing the things we are supposed to do.

I pray we all recognize the gifts God has blessed us with. I pray we answer God’s call for our lives. I pray each one of us will use our gifts to work along with God and find ourselves satisfied. Recognize your gifts. Answer God’s call. Be where you are supposed to be. Do what you are supposed to do. Be satisfied. Trust God’s plan.

Romans 11:34 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

No Rejection

Have you been rejected? Has an entire group of people you belong to been rejected? Were you baffled, hurt, distraught at the rejection? Did you seek a means of reconciliation? Do you know there is someone who accepts you? Have you sought to be accepted by God?

We may be rejected by some people. We may be a part of a group that is rejected and despised. This world has many people who believe they are above others and reject those they believe are below them. Discrimination is alive and well in this world.

Discrimination comes in many forms. Some discriminate based on race. Some based on nationality. Some based on gender. Some based on sexual preference. There is discrimination between those living in the city versus those who live in rural areas. Doctors versus nurses. School versus school. It is all based on our personal background and our pride, our self-centeredness.

In some places, it is said that God has rejected Israel. It is a false belief and false statement. He has not rejected them but uses non-Israelites as a means to draw them to him. God’s desire is to save the entire world. He desires that every person accept his offer of salvation and hope.

We, Christians, should not look down at Israelites as people who have failed to accept Jesus. Instead, we should look at them as people who God used to bring salvation and hope to all of us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Not only that, but we are to work for God to spread his message of salvation to all people. God is willing and actively seeking to redeem everyone, including Israel.

I pray we all give thanks for how God has worked through Israel. I pray we pray for Israel’s acceptance of Jesus as Messiah. I pray each one of us will work alongside God to tell others about Jesus. Do not fear rejection. Know that God accepts you. Do not discriminate. Tell others about Jesus. See others as He sees them.

Romans 11:1-2a I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

Keep It Handy

Have you gone through tough circumstances, wondering why? Were you wronged by someone close to you? Did you ask God how such a thing could be allowed to happen? Was it revealed to you later how God used it for good? Are you still waiting for the good to come from it?

Tough circumstances come to all of us. We may have been betrayed by a family member or close friend. We may have discovered the betrayal by accident. The betrayal may have been very public. We felt ashamed, minimalized, shunned, or otherwise distraught.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Holding on to that promise can be very challenging when we are going through a betrayal situation. Yet, Joseph did, even though it would still be a couple thousand years before Paul would write that proclamation.

We can hold onto it, too. We may need to repeat it to ourselves multiple times per day. We may need to post it on our bathroom mirror, so we see it each morning while brushing our teeth. It may benefit us to have it as a note in our smart phones so we can pull it up to read when we begin feeling down in the dumps.

Being reminded of God’s promises is always a good thing. Being reminded of truths written by the apostle’s is also a good thing. We can have both readily available to us. We merely need to capture them and keep them handy. The notes app on our smart phones can do just that. Of course, we can also download Bible apps onto our phones so we can search it and read it any time we feel the need. A little preplanning and a healthy desire to seek God’s will does wonders for us.

I pray we all know that God works for our good. I pray we hold onto God’s promises. I pray each one of us will take steps to capture key Biblical reminders and keep them handy to remind us. God works for your good. Remind yourself of that. Capture key passages. Keep them handy.

Genesis 45:5 “And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

The Big Reveal

Are you able to keep a secret? How excited do you get when you know it is about time to reveal something wonderful? Do you become so overjoyed you feel as though you will burst? Isn’t it great to unveil a big surprise you have been holding inside for a while?

Keeping secrets can be difficult. Especially if it is wonderful news you want to share with others. There are many occasions for which we hold back news until we feel the time is right. But that doesn’t make it easy. We anxiously await the time to reveal our news.

Joseph wanted so badly to tell his brothers who he was. He had withheld it from them when they first visited Egypt to get food. When they returned with their youngest brother, he again did not reveal himself to them. Finally, when they returned a third time due to Joseph having had his servant play a trick on them, he could contain himself no longer. Joseph burst with joy and tears.

Most of us have not experienced a life like Joseph’s. We have not spent years and years away from our family. Having spent three years in Okinawa while serving in the Marine Corps and having only seen my mother twice in that time, I can only get a small taste of how Joseph felt.

Yet, we all can understand just a bit. We hold back from telling our family and friends about expecting a child until we have them all gathered together. We may not tell our family about a big promotion or job change immediately. Keeping Christmas, birthday, or wedding gifts secret can be very challenging for us. We want to give them to the person right away. Now, imagine those feelings and multiplying them by an order of magnitude.

I pray we all remember the joy that comes from revealing a wonderful secret. I pray we experience tears of joy. I pray each one of us get a glimpse of Joseph’s joy. Remember the joy. Know that true joy comes from God. Experience tears of joy. Be overwhelmed with joy.

Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

Walking On Water

Have you had an exemplary work performance review? If so, how did that make you feel? Did you feel like you were on cloud nine? Did you feel as though you were able to walk on water?

When we receive rave reviews, we feel good about ourselves. It doesn’t matter if it is work related or a family member who does more than give us a little pat on the back. We like to be told we went above and beyond.

I remember when I was a young Marine, we were given performance ratings every six months. A rating of ten was the highest but was virtually unachievable. Why? The reason all my superiors gave was that no one walks on water.

Well, Peter did…for about three seconds. It didn’t take long for his fear to overcome him, and he started to sink. He had the faith to get out of the boat to begin with. But his faith wavered when he noticed the storm blowing and the waves churning.

I wonder how many of us do the same thing. I wonder if any of us would even get out of the boat. I know there have been times in my life when I have decided not to do something out of fear. Typically, it is fear of failure that stops us. Fear of heights or water or animals are not nearly the reason for us to not act as our fear of failure.

Honestly, it is our pride that creates that fear. We do not want to be laughed at. We do not want to be made fun of. But God calls us out onto the water anyway. He wants to see us step out in our faith and prove us correct in doing so.

I pray we all step out in faith. I pray we faithfully answer God’s calling. I pray each one of us will choose to walk on water with Jesus. Put your faith in action. Trust God to provide. Hear God calling. Follow God’s guidance. Take on the work he has set aside for you. Get out of your comfort zone. Get out of the boat.

Matthew 14:28-29 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.

Quiet Time

Have you ever needed time away from everyone? Have you needed quiet time to think? Is it sometimes a challenge to get the alone time you need? Where do you go when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle? Is there a designated place or are there multiple places?

We all need to have time alone to think at times in our lives. We may be facing a difficult decision. We may have received bad news. We may simply have had an extremely busy week filled with meetings and to-dos. Regardless, we need some down time.

There are times when we must put off getting the quiet time we need. It can be very frustrating. We may think no one understands. We may wallow in self-pity. We may even blow up and yell at a loved one. But there is someone who does understand, who went through it Himself.

Jesus had been busy. He had heard troubling news. He had planned to get away and spend some time in prayer with the Father. His plan was interrupted by a very large crowd. He healed their sick. He fed thousands of them. Though He needed to spend quiet time in prayer, He continued to serve others. Finally, He sent the disciples away in a boat and got His quiet time.

Jesus went up on a mountain to spend time in prayer, conversing with the Father. We may not have a mountain to go up, but we can find a place to spend time in prayer. It may be a room in our house. It may be a park. It may be getting up early, before anyone else to have a little quiet time. Spending quiet time in prayer is important for us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Just as Jesus spent time in prayer, we need time to do so as well. Sometimes, we need more than just five minutes. Sometimes, we need several hours, just as Jesus did.

I pray we all set aside time to spend with God. I pray we take time to go to a place of seclusion. I pray each one of us has time to get away from the busyness of life to meditate and pray. Set aside time for prayer. Step out of the busyness. Be quiet. Get to know God. Renew your mind.

Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

How Will They Hear?

Yesterday, I stated we cannot put our faith in someone we do not know. What does that mean for us? If we are attending worship services, we have heard about Jesus and put our faith in Him. How did we hear about Him? Did we grow up in the church? Did we hear about Him later in life?

Do we wonder why church membership is diminishing? The answer is simple, yet hard for us to hear—we have stopped executing the mission Jesus gave us. We are no longer telling others about Him. We have stopped spreading the good news.

Some of you may think this is bold and brazen statement, and you may think it is false. However, simply do some research to see what people say when asked about who Jesus is. Even more depressing is to see what they say when asked who Moses, Abraham, Esther, Ruth, Joseph, Jacob, Paul, Peter, or any other Bible character. Even if the question is prefaced by stating they are a Bible character, the answers would be laughable if it wasn’t so sad.

The church grew because it was missional, it was telling others about a Savior. Despite popular belief, telling others about Jesus does not mean we are to stand on a street corner on step stool with a Bible in our hand. It doesn’t require us to go around the neighborhood knocking on doors and handing out tracts. It doesn’t even require us to fight for Christian rights within our government.

The most effective way to spread the Word is through normal conversation with our family, friends, and co-workers. Isn’t that also the best way to increase a business? Word of mouth is always more effective than flashy advertising. That is not to say advertising cannot be effective, but to say people are more likely to check out something a friend recommends. Our mission is far from over. We must go about our day bragging on Jesus the way we brag about a new restaurant if we are going to be effective in bringing people to faith. When the majority of our society has come to faith, we will see a change in our world.

I pray we all spread the good news to people we know. I pray we tell others about Jesus in our normal conversations. I pray each one of us will be in mission, bringing people to faith. Be in mission. Tell others about Jesus. Spread the good news. Bring people to faith. Our world needs Him now as much at it ever has.

Romans 10:14-15 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

It Is Simple

Are you confused by the complexity of requirements in various aspects of life? Do you quickly become frustrated by all the hoops you must jump through to abide by the rules? Do you wish things were simpler? What would you say if there was something very simple in life?

We live in a complex world. There are processes, requirements, and systems with what seems to be a million steps we must follow. Job applications can be several pages long. Tax returns ask more questions than a five-year old. And getting a home loan requires a reem of paper.

Living in a complex world can wear us down. Our jobs have become more demanding and more complex. We become mentally fatigued. We may even come to the point of just throwing our hands in the air and wanting to give up. It seems few things in life are simple. But there are simple things in life if we will take time to identify them and enjoy them.

One simple thing we can enjoy is being saved by Jesus Christ. Despite passed down heritage and man-made rules, it really is quite simple. The Apostle Paul puts it in its simplest terms when he writes to the church in Rome. We merely need to believe and confess our faith. The requirements some like to put on us are asked so they are convinced that we believe. They will not change what is in our heart.

Our faith in Jesus justifies us before God. That is our part, faith. God does all the rest. He forgives. He sheds his grace on us. He shows mercy to us. When we confess our faith, we are saved, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. Quite simply, we cannot earn it, nor can we change God’s requirements. All we can do it is put our faith in Jesus. Of course, we cannot put our faith in someone we do not know. We will cover that tomorrow.

I pray we all accept the simple requirement of God. I pray we put our faith in Jesus Christ. I pray each one of us take a moment to step out of the complexity of the world and into the simpleness of God. Put your faith in Jesus. Confess your faith. Be justified. Be saved.

Romans 10:10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.