"But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour" John 4:4-6
As I was reading this very familiar story, I began to think about the various details or elements in that place. I discovered five major details or elements, that fit very nicely in a five-day series.
Jesus went through Samaria, the land of the Samaritans. These folk happen to be the first detail or element of the story. Samaritans were a half-breed people. When Israel was exiled, the Babylonian king took the best of the citizens of Israel to Babylon. The majority of the remainder, he scattered to the four winds. This was his way of mixing the vast knowledge and wonderful customs of his expansive domain. The best were reserved for the enrichment of the
government. He always left a few, mostly of the peasant class, who knew the land to train the newcomers with whom the king would be repopulating the captured area. It is these remaining Jews who intermarried with the implants. They kept some of the Jewish customs and adopted others from various lands. In so doing, they became a superstitious lot, and were rejected by pure blood Jews as scum.
It is into this land and to these people that Jesus went. He didn't have to. It was customary for Jews to cross the Jordan River and bypass Samaria all together. But we all know that Jesus was different.
I rather suspect that we all have elements of our society that we would rather bypass. It may be a section of town we will not go through. It could be business that we deem "below our class." (I know people who will only shop City Super because Welcome is too common for their taste. And God forbid that they should ever enter the doors of PriceMart) There may even be people in the Church who we would rather not associate with. They may be people from the outreach to the homeless and "down and out" crowd. They do have a particular odor about them. Or it could be the folk who live in the "lower class" part of town, on the wrong side of the tracks. We much prefer to keep company with those of similar means and thoughts as ours, better yet, we greatly desire to hang with the pastor and the elders.
Now would be a good time to follow Jesus' example and walk right down the center of the wrong" crowd and shake a few hands, spread a little joy, and share in their discomfort. Who
knows, God may be calling you to alleviate some of those problems with the funds He has blessed you with. Go ahead, shake up the masses and step down a notch or two! Amen and Amen.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Isaiah 62:10
"Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples"
Isaiah 62:10
Isaiah tells us to prepare the way for the people. He tells us to build the highways for others to travel, we are to exert the energy so others can find the path easier. He encourages us to remove the pitfalls that we encounter so others will not fall. Finally, he instructs us to erect road signs so people will not get lost. All of this takes time and effort.
Imagine with me for a moment an elderly man walking through a dense forest. He is following a path the deer have made, and few people ever trod. Near the middle of day the old fellow comes to a deep rushing ravine. Looking carefully, his years of experience in the woods reveals a very narrow tree branch that has fallen across the divide. Carefully, delicately, the gentleman makes
his way across the swollen stream and safely reaches the other side. He turns and faces the crevasse he has managed to cross, scratches his head, and reaches for an ax strapped to his back. In the waning hours of the day, the man carefully fells a large tree across the stream, twines vines to make safety ropes for people to use for balance, and makes sure everything is secured for the ages. Finally, just before dark, he finishes. A young man approaches from behind him. It appears he too crossed the thin branch much earlier in the day. Viewing the work of the older man, he asks: "Why did you bother with the bridge? You are already across the danger, and you are so old. You will never pass this way again. Why did you take the time?"
With kindly eyes, the man looks at the youth and replies: "I built the bridge so anyone coming after me can have an easier crossing than I did. I don't want anyone to lose his way because I did not make his path easier."
That is the essence of the words of Isaiah. We, as believers, need to make the path easier for those following, even if it makes our work harder and delays our journey. That is what God has called us to do. Are you doing it? Think about it? Amen and Amen.
Isaiah 62:10
Isaiah tells us to prepare the way for the people. He tells us to build the highways for others to travel, we are to exert the energy so others can find the path easier. He encourages us to remove the pitfalls that we encounter so others will not fall. Finally, he instructs us to erect road signs so people will not get lost. All of this takes time and effort.
Imagine with me for a moment an elderly man walking through a dense forest. He is following a path the deer have made, and few people ever trod. Near the middle of day the old fellow comes to a deep rushing ravine. Looking carefully, his years of experience in the woods reveals a very narrow tree branch that has fallen across the divide. Carefully, delicately, the gentleman makes
his way across the swollen stream and safely reaches the other side. He turns and faces the crevasse he has managed to cross, scratches his head, and reaches for an ax strapped to his back. In the waning hours of the day, the man carefully fells a large tree across the stream, twines vines to make safety ropes for people to use for balance, and makes sure everything is secured for the ages. Finally, just before dark, he finishes. A young man approaches from behind him. It appears he too crossed the thin branch much earlier in the day. Viewing the work of the older man, he asks: "Why did you bother with the bridge? You are already across the danger, and you are so old. You will never pass this way again. Why did you take the time?"
With kindly eyes, the man looks at the youth and replies: "I built the bridge so anyone coming after me can have an easier crossing than I did. I don't want anyone to lose his way because I did not make his path easier."
That is the essence of the words of Isaiah. We, as believers, need to make the path easier for those following, even if it makes our work harder and delays our journey. That is what God has called us to do. Are you doing it? Think about it? Amen and Amen.
Jer 50:6
"My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place" Jer 50:6
It is interesting to watch people. Have you ever sat in the mall and just watched? There are those (like me) who know where they are going and what they are looking for. These people are moving along at a near run heading to their destination. Then there are those who are just not in a big hurry. Perhaps the air conditioner is broken at home and it is cooler in the mall. Perhaps the kids are with the helper/babysitter and they want to stay away as long as possible. What ever the reason, they are wandering the halls looking right and left to see what they can see in the windows. When they enter a store, they float from department to department looking this way and that. On occasion they find something and buy it, but it is the experience of shopping they enjoy the most.
Another group of individuals also inhabit the malls. These are folk that have no idea where the are, what they are looking for, or where to find it. They are the "Lost Mall Walkers." If you find yourself behind one of these individuals, you may be trapped in the slow lane for many feet. Just when you see a means to pass them and accelerate to pull beside their wandering group, they turn quickly in front of you to see if what they want is on the other side of the mall. You screech to a halt to avoid inflicting pain on them or yourself. Once again you fall behind and mutter under your breath!
While this latter group is interesting in the mall, they are dangerous on the streets. These are the drivers who turn right from the left turn lane. They never use turn signals. They wander from lane to lane drifting in the direction they happen to be looking at the moment. You never know what they are going to do. It is impossible to predict the outcome of an encounter with them. They cause more accidents, and never seem to be involved in one themselves. They
honestly believe they are GOOD DRIVERS!
There is something that is even more dangerous than a lost driver. The lost Christian! Before you Baptists shoot of an e-mail asking to be removed from the list, let me explain. A lost Christian is the one who floats from church to church looking for the perfect preacher/teacher. They are not concerned about doctrine, they are interested in how they feel. If a preacher makes them feel good, they stick around for a while. If someone offends their tender sensibilities, they storm off to the next congregation.
The danger of this is that they never go quietly. They are the first to criticize, and the last to tithe. They offer no hesitation to tell everyone within shouting distance how crude and insensitive the folk at ABC Church are. What's more, in doing so, they often keep people from finding the love and mercy they so desperately need.
Should you know people like this, watch out when you pass them! But, even more importantly, do what you can to love them. It could be that you will be the one who helps them find their way to the foot of the cross. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
It is interesting to watch people. Have you ever sat in the mall and just watched? There are those (like me) who know where they are going and what they are looking for. These people are moving along at a near run heading to their destination. Then there are those who are just not in a big hurry. Perhaps the air conditioner is broken at home and it is cooler in the mall. Perhaps the kids are with the helper/babysitter and they want to stay away as long as possible. What ever the reason, they are wandering the halls looking right and left to see what they can see in the windows. When they enter a store, they float from department to department looking this way and that. On occasion they find something and buy it, but it is the experience of shopping they enjoy the most.
Another group of individuals also inhabit the malls. These are folk that have no idea where the are, what they are looking for, or where to find it. They are the "Lost Mall Walkers." If you find yourself behind one of these individuals, you may be trapped in the slow lane for many feet. Just when you see a means to pass them and accelerate to pull beside their wandering group, they turn quickly in front of you to see if what they want is on the other side of the mall. You screech to a halt to avoid inflicting pain on them or yourself. Once again you fall behind and mutter under your breath!
While this latter group is interesting in the mall, they are dangerous on the streets. These are the drivers who turn right from the left turn lane. They never use turn signals. They wander from lane to lane drifting in the direction they happen to be looking at the moment. You never know what they are going to do. It is impossible to predict the outcome of an encounter with them. They cause more accidents, and never seem to be involved in one themselves. They
honestly believe they are GOOD DRIVERS!
There is something that is even more dangerous than a lost driver. The lost Christian! Before you Baptists shoot of an e-mail asking to be removed from the list, let me explain.
The danger of this is that they never go quietly. They are the first to criticize, and the last to tithe. They offer no hesitation to tell everyone within shouting distance how crude and insensitive the folk at ABC Church are. What's more, in doing so, they often keep people from finding the love and mercy they so desperately need.
Should you know people like this, watch out when you pass them! But, even more importantly, do what you can to love them. It could be that you will be the one who helps them find their way to the foot of the cross. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Psalm 30: 11-12
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever" Psalm 30:11-12
I went to a funeral some time ago where there was mourning - mourning like in Jesus' time. The family was there and they were crying their eyes out. One family member had to be removed from the service; her grief was so bad. It was only later that I learned that the family had been at odds with each other and that the whole thing was an act!
On the other hand, I went to a funeral of a good friend, a good, practicing Christian. His funeral was much different. Yes, there was the ubiquitous tear, but there was something else too. There was a genuine joy present among the family and friends who knew our friend was with Jesus! How different the two were.
David says that God had turned his mourning into dancing. How strange. I can't quite imagine a funeral being turned into a dance party! Still, I think I know what he meant. Because of the great deeds the Lord has done for us, we should find it hard to stay sad for very long - that is if our eyes are on Him and not ourselves. We do have that choice. We can look to our own suffering and sorrow and be miserable. OR we can look to our Lord and His kindness toward us and be happy.
Come to think of it, we have that choice in all matters. We can choose to let the circumstances burden us down, or we can choose to rejoice in God no matter what is happening. Which do you choose today? I know some of you are suffering. Times are rough. Things aren't going well. Cheer up, God is still on the throne and He will not let you suffer if you will turn to Him. Open your mouth in spite of your sorrow and sing praise to Him. Don't suffer in silence. Give Him thanks for all He has done for you. He will set you Free. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
I went to a funeral some time ago where there was mourning - mourning like in Jesus' time. The family was there and they were crying their eyes out. One family member had to be removed from the service; her grief was so bad. It was only later that I learned that the family had been at odds with each other and that the whole thing was an act!
On the other hand, I went to a funeral of a good friend, a good, practicing Christian. His funeral was much different. Yes, there was the ubiquitous tear, but there was something else too. There was a genuine joy present among the family and friends who knew our friend was with Jesus! How different the two were.
David says that God had turned his mourning into dancing. How strange. I can't quite imagine a funeral being turned into a dance party! Still, I think I know what he meant. Because of the great deeds the Lord has done for us, we should find it hard to stay sad for very long - that is if our eyes are on Him and not ourselves. We do have that choice. We can look to our own suffering and sorrow and be miserable. OR we can look to our Lord and His kindness toward us and be happy.
Come to think of it, we have that choice in all matters. We can choose to let the circumstances burden us down, or we can choose to rejoice in God no matter what is happening. Which do you choose today? I know some of you are suffering. Times are rough. Things aren't going well. Cheer up, God is still on the throne and He will not let you suffer if you will turn to Him. Open your mouth in spite of your sorrow and sing praise to Him. Don't suffer in silence. Give Him thanks for all He has done for you. He will set you Free. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
1 Sam 23:17
"And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that" 1 Sam 23:17
Jonathan knew the truth. He would never be king. It didn't make any difference what his father wanted, he was not king material and he knew it. He was satisfied with the role that God seemed to have made for him -- second in command.
We need to be just like Jonathan in this respect. It makes no difference what we want to be, or what our parents want us to be, or what our spouse thinks we should be. What is important is that we be content with what God wants us to be. If He wants us to lead thousands, we will and be happy about it. If he wants us to lead a solitary life and write books, fine make it so, we will be content doing it.
Our problem is that we often look to the glamorous things to do. We want the good life. We want the high profile tasks. We want. . . . Then, when we get it, we are not satisfied. Something is missing. It just isn't enough. Why? Because we are not what we were created to be. We will never be satisfied until we fulfill that role.
Could this explain why so many people change jobs frequently? Could this explain the arguments and fights that take place in Church board meetings? Is it possible that this is why there is. There is so much in-fighting and back-biting in the Fellowship of God? Indeed, it could be. We need to spend our time doing what God wants. He will lead us in paths that will satisfy us. As a matter of fact, if you are not fulfilled in your present position, perhaps you are in the wrong one. Are you there because you want to be there, or because God put you there?
Mostly, God will use you where your talents and enjoyments lie. He will never make a cook out of someone who hates to be in the kitchen. Likewise, he will never make a mechanic out of someone who loves to cook. He has given you the talents and abilities you have for His purpose. Use them for Him and you will find contentment -- This I guarantee! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Jonathan knew the truth. He would never be king. It didn't make any difference what his father wanted, he was not king material and he knew it. He was satisfied with the role that God seemed to have made for him -- second in command.
We need to be just like Jonathan in this respect. It makes no difference what we want to be, or what our parents want us to be, or what our spouse thinks we should be. What is important is that we be content with what God wants us to be. If He wants us to lead thousands, we will and be happy about it. If he wants us to lead a solitary life and write books, fine make it so, we will be content doing it.
Our problem is that we often look to the glamorous things to do. We want the good life. We want the high profile tasks. We want. . . . Then, when we get it, we are not satisfied. Something is missing. It just isn't enough. Why? Because we are not what we were created to be. We will never be satisfied until we fulfill that role.
Could this explain why so many people change jobs frequently? Could this explain the arguments and fights that take place in Church board meetings? Is it possible that this is why there is. There is so much in-fighting and back-biting in the Fellowship of God? Indeed, it could be. We need to spend our time doing what God wants. He will lead us in paths that will satisfy us. As a matter of fact, if you are not fulfilled in your present position, perhaps you are in the wrong one. Are you there because you want to be there, or because God put you there?
Mostly, God will use you where your talents and enjoyments lie. He will never make a cook out of someone who hates to be in the kitchen. Likewise, he will never make a mechanic out of someone who loves to cook. He has given you the talents and abilities you have for His purpose. Use them for Him and you will find contentment -- This I guarantee! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Eph 6:17b
"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Eph 6:17b
The Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the list of armor। Since Paul used rhema instead of logos for "word" in Ephesians 6:17, I believe Paul is referring to the spoken Word of God। We are to defend ourselves against the evil one by speaking aloud God's Word.
Why is it so important to speak God's Word in addition to believing it and thinking it? Because satan is a created being, and he doesn't perfectly know what you're thinking। By observing you, he can pretty well tell what you are thinking, just as any student of human behavior can. And it isn't difficult for him to know what you're thinking if he put the thought in। But he doesn't know what you're going to do before you do it। He can put thoughts into your mind, and he will क्नोव whether you buy his lie by how you behave.
Satan can try to influence you by planting thoughts in your head, but he can't read your thoughts। If you're going to resist satan, you must do so orally so he can understand you and be put on the run.
You can communicate with God in your mind and spirit because He knows the thoughts and intents of your heart (Hebrews 4:12)। Your unspoken communion with God is your private sanctuary; satan cannot eavesdrop on you। But by the same token, if you only tell satan विथ your thoughts to leave, he won't leave because he is under no obligation to obey your thoughts। You must defeat satan by speaking out। The good news is that most direct attacks occur at night or when you are alone.
One night I woke up absolutely terrified for no apparent reason, and I knew it was an attack from satan। Without lifting my head from the pillow, I applied the two-step remedy suggested in James 4:7। In the sanctuary of my heart, I submitted to God। Then I was able to resist satan with one spoken वर्ड - Jesus- and the fear was instantly and totally gone। I went back to sleep in complete peace। Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
The Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the list of armor। Since Paul used rhema instead of logos for "word" in Ephesians 6:17, I believe Paul is referring to the spoken Word of God। We are to defend ourselves against the evil one by speaking aloud God's Word.
Why is it so important to speak God's Word in addition to believing it and thinking it? Because satan is a created being, and he doesn't perfectly know what you're thinking। By observing you, he can pretty well tell what you are thinking, just as any student of human behavior can. And it isn't difficult for him to know what you're thinking if he put the thought in। But he doesn't know what you're going to do before you do it। He can put thoughts into your mind, and he will क्नोव whether you buy his lie by how you behave.
Satan can try to influence you by planting thoughts in your head, but he can't read your thoughts। If you're going to resist satan, you must do so orally so he can understand you and be put on the run.
You can communicate with God in your mind and spirit because He knows the thoughts and intents of your heart (Hebrews 4:12)। Your unspoken communion with God is your private sanctuary; satan cannot eavesdrop on you। But by the same token, if you only tell satan विथ your thoughts to leave, he won't leave because he is under no obligation to obey your thoughts। You must defeat satan by speaking out। The good news is that most direct attacks occur at night or when you are alone.
One night I woke up absolutely terrified for no apparent reason, and I knew it was an attack from satan। Without lifting my head from the pillow, I applied the two-step remedy suggested in James 4:7। In the sanctuary of my heart, I submitted to God। Then I was able to resist satan with one spoken वर्ड - Jesus- and the fear was instantly and totally gone। I went back to sleep in complete peace। Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Psalms 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path" Psalms 119:105
The ancients new about walking in the dark. That is why they developed foot lamps. These were small lamps that were tied onto the feet. They did not cast much light, but they did shed enough for the night walker to see where he was putting his next foot. I can almost imagine seeing little bits of light rising and falling with each foot fall on trails across the hills leading to a village - perhaps Bethlehem - in the middle of a dark night. It could be a bit humorous if you picture it just right.
This is the picture David had as he wrote today's verse - and one of my all time favorites. On a spiritual level, David says that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to his feet. It is that little bit of sight that makes faith possible. Paul says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The truths of the Bible are that bit of flame that fires up the faith.
As a believer, can you imagine life without faith? Perhaps you can if you remember your life before Jesus. Remember the darkness and the hopelessness? Then someone opened the Word of God to you and it was as though someone switched on a light. All of a sudden, you could see, not just the sin, but the solution to that sin. You could see Jesus. Perhaps even now you are groping in the dark. You seem to have lost your faith. The light has grown dim and you don't know where you are or how you got there. May I make a suggestion?
Open the Word. Anywhere. Just open it. Begin to read wherever you find your finger. Let God speak to you. If you persist, He will turn on the light again. Not only that, He will show you where you are and where you should be and how to get there. God has not abandoned you. He is there with you - He always has been. There is no place that you can set your feet that God will not follow you. He loves you so much that He will follow you to the gates of Hell in one last attempt to bring you back home to Himself. You don't see Him? He's there. If you pick up His Word, He will speak to you. Ever been in a dark room and someone struck a match? Quite bright wasn't it? That's how a single verse can be for you today. It will shed enough light for you to see where the light switch is. When you make your way to the Father, He will illuminate your entire being with floods of wonderful, bright, purifying light. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
The ancients new about walking in the dark. That is why they developed foot lamps. These were small lamps that were tied onto the feet. They did not cast much light, but they did shed enough for the night walker to see where he was putting his next foot. I can almost imagine seeing little bits of light rising and falling with each foot fall on trails across the hills leading to a village - perhaps Bethlehem - in the middle of a dark night. It could be a bit humorous if you picture it just right.
This is the picture David had as he wrote today's verse - and one of my all time favorites. On a spiritual level, David says that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to his feet. It is that little bit of sight that makes faith possible. Paul says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The truths of the Bible are that bit of flame that fires up the faith.
As a believer, can you imagine life without faith? Perhaps you can if you remember your life before Jesus. Remember the darkness and the hopelessness? Then someone opened the Word of God to you and it was as though someone switched on a light. All of a sudden, you could see, not just the sin, but the solution to that sin. You could see Jesus. Perhaps even now you are groping in the dark. You seem to have lost your faith. The light has grown dim and you don't know where you are or how you got there. May I make a suggestion?
Open the Word. Anywhere. Just open it. Begin to read wherever you find your finger. Let God speak to you. If you persist, He will turn on the light again. Not only that, He will show you where you are and where you should be and how to get there. God has not abandoned you. He is there with you - He always has been. There is no place that you can set your feet that God will not follow you. He loves you so much that He will follow you to the gates of Hell in one last attempt to bring you back home to Himself. You don't see Him? He's there. If you pick up His Word, He will speak to you. Ever been in a dark room and someone struck a match? Quite bright wasn't it? That's how a single verse can be for you today. It will shed enough light for you to see where the light switch is. When you make your way to the Father, He will illuminate your entire being with floods of wonderful, bright, purifying light. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
Friday, May 22, 2009
John 16:13
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13
It's not hard to know the truth if You are the truth, and speaking with authority would come quite naturally if you're God! Discernment is also easier if you know, as Jesus does, what's in the hearts of men (John 2:24, 25). Though we don't possess those attributes, we do have the Holy Spirit. If we are going to continue the work of Jesus, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to control and guide us. Then we can know the truth, speak with authority, and discern
good and evil.
We have as our guide the Spirit of truth. When Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, He said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . . He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you" (John 16:13-14). This promise has primary reference to the apostles, but its application extends to all Spirit-filled believers (1 John 2:20-27). The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the Spirit of truth, and He will lead us into all truth.
Truth is God's will made known through His Word. The Holy Spirit's role is to enable us to understand the Word of God from God's perspective. Jesus says, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
It's not hard to know the truth if You are the truth, and speaking with authority would come quite naturally if you're God! Discernment is also easier if you know, as Jesus does, what's in the hearts of men (John 2:24, 25). Though we don't possess those attributes, we do have the Holy Spirit. If we are going to continue the work of Jesus, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to control and guide us. Then we can know the truth, speak with authority, and discern
good and evil.
We have as our guide the Spirit of truth. When Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, He said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . . He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you" (John 16:13-14). This promise has primary reference to the apostles, but its application extends to all Spirit-filled believers (1 John 2:20-27). The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the Spirit of truth, and He will lead us into all truth.
Truth is God's will made known through His Word. The Holy Spirit's role is to enable us to understand the Word of God from God's perspective. Jesus says, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.
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