Matthew 15

In my study tonight, I am examining the 15th chapter of Matthew.  The chapter basically begins with the Pharisees judging the activities of Jesus and his disciples, trying to find wrong doing.  They asked why the disciples did not wash their hands before eating, claiming that they were defying age-old traditions.

It seems to me that many of our "churches" today are doing the same - acting like the Pharisees.  Traditions have been practiced and elevated to the status of commands from God.  Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with having traditions - social groups have them, religious groups have them, and even many families have them.  My own family has certain traditions.  However, we need to be careful not to elevate these traditions to a point where undue importance is assigned to them, much less to the point where they are considered commandments from God.

Further in the chapter, in verses 10 through 16, Jesus is trying to explain a simple concept to his disciples.  There were many "laws" about what could be eaten and drank, and Jesus explained that it is not what we eat or drink that defines us - but what is in our hearts.  In verse 17, Jesus states, "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (NLT).  If we stop to think about this, we see how true this is.  It may raise our blood sugar a bit or add a little weight to our bodies on that journey, but that is about all.

However, as Jesus explains in the verses following that statement, the words we speak - the actions we perform - reflect what is in our hearts.  And, what is in our hearts is what is important.  If  our hearts are full of evil thoughts, then there is no room left for Jesus.  And - our words and actions will reflect those evil thoughts.

Verses 8 and 9 highlight this, as Jesus quoted what was written by Isaiah, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."  (NLT)

I have heard many people make the claim that, to a great extent, the "church" has become the greatest earthly enemy of true Christianity.  I fully agree with this statement.  "Organized religion" places so much importance on "traditions" and "rituals" that they have drifted far from actually following the examples and commandments of Jesus.

Have any of you experienced this type of experience with Christian worship?  Do you know a religious organization who has placed such undue importance on "traditions"?  I would love to hear from you!!

Did You Get Everything Done Today That You Wanted To?

That may seem like a silly question, and I imagine that a good 90% of people would have to answer "No".  I just finished reading a devotional entitled "How Can Reflecting on Heaven Help Me Escape the "Tyranny of the Urgent:?"

Now, when I first read the title, I had little to no doubt what it was talking about.  Like most of you, I never seem to have enough time to get everything done that I intended to do each day.  Most days I feel like I go ninety miles per hour all day and at the end of the day, usually close to midnight, I look around and think of all the things that I "meant" to get done - but didn't.  This brings on a mixture of feelings - depression, failure, disappointment in myself just to name a few.

In the devotional that I read there was an excerpt from a book, "The City of God", written by St. Augustine, then translated and published in 1958.  This excerpt explains St. Augustine's view on the meaning of resting on the seventh day and the bliss of the Sabbath.  We can all agree that when Jesus returns and we are united with God in heaven, that will be our ultimate Sabbath.  But reading this excerpt from that book brings out some questions to ponder, as pointed out at the end of the devotional.

What can we do now to bring rest into our lives?  The devotional suggests that we make a list of all the things we "think" are dominating our time and then, reviewing the list, determine which of these items are actually necessary.  It suggests that we should simplify our lives as much as possible.  It also points out that the urgent is not always important.  It concludes by stating that we should not try to make ourselves do what we cannot do.

In conclusion, I have a suspicion that this devotional is very much correct.  I suspect that if I make a list of what all I feel "has" to be done each day for a week, then review that list, I will find that there are things that are not earth shattering if they are not accomplished.  I also suspect that if I actually keep a log of my activities each of these days, I will then find much more "wasted" time than I would like to admit.

So - the Tyranny of Urgency?  In case you are still wondering - the tyranny of urgency is simply the pressure we put on ourselves by thinking there are a certain number of things we absolutely must accomplish each day without actually determining if all those things are all that important.

The "How Can Reflecting on Heaven Help Me Escape the Tyranny?  If we make our lists, and while reviewing them, determine if each thing is actually important, we need to realize that many times what we think is of great importance is actually something we can simply turn over to God.  However, when we, ourselves, try to play God - and we all tend to do that from time to time - thinking we can handle everything on our own - we find that we are attempting to do or control things that we should not have been trying to do or control to begin with.

So - how can we simplify our lives?  Accomplish only those things we can actually control.  Turn over to God all those things we actually have no control over.  Trust God to take care of those.

Let me know if you ever have to deal with the Tyranny of Urgency, and if so, how do you deal with it?

Power of Remembering by Guest Writer - Jason Elam

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter had grown disheartened and given up on ever being able to fulfill the call of God on his life.

It’s not hard to understand why.

Just a few weeks earlier, Peter had promised to stand by Jesus no matter what. Later that night, Peter was swearing (using actual swear words!) that he didn’t even know Jesus. On the night that Jesus needed Peter the most, Peter let Him down. The scriptures say that when the rooster crowed that third time, Jesus locked eyes with Peter.

Imagine the pain of letting down your best friend, and Savior, on the night He needed you most.

A few hours later, Jesus was dead, and Peter was sure Jesus must have gotten it wrong when He called him into a life of ministry.

Even after the resurrection when Jesus appeared to the disciples, Peter was still struggling with doubts about whether he was worthy to carry the miraculous message of God’s grace. Jesus finds Peter back at his old job, pulling nets around the sea, hoping for a catch. Jesus calls him to the shore, cooks him breakfast, and reminds Peter who he really is and what he was born to do. Peter’s heart, hardened by self-doubt melts and Peter goes back to work as a fisher of men. A few days later at Pentecost, Peter preaches the Gospel and thousands of people come into the Kingdom of God.

Just like Peter needed Jesus to remind him who he really was, every prodigal needs someone in their life who knew them before their “fall” to remind them who they really are and who God is still calling them to be.
One of the easiest things for a prodigal to do is to allow their personal failure to become their identity. Many prodigals never find their way to wholeness because they believe they have been permanently disgraced. They desperately need someone to look past their failures and see them as they really are. Or at least, how they were before.

Before the drugs.
Before the abuse.
Before the affair.
Before the long string of broken promises.

Every prodigal needs at least one person who can look beyond all of the pain they have inflicted and remind them who they really are.

1. Remind Them of God’s Love
Many prodigals feel that God is disappointed in them. It’s our job to remind them that God knew that they would make the poor decisions long before they actually did. God has never had an unfulfilled expectation of them. He never had any delusions of their grandeur. Our Father in heaven has always known the paths we would choose but chooses to love us anyway(see Romans 5:8). Even when we break His heart by choosing our own way like the prodigal son in scripture, our Father in heaven waits for us to take one step towards home and then He rushes to our aid, covers us with kisses, and throws us a party(see Luke 15).

2. Remind Them That God Still Has a Plan for Their Life.
Many people will write off the prodigals in their lives when a tragic failure happens. Prodigals need to be reminded that failure isn’t final. They need to hear that God’s gifts and callings are without repentance(see Romans 11:29). Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. He still has a plan. He still has good plans for them. God will never write them off.

3. Remind Them of Who They Were Before the Fall.
When a prodigal’s self-identity becomes clouded by personal failure and the disappointment they feel in themselves, they need someone to remind them of the person they were before the pain. No child is born wanting to be a drug addict. Remind them of the person they were before the catastrophic choices were made. Remind them of the plans they had and the future they wanted. Remind them of their best characteristics, the good things they did, and the meaning to be found when they get the focus on helping others and making a positive contribution in the world around them(see Hebrews 3:13).

4. Remind Them That You Believe in Them and Will Always Be Cheering Them On
Finally, every prodigal needs to know there is someone who sees the best in them and hasn’t stopped believing in them. Time after time, I’ve seen hard hearts melt when someone steps up to cheer a prodigal on. It’s harder to doubt yourself when someone else is rooting for you and expecting great things.

Most prodigals I know can’t remember who they were before they fell from grace. So we have to remember that for them and remind them often. They may be afraid to allow themselves to feel valued and accepted again, so be persistent and relentless in your lavishing of grace upon them. By reminding them that God loves them, has a plan for their life, sees past their failures, and has placed you in their life to cheer them on, you might just get to witness a miracle as God raises grace from the ashes of a broken life.

Yes, life is hard and some mistakes are hard to recover from.

But grace happens.

Jason Elam is Pastor at Freedom Night Pinson, a Jesus centered, kingdom driven ministry whose mission is to help people experience the freedom found only in God’s presence. They offer community groups for those addicted to pornography, for families of addiction, and a (12 step approved) class “Healing the Wounded Heart”.

New Testament Reading

As I was reading in John 1 tonight, specifically verses 35 through 42, and read the accompanying study notes, I ran across an interesting question.  One that made me stop - and will stick in my mind until I have more time to think it over.

Here's the question:  Why are you following Christ?

Simple question - right.  Wrong!!  Are we following Christ for the right reasons?  If we are following Christ for our own purposes, i.e. His blessings, His favor, etc., then we are following Christ for the wrong reasons.  If this is the case, we are actually asking Christ to follow us - to bless and support us - to advance our own causes instead of His.

Do we seek Christ's glory - or our own?  When we perform a good deed, do we expect or want to hear praise for it?  If so, then did we perform that deed to show God's love or to make ourselves look good?  I actually experienced a good example of this myself.  I became involved with a group who feed the homeless in our area monthly.  The first time I went, it was amazing that we fed over 100 people and each person who came through the line said close to the same thing, "Thank you for coming and feeding us."   My friend who accompanied the group also mentioned afterwards that there was something we did not do correctly.  I thought things went well, so I questioned that statement.  Of course, my own answer to these people, along with everyone else who was there, was the standard "You're Welcome."  This was what we did wrong that night.

Receiving all the "thank yous" and responding with "you're welcome" simply took the praise and glory for ourselves.  Our response should have been, "Jesus loves you."  This would have put the praise and glory where it belonged.  It was most certainly through God's provisions that we were able to purchase the necessary supplies and food to feed that many people.  But, instead of directing the praise and glory in the proper direction, we simply took it for ourselves.

In verse 38 of John 1, it states that when when Jesus saw John's two disciples following Him, He asked, "What do you want?"

So, I will now take some time and think this over - specifically that question - what do I want?  Do I want to follow Jesus for the right reasons or do I want to follow Jesus for the wrong reasons?  Do I want to advance His cause or my own?

The Reason for the Season??

At this time of year, most of us, when we hear the phrase, "The Reason for the Season," think of the birth of Jesus.  After all, everyone agrees that Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - even those who disagree.  But, is that the "real" story?  Should that be the "real" story?

So, let's take a look at this.  Obviously we do not still use the same calendar that was used back in those times - but we do seem to universally agree that December 25th has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even though this has become a highly commercialized holiday, with much of the focus on giving and receiving gifts, family dinners, and even "light" wars to see who has the biggest, brightest, best holiday decorations.

Christmas programs are rampant - each telling the story of the birth of Jesus in their own style.  Even those who lack the flexibility (or maybe maturity) to allow religious freedom, rigorously oppose the idea of celebrating the holiday - oppose the term "Merry Christmas" - oppose nativity displays, etc.  In short, they oppose the telling of the story of the birth of Jesus and oppose that birth being the central point of the Christmas holiday.

So, we all make the association:  Christmas equals the birth of Jesus.  This is the reason for the season.  This is what we celebrate on December 25th.   That makes December 25th - Christ's Day. Again, is that entirely correct?

Adolph Hitler was born on April 20th.  Does that make April 20th "Hitler's Day"?  Of course not!

My point is simply this - if we narrow the meaning of December 25th to the birth of Jesus - we are missing most of the meaning!!

I think if you will take time to watch the video below, you will understand what I am saying.  The video is a bit lengthy - but it is well worth the time to watch it.

As you can see from the video, if all we are celebrating - if our only focus is on the birth of Christ - then we are missing quite a bit.  Christmas is not simply about the birth of Jesus - it is about the love of God.  The kind of love that caused God to send His own Son to this earth - to live among the people - face temptations - be shunned, persecuted and killed.  This is a depth of love that we have a hard time wrapping our heads around.  But it is real love - and the kind of love that Jesus commanded us to show for each other and that we show for Him.

So - what would our world be like if we really celebrated the true "Reason for the Season" - the love of God?  And what would happen if we carried this "Reason" in our hearts and lives all year long?

So, the next time you are tempted to think that the "Reason for the Season" is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember the story of John 3:16, what that means, and what the season is actually all about.

Organized Religion

I read a Commentary by by Tom Ehrich, an Episcopal priest in New York.  This is one of the best descriptions of what I personally dislike most about "religion" these days.  Kudos to Tom!!

Too often, going to "church" means going to that place on Sunday morning where we are supposed to receive instruction on God's word, inspiration in our spiritual lives and comfort from God himself.  Instead, way too often, this is certainly not the case.  Let's take a look at getting ready for church on Sunday morning:  what am I going to wear.  OK - I lay out an outfit, get my shower, get dressed and look in the mirror only to think "My goodness, I can't wear this!"  It is too tight, or it is too old, or "I just wore this Sunday before last and they will think I have no decent clothes!"  Then, back into the bathroom to make sure my hair is "just right."  Otherwise, those ladies in my Bible study class will wonder why I can't seem to be able to afford to go to the beauty shop and have "something" done with my hair.  OK - now dressed and hair done - to find a pair of shoes.  They have to match my outfit and, wait, I have to make absolutely sure there are no scuffs on them.  OK - finally ready to go.  Strange - why am I now in no mood to go to church?

OK - finally out the door to the car.  Oh my goodness - I've got to clean some of the kid's trash out of the car - I can't possibly let people walking through the parking lot see all this mess in my car!  What will they think?  So another 15 minutes cleaning out the car to make sure it, also, is presentable.  Rush back into the house to get my Bible - wait - I need to dust it off - How in the world does it accumulate so much dust in just one week?

Got to make sure I've got cash for the offering plate.  Heaven forbid I have to pass the plate and have "everyone" see that I put nothing in this morning.  Oh dear - I only have a five dollar bill - oh well I will just have to take time to run by the ATM.  I can't possibly be seen only putting five dollars in the collection plate.  I will be a social outcast.

Finally, here I am.  I am dressed, car is cleaned out, Bible dusted, been by the bank and I have my twenty dollar bill safely tucked away.  So I enter the church building, five minutes late for Bible Study.  I "sneak" into the room, somehow hoping I am invisible.  I immediately realize from the several "snide" looks I get that I am, in fact, certainly NOT invisible.  Oh well, class is only 55 more minutes.

Now, to the sanctuary.  Tired, I take the first seat I come to - only to quickly realize that I have sat down where Miss Emily and her "friends" sit.  So, I get up and move.  Somehow I make it through the service and now it is time to go.  Not many folks speak as I make my way to the door, but that it OK.  I am tired, emotionally spent and just want to get to my car and get home - yes back home - where I can feel comfortable.

Am I the only person who sees a huge problem with this scenario?  Does everyone really think what you have read so far is an exaggeration?  Come on people!  This is NOT the exception - it is all too often the real scenario for many people every Sunday morning.

Tom Ehrich got it right for sure - it shouldn't be this hard!  The church - the very body of Christ - should be our place of refuge - our place to refresh - our place to be comfortable - our place to get energized.  Our church should be a place where we can heal our spirits - not have them further torn down.  Torn down by the "cliches" in the church - let down by a sermon dictated by the "influential" folks in the church instead of one inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Torn down by the judgment we feel from those around us in the congregation.  Just simply torn down!

No wonder church attendance is declining - many churches are simply not what they were designed by God to be - our place of acceptance, refreshment, comfort, a place to feel loved, a place to feel close to God, a place to receive spiritual energy.

Anyone else agree?  Tell me your story!!

Youth League Sports - What it is all about!

I know that many parents have children who are participating in Youth League sports.  I am very disappointed in Youth League Sports programs and for good reason.

            I have a grandson playing Youth League Football.  Let me re-phrase that – I have a grandson who goes to practice on a Youth League Football team.  I had a son who also was a part of a Youth League Football team years ago and am disappointed to see that it has not changed. 

            We were all happy that he wanted to play football on the Youth League, thinking this would be very good for a child with some issues and a very low self-esteem.  We mistakenly thought that this would help his self-confidence and self-esteem issues.  Isn’t this what Youth League Sports is all about?  Helping children?  Teaching them discipline and team work?  If this is your impression of Youth League Sports, let me tell you now – YOU ARE DEAD WRONG.

            How many of you were under the impression that Youth League Sports was all about the children involved?  I am betting that a high number of you thought that.  Well, again, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG. 

            Now, I will give you this much – Youth League Sports SHOULD be about the children – teaching them teamwork, self discipline, self confidence and self esteem.  This is why Youth League Sports was formed.  Children need activities that teach these things and they need them early in life.  It would be great if these activities, while teaching these things, could also be fun.  If Youth League Sports were properly managed, they could accomplish this.

            Now, I realize that not every child is athletically gifted – some are just downright not very good at sports.  And, that is okay.  Some are gifted and are very good at the sport in which they are involved and that is great.  However, during practice they are all on the fields working.  Good or bad.  However, come game day, only the “good” ones get to actually play in the game.  I have witnessed this first hand.  I witnessed it years ago and am witnessing it now.  On the particular Youth League Football team that I am following, there are a handful – maybe 6 or 7 boys – who simply are not great athletes.  But they show up at practice every afternoon and then stand on the sideline every game.  There are games when they never step foot on the field. 

            Each Saturday that these young men stand on the sideline and do not get to participate, they leave the ballgame with a little less self confidence and a little less self esteem than they had when they got there.  Their having to stand on the sideline says one thing to them … “You are not good enough.”

            Now, I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, this is something that should never happen to any child.  No child should have to walk off the field and say to his family that is waiting, “I didn’t get to play.” 

            Why is this happening?  One simple reason – WINNING.  The Youth League Sports programs are not about the kids – they are not about helping kids – they are all about winning.  The children on the team are not what are important – it is the scoreboard.  So, the self confidence and self esteem of our children are being sacrificed for the sake of WINNING.  It is great for a team to win a game, but not at this expense.  Those players who are not great could be rotated in and out of the game one at a time.  I would never propose putting them all in at one time.  But, they should be given a chance!  Who knows – with a little “game practice”, an infusion of self confidence and self esteem – they might actually get better.  But whether they do or not is not the issue.

            This, my friends, should NEVER happen.  Have any of you witnessed similar experiences?  I would love to hear from you.  Something needs to happen to change this.  Children growing up in this day and age need good values and good values begin with feeling good about yourself.

            Does anyone agree?  Let me hear from you.