Just returned from the Harding Lectures in Searcy, AR. I believe that this was the best lectureship I have ever attended. The theme was "Tell Me the Story of Jesus!" That got me to thinking, no one has a story like Jesus!
His biography is pretty short - all things considered. We know almost nothing about His early life. The gospel accounts of Jesus focus on the last three years of His life.
But look at what they do say! He was born like no one else. He had a mission like no one else. He loved like no on else. He lived like no one else. He struggled like no one else. He died like no on else. He was raised like no one else. Though these aren't the titles of the keynote lectures, they are the essence of them.
It all came into focus at the end of three powerful days.
Tell me the story of Jesus! Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious. sweetest that ever was heard.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Who is Jesus? #74 (No one like Him)
No one came into the world quite like Jesus. I guess maybe John the Baptizer was close as his "ministry" on earth was delcared prior to his birth. But, Jesus was going to "save his people from their sins." His death was automatically announced in his birth announcement or pre-birth announcement. I am sure they didn't understand it that way; i.e. that to accomplish His mission He would have to die. Who would have understood it - except maybe those who had intently and honestly looked into the prophesies concerning the Messiah?
I know how excited I was when my wife informed me that "we" were pregnant with our children. There were four (not all at the same time) and the excitement never diminished. We prayed, before they were born, that they would be about God's business, that they would find the godly spouses that God was preparing for them, etc. But we could not have outlined their life in detail at the time they were born.
Jesus' life's work was wrapped up in His pre-birth proclamation "he will save His people from their sins." Thus they called him, "Savior."
I know how excited I was when my wife informed me that "we" were pregnant with our children. There were four (not all at the same time) and the excitement never diminished. We prayed, before they were born, that they would be about God's business, that they would find the godly spouses that God was preparing for them, etc. But we could not have outlined their life in detail at the time they were born.
Jesus' life's work was wrapped up in His pre-birth proclamation "he will save His people from their sins." Thus they called him, "Savior."
Monday, September 19, 2005
Who is Jesus? #73 (No one like Him)
There has never been, nor will there ever be anyone who taught like Jesus taught! NO ONE!
Let's see - He made the religious scholars scratch their heads (questions about John the Baptist) and ultimately made them mad enough to kill him ("Woe to you scribes, hypocrites, den of snakes..."). He continually confused His disciples not because of what He said, but, from their perspective, what He wasn't saying.
There is a verse that I have always found interesting. Matthew 7:28-29, "When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority and NOT AS THEIR TEACHERS OF THE LAW! It is as if they knew that the teachings of their "scholars" were powerless, but that was all they had. It was a bunch of words with no dynamite behind it.
Jesus comes on the scene and they recognize in what He said and the way He said it that He was speaking in behalf of an authority above Himself. They had never heard anything like it and neither have I.
I have sat at the feet of some great teachers, but not one of them gave their life for me. Could it be that His teachings were more than just teachings, but they were a description of His life - right down to the ultimate point of SACRIFICE?
Lord, you are the master teacher, Rabbi; now, please help me to be the master student.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Let's see - He made the religious scholars scratch their heads (questions about John the Baptist) and ultimately made them mad enough to kill him ("Woe to you scribes, hypocrites, den of snakes..."). He continually confused His disciples not because of what He said, but, from their perspective, what He wasn't saying.
There is a verse that I have always found interesting. Matthew 7:28-29, "When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority and NOT AS THEIR TEACHERS OF THE LAW! It is as if they knew that the teachings of their "scholars" were powerless, but that was all they had. It was a bunch of words with no dynamite behind it.
Jesus comes on the scene and they recognize in what He said and the way He said it that He was speaking in behalf of an authority above Himself. They had never heard anything like it and neither have I.
I have sat at the feet of some great teachers, but not one of them gave their life for me. Could it be that His teachings were more than just teachings, but they were a description of His life - right down to the ultimate point of SACRIFICE?
Lord, you are the master teacher, Rabbi; now, please help me to be the master student.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Who is Jesus? #72 (No one like Him)
No one gave people HOPE like Jesus! He met with the hopeless and downtrodden. He interacted with those who were at the end of their rope. He saw those who seemed to be wandering like aimless, shepherdless sheep and He gave them hope.
The HOPE he gave was/is something you could/can hang your life on. It was sure. It was real. It was available. Hope from Jesus is not a whim or a wish. It's an "anchor for the soul,"(Heb. 6:19). You can secure your life there.
It was "today" in paradise with Jesus for that thief. If was "go and sin no more" to the adulterous woman. He said a word of hope and the nobleman's son was healed.
The faithful Jew knew that the Messiah was their only hope and they expected Him to be just exactly that.
I sing the song, "My Only Hope is You," without really thinking about what I am saying. No one, nowhere at no time offers HOPE like Jews.
Jesus, my only Hope is You!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
The HOPE he gave was/is something you could/can hang your life on. It was sure. It was real. It was available. Hope from Jesus is not a whim or a wish. It's an "anchor for the soul,"(Heb. 6:19). You can secure your life there.
It was "today" in paradise with Jesus for that thief. If was "go and sin no more" to the adulterous woman. He said a word of hope and the nobleman's son was healed.
The faithful Jew knew that the Messiah was their only hope and they expected Him to be just exactly that.
I sing the song, "My Only Hope is You," without really thinking about what I am saying. No one, nowhere at no time offers HOPE like Jews.
Jesus, my only Hope is You!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Who is Jesus? #71 (No one like Him)
No one knew, like Jesus, when it was time to speak and when it was time to be silent. What a lesson that I need to learn.
At one point during His excuse for a trial, Jesus said nothing (Matthew 26:63). That is not what I would have done. I would have been trying to defend myself.
The gospel of John records several things that Jesus said during his trial. None of them were attempts to refute the false charges but all were direct and to the point. They did nothing to "improve" the situation as far as his end was concerned. He was still going to the cross.
To speak or not to speak. On one occasion, Jesus walked right through a crowd ready to take his life for what he had been saying (Luke 4:30)
The power of Jesus came across even in silence.
The Bible records only seven things that Jesus said from the cross: the last, perhaps the most earth-shattering. "It is finished." With those three words (one word in Greek) a complete summary of His mission was pronounced.
Lord, please give me the wisdom to speak and to not speak and what I do say, may it be by You and Your power.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
At one point during His excuse for a trial, Jesus said nothing (Matthew 26:63). That is not what I would have done. I would have been trying to defend myself.
The gospel of John records several things that Jesus said during his trial. None of them were attempts to refute the false charges but all were direct and to the point. They did nothing to "improve" the situation as far as his end was concerned. He was still going to the cross.
To speak or not to speak. On one occasion, Jesus walked right through a crowd ready to take his life for what he had been saying (Luke 4:30)
The power of Jesus came across even in silence.
The Bible records only seven things that Jesus said from the cross: the last, perhaps the most earth-shattering. "It is finished." With those three words (one word in Greek) a complete summary of His mission was pronounced.
Lord, please give me the wisdom to speak and to not speak and what I do say, may it be by You and Your power.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Who is Jesus? #70 (No one like Him)
No one, but no one, stood up to false teachers and false teaching like Jesus did! Of course, He knew a false teacher when He saw one and He knew false teaching when He heard it.
False teachers were those who were deliberately leading people off into a belief in something other than the unadulterated Word of God. It wasn't that they were accidentally wrong or mistaken.
False teachers promoted their false teachings in order to draw people to themselves - to have a following.
Jesus nailed them with words like, hypocrites, den of snakes and "do as I say do, not as I do."
People's souls were at stake and Jesus couldn't just stand by and let false teachers have their way with the hearts of the people.
What I need to recognize is that a false teacher is not somebody who simply disagrees with me, but who intentionally leads people away from the truth of God's Word and into their own flock of believers.
The caution here is for me not to be a false teacher.
Father, sanctify me in Your truth.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
False teachers were those who were deliberately leading people off into a belief in something other than the unadulterated Word of God. It wasn't that they were accidentally wrong or mistaken.
False teachers promoted their false teachings in order to draw people to themselves - to have a following.
Jesus nailed them with words like, hypocrites, den of snakes and "do as I say do, not as I do."
People's souls were at stake and Jesus couldn't just stand by and let false teachers have their way with the hearts of the people.
What I need to recognize is that a false teacher is not somebody who simply disagrees with me, but who intentionally leads people away from the truth of God's Word and into their own flock of believers.
The caution here is for me not to be a false teacher.
Father, sanctify me in Your truth.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Who is Jesus? #69 (No one like Him)
No one except Jesus could look right through a person and see the condition of his/her heart.
"Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." Our Lord made this observation about Nathaniel as he was being brought to Jesus by Philip.
Jesus, like His father, looks at the heart and see what is really there.
So often, we are duped by looking on the outside and "judging: right or wrong" what is on the inside. Jesus never misses. He is right on target.
Jesus saw who the Pharisees and Saducees really were. They, "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." He knew the hearts of his accusers before whom He underwent a mockery of a trial - a "jealous heart."
Two items for meditation,
1. Therefore, Jesus knows my heart. I can't fake Him out. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." I want Jesus to see a cleansed heart when He looks inside me.
2. Since I don't have this acute ability like Jesus, maybe I should stay out of the heart-judging business. Wait, I have been commanded NOT to do that: Matt 7:1ff!
Search my heart, O Lord and make it pure before You!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
"Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." Our Lord made this observation about Nathaniel as he was being brought to Jesus by Philip.
Jesus, like His father, looks at the heart and see what is really there.
So often, we are duped by looking on the outside and "judging: right or wrong" what is on the inside. Jesus never misses. He is right on target.
Jesus saw who the Pharisees and Saducees really were. They, "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." He knew the hearts of his accusers before whom He underwent a mockery of a trial - a "jealous heart."
Two items for meditation,
1. Therefore, Jesus knows my heart. I can't fake Him out. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." I want Jesus to see a cleansed heart when He looks inside me.
2. Since I don't have this acute ability like Jesus, maybe I should stay out of the heart-judging business. Wait, I have been commanded NOT to do that: Matt 7:1ff!
Search my heart, O Lord and make it pure before You!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Who is Jesus? #68 (No one like Him)
No one ever showed compassion for people like Jesus. The woman caught in adultery was a "dead duck" save for the compassion of Jesus. Only he could convict her of sin and still exude compassion for her.
He cried passionately over the city of Jerusalem because she had been given all the chances in the world to connect with God and didn't do it. Her rejection of Him didn't cause anger, but grief. They were sheep without a shepherd, not because there was no shepherd available, but because they had said "no" to the Great Shepherd.
His heart goes out to those at the tomb of Lazarus. They didn't understand His capabilities or His power. He wept because of that.
We get bent all out of shape with righteous indignation, even anger: completely skipping the compassion necessary to meet people where they are. Therefore we do not know how to help, how to comfort, how to instruct how to show people how to let God change their heart.
Compassion, I pray that Jesus looks down on me with compassion.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
He cried passionately over the city of Jerusalem because she had been given all the chances in the world to connect with God and didn't do it. Her rejection of Him didn't cause anger, but grief. They were sheep without a shepherd, not because there was no shepherd available, but because they had said "no" to the Great Shepherd.
His heart goes out to those at the tomb of Lazarus. They didn't understand His capabilities or His power. He wept because of that.
We get bent all out of shape with righteous indignation, even anger: completely skipping the compassion necessary to meet people where they are. Therefore we do not know how to help, how to comfort, how to instruct how to show people how to let God change their heart.
Compassion, I pray that Jesus looks down on me with compassion.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Who is Jesus? #67 (No one like Him)
Jesus was the only one who has ever lived who was totally in submission to the will of His Father.
There is probably not much difference between yesterday's blog and today's because perfect understanding of the will of God will lead to perfect and total submission - perhaps a debatable point.
Why was Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age? Because that is where God wanted Him.
Why did he confront the existing religious establishment? Because that is what God wanted Him to do.
Why was He tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting? Because God knew He had to go through that experience.
Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave? Because God, not Jesus, had to receive glory.
Why was Jesus denied and rejected by His own followers:?Because God knew His son had to go through this alone.
Why did He go through a sorry excuse for a trial? Because God needed the sacrifice of an innocent lamb.
Why did he die on the cross? Because needed a perfect sacrifice for our sins and Jesus was the only one.
My submission to the Father may not be on par with that of Jesus. But His submission gives me an example and encouragement.
"Lord, I surrender all."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
There is probably not much difference between yesterday's blog and today's because perfect understanding of the will of God will lead to perfect and total submission - perhaps a debatable point.
Why was Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age? Because that is where God wanted Him.
Why did he confront the existing religious establishment? Because that is what God wanted Him to do.
Why was He tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting? Because God knew He had to go through that experience.
Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave? Because God, not Jesus, had to receive glory.
Why was Jesus denied and rejected by His own followers:?Because God knew His son had to go through this alone.
Why did He go through a sorry excuse for a trial? Because God needed the sacrifice of an innocent lamb.
Why did he die on the cross? Because needed a perfect sacrifice for our sins and Jesus was the only one.
My submission to the Father may not be on par with that of Jesus. But His submission gives me an example and encouragement.
"Lord, I surrender all."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Who is Jesus? #66 (No one like Him)
Jesus was and is the only person who has ever lived or ever will live who understood the will of God, perfectly. So often he reminded his hearers, usually the twelve, that He had to be about doing the will of His Father. Those apostles didn't understand that. I am sure I wouldn't have either. I certainly don't have perfect understanding of it today.
There was nothing He did or said, that was outside of the will of His Father. Every breath He took was an expression of His Father. The will of the Father was the driving force in His life!
From being about His Father's business at age twelve until praying that the will of His Father be done while sweating drops of blood as though it were sweat, it was all about His Father's will and purpose. His Father's will for Him was the cross. There was no denying it and no avoiding it for Him.
He, unlike me, understood it perfectly.
Father grant me further and deeper insights into your will. I thirst!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
There was nothing He did or said, that was outside of the will of His Father. Every breath He took was an expression of His Father. The will of the Father was the driving force in His life!
From being about His Father's business at age twelve until praying that the will of His Father be done while sweating drops of blood as though it were sweat, it was all about His Father's will and purpose. His Father's will for Him was the cross. There was no denying it and no avoiding it for Him.
He, unlike me, understood it perfectly.
Father grant me further and deeper insights into your will. I thirst!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Who is Jesus? #65 (No one like Him)
He is the only man who had perfect faith in God. He trusted His Father with every ounce of His being. He prayed to be spared from the cruel death that awaited Him, but was perfectly aligned with the will of His Father. At 12 he was "about His Father's business" because He knew that was the mission statement for His entire being. He not only trusted God who gave Him His assignment, but He trusted Him to equip Him to do it. He trusted God that things would carry on after He was gone.
It was indeed a perfect faith, never wavering, always on target, always moving toward the cross.
I am overwhelmed with the admonition to be like Him.
Father, I trust you to help me be more like Him.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
It was indeed a perfect faith, never wavering, always on target, always moving toward the cross.
I am overwhelmed with the admonition to be like Him.
Father, I trust you to help me be more like Him.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Who is Jesus? #64 (No one like Him)
He is the one and only man ever born by way of God putting a seed in the womb of a virgin (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35). Everything about His birth was perfect: the time, the place, the audience, the circumstances, the rejoicing, the glory. We know the verse; John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." He is unique. There is/was no one else like Him. From the very beginning, He was unique.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
P.S. Now that Summer is over, blogging continues.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
P.S. Now that Summer is over, blogging continues.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Who is Jesus? #63 (Forgiver Cont.)
It was a penetrating and practical question. "How can I forgive someone if I hold a grudge against them for what they did to me?" The discussion ensued then regarding whether we can forget even if we do forgive.
I could only think of the Savior's forgiveness of me. He holds no grudge though I rebelled against Him. I was just as guilty as anyone else who mocked Him, beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. He looked down on me from that cross and said, "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." He "remembers our sins no more."
I am not Him. He is perfect! He is awesome! He is all powerful! I am feeble, inconsistent and imperfect. Do I use that as an excuse not to forgive - truly forgive?
As far as my sins are concerned, I am glad He is forgetful.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
I could only think of the Savior's forgiveness of me. He holds no grudge though I rebelled against Him. I was just as guilty as anyone else who mocked Him, beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. He looked down on me from that cross and said, "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." He "remembers our sins no more."
I am not Him. He is perfect! He is awesome! He is all powerful! I am feeble, inconsistent and imperfect. Do I use that as an excuse not to forgive - truly forgive?
As far as my sins are concerned, I am glad He is forgetful.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Who is Jesus? #62 (Forgiver Cont.)
He was a common thief. Who knows how long he had been engaged in that lifestyle. Maybe he had been a thief since his childhood. Maybe he had only stolen one time, but got caught. He was punished for his law breaking right at the side of the Savior.
What right did He have to ask for forgiveness? "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:42). No, Jesus. Don't do it!. He hadn't remembered you or your father with his life. What is this - a last minute confession and repentance?
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," (vs. 43). Jesus did it. He forgave him!
You know, we are not any different. It makes no difference when we come to Jesus to be forgiven. What is important/urgent is that we do it!
If I don't have the heart to "allow" the thief to be forgiven, then I do not understand Forgiveness or the Forgiver.
Today, Jesus, remember me!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
What right did He have to ask for forgiveness? "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:42). No, Jesus. Don't do it!. He hadn't remembered you or your father with his life. What is this - a last minute confession and repentance?
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," (vs. 43). Jesus did it. He forgave him!
You know, we are not any different. It makes no difference when we come to Jesus to be forgiven. What is important/urgent is that we do it!
If I don't have the heart to "allow" the thief to be forgiven, then I do not understand Forgiveness or the Forgiver.
Today, Jesus, remember me!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Who is Jesus? #61 (Forgiver Cont.)
It is almost an impossible situation. Someone says there is no way that Jesus will forgive me. He doesn't know all I have done. I have been too terrible - too black - too sinfull - too rebellious. He will just look right past me.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Random Reflections
In the last couple of weeks, much has happened in our lives.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Who is Jesus? #60 (Forgiver Cont.)
I wonder if the paralytic man knew he was in need of forgiveness?? Did he really have any idea of what was about to happen to him? Does what Jesus did even make sense?
I come to Jesus when I need help - when I am looking for encouragement, when I am needing to be strengthened. Maybe what I really need is forgiveness.
Could it be that my helplessness, discouragement and weakness have entered my life because I have given into sin? I have let Satan have the smallest of footholds and he has taken the greatest advantage of that "lapse."
What the paralytic thought he needed from Jesus was really secondary. Primarily he needed forgiveness.
When it comes right down to it, my spiritual health will get me a lot further than my physical health.
Please forgive!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
I come to Jesus when I need help - when I am looking for encouragement, when I am needing to be strengthened. Maybe what I really need is forgiveness.
Could it be that my helplessness, discouragement and weakness have entered my life because I have given into sin? I have let Satan have the smallest of footholds and he has taken the greatest advantage of that "lapse."
What the paralytic thought he needed from Jesus was really secondary. Primarily he needed forgiveness.
When it comes right down to it, my spiritual health will get me a lot further than my physical health.
Please forgive!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Who is Jesus? #59 (Forgiver Cont.)
Two big F's that somehow go together - faith and forgiveness. Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought the paralytic and forgave his sins; He healed him later.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Who is Jesus? #58 (Forgiver Cont.)
Why is it that sometimes, I don't feel "forgiven?" Is it because my sin is so great that I can't accept the fact that I am forgiven? Is it because I am looking for a "cleansed" feeling that only happens over time? Jesus came to forgive. I need forgiveness. Why don't I feel forgiven?
Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Who is Jesus? #57 (Forgiver Cont.)
"...how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Peter asks a legalistic question from a heart that does not understand forgiveness. Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" is not an indicator of limited forgiveness. Jesus is not playing a numbers game here when it comes to being forgiven.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
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