Thursday, August 9, 2012

Do Our Actions Reflect Our Faith?

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered. -- Matthew 21:28-31a

What have you done for God today? Reading the Bible or praying doesn’t count in this because, truly, you do those things for yourself. Were you kind to a stranger? Did you give food to the poor? Did you visit a shut-in? Did you grant mercy and forgiveness to someone who had wronged you?

Or did you go about your day as you always do, focused on yourself and those closest to you without even a thought to those you passed on by? Did you even see them? Do you consider their hurts? Did you pray for their souls?

What did you tell yourself today to justify your actions? You probably are a pretty good person. Maybe you’re even one of the few who tithe faithfully and attend church regularly. Maybe you volunteer at church. Or maybe you simply show up. You do what is comfortable but anything else is, well, uncomfortable.

We look like followers of Jesus. We obey the rules. We go through the motions. We wear crosses around our necks and we read our Bibles sometimes. We know Jesus. We do. We are proud to call ourselves Christians.

We seem to do everything right. The only problem with that is that we’re so caught up in our own little world that we are passive when it comes to the hurting, lost souls that inhabit our world. Our sins, as Pastor Rob pointed out earlier this year, are sins of omission. Outwardly we look just like followers of Jesus but deep in our hearts we are only posing.

See, we don’t want to get dirty. We want the homeless to house themselves. We blame them for their plight, with no sign of compassion or guilt over judging what we do not know. We condemn the hungry, the unemployed, those going through a tough time. It is easier to blame them, to focus on what they may or may not have done wrong, than to look in the mirror and consider what we have done wrong in our hearts and our actions.

We know that God has called us to action. We answer that call with a resounding, “Yes, Lord!” And then we go our own way, filled with excuses and blame for everyone. So are we followers of Jesus? Or are we posers with empty hearts?

There is no limit to what we can do if Christ is the center of our world, Pastor Rob said. But we can’t do anything by merely talking about we should do. Christ didn’t call us to be passive observers filled with condemnation and excuses. He called us to have a positive impact on our communities and those around us by taking action to help others.

Monday, March 19, 2012

God Always Answers Our Prayers

Then Jesus told them, “I assure you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain. ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” -- Matthew 21:21-22

Do you believe that God should grant every request you make of Him? Do you think that this passage of Scripture entitles you to whatever you want, whenever you want?

Sounds silly when we talk about it in this way but truthfully many people do believe just that. They get upset with God when He says no or when He doesn’t say anything. It’s like a spoiled child being denied his every whim.

Let me ask you another question: Do you really believe you can throw a mountain into the sea merely by calling on God in prayer? Now don’t misunderstand what I’m asking here. God can do anything -- including throwing mountains into the sea. But what about you? Can you do it?

Jesus frequently used what scholars call hyperbole when He told stories and parables. Hyperbole is an overstatement or exaggeration used to make a point.

Let’s look at an example. In Mark 10:25 Jesus tells us that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. Do we really believe that a camel can go through the eye of a needle? No. But that’s not the point of what Jesus is saying. He’s telling us that it’s so very difficult for a rich person to enter heaven because they place things -- their money and possessions -- before God.

So, when we look back at the Scripture in Matthew it’s easier to see that maybe, just maybe, Jesus wasn’t telling us we’d get everything we asked for. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have great faith and ask boldly for whatever it is we want. It just means that maybe God has something better planned for us. Maybe God has a better way planned to use us for His glory.

Answered prayers also aren’t about how “good” or “deserving” we are. Remember that God refused to take away the Apostle Paul’s “thorn,” instead telling Paul that His grace was sufficient for him. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

And let us also remember Jesus, as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked God to take the cup of suffering from Him. Then Jesus prayed something truly profound that we would do well to remember: “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36b)

God’s will, not our own. Do we selfishly pray only for what we want or do we ask God what He wants? Do we present our requests to God, then bow down before Him and submit our will and requests to His wisdom?

God always hears us and answers our prayers. We may not always get the answer we want but we will always get the very best answer.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

We All Must Show Jesus’ Love

“For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.” -- Matthew 21:32

There’s a sign that everyone sees as they exit the parking lot of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Montgomery. It says “Now Entering the Mission Field.” I love that sign because it reminds all of us that the world needs to know Jesus and we, His people, are the missionaries appointed to tell them the Good News.

Most of us who call ourselves Christians are good people. Oh, we make mistakes every single day. We fall far short of God’s Glory. We would be lost and without hope if it weren’t for Jesus’ blood washing away our sins. But we try. We do. We want to do good and do the right things.

If we can, we write a check for a worthy cause. We’ll eat a dinner where the proceeds are for something good. We’ll listen to those just back from mission trips and we’ll clap loudly and praise them with our words. We’ll do a great many things for God’s Kingdom -- so long as we don’t have to get dirty.

We want to minister to people like us. We don’t mind taking the occasional casserole to a friend or giving a ride to a neighbor. But we balk at buying a bag of groceries and leaving it anonymously at the doorstep of someone we don’t know who is out of work. We refuse to give a ride to someone who is disabled and lives on the “bad” side of town.

We show up -- but only partway and never with quite a full heart. See we are Christians only to a point. A point that is convenient and nice and comfortable. We let the professionals -- the pastors and missionaries -- take care of the rest. Except in this broken world there are far too many broken people and not nearly enough “professionals” to take care of them and show them God’s love.

Besides, God never meant for only certain people to tell others about Jesus. He didn’t intend for us to horde our possessions, refusing to share with those in need. God never planned for us to be Christians in name only. He expected us to embrace His Son’s heart - the same heart that beats within us when we become Christians - and go out into the world and do good.

Are you living as Jesus lived? Are you loving and caring for those in need, whether they are “like” you or not? Are you reaching out so that others can know the love of a Savior? Is the world around you a better place because you are in it?

When Jesus lives within us, we change. It’s that simple and that complicated. Life can’t go on as it did before. We can’t hold back. We can’t live life comfortably, ignoring the poor, the lost, the sick, the outcasts. We must act because it’s what Jesus would do.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Jesus Conquered The World

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” -- Matthew 21:9-11

The crowd was so excited. Jesus entered the city on a donkey, just like the prophet Zechariah had predicted. They shouted praises at Him and laid their cloaks and palm branches on the road as He made His way into Jerusalem. He was their king, their victor, a conqueror for all time.

And, yet, Jesus came in peace. He didn’t ride forth on a horse, holding a sword and rallying his followers to fight. He came forward to complete a victory that was begun long ago but one this Passover crowd didn’t understand. They were expecting a Messiah, just not one quite like Jesus.

Who do you think Jesus is? God’s Son. Our Savior. Sure, He is that. But what else? Jesus came to free the slaves of sin. He came to suffer so that all who call His name might have eternal life with God. He came to champion those who have little, the repressed and the poor. Jesus came for the people who today would be on the welfare rolls, living in the desert without food and water, or dying needlessly because they couldn’t afford or didn’t have access to health care. Jesus didn’t come to help the rich. We forget that sometimes.

The roads to Jerusalem would have been especially crowded that day. It was time to celebrate the Passover, which remains the most important holiday on the Jewish calendar. The crowd no doubt remembered the night their ancestors had used the sacrificial lamb’s blood to mark their doorways so that the angel of death would pass over the Jewish homes as he struck down the firstborn sons throughout the nation of Egypt. God delivered His people then and they knew He would deliver them again.

They thought -- for a moment -- that Jesus might be the Son of David they were expecting. They celebrated His entrance. And quickly turned against Him when He didn’t behave as they expected. They wanted a warrior. Instead, that got a lamb. A sacrificial lamb.

How would you have reacted had you been there that day? Would you have cheered Jesus as He entered that Holy city? Would you have abandoned Him when the situation turned dangerous and He didn’t fight?

What do you expect from Jesus throughout this Holy Week and beyond? How will you remember His triumphant entry? How will your actions reflect the very real sacrifice that lay only days ahead?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Building Waits For God's People

"Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves."

-- Matthew 21:12

There's a church building near where I live. It has been a church forever it seems. Different denominations have worshipped there but its been a church just the same. Then Satan got hold of someone -- so the story goes -- and the person responsible for paying the mortgage didn't pay it. The church was evicted and the building was sold.

The man who purchased the building had visions of money. He told me so. He planned to start an auction, open a restaurant, have antique shops. It was a grand dream. He started with yard sale vendors in the parking lot most days, including some Sundays. Then he started the auction.

I went with a neighbor one night. I love auctions and I wanted to give it a try. The pews were filled with people. The auctioneer stood where a preacher once proclaimed God's name. The alter and choir areas contained tables loaded with items to be sold. We left fairly soon, refusing to even register for a number. My mind knew it was no longer a church. My heart screamed in protest at what was being done to God's house.

I asked around the neighborhood and found that others felt the same way when they visited the auction. One woman admitted she'd actually purchased an item. She told me she'd spent the following week looking over her shoulder. She dreamed of Jesus and the money changers. She never went back.

The auction is closed now. The yard sale tables no longer pop up. A For Sale sign sits forlornly out by the highway. I spoke with a church group Saturday. They were hosting a yard sale to raise money for their small church. They don't have a permanent home and must rent space in a local building for Sunday worship service. I mentioned the vacant church building. They'd already checked in to it. The owner, it seems, still has visions of money. The group felt he wanted way more than the ragged building is worth. We all agreed to pray about it.

What is a vacant church building worth? It depends, I suppose, on what you believe. God's presence lives in that building. I can't describe it any other way. The people may have left, but God didn't. That makes the building priceless.

I believe with everything I have that someday another church family will find a way to make it a home. I don't know who it will be or how it will happen. I just know that God can raise up all things, including a once vibrant building that waits to once again hear people sing God's praises.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Expect Miracles

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

-- Matthew 21:22

I'll been repeating this verse to God frequently. I seem to always start it with "you said." I think He would probably like to remind me that there's nothing wrong with His hearing. He heard me the first time. And the second. And the third, fourth, and all the other times. Just in case, I've included a few other Bible passages about healing and belief.

This one is important. It is something only prayer can heal. Oh, I know. The doctors have done all they can. There's still a chance for surgery. It's not a good bet though. Frankly, I'm putting my faith in Jesus. He is steady and sure. He said to believe and I do. He can and will heal this little guy.

I figure I've probably insulted a few people who have prayed for healing for their spouses and children, They've begged God for more time with parents or siblings. They've asked for cancer-free bodies and limbs that work once again. They feel insulted that I would expect God to heal one small dog when He didn't heal them or their loved one. Sorry, but I do.

I realize that sometimes God says no. He might say no this time. Sometimes He has something even better in mind and we must go through this valley to reach that distant peak. I also know that God sometimes gives us miracles that are more spectacular that anything we could imagine. I'm expecting a miracle.

Oh, when it comes, there will be those they claim credit. It was the medicine or the aloe vera or just the body healing itself. Nope. God alone. Even the veternarians, strong Christians that they are, will agree. Thanks God. Thanks. For being who you are. For loving us where we are. And for healing one small dog with a really big attitude.

Satuday, September 4, 2010

Pray For The Lost

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." -- Matthew 21:22

I received a prayer request the other day. There's nothing unusual about that. I believe deeply in the power of prayer. Everyone knows that. I consider praying for others both a privilege and an obligation. So, of course, I was happy to pray. I doubt my prayer was what the person had in mind.

The request came from a wife seeking prayer for her husband. These two very nice people don't know Jesus at all. They don't want to know Him. The man especially can get really belligerent and ugly about Jesus. It's sad, really, because they are nice people. They are also lost in a maze of hardness that, so far, no one has been able to penetrate.

So, I was pretty amazed to hear the woman request prayer for her sick husband. Of course, I want him to be healthy. But then what? He goes along until his body fails again. And it will fail him. Our bodies aren't meant to last forever. Remember, we'll get a new body one day. But what about this man? So, yeah, I pray for healing -- that his hard heart will soften and open to the love Jesus longs to give him. See, I want him to come to know Jesus -- even if he has to suffer to get to that point.

I did wonder if his wife really wanted prayer or if it was just a phrase so people would think about him and know he was ill. Does she even understand what prayer is? Does she understand that prayer is basically talking with a God she really doesn't accept? Does she realize that He created the universe -- including both she and her husband?

Still, I am hopeful. Always. God wants all His children -- including those who deny Him -- to come and accept His gift of salvation and eternal life.

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." -- 1 Timothy 2:4

So I'll pray for this couple in a way that don't expect and certainly wouldn't welcome. I believe Jesus died for them just as He died for me. I want them to one day know that. To understand it. To feel it in their hearts as He fills them with His love.