A Little Goes a Long Way
Father, this has been a different kind of day. I can’t really put my finger on it but… Overall it has been a good day, and I will take a good day, any day! Thank You, Father, for Your blessed presence. Thank You for keeping enabling me to keep my goals, as well.
Luke 13:20-21 (<<click here to read the passage)
Some time back Karen and I started cutting down on certain types of food as mainstays in our diet that we felt were not very beneficial for us. For the most part, we have eliminated starchy foods and sugary foods from the foods we eat.
Now I have never been a big bread eater, but I enjoyed toast with breakfast, and on special occasions, rolls with homemade jelly on them did the trick. We haven’t kept bread in the house for some time but…when we go out to eat, sometimes we will indulge.
One place we enjoy is Texas Roadhouse – good food, great service, and reasonably priced. And they have fresh-baked rolls which they serve hot from the oven with cinnamon butter! Mmmmmmmm! They are yeast rolls, so they even smell delicious!
Just a few weeks back, we looked at yeast. In that instance, Jesus spoke saying “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1 And now He is comparing the Kingdom of God to yeast! What?!
So, when you think about it “the yeast of the Pharisees – their hypocrisy” had a bent to wickedness. It worked as yeast works, permeating our lives through and through to our loss because it is a mentality that goes against what is good and whole and pure. How can one be filled with hypocrisy and love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength? If you are hiding behind a mask, how can you truly love others? You can’t!
Now, if we allow God’s love to permeate our lives – and that is what brings about His Kingdom – it gives us a bent toward holiness! It is wholesome. It is pure. It perpetuates eternal joy! There is not one thing bad in that whole batch! And a little dab’l do ya!
For some of us, our bent to wickedness is hard to overcome. We may think that we’ll never overcome it. But just a little bit of “holy” yeast can impact us greatly!
I was curious as to the ingredients of Texas Roadhouse rolls, so I searched for a “copy-cat” recipe online. For that recipe, one would use 4 cups of flour and 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast to yield 24 rolls. In that recipe, there is 92 times as much flour as there is yeast! That’s almost a penny in comparison with a dollar!
Take heart! If sin is steamrolling your spiritual walk, go to Jesus! A little prayer may not seem like much, but it is powerful in the hands of a mighty God! Don’t give up if you fall! Keep on keeping on! Jesus and all the throngs of heaven are cheering you on! You can do it! A little bit of yeast goes a long way!
Aug 25th, 2020, Tues, 7:52 pm
Weary and Worn
It was a busy day today, Father. Karen and I were able to donate blood today, which I always feel good about. After that, we were able to run some errands and enjoy the day together. Thank You for the blessings of this day.
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Jesus, I just feel the need tonight to come before You, weary and worn, in a humble attitude of prayer.
At the end of last school year, when things, as we had known them, came to a screeching halt, we were able to handle them. In a way, it was like we had been doing our thing full tilt, so when things changed the momentum of that carried us forward until the end. There were a couple of bumps in the road, but we dealt with them and kept on moving.
Summer has of course been different, too. But we just adjusted as necessary and really didn’t make any waves and were not overly impacted by the waves of others either.
But now we are in a different place altogether, it seems like. Most everyone has been itching to get back to “normal”, so on many levels, we are trying to do that. The problem is, it is all pretty much a semblance of “normal” because, at this moment in time, normal just can’t be had.
Overall, I feel we are doing the right things in being as cautious as we can be in regard to protecting one another from exposure to the virus. Yet, people are all over the place in their reactions.
Some feel we are overreacting big time. They feel that we are being foolish going down that path like dumb sheep just doing what we are told to do without question.
Some feel that we are not being cautious enough! We are rushing too quickly into too great a potential for exposure and that in short order we will fall head over heels into disaster.
A lot of people feel just stuck in the middle. We so want normal, too, but are being pulled all over the place not trying to rock the boat but doing our best to keep ourselves and those we love safe in the midst of it all.
One of the hardest things is that there is really nowhere to escape to where the pressures of all these things don’t exist. Work, shopping, eating, school…even church! There is often outright opposition in all these places and sometimes there is that undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the way things are being handled by those in leadership. To say the least, it is demoralizing…
I must say on every front, leaders are in lose/lose situations. All in all, there is no winning solution. But in most cases leaders are doing the very best they can. They are trying to hear and understand every angle. There are trying to grant as much freedom for normalcy yet keep everyone as safe as possible at the same time!
We are overdoing it until someone becomes gravely ill or dies, then we didn’t do enough!
Those who have taken time to read up to this point, I challenge you. Pray. Love. Have compassion. Show mercy. Forgive. Be humble.
Lord Jesus, did You do any less? When You came to live amongst us, the only way to save us was to lose everything! You held nothing back… Your total sacrifice was required, so that we may receive the gift of salvation, full and free. May we never forget! And may we follow suit, in loving and giving of ourselves. Amen.
Aug 24th, 2020, Mon, 9:14 pm
I Have a Mustard Seed, and I’m Not Afraid to Use It!
A good day, Father, gathering with Your people, interacting with them in so many ways. Thank You for Your many blessings! I pray for the continued blessings of Your hand upon my shoulder. Actually, I know that Your hand will be there…what I earnestly pray for is that I will continue to heed Your will. Amen.
Luke 13:18-21 (<<click here to read the passage)
It is easy to feel small and insignificant in the world. In my circle of friends and associates, I don’t think there are a lot of movers and shakers…at least according to the world’s standards.
We think that we really don’t make a big difference. We are single individuals and standing alone, how can we make any substantial impact on the way things are.
For example, isn’t our world a wreck? Sure, there are pockets of love and compassion. But, specifically here in the United States, we are so divided. We are seemingly incapable of reconciliation. I feel this way. You feel that way. …and never the two shall meet. I say, “Well, I’m not going to change.” And you say, “I’m not going to either!”
So, what are we to do? It is not in the least bit enjoyable to be in opposition to others. This whole pandemic thing and the way the lists of dos and don’ts has become a line in the sand that we dare not cross absolutely drains me. Today I just feel beat… I’ve not had anyone get in my face about their take on things today, but I have sure felt the undercurrent of mindsets running strong.
So, what can I do?
Jesus in today’s passage speaks of mustard seed. The study notes in the Amplified Bible says, “In ancient Israel, the mustard seed was the smallest known seed.” When Jesus referred to it, He was referring to something small and insignificant. In and of itself, it amounted to very little in the eyes of the world but that sure doesn’t stop the mustard seed! When planted “it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”
Jesus was driving home the point that the Kingdom of God wasn’t busting into the world. It wasn’t big and bombastic! It wasn’t screaming in your face so everyone would notice.
My study Bible* notes said,
Then general expectation among Jesus’ hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing the nation from Rome and restoring Israel’s former glory. But Jesus said his Kingdom was beginning quietly. Like a tiny mustard seed that grows into an enormous tree…the Kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed.
It still works that way today. Like the mustard seed, when the world looks at me and who I am and what I do, it is not too greatly impressed. I am insignificant. But… when I am working in line with God’s will, when I am seeking His glory and not my own, my smallness becomes His greatness.
I truly pray that burying myself in Him, though seemingly a small thing, little by little becomes a big thing. My attitudes and mindsets when filtered through His love and compassion begin to change things. When I pray for others, as well as myself, change ensues. It may be imperceptible at first – mustard seed in size – but as I said in a sermon a couple of weeks ago, when God gets into the equation, He is not just an addition to our resources, He is a MULTIPLIER!
So, world beware! I have a mustard seed, and I’m not afraid to use it!
Aug 23rd, 2020, Sun, 7:56 pm
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
What Is Life About?
Well, Father, was different, to say the least! I was not perfect, but You guided and directed, and, in the end, it was a good day, accompanied by my good, good Father. All praise to You for Your timing and wisdom in and through my life!
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OK, I may be sharing something that everyone has seen numerous times floating around on ye old world wide web, but never have I ever seen or read or shared it. So, here goes!
I saw this on Facebook today and it made me stop and think. I realize that this can easily be labeled as inspirational fluff, if you will, but how about we add some weight to it by pairing each statement God’s Word? That will definitely give us all something to chew on!
When I woke up this morning, I asked myself, WHAT IS LIFE ABOUT?
The fan said, “Be cool.”
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
The world can throw a wrench in the works of our lives very easily. Sometimes it’s just plain hard to put ourselves out there. But just as my day was filled all kinds of twists and turns, with God by our side power, love, and self-discipline prevail!
The ceiling said, “Aim high.”
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
We are called to give our best to the Master (as the old hymn goes) so each day, regardless of how mundane our tasks may be or had frustrated we are about what we have to do may we strive to do it with all our heart, as working for the Lord!
The window said, “See the world.”
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT
Now if anything I would add three words to this one to make it complete. See the world through God’s eyes.” I for one am grateful that loves me the way He does. I am humbled because He is gentle and patient, making allowance for my faults because of His love for me. What better way to see the world than through His eyes?
The clock said, “Every minute counts.”
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:16 NLT
An old DC Talk song went, Time is ticking away, tick, tick, ticking away… And it sure is doing that! We’ve talked a lot about being ready recently for we do not know the day or hour when our time will up. We need to make the most of every opportunity!
The mirror said, “Reflect before you act.”
Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]… James 1:19 AMP
The world teaches to always be ready to pounce! More than ever, we are ready to jump down anyone’s throat if someone…anyone…doesn’t think as we think. We are always on the defensive, but wouldn’t life be so much better if we would just be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger? Now that would be a goal with great reward!
The calendar said, “Be up to date.”
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16 NLT
We need to get our hearts and minds out of the ruts in which they have been stuck! In the righteousness and holiness of our loving Savior, we must again see the world through His eyes. But where we need to be careful is when we try putting on our spiritual sunglasses. They change the hue of everything! New thoughts and new trends are never reasons to reject those who need to meet our Savior and we can be the key to that introduction! Don’t think you know it all!
The door said, “Push hard for your goals.”
…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NIV
Whatever your goals, may they be in line with God’s will. And if that be the case, nothing will be impossible for you!
The floor said, “Kneel and pray.”
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT
And to wrap everything up, bathe everything – every thought, every word, every action in prayer. For we shall be the victor if we keep on praying!
Aug 20th, 2020, Thurs, 9:32 am
Let Love Rule!
Father, four days ago I took up some new goals, and due to Your mighty arm of strength, I have held steadfastly to them. All praise to my mighty God, I am weak, but He is strong!
Luke 13:10-17 (<<click here to read the passage)
What is more important, people…or rules? It would be easy to say “people” when they were held up against bad rules or even so-so rules, or silly rules… But what about good solid rules, would people still outweigh rules?
Rules are important for our safety and survival, right? All in all, yes.
OK, how about religious rules? Specifically, the Ten Commandments that God Himself gave to Moses… Let’s pull an example to the forefront. Number six, “You shall not murder.” Exodus 30:13 NKJV
That’s a pretty solid rule…a very important rule. If someone breaks that one, people or rules?
How about number four?
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work… vs. 8-10
Well…people or rules?
Mark in his Gospel shares an interaction with religious leaders and their reaction to the disciples breaking this one. They happened to walk through a field of grain and got called out for “working” on the Sabbath. They had broken off heads of grain to eat. To the religious leaders, it was a big no-no! They were “harvesting”!
This is Jesus’ final statement in response to their accusation. I love how the New Living Translation puts it!
“The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 NLT
So, seeing Jesus’ words, what is more important, people…or rules?
We have to be very careful here, for rules on many fronts are so important to abide by. Without them, we would live in a state of anarchy. Governmentally and most importantly, spiritually.
In today’s passage, Jesus healed a woman in very dire straits. She had been crippled by an evil spirit and had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight.
Jesus knew the rules. In fact, Jesus wrote the rules! He also knew how the religious leaders had enhanced and expounded upon the rules. But on this day, Jesus exemplified the true law and released this dear woman from her bondage!
As Mark 7:27 states, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people…”
We know people’s mindsets. We see it all the time. Some people never take a day off. We call them workaholics! (It’s easy for pastors to fall into this mindset, as well.) We all need rest. We all need to set aside our labor…and God knew that.
It is easy for us to point a finger at the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, but are we any less guilty? Many of us share similar attitudes. It would be best for all of us to look at the rules to which we hold hard and fast.
The true law, as set by God, must be adhered to but, honestly, how many layers of humanity are draped around our rendition of God’s law. How have we enhanced? How have we expounded? How have we placed disproportionate importance on our enhancements and exposition of the law and used them as hammers to beat people down? May we look for the love at the core of God’s law. May we abide by it at all costs…even if it means shedding all that we have added. For really, it all boils down to let love rule!
Aug 19th, 2020, Wed, 8:48 pm