January_30

SHARING BREAD

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Matt 11:7-11 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to receive Kudos from the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? Two other incidents in Scripture come to mind as well and, quite frankly, leave my mouth watering – so to speak. The first is found in Daniel when the angel Gabriel, in swift flight, arrives at his side while he is yet in prayer:

20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill– 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Dan 9:20-23 (NIV)

Hmmm, so far we have: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist”, next we have an angelic visitation to Daniel by Gab himself stating: “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed” and lastly we discover yet another angelic visit by Gabriel to Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, giving this high exaltation of her:

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)

No one greater born of women, highly esteemed, highly favored – all bestowed by God Himself, seriously, does affirmation get any superior than this? This makes me want to dig deeper to discover what so characterized their lives that made them thus so highly exalted by Jehovah. What can I uncover to emulate – to put into practice in my own life. The common thread that particularly stands out to me at first blush is their faithfulness to the call God had placed on their lives. You see no grumbling or complaining, no begging to change their lot, their cross. They each willingly embraced His will – filling the roles which God had prepared before time for them to fill – with a willing spirit – and God was both honored and pleased. Paul tells us in Ephesians God has prepared good works for all of us to walk in:

10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 (NIV)

“Let us see that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek to please and glorify Him in everything, great and small. Depend upon it, God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supplies.” Hudson Taylor

We also see in the lives of the Baptist, Daniel and Mary how they humbled themselves in service. They honored God and He therefore honored them. We are to humble ourselves and God will lift us up in due time. Jesus tells us in John that the Father honors those who serve Jesus:

26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26 (NIV)

Just as pride goes before a fall so too does honor from God follow the humbling of ourselves. Peter gives us this Truth to treasure:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

John shows this forth in the non-luxurious lifestyle he lived as well as his attitude of heart when he declared to his disciples regarding Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less.” Daniel – even as a young teen – resolved not to defile himself with the rich foods and wines of the King’s table opting rather for mere vegetables and water – and God was pleased. The unmarried young teen Mary humbly responded to Gabriel regarding her call to be with child and give birth to the Son of the Most High by: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

Interestingly, all three of these served in their own sorts of isolated places – John in the desert, Daniel on foreign Pagan soil and Mary in a stable. None seemed to balk at their calling rather they manifested an unshakable resolution to continue on with God’s work – much like Jesus – neither courting smiles nor fearing frowns of men.

“Enough that God my Father knows: Nothing this faith can dim. He gives the very best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Anonymous

What I glean from this:

• I desire to receive a “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
• Pride goes before a fall and honor follows humility.
• God desires for me to have an unshakable resolve in following hard after Jesus.

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January_28

SHARING BREAD

1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Matt 11:1-6 (NIV)

Is it not amazing that John could have rightly identified the Master and have even baptized Him yet then begin to question again His being the Messiah? We find his testimony regarding Jesus being the Son of God in the Gospel of John:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34 (NIV)

The Baptist’s ministry had been cut short. Wrongly placed in prison for speaking the Truth (he had rightly told Herod it was wrong for him to have his brother’s wife Herodias), John now begins to question if he really had things right about Who this Jesus was. Tribulation and trials, suffering and isolation can make one question if we are really on target with Jesus. Like the Baptist, we can begin to doubt the love of the Master. We would do well to remind ourselves of the simple Truth of His love:

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Anna Bartlett Warner

Satan delights in placing a wedge in our relationship with our Lord by inciting us to doubt Him. Unless reeled in and once again rightly regain proper focus, our doubting can often lead into our falling. I am reminded of the whole Garden experience with Adam and Eve. As Satan lures our original parents to doubt God:

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Gen 3:1-6 (NIV)

The adversary desires for us to question the Lord’s sufficiency, peace, power and plan for our lives. When things go contrary to what we had imagined or expected, doubts and questions often arise and perhaps even flourish if allowed. Our focus becomes wrongly fixed on our circumstances rather than the Author and Perfecter of our faith:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)

We can take to heart that, like the Baptist, where there is true faith there still may remain a mixture of unbelief, of questions of dangling doubts. We are sweetly given enough Truth to strengthen our faiths yet not to satisfy our every why. Like God showed Job, we are unable to answer every question. We will never put God in a box nor have Him down pat. We do hope in what is unseen yet hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has – Paul asks us in Romans 8.

“And she took a deep breath and she smiled brave because this is how you answer His call. You don’t get to make up most of your story. You get to make peace with it. You don’t get to demand your life, like a given. You get to accept your life, like a gift.” Ann Voskamp

God gives us exactly what we need to be victorious in Him. In our verses for today, Jesus reminds John of all that He was accomplishing – of all the miraculous deeds done – things too hard for mere man to accomplish – for His faith to be strengthened with unshakeable confidence.

“God wants us to be victors, not victims….to overcome, not to be overwhelmed.” William Arthur Word

“Faith is a living and unshakeable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.” Martin Luther

What I glean from this:

• Satan loves to plant doubts in my mind of God’s love for me.
• Jesus loves me, this I know. He always has my best interest at heart.
• I am to fix my eyes on the Master not my circumstances.

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January_25

SHARING BREAD

40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Matt 10:40-42 (NIV)

All actions for Jesus sake are detected by the One who keeps accounts – nothing goes unseen by His all-seeing eye. We have no need to worry about this nor keep account ourselves nor even speak about what we do in the Name of Christ. We can be certain that when we go out in the sweet name of Jesus – doing works for His glory – equipped by His power – it will be noted by the Master. We are not to brag about our works – anything eternal is done through the power of the Holy Spirit – rather we are to allow our works to bring us praise from the Father. So many times I hear tongues wagging (mine so included) over pious actions done and I think to myself, “Be quiet! You are seeking to receive only the poor reward of the affirmation of man – and this will be your reward in full.” How silly of us to sacrifice God’s jewels for man’s paste gems! I am reminded of our Lord’s Word to us regarding this in the Sermon on the Mount:

1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matt 6:1-4 (NIV)

It is no wonder that Jesus tells us we are not to even let our left hand know what our right hand is doing! We are so proficient at and have such a tendency towards stroking our prides in seeking the praise of men that we can even mask this vain pursuit with mere innuendos sans words – hopeful someone will jump on our praise bandwagon!

This precept is clearly fleshed out in Acts through the life of Cornelius. He was a devout and God-fearing Gentile centurion whose prayers and gifts to the poor did not go unnoticed by God. He was told in a vision by an angel of God to send his servants to “fetch” Peter who would eventually lead him to faith:

3 “One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. ‘What is it, Lord?’ he asked. The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.’ Acts 10:3-6 (NIV)

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” St. Basil

Jesus also desires for His followers to know at a gut level that anything we do for others is as if we are doing it for Him. We are to see Jesus in each face we minister to. He cares deeply for every soul and we are to do likewise. Kindness shown is valued by Christ not in accordance to the cost of the gift but according to the motivation of love and affection of the giver – the widow’s mite was highly regarded and serves as a wonderful example for us. We do not have to be rich in worldly wealth to be rich in good deeds and good deeds are expected of all followers of Jesus. In the Parable of The Sheep and the Goats our Lord affirms those who did just that – even though they were unbeknownst of this in their doings. All actions motivated by the love for the recipient do not go unnoticed:

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matt 25:34-40 (NIV)

“He does much who loves much.” Thomas a Kempis

“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.” Teresa of Avila

What I glean from this:

• All actions for Jesus sake do not go unnoticed by God.
• I am not to let my left hand know what my right hand is doing.
• In serving others I am serving Jesus.

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January_23

SHARING BREAD

37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Matt 10:37-39 (NIV)

This begs a question of us all does it not – do the choices we make in our lives prove worthy of this Jesus? Are we willing to forsake all and trust Him? He calls every follower to this high standard through the power of the Spirit. Jesus intends to be our interest above all interests. He will not share His rightful throne with any other – no matter what or who it is. He is to be our life and our sufficiency. We are to find our identity in Him and not in the lesser things of nature.

“Many who make a great profession of religion and abound in the exercise of devotion, are yet ruined by the love of the world. These covetous Pharisees could not bear to have that touched, which was their Delilah, their darling lust; for this they derided him, they turned up their noses at him, or blew their noses on him. It is an expression of the utmost scorn and disdain imaginable. They laughed at him for going so contrary to the opinion and way of the world. It is common for those to make a joke of the word of God who are resolved that they will not be ruled by it.” Matthew Henry

If following Christ is worth anything, it is worth everything. These are our Lord’s terms both for our good and His glory. Whatever we part with for this Pearl of great prize, we can be assured that it is well worth it. God will be no man’s debtor. The Apostle Paul had this down pat. He considered his accomplishments and pedigree – both exalted by the world’s standards by the way – as rubbish compared to the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. Nothing else really mattered to him any longer – especially to the point of living for them – he chose Christ and that, Jesus states, should be every disciple’s choice. Paul’s practice is presented to us in Philippians. We would do well to follow in his footsteps:

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil 3:7-11 (NIV)

“God will be our compensation for every sacrifice we have made.” F. B. Meyer

While we are certainly to love those nearest and dearest to us, this affection must not rise above that of our love for the Lord Jesus. We are such stupid sheep; we can make “gods” out of anything – even our own children. God, Who brought us out of slavery by the precious blood of Jesus, both deserves and desires to be first in our lives. I am reminded of the first commandment:

6 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before me.” Deut 5:6-7 (NIV)

Lastly, we are told to take up our crosses and follow after Christ. Criminals at that time in Rome were made to carry their own crosses as a demonstration of admission that the Roman Empire was correct in executing the death sentence on them. Likewise, in carrying our crosses we demonstrate Jesus’ right over our lives. We are not our own. We were bought with a high price. Therefore, we are to honor our Lord with our choices. Taking hold of the life that is truly life is only discovered in the dying of self and the living for Him.

“Your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, and you are to accept it cheerfully; you are to carry the cross as your chosen badge and burden, and not to stand judging it too severely….Jesus bids you to submit your shoulder to His easy yoke. Don’t kick at it in petulance, or trample on it in vain conceit, or fall under it in despair, or run away from it in fear, but take it up like a true follower of Jesus. Jesus was a cross bearer; He leads the way in the path of sorrow. Surely you could not desire a better guide! And if He carried a cross, what nobler burden would you desire? The Via Crucis is the way of safety; don’t be afraid to tread its thorny paths…..Carry your cross, and by the power of the Spirit of God you will soon be so in love with it, that like Moses, you would not exchange the reproach of Christ for all the treasures of Egypt. Remember that Jesus carried it, and it will smell sweetly; remember that it will soon be followed by the crown, and the thought of the coming weight of glory will greatly lighten the present heaviness of trouble.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Christ showed us the way of the cross and as we follow Him, He leads us victoriously through our sufferings to our glory. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Romans:

15 “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:15-17 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus is to be on the throne of my life – everything else is to be under His feet.
• Following Christ is worth everything.
• I am to share in Jesus’ sufferings in order that I might also share in His glory.

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January_21

SHARING BREAD

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law–
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own
household.’”

Matt 10:34-36 (NIV)

In our verses for today our Lord warns His followers not to expect peace on this planet rather division. The harsh effect of preaching the Word and standing for the gospel of Truth is not the fault of the message or even the message bearer rather the hearers of it. The faith of the believer condemns those who do not believe therefore the non-believers have enmity against those who do believe. Light always exposes darkness.

“If you follow Christ, you shall have all the dogs of the world yelping at your heels. If you would live so as to stand the test of the last tribunal, depend upon it, the world will not speak well of you. He who has the friendship of the world is an enemy to God; but if you are true and faithful to the Most High, men will resent your unflinching fidelity, since it is a testimony against their iniquities. Fearless of all consequences, you must do the right……Better a brief warfare and eternal rest, than false peace and everlasting torment.” Charles H. Spurgeon

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? James 4:4-5 (NIV)

Surely there remain few things harsher than for those who should be the closest to us to turn against us. When we are with those we love we should not have to fear being misunderstood or our words being misconstrued. These are those who should know and love us best consequently it is extremely hurtful to be shunned by them. When a believer discovers themselves sadly disowned by family for the sake of Christ, they should take solace in remembering that our Lord is the faithful friend who ever remains closer than a brother:

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:24 (NIV)

King David’s encouraging words regarding the Lord’s faithfulness found in Psalm 27 come to mind:

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalms 27:1-3 (NIV)

10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Psalms 27:10 (NIV)

Christ deals fairly with His followers here in telling us the worst we can meet with in His service in an effort to get is to consider the cost in our following Him. He does not desire for us to enter into His service flippantly rather He prepares us for what we will inevitably face. He never painted a picture for us that we would be carried to heaven in a bed of down as some presume. Trials, sufferings, abandonment, rejection, painful misunderstandings and the like are all crosses that Christians are often called to bear – just as our Savior did. Our Lord was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Remembrance of the suffering Redeemer compels us to continue to labor in His cause – there are people yet to be saved – wandering sons and daughters who need brought home. This “little” rejection now will pale in the light of the Father’s smile.

“Dream not that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christ-like you are, the more peaceably people will act towards you. They prized not the polished gem, how should they value the jewel in the rough? ‘If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His household?’…….Far be it from us to seek a crown of honour where our Lord found a coronet of thorns……Never for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness.” Charles H. Spurgeon

What I glean from this:
• Jesus warns me not to expect peace on this planet.
• Light exposes darkness.
• Jesus never forsakes me.

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January_18

SHARING BREAD

32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”

Matt 10:32-33 (NIV)

Are we faithful to confess – to acknowledge – to agree with the Lord Jesus before men? Do we continually call His Word Truth – steadfastly standing firm in it? Are we walking in His way showing we belong to Him by what we do and say? Are we singularly focused on His mission for our lives and have learned to persevere even when things are anything but rosy or pleasant? Do we run in such a way as to win the prize? These are worthy questions to ask ourselves. Jesus tells us today that those who honor Him, He too will honor. God’s Word recorded in 1 Samuel states likewise:

Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. 1 Sam 2:30 (NIV)

These statements do not refer simply to fireworks acts that draw attention – quickly lighting the sky yet just as quickly dissipating but also and perhaps even more importantly they refer to lives which consistently choose faithfulness to the Master – even in the dull and routine. No fanfare – No one asking for autographs – No one snapping pictures or making the headlines of the news – just a life lived with joy and contentment consistently choosing the correct path through the power of the Holy Spirit. Such a life loudly proclaims this Jesus that we serve.

“Habits are to the soul what veins are to the blood. The very course of our life depends on them. Random acts of greatness pale in comparison to habitual acts of faithfulness.” Ann Voskamp

We cannot afford to be spiritually soft even in the routine as it is in the small choices that make the life. We are to do the right thing even when no one is watching – God always is. Sometimes God’s calling dictates the hard path, the one replete with lack of encouragement or affirmation, the one requiring painful endurance, the one whereby we are constantly pouring out rather than soaking in. We are to persevere and not abort His mission when hardships occur and life is anything but times of refreshing. A life lived sacrificially isn’t demanding when we keep the proper mind set of where we once were – dead and lost – what Christ did for us on the cross – blood and grace – and where we will eventually remain eternally – Heavenly Kingdom and glory. We should pray for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us useful and active in His Kingdom work! Believer’s lives are to be lived with purpose – we are set apart for the Gospel of God.

“The work of praying is prerequisite to all other work in the Kingdom of God. It is by prayer that we couple the powers of heaven to our helplessness … and make the impossible possible.” O. Hallesby

Interestingly, we honor Christ before mere man yet He will honor us before Almighty God – “I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” Paul’s words in Romans come to mind:

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:8-9 (NIV)

Jesus gives us another warning similar to the one in our verses for today recorded in the Gospel of Mark:

36 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:36-38 (NIV)

It is a dangerous thing to disown and deny Christ before man. Jesus walked through a fallen world as we do yet He suffered more. His path led Him through minefields of hardships – ridicule, abandonment, rejection – as He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem. Trials and tribulations are a given – even for the unsaved. Difficulties are a normal part of walking the earth even if the life is lived perfectly as Jesus. Our Lord is proof of that. Yet we can live deeper than the reach of sufferings tentacles. We can learn contentment and joy in every circumstance God allows. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians and with them I close:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)

What I glean from this:
• I am to faithfully acknowledge the Lord Jesus before men through my words and ways.
• Jesus honors those who honor Him. We can never out-give God.
• I am to pray for strength and perseverance to finish well.

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January_16

SHARING BREAD

26 “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Matt 10:26-31 (NIV)

“All is vanity but to love God and serve Him.” Thomas a Kempis

In our verses for today, Jesus’ followers are told to faithfully acknowledge Him before men without fearing those who only possess the ability to kill the body yet not the soul. Rather, we are to fear the One Who controls both. One day His light will expose all darkness – there will be no avoidance of His deep and perfectly penetrating eye. Wisdom will always be demonstrated true by her actions. It will never prove substandard to hold to God’s standard – either now or eternally. Who has ever out-given God? Believers have been entrusted to carry forth the Gospel – the secret things of God – and are to be proved faithful with that trust. I am reminded of Pauls’ words to the Corinthians:

1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:1-5 (NIV)

“Let Christ’s ministers faithfully reveal His truths, and then leave it to Him, in due time to reveal their integrity.” Matthew Henry

“The most brilliant way to live is to always look for the light.” Ann Voskamp

Of course, it is easier to state not to be fearful or worried regarding our witness than to flesh it out – especially coming from one who is a chronic pleaser and basically a chicken at heart! Yet Scripture calls us to this standard – we are not to be anxious about anything – an all-encompassing word by the way. Paul gives us both the admonition not to worry and the antidote to combat it in Philippians:

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)

“There is never a fear that has not a corresponding ‘Fear not.’” Amy Carmichael

“The only fear a Christian should entertain is the fear of sin. All other fears are from Satan sent to confuse and weaken us. How often the Lord reiterated to His disciples, ‘Be not afraid!’” Isobel Kuhn

In light of this, Jesus also reassures us today of His love and faithfulness by reminding us of the tender compassion our God has for even the smallest sparrow and how much more so for His children. God’s providence extends itself to all creatures and all their actions – even the smallest and the minutest. Nothing is shut out from Divine care. Our days are all written in His book before one of them came to be and while we are not to be foolishly placing ourselves in harm’s way, we will not be taken from this earth one moment before God has completed His plans for us here. Our times are in His hands. I am reminded of God’s Word in Isaiah:

8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• As a follower of Jesus, I have been given a trust to acknowledge Him before men and am to prove faithful to that trust.
• I am not to fear anything but falling into sin. I fall into sin (non-concerted effort) but I must pursue righteousness (a concerted effort). Holiness does not just happen it is pursued.
• Jesus promises His compassion, love and faithfulness to me.

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January_14

SHARING BREAD

24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!”
Matt 10:24-25 (NIV)

Jesus had been accused by the religious elite of His day of having demonic powers for healing a demoniac – as ludicrous as that sounds. In our verses for today He gives His guys a warning that they would more than likely suffer false accusations as well –“A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Whatever harsh treatments disciples of the Lord Jesus meet with are certainly no more so than what their Master received when His feet walked this earth. Jesus gives forth the warning to His followers so as not to have them stumble when such harsh sufferings arise. They should not expect to fare better than He. John records Jesus stating similar Words:

20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:20 (NIV)

“It is hard to say which is here more to be wondered at, the wickedness of men who thus abused Christ, or the patience of Christ, who allowed himself to be thus abused……The consideration of the ill treatment which Christ met with in the world, should engage us to expect and prepare for the like, and to bear it patiently; nor think it hard if they who are shortly to be made like him in glory, are now made like him in sufferings.” Matthew Henry

Paul’s words in Romans come to mind:

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17 (NIV)

Interestingly, the Lord Jesus states almost the exact same thing to His disciples after He has humbled Himself by taking a towel and washing their feet. John records the incident:

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17 (NIV)

The goal of the disciple of Christ is to walk as Jesus walked in both humility and love sans complaining and discontent. Our actions are to be motivated by love and not by the Law – empowered by the Spirit. Service mandated simply boils down to legalism. Jesus served us out of love and a willing heart – are we not to offer Him the like? I am reminded of John’s words once again:

This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6 (NIV)

“Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.” John Henry Jowett

“The service that counts is the service that costs.” Howard Hendricks

Peter also reminds us that we are not to be surprised when we undergo trials for Christ’s sake rather we are to rejoice that we participate in His sufferings – arming ourselves with the same attitude of the Master – living for Christ rather than our paltry human desires:

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NIV)

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

“Christ became what we are that He might make us what He is.” Athanasius of Alexandria

“The hypocrite soars like the kite, with his eye on the prey below. The true Christian soars like the lark, higher and higher, forgetting the things that are beneath.” Matthew Henry

What I glean from this:
• The student is not above the Teacher. If Jesus suffered accusations I should not be surprised that as His follower I too will suffer them.
• I am to walk as Jesus walked in both humility and love through His power.
• Service that counts, costs.

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January_11

SHARING BREAD
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
Matt 10:21-23 (NIV)
The Words our Lord spoke here were fully demonstrated in the lives of His apostles after the day of Pentecost in their spread of the gospel fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. They will find their fullest manifestation, however, in the days of the great tribulation when the gospel will be taken throughout the entire world prior to Jesus’ glorious and powerful return to establish His kingdom on earth. In speaking of the signs given which point to the times at the end of the age Jesus states later in Matthew:
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matt 24:9-14 (NIV)

“The nature of man, if it is not sanctified, is the worst nature in the world next to that of demons……As far as the apostasy from God goes, so far the enmity against the saints goes; sometimes it appears more general than at other times, but there is something of this poison lurking in the hearts of all the children of disobedience.” Matthew Henry

“This knowledge [of our own sinfulness], though it strikes man with terror and overwhelms him with despair, is nevertheless necessary for us in order that, stripped of our own righteousness, cast down from confidence in our own power, deprived of all expectation of life, we may learn through the knowledge of our own poverty, misery and disgrace to prostrate ourselves before the Lord, and by the awareness of our own wickedness, powerlessness, and ruin may give all credit for holiness, power and salvation to him.” John Calvin

Friend will turn against friend, our Lord states and sadly, there will even be a lack of familial love. Jesus did not state this to frighten or dismay rather to warn and prepare us so that we will not be taken by surprise or have our faith shocked and diminished. We are to expect the world’s hatred. It is no wonder as He was hated that we who bear His image and interests are hated as well. Those whom Christ loves, the world hates. Conflict appears to be a given yet as children of Peace we are not to seek trouble rather we are to be wise at all times particularly in conflict and suffering. God desires that we do not needlessly expose ourselves rather use all fair and lawful means for our preservation. In the cause of Christ we are to be loosely attached to the world and its comforts yet not wasteful of them. Neither are we to place trouble on our own heads. I am reminded of Paul’s word to the Thessalonians as a good rule of thumb:

11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thess 4:11-12 (NIV)
Perhaps what stands out the most to me in our verses for today is finishing well. Jesus’ Word: “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” spurs me onward to faithfulness. Many start out in their faith as a great firework in the sky only to dissipate into a tiny spark, if that. Battle weary, trouble laden, persecuted, the sinful nature rearing its ugly head, working in the flesh rather than in the power of the Spirit, prideful, seeking earthly comforts, trapped by the lures of this world, ad nauseam – you name it – all cause us to turn and if not extinguish, at least cover our flames. God desires for His children to finish well. You might want to read that again. He does not want us to cop out and coast. Souls of men are at stake and while admittedly we are weak cracked clay pots at best in our own flesh, for some odd reason, God has chosen to advance His treasure of the Gospel through humans. Go figure. He desires for us to finish as Daniel – who taken from his homeland as a mere teen rose to be a respected high commander in a pagan world leaving the aroma of Jesus in His wake or as Caleb – who desired to fight the giants in the promised land in God’s power at 80 years young or as Paul – whose desired greatly to finish well – pressing on through trials I can barely read much less have experienced. I wonder why we think life should be different for us. Paul’s words inspire me and with them I close:

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Phil 3:12-16 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Persecution is a given for those who follow Jesus. Persecution comes in many “flavors” from rejection by those near and dear to martyrdom. God desires for me to glorify Him through my trials not run or quit.
• We cannot expect regenerate behavior from an unregenerate – they, as we would be apart from Christ, are not capable.
• I desire to finish well.

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January_09

SHARING BREAD
17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Matt 10:17-20 (NIV)
“To added affliction He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.” Annie Johnson Flint
Jesus’ Word to His guys (and every other subsequent disciple for that matter) regarding the response they should anticipate from the message He sent them to proclaim appears anything but encouraging. He taught them they were to expect suffering – on His account – in carrying out His ministry. Floggings, arrests and fears in speaking certainly do not promote warm fuzzies and sweet dreams! Yet our Lord also directed the disciples how to bear up under these trials, how to go on with His works even in the midst of suffering and how to battle and abate that formidable foe – fear – the great enemy of faith – all in an effort for them to be readied and prepared and to remain at peace in every circumstance. It is our Lord’s desire for His disciples to be alert to the fact of these possibilities, to be on guard so as not to be taken by surprise by the enemy who ever prowls around like a roaring lion seeking those he may devour. We would also do well to remember that the student is not above the Teacher. Jesus’ Word to us in John comes to mind:
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” John 15:18-21 (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

“Calvary is God’s great proof that suffering in the will of God always leads to glory.” Warren Wiersbe

Scripture teaches us that following Jesus often results in the world’s hatred. James also tells us that friendship with the world is hatred toward God:

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NIV)

Oftentimes westerners have the mistaken mentality in regard to selflessness, suffering, trials and tribulations that it is something foreign to the will of God. Actually, nothing is further from the truth. Just take a look at the selfless life Jesus lived and suffered through for the benefit of all sinful humanity. Christ foresaw His sufferings as well as those of His followers and He bids us to go forth as He resolutely went forth Himself. He gives us a heads up in order that we will neither be surprised nor shocked by persecution in our walks of faith rather strengthened and encouraged as a prediction fulfilled brings confirmation that we are walking rightly. We are red flagged by Peter as well regarding trials stressing that we are not to be surprised when they come rather mentally prepared focusing not on the trial but rather on the joy that will be ours when the glory of Christ is revealed:

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

“Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger…these are nothing when compared with the glory that will be revealed in, and for us.” David Livingstone
“It is in the quiet crucible of our personal private sufferings that our noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given; often given in compensation for what we have been through.” Wintley Phipps

“All my sufferings served to promote my spiritual and eternal good. Glory be to thee, O Lord.” Susannah Wesley

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)

“On Him then reckon, to Him look, on Him depend: and be assured that if you walk with Him, look to Him and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. An older brother, who has known the Lord for forty-four years, who writes this, says for your encouragement that He has never failed him. In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust in Him, He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His Name.” George Mueller

What I glean from this:

• Trials are a part of the Christian walk. Both believers and non-believers alike will suffer as we live in a fallen world YET (and Hallelujah!) there is always purpose in the pain for the believer in Jesus.
• The example of the Master’s walk was replete with selflessness and suffering.
• Jesus never fails me.

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