Posts
timewithgod.blog-city.com — January 2008
Matthew 6:1-18 Our Not-So-Hidden Motivations
Jesus says in these verses that it is ridiculous to attempt to appear holy, and if that's the sole motivation for what we do, our service is shallow and our worship is hollow.In effect, when we do that, we are trying to get people to worship us r
Jesus says in these verses that it is ridiculous to attempt to appear holy, and if that's the sole motivation for what we do, our service is shallow and our worship is hollow.
In effect, when we do that, we are trying to get people to worship us rather than Him, and that is idolatry. The practical way to avoid this in our lives is to bat down pride by keeping it all to ourselves.
We are to let any charitable deeds we do be seen as God's provision to those in need.
Even when we pray, Jesus says to mainly pray in secret. We won't get so hung up on our words sounding right or what people may think of our spiritual ability. God instead wants simple one-on-one communication with us, without all the fluff. He wants our prayers to be heartfelt, not high and mighty.
And should we choose to fast -- to abstain from gratifying any physical appetites for a time -- the sole reason should be to get something out of the way that may be hindering us from hearing from God.
Father, please examine my motivations. Show me where I'm trying to snatch glory from You for myself. Lead me instead to offer these as gifts to You, for You are worth of our praise.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 6:19-34 Trusting Him With It All
Worry and money and the combination of the two are dealt with today. My commentary said, "The problem is not so much what we eat and wear today, but what we shall eat and wear 10, 20, or 30 years from now. Such worry about the future
Worry and money and the combination of the two are dealt with today. My commentary said, "The problem is not so much what we eat and wear today, but what we shall eat and wear 10, 20, or 30 years from now. Such worry about the future is sin because it denies the love, wisdom, and power of God, implying that He doesn't care for us, that He doesn't know what He's doing, and that He isn't able to provide for our needs."
It also says that this passage contains some of the most revolutionary teachings of our Lord and some of the most neglected. "This teaching forces us to decide whether Jesus meant what He said. If He did, then we face the question, 'What are we going to do with our worldly treasures?' If He didn't, we face the question, 'What are we going to do with our Bible?' "
Jesus didn't say, "Don't plan." We aren't supposed to display an absence of concern either, my sermon notes say. "Concern is a godly trait."
God wants us to provide for our near future and to trust Him to provide for our far future. To get by this very human tendency to hoard, we have to take a leap of faith. We have to let go and let God have back what He's given us. And we have to trust Him with it.
Dear God, continue to help me to make investments today in Your kingdom that will honor and glorify You. I don't want to be glorifying myself with Your money and treasures.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 7:1-14 The Requirements Of A Son
There was so much stuff I'd underlined, highlighted, and starred over the years that picking out the best was tough. "Jesus warned that unrighteous judgment would be repaid in kind .... He exposed our tendency to see a small fault in s
There was so much stuff I'd underlined, highlighted, and starred over the years that picking out the best was tough.
"Jesus warned that unrighteous judgment would be repaid in kind .... He exposed our tendency to see a small fault in someone else while ignoring the same fault in ourselves," my commentary said. "If we think we can live out the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount by our own strength, we have failed to realize the supernatural character of the life to which the Savior calls us."
Even in asking God for what we need in prayer, there was a demanding lifestyle shown: "From Psalms 66:18 we learn that the person praying must have no unconfessed sin in his life. The Christian must pray in faith (James 1:6-8) and in conformity with the will of God (1 John 5:14). Prayer must be offered persistently (Luke 18:1-8) and sincerely (Heb. 10:22a)."
God wants to give us good things, and we should imitate Him in showing kindness to others, it says. "The way to test whether an action is beneficial to others is whether we would want to receive it ourselves..... Christianity is not simply a matter of abstinence from sin; it is positive goodness."
Then, as Jesus discusses the narrow road to heaven, my commentary said that this is not a discussion about believers versus nonbelievers. It is also "not a discussion of losing one's soul, but of a failure to live out the PURPOSE of one's existence.... the interpretation is for believers. Jesus is saying that to follow Him would require faith, discipline, and endurance. But this difficult life is the only life worth living. If you choose the easy way, you will have plenty of company, but you will miss God's BEST for you."
Perhaps Oswald Chambers wrapped it up best in my sidebar when he said, "Thank God He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a glad thing, but it is also a heroic, holy thing. It tests us for all we are worth. Jesus is bringing many "sons" unto glory, and God will not shield us from the requirements of a son. God's grace turns out men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ."
Father, this reminds me of hiking -- I don't treasure the easy hikes nearly as much as I do those where I fought and struggled and overcame what I believed to be the limitations of my body and reached the top. You've shown me that it's the same way while striving to be a disciple of Your Son. I don't want You to shield me from the requirements of a son. Thank You for making me exercise my faith!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 7:15-29 The Rock That Holds Me In The Hard Place
The way we build houses out here had thrown a kink in trying to understand the parable about the wise man building his house upon rock and the foolish man who built his on sand. After all, if you watch any house being built around here, the ver
The way we build houses out here had thrown a kink in trying to understand the parable about the wise man building his house upon rock and the foolish man who built his on sand. After all, if you watch any house being built around here, the very first thing they do is to haul in loads of sand to place under the foundation. I've been told that this is done to "disconnect" the house's foundation from the clay-filled dirt below, which is known to swell and contract greatly as it gets saturated then dries out. The cement foundation floats on this bed of sand instead, helping it not be pulled apart by the swelling and contracting of the clay beneath. So it would appear that a wise builder would want to build on sand. In this part of the world, the bedrock is so far underground that it's not practical to build on the rock.
We have to understand that back then few houses had foundations. Most just had dirt floors. There was no real foundation. Anyone lucky enough to have exposed bedrock could carve out holes that they could set timbers in which significantly strengthened their home. The main supports would therefore never move.
I looked back over Jesus' teachings in the preceding chapters, since He said, "Everyone who hears My teachings and obeys them..." People who do this, to paraphrase Him, are setting the supports for their lives in Bedrock. I know that to be true, but the "picture" I was looking for just didn't seem to gel. I finally stopped working on it for awhile to clear my mind.
God began to insert an image in my brain as I backed away from it all for a few minutes. On the wall of my study is a picture of Josh and me hiking up to Devil's Hall in the Guadalupe Mountains. Most of the trail runs through a usually-dry boulder-strewn streambed. I clearly recalled seeing a large lodge-pole pine that had fallen and been wedged between gigantic boulders. In fact, Dylan and Josh had climbed up and sat on it for a picture. It wasn't going anywhere, despite the onslaught of the deluges that frequently plow through the riverbed. That's what our lives are supposed to resemble.
Whether our deluge is lust or anger or selfishness or worry or the desire for revenge, embedding Christ's teachings in our hearts causes us to be firmly fixed in Him. He is the bedrock that holds us firmly against the deluge when, for instance, lust overwhelms us, threatening to push us over the moral cliff. His teachings and His strength along hold us fast in the torrent, as the waters break around us and we silently scream, "No! I will not be moved!" And like that log, we are held tightly in place until the threatening waters abate.
Sand can't do that. I'll take my Bedrock any day!
Father, thanks for giving me the picture I needed. When the floods do come, fix it firmly in my mind that I am held in place by You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 8 -- The Miracle of Human Refusal
The Jews of that time showed a perplexing ability to put up with about anything except leprosy. There was never an instance cited in Scripture of a leper in the Temple or a leper even in the same room with Jews. The one command they seeme
The Jews of that time showed a perplexing ability to put up with about anything except leprosy. There was never an instance cited in Scripture of a leper in the Temple or a leper even in the same room with Jews. The one command they seemed capable of keeping was to shun a leper.
During the worst days of the declining states of Israel and Judah, even prostitutes and homosexuals enjoyed better treatment than lepers, who, unlike these other two groups, could do nothing about their condition.
My commentary said, "Leprosy is an appropriate picture of sin because it is loathsome, destructive, infectious, and, in some forms, humanly incurable." (It helps to read over this list several times to let it sink in.)
Yet Jesus reached out and touched this untouchable. Even before the healing took place, the leper was probably thrilled just to experience a human touch -- something that had been forbidden of him since he contracted the disease. Oh, to feel Jesus' hand on mine!
The leprosy vanished immediately, and the person who could not a few moments before experience a hug, much less corporate worship, could suddenly do both. As my commentary noted, "Our Savior has power to CLEANSE from sin and to QUALIFY the cleansed person to be a WORSHIPER."
There was no waiting period to see whether the leprosy might reappear. It was like a switch had been thrown. All he had to do was believe.
My commentary spoke of verses 18-22 as being "the miracle of human refusal". In fact, that is the only force on this planet that could stop Jesus from healing. That is a miracle, though not a good one. How strange that no one wants to keep a disease, yet few seem ready to have sin removed from their lives!
Father, thank You for taking me in all my sin and qualifying me to be a worshiper. What a gift of healing! I pray that You will remove even the "pet" sins I have, even OVER my objections. I so hate my stupidity at turning down a true miracle.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 9 -- Jesus teaches us about handling interruptions
Jesus was in the middle of a sermon about the change from Law to Grace when the leader of a synagogue interrupted Him to ask for healing for his daughter who had just died. My commentary says that "Jesus honored his faith by starting out w
Jesus was in the middle of a sermon about the change from Law to Grace when the leader of a synagogue interrupted Him to ask for healing for his daughter who had just died. My commentary says that "Jesus honored his faith by starting out with His disciples to the ruler's home. (Remember that generally, the religious ruling class was trying to discredit Jesus.)
On the way there, He was interrupted again, this time by a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. She believed that if she could only touch His robe, she would be healed. After she'd done that, instead of dismissing it and continuing on, Jesus stopped the procession to praise her faith.
He finally arrived at the girl's home and was interrupted again by the hired professional mourners, who laughed at Him for saying that she was only sleeping. After having them leave, He went in and healed her -- His primary objective for the trip.
My commentary noted that "Jesus was never annoyed by such interruptions; He was always poised, accessible, and approachable."
Yesterday, things ratcheted up a notch at work. I was trying to juggle my usual job, auditors, sick kids, homework, youth group, piano lessons, and other matters. Though I felt the need to close my door to finish a certain project on time, I was certainly glad that God has been at work in my life helping me to calmly deal with the exasperation I was feeling when I was being pulled 7 different ways. I found myself remembering to pray for help, guidance, and patience.
Father, I continue to learn from Your Son about handling interruptions, particularly when compassion is needed. I know that I still need more of Your peace and Your calm reassurance. I know already that I'll have several interruptions today. Help me to handle them in a manner that honors You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 10 -- An Ounce More Devoted
Jesus sends His disciples out on a preaching tour of Israel. They are only supposed to take His word to the Jews. They know this should be the best news to deliver, but also that they would face tremendous opposition because of it.He told
Jesus sends His disciples out on a preaching tour of Israel. They are only supposed to take His word to the Jews. They know this should be the best news to deliver, but also that they would face tremendous opposition because of it.
He told them 3 times not to fear -- not to fear the victory of their foes; not to fear the murderous rage of men; and they shouldn't fear men but should have a reverential fear of Him who has the ability to send them to Hell. "This is the greatest loss -- eternal separation from God, from Christ, and from hope," my commentary said.
Those guys, who were probably in their 20's and had all be just plain old fishermen, "weren't cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were AN OUNCE MORE DEVOTED THAN THEY WERE AFRAID, and as a result, did some extraordinary things..." the sidebar by Max Lucado in my Bible says.
Father, as we go into this Disciple Now weekend, help me and help those coming to teach to be an ounce more devoted than we are afraid to talk to whomever You put in our paths, whatever the circumstances. I pray that You will help me to have the words I need to lead someone to a closer walk with You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 11 -- Wow! Being Yoked WITH Christ!
WOW! Such an incredible wealth of treasures from Christ. I'd read one, thinking that this is the best one for today only to read another and another. But hands-down, my commentary led me to choose verses 29-30: "Take
WOW! Such an incredible wealth of treasures from Christ. I'd read one, thinking that this is the best one for today only to read another and another. But hands-down, my commentary led me to choose verses 29-30: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (I remembered here the quote, "For our hearts will not rest until they find rest in Thee.") For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
According to my commentary, the Pharisees had placed a heavy burden on the people. "They ... lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Jesus' yoke is easy; it does not chafe. Someone has suggested that if Jesus had had a sign outside His carpenter's shop, it would have read "My yokes fit well." His burden is light. This does not mean that there are no problems, trials, labor, or heartaches in the Christian life. But it does mean that we do not have to bear them alone. We are yoked with CHRIST who gives sufficient grace for every time of need. To serve Him is not bondage but perfect freedom."
It also quotes J.H. Jowett: "The fatal mistake for the believer is to seek to bear life's load in a single collar. God never intended a man to carry his burdens alone. Christ therefore deals only in YOKES! A yoke is a neck harness for two, and the Lord Himself pleads to be One of the two. He wants to share the labor of any galling task. The secret of peace and victory in the Christian life is found in putting off the taxing collar of "self" and accepting the Master's relaxing yoke."
Father, I too had always thought this meant either a collar for one or being yoked with other believers. How incredible is the idea of being yoked with Christ, who wants me to be walking and working alongside of Him!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 12:1-32 A Challenge To Christians Every Day
The Pharisees were getting thoroughly hacked at Jesus, and were looking for any excuses to discredit Him. As He and His disciples walked through a wheatfield and the disciples rubbed grain in their hands to clean it before eating it, they charg
The Pharisees were getting thoroughly hacked at Jesus, and were looking for any excuses to discredit Him. As He and His disciples walked through a wheatfield and the disciples rubbed grain in their hands to clean it before eating it, they charged the disciples with profaning the Sabbath -- simply because they had needed nourishment!
In answer, He quoted God's Word: "I want kindness more than I want animal sacrifices."
That reminded me of a story in the Abilene Reporter-News on Sunday. The headline read: "For Many Christians, Saying They Believe Isn't Enough. They Have To Show It" (emphasis mine).
It was a story about several community ministries offered by Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. I'd kept the paper because it had spoken to me through that headline, along with last Sunday's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and my DiscipleNow shirt with our "Make Your Life Count" theme logo that had been laying in front of me.
Sunday, my older son's best friend -- a fifth grader -- had called to tell us that his mom (35) had died. As it turns out, she is alleged to have been raped, beaten severely, stabbed to death, and robbed. Her two boys (the other is in the fourth grade with my younger son) and their single father live in a modest home in Hamlin (the couple divorced several years ago) and are having to deal with this horrible nightmare. As I write this, they are in Fort Worth awaiting release of her body from the autopsy so they can plan a service.
The Holy Spirit had sparked the combination of these three messages, leading me to call several of the moms of my Webelos Scouts about using our scouting time this week to straighten up and clean up their house and yard while they are away. A total of probably 14 man-hours was spent yesterday, after our normal workdays, and we hope to do more today.
That headline keeps ringing in my ears: "Saying they believe isn't enough. They have to SHOW it." Making a donation to some cause in her name would be "honorable", and somewhat akin to the animal sacrifices of that day. But we wanted to show kindness to the hurting. Hopefully, we are getting what Jesus was saying here. It certainly makes more sense.
Father, there's something incredibly special about being able to live out Your Word. I pray that You will help me to remember this and to look for other compassionate ways I can help those who need it.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Matthew 12:33-50 Be Careful, Your Soul Is Showing
Jesus said, "You are evil people, so how can you say ANYTHING good? The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart."My commentary stated it this way: "A heart filled with goodness will be evidenced by words of grace and
Jesus said, "You are evil people, so how can you say ANYTHING good? The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart."
My commentary stated it this way: "A heart filled with goodness will be evidenced by words of grace and righteousness. A wicked heart expresses itself in blasphemy, bitterness, and abuse."
I thought back over the last weekend, remembering things I'd said to the boys in my group. I especially tried to encourage them to take to heart all that we were studying, applying it moment by moment during the weekend, and when their words began to resemble sniping at one another, I repeated what had been said and asked about the character of those words, trying to get them to examine more closely what they say so that they might learn to prefilter their words rather than speaking impetuously, to prevent hurt.
Yet I find even in myself that doing this is often difficult. For instance, just last night I was very tired from two evenings of helping to clean another family's house -- they'd suffered a tragedy and we wanted to help. Finally home, we were sitting at the table eating supper. My oldest son had finished off a jar of pickles, and I asked him to take it to the sink, drain it, and throw the jar away. He decided to be cute and turned the jar upside down on the placemat. Only the lid wasn't on right, and pickle juice quickly soaked the cloth placemat and began to spread onto the table before he could right the jar. The kicker was that 1) our house had just been cleaned that same day by the lady we pay to come in every two weeks, and 2) I'd just washed and dried all of our placemats -- a once-in-a-blue-moon, when-they-get-so-spilled-on-we-can't-stand-them, all-day job due to their thickness and capacity to curl up.
I knew my exhaustion added fuel to the fire. I ought to know by now that Satan uses exhaustion to his best advantage. My anger quickly welled up and venomous words came from my mouth as I ordered him to get about cleaning up the mess he'd made. There was total silence for the rest of the meal. Yet he dutifully cleaned it up the best he could. I dared not speak again until my anger had subsided, and God was already at work in my heart. After clearing the dishes away, I said, "Josh, it looks like both of us made a mess tonight. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten so mad and said what I did." As we sat down to go over his math homework, thankfully he playfully hugged me as we reestablished the love we'd been showing each other before the accident.
As I read these verses, I kept coming back to verse 33: "If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good." In this instance, I believe that means I've got to apply those prefilters myself always despite everything happening around me. God even used what little I'd seen of today's newspaper, which bore a headline: "Remember, The Mike Is Live". It always is for Christians.
Father, I'm sorry for last night. Thank You for giving me the humility to apologize to my son. As You mentioned in verse 41, we must feel sorry and make changes, and I want to do that. I want what I say to accurately reflect what is in my heart -- a deep love for You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
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