Sunday, January 3, 2010

I Once Was Blind

There is a moving account in the book of John that lifts my spirit every time I read it. It is found in John, chapter 9, and it involves Jesus' healing of a blind man. The story follows that Jesus and his disciples were walking one sabbath day, when they encountered a man that had been blind from birth. Jesus spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle, placed the clay over the blind man's eyes and told him to go wash in the pool of Saloam. The man did as he was told and came back seeing. Many, who had known him to be blind, began to question him. He recounted the events of his healing, of how a man named Jesus had annointed his eyes with clay and told him to go and wash, and how he was given his sight. He was brought before the Pharisees, the religious leaders, to be questioned. Over and over again they grilled him to explain to them how he came to see, and who it was that healed him. They called for his parents to confirm that he, indeed, had been born blind. You see, because the healing occurred on the sabbath day, the Pharisees were reluctant to accept this miracle. There was division among them, some saying that Jesus could not be a man of God because he did not keep the sabbath day, and others claiming that a sinner could not have performed such a miracle. Again they sent for the man to tell them exactly what had happened to him. Hearing their arguments, "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see", John 9:25.

His boldness angered the Pharisees and they turned on him, cursing and reviling. They discounted Jesus as a man of God, claiming that they didn't even know where he came from. The man wasn't to be silenced. He stood his ground and questioned how it was that they didn't know where Jesus came from, and yet he had opened his eyes? He reminded them that God doesn't hear sinners, but only those who do His will. If Jesus were not a man of God, how could he have performed such a miracle? That really stirred them up and they answered, "Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?", John 9:34. They threw him out of their midst, where he again encountered Jesus and worshipped him.

What the Pharisees didn't recognize was that they were spiritually blind. The chapter ends with the following, "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind". Some of the Pharisees asked him if he was referring to them. He answered, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remains".

Why were the Pharisees at such odds with Jesus? Why did they hate him so much? Primarily because he saw through them. They may have been the religious leaders, but they really did not care for the people. They were only concerned with keeping their power. During the time of Christ, Israel was under Roman occupation. The Jews were allowed to practice the customs and traditions of their faith, as long as they didn't cause trouble for the government. The Pharisees kept a tight reign on the general populace, flaunting their authority and keeping the people in subjection to their teachings. They saw Jesus as a trouble-maker. He didn't follow their traditions and often made fun of them. Once he quoted the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men".

Matt, chapter 23 records a scathing denunciation of the Pharisees spoken by Jesus to the multitude. He began by telling the people that, although the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses' seat and their teachings were to be observed, their works were not to be copied. He followed with a list of grievances that he leveled against them. Over and over, he called them blind guides, hypocrites, snakes! They were not what they appeared to be. Everything they did was for show to be seen and admired of men.

- They put unbearable burdens on the people that they themselves would not carry.

- They did their works and charities to be seen of men.

- They loved the uppermost rooms at the feasts and chief seats in the synagogues.

- They loved the greetings in the marketplaces of Rabbi, Rabbi!

- They shut the door that leads to the kingdom, not entering in themselves, and denying entrance to those who would enter.

- They tithed down to the least herb, yet dismissed the spiritual requirements of the law; judgment, mercy and faith.

- They were like cups and dishes that were clean on the outside, yet inside filled with extortion and excess.

- They were like tombs that were painted white on the outside, but inside were filled with dead men's bones and all manner of unclean things.

In contrast, Jesus advocated an entirely different way of living for those who would follow him. Read Matt, chapters 6 and 23.

- Do not perform your good works and charities to be seen or praised of men. The hypocrites sound the trumpet before them in the synogogues and the streets to receive the glory of men.

- Do not pray publicly, to be seen of men, but privately to your Father in secret. Be not as the hypocrites, who pray standing in the synogogues and in the street corners to be seen of men.

- Do not use vain repetitions in your prayers, as do the heathen. They think they will be heard for much speaking.

- When you fast, do not draw attention to yourself, putting on a long face, to be noticed and admired of men, but secretly before your Father in heaven.

- Do not take upon yourself the title of father (in the spiritual sense), and call no man father upon the earth, for one is your Father in heaven, and you are all brethren.

Every lesson had the same theme. God doesn't appreciate a form of worship that is done primarily for show. Again and again, Jesus emphasized that we not display our personal worship to be admired of men, but secretly, saying that our Father, who sees in secret will reward us openly. The Pharisees sought the praise of men rather than that of God. They added a multitude of man-made laws to keep the people under authority, and make themselves look righteous. Jesus told them that they made the commandment of God of no effect by their traditions. Concerning them, he told his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch", Matt 15:14.

If we follow the teachings of our Lord to keep our worship pure and sincere, to the glory of God, not to the praise of man, His blessings will abound toward us and we will be able to proclaim, "I once was blind, but now I see".

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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Fear Not

Our world is spinning out of control under the weightiest issues we have ever had to face in all of history. With increased wars and terrorism, disease epidemics, failing financial markets, rising unemployment, homelessness, natural disasters and climate changes, we are on the brink of a global meltdown. Truly we are entering the time of trouble that Jesus Christ warned of in Matt 24:21, "For then (the end time) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Amidst this backdrop, more and more people are losing hope and sinking into the depths of despair. Hate crimes are on the rise and many have abandoned even the most fundamental principles of humanity. The Apostle Paul wrote of these times in II Tim 3:1-4, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away".

There are multiple reasons to live in fear today and we witness the toll that fear has had on the human family. Millions of people suffer with major mental and emotional issues, resulting in an enormous rise in the use of drugs and alcohol. Many attempt to drown out their problems and fears through substance abuse, both legal and illegal. Sadly, all too many find suicide the only alternative.

The bible reveals the only way to overcome fear and every other negative emotion. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths", Proverbs 3:5-6. He is your creator and your heavenly Father. Surely you can trust him to take care of you. Think about it! Can you really put your trust in any other source? People die, stock markets crash, relationships fail, you can lose your job, illness can strike, a natural disaster can destroy your possessions. There is nothing and no one upon this earth that you can absolutely, one hundred percent put your trust in. II Cor 1:9 says we cannot trust in ourselves. I Tim 6:17 tells us we cannot trust in uncertain riches.

Why not try the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8), the one who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)? What have you got to lose? He can drive away our fears with his comforting words. He tells us there is no reason to worry about anything for he will always take care of us if we trust in him. Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these "things" (meaning the necessities of life), shall be added unto us, Matt 6:33. Read verses 25-34 where Jesus instructs us not to entertain any anxious thought about our needs, such as food or clothing. There is nothing to be gained by worry and stress. He knows we need those things and we can be assured that he will provide for those who put their faith and trust in him. He will take care of our today and our tomorrow as well. We are told in Heb 13:5 to be content with what we have, for he will never leave or forsake us. Paul tells us in I Tim 6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content". Matt 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you". The passage goes on to say that, if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more so our heavenly Father? Heb 10:38 tells us, "Now the just shall live by faith...".

What is faith? Heb 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Sometimes it may seem difficult to live by faith in God. We can't see him. We wonder if he sees our trials, if he hears us when we call out to him in the darkness of our lives. I can assure you that he does see and hear, but we must put our full trust in him. Oftentimes, the distractions of this world keep us so preoccupied that we have no time for him until we need him. We rather trust in the tangibles in our lives. You know what I mean......job, home, family, 401(k), education, the government (Lord help us!). Trusting in these only contributes to fear; the fear of losing them.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe". Proverbs 28:26 adds, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered". Jeremiah 17:5 gives us a sober warning, "Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord". Verse 7 counters with, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is".

I would be remiss though if I didn't tell you that trust must accompany obedience. Isa 59:1-2 warns, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear". In order for God to hear our prayers, we must first humble ourselves before him and ask his forgiveness for our sins. II Chron 7:14 quotes our Lord, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land". Isa 1:18 encourages us with God's call, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up". I Pet 5:6-7 also says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".

Mark 12:29-30 quotes Jesus as saying, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment".

If we will submit ourselves fully to God, we have absolutely nothing to fear. He gives grace to the humble. He will help all who put their trust in him. Don't fret or lose hope if he doesn't answer immediately, though, because he always knows what is best. We must always trust in his timing and his wisdom. Read my article "Times & Seasons" for more insight into the subject of patience.

If you are truly placing all your hope and trust in God, and striving to live in obedience to his word, then "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus", Phil 4:6-7.

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Friday, January 1, 2010

Your Greatest Asset

Times have been looking quite bleak for many people as we enter this new year. Resolutions abound as we reflect on the events of the previous year and what changes we wish to make in 2010. Statistics verify that most resolutions are soon forgotten as we get caught up in the business of life, usually before the end of January. The majority of us don't seem to have much staying-power when it comes to remaining on course. We begin each new year with the best of intentions, but don't have the will, ability or support to follow through.

Let me give you a more positive perspective on your resolutions. First of all, I commend you for having the desire to be a better person in the upcoming year. That shows me that you are not satisfied with the status quo. You see room for improvement and that is always a step in the right direction. This can catapult you beyond desire to definite actions that can lead to awesome blessings in your life. However, making resolutions year after year that repeatedly fall by the wayside can leave even the most positive a little dejected, to say the least. You begin to analyze your life in a negative light, believing that you are just a loser, that you have no hope of becoming the truly great person that you know you could be.

Well, I have good news for you! I don't care who you are; your age, sex, race, occupation, opportunities or past failures, challenges or upbringing. You possess an asset that, when activated, can take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. That asset is YOU! You have, within yourself, the greatest resource at your disposal. You were created in the image of your heavenly Father and that includes His attributes and creativity, as well as access to His wisdom and knowledge. You are capable of far more than you ever dreamed as a God-given right, by virtue of your inheritance. What inheritance, you may ask? Why, the inheritance that Christ gained for us through his death on the cross. When you accept his sacrifice for your sins, you are adopted into the family of God with all of the resulting benefits and rights, (Rom 8:14-17). As a child of God, you have 24/7 access to God's holy spirit (John 16:13), an open prayer line to God's throne (Phil 4:6-7), the ministry of God's holy angels (Heb 2:13-14) and the daily intercession of Jesus Christ, our elder brother and high priest (Heb 7:25). You have the greatest support system imaginable. How can you fail?

There is, however, a key to unlocking your unlimited potential. Luke 10:27 records, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself". Your success in life absolutely depends on this. Matt 7:12 offers the following, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets". If you will honor God in obedience to His word and esteem others better than yourself, placing their best interests above your own, you will unleash the most powerful forces of the universe into your world. It is in the unconditional service to others that you unlock the blessings that are needed in your own life. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".

Everyone has something to share with others. I have heard many people comment that they have no gifts, no talents, nothing to offer. Some mistakenly assume that, when the bible speaks of gifts and talents, it is speaking exclusively of ministries such as that of a prophet, pastor or teacher. There are unlimited gifts and talents and everyone has many, if they will open their minds and hearts to releasing them for the wellbeing of others.

Gifts and talents don't all have to do with religious affiliation, or even natural abilities such as athleticism or musical talent, or that of an author or speaker. Everyone can do something and has the ability to turn that something into service to others.

Let me offer an example. You attend religious services each week in worship. Each person in that room has needs or challenges in their lives, as well as opportunity to meet the needs of others. Think about the individuals in just that one congregation, and how you can be of service to any or all of them. Can you cook, sew, babysit, mow yards, provide household maintenance, shop, read, visit, call, pray, encourage? Can your occupational talents be of help to someone? Are you a tax preparer, and accountant, a brick mason, carpenter, electrician, plumber, hair dresser, lawyer, doctor, housewife, teacher? Do you have any money left over each month that could help stock a foodbank? Do you have clothes that don't fit anymore that could be recycled to help the needy? I could go on and on. The point is, there are a myriad of opportunities to be of service to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers.

You would be amazed at the difference you could make in the lives of others. Not only would you receive the deep satisfaction that comes with serving the needs of others, you would experience the reward of having your own needs met in the process. The more you give, the more you receive. The more you receive, the more you have to give. It is a never-ending circle that results in the satisfying life you always dreamed of.

In conclusion, I would like to share an interesting and enlightening book I just finished reading. I know it will really excite you and motivate you to get out there and find someone to serve. It is titled "The Go-Giver" and can be found on the authors' website www.thegogiver.com. You will come away with a fresh perspective that will spur you on to really becoming your own greatest asset.

email comments or questions to thehiddenmanna@gmail.com

The Biblical Recipe

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