Spiritual Sowers

In Mark 4, Jesus talks with us about the meaning of parables.  A couple parables shared include topics of soils and seeds.  This is a timely topic, as I often see current farmers in the fields harvesting, those of us with small planter boxes still collecting various tomatoes that seem to never stop coming, and all of us who can reflect on how are the seeds of Jesus landing and/or spreading in and through us?

Jesus said in verse 9, “Those who have ears, let them hear” – now I imagine, (especially if you have children) you may ask at times the phrase,  “Now, are listening or hearing me? ” This hearing Jesus is talking about is more than the physical kind.  It’s a hearing with your mind, your heart, and soul.  This hearing will be more than the typical, “In one ear and out the other”.  When hearing the words of Jesus it’s through the eyes of miracles performed that can’t be explained, it’s hearing the amazing words at a baptism that bring a tear of joy to my eye each time,  what Jesus does for all of us through His living words is changes our heart, from an selfish and earthly ours, to Christ-like eternally His.

Just recently,  in our small group we talked about Mark 4 and the parable of four soils.  We discussed our daily choices and the influences we can have when making them.  In our conversations,  we compared the parable of the four soils with our own hearts soil for His word.  I personally, reflected on how many times I can let my selfish earthly decisions choke out the seeds being planted in me. In addition to, limiting any seeds I have the opportunity to share.  (It was really convicting and timely as I had turned for my first time after this discussion to my Bible Journal scriptures and saw I would be writing this topic… I simply thanked God for His simple ways of speaking to us through His timing and words.)

This past weekend our family went to the family farm to allow the our children the opportunity to ride in the combine and tractor.  As we were riding through the field harvesting the corn I asked their aunt Linda how the harvest was looking? Linda had said their Uncle Gary was hoping for 260 but was only getting about 240 in this particular field. ( All of which I didn’t truly understand, except the number was less than what he wanted) The part that stood out to me next was when she said, “It just truly depended on the soil! “

This is how Jesus is for us!  What is your current soil sample?  Are the seeds landing just hitting the soil surface not allowing any penetration with birds coming by to scoop them up? Is your soil surface rocky with minimal dirt allowing a plant to start but whither quickly because it has no roots? Does your soil contain thorns or weeds that can choke out the plant as it first starts to grow?

Jesus said,  8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

I pray that not only in this harvest season, but also in our daily lives and choices with are thinking of the soil in our hearts.  Here are the next few verses.

10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!

13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

In the beginning we talked about listening and hearing.  Today, will you truly listen to the words of Jesus? He wants us to hear them not like background music, but believe them, apply them to our lives.

In my minimal farming knowledge as we drove in a GPS installed combine I thought about the original farmers who planted by hand, harvested by hand.  I thought about Jesus and Mark 4 how he is calling us all to be “spiritual sowers” of the seed in our own lives and others.  That as we spread His word it can have different impacts depending on if they are willing to hear.  Maybe the time is right to plant, maybe your just working the soil for a seed that will later be planted?  Linda didn’t use the GPS in this field on this day, she said their were various factors including it being a short field with various obstacles and odd rows.  It made me think of our lives…  We have various obstacles, odd wordily influences, and life will be short based on the eternal perspective.  Take off the GPS.  Intentionally spend each day being “spiritual sowers”, tend to your soil and others, believe in His words, use His words to make decisions and control our attitude.  Strive to be like good soil in every area of all our lives.

God promises that His harvest will be great! Happy harvest season!

Psalm 85:12

 

Time of the seasons

Todays Reading: Mark 3

Autumn is here.  The official beginning of one of the most enjoyable seasons is upon us.  The mornings are cool, the afternoons are warm, and the evenings are cool.  The smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, apples, and nutmeg are in our offices, kitchens, and houses.  The school outings and sports activities are starting.  Our favorite football teams are playing each week. The beginnings of school clubs and fundraisers are underway.  We are busy planning and preparing for school pictures, homecomings, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  Our lives have gone from easy laid back summer days to exciting and autumn adventure days overnight.   From the readings, lets see how Jesus balanced the busyness of his seasons.

Mark 3: 7-18

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. 9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot,[b] 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

This passage in Mark 3, show Jesus is in the midst of active preaching and healing, but in during this time, he actually takes out some meaningful time to stop and reflect on the journey.  Like us in our daily Autumn life, Jesus is busy with meaningful and necessary work but he intentionally takes time to pause and take notice of the true value of each day.  In the passage Jesus is creating a commission and a legacy with this apostles.  He is acknowledging that even when it seems that everything and everyone needs his time, he is taking time to do the required actions to increase the kingdom.  As we read through Mark 3, let us take time to set aside some time to increase the kingdom: 1.) Set aside time to pray; 2.) Set aside time to reflect; 3.) Take time to plan.

  • Take time to pray daily. Praying with God daily should be like a causal conversation. It is the communication with God that allows your relationship to grow.  The prayer doesn’t have to be long or intricate, it just has to be sincere.  God desires a relationship with you, not a dissertation of your hopes and fears.  He knows all these things and just wants to interact with you. Some simple prayers are the Lord’s Prayer, Children hymns, or even just mediating on the name Jesus.  I have used these many times in my life and continue to use them to connect with God.
  • Take time to reflect. Reflection is a process in which you remember the times throughout your life that God has been there or not. Sometimes, we feel that God is not there and is absent in our lives.  During the hardest times in our lives we can feel the essence of God or feel deserted by him.  In all these times He is in the midst of all of our joys and sorrows, but we are not aware of his presence.  It is similar to the times we are in our rooms as children and the door is shut and we are crying and our parents are on the other side of the door.  God is here with us and cares for us. As we reflect on the day, week, month, or year, let’s try to see God’s hand in the midst of the joy and sorrows.
  • Take time to plan. My wife is an excellent planner.  She has ideas and plans for several months at a time. I am able to plan for the next couple of days or weeks.  This is an area that I need to grow.  I need to be able to set aside time and be intentional about specific areas in our lives and execute them.  God has many blessings in store for us, but we must take time to submit to his will and have a sketch of how to further his kingdom.

When Jesus took his apostles to the mountain he: 1.) Took time to pray for the decision that he was making. 2.) He took time to reflect on the qualities and strengths that these twelve individuals had and how they would expand the kingdom. 3.) He had a plan of how these twelve would impact the formation and expansion of the kingdom.   With this example,  how can we take time out of this busy schedule to spend intentionally with God.

 

Through the Roof

Everywhere Jesus went he attracted a crowd.  Most of the people who came to see Him wanted something from him for themselves.  In Mark 2 verses 3&4 we see four men that were more concerned about their friend’s need than they were of their own.

And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.                                           Mark 2:3-4

It is amazing for me to think of these men and what they did for their friend!  But, the more I thought about it, I wonder how the man who was paralyzed felt?  Can you imagine a friend going to all this trouble for you?  I wonder if he was afraid he was going to fall off the mat? And when they dropped him through the roof, I am sure he felt totally helpless.  

I wonder what the men felt when they walked up to the house where Jesus was and saw that it was jam-packed with people?  I hate to admit that if that were me, I would have turned around and felt like there was no more room.  Not these men, they were creative and saw an opportunity and they were not going to pass it up. 

Houses in these days were made with a flat roof and there were usually outside steps leading up to the top.  The men carried the man on his mat up the stairs and then began to dig through the clay and grass till they got an opening just big enough to drop their friend down, right in from of Jesus where he was speaking to the crowd.  

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5

This verse says that “when Jesus saw THEIR faith” he forgave the man of his sins.  Jesus not only took notice of the faith of the paralyzed man, but also the faith of his four friends.  God honors those who assist others.  Especially when it comes to assisting someone to the feet of Jesus.  We all know that our faith can’t save someone else.  But, we can assist in the salvation process by helping our friends come to Christ.  

We can do this by praying for them, by listening to them and answering their questions, and most of all by showing Christ’s love to them by loving them!  Look at how much these four men had to do for their friend!  It took much work and creativity for them to come up with the plan to dig a hole through the roof for their friend.  

How creative are we in getting our friends and neighbors to Christ?  When we come to a closed door or a place where we feel like there is no room for us, do we walk away?  We have to be willing to take the time and effort to reach out and find a way to bring them to Christ.  Challenge yourself this week to be bold and go out of your way to  show someone the Love of Christ.

Immediate Decisons and Accurate Choices

Mark 1

Think about some big choices you have made in your life.  Maybe it was a new or a house, or a career change.  Getting married and starting a family rank right up there too. None of those are spontaneous choices.  Now, consider the process you used to evaluate the choices.  You probably weighed the benefits and potential consequences.  You may have also studied time and economic commitments.  Along the way, it is likely that you weighed alternative choices.  Everyone would agree that a decision process that includes all of those steps is wise, right? With that truth, we have something to consider about the disciples choices to follow Jesus today in Mark 1.  Check out verses 18 and 20.  It says that when Jesus asked them to follow, they immediately did.  Did they make hasty choices?

There are two factors we must consider when answering that question.  First, is the logical decision framework we just looked at accurate and second, do we have the whole story?  For the first part, I am going to simply answer yes, that is a logical framework for effective decision-making.  Sure, there could be additions to it and probably a few constraints added in, but in summary, it works.  So, the logical conclusion is that the disciples made hasty decisions, right?  Not so fast.  Since we know their life stories, we can safely and accurately say that they made wise choices.  So, how did they do it?  In fact, I want to know how we can make such accurate decisions immediately.

To determine how James and Matthew made their decision, we have to look into their history.  Unfortunately, we don’t get a very much information about them so, we are going to have to make a few assumptions.  The first takes a cue from Mark 1:2-3.  Mark is quoting a prophecy from the book of Isaiah.  It predicts the coming of a man that will prepare the way for Jesus.  This was John the Baptist.  John the Baptist, in turn, predicts the coming of Jesus.  It is fair to assume that the disciples were listening to and hearing these messages. So, the two contributing factors to their immediate decisions were listening to God and keeping watch for the Christ. Therefore,  we really want to make accurate decisions, we too will listen and keep watch.

The second consideration of the disciple’s immediate choice to study is what the disciples continuously thought about.  As faithful Jews, they were steeped in scripture.  This knowledge of God’s word allowed them to weigh the truth of what they were hearing and evaluate the promises being made.

To close, let’s look again at this immediate decision.  Clearly, it was not hasty, nor was it exactly immediate.  You see, their decision to follow Jesus was made long before they met him face to face.  It came from setting their mind on him, keeping watch and knowing that they would act when it was time.  Their immediate decision, therefore was really a conditioned response to the Truth that they had hidden in their heart.  At the moment of invitation, no thought or consideration was necessary.  The preparations had already been made.

To be like the disciples, we can follow their pattern.  Accurate and effective choices are made by knowing God (plasm 119:11), setting our minds on him (Colossians 3:1-4) and be ready to respond (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV) If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9

Deuteronomy 12:28 (ESV) Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.

The Great Commission

Today’s reading is Matthew 28.

As we focus on Jesus’ words in our recent Bible Journal posts, Matthew 28 refers to what is commonly called “The Great Commission” from Jesus.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Scholars have differing opinions on whether these were Jesus’ last words, but I don’t think any of them can argue over the importance of them considering the fact that these are the words the Bible says He told the disciples after the resurrection both here in Matthew 28 and in Mark 16.

Why is so hard to talk about our faith and share the gospel with others? I know I struggle with this, as I’m sure most reading this do. Most Christians have never been on a mission trip at all, let alone one where true evangelism is included. Most Christians have likely never witnessed to a non-believer…even those they may be very close with. At a very young age we’re commonly taught that you don’t bring up politics and religion at social, and even family, gatherings. Yes…these can be sensitive topics which can get people fired up, but I think the main reason we struggle is fear. We wonder what they will think about us. We wonder if we will say the right thing. We don’t think we know our Bible well enough to answer questions they might ask us. We wonder if we are worthy to speak the gospel because of the sin in our life which they also might even know and call us out. Do you notice the theme here? All of these reasons are about us..not about the individual we’re sharing with. All our concerns are selfish. Fear is always about you. But, what is more important..the potential negative impact to you or their eternal life? When we genuinely love and focus on others fear goes away.

What is a common trait of great leaders? I would sum it up into 2 words…servant leadership. No one models this better than Jesus. It says here in Matthew 28:18 “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to Him. Yet, we read in John 13 where one of the last things Jesus does before He’s captured is wash his disciples’ feet. Now, I’m not sure how much you would have to pay me to wash 12 of my closest friends’ feet now…let alone in the days when there were only sandals and they walked and rode camels everywhere. Ultimately, Jesus shows us the greatest act of servant leadership possible by laying down His life for us. Jesus states here He was given “all authority in heaven and on earth,” yet He washes dirty feet and lays down His life. Wow. It’s really hard to comprehend isn’t it? Is that what you would do if you had all the authority in heaven and on earth?

Great, servant leaders are with you through the best and worst of times. They are with you in the trenches and on the mountain tops. How cool is it that the king of Heaven and Earth says, “…I am with you always, until the end of the age!” Is there anything more we can really ask from Him in this life until we meet Him again than that?

As we finish this week, let’s remember life is not about you..it’s never been about you. Jesus showed us what life was really about and that’s love..love for others. Perfect love casts out fear. Is there anything we can do more to show our love for others than to share the Good News and help give them the gift of eternal life? Live the mission.

Jesus is Crucified

Matthew 27

Today’s reading is familiar to all of us.  Jesus is delivered to Pilate.  The crowd choose Barabbas.  Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified.  Jesus is crucified, died and is buried.  We know this story.  The disciples also knew this story as Jesus himself predicted his death many times.  In Matthew along, we read:

Matthew 16:21–28 says that Jesus “from that time”, i.e. on a number of occasions, Jesus “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed …”.

Each time Jesus predicts his death, the disciples do not believe that this event will happen.  Jesus tries to continue to teach them new things.  Matthew 17:22–23 as follows:

He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.[10]

Then, the third prediction in the Matthew 20:17–19 discusses his crucifixion:

Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

The fourth prediction in Matthew is found in Matthew 26:1-2 immediately precedes the plot made against him by the religious Jewish leaders:

“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Yes, the disciples did not want to believe.  As their leader, friend, hero, they wanted to listen but not really hear what Jesus was predicting.  How could this happen?  When?  What could be done to stop this horrific event?  Yet, as Jesus is foretelling his fate, it appears to the reader that he is calm, almost matter-of-fact.

We also read further into Pilate’s thoughts.  Pilate sat in judgment of Jesus.  I always think about the attitude of each man in this situation.  Pilate tried to push Jesus to talk.  He prodded him to save himself.  Yet, Jesus would not say much.  He just repeated what Pilate said “if you say so”.  Pilate must have been a bit irritated with Jesus for not engaging in the conversation.  He saw that Jesus was at peace with what was going to happen.  Pilate could have released Jesus, but he did not.  He turned the decision over to the crowd.   He gave the crowd the option to release him.  As Pilate lead Jesus out to the crowd, he may not have anticipated the reaction.  The word “crowdsource” comes to mind.

crowd·source
verb
  1. obtain (information or input into a particular task or project) by enlisting the services of a large number of people, either paid or unpaid, typically via the Internet.
    Now of course there was no Internet back then, but this crowd seemed to feed off each other.  They could hardly hear Pilate.
    21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

    As we know, Jesus is mocked, spat upon, crowned with a crown of thorns, bruised, and crucified.  There is so much to today’s reading!  What a turn of events.  Jesus is preaching and teaching, healing and feeding thousands.  Then, things turn, for him and for his disciples, for Pilate and also for the crowds who may have even been following Jesus!  Crucified, died and is buried.  How crazy.  How awful it must have been even if he predicted his own death, and all of these events happened in such a short time frame.

Two thoughts as you move from today’s reading into your daily life:  1)  Count every day with friends and family as a blessing as you never know when things might take a turn for you or your family; 2)  Be thankful Jesus died on the cross for us, to save us.

 

Prayer of Submission

Matthew 26 covers the last days of Jesus with his disciples, the betrayals of Judas and Peter, the Passover when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper and the arrest of Jesus. After the Lord’s Supper and before his arrest, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, along with Peter, John and James. Jesus knew what was coming soon. He knew He was to be betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter. He knew He would be sentenced to death on a cross like a common criminal. He knew there would be excruciating physical pain and torment. He knew this had been ordained of His life since before His birth. He also knew that the Father was in control of all of this – that if He willed it, the Father could remove this burden from Jesus.

v. 38-39 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

The concept of Jesus as man in the flesh, yet part of the triune God is not easily comprehended by my finite mind. Jesus the man is crying out to God the Father asking that the work he was sent to earth to accomplish be taken away, but more importantly, recognizing that even though this may have been possible, it may not have been God’s will.  “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus was sorrowful. He was desperate. He was lonely. He, the son of God, asked something of God (that he knew God could do) yet he submitted himself to God’s will.

We know that Jesus suffered, died and rose again. We know that he sits at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus knew what his life on earth and death were meant to accomplish. But he was still sorrowful. He still asked God to take away his pain. Struggling with what God calls us to do is not a sin – if it were, then Jesus – who never sinned – would have been wrong in this prayer. I do not think that God (who knows our hearts, minds and souls completely anyway) is disappointed in us when we despair or struggle. It is when we refuse to submit to his will that we sin.

I challenge you (as I am challenging myself) to remember to include this line in your prayers and supplications to God, “not as I will, but as you will.” Ask for the desires of your heart, beg for mercy and healing and relief. But follow that up with a sincere acknowledgement that God may not have the answers you think you want in mind.

Sunday Love Letter

Today’s Reading: Matthew 25

Recently I started receiving these random emails with the subject line: Your Sunday Love Letter. I didn’t sign up for them and I don’t know the person or should I say personality that is sending them. I haven’t unsubscribed because honestly, I sort of look forward to reading them! The email addresses me by name and proceeds with an inspirational note and is signed, “Carley.” Today my email said: “Hey Jillian…What a beautiful like it would be if we learned to treat ourselveswith the love, kindness and patience we so freely give to others.”

As I sat down to write to you this week, I started thinking about Matthew 25 as a love letter from Jesus. So often we feel a little lost in our own circumstance. Prayer and obedience can feel like a one-way street as we wait for His response in one form or another. But when we go to God’s word we don’t have to wait. His response is right there on the printed page. Since it is Sunday, and I have my Bible open to Matthew 25, I’ve decided to write you a love letter from Jesus (Carley style!). I don’t have the magic algorithm to populate your name into the subject line so I’m going to need you to fill it in.

Dear _________________,

I hope you are not growing tired of waiting for my return. When I am away from you, I long for the sound of your singing and praise. It is so important to me that you remain vigilant in your anticipation of my return. For when that day comes the moment of my arrival will be sudden and unexpected. Do not give in to the temptation to become lazy in your faith. I am your bridegroom, you will find your salvation in me if you can be a true disciple.

I delight in giving you gifts so that you may prosper. I love to see you use those gifts to bless others. Please know that the more you share your riches and talents the more I will bestow upon you. Do not be afraid to generous, I will fill your cup. Be humble and compassionate. If your neighbor is hungry, give him food to eat. If she is homeless and alone, let her in. Visit the ones that are imprisoned, they are my disciples.

I know that the journey is long, dear one. I know that so often the spinning of the earth roars loud in your ears and drowns out my voice. But I assure you that what you do for the least of my people, you are doing for me. I am with you always. You have freedom and rest in me.

Love,

Jesus

 

 

 

Offended

Matthew 24 records Christ’s outline of the temple being destroyed (1-3), what will lead to the destruction (4-28), and additional things to watch for with His second coming (29-41). This chapter is theologically heavy and we could spend 800 words on each verse. But DON’T WORRY 🙂

Verse 10 pricked my heart and covers something I’ve wrestled with over the recent years:

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another”.

I don’t know that it’s as linear as A leads to B leads to C… or even A + B = C.  But when I think of my own circumstances of being offended or being the offender… I can quickly see the path leading to betrayal and hatred.

In a time where there is great division as a church, as a nation, as a world, and on SO MANY DIFFERENT TOPICS, offense sure has a lot of places to hide and take root.

I love healthy dialogue, talking through hard issues, listening to a position different than my own. But we all know that those conversations can quickly escalate and go south.

Offended is described as resentful or annoyed, typically as the result of a perceived insult.  

I don’t think there’s a question about the bigger, black and white offenses that occur. God doesn’t call us to be doormats. Persecution for sake of the kingdom – YES… Doormat… NO. I believe we are called to use our voice when we can, especially for the kingdom’s sake. To protect the weaker. To stand for truth. But it’s in those smaller things, it seems to get a little grey. And also in those smaller things that bitterness and discord can take root in the body of Christ. I wonder if this is exactly what Jesus is warning about – destruction will come from offenses, betrayal, and hatred. And let’s face it – we’ve all offended someone and we’ve all been offended.

I need wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to know when I need to just move on from an offense and rely solely on the Lord to heal my heart… and when I need to have a conversation, set healthy boundaries or share my truth. There are relationship we care deeply about and don’t want an offense to continue and cause more damage.

Some questions I’ve been asking the Lord to reveal to me – Where have I allowed offenses to take up space in my heart? And am I more offended when people sin against God or against me? Am I aware of the ways I offend others?

For a small example… when I learn that a friend has said something hurtful about me, gossiped, or made inaccurate statements, do I address it as an offense or let it go? And by let it go, I mean pray like crazy to not hold a grudge, but often it still creates distance and the relationship feels strained. It can take time for the heart to heal.

Personally, I’d prefer someone come to me if I’ve hurt them, even with a small offense. I’d like the opportunity to learn from it and make it right. I’ve talked to other people on this topic that do not want conversations about small offenses…it’s exhausting and there’s an unspoken level of grace and forgiveness among friends. Not to mention, resolution doesn’t always occur.

Take a really minuscule offense, for example’s sake, of going to the DMV to renew your driver’s license. You know the drill. Line A so you can get in the right line for what you’re there for. Line B to show you have a license, prove you live at the same place, etc. Line C to get your photo taken. Then you wait for your number to be called for Line D, to actually get your license. You’re SO CLOSE and then the employee at Line D tells you that you can’t renew your license because you have an unpaid traffic violation from 2000. Yes, EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO. Sure, the “said person” has renewed their license several times since 2000 and can’t recall the ticket, let alone not paying it. The DMV has no info on the ticket, only that it was only reported to the DMV in 2015 and the state lost a lot of records for 15 years and then suddenly caught up. The ticket has to be paid in the county it was issued (an hour away).

In this scenario, do you just leave with kindness and a smile and give them the ol’ Chik-Fil-A “it was my pleasure to spend 45 minutes with you today”. Or, do you (in the least snarky way possible) ask if this could have been figured out in Line A or even Line B and saved everyone’s time? I mean, really? Why do I feel the need to go all Six Sigma on the DMV? What value or gain is there? I mean, this “said person” – whoever they are 😉 are they really going to change the DMV?  While this is just a small and humorous example, it plays out the same way in bigger things.

Somewhere rooted inside of me is this spirit of truth, record setting and harmony. It all sounds good, until it turns into a spirit of self-righteousness, obsessing over the facts, or carrying around the heaviness of my own offenses to others.  I’m in a season of prayer, asking God for peace over both sides of offenses (offender and offended). To take away the weight of my offenses to others that I’ve sought forgiveness for. And to show me the difference between addressing offenses that will bring good, and when to LET. IT. GO.  This meme captures the humor of my brain at times.

Lord, thank you for forgiving me of my offenses against You and Your children. Thank you for walking with me when I’ve sought forgiveness of those I’ve offended. God, I need your healing from hurts I’ve felt. Please show me when and how to address offenses that need to be addressed. Please protect my heart from any root of bitterness, betrayals, or hatred. Fill my heart with gratitude for your grace and leave no room for an offendable spirit. Amen.

Every single week for over a year

This week I had the opportunity to have dinner with Jim; a friend, colleague, and brother in Christ from America.

Jim said he scores very low on the spiritual gift of evangelism. This was interesting to me because “evangelist for Christ” is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of him! Jim has a way of showing Christ in the way he lives out his life with his actions matching his words.

When I first came to know he was a Christ follower, it was in a business setting where a large group of people were being asked about what is most important to them. Perhaps it would have been easy to translate the question into “what is most important in business, etc.” and avoid the spiritual realm, but not Jim. He unashamedly responded with “my faith, absolutely number one”.

Jim speaks openly about his relationship with Jesus Christ. More than words though, in an attempt to describe him, all of the fruits of the spirit came to mind:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

People seem to quickly open up to Jim because he is so approachable. I believe it is because of the fruits of the spirit that he exemplifies. He’s just someone you want to talk to and share thoughts, struggles, and joys with.

Jim points to Jesus by asking questions and loving people, not by telling them what to do nor telling them they’re going to Hell. He prepares his heart, waits for an opportunity, listens, prays, and just loves and gives out of obedience to Jesus.

My boys got a glimpse into Jim goodness this week. When I told them I was having dinner with Jim, they grumbled a little bit because this meant no family dinner that night. I said, “well Jim is very special. First, he loves Jesus, and second, he has prayed for me every single week for over a year.”

The look on the boy’s faces was priceless. Someone cares enough about their dad to pray pray for him every week (even when he barely knew who I was). It might seem small but the boys understood this act of selflessness. They smiled and embraced this night away from me. I’m thankful for having people in my life who exemplify the kind of man I strive to become, the kind of man I want my boys to become… a person of integrity and love, humbly submitting to Jesus Christ, with good works that are a reflection of a truly good heart.

The opposite of this plays out in Matthew 23. In my own very basic summary, Jesus rebukes the pharisees for their hearts not being right; for hypocrisy, selfishness, and ultimately for not truly loving God.

so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. (Matthew 23:3)

Our God is serious about sin, about his message and his will for our lives. Jesus does not mince words. Sometimes we paint Jesus too mildly; he is dead serious and today’s chapter is a good example (note the many explanation points; we don’t want to be against him).

Please consider reading Matthew 23 out loud. Here’s a link to a version (NLT) with more common words that are easier to pronounce: Matthew 23.

Father God, show me where I am like the pharisees, and have mercy on me. Forgive my hypocrisy, greed, selfishness, and ignorance. Cleanse my heart as I go out today. May your will be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.