A Just Balance

Today’s Reading: Matthew 17

At the end of Matthew chapter 17 something very interesting to happens. At least interesting to me, I hope you will find it interesting and profitable too. It starts when “they that received tribute money” came to Peter to ask of Jesus “Doth not your master pay tribute?” (Matthew 17:24)

When Peter came to Jesus to inquire of him on this matter. Jesus spoke before Peter and asked him:

What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (Matthew 17:25)

Peter answered “Of strangers.” That is, they tax not those of their own family but those outside their house.

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (Matthew 17:26)

Some think this was Jesus making it clear that because He was the Son of God the tax does not apply to Him. This is why some believe the tax matter was a temple tax and not a civic tax.

Jesus then said “notwithstanding”, which I take to mean some version of, even though I am not required too. Then Jesus said “lest we should offend them” and then proceeded to describe the precise manner in which they would procure the tribute money for payment.  

At first glance the phrase “lest we should offend them” could be taken as a reinforcing statement of what Jesus first said; “notwithstanding”. In this case the “them” would be referring to the tax collectors. Instead though, let us consider for a moment that the “them” was actually in reference to the strangers that Peter mentioned. If this were the case, I think the statement may be more linked to the manner in which they are procuring the payment and not a repetitive statement describing why they are in fact going to pay. After all Jesus just got done explaining why they did not need to. So, if it is in fact about how they are going to procure the payment, the question then became for me, why is this so important? For that answer I turn back to Jesus’s explanation, “Lest we should offend them.” And this is where it got so interesting to me. 

Here is what I think we may be seeing. Coming up with the money to pay the tax is certainly not a problem for Jesus. I think it is reasonable to say He could have done it in any number of ways. One thought is that he would simply lift His hand up to the sky and ask for it to be created. But the issue with creating is that it wouldn’t be fair.

Creating money in any system and increasing the money supply is simply stealing from those who hold money. It is debasing the currency, which basically means everyone else’s money would than be worth less. God pronounces this as a curse and judgement in Isaiah 1:22. Instead, I think Jesus in his sovereignty and absolute authority knew about a coin that no one had a claim to and commanded it brought to Peter. This way they would not offend anyone, or hurt anyone by decreasing the value of their coins, in paying the tax.

There is of course a strong possibility I am way off here. Perhaps reading too much into things. But on the other hand, perhaps this is why the manner in which they paid the tax was described in so much detail and why it was important for Jesus to break down who the groups involved in the tax were and how they all relate to each other. Perhaps it was to continue to lead us in the way we should go. To give us another example of God’s law applied to this world. For me, yet another reassurance that God is all knowing, all powerful, and above all. Praise God!

Here is a link to the scripture: Matthew 17:24-27

 

Losing Champions

Today’s Reading: Matthew 16

I tend to have a competitive spirit when it comes to sports, games, or just about any activity. At times this desire to win can get in the way of what truly is important and the understanding of who is really winning. When I was growing up we didn’t have much so this yearning to win I imagine came from my own complex to feel the need to prove myself all the time to appear “normal”. It could also act as a temporary fix for an internal fear of failure and a want to avoid the current situation.  Where I was feeling like I was winning, I was actually losing, lying to myself, others, and denying Gods call to control my life.

As we read through Matthew 16 we close out on Jesus telling his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. I’ve written about this before after reading Luke 9 in Lose Yourself. If you have a chance look back at some of the questions posed there. Today,  I’m reminded about the change that we all pursue to cause us to grow in the Lord. That when we decide to say Yes to ourselves, we say No to Christ. If we say No to ourselves, we say Yes to Christ. Throughout our day, what are the ways to forget ourselves and our desires, and search, listen, and follow Jesus’s example.The first thing I pray for is for the recognition of more than surface level approach to others and to truly think of others first.  I need to avoid superficial situations that don’t represent God’s heart and prayerfully submit to God’s will and not my selfish desires to look past a situation. To listen, serve, and share God where you can. If not by words, our actions can speak volumes. Here are a few pointers you can think of for today.

Self-denial – try not to do things only for me – Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Stop trying to run “my” life – what am I putting in my body and mind?  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Remind myself that I don’t belong to me  – submit my day to God each morning- Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Champion God’s will in everything today. Unselfishly serve others. Happily Lose!

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Do you want to find yourself? Do you want to be who you ought to be? It’s not easy and its a constant work in progress. But, let’s try to lose ourselves and grow in the dedication of our life for Christ.

 

Food for All

Today’s Reading: Matthew 15

“He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied.” Matthew 15:36-37

I know what you’re thinking! Jesus fed five thousand yesterday! You’re right, in Matthew 14 our chapter for Sunday we revel in the many miracles performed by Jesus and witnessed by Matthew and the disciples. So today, we have a second loaves and fishes story. It’ slipped in just at the end of chapter 15 and is sort of “under reported” in my opinion. It’s as if all the news outlets heard about the 5,000 people fed the week before and decided that Jesus’ meal multiplication was old news. For me though, this repeat miracle is speaking truth and hope into my life right now. I like to study a few different bible commentaries on the weeks that I write. My NIV study bible said this today: “Jesus had already fed more than 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. Here, in a similar situation, the disciples were again perplexed. How easily we throw up our hands in despair when faced with difficult situations. Like the disciples, we often forget that if God has cared for us in the past, he will do the same now. When facing a difficult situation, remember how God cared for you and trust Him to work faithfully again.

Isn’t that just life changing? Do you ever feel like God has already graced you in one area of your life and so surely he can’t bless you in another? Do you ever feel that you may have reached the limit of his grace and mercy? Instead, we are given the hope that we can trust in His faithfulness and count on Him to care for us again and again. Over the last year, I’ve learned that the most powerful words I can write to you are those of my own testimony. On Tuesday of this week, I was laid off. I’ve worked in the same place for nearly nine years serving children with disabilities. Due to significant financial losses, the company simply cannot continue to pay all of us. I was overwhelmed with anxiety and fear for my young patients, my own children and our family. So many people depend upon me to care for their children and be with them in times of uncertainty. But, as always, God cared for me and every single one of His children. I have been blessed with a new job that affords me the opportunity to continue to serve the children and families I love. I have been rocked out of my comfort zone and am facing some of the challenges of starting an independent business. I know I would not have had the courage to do this without being laid off. There are lots of unanswered questions about how I will bridge some gaps but I know that He will feed me and my family. Today, Matthew shows us that Jesus is not only miraculous but that he is also consistent. God wants what is good for us, he is ever generous, ever sacrificing for us. Today, I’m doing my best to praise him in this dark time. I’m looking forward to a post in the not too distant future when this testimony continues with evidence of His love for me. Until then, I thank you for your prayer and your faithfulness that He will bring miracles to all of our lives!

The photo above is me 38 weeks pregnant doing what I do with little people! 

Headwinds

Today’s Reading: Matthew 14

My world is full of notes with ideas that come to me during sermons, classes, and conferences, even stop lights.  I think, “I could do that!”  I get all jacked up thinking about how I am going to do this or that.  And then, nothing.  Give it an hour or a day, or two and the notion is gone.  The excitement fades and the vision is lost.  Occasionally, however, I take a flier.  Today, we get a special look at the entire life-cycle of an idea, a vision, or an “aha” moment.

Excitement.   We all get ideas that make our heart beat a little faster.  Occasionally, this excitement turns into something more.  When we allow it to capture our full attention, we must respond.  It happened to Peter.  When he figured out that it was Jesus walking toward the boat he got excited.  He wanted to be part of the action.  So, “Peter answered him” (Matthew 14:28).  Simple, right?

Action. Hopefully, we get to this stage.  This is when we have to actually do something about it.  Peter did it. It started with a decision.  He tells Jesus, “command me to come.”  Peter doesn’t stop there, he also moves.  “Peter got out of the boat and walked.”  To be honest, I’m pretty good at the first part.  Getting out of the boat?  That is a little tougher.

Fear. When we act, something unforeseen will show up. For Peter, it was the wind.  It distracted him.  He feared it and couldn’t overcome it.  So, it overcame him.  “when he saw the wind, he was afraid” (v30).

Failure. Peter’s attention on the wind and his own safety resulted in failure.   He was “beginning to sink” (v30).

Recovery. Successful people are not the ones that never fail, rather, they fail the most often.  The difference is that they recover fast.  If you have recently fallen, or are stalled out by the headwinds in your life, take note of what happened to Peter.  In the midst of his failure, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him” (Matthew 14:31).   The truth is that if God called you out, he will help you through.  If you feel like you are hanging today, it is because you have not accepted his help.

Worship. When safety returns and we relax, who gets the credit?  All too often, we think that we survived through grit and determination.  This results in self-worship. Peter and the apostles, however, knew where their help came from.  They, “worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God”” (Matthew 14:31).

I don’t know where you are in the life-cycle of a calling.  I can look across my many projects and see that I have some that need to get off the ground and some that have completely failed.  Today, these promises are hugely encouraging to me.  Thank you, Lord!  Truly, you are the son of God!!

Take Root

Matthew 13

Matthew 13 contains 7 parables to help explain faith and the Kingdom of Heaven. We will focus on the parable the sower.

Jesus first tells of seeds which fell along the path and were eaten by birds. He clarifies this is those who hear the message, but don’t understand and accept it. He then tells of seeds that fell on rocky soil. He clarifies that here he is describing those that gladly hear the Good News, but lose faith when trouble and persecution come. The Word did not “sink in” so to speak like the seeds did not sink in the soil. He then tells of seeds that fell among the thorn bushes. These seeds grow up, but are choked out by the worries of this life, the love of riches and the world. Finally, Jesus tells of seeds sown in the good soil which sunk in and bore great grain. This is describing those that hear the message, understand it, and bear fruit by living it out in their everyday lives.

A few years ago I told my wife how thankful I was for the blessings we have received, but that I was also fearful for how I would react when we faced what I perceived as some “real” challenges others have faced. We know that challenges will come because James 1:2 says “when” trials come and not “if.” I had attended church my whole life, but how do we make sure our faith is strong and the seeds are planted deep in the good soil? Is going to church regularly enough? Would that prepare us?

In order for the seeds to be buried deep and take root, we must have a strong relationship with Jesus. In fact, Jesus specifically directs us to do so…

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 ESV

How do we foster that relationship with Him? Find a church that focuses on the Bible and sees it as the truth and never changing with time, despite what modern day culture tries to tell us. Next, be in the Word daily (finding a daily devotional helps) to provide a constant and consistent message of instruction and direction. Be in prayer throughout the day to be in communication with God and keep our heart in the right place. Join a Bible study/small group to create a community of believers and friends that can help facilitate and hold us accountable to growing our relationship with Him and our faith. There are many other great spiritual habits and disciplines. These are just a few we focused on.

Since that conversation, we have faced some new challenges we had not before, and I believe we were better prepared to face those. Putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to create a relationship with Jesus allows us to move forward with confidence each day in knowing we are equipped to face trials and tribulations.

So, how do we now make sure we are not like that seeds that grew up among the thorn bushes and are choked out by the love of riches and the world? There is good news. The answer and steps are the same..let the seeds take root deep in the good soil through putting on the armor of God to create a relationship with Jesus!

What is one thing will you focus on in 2017 to strengthen your relationship with Christ?

Seeing is Believing? – Faith

Today’s reading:  Matthew 12

As we have been looking at Matthew in more depth this month, I now have a new appreciation for all the “short stories” woven into this book in the Bible. We start with the Birth of Jesus, the beautiful story of the Wise Men, moving on to his baptism, to how Jesus dealt with temptation, to life lessons on how to Fast, to his healing, to teaching us “the Golden Rule”, to building our house on the Rock, and on to all the miracles. What an interesting collection of stories!  These writings bring together how to live our lives, with examples of Jesus’ daily works, displaying his journey of growth and how he dealt with the stress of that time. Think of all he had to do each day: he prayed, he formed and worked with his team to continue to promote his message and vision, he sometimes fasted, sometimes ate at others’ homes, he gave hope to others, he healed many, he helped people through difficult times, and he preached so that people could live Christian lives. He must really have needed the Sabbath for his own personal rest. It is truly a reflection of what we sometimes experience throughout our hectic weeks. Do we stay as committed as he did?   We can try, we may fail, we confess our sins, and then we try again. It is part of keeping and continuing to build our faith and the faith of others. Just as he rested, he also gives us the chance to rest, reflect and recover on the Sabbath. Do we take advantage of that time?

As you have been reading along through Matthew, have you had a short story or two that impact you the most or resonate with something you needed to hear that day? I know that “Do Not Be Anxious” in Matthew 6 helped me as we started back into the new year of work. “Come To Me and I Will Give You Rest” in Matthew 11 also helps on days where life wears me out juggling work and kids. Just spend a minute reading the headlines back through all the chapters we have covered this far. It is an interesting view, and I know I will go back to Matthew down the road because there are so many relevant stories and messages.

So why did I choose the title “Seeing is Believing?”  We all have heard the phrase “well, I’ll believe that when I see it.”  In Matthew Chapters 8, 9 and 12 this week, Jesus’ many miracles are recounted. If you count, there are 15 miracles so far which demonstrate how he helped or healed others. Lepers, the Centurion, Calming the Storm, Demons, Blind men, mute, Jonah. So many examples! Yet people did not always believe. They doubted saying, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beezelbul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Matthew 12:23-24.  However, he knows their thoughts and retorts “1 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” He knows some doubt by not seeing but he pumps up those people who have faith without seeing. They believe. Do we believe without seeing all those miracles such as the withered hand? Yes, we have faith!  Can we have complete faith in his plan for us? I think it’s harder some days than others. And God knows that. He sends Jesus with all kinds of guidance on how to deal with life’s daily challenges and temptations, he shows his goodness through the miracles, and he even helps us deal with anxiety, giving us a way to rest our weary thoughts by giving them up to him. I can rest easier knowing he is there and all I have to do is stay in tune with my faith and rest on the Sabbath.  I have to continue to this faith journey and believe without seeing.

Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6)

 

 

Looking for Jesus

I try very hard to look for Jesus in the midst of my daily life. Yet, I often struggle with looking for Him in the wrong places, sometimes even with the best intent and a good heart. Too often, I make finding Jesus much too complicated. Can you relate?

Our culture is one that idolizes other people quickly and easily. Entire magazines, shows and blogs are dedicated to the lives of people considered worthy of our attention. We look to people and products for a little “high” of excitement, for fulfillment, and even for guidance. We quickly jump around from thing to thing, and the next big thing seems to always be calling our names just as soon as we get what we wanted a minute ago.

Even as Christians, it’s quite easy to fall into this cycle and look to other believers we admire, sermons or podcasts, or well-known Chrisitan authors to provide us the amount of Jesus we need in our day to day life. While these things can be helpful and inspire us to grow, they do not come close to simply experiencing Jesus Himself.

Maybe we need a little wake-up call. Thankfully, in Matthew 11, we see some other early believers needed one, too. For a long time, this group of people had been looking to one man for their teaching, for their spiritual growth, and for gaining wisdom. This one man was John the Baptist. Yet, even John himself knew that he was not to be the be all end all of their spiritual walks. John knew that his role was to simply prepare their hearts for the One who was coming. Despite warning his followers that he was not the one who could truly fulfill their hearts, the people still gravitated toward what was right in front of them. Even when the Messiah Himself began His ministry by speaking to crowds, the people who had grown used to following John had to realize something: What their hearts really were longing for had finally come. Fulfillment Himself was there, just waiting for them.

Perhaps this week you, like me, need to shift your focus directly to Jesus Himself. We are incredibly blessed to live in a culture where we can readily find Him in Christian books, on our favorite Pandora music stations, in online sermons, and we can always learn from the lives and examples of other believers. Yet, it can be easy to exhaust ourselves by trying to feel Him and find Him in these sorts of places and forget that He’s already revealed Himself to us.

Just as in Matthew 11, Jesus was waiting for John’s followers to realize who He was and simply turn to Him, maybe today, Jesus is waiting for you to stop trying to find Him in things and simply seek Him alone.

The fact that verses 29-30 are at the end of Matthew 11 is not a coincidence, and I love that. Finding Jesus does not have to be some complicated game or an exhausting process. Today, I encourage you to just look to Jesus and remember that He alone is what can fulfill your heart. He’s already there, waiting for you.

 

Worth More Than Many Sparrows

The first time through Matthew 10, if I’m honest, seemed random, harsh and a bit abrupt. I could see Jesus building a “list” of instructions and informational points to prepare His friends for the next few years with Him, but I needed to spend some time rereading and thinking to see more of Him and His purpose for this passage.

First, God is not wordy. He is concise. He is truth and He doesn’t need to “package” His ideas to seem more palatable to us. He loves his friends enough to be honest about the truth that He knows they will face. This is hard stuff! “You will flee for your life, you will leave your families, (Anyone who loves their family more than Me is not worthy of Me.) you will be arrested, you will be flogged, people will hate you! I don’t know about you, but if I am trying to decide whether I am in or not on a life threatening opportunity, I want my decision to be based on pure, honest, truth. I want the facts, not a nicely packaged story about how my leader hopes it is all going to turn out. Jesus tells them, “When you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, it won’t be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” As I sit with Jesus words I find this FANTASTIC and TERRIFYING at the same time. When, not if you are arrested and don’t worry when you have to testify because My words will come out of your mouth.

Second, Jesus knew the weight and the cost of His plan to His friends. He knew as He laid out the truth of the next few years for these people that their response would be fear. How could it not? So as He spoke to them He said, “Do not be afraid”. He says it more than once in this chapter because He knows they need His comfort and reassurance. Then He uses everyday items like birds and hair to show them that He knows what they are facing, He loves them deeply, personally and will continue to care for them. Again…”So don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows”.

So what seemed in the beginning to be harsh and abrupt, now looks honest, loving and truthful. When the reality of truth is hard to live with, He says, “I love you so do not be afraid”. “You are worth more than many sparrows”.

Follow Me

    “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.”  And he rose and followed him.  (Matthew 9:9)

     I’ve always been a planner.  September 1 has long been my favorite day of the year, coming just before the beginning of a new school year.  I grew up in New England, so our school year didn’t begin until after Labor Day weekend.   Labor Day itself would usually find me organizing my new school supplies and setting up my planner for the academic year.  I still love September 1  – after going to school for 17 years and then homeschooling for another 16, my love for the beginning of a new school year is probably here to stay.  For the past few years, though, I’ve also come to love the first of January, New Year’s Day, almost as much.  I love the beginning of a new calendar year filled with promise and dreams and plans.

So when I read Matthew 9, our text for today, in which Jesus calls to Matthew as he is working and says simply, “Follow me” – I’m amazed that Matthew simply dropped everything and walked away with Jesus.  I’m amazed, and maybe even a little uncomfortable!  Matthew was a tax collector, a man whose job involved important things like schedules and ledgers and money.  He was probably a planner, too, like me.  Yet Matthew didn’t even question Christ when He called to him to follow.  He didn’t ask, “May I just finish this one thing?”  He didn’t say, “Sure, but I have to come back next week for this reason.” Instead, Matthew stood up and simply walked away from the life he knew to follow a man he did not yet know.

To do as Matthew did would have been a challenge for me, to be sure, and in realizing this, it made me wonder if this step of obedience was difficult for Matthew as well.  I would imagine that it was.  Nonetheless, Matthew stood and followed, and in so doing he set a fine example for me – for all of us, really – to do the same.  In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Clearly, just as Christ called Matthew 2000 years ago, He calls us today – and he expects our response now to be the same as Matthew’s was then.

     Even though today is January 10, and we are already almost two weeks into the new year, I’m still in planning mode, still thinking about the new goals I’ve set for this year and working to make progress on them.  But my study of Matthew 9 has reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11, in which God reminds us that, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  God has plans for me – and for you – that far surpass any I have for myself.  So in order to follow Him well, I need to approach any plan I make by first seeking God’s  input and His guidance.  Each plan I make and every goal I set should be placed before Him first, filtered through His perfect plan for me.  I encourage you to do the same!  May we all follow Him well, together.

Miracle in the Midst

 

 

 

 

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8

It is truly a privilege and honor to become part of a tremendous community. I have read and prayed through this bible journal for the last 52 weeks and I have truly been blessed by the words and commitment of the authors. 2016 was a year of growth, change and reflection for my family and myself and this group was a truly influential and integral part of our journey.   My name is Lynden McGriff and my wife is Jillian, we have three children, which are the main part of the essence of my life. The passage that I have been give to reflect on this week is one that is summed up in one word: Miracles.

Matthew Chapter 8 in several of my resources has the heading “Jesus performs many Miracles”.   The direct participants and recipients of these miracles are: a leper, a centurion, a mother-in-law, a host of people, and two demon-possessed men.

The leper is a person that has been casted out of not only the city and his church, but has become a cast away from all of humanity. This is a person who has actually disappeared in the presence of their love ones.

The Centurion is a person of high prestige and stature. The title and name of centurion states he is in charge of at least 100 men. These men will do and follow all of the commands of this solider. The Roman government and the Jewish people were at odds because of the oppression that had been imposed by the Roman government. This man has resources, physicians, and other people at his command but his faith lead him to Jesus.

This passage also raised an important thought; Peter was married and still was in contact with this extended family. Jesus came to Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house and healed her and many others. This is awesome, can you imagine your best friend coming over to your in-laws and then having a mall group prayer session there? And to top it off your Mother-in-law is sick with the flu.   I have a great mother-in-law and I know that she would be up for the challenge, but this just an interesting situation all together.

Then the final scene is where Jesus is walking through a specific region and then these men come up to Jesus and they are demon-possessed. The demons immediately acknowledge who Jesus is

 “ What do you want with us Son of God”? Matthew 8:29

This is the most incredible phrase in this passage to me. No matter what we are going through, Jesus has and always has the authority and power over everything, even the demons have to obey his command. In all of the other healings that he performed in this passage this was the first time that it showed the awesome power that is witnessed by others.

So with these examples, I am reminded of the sermon series of “Miracles in the margins”, it does not matter who you are, what has happened to you, what you are going through Jesus is able to work miracles in our daily life, we have to be the one ready and have the faith to allow the miracles to happen. I leave you with one of my favorite mantras, saying or prayers “ God can not protect you from what he will perfect you through”. Have a blessed week.