Always be ready.

Today like most days nearly everything was scheduled. From the time to get up, leave for the gym, return from the gym, get ready, join a call, depart for the airport, and then the flight departure. All of these times were known up front, and I was slightly off schedule for most. The most important and inflexible time was of course the flight. Once the gates are closed, there is absolutely no entry.

I’ve known about this flight for weeks so technically I’ve been able to prepare and be ready for more than enough time. Which luggage to bring, clothes, toiletries, shoes, and anything else? There was plenty of time to make dining reservations at our destination but I waited until the last minute.

The bottom line is, there was a schedule, and I knew the precise planned time for each. It was up to me to be ready or not.

Today’s reading includes the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. In this parable, the bridesmaids were to await the bridegroom. The bridegroom ended up being late and while waiting, five of the bridesmaids had lamps that ran out of oil. The ill-prepared bridesmaids missed the bridegroom as they went to buy oil. Those who were ready and waiting were allowed to enter the feast, and then the door was locked. Upon the return of the other bridesmaids, they realized they missed out due to their lack of preparation.

11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ (Matthew 25:11-12)

Just like a flight when the gates are closed, there is no reopening, so we must always be ready for the return of Christ. Given our busy lives and schedules, how much do we really anticipate his return? Too often I am guilty of going through the motions, onto the next calendar event when my true hope, longing and anticipation should be for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  • What if today was the day? Are you ready?
  • What will you do to prepare?
  • Where is your heart and mental focus? Earthly calendars or Heavenly appointments?
  • Are you praying for others to be ready?

False Prophets

Isaiah 4-6, Matt 23

Do you remember Jim Jones? How about David Koresh, Harold Camping, or Marshall Applewhite? These men have something in common: each was a religious leader who claimed to have a direct line to God.  They also caused anxiety, distress, and destruction among their followers. Looking back, it’s easy to label them as “false prophets,” as Jesus describes in Matthew 23.

“Obviously,” you might think. “I could spot that a mile away.” After all, anyone amassing weapons, controlling people, or mistreating children while claiming divine authority is clearly at odds with Jesus.

We recognize these signs because of one simple principle: love. We know that God is love, and we understand how love behaves. Therefore, the real test of a prophet’s connection with God is love—are they cultivating it, or diminishing it?

If you follow the news, you’ve likely encountered another prophetic claim: that “God ordained Trump.”  Is that true? Let’s apply the test that Jesus provides in Matthew 23: Is he growing God’s love, or diminishing it?

I’ll be watching closely, and I’ll be praying for the former.

 

Jesus at the Center of It All

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 1-3, Psalm 9, and Matthew 22

At the center of it all is God. Sometimes, this realization is not my reality, and my life shows it.  As the earthly world speaks to us daily, we can lose direction and go a path we think is right based on a temporary feal. We believe this is right, or we can look for a shortcut to move at the pace we wish our lives would go.

This reminds me of the maps I use on my phone. When I drag to where I think I want to go, I can lose touch with where I need to start, where God desires our lives. I have needed to hit the re-center button many times in my life. As I travel through the hills and valleys, I need always to keep God at the center of my journey.

Today, Isaiah reminds us that no matter how off course you have been, He is still next to you, ready to re-center your life. When life has you feeling a little lost, find direction in Him.

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

When we venture off course, an obstacle usually gets in the way, or we want to get there quicker than what was provided.  We make our own decisions by speeding, changing routes, or doing whatever we need to reach our desired destination. I’m reminded that our journies are never alone.  We find life and hope in Him alone.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Reading Matthew 22 humbles me. It reminds me that I need to stay centered in all things with Him.

29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Lord, help me trust Your presence, Your love, Your Forgiveness, and the direction You have for my life. Help me be centered on You.  Amen

Of Kings and Of Men

Today’s Reading II Kings 15-16; Matthew 21

Throughout history, there has always been a struggle of power . This struggle can be between good and evil. The struggle can be between the light and the darkness. The struggle could be between power and submission. There’s always a balance.

In school, there was a quote in science : Nature does not like a vacuum,  it will always have a balance. Throughout the scriptures, we hear about the balance between good and evil. We know that in the midst of a storm we will find refuge and stability. God uses these scriptures to remind us of how good he is in the midst of the good and the bad.

In these chapters of the II Kings, there is a chronological illustration of the kings of Judah and the kings of Israel. The nation of Israel was split after the reign of King Solomon. When Samuel appointed the first king of the combined nations of Israel,  Saul was the king over the 12 nations of Israel. Then in succession the crown and kingdom went to David and then to Solomon . After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom was split into two nations:   Judah ( tribes of Benjamin and Judah) and other 10 nations under Israel. The lineage of Judah is descendants from David. 

As we read in these chapters, we see that the kings of Judah were not perfect, but they tried their best to continue the lifestyle of their father David. They had some hiccups and some bruises, but they continue to strive to be in accordance with God. The kings of Israel did not attempt to stay with the laws of God.  The kings of Israel continued to not have any regard to God.  

In Matthew, Chapter 21,  Christ makes an illustration of the two sons and the vineyard.  The two sons are asked by the father to perform a task. The first son says he’s not going to do it, but actually does the task. The second son says he will do the task and does not do it.   Both of the nations in II Kings came from the same lineage.  One nation tries to follow the commandments of God, that’s the nation of Judah. The other nation of Israel knows what the commandments are as well, but they decide not to follow in the path.

Many times we are presented with good and bad in our lives. Sometimes the bad can become overwhelming as for the kings of Israel. Sometimes we have glimpses of light and hope as with the kings of Judah. But at the end of all of our crying and in our joy, we have to understand that God is in the midst of it all. God‘s hand is in the midst of everything that we go through. God is protecting us and giving us glimpses of hope to hold onto so that we do not become disengaged with life.

May God give us glimpses of light throughout this week and throughout our life so that we can show others in their  darkness light and hope.

 

What Do You Want?

Hosea 14, 2 Chron 26-27, Ps 61, Matt 20

When was the last time you wanted something that bad?  So bad that you were willing to stand in the middle of the isle, screaming as loud as you can just so someone might hear you?  It’s been a long time, for me.

Maybe that’s the problem.  Ive been whispering my prayers and asking for things.  Perhaps God’s first response is like mine in the grocery isle.  “Not today, son.”  What do I do now?  Keep being polite?  Ask again, but nicer?There were two blind men sitting along the road in Jericho.  They heard Jesus coming, so they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”  Jesus didn’t respond.

They kept shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!  Lord, Have mercy!  Please!  Have Mercy.”  Now, they were getting attention, but not from Jesus.  The crowd around them was upset.  “Shut up!” they demanded.  The response was easy.  The blind men shouted louder.  (Matthew 20:29-33).

Now, what do you want?  Is it important enough to shout for?  Why aren’t you shouting?

Is God Enough?

Today’s reading is Hosea 11-13 and Matthew 19.

Question : “How big is too big of a house?”

Answer: “Just a little bit bigger than my house.”

Do you believe you are rich? You probably don’t, but if you put your income into this website, https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/how-rich-am-i, by worldly standards you likely are.

I’m sure I’ve shared this before, but a pastor I know shared a story of picking up a pastor from Africa at the airport who had never been to the US before. As they began to drive to their destination the pastor said he would pray for those in US. When the US pastor asked why perplexed, the pastor from Africa stated it was because Americans have everything they need and more, they don’t “need God.” Most of us don’t need to rely on Him for our next meal and our everyday things and then some.

Jesus states in Matthew 19:23 that only with difficulty does a rich person enter the kingdom of Heaven. By worldly and historical standards, that is you and me if you live in the US. It is easy to think we don’t need God when our physical needs are easily met without having to fully rely on Him. Jesus also challenges the rich young ruler to leave his possessions and follow Him in Matthew 19:21. The saddened young ruler walks away disappointed. What would we do if we were in his shoes? What do we do every day when Jesus is subtly whispering in our heart to let go of our worldly possessions and passions? Do we hold on too tight like the young man or do we give them away to His Kingdom and follow Him? Sadly, I know what I do.

I am inspired by the disciples who dropped everything to follow Him. I’m also inspired by the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 where she gave 2 copper coins which were likely her last with the loss of her husband and his income leading Jesus to compliment her in comparison to the Pharisees who gave only the equivalent of their loose change.

I heard a past leader in our company speak and tell of a challenging time when her husband was killed in an accident, and she was about to lose her job for poor performance. She was at rock bottom and as she prayed she felt God asking her, “Am I enough?”

As we read about the rich young ruler today, and we reflect on our money, possessions, and passions we are holding onto too tight, this is a great question to ask ourselves, “If I lost it all, is God enough?”

Ultimate Guidance for the Followers of Jesus

Today’s Reading: Hosea 1-3; Mathew 16

Matthew 16:24-28 contains profound teachings from Jesus about the cost of discipleship and the true nature of following Him. These verses provide the ultimate guidance for our lives on earth. Here’s the passage:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.'”

  1. Self-Denial as a Path to True Fulfillment:

– Meaning: Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, which means setting aside selfish ambitions, desires, and the pursuit of personal gain that is contrary to God’s will. It involves a willingness to put God’s priorities above our own.

– Thoughts: In our lives, self-denial might look like choosing integrity over profit, humility over pride, and service over self-interest. It’s about aligning our desires with God’s purpose, even when it costs us comfort or status. True fulfillment comes not from accumulating wealth, power, or worldly success, but from living a life that honors God and serves others.

  1. Taking Up Our Cross:

– Meaning: Taking up the cross symbolizes a willingness to endure suffering, rejection, or sacrifice for the sake of Christ. In the Roman context, the cross was a brutal instrument of execution, so Jesus’ command is a call to embrace whatever challenges come with following Him.

– Thoughts: In daily life, “taking up our cross” can mean standing up for our faith in a world that may not always be receptive, making sacrifices in our personal lives to follow Christ, or enduring hardships with faith. It’s a call to live courageously and faithfully, even when it’s difficult or costly.

  1. The Paradox of Losing and Finding Life:

– Meaning: Jesus teaches that in trying to save our lives by clinging to worldly things, we lose what truly matters—our spiritual well-being and eternal life. Conversely, when we give up our lives (our will, our desires) for Christ’s sake, we find true life in Him.

– Thoughts: Consider what you are holding onto in your life that might be hindering your relationship with God. Are there areas where you need to let go, trust God, and prioritize your spiritual health over temporary gains? Real life is found in surrendering to God’s will and living according to His purpose.

  1. The Value of the Soul:

– Meaning: Jesus emphasizes that nothing in this world is worth more than your soul. Worldly achievements, wealth, and success are fleeting, but the state of your soul has eternal significance.

– Thoughts: Reflect on what you are investing your time, energy, and resources in. Are you more focused on accumulating worldly possessions or on nurturing your spiritual life? We should evaluate our priorities to ensure that we are not sacrificing our soul for things that ultimately do not satisfy.

  1. The Reality of Judgment and Reward:

– Meaning: Jesus speaks of a future time when He will return in glory and judge each person according to their deeds. This reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences, and we will be accountable for how we lived our lives.

– Thoughts: Live with an eternal perspective. Make decisions not just based on immediate outcomes but with the awareness that you will one day stand before God. Seek to live a life that reflects His love, righteousness, and truth, knowing that your faithfulness will be rewarded.

Matthew 16:24-28 challenges us to embrace a life of discipleship marked by self-denial, sacrifice, and a focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains. It calls us to evaluate what we are truly living for and to make the conscious choice to follow Christ, even when it’s difficult. By doing so, we discover the true meaning of life and the eternal rewards that come from faithfully following Him.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

The Consequences of Unbelief

Amos 1-3, Matt 13

I’m fascinated at the text in Matt 13.  Jesus returned to his hometown.  The place where he grew up.  The villagers knew him well.  They knew his ordinary parents, and his unremarkable home.  They knew his brothers and sisters and witnessed all their awkward teenage years.  “Nothing special here,” they thought.

Just like us, their future expectations were shaped by their experience.  In this case, the people remember Jesus as the smelly teenager, with the high-pitched voice, tripping over his own feet.  Those memories have shaped their expectations of Jesus, but not in a good way.   They have no positive expectation of Jesus and that neuters his influence.  “And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.” Matthew 13:58

Perhaps we are also  stuck because of unbelief.  Upon seeing that, I am instantly reminded of the man in Mark 9.  His son is possessed, and he approaches Jesus for help.  “Help, if you can.” He suggests. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”  The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 (NLT)

That is worth repeating.  “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mark 9:23)

Wholeheartedly

Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12

 

In today’s scriptures, we read about a King who, despite warnings by friends, family, and others who knew him, decided not to follow God’s way.  In both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, you read about Kings who followed the Lord’s ways and those who didn’t.  You will then read what happened when they did or didn’t.  King Amaziah from 2 Chronicles had me reflecting today.

He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.

In Psalm 53, we read about those who decided not to believe in God, that the world was just theirs, and that they could do what they wanted. Psalm 53 shares the corruption that follows and, ultimately, the judgment from there.

The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.

Lastly, in Matthew 2 we read about the Pharisees who didn’t want to believe in Jesus. The Pharisees loved the attention and control they had and didn’t want others to follow Jesus and not them.  The Pharisees, with hardened hearts, demanded signs and would use blasphemy to try to get others to not believe in Him.

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

Reflecting on the readings today, I think about how I see Jesus.  How does my life reflect what He has called me to.  Do I ever fall into the same spaces as some Kings or Pharisees?

Am I wholeheartedly following Him? 

 

Lord, Help us to believe in our unbelief. Help us not to let this world, which lifts us up or glamorizes worldly things, impact our thoughts, minds, or actions, which vary from Your Truth.  We need to believe and trust in Your power and daily plans for our lives.  Help us to each day seek You and not live our lives trying to please both worlds.  Lord, You have shown us the way by sending Your Son Jesus to live a life we can spur each other on each day to believe and follow.  Help us to do that.  We need You!  Amen

23 Jesus said to him, “If[a] you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Have a blessed day!

What’s your appointment?

 

Today’s Reading: Jonah ; Matthew 11

Today’s readings give us a glimpse into our callings or our appointments that God has given to us. One of the biggest discussion points that I have come across in the last several years is “What am I here for?” Too many times we get caught up in searching for “what” we are intended to do. Many times we put too much thought and too much effort into trying to be something that we or others have put on us. By training, trade, and profession I am a pharmacist.  But first and foremost,  I am first a person who is dedicated to helping others. Many times we are held into the profession that we have without expanding who we are. 

In the book of Jonah, God appoints certain elements of His creation to do His will. Each of these elements completes the assignment that God has for them at that given time and moment. God has appointments for us that are not going to be lifelong appointments.  Sometimes the appointments are for a second, a moment, an hour, or more.  We have to be open and obedient to His will to ensure that we can complete the assignment. 

God appointed Jonah 

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.””

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God appointed the wind and sea

“But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God appointed the great fish

“And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God appointed the plant 

“Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God appointed the worm 

“But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The depth and the breath in which God can appoint is truly amazing.  From this brief book of Jonah, we can see that when God appoints anything many things and miracles can happen. As we are presented with this new week,  let us listen to God and see if we can hear the brief or long appointments that he has for us. 

Be blessed