Today we read 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 68 & Matthew 17.
There have been few events in history that stack up higher than the Transfiguration. It is a tough event to understand completely, but it is worth the time and effort. Some things I notice each and every time:
1) Jesus met with Moses and Elijah. Not only does that affirm the reality of the afterlife, but it also speaks of a greater fulfillment that Christ was carrying out. Moses represents the Law. Elijah represents the prophets. 'The law and the prophets' is a term that speaks of the entire Old Testament. This is a powerful message that Jesus is the fulfillment of the laws and the prophecies of everything that came before Him.
2) I also recognize that Peter, James, and John recognized Moses and Elijah. Have you ever thought about how they recognized them? They did not have pictures of them. They did not have paintings of them. They did not have children's Bibles with drawings in them. They simply knew who they were. That tells me something about heaven. Not only will I know my loved ones in heaven, there will be a much greater recognition of others in heaven as well; even those that I have never met.
3) I also recognize the message or the purpose. What a great affirmation of what God was doing through Christ! Christ heard all of God's history speak to Him and his inner circle witnessed the whole event.
4) The message they left with was the key point, however. It is stated in Matthew 17.5- He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The key point: Listen to Him! Not only do we need to hear Him, we need to heed His Words, obey His Words, and live by His Words.
It is a timeless and true message that we must live by. All of heaven echoes it into our being.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
K.C. and the SONshine Boy
Today we read 2 Samuel 4 &5, Psalm 139, and Matthew 16.
After a lot of rain, a missed flight, and another delayed one, I made my arrival in Kansas City about 1 AM. Atlanta airport is a sight to see when everybody is running late and planes are not working right. However, I wake up this morning a little later but overlooking the city and thankful for the sunshine.
I also wake up to read one of the most introspective passages that we have the opportunity to read. Jesus asked the question in Matthew 16.26 -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?
I think about that from two angles this morning.
The first is the most obvious: a person ought to invest his/her life in Christ and seek Him, instead of the things of the world.
However, I also think about the Christian who has invested his/her life in Christ. Should we merely profit eternally by burying the treasure that God has given us in Christ? Or should we profit daily by enjoying the investment by sharing it, soaking it up, and living in response to it?
Let's Chose the Latter and live in the Son!
After a lot of rain, a missed flight, and another delayed one, I made my arrival in Kansas City about 1 AM. Atlanta airport is a sight to see when everybody is running late and planes are not working right. However, I wake up this morning a little later but overlooking the city and thankful for the sunshine.
I also wake up to read one of the most introspective passages that we have the opportunity to read. Jesus asked the question in Matthew 16.26 -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?
I think about that from two angles this morning.
The first is the most obvious: a person ought to invest his/her life in Christ and seek Him, instead of the things of the world.
However, I also think about the Christian who has invested his/her life in Christ. Should we merely profit eternally by burying the treasure that God has given us in Christ? Or should we profit daily by enjoying the investment by sharing it, soaking it up, and living in response to it?
Let's Chose the Latter and live in the Son!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
A Heart for the King
Today we read 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 12, and Matthew 15.
Today we read in 1 Chronicles 12 of the mighty men that were willing to do whatever it took for King David. All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. (v.38)
May it be said about us that we come to the Lord with a whole heart to make Him king over all of our lives. May we be single minded to make Him King.
Let's Celebrate the King today! I look forward to worshiping with you today if you live in the Houston, MS area. If not, worship today wholeheartedly in your place of worship.
Today we read in 1 Chronicles 12 of the mighty men that were willing to do whatever it took for King David. All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. (v.38)
May it be said about us that we come to the Lord with a whole heart to make Him king over all of our lives. May we be single minded to make Him King.
Let's Celebrate the King today! I look forward to worshiping with you today if you live in the Houston, MS area. If not, worship today wholeheartedly in your place of worship.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Alone to Pray
Today we read 2 Samuel 2, 1 Chronicles 11, Psalm 142, and Matthew 14.
This verse that I hang my hat on today seems to be a transitional verse, but it really is a verse that can make a transitional difference in your life. Matthew 14.23-And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
The Saturday Simple Thought is this: If Jesus needed time alone with God to pray, so do you and I. Let's let nothing come in the way of our most valuable time...time alone with the Father.
Get it early today before its gone!
This verse that I hang my hat on today seems to be a transitional verse, but it really is a verse that can make a transitional difference in your life. Matthew 14.23-And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
The Saturday Simple Thought is this: If Jesus needed time alone with God to pray, so do you and I. Let's let nothing come in the way of our most valuable time...time alone with the Father.
Get it early today before its gone!
Friday, April 26, 2013
The Nitty Gritty
Today we read 2 Samuel 1, Psalm 140, and Matthew 13.
The seed is the Word of God and you never have to worry about it: when the seed is scattered around you and in you, it is what you need. God's Word is always timely. People often say, "Preacher, that is what I needed to hear." or "You stepped all over my toes." No, I didn't. I have no clue what is going on in the heart and life of individuals (well, maybe a clue, based on their lives), and I don't write sermons or preach to aim at folks. If you got a Word, you didn't get it from me. What you have experienced is the synergy of the Holy Spirit, a receptive heart, and an obedient mail carrier...or seed broadcaster...or bread toter.
The real question is not the soundness of the message of God's Word, but the state of the heart and mind of the listener. Jesus compared it to soil. He said some hearts are as hard as a well-worn path. They may look like they are listening for a time, but, the reality is, they are shelled up and not receptive. Other folks are shallow. They seem to take it in but, in reality, they are Roman Candle Christians. They start out with a lot of pop and sizzle, look beautiful for a few minutes, but burn out quickly. There are also those who have lives that are so cluttered that they don't slow down long enough to take it in. That message is lost as well. The heart and the mind that are open, ready, and waiting are the ones that God's Word really makes a difference in. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 13.23- As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
There is a direct correlation in how much the Word will make a difference in your life, how spiritually fruitful you will be, and the state of receptivity of your heart and life.
That is getting it right down to the nitty gritty and that is appropriate because that is what makes the difference. I pray that you are open today to what the Lord has for you.
The seed is the Word of God and you never have to worry about it: when the seed is scattered around you and in you, it is what you need. God's Word is always timely. People often say, "Preacher, that is what I needed to hear." or "You stepped all over my toes." No, I didn't. I have no clue what is going on in the heart and life of individuals (well, maybe a clue, based on their lives), and I don't write sermons or preach to aim at folks. If you got a Word, you didn't get it from me. What you have experienced is the synergy of the Holy Spirit, a receptive heart, and an obedient mail carrier...or seed broadcaster...or bread toter.
The real question is not the soundness of the message of God's Word, but the state of the heart and mind of the listener. Jesus compared it to soil. He said some hearts are as hard as a well-worn path. They may look like they are listening for a time, but, the reality is, they are shelled up and not receptive. Other folks are shallow. They seem to take it in but, in reality, they are Roman Candle Christians. They start out with a lot of pop and sizzle, look beautiful for a few minutes, but burn out quickly. There are also those who have lives that are so cluttered that they don't slow down long enough to take it in. That message is lost as well. The heart and the mind that are open, ready, and waiting are the ones that God's Word really makes a difference in. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 13.23- As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
There is a direct correlation in how much the Word will make a difference in your life, how spiritually fruitful you will be, and the state of receptivity of your heart and life.
That is getting it right down to the nitty gritty and that is appropriate because that is what makes the difference. I pray that you are open today to what the Lord has for you.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Heart of the Matter
Today we read 1 Samuel 30 & 31, 1 Chronicles 10, & Matthew 12.
Your heart is overflowing...it really is. What is in your heart, what fills you up, what you concentrate on will come out. Your heart will overflow. The question is: What it is your heart? Do you know where the spout of the heart is. In Matthew 12.34 Jesus tells us- For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
If your mouth doesn't work right or if it is does not seem to say the right things, check your heart. If you can get to the heart of the matter, the mouth will fix itself.
I hope you have a good day of examining the heart and making sure the heart is right with the Lord. You will say things that are a lot prettier and more positive when it is.
Your heart is overflowing...it really is. What is in your heart, what fills you up, what you concentrate on will come out. Your heart will overflow. The question is: What it is your heart? Do you know where the spout of the heart is. In Matthew 12.34 Jesus tells us- For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
If your mouth doesn't work right or if it is does not seem to say the right things, check your heart. If you can get to the heart of the matter, the mouth will fix itself.
I hope you have a good day of examining the heart and making sure the heart is right with the Lord. You will say things that are a lot prettier and more positive when it is.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
A Note to the Worn Out
Today we read 1 Samuel 28 & 29, Psalm 109, and Matthew 11.
Better than any hotel, more comforting than the Cracker Barrel, when you are weary and worn, I know where you can find rest.
Jesus said in Matthew 11.28- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
This world can be like a rat race: When will we ever get off the spinning wheel??
I am thankful that when we bring those woes and worries to Christ, we find comfort. When we bring ourselves in our tired states to Him, He will give us rest.
I pray that you rest your worries in the Lord today.
Better than any hotel, more comforting than the Cracker Barrel, when you are weary and worn, I know where you can find rest.
Jesus said in Matthew 11.28- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
This world can be like a rat race: When will we ever get off the spinning wheel??
I am thankful that when we bring those woes and worries to Christ, we find comfort. When we bring ourselves in our tired states to Him, He will give us rest.
I pray that you rest your worries in the Lord today.
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