LOST

Posted on June 25, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We’ve all been there.  We’ve all been lost.  Maybe we’re still lost.  Being lost, in the dark, without light to show the way, not knowing which way to go, produces unsettling fear to most human hearts and minds.  If we stay lost, we live with fear as a part of life which causes us to react to others in unholy ways.  We accuse, judge and even blame others for making us who we are.  How can it be our problem?  We do life from this fear that is caused from being, well, lost.  We defend our lostness by covering it up with “I know where I’m going!” but we really don’t.  We think we have it all together but forget where we put it–our mantra for life. 

When we live a lost life, we have no hope.  We trust no one but ourselves.  When we fail, we are brought even lower in our thinking and behaving.  On the outside, we are proud, arrogant, and seek only to please ourselves.  We put on “the greatest show on earth” to show the world we have all things under control–but underneath it all, at the end of the day, fear seeps in to remind us we don’t really know who we are or where we are going.

We’ve heard of Jesus, but He can’t possibly be real.  Bad things still happen in the world with or without Jesus so we are hardened to anything that is Jesus.  It’s hard to be lost and hallow inside while keeping up the charade that we are “just fine”.  Church people don’t help much, for they seem to have the same problems we do in our lostness.  And boy, are they annoying.  Most church people seem to do all the same things we who are lost do.  They gossip about each other, hurt people with words, and fight among themselves.  They say “I’ll pray for you” but walk away without doing it.  They are a friendly bunch, but only with their cliques.  Their actions only make us feel more lost.  Our view is jaded because of our lostness.

FOUND

But then everything changed.  Someone was indeed praying for me.  The Light suddenly burst into my being, dispelling the darkness in my hard heart.  Jesus left the 99 to pull me out.  I was between a rock and hard place in my life.  Jesus spoke to my heart.  “Come, let me help you.”  I gave up all of me for all of Him.  All I knew at the time was I was lost but now I’m found.  Since being found by Jesus, saved by grace because of His mercy saturated with His unending, unchanging love, I don’t ever want to be lost again. 

I was blind but now I see.  God’s Word took on more meaning and began to be used as my lifeline for all of life.  When life stuff problems occurred, the answers were right there—all along.  His Holy Spirit convicted, corrected, comforted, encouraged, strengthened and pointed the way to real Life—not without problems but always with solutions. 

I am not perfect, never will be, but I know that I am perfectly forgiven.  ALL of us are who truly believe.

I was one of the 99 that Jesus relentless sought, to bring out of trouble, and to raise up from sin’s hold on me.  He grabbed me, embraced me, holding me tightly, sometimes kicking and screaming, never letting me go, until I knew He was the One and Only who could save me.  I let down all defenses, all fear and doubt.  Fear is a liar.  I then loved and embraced Him in return.  I have never regretted that decision.

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 17:12-14, NLT

Parable of the Lost Sheep

12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

Abba, Father, Lord of my life,

You are my Shepherd.  You are all I need.  You let me rest in green meadows.  You lead me beside peaceful streams.  You renew my strength daily, hourly if needed.  You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your Name.  EVEN when I walk through the darkest valley, I will no longer be afraid for You are close beside me.  Your rod and Your staff pull me back to where it is safe, protecting me and comforting me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies who want me to stay lost.  You honor me by anointing my head with Your healing oil that takes away the irritants of the world in my walk with You.  My cup of life overflows with blessings.  Surely, without doubt, Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.  And I will live in the house of the LORD forever.  Your promise.  My hope.  I will trust in You alone for I am no longer lost–but found.  To you be the glory!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE GREATEST

Posted on June 24, 2021 by randscallawayffm

A little boy gathered up his bat, ball and glove for practice.  He went out to his backyard alone to play the game he adored.  To watch him, you could almost hear the imaginary crowd cheering for his success in connecting with the ball and knocking it out of the park!  He laid down his glove, picked up his bat and ball, struck the bat on the ground a few times like the majors do, then took a few practice swings.  He firmly planted his feet and looked at the imaginary pitcher on the mound about to throw the first pitch to him.  

“I am the greatest batter in the world!”, he screams to the roaring crowd in his head.  He then throws the ball in his hand high into the air with his bat on his shoulder.  He quickly positions himself to swing!  But he misses.  “Strike One!” he yells, for he is also the umpire.

He repositions himself and tries again, “I am the greatest batter in the world!”.  The boy swings at his own thrown pitch.  He misses again. “Strike Two!” he yells.  The crowd in his mind goes wild.  He is now dusting off his feet.

He tries once more, “I am the greatest batter in the world!”.  The ball is thrown.  Another corkscrew swing with all his might sends him to the dirt.  “Strike Three!” he yells while picking himself up.  But the crowd is still cheering him on.  The boy then yells for all to hear, “I am the greatest pitcher in the world!”  He laughs as he does a victory dance around the base.  Undaunted, he begins the process all over again.

“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom?”, the followers ask Jesus one fine day as they traveled by foot over the countryside to seek and to save the lost.  His answer was simple and plain, easy to understand.  “…turn from your sins…”become like children”.  Jesus’ example, “come as a child” meant coming to the Father in Heaven with the faith a child has for a loving father.  A small child depends on their parents for all their needs and wants.  A child will jump into the arms of their father when they are told to jump, trusting they will catch them.  A child adores parents who love them and care for them. When a child feels afraid or threatened, they run to who loves them most.

“Come as a child” to the One and Only who is forever faithful with trust in Him first and always.  People who do come in complete trust with humbled hearts seeking forgiveness from their sins, turning from evil to follow God, the Father are deemed great.  We become great in the Kingdom of God we seek His great love for us.  We become great as we rely fully on God to grow our faith, hope and love with humble hearts.  Greatness is found in God alone.  We receive His Great Love because of His Great Grace and Mighty Mercy.  Who is the greatest?  The one who believes and sings, “Great is the Lord!” with a pure heart.

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 18:1-10, NLT

The Greatest in the Kingdom

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. 6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. 8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

DANGER AHEAD!  What is NOT great…

Jesus concludes with a warning for those who yield to evil’s schemes to bring a younger believer down, tempt them sin, and turn them away from doing what is right with consistent harassment and criticism in their walk with God.  “Better to be drowned in the sea”…Yikes!

Jesus gets right to the bottom line.  “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin.”  Cast of, get rid of, turn from and lay down all that is offensive to the Father who loves us with great love.  

Who, then, is the greatest?  The one who loves God back.  The humbled one who believes all that God says while believing who God says He is, was and is to come.

 “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8, NLT  The prophet of God.

Prophesy fulfilled when we walk with God. Don’t look down on anyone.  Look up to God.

Abba, Father,

Seeking greatness in the world’s view of thinking is not what you want.  You have expressed that clearly for us in Your Word more than once and you have reminded us today.  Help us to come to you with childlike faith as we grow out of our childish, selfish behaviors.  Help us realize the depth of your love for us, with power to love each other like you love us.  Help us to run from evil’s schemes, thinking and behaviors that bring all of us down.  Instead help us to focus all our thoughts on You so our subsequent behaviors are right and good, holy and pure.  Thank you for teaching us.  You are life.  We cannot do life without you.  Thank you for consistently growing and transforming me to be and do all you want, not what I want.  Forgive me when I strike out.  Thank you for picking me up and setting my feet firmly on your foundation.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FROM GRIEF TO AMAZEMENT

Posted on June 23, 2021 by randscallawayffm

When was the last time you were grieving over the loss of a loved one, or loss of job or loss of time and energy to do what you want to do in this life and God surprised you with yet another miracle of his power?  Those are the days that amaze me, how about you?  When we lean into God when we are saddened, He lifts us in ways we never imagined could happen.  God does this over and over again.  Why?  Because He loves us. 

In this passage today we couple the sadness of the disciples upon hearing the ultimate death and resurrection of Jesus–from Jesus.  “The Son of Man” is what Jesus called Himself on earth.  “…will be betrayed in the hands of his enemies” is not hard to believe by His guys because they have heard all the criticisms expressed loudly and disrespectfully from the religious elite.  Those in power have followed Jesus as closely as the disciples have but for opposite reasons and agendas.  They are plotting the death of Jesus with each wonder God-in-Flesh performs.  Jesus’ enemies hate him for they are led by the one who was kicked out of heaven for plotting against God, wanting to be God!

So, here we are, grieving disciples, arriving in the next town of ministry, Capernaum, and they are met by Temple Tax Collectors.  These tax people do not tell the amount they owe, that would be too easy.  No, they try to sarcastically criticize one of Jesus followers, impetuous Peter, with “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”  Do you hear the taunting criticism dripping from each word of this question? 

I can also hear Peter’s response from the faith he has grown in Jesus being said like a boy caught with his hands in the cookie jar, “Yes, He does!”  But then goes directly to Jesus wondering how the payment will be made.  Jesus responds with a teachable moment lesson with a task before Peter even asks for the “how”. 

Why didn’t Jesus just produce what was needed by pulling it out of the money bag?  Why didn’t he just wave a hand over Peter’s hand or pull the coin from His ear like a magician?  Jesus instead told Peter to go fishing.  Peter was a fisherman.  Peter knew how to fish from previous experience.  Jesus used what Peter knew and had to fulfill what was needed for the moment.  Wow.  Pause here to think about it.

Jesus still does this in us.  With our little faith in knowing He will do what is needed, we go to Him for the “how”.  Jesus readily responds to our faith, trust, previous experience that He created us to have along with talents and God-given gifts to accomplish what is needed.  To those who “lean not to our own understanding’ but rely on God’s wisdom he shows us the “how” with clarity, great things happen!  God invites us to HIS work and guides us in His ways to accomplish each ministry task with Him.  Don’t you love that?

The judgmental critics were appeased.  “We don’t want to offend them.”  The tax was paid.  Peace was made.  Ministry progressed.  Relationships intact.  The greater purpose is always to “seek and to save the lost”.  Do you get the lesson here?  I am.  I needed this lesson to learn that we will always be criticized in ministry but we are in good company.  Jesus will guide us to do His work in His way in His time with His methods.  Yes, and amen!  Trust Him.

Matthew—God Law Fulfilled

Matthew 17:22-27, NLT

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

22 After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. 23 He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

Payment of the Temple Tax

24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?”

25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.

But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?”

26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Abba, Father,

Thank you for the many lessons that pop up from Your Word today that restores the joy of your salvation in me, renews my spirit and brings hope, joy and peace to my heart, mind and soul.  You are my Shepherd.  You are all I want and need.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FAITH IN THE VALLEY

Posted on June 22, 2021 by randscallawayffm

All of us will experience the exhilarating highs of successfully accomplishing what God has given us to be and do.  In those rare moments when all the details work together for good to those who believe, we rejoice.  Immediately following those moments, we come down the mountain high to the valley where our faith is tried and examined.  We see even more people who need Jesus.  They need more love, mercy and grace to be extended from a heart that loves Jesus who can point them TO Jesus.  We also learn that life is not all up to us and only our faith in Jesus brings healing with real transformation and change.  Yes, our faith is built by Jesus who reveals himself, not only on the mountain tops of hope but also in the valleys of great need.

In our previous reading of Matthew, Peter, James and John have just been with Jesus on a mountain top.  Jesus revealed His glory to them in ways that they would never forget!  The experience will draw them closer to Jesus and to each other because of the experience.  But now, in our reading of Matthew, they come down the mountain with Jesus to see a disagreeable crowd gathered around a man and his son.  This man now falls at the feet of Jesus and pleads for help for his demon-possessed boy.  The desperate father has only a “seed” of faith but comes to Jesus with what he has.  How do we know the extent of the father’s faith?  In Mark 9, the father of the boy reveals the amount of his faith in Jesus with, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”  This is followed by Jesus’ response, “What do you mean, IF I can?”  The father sees his own lack of faith and instantly cries out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 

Friends, haven’t we ALL been in the father’s state of faith believing in our own desperate times?  Do we pray “if you can” at times.  I’m going to stop that!

Honesty. God loves honesty and sincerity.  Jesus heals the boy coupled with a teachable moment for the disciples, the onlooking crowd, along with the father of a healed son.  The father’s mustard seed faith along with his prayer for God to grow his faith is heard.  The gospel of Mark relates that when the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t heal the boy, Jesus responded, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”  Matthew writes Jesus’ response to his disciples as, “You didn’t have enough faith.”

FAITH AND PRAYER, PRAYER AND FAITH

Is this a discrepancy or a two-fold lesson?  It is the latter.  Prayer, believing God can do anything and everything, asking God what HE wants and doing what HE says, builds confident faith.  Faith may begin as small as a mustard seed but coupled with believing prayer we learn from Jesus that He grows that faith into a mighty tree of confident faith! 

James will write later, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2-4, NIV 

We must always remember that God’s Word is all about God and our response to Him as we build an intimate, growing relationship with Him.  When we read from that perspective, we learn and grow exponentially!  “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1, NIV

I am recalling David’s prayer song, Psalm 23.  I jump back to David’s prayer of the declaration of who God is and what He does for us—even in the valleys.  I’m taking the 23rd personally, putting the words in my heart this morning as I read our Matthew passage about the amount of faith needed to not only climb mountains but to MOVE them!  

“The Lord is my Shepherd.  You are all I need.

You let me rest in green meadows.  You lead me beside peaceful streams.

You renew my strength.

You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your Name. 

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”  Psalm 23

Mustard seed faith grows on mountain tops and in the valleys!

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 17:14-20, NLT

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

14 At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”

17 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.

19 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

Abba, Father,

Nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible for You.  I believe.  I want what You want because what You want is always best for us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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TRANSFORMATION

Posted on June 21, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I’m in awe of our God-in-flesh Jesus, who came down to sinful earth, to people who forgot about God, who selfishly demanded their own way to live life, and who preferred tradition over a relationship with God.  Jesus came “to seek and to save” lost people without God.  He came to save us!  He is One who works daily to transform us! 

Jesus provide The Way out of our own sin and was Truth, whether we believe Him or not.  On top of all that, Jesus assures us by his work on the cross and rising from the dead, of the hope of Life forever with Him.  I am eternally grateful for our loving God who knew from the genesis of humans, that a sacrifice for sin was required and that sacrifice would have to ultimately be His Son, Jesus.  Jesus—perfect, holy, pure, without sin—was the One and Only who paid the debt for all sin for all who believe for all eternity. 

We now come to a supernatural time of revelation as told by Matthew.  Jesus takes only Peter, James and John to witness a glimpse of His eternal glory on a mountain top.  These men see Jesus has He was when he left heaven for earth.  In this moment, Jesus’ appearance was suddenly transformed, Matthew tells us.  Think about this way for understanding.  Jesus, for a time, takes off the cloak of humanness and lets it fall to the ground to reveal the glory of God, His Father within Him.  Jesus, God-in-flesh is transformed to reveal who He was, is and will always be, the Trinity—God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.

It is interesting who come to talk with Him about Jesus’ impending departure from earth back to heaven.  Moses and Elijah departed earth in supernatural ways, too.  Moses, at the end of his life, was called by God to go up the mountain alone.  He died on that mountain and no one knows to this day where Moses was buried.  But was he alone?  Was God-Jesus-Holy Spirit there when he took his last breath?  Let’s take a look at how Moses died;

“Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. 6 He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.”  Deuteronomy 34:5-6, NIV

HE buried Moses.  Who is He? God Himself! 

Now, consider Elijah’s supernatural departure from earth.  “As they (Elisha and Elijah) were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11, NIV 

Read the whole story.  It is interesting to note, Elijah dropped his cloak of leadership to the ground in his departure from earth to heaven and commanded Elisha to pick up it up and wear it as Elisha would now carry on the work of God! 

We would love to be in on that conversation between the three of them; Jesus, Moses and Elijah–but we know in truth that God in Christ was in their departure. They were not alone.  Were they talking about how Jesus would pass on the work to his disciples as they had done?  Mm.

Because a loving, honest, intimate relationship is uppermost in the mind of God, He made a way for us to come to Him and love Him back.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16, NIV (Emphasis mine)  THIS is what we DO know!

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 17:1-13, NLT

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

9 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

11 Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” 13 Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.

THINK ABOUT IT…

Wow, there is SO much to learn and meditate on in this passage.  We could camp on all the words that reveal the glory of God, His intent, His lessons, and His supreme, supernatural power for days and not understand it all!  Peter’s knee jerk reaction is to build tabernacles to remember.  But God clearly stated, “Listen to Him.” 

“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”

Friends, at least, understand this, God loves us.  He wants to talk with us in conversations that include two-way communication.  As we communicate in prayer conversations with God, take time to pause and “listen to Him.”  It is in these times of listening to Him that we realize we are never alone and we have the power of the risen Christ within our reach!  We realize that He loves us more than we can imagine. He came down to save us with His Son as the sacrifice.  His Holy Spirit is with all who believe.  Our goal is to go deeper still in relationship with Him. 

His Holy Presence lingers to hear our hearts cry out to him in conversations with him.  He fights our inner battles with evil.  He tears down the walls of this world that come between Him and us.  He is God.  We are not.  He longs to have a growing, intimate forever relationship with us.  No matter what we have done, what mistakes we have made, where we come from or what we have done to ourselves, He wants to TRANSFORM us to be all He created us to be!  He created us with purpose and He will not allow His purpose to be exploited or destroyed.

So, let’s drop the cloak of sin that does not fit us, that trips us up and entangles our walk. Instead, let’s run to Him as He runs to meet us just as the Father ran to meet his wayward, prodigal son on the path to forgiveness and freedom!  Remember, we are not alone.  God didn’t create us to be alone.  He wants to be with us in all we think, do or say.  He is Life.  He is freedom.  He is here.  Come to Him.  Listen to Him.

Abba, Father,

Hallowed be Your Name.  May Your Kingdom come and dwell in us and be see all around us.  May Your Will be done in every detail of our lives here on earth as it is in heaven.  Provide all we need this day.  We know you will.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those yield to evil’s words to mock us as we do your work.  Lead us not into temptations, but deliver us from all evil and evil’s schemes to bring us down and destroy us.  Instead, encourage us.  Be our strength and wisdom.  Help us to stay alert.  Our trust, hope and faith are in you.  There is no one like you.  To you be all glory, honor and praise forevermore.

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.  Now it is time for me to listen to You.  Speak to my heart for your servant is listening.

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WHO IS THIS?

Posted on June 19, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Growing up with parents and grandparents with childlike faith in God, believing in Jesus as Savior and living believing that He was Lord of their lives led me to believe in Him, too.  My faith in God was tied to their faith in God.  My grandparents were wise, full of hope, trusted Jesus in their difficult times that would rob them for a moment of their smiles.  Even as a child I remember observing their actions and reactions to problems closely especially when their faces showed sadness. 

I watched as they passionately prayed each evening, heard the praise and request words from their hearts with expectations that God would indeed intervene in His time.  They would get up from their kneeling position and the smiles returned.  These smiles were a result of trust and faith in the One they could not see but felt and knew well.  Yes, they KNEW Him and prayed to Him expecting an answer even if the answer was yes, no, or wait.  If you asked my parents and grandparents, who do they say the Son of Man is, they could readily answer with hearts, minds and souls driven by Jesus’ saving grace. 

PAUSE FOR PRAYER

Do we really know Him? 

Do we KNOW Him?

Or are we merely impressed with who He was in scripture? 

Who do we say Jesus was, is and is to come? 

Do we really believe that what we say we believe really real? 

Is Jesus a mere part of our “God-part” of life?

Do we pull out our God-card when we need Him?

Does God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, (the Holy Trinity, the Three-In-One), have access to ALL of our lives no matter where we are, who we’re with, who we work for, what we are doing and as well as who we are?

Jesus asks us, “Who do YOU say I am?”, still.  How will we answer?  It’s a matter of life or death so we need to pause and thoughtfully, prayerfully and honestly answer at the start of each day given to us.

For me? I confess, I walked with God while grasping the apron strings of faith of my parents and grandparents.  I had to let go of their faith building accomplishments for their own lives when they left earth to be joined with Jesus.  This letting go was essential to growing my own faith, hope and trust in Jesus, who became LORD of my life.  I thought I knew Jesus through my grandparents and parents.  But when I had to fully rely on Him myself after they left earth, is when I really began to KNOW Him.  Jesus came as God in flesh to earth to teach, to save, to heal, to provide a way to truth and life.  He did what God told Him to do at exactly the right time.  This is what I know; Jesus loves me.  Jesus saved me.  Jesus saves all who believe, truly believe, and gives all to the One and Only.

The Lord is my shepherd.  He is all l I need.  That’s who Jesus is!

Matthew-God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 16:13-28, NLT

Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

20 Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

As soon as Jesus establish who He was, is and is to come with Peter who declared correctly His Messianic mission to the world, minds were opened and trusted to hear what will come to pass…

Jesus Predicts His Death

21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

THINK ABOUT IT…

What if I only hung on to my parents and grandparent’s faith?  What if I believed Jesus was only their “thing”?  I shudder at the thought.  I did come to a crossroads in my faith as a young adult in my twenties.  I remember asking myself on day, as I cared for our first daughter, WHY?  Why do I do what I do?  What do I really believe about Jesus, His church and the connection of myself with it all?  After a few days, Jesus revealed Himself to me in my thoughts.  “Take all you have learned from your beloved family and build your own faith.”  I did.  I then began the journey to grow from childish faith to child-like faith.  I never questioned Him again.  Although tested many times in difficult situations, being honest with God with questions, He delivered me and my growing family, saved us from all kinds of troubles that challenged us and brought me to this day with complete faith and trust in Him alone.

NEED TO KNOW

The more we know Him the more He allows us to “see” and understand.  All the mysteries of Christ cannot be contained by human minds but God will allow us to see what we need to know for the time He knows we need it.  Peter would not be able to handle what lies ahead for Jesus, but He will follow Him, learn from Him and build His faith in Jesus no matter what.  Peter will learn forgiveness through repentance with a new covenant agreement with God and begin to preach WHO Jesus is in later days.  “Preach Jesus” will be the theme of all who will follow Him because they KNOW Him.

Who is this?  It depends on how much you know.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

You are my shepherd.  You are all I need.   You let me rest in green pastures.  You lead my beside peaceful streams.  You renew my strength.  You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to your Name.  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  You ARE the feast!  You honor me by anointing my head with healing oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.  Yes!In Jesus Name and by His power working in me, Am

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IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT DISTRACT US

Posted on June 18, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Okay, everyone into the boat, Jesus is ready to sail!  The oars are in the water, the sails are up, it’s a great day to get across this lake.  A few minutes into the voyage, stomachs begin to growl.  Some of the devoted, young men now remember they didn’t bring bread for the trip.  Instead of childlike faith, the respond childishly, “Hey Dude, did you happen to bring the baskets of leftovers?” “Did you bring bread?”  “It wasn’t my turn to bring bread!”  “Well, who’s turn was it?”  “I was worried about getting the boat off the shore, so I didn’t think about bread, but I am now.”  “Let’s blame Judas; he’s always in a bad mood anyway.”  This is all in my imagination of the scene, but isn’t this so like us? 

Many times, we miss the “boat” of what God is telling us because we are so focused and involved with just getting by in life for the moment.  We are so busy worrying about the little things of life that we miss opportunities to go deeper into our relationship with Almighty God who is trying to watch out for us, teach us, give warnings that will keep us from falling for evil.  Our God, how I love him!  How much I love Jesus who patiently explains to his dedicated followers in the boat that HE is all the Bread they need.  HE is the Bread of Life!  Speaking of bread, Jesus takes a beat to explain about the yeast of evil.  Beware of the yeast of proud leaders who permeate the bread of the wicked.  “Beware of the yeast of the leaders who do not follow Me” is what he is saying to them. Their religion will seep into your lives like yeast into baking bread.  Don’t become a loaf of evil!

Imagine the awkward pause in the boat.  Sailing in silence after the argument was shut down by Jesus, their thinking turns from who brought the bread to the Bread of Life who was sitting right there with them.  His eyes fixed on their eyes.  His love melted away their petty arguing and they finally “got it”, got the message He was explaining to them for their good and His glory.  Jesus, Son of God, is the Bread we need to fix all our attention as we feast of His teaching, hear His Holy Spirit, while being thankful for His love, mercy and grace.

We “get it”, right?

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 16:5-12, NLT

Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 8 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? 9 Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? 10 Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? 11 Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

12 Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

THINK ABOUT IT…

We fuss and stew over things of this world that are so small as God serves a feast of abundant life before us all because of His love.  Jesus, God’s Son, is the feast, the Bread of Life for all who believe.  Think God, think more than we can imagine!  He is the Way, Truth and Life!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16, NIV

Jesus told his disciples for emphasis, “I fed…” more than once to help them understand that HE will feed them all they need for Life.  Always.  Forevermore. 

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9, NLT

Be assured, we will be saved and fed well.

Abba, Father,

Thank you for saving my soul.  Thank your for renewing my spirit, changing my mind and filling my heart with your love.  Thank you for constantly feeding me with Your Word that gives life and sustenance.  Thank you for leading me out of trouble.  Thank you for guiding around the mountains of circumstances that could bring me down.  Sometimes you even move the mountains!  You are God and we are not.  There is no one like you!  You can do anything and everything!

You are my Shepherd.  You are all I need.  You let me rest in green meadows.  You lead me beside peaceful streams.  You renew my strength.  You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your Name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.  Yes, and amen!

In Jesus Name, Amen!  I believe.

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DEMANDING PEOPLE

Posted on June 17, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Am I one of them?

When leaders become proud, haughty, and self-righteous watch out!  People with these traits become more and more demanding of all those around them including God, Himself.  Truth Bomb:  These traits are not of God and not in His character.  Not only are these leaders hard to live with and follow, they are dangerous to any work environment.  These challenging traits are in the top ten traits of the evil one, who tried in heaven to be like God and was thrown out!  This fallen angel and his army of demons, who still masquerade as enticingly good, prowls like a lion, is like a wolf among the sheep, a liar, is a misrepresentation of Truth.  How do I know?  The Bible tells me so.  Here are a few examples…

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8, NIV

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”  John 8:44, NIV

“Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn’t surprise us when his servants masquerade as servants of God. But they’re not getting by with anything. They’ll pay for it in the end.”  2 Corinthians 11:14, Msg

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”  Matthew 7:15, NIV

KNOW OUR ENEMY

The evil one has very limited power but uses what he has to draw self-seeking people away from the following the sheep herd looking for Jesus with the only goal of death. Jesus is the opposite. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” –Jesus, John 10:10, NIV

Truth:  The evil one hates Jesus!  So, evil uses these character traits of self-satisfaction seeking to manipulate the thoughts of our minds.  He replaces the cry of our hearts for God with distractions and all that is “shiny” in our eyes that will soon destroy us. Evil wants to fill the void in souls who long for God but don’t know God or have put God aside in pursuit of self.  We are easy prey when we walk away from God. 

Evil makes demands, pushing their way to the top, walking over everyone in their way to be where they think they should be.  Evil is a Liar, the chief among Liars, the prince of darkness.

KNOW JESUS

Jesus loves.  Jesus heals.  Jesus saves.  Jesus is God who wants the best for all His created.  Jesus, Son of God, is Truth, Light, and Life forevermore.  To all who believe receives power in the Trinity of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  “Greater is HE that is in me than he (evil) who is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

We get to choose.  Light or Dark?  Pause to pray.

Do not test God!  Yikes!

I’m reminded of this commandment and of Jesus’ response to Satan when He was tempted:

“Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.” Deuteronomy 6:13-16, NIV  Emphasis mine.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
 and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”  Matthew 4:4-7, NIV

Jesus wins the battle with evil in his temptation with God’s Word.

Does that work for us?  A million times YES!

A marker for evil:  “Only evil demands a sign”–Jesus

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 16:1-4, NLT

Leaders Demand a Miraculous Sign

One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

2 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! 4 Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.

THINK ABOUT IT…

The saddest and most profound action of Jesus upon the demands of evil working through these leaders is this:  “Jesus left them and went away”!  Oh, friends, I cannot imagine living my life without Jesus!  I do not want to fall for evil who wants me to make demands of God, causing the Almighty to go away.  That would be like David who became a self-seeking leader which led to his own self-destructive behavior.  But David came back to God to repent with this request;

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:10-12, NIV

We can do the same.  Leave all that is evil and come back to God.  God provided a way back to Him through Jesus Christ, His Son.  Believe on His Name and be saved.  He promises to NEVER leave us.  He will never walk away from those who believe.  Since He is Truth, we can put all our hope and trust in Him.

Abba, Father,

Forgive us when we make demands of what we think is best for us or test you to see if you are the One and Only.  I simply believe.  Restore and renew our thinking each day we live on this earth in preparation for our forever home with You.  Be in all the details.  Give us wisdom to run when evil tells us to make demands of you and misrepresents Truth.  Yes, lead us not into temptations but DELIVER us from evil.  For you have ALL power, to you be ALL glory for all that is right and good, pleasing and leads to life! Thank you for your promise to never leave us. Thank you for your victory over evil.  Thank you for the fighting and winning the battle over evil for our minds. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AMEN!

Posted on June 16, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Truth Bomb:  The more we love God back, learn His character through our talks with Him daily, the more we realize the depth of His generosity because of His great love for us!  God expresses His love for us again and again and again.  The more we grow in understanding of His great love, we begin to expectantly look for Him all around us as well as in us!  Yes, God shows His great love to us every day!  His glory can be seen by all who know, believe, follow and sit down at His Table to feast on the Bread of Life and Living Water.

For a moment, closely look at the word, “again”.  It just dawned on me that if you separate the two words in our English language we see “a—gain”.  One of the definitions of again, according to Webster, is “in addition to what has already been mentioned”.  I love that!  If fact, God gives and gives in addition to all we can think or imagine!  We gain again and again! 

Take a look at this verse!  Paul who totally “get it” writes, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!”  (Ephesians 3:20, The MSG)

Stay with me, here.  We always have A GAIN when God is involved.  He gives and provides generously again and again.  When we pray for help, encouragement, renewed strength, and a restored spirit, God gives generously again and again.  When we pray to grow in His character traits, He grows us to bloom with the fruits of HIS Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—again and again! 

Jesus proves AGAIN that HE is more than enough and is all we need!  Jesus feeds a crowd AGAIN with physical food after pouring himself out to give all that He is to those in need of Him.  Wow.  Don’t you love this “again and again” trait of our Savior and Lord?

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 15:32-39, NLT

Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

32 Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”

33 The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”

34 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?”

They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.”

35 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

37 They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. 38 There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. 39 Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan.

THINK ABOUT IT…

“They ate as much as they wanted.”  All in a day’s work for the King of kings and Lord of lords!

“The disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftovers”…Leftovers AGAIN to provide food for the journey with Jesus.

Jesus—He will do what God wants Him to do again and again.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

The more I learn from you the more I love you, depend on you and fully trust you with my life.  You are life!  You do it again and again until we understand your love, mercy and grace.  Thank you, Lord.  Continue to grow me.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

And I’m singing…Do It Again, Elevation Worship

Walking around these walls
I thought by now they’d fall
But You have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle’s won
For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed me yet

I know the night won’t last
Your word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again

Jesus You’re still enough
Keep me within Your love, oh
My heart will sing Your praise again
(Oh, yes, it will)

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed me yet
Never failed me yet
Oh, oh-oh

I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe I’ll see You do it again

I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe I’ll see You do it again

I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe I’ll see You do it again
I’ll see You do it again

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed me yet…

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AND THEY PRAISED GOD!

Posted on June 15, 2021 by randscallawayffm

This is a passage of hope, restoration, with transformed lives.  We cannot come to Jesus and remain as we were.  We cannot lay all our problems and concerns at his feet in faith, feeling the same as when we carried the load.  When we come to Jesus, miraculous nothing, absolutely nothing looks the same.  The sky is a different color.  We actually look up to notice there is a sky!  Our surroundings that seem like they were closing in on us suddenly open up to miles and miles of peaceful green pastures.  We have been given His touch of life everlasting and it makes us feel good from the inside out and outside in. 

We are free to walk, run, go, tell and smile again while living life a free person all because of Jesus!  In the background of my mind when I read this short passage of miraculous God in flesh, Jesus, I rejoice and sing, giving Him praise again and again!

I AM FREE, The Newboys

Through You the blind will see
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise
Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart sings

I am free
I am free
Let me hear you

And I am free to run (I am free to run)
And I am free to dance (I am free to dance)
And I am free to live for You (I am free to live for You)
I am free (I am free)
Yes I am free (yes, I am free)
Come on

And I am free to run (I am free to run)
I am free to dance (I am free to dance)
I am free to live for you (I am free to live for you)
I am free (I am free)
I am free (I am free)

Through You the kingdom comes
Through You the battle’s won
Through You I’m not afraid
Through You The price is paid
Through You there’s victory
Because of You my soul sings
I am free
Do you believe in freedom?
Come on

And I am free to run (I am free to run)
And I am free to dance (I am free to dance)
And I am free to live for You (I am free to live for You)
I am free (I am free)
Yes I am free (I am free)

Matthew—God’s Law Fulfilled

Matthew 15:29-31, NLT

Jesus Heals Many People

Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down. 30 A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. 31 The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.  (Emphasis mine.)

PAUSE TO PRAY AND PRAISE!

Am I free, truly free?

Do I feel free to run, dance and truly live for Jesus?

Do I really believe that what I believe about God really real?

Do my actions and behaviors daily show what I believe to be true?

Abba, Father in Heaven,

I do believe!  I am free!  Even though the enemy is constantly trying to trap me with his net to drag me off, I run to be free with You!  I’m free to dance with my feet or in my mind as the enemy loses each time to You in me.  That is the secret, right Lord?  You in me and me in You.  All that I am and all that I have belongs to You.  I love you and realize the depth of your love for me.  That alone sets me free to run, dance and live for you!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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