WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Posted on August 21, 2020 by randscallawayffm

Matthew 20 toddlerHow many parents remember the infant through toddler years?  Remember when they learned to walk but our little ones were still learning the language, so they did a lot of pointing.  When frustrated, they would point at the object they wanted.  When you didn’t respond the pointing was accompanied by crying until you got frustrated and would say, “What do you want from me?” Many times we would get that quizzical look from our precious child that asked, “why don’t you know what I want.”

Matthew 20 pointMany times when we finally got the requested item, they would change their minds because they saw something else they might like better, forgetting about the first item.  I remember holding up numerous snack boxes up to my one year old, only to hear, “No, no…fafooms, faFOOMS.”  What?!

Matthew 21 don't knowFor those of you who do not speak toddler, fafooms were marshmallows.

When I finally figured it out, we were both very happy.  We sat down and ate fafooms together.  Moms and Dads know serving in those early years.

In our passage today, two blind men know exactly what they want and who can give it to them.  No language barrier here.  But still, Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”  What?!?

Matthew 20

Matthew 20 what do you wantTwo Blind Men Receive Sight

29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

THINK ABOUT IT…

HUMBLE SERVING

Matthew 20 compassion“Lord, have mercy on us” were the words shouted for Jesus, the Messiah and Healer, accompanied by call Jesus the “Son of David”.  Did this get the attention of Jesus?  Or was it the compassion of Jesus?  Jesus, as an example to his disciples, became a servant to beggars who’s living consisted of asking for pennies every day at the gate to the city.  Do you think Jesus turned toward them because He knew they knew who He was and believed in what He could do?

Matthew 20 healingJesus, having compassion on blind Bartimaeus and his blind companion, asked specifically what they wanted in “mercy”.  We are not sure why Jesus asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” when it seemed obvious to all standing around watching.  But isn’t it a wonderful example of serving?  When servers come to your table at your favorite restaurant, they do not tell you what to eat, but they ask you want you want?  THIS is serving.

A servant of a King comes to him for orders, asking humbly, “What do you want from me?”  And then the servant does what was asked of him.  So, here Jesus put into practice what He had just taught the disciples. He became a servant to two rejected blind beggars. The crowds around Jesus tried to silence the two men. After all, what claim did they have on the great Teacher? But Jesus had compassion on them and healed them. He was the servant even of beggars.

Matthew 20 healing blindGod’s Word contains some hard things for us to receive and practice. If we love the things of this world, we cannot love God supremely. If we are not yielded completely to His will, we cannot obey Him unreservedly. If we seek glory for ourselves, or if we compare ourselves with other believers, then we cannot glorify Him. We cannot acknowledge Jesus as our King unless we love Him supremely, obey Him unreservedly, and glorify Him completely. But if we do these things, we will share in His life and joy, and one day reign with Him!

HOLY PAUSE

Matthew 20 servantWhen we serve, do we do for others what we think they need?  Or, like Jesus, do we ask, “what do you want from me” and then do it.

Serving is putting others interests and desires before our own.  What is obvious and assumed by us is not necessarily the true need.  (See also Philippians 2)

We must ask questions, listen carefully and then respond humbly.  Serving is not about us “doing the good thing” so we will feel good.  It is about helping others and glorifying God above all.

“Lord, we want out sight.” 

Dear Lord and Savior,

Heal our spiritual blindness when it comes to humbly serving.  Help us to take cues from You and Your Holy Spirit when helping others by asking the right questions.  Continue to transform us to more like you and less like the world in our thinking and behaving.  In Jesus Name, Amen

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“SHOTGUN!”

Posted on August 20, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 20 siblings
I would wager that all of us, as a child or young adult, shouted this word more than once in our lifetimes. The second I knew mom might not be going along in the car, I would shout “shotgun”, meaning I would get to sit in the front seat, on the passenger side, with my arm hanging out the window like mom in those pre-A/C days.
 
The shouting got to be so annoying, my parents made new rules. No one can shout shotgun until you are out the door, ready to go. So we fought tooth and nail to get out the door first so we would be the first to shout it.
 
Matthew 20 shotgunDo you know where the word “shotgun” originated? The expression “riding shotgun” is derived from “shotgun messenger”, a colloquial term for “express messenger”, when stagecoach travel was popular during the American Wild West and the Colonial period in Australia. The person rode alongside the driver. The first known use of the phrase “riding shotgun” was in the 1905 novel The Sunset Trail by Alfred Henry Lewis.
 
Matthew 20 stage coach“Wyatt and Morgan Earp were in the service of The Express Company. They went often as guards—’riding shotgun,’ it was called—when the stage bore unusual treasure.”
 
It was later used in print and especially film depiction of stagecoaches and wagons in the Old West in danger of being robbed or attacked by bandits. A special armed employee of the express service using the stage for transportation of bullion or cash would sit beside the driver, carrying a short shotgun (or alternatively a rifle), to provide an armed response in case of threat to the cargo, which was usually a strongbox. Absence of an armed person in that position often signaled that the stage was not carrying a strongbox, but only passengers.
 
SO…The person riding shotgun sat at the right hand of the driver and was in as much danger as the Driver.
 
A well meaning, rather pushy mom asks Jesus if her sons can ride “shotgun” in His Kingdom. What is His response?
 
Matthew 20 askingMatthew 20
A Mother’s Request
 
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
 
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
 
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
 
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
 
“We can,” they answered.
 
Matthew 20 servant23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
 
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
 
THINK ABOUT IT…
 
matthew 20 22In the Kingdom of Jesus, we are called to serve, not be served.
 
We want to know Christ, but are we willing, as followers, to endure and to “share in His suffering” as Paul understood and wrote to the church?
 
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11, NIV
 
This is what it means to “drink the cup” so others can know Him, too. This is what it means to ride “shotgun” with Jesus!
 
Jesus endured suffering, beatings, mocking on the way to being nailed to a cross for our sins. It was His mission to seek and to save lost people. Only Jesus, the Driver of salvation and life eternal, will get us to our final destination!
 
Matthew 20 knowingWhat is the mission Jesus commanded his disciples then (and now) to be and do?
 
“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28, NLT
 
This is want it means to ride shotgun with Jesus, King of kinds and Lord of Lords. His Holy Spirit abides in us as we follow Jesus into the wilderness of worldly thinking to help people find and follow Him. AND the bonus? Jesus will always be with us!
 
Matthew 8 feet
Jesus saves. We follow and serve Him. Don’t get these roles mixed up.
 
Dear Lord and Savior,
You are God, Holy Spirit, and our Savior, all in one and all in us who believe. Thank you for abiding in us still. Continue to transform me. I really believe that what I believe is really real. You are my confidence.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE SAME PLACE!

Posted on August 19, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 20 line upBack in the day, as a first grade teacher, I would heave a big sigh of frustration when it was time to line up students and take them to another location, any location! It didn’t matter where we were going, the scenario was the same. EVERYONE wanted to be first in line. Some fought so hard that the line would tumble like dominoes from the door to their desks. This would be followed by, “Ow, you hurt me!” or “Teacher, he touched me!” This was followed by the screamed words, “HEY, I WAS HERE FIRST!”
 
Matthew 20 first and last
Raising my voice and telling them to go back to their seats and WALK nicely to the line didn’t help. Sending a small group at a time was better but didn’t truly solve the inner problem of selfishness. The inevitable race was on even if there were only two trying to get to the door! Every. Time.
 
After a sermon about the Vineyard Workers, I developed a new surprise tactic and used it in my arsenal of teacher tips for survival. As my little friends fought to be first in the line the next day after reading how Jesus handled a similar situation, I just stood silently and watched the battle to be first begin as we lined up for music.
 
As soon as they settled after the predicted pushing and shoving, they began to wonder why I was silent and just staring at them. Silence by the teacher, accompanied by “the teacher look” always causes a sudden calm mixed with a bit of fear of the unknown. But it only lasts for a moment so you lean into it while you can.
 
Matthew 20 last“Here’s what we are going to do”, I said with complete calm. It is amazing how you fight every day to be first when we are all going to the same place and will end up there at the same time! Think about it.
 
“So, we are going to play a fun little activity called, “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” All eyes on me, I asked them to stay in line exactly as they are now. I took the hand of “winner of first in line” and told the rest to follow the “leader” who was now me and the person who’s hand I was holding. As we marched around the room, avoiding group tables, we stopped.
 
Matthew 20 servant“Stay in line exactly as you are”, I reminded them. You fought to be where you are so stay there. I dropped the hand of the first in line. I then took the hand of the last one in line and led the line to the door. “There you are, the last will be first today and the first will be last.” There were groans but the point was made.
 
As believers, we are all going to the same place at the same time. It would be great if we didn’t hurt each other on the way. A bonus would be that we would actually help each other on the Way.
 
As teachers, take your clues from Jesus, the Master Teacher!
 
Matthew 19
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
 
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
 
3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.
 
Matthew 20 not fair“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
 
7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
 
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
 
8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
 
9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
 
13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
 
16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
 
Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time
17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
 
Matthew 20 pay dayTHINK ABOUT IT MORE DEEPLY…
This truth of “last will be first and firsts will be last” was amplified in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. This parable has nothing to do with salvation. The penny (a day’s wages in that time) does not represent salvation, for nobody works for his salvation. Nor is the parable talking about rewards, for we are not all going to receive the same reward. “And every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1Cor. 3:8).
 
The parable is emphasizing a right attitude in service. It is important to note that there were actually two kinds of workers hired that day: those who wanted a contract and agreed to work for a penny a day, and those who had no contract and agreed to take whatever the owner thought was right. The first laborers that he hired insisted on a contract.
 
He wanted those who were hired first (who insisted on a contract) to see how much he paid the workers who were hired later. It was one way the owner could show those workers how really generous he was.
 
Matthew 20 greatnessPut yourself in the place of those workers who were hired first but paid last. They each expected to get a penny, because that was what they agreed to accept. But imagine their surprise when they saw the laborers who were hired last each receiving a penny! This meant their own wages should have been twelve pennies each!
 
But the three o’clock workers also received a penny—for only three hours of work. The men last in line quickly recalculated their wages: four pennies for the day’s work. When the men hired at noon also were paid a penny, this cut the salary of the contract workers considerably, for now they would earn only two pennies.
 
But the owner gave them one penny each. Of course, they complained! But they had no argument, because they had agreed to work for a penny. They received what they asked for. Had they trusted the goodness of the owner, they would have received far more. But they insisted on a contract.
 
The lesson for Christ’s disciples is obvious. We should not serve Him because we want to receive an expected reward, and we should not insist on knowing what we will get. God is infinitely generous and gracious and will always give us better than we deserve.
Matthew 20 cartoon about
HOLY PAUSE
As believers and servants of Christ in this world, how petty and particular, competitive and arduous are we at wanting to be first?
 
We serve because Jesus Christ served. He was sent to earth to seek and to save lost people, to restore people to a right relationship with God by sacrificing His life for ours. Jesus explains, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus in our supreme example of teaching us how the “first shall be last and the last shall be first” in attitude, unconditional love, mercy and grace.
 
Love God. Love others like He loves us. BE and DO all…
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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WHAT’S GOOD AND WHAT’S BEST

Posted on August 18, 2020 by randscallawayffm

Matthew 19 learn“Do I just have to be good to get to heaven?” This six year old was cutting out a piece of her Sunday School craft when she stopped to ask me this question as her teacher and trusted friend. The question came in a quiet moment. The Holy Spirit prompted me to answer this question with real truth.

I responded to Ashley with “No, it’s not about being good enough, it’s about who you believe and follow.” Then I explained in six year old language, with God’s help, His plan to save us. In childlike faith, given what she knew, she said, “I believe.” This declaration was followed by, “I have been wanting Jesus to come into my heart for a long time.” I smiled at the “long time” for she was only six. But she meant what she said and prayed for Jesus to save her and live in her.

Matthew 19 come to meI am so glad I stopped to listen well, not only to Ashley but to the Holy Spirit leading me as her teacher. Please. do not question when God leads. A few months later, doctors would discover a rapidly advancing cancer in one of Ashley’s legs. She would lose that leg in aggressive efforts to rid her of cancer followed by chemo for months. Ashley amazed all who cared for her of her faith in Jesus and her endurance with a comical, positive attitude through this very trying time in her life and in the life of her parents.

I’m reminded of this when the young, rich man who thinks he has it all together, comes to Jesus for affirmation for how he has lived his life so far in “being good” but instead he receives an opportunity to walk with the King of kings by letting go of his world stuff. He can’t, so as far as we know, he left not really knowing and believing in Jesus. It is a empty life for the one who gains all the riches of this world for his own glory.

Matthew 19 left it all“Leave it all. Come, follow Me”. Jesus is still asking us today.  This request along with this question must be pondered daily to stay focused on God’s best for us: Are we more concerned with being good or being saved by grace?

Being good is following God’s commandments, what is best is being one of His children by believing and following His Son, Jesus Christ.

This is the WHY we obey God’s commandments and walk with Jesus in His ways with His love driving us. Because of HIS love for us, we love Him. Realizing the depth of His love for us, we love others like He loves us in the same measure.

Matthew 19
The Rich and the Kingdom of God

Matthew 19 being good16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Matthew 19 camel through needle gate21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Matthew 19 2626 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matthew 19 camelHOLY PAUSE

Do I want to be first or do I want all of Jesus in me?

Do I want to be good or do I want God’s best?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You continue to teach your love, power, grace and mercy. You humble us with your truth. Thank you for your word, your people, and your Holy Spirit who guides us on this journey of continual learning and growing. Your best is what I desire.
In Jesus Name, Amen

EPILOGUE
That day Ashley turned to her friend in class and told her what she had just done. She then told me to tell her what I told her. Another was led to Christ because Ashley’s faith in Jesus. Today she is a grown woman. I need to contact her…

Matthew 19 eye of the needle gateNOTE: There are a few possible explanations for what Jesus meant by his analogy using a camel. Some claim there existed somewhere in Jerusalem’s city wall a narrow gate known as the “eye of the needle.” The explanation is that such a small gate made it impossible for a fully loaded large animal to pass through it. The animal would have either to be fully unloaded or walk on its knees in order to traverse the opening.

There is no proof of this claim of a gate, but isn’t it interesting that the animal must unpack, leave the baggage and get on their knees to pass through. Mm.

Matthew 19 with God

 

 

Note also that in his comparison Jesus states it was “extremely difficult” (HBFV translation) or “hard” (NKJV, NIV, ASV, etc.), but not impossible, for a rich man to enter God’s Kingdom. “With God ALL things are possible.” –Jesus

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KINGDOM KIDS

Posted on August 17, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 10 follow learn
Can we pause and picture the scene of Jesus traveling through the countryside, greeting passersby, while talking to his followers about life?
 
I came close to this when I went to Haiti years ago to speak at a youth retreat that would be held in the mountains by a stream under a designated tree. We rose before sunrise. We loaded the jeep in the dark with supplies needed. We stopped at a small village, parked the jeep, put our belongings on a mule belonging to a missionary and began the two hour trek up the mountainside on narrow paths and through streams.
 
Matthew 19 HaitiWe were led by a missionary veteran of over 25 years of living as a Haitian in this beautiful country. I saw why she lived here and why the people loved her so much. She loved well.
 
We followed Lois, our guide and leader, on rocky paths she knew well. This ground was the holy ground of the ministry God invited her to be and do for life. She greeted every person, young and old, for she knew them, loved them, had a holy relationship with the hardworking people who rose early to get to market to eek out a living for the day. Lois, in all ways was Haitian. The people affirmed her. People trusted her and told her she was now Haitian because she lived and loved, respected and learned the culture as she became part of the culture.
 
Matthew 19 villageAs I followed Lois, who knew every place that might trip us, I felt like a follower of Jesus. Everyone greeted Lois with huge smiles. She returned the greeting with concern for what was going on in their lives. She knew their stories.
 
We cannot begin to count the lives who found and followed Jesus because of her influence. So, that day, I felt a bit like what the disciples must have felt as they followed Jesus who loved on people of all ages, heart and soul. Jesus came to seek and to save lost people. That was evident. But this passionate Christ was also seeking relationships that were pure, wholesome, renewing and restoring. He loved ALL people…especially children. He knew their parents. Jesus knew their stories.
 
Matthew 19 Jesus smilingMatthew 19
The Little Children and Jesus
 
13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
 
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
 
I WONDER…
 
How many churches in our part of the world are still like the disciples with the idea and attitude that we must hide the ministry of children in the basements bowels of the church?
 
How many church people look sideways with raised eyebrows when a child comes into the service with parents for the first time and makes a sound or comment?
 
Do we know each other’s stories?
 
Matthew 19 Jesus bends downCan we show mercy and grace like Jesus did when the kids of His Kingdom ran to greet Him?
 
Do we merely go to church for what church can give us as grownups, expecting babysitting services for our children, so they are not heard so we can “get our worship on”? Just wondering.
 
Most children ministry leaders are passionate to not “hinder the children” but to grow the faith of kids because they ARE part of God’s Kingdom. These tireless, passionate workers who serve the Kingdom by teaching kids to worship, love and live like Jesus are to be appreciated for doing what Jesus did…
 
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
 
THEN… “When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Kingdom Kids…all part of His ministry to seek the lost and save them. Our kids probably get this quicker than most grownups. Why? Because of their “childlike faith” that Jesus tells us to have.
Matthew 19 do not hinder
Yes, I was a former children’s ministry person so I am biased when it comes to this passage. But, stop and think about for yourself. Jesus loves the little children…ALL of the children of the world. Still true.
 
Dear Lord,
You sparked a passion in me that has always been there. May we become as children to you, not childish with selfishness, but with pure childlike faith that adores you and loves who you love. Everyone! Young and old and in between. All of us are your children of Your Kingdom.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
We are weak, but He is strong
 
Yes, Jesus love me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.
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LET NO ONE SEPARATE

Posted on August 16, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 19 oneJust because we can, legally, breaking up is hard to do as the song goes. It’s even harder to explain to God, who put us together according to what two people say in their premarital counseling and vowed in their ceremony to “have and to hold until death do us part.” We invite God into the ceremony but sometimes leave Him out of the marriage.
 
We must realize that marriage under God becomes a battleground for the evil one who fights hard to tear Godly marriages apart. That is his goal. The evil one will throw every temptations at us in his arsenal that is limited, but effective in driving a wedge between this most precious relationship created by God Himself.
 
God loves marriage between male and female whom He created because He loves us. God planned for the union between man and woman to grow so loving and close to each other that they become one flesh. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Therefore, pray daily, “Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil”, as Jesus taught us to pray.
 
Matthew 19 marriageThere will always be temptations to leave this union with sexual thoughts called lust of others thinking you could do better if given the chance. There will always be temptations to leave because of selfishness, pride, “greener grass”, because we always have this inner sin nature that wants more and more instead of being grateful and content for what you have.
 
In this world, and in Moses’ day apparently, men could make their sin nature of leaving legal by divorcing to pursue their desires with the right paperwork. Jesus reminds the Pharisees who are always taunting him with rules and regs, tradition and religion that this is about relationship. With Jesus life is ALWAYS about loving relationship with God and each other. We can count on that!
 
Matthew 19
 
When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
 
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
 
Matthew 19 let no man
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
 
7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”
 
8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
 
10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
 
11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
 
WHAT DO WE LEARN?
 
Jesus responds with “hard hearts” divorce but it’s not what God wanted from the beginning of creation. Divorce is not God’s design for His created. That’s why marriage is a commitment we should not take lightly.
 
We have heard in pastoral counseling from engaged couples, “Yeah, all that is good (counseling), but if it doesn’t work, no worries, we move on.” THIS is taking the marriage vows, under God’s eyes, praying for His blessing in the ceremony to be frivolous and breaks God’s heart for the two who enter in to His Presence for marriage. Marriages that stay in His Presence, asking for His help, wisdom, insight and understanding daily, realizing the love He has for them and loving like He loves them, for the rest of their lives, last.
 
THIS is a relationship with God and each other that no one can separate. God promises that to us.
 
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.” –God through the prophet Malachi, 2:16.
 
Matthew 19 loveGod hates divorce because He knows how much divorce hurts us. Our loving Father wants the best for us. He wants a loving, intimate relationship with us that lasts forever. His love goes deeper than we can imagine. His love sent His Son, Jesus Christ to save us by paying the debt of all our sin that resulted from our destructive selfishness that causes deep pain!
 
It’s not about the paperwork, it’s about a broken relationship that causes a pain that lasts forever. My aunt whose husband left her after the birth of their first baby says, “the pain is worse than death of a spouse for you are always reminded of the failure of a relationship.” Wow.
 
“Let no one separate” a relationship that is committed to God. Jesus knew and explained the exceptions. “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” When you are betrayed like this it is grounds for leaving. The offender who marries another commits adultery. Statistics show that many who divorce once will do it again because of the inability to have a Godly relationship. Begin with God first who created relationship.
 
If you divorced before finding and believing in Jesus, knowing God, trusting Him and following in His ways, forgiveness is complete for past failed relationships. Remember, God wants the BEST for each of His created. He knows that loving relationships reap dividends of love in abundant life living.
 
Love is the key. Love begins with God. No one can separate us from the love of God. No one.
 
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
No. One. This is a forever relationship. Seek God in a forever relationship first, then seek what God wants in our relationships with each other. This is what God wants for us.
Love God. Love Your spouse like Jesus love us. Love your children. Love Others. In this order.
 
Matthew 19 love covenantHow?
Daily:
Ask God to protect your marriage.
Pray for your spouse’s best as God sees it.
Run from temptations.
Submit to each other with a desire to honor each other.
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for marriage that reveals your heart of loving relationship. Thank you for the battles and trials that bring growth to our own marriage of 49 years. Thank you for the intimate, “let no one separate” love that we have for each other that began with our love for you and your love for each of us. Continue to help us grow in your character with gratitude for your love.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE CYCLE OF FORGIVENESS

Posted on August 15, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 18 CS
When the boss calls you into his office and angrily details all you have not done and should be doing, you might make excuses but then desperately beg for another chance to do the work because you are the sole provider for your family. Right?
 
So, the boss settles down and shows you mercy. You work out a plan of improvement. You leave the boss’s office and sit at your desk pondering what just happened while anger builds. A few minutes later one of the people working under your supervision comes into your office. This person merely asks a question about a problem that needs solving and you plow into this person with words of anger followed by shouting, “Figure it out yourself!”
 
Matthew 18 forgiveness cycleAt the end of the work day you drive home. The traffic is bad so you let people in other cars know that you are the only one who really knows how to drive, showing no mercy with shouts and hand signals.
 
What do you do when you go home to your family? You are not in a good mood to say the least for you have been humbled by the boss who has shown you mercy and wants you do your job well. However, you are irrational and unteachable at this moment in time because you only remember the reprimand and not the mercy.
 
Matthew 18 forgiveness isYour family greets you with smiles, wanting to tell you about their day and you tell them to go away. Or they come to you for help with a problem and you humble them like you were humbled. “Why can’t you just do it yourself?”, you shout. You forget you were shown mercy and got to keep your job! Have mercy!
 
Most of us do not like to be humbled because of the sin of selfishness that lays in wait to take us down emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Because of this inner selfishness that defies criticism, we become unmerciful, unkind, unresponsive to others around us followed by unforgiveness.
 
Let’s recap: The boss forgave the worker. The worker accepted his mercy and forgiveness, but he did not extend forgiveness and mercy to others who later came to him.
 
Matthew 18 forgive funny
HOLY PAUSE
Has this ever happened to you?
How did you react?
What were your responses?
 
Jesus tells an even better story that explains the cycle of forgiveness that begins with our merciful Master Jesus Christ who forgave us. He expects the same forgiveness from us to others. No excuses. Show mercy at all times.
 
Matthew 18
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
 
Matthew 18 how often21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
 
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
 
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
 
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
 
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
 
Matthew 18 you29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
 
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
 
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
 
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
 
Matthew 18 calledJESUS’ WARNING
 
Forgive as we are forgiven. If we don’t, our debt of sin comes back to us marked “unpaid”. We have no chance of paying it back for who can save us, pay for all our sins, but Jesus?
 
Forgive as Jesus forgave us, driven by love, mercy and grace.
 
Oh Lord and Savior,
Your teaching is clear and understandable. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not to temptations to hold grudges and hang on to hurtful words but to forgive completely so that all debts are paid in full. We may remember the hurt but the hurt will no longer hold us captive when we forgive with love, mercy and grace. And forgive…
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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“WIN THEM OVER”

Posted on August 14, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 18 hard conversations
Nathan was one of the chief prophets of King David. We love the stories of David growing up because of his artistic creative gifts of the written psalm. We love to read of his faith in God by facing the giant. We revel in the story of how God chose him to be the next King from Jesse’s household of many brothers. As King, the people loved David and would do anything for him!
 
King David, deemed “a man after God’s own heart”, sinned. And He sinned greatly. His sin affected two families and caused eventual death due to his selfish desires of sin. David’s sin, along with the outcomes of his sin, disappointed and righteously angered Nathan, his chief mentor and advisor. Nathan thought the world of David. He loved David. Nathan had the heart of God, so his heart was broken by this sin of David who he knew God loved.
 
Matthew 18 you the manTHIS IS KEY: Nathan’s love for God and David led him, at all risks to his life and future relationships with David, to confront him. So Nathan, grieving over the situation and led by God, confronts David of his sin of adultery and murder.
 
HERE’S HOW IT WENT DOWN
Nathan opens his conversation with David by telling a story about a rich man with lots of livestock taking and killing the only lamb of a poor man. The point of the conversation was to for David to see the parallel of hurt, disgust and destruction of lives as a result of his own atrocity of sin.
 
Ah, people love to give advice, but when should we listen? Here are ideas on how to discern truth based on Nathan’s confrontation of David.
 
I think God wants us to love and respect other people, not just ourselves and not just him. One way he makes sure that we really love each other, see God’s presence in each other, and listen to each other is by speaking to us through other people. So, whether we like it or not, we need to pay attention to what other people are telling us because they may have the message we need to hear.
 
The talks that Nathan (a prophet and spiritual advisor) has with David (an anointed king) gives us an idea of the way God speaks through friends and family. By the way, the story of David about his affair with Bathsheba and cover-up-turned-murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband and one of David’s top men is found in 2 Samuel:12.
 
Matthew 18 I have sinned against GodConsidering this story and thinking about times when friends have spoken truth to me (or members of my family), I have put together a short list of clues that indicate that someone is speaking God’s truth:
 
1. The messenger doesn’t have a personal agenda; the point of the conversation is to help you see truth.
 
The purpose is to get David to see truth and begin the process of restoring his relationship with God.
 
2. A nagging concern is addressed.
 
At the time of Nathan’s meeting, David may have put the past behind him. But surely, at some point, he struggled with the problem of getting another man’s wife pregnant. The affair and pregnancy bothered him enough to attempt to cover up the affair by bringing Uriah back from war and encouraging him to sleep with Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife), and then sending him to the battlefront to be killed after the first plan failed. At some point, David must have felt fear or regret even if he later pushed those emotions aside.
 
So, whether David was presently wrestling with the problems of adultery and murder, it’s likely that he did have some major concerns at some point. The message from Nathan deals with this struggle.
 
Matthew 18 Nathan tells a story3. The message is specific.
 
After getting David to understand and admit his wrongdoing, Nathan lets him know specifically what is going to happen next. The prophet explains that God has forgiven him; however, the contempt David has shown for God will result in the death of his child with Bathsheba.
 
Based on my observations and experiences, messages from God through other people don’t necessarily focus on condemnation. However, they typically deal with a specific concern, circumstance, or recommended course of action.
 
4. The messenger has unusual insight about your situation.
 
As far as we know, Nathan has not had much contact with David in the year or so leading up to this confrontation. He doesn’t seem deeply involved in the day-to-day activities of the king and his family. Still, Nathan comprehends what has happened, senses David’s emotional and spiritual condition, and tells a story that both illuminates the problem and resonates with David.
 
Matthew 18 how toWhen someone has a pulse on your situation, not only the facts but also the feelings, this person can guide you in confronting a problem and taking a step in a new direction.
 
Sometimes we get annoyed when someone complains to us, calls us out, challenges us. It’s difficult to filter messages and easy to wish we were surrounded by a different, more compliant and supportive group of people.
 
What’s tricky then is to know when we should be listening to our friends and when we should be developing a thicker skin. Nathan’s interaction with David and David’s response to Nathan gives us a guide for discerning truth.
 
JESUS KNOWS OUR HEARTS AND ADVISES…
Come forward a few centuries in God’s teaching in His Word to Jesus time on earth. He takes the same position in lovingly confronting sin with the hopes of winning the sinner over. It is no wonder the “lost sheep, the one of 99” is followed by this spiritual advice to His disciples. Jesus explains…
 
Matthew 18
Dealing With Sin in the Church
 
Matthew 18 15 won
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
 
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
 
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
 
Matthew 18 integrityWHAT DO WE LEARN FROM JESUS?
1. It’s a private matter.
2. The sin, left unattended, will affect the Body of Christ.
3. Love cares enough to confront.
4. The outcome is for the good of the person who sinned with a goal to “win them over”, not rake them over burning coals of hate.
5. If they don’t listen, let God do the rest in this person’s life.
6. Ask God for the words to say.
7. Pray for the person’s heart to be pliable. God is there when we call on Him in these private matters between “two or three gathered.
 
So, there we have two great examples of loving confrontation. Nathan was led by God and won David over, drawing him back to God. Jesus explains the method of confrontation that is holy, loving and kind with a goal to win the sinner over and draw them back into God’s arms of love, mercy and grace.
 
Matthew 18 agree
HOLY PAUSE
When have you been confronted, listened, and came back to God and began to grow again in His love? Thank God right now for the confronter! It was probably the hardest, obedient act of love they were led of God to do.
 
When have you confronted someone else because of your love for them?
 
Lord,
Help us to be completely led by you in these matters of sin that breaks your heart and maims Your Body of believers. This is tricky. We must have your loving heart, full of your right motivations for the good of the person when led to reveal the sin that causes destruction of spiritually lives. Lord, help us to distinguish the delicate balance and see the difference between mere critical judging that is not needed for loving confrontation that will “win them over” to a better life with You in control once more. All for your glory and our good.
IN JESUS NAME, Amen.
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NOT WILLING

Posted on August 13, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 18 cliff sheepWhat are you not willing to do? The list is exhaustive for each of us who live in this world. I’m not willing to eat liver and onions. I’m not willing to even smell it cooking. I’m not willing to spend all day in unproductive activities or meetings. I’m not willing to be isolated. Ooh, now I’ve got your attention, right?
 
There are many thing we are not willing to do. I am so glad God was not willing for me to wander away into danger, on my own, to die. Because I am one of his created, He sent a Savior.
 
Matthew 18 the one is youOur heavenly Father was not willing to leave us to our own sins that lead to destruction and death. Our Father, who loves everyone in the world, sent His One and Only Son to earth to die for our sins and set us free from the clutches of evil so we could have a forever relationship with Him.
 
Jesus, not willing for anyone to die in their sins, completed His assignment from the Father and laid down His life in payment for our sins so that we who accept and believe in Jesus will live forever with God.
 
God created the world and everything in it. Everything that has breath has the breath of God in them. God is NOT WILLING for anyone to die. That is not His Will. Holy and loving is our God. May His Kingdom come and reign supremely in us and all around us. May HIS WILL be done in every detail of our lives on earth as it is in heaven. This is His will. And God is willing to do the impossible so that everything is possible for us to live eternally with Him.
 
When one of us strays…He will come after us. God is not willing for anyone to be lost. THIS is the Good News!
 
Matthew 18
The Parable of the Wandering Sheep
Matthew 18 Jesus
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
 
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
 
This is regarded by the world as Reckless Love. Why waste time on “one” who wandered? What go after mindless lost people who lose their way? Isn’t survival of the fittest? That’s the world willing thinks. But God is not willing for ANYONE to die in their sins.
 
HOLY PAUSE
Matthew 18 lost
And aren’t we grateful to be found? Count the times God has come after you. Thank God that many times this morning.
 
Matthew 18 the oneDear Heavenly Father,
You came after me so many times. You are not willing for me to wander off. Thank you! You come after me every time and for all those times you did, I am eternally grateful. You have humbled me this morning at the very thought of your reckless, unchanging, relentless love. Help me to love like that. Unwilling for anyone to die in their sins.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
And I’m singing…
 
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
 
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
 
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
 
Matthew 18 SonAnd oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
 
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
 
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
 
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah…
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Caleb Culver / Cory Asbury / Ran Jackson
Posted in Blessings, Christian Living, Christian Perspective, Creation, demons, Discipleship, Embrace, Emotional Health, Encouragement, Faith, First, God, Following Jesus, Forgiveness, Grace, harvest, heaven, Holy Spirit, Hope, insight, investments, Jesus, joy, Leadership, Listen, lost but found, Love, marriage, Mercy, ministry, Praise, Prayer, relationship with God, repent, Revelation of Jesus, Salvation, Searching, Teaching, temptations, Thanksgiving, Training, Transformation, trust in God, Truth, Uncategorized, Unconditional love, waiting on God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NO TRIPPING UP BELIEVERS!

Posted on August 12, 2020 by randscallawayffm
Matthew 18 Jesus and
Picture it. Jesus INVITES children to Him. He looks at them as passionately as He looks at brokenness. He loves them and adores their childlike faith in Him.
 
Immediately following the lesson of “whoever comes to Me like a child”, another important lesson is taught to those of long time faith…Don’t trip up new believers in Me with childlike trusting faith! If you do, things will not go well for you! Read on…He is serious!
 
Matthew 18
Causing to Stumble
 
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
 
Matthew 18 blockTHINK ABOUT IT
We are pretty sure Jesus is talking to the religious elite who have added so many man-made as an addendum to God’s Law that the people are oppressed and burdened. People run from those who say they know God when they don’t know Him at all. People are hurt and sometimes crushed by words not helpful to their spiritual growth.
 
Matthew 18 stone of stumbleBut Jesus is also talking to us who are “lifers” in His church who can be so judgmental that the same oppression can be felt by fragile new believers who ask questions about growing in their faith but only get answers that have to do with man-made rules and regs of what “we have always done at this church”. This is a stumbling block to real growth in the characteristics of God while growing more in love with Jesus who died and rose again for us. It’s almost as if the Good News is followed by bad news of “you must be like us”. Yikes.
 
HOLY PAUSE
What am I thinking, saying or doing that might be a stumbling block to new believers with childlike faith who want to walk with Jesus?
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
I have experienced stumbling blockers in my own life. Help me not to be one!
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
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