GOD’S PERSONAL VISIT

Posted on October 6, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

We have welcomed many people over the years into our home. Visiting preachers, missionaries, seminary students, other friends and families took their place at our table because we wanted them to be there. God gave us many opportunities to welcome, feed and house some interesting people who blessed us with their presence. Each visit was a joyful, memorable experience. Not so with Jesus who entered Jerusalem for the final battle to redeem us from our sin.

Jesus, with a heart of compassion and a mind of determination to complete His mission, is headed for Jerusalem, the mecca of the God’s people, also called the City of God. Jesus’ followers shout praises, thinking He is about to declare His Kingdom come at last. Some shout because others are shouting and cluelessly join in. Many of God’s people, the religious elite, do not recognize and welcome God’s personal visit to them. They are only frowning and shouting insults and lurking behind the scene, seeking to do Him in. They plot to end this parade of praise as soon as possible. They are just having a hard time coming up with charges that will stick. Still others “hang on every word” Jesus says.

Luke 19 entry to J

Luke 19, The Message
God’s Personal Visit

28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”

32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”

34 They said, “His Master needs him.”

35-36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.

37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:

Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!

39 Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”

40 But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

41-44 When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”

45-46 Going into the Temple he began to throw out everyone who had set up shop, selling everything and anything. He said, “It’s written in Scripture,

My house is a house of prayer;
You have turned it into a religious bazaar.”

47-48 From then on he taught each day in the Temple. The high priests, religion scholars, and the leaders of the people were trying their best to find a way to get rid of him. But with the people hanging on every word he spoke, they couldn’t come up with anything.

Mm…Something to ponder…
God, through Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit living in those who believe, still makes personal visits in our lives.
–Do we recognize Him? Do we welcome His Presence in our lives?
–Do we welcome Him with praise for all that He is to us and has done for us?
–Are others drawn to Him because of our daily adoration and praise of Jesus? Do we “shine so they wonder what we’ve got”? (Newsboys)
–Do we hang on every Word and then live it with the help of His Holy Spirit?

Dear Heavenly Father,
We just want to praise You this morning. Thank you for visiting earth in the form of a man, Jesus. Thank you Jesus for dying for us, saving us from what we most certainly deserve. Thank you for your mercy and grace all wrapped in your unconditional love for us. I will praise and thank you as long as I have breath on earth and then will praise you forever more after that! Thank you, Lord. Thank you Holy Spirit. Thank you Heavenly Father. Three in One. Blessed be Your Name!
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

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OUR INVESTMENTS

Posted on October 5, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

What is the best investment you ever made? How did it make you feel when it paid dividends beyond your wildest dreams? It was pretty amazing wasn’t it? Guess who likes it when we are wise with our investments in life and give the glory back to Him? Who gives us the means to invest in the first place? And while we are stretching our thinking, who does it all belong to, really?

What we have has been given to us from God to manage. How are we doing with what He has given us? Are we foolish or are we gratefully praying to be wise with the investment of the time, money, and assets He has provided? I ask myself this question often. It is good to stop and evaluate how we are doing, how we budget time and funds for greater good than just “getting by”. coasting from paycheck to paycheck on the journey here.

Our church invited a humorous but very direct financial adviser, Joe Sangl, founder of “I’m Was Broke, But Now I’m Not” to help everyone in the congregation understand how important it is to manage well what God has given to us …and DOUBLE it just like the story Jesus tells. Is this possible, we immediately wonder? Mm. What does Jesus say?

Luke 19 invest

Luke 19, The Message
The Story About Investment
11 While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God’s kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story:

12-13 “There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, ‘Operate with this until I return.’

14 “But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: ‘We don’t want this man to rule us.’

15 “When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, he called those ten servants to whom he had given the money to find out how they had done.

16 “The first said, ‘Master, I doubled your money.’

17 “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been trustworthy in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’

18 “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’

19 “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’

20-21 “The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’

22-23 “He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’

24 “Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’

25 “They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’

26 “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.

27 “‘As for these enemies of mine who petitioned against my rule, clear them out of here. I don’t want to see their faces around here again.’”

Think about it…
–How safe are we playing it? Jesus is at the Headquarters, but will return soon. What will He say to us as managers?
–Do you dream? What are God’s dreams for you? Joe Sangl challenges us with using our imaginations beyond just coasting.
IMAGINE…
Being able to dream again – and make those dreams become
reality by learning to manage well
Paying ALL of your bills on-time and still have money left over!
Positioning yourself to pay cash for you child(ren)’s college
Making the decision to become a stay at home parent
Having a home – without a mortgage
Being able to work your dream job – even if it paid less money
Being able to invest more money then you’ve ever invested
–Go to www.iwbbnin.org for great help in moving from coasting to investing well with what God has given us.
–Get a coach to help you! We all need help!
–Investing is NOT financing what you do not have at an interest rate the sends you backward not forward.
–Many of us are like the third servant who play it safe and hang on to what little we have for fear that will be taken away. Where is our trust?
–Unfortunately, many Americans not only live from paycheck to paycheck, they also finance things they cannot possible pay back with the funds they have on hand. This is not investing.
–Where do we start? “Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all” Paul advises. (Romans 13:7)
–The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs
–Investment means waiting for the harvest. Be patient!
–God is an investor. See 2 Corinthians 9:8-11.
–Giving is investing. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Invest more to give more!
–There is no harvest if we do not invest. Mark 4:26-29; Exodus 36:6-7
–Before each purchase ask, “Is this a good investment?” “What do you want, Lord”?

Dear Heavenly Father, 
We have not always managed well and wisely. We repent of this and ask for you to help us. NOthing is impossible with You helping us. Giving back a tenth of what is Yours in the first place seems so small but an opportunity for us to invest in your Kingdom work. Thank you. Help us to be the best managers possible of all You have given us to invest. Thank you, Lord, for this lesson in wisdom.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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LOVE LED TO SALVATION

Posted on October 4, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

What is really on our minds when we think about those who are not living with Jesus in their hearts? What do we think about their behavior? Do we despise them? Do we hate what they are doing and show it by our actions when relating to them? Are we so disgusted with their sin that we can’t see them? When given the chance, between judgmental looks, do we sarcastically throw in a few biblical jabs when we see them fail such as, “How did that work for you?” or “If you were doing what Jesus says that might not have happened.” or “You will have more friends if you do what is right.” or “Come to church and all will be well.” (Which is a lie, because church is made up of imperfect humans.)

We Christians piously say, “love the sinner, hate the sin” but I wonder if the “sinner” only sees the hate part on our face? Mm.

I think about all the times I have nervously said the wrong thing at the wrong time in an effort to guide lost souls back to Jesus. Jesus shows us the BEST way to lead a soul to salvation. He loves first. He encourages and gives honor to those who need Him most in their lives. Yes, when it comes to relating to others, Jesus totally turns the tables of what is normally expected and loves ALL sinners (that’s us and others) right into the Kingdom.

The love in Jesus’ eyes led to confession and repentance in Zacchaeus. Jesus did not spell out his sin. He only invited himself to be a part of Zacchaeus’ life. After repentance, comes celebration of joy. The lost, once again, has been found. “Today is salvation day in this home! Mission accomplished. God’s unconditional love relationship is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ!

How can we turn down His invitation to come into our hearts, minds and souls? How can we say no to Him taking up residence in our homes? And how can we learn to point others to Jesus without belittling. Love God. Love Others like God loves us. Revolutionary.

Zacchaeus was stunned by Jesus actually seeing him! He was even more surprised when this popular person of the day invited Himself to his home! The crowd was also stunned AND indignant of Jesus’ actions. Those watching the conversation didn’t feel any love for Zacchaeus, only hate and disgust. But Jesus didn’t…

Luke 19 out of the tree

Luke 19, The Message
Zacchaeus
19 1-4 Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.

5-7 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

8 Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”

9-10 Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”

Think about it…
–The crowd was in the way of Zacchaeus seeing Jesus. Do we get in the way at times by what we say or do? Yikes!
–Jesus will find a way to reach lost people and save them. It was and is His mission. Let’s not get in the way but join The Way.
–Lead with love as the first thought we have when relating to all people.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Many thoughts about this familiar story has surfaced for us this morning. We repent of times we have gotten in the way of Your work in us and in others. Thank you for teaching us revolutionary ways to love You and each other. May we learn and live more like you and less like ourselves today.
In Jesus Name, Amen

The band “Whiteheart” (from another era of time gone by) had a great song that is playing in my find right now…

Somehow, someone has hurt you again
And said things and done things you don’t understand
You don’t understand
It’s easy, just to think of your pride
So easy, to get angry inside

But let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love
Let it be love

Some people go looking for trouble to start
Oh but those people are hiding a lonely heart
They’ve got lonely hearts
So listen, listen to their silent cries
And touch them with the warmth in your eyes

And let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love

The Master showed us what to do time and time again
A gentle word of love can warm the heart of any man

So let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love
Let your first thought
Let your very first thought be love, be love
Let ’em be love, be love
Let ’em be love

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FAITH TO SERIOUSLY SEE

Posted on October 3, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

So many times we look at something but don’t really see it, much less “get it”. We trudge along in life, taking at face value how others do things and then we blindly do things in the same way. We miss the point…often. Why? Are we too busy? Are we to full of ourselves and our own agendas?

One day a mom was asked by her daughter why she cut the end of the ham off before putting it in the dutch oven roaster to bake. The only answer she had was, “Because my mom did.” So the granddaughter went to the grandmother and asked the same question. “Why do you cut off the end of the ham before putting into the pot?” The grandmother simply replied, “So it would fit in the pot.” “I don’t have a pot big enough for a whole ham.” Mm. Finally, someone asked why…and saw the point and understood.

Jesus tries to tell his close followers what is about to happen to Him in Jerusalem. They seem to be so blinded by what is going on right now that they just can’t wrap their heads around this great man being treated as badly as He is describing. They just can’t “see” it happening. They are missing the point of why He came.

As they walk along, a blind man calls out, identifying the truth about Jesus, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Jesus turns to Him and asks a very important question, “What do you want from Me?” This seems obvious to us and probably to those in the crowd who followed, but Jesus still asks, “What do you want from Me?” The blind man answers quickly, “Master, I want to see again.”

“Go ahead, see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant in this situation. Everyone praised God, giving Him glory. The now sighted man followed Jesus.

Is Jesus asking us, “What do you want from Me?” before He can heal us, comfort our loss, restore the joy, renew our Spirit within us or help us to “see” with simple tenacious faith in Him?

Luke 18 sight

Luke 18, The Message
I Want to See Again
31-34 Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, “Listen carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. Everything written in the Prophets about the Son of Man will take place. He will be handed over to the Romans, jeered at, made sport of, and spit on. Then, after giving him the third degree, they will kill him. In three days he will rise, alive.” But they didn’t get it, could make neither heads nor tails of what he was talking about.

35-37 He came to the outskirts of Jericho. A blind man was sitting beside the road asking for handouts. When he heard the rustle of the crowd, he asked what was going on. They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is going by.”

38 He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”

39 Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up, but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”

40 Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked, “What do you want from me?”

41 He said, “Master, I want to see again.”

42-43 Jesus said, “Go ahead—see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing—and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to see again. I want to see You for Who you really are. I repent of being dull when it comes to understanding the point of why you came, how you love us and what you are asking of us in return. I repent of just doing things habitually, the way things have always been done, without questioning the motives. Lord, God, have mercy on all of us. “Master, I want to see You again.” I pray others may pray the same prayer today. You want to be seen. We know this prayer will be answered so we thank you and praise you right now.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOLDING ON TIGHT

Posted on October 2, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

Luke 18 tug with children

I love playing tug of war, coaching classrooms of kids to play or watching others hang on with all their might while pulling their opponents across the finish line. It feels good to win, doesn’t it? I am a bit ornery with this game, too. If I see we probably aren’t going to win, then on my signal, we all let go of the rope at the same time sending our surprised opponents to the ground, falling over each other. That’s just fun to watch, maybe even more fun than winning. Letting go can be exhilarating.

We are good at holding on tight to a lot of things in our lives. As our children grow, moms and dads want to hang on tight for fear of losing them. We hang on tight to past mistakes for fear we will make them again. We hang on tight to our stuff, not wanting to sell it or share it. We hang on tight to our self esteem, not wanting to let others see us as we really are. We hang on tight to our money for fear we might need all of it for emergencies that we create in our minds. We hang on tight to friends until they are suffocated with our neediness. We hang on tight to jobs for fear we cannot work anywhere else. Why?

We hang on tight to this tug of war with the evil one who wants us to stay confused, worried, fearful for the future, anemic in God’s love, stingy, selfish, arrogant, rebellious and stubborn.

Isn’t it time to just let it all go? A rich man came to Jesus and asked, “What must I do to deserve eternal life?” He wanted to add this to his list of things to acquire and hold tightly in his fist. First of all, the word “deserve” hits us with a ton of bricks. No one is deserving, no not one. There is nothing we can do to deserve eternal life. That is a gift from Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us and redeemed us from our sins. We don’t deserve it but He gives abundant life, more than we could ask for or imagine, to all who simply let go of all that is important to the world (and us) in exchange for all that is important to Him. “And that’s not all!” as the info commercials shout, our bonus is life eternal with Him! That’s means forever and ever, Amen.

Let go. Right now. Watch the demons go tumbling all over each other on the other side of the battle line.

Luke 18, The Message
The Rich Official
18 One day one of the local officials asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to deserve eternal life?”

19-20 Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good—only God. You know the commandments, don’t you? No illicit sex, no killing, no stealing, no lying, honor your father and mother.”

21 He said, “I’ve kept them all for as long as I can remember.”

22 When Jesus heard that, he said, “Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 This was the last thing the official expected to hear. He was very rich and became terribly sad. He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let them go.

24-25 Seeing his reaction, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God’s kingdom? I’d say it’s easier to thread a camel through a needle’s eye than get a rich person into God’s kingdom.”

26 “Then who has any chance at all?” the others asked.

27 “No chance at all,” Jesus said, “if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”

28 Peter tried to regain some initiative: “We left everything we owned and followed you, didn’t we?”

29-30 “Yes,” said Jesus, “and you won’t regret it. No one who has sacrificed home, spouse, brothers and sisters, parents, children—whatever—will lose out. It will all come back multiplied many times over in your lifetime. And then the bonus of eternal life!”

Dear Heavenly Father,
We repent of holding on to things of this world that have no heavenly value. Help us to focus on You and what You want for us. Thank you for giving us eternal life through Your work on the cross. We don’t deserve it, but you gave to all who believe because of your love for us. Thank you for loving us beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you for loosening the grip we have on this world exchanging it for a forever hold on You!
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

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THE MIND OF A CHILD

Posted on September 30, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

As a former first grade teacher, I have a ton of “kid” stories to tell and have shared quite a few of them here on this daily blog. Randy was a fifth grade teacher in his past work, so he also has many stories about how kid’s minds work. Together, Randy and I are now writing a series of children’s books about living with integrity. They are designed to be picture books that relate to four to seven year old kids. To do this well, in ways that will engage a child and the parent reading to them, we must get into the minds of this age group and tell the story as they would.

Can you imagine, if you will, the story of the moms and dads bringing children to Jesus. What if this was written by a child? How would he/she tell the story? “Mother, Papa, we heard that man, Jesus is town!” “Everyone loves Him!” “Please, oh please, oh please?” The parents stop what they are doing, for they have heard about this man who teaches with strength and power in understandable ways. He heals and encourages all kinds of people. The children of the household make their case once more as their parents decide about stopping their work to go see Jesus. “Mother, Papa! Hurry, we want to SEE him!” they shout. Even the baby sitting on a blanket on the floor is excited, clapping his chubby little hands and gurgling, “Yeth, yeth”!

The parents stop work, pick up a few things for the walk and tell the kids, “We want you to see Jesus, too!” “Yea!”, shouted the children of the household. They all scurry out the door and down the path and follow others who are wanting to see Jesus, too. As they come to the place where Jesus is teaching, they stop and listen for a while. Little Sarah reaches up and tugs her mother’s dress and whispers, “when can we go to him?” “I can’t see him.” “I can hear him, though.” “He sounds so kind…mother, when?”

Finally there seems to be a pause in the speaking, Sarah and brother Isaac bolt from the crowd, taking this opportunity to go see the man everyone is talking about. Other kids follow their lead. A large hand stops them abruptly. The little ones look up into the eyes of two men who are not happy. “Yikes, I think we are in trouble!”

Then they hear the kind voice use his “dad voice” and say, “Let the children come to Me, don’t hold them back.” The kids run to Jesus as if He were their greatest friend on earth. “I knew He would like us!” “He even LOVES us like He knows us!” “I love you, Jesus”, says Sarah. She hears Him laugh. Moms and papas bring all the children to a smiling Jesus who cradles them, tickles them and then says a prayer about them. “This is the best day, ever!”, says Isaac.

Luke 18 children blessed

Luke 18, The Message

15-17 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”

Think about it…
–Kids have faith greater than all mustard seeds put together. If we say it, it must be true. If Jesus says it…bank on it. He is truth. (And the Way to Life eternal!)
–Simply be like a child and accept Jesus. Accept God’s Kingdom living without question. Stop exercising the analyzing and rationalizing way of living that so many adults learn to use as a crutch to justify our sin of self satisfaction. It’s exhausting.
–Be childlike in faith, not childish (not letting anyone else in). It’s not about us. It’s all about God. As children of God, His Kingdom lives in us. We now live in His ways and turn from our selfishness to live and love Him. We live to love and serve others like He loves us.
–Find and follow Jesus. Don’t let anyone hold you back.
–Run to Jesus!

“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2, NIV

Dear Heavenly Father,
What thoughts you give us today about a familiar story! Thank you for stirring our minds once more. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. You created me to be pretty simple so it is easy to have faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords! Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in our lives. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for living in us. Thank you, Holy Spirit for guiding us.
In Jesus Name, Amen

“I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:28

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GLAD I’M NOT HIM!

Posted on September 29, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

We all do it. We compare ourselves to others. Admit it. We compare our stuff next to their stuff. We often say “at least” at the beginning of our comparison statements. At least MY yard is mowed. At least I have enough to feed my kids. At least my car is working and gets me to work. At least my house is clean enough for family. At least my work pays better than his. At least I pay my taxes. At least I go to church unlike my neighbors who sleep in. At least I know the address of my church. At least I give something when the offering basket is passed. At least I helped in the nursery once. At least I brought a pie AND brownies to the carry in. At least I have….and the “at least” list goes on and on.

Jesus just happens to have a story (imaging that!) about this very “at least” problem of comparing sins. Listen in…that can’t be us, can it?

Luke 18 comparing parable

Luke 18, The Message
The Story of the Tax Man and the Pharisee
9-12 He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’

13 “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”

14 Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

What do we learn?
–The Pharisee posed and prayed, looking up. The tax man looked down in humility, feeling unworthy to even look up to God. Mm. Do we pose when we pray?
–Sin is sin. We must stop playing games. We must stop thinking and saying aloud, “My sin is not as bad as your sin.”
–All have sinned and fall short. Only those who truly realize it will be saved.
–Comparing one sin to another’s sin is a human effort to lift ourselves higher to God when this act actually brings shame to us.
–Honest evaluation, sincere repentance and humility before God asking for His mercy and grace is what God requires.
–He sees our hearts. Why hide what He already knows?
–Comparing our life to another is a bad measure.
–There is only one comparison that is healthy. Let us compare our lives to the Jesus, the perfect standard for living. Then we can humbly repent of those things that break God’s heart in us.
–Then, like the repentant, humble tax man, we can be saved when we ask, “Forgive me, a sinner.”
–Once more…stop comparing! Focus on God. Follow Jesus. Be lead by His Holy Spirit.
–“If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.” –Jesus

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.” Micah 6:8, NIV

Dear Heavenly Father,
I repent of “at least”. Forgive me, a sinner, for all the ways I try to compare myself, my talk and my walk with other’s. My focus in keenly on You this morning. Thank you for your word that convicts, teaches, keeps us humble, and extends mercy all at the same time. Thank you for your forgiveness that is so generous. Thank you for peace that comes from not comparing ourselves to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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PERSISTENT, TENACIOUS FAITH

Posted on September 28, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

We pray and sometimes we must wait. Does that mean God isn’t working on our behalf? No. God listens to our cries for help. Jesus assures us of that in our next passage. Sometimes we wonder if we are praying in the right way. No. God listens to our hearts more than words. It not about method, it’s about motivation and sincerity. Sometimes we can’t put into words how a challenging situation or trial needs to be resolved. But God knows and He is working on it before we ask. He is God and we are not. Trust Him. Don’t give up praying, asking God for help.

God loves us. God generously gives His best to us. God provides for our real needs. God blesses our socks off daily if we notice the details. God guides and provides. God protects us as we travel to and from daily tasks. God is always with us. His Holy Spirit provides wisdom to make good choices if we listen. Don’t give up praying, asking God for help.

Praying is communicating with the Creator of all and is in all. Praying in the Name of Jesus gives us immediate power and strength because we know He is listening and will be our advocate to the Father. We know He has already defeated the enemy, making us more than conquerors. Don’t give up praying!

Talking with God helps us sort out what is truth, helping us to look at the situation with new perspective. He lifts our thinking to higher ground so we see the problem in a new light. We gain new understanding and insight just talking it over with Jesus. “Just a little talk with Jesus makes it right” like an old gospel song in my past says to my mind. Don’t give up praying!

Jesus talks about a widow who persistently banged on the door of the judge pleading and demanding for protection in her present state. The judge, who cared nothing for anyone but himself, finally caved in and helped her so the noise would stop. Jesus points out the God isn’t like that. God will step in. “I assure you, He will.” Don’t give up praying!

Rest on these thoughts. Be blessed by what Jesus is telling us. Let His peace consume us. May our smiles return and our trust be stronger just thinking about His love for us…because we didn’t give up praying!

Luke 18 persistent faith

Luke 18, The Message
The Story of the Persistent Widow
18 1-3 Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

4-5 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

6-8 Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”

Think about it…
–Persistent, tenacious faith does not give up. Is that in us?
–What does persistent faith look like and how does it behave?
–What will Jesus find in us when He returns? Fluffy faith or tenacious, relentless faith in Him?

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us more to think about as we read about this persistent widow in your story example. We will not give up asking You for help, guidance, wisdom, insight and understanding. You are our hope. You are our strong foundation upon which our lives are built. You are God…and we surely are not. Go with us, still, as I know You will.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

And I’m singing…

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

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HE SIMPLY COMES

Posted on September 27, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

We have heard many stories and predictions concerning the coming of Christ. Every time a prediction is announced and publicized, I imagine Jesus looking down and saying, “Nope, not today, give them one more day.” As evil grows and births new ways to sin, we shake our heads and wonder when God will say, “Enough!” as He did in Noah’s day. Even so come, Lord Jesus, come, we sing in lament.

Jesus give us some perspective about the coming of the Kingdom of God. “God’s Kingdom is already here among you”, Jesus answers the religious of his day. It’s all about Jesus come, who was God’s Son, standing right in front of them. The Pharisees who were no longer living for God didn’t get it. Do we?

When we repent, turn away from sin and turn to Jesus and follow His ways, we are now living in God’s Kingdom! Because of Jesus we have already entered the Kingdom of God. He is here among those who believe. But wait, there’s more! He is coming back physically and in power to take us where He is…when we least expect it. He simply comes. Are we ready?

No man or woman predicts it. No one is in charge of the time, only God knows. He simply comes. And here is a great thought to consider, “The arrival of the Son of Man is not something you go out to see.” Jesus simply comes. He comes to save us from all sin when we give up and repent. He then dwells in our hearts, guides our minds with His Holy Spirit and fills our empty souls with all of Him. If allowed, He will continually transform us, getting us ready to live with him forever.

God’s Kingdom come…on His terms. Lose self-Gain Life forever with Him. He simply comes.

Luke 17, The Message
When the Son of Man Arrives
20-21 Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.”

22-24 He went on to say to his disciples, “The days are coming when you are going to be desperately homesick for just a glimpse of one of the days of the Son of Man, and you won’t see a thing. And they’ll say to you, ‘Look over there!’ or, ‘Look here!’ Don’t fall for any of that nonsense. The arrival of the Son of Man is not something you go out to see. He simply comes.

24-25 “You know how the whole sky lights up from a single flash of lightning? That’s how it will be on the Day of the Son of Man. But first it’s necessary that he suffer many things and be turned down by the people of today.

26-27 “The time of the Son of Man will be just like the time of Noah—everyone carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ship. They suspected nothing until the flood hit and swept everything away.

28-30 “It was the same in the time of Lot—the people carrying on, having a good time, business as usual right up to the day Lot walked out of Sodom and a firestorm swept down and burned everything to a crisp. That’s how it will be—sudden, total—when the Son of Man is revealed.

Luke 17 don't look behind

31-33 “When the Day arrives and you’re out working in the yard, don’t run into the house to get anything. And if you’re out in the field, don’t go back and get your coat. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you’ll lose it, but if you let that life go, you’ll get life on God’s terms.

34-35 “On that Day, two men will be in the same boat fishing—one taken, the other left. Two women will be working in the same kitchen—one taken, the other left.”

37 Trying to take all this in, the disciples said, “Master, where?”

He told them, “Watch for the circling of the vultures. They’ll spot the corpse first. The action will begin around my dead body.”

Think about it…
–God’s Kingdom is here, living in those who believe and live for Him.
–Jesus will simply come back again to claim His own.
–Complacency is today’s enemy. Be ready for His coming. Continue the work He has given us to do as we allow Him to transform us daily to be who He intended for us to be.
–“The action will begin around my dead body.” –Jesus
–God’s Kingdom is now! Jesus defeated death and lives!

Dear Heavenly Father, 
Your Word, a Light in the dark world, guides our thoughts and thrills our souls. We repent of worry about when and relax in the thought of You. You simply come. You are already here in our hearts, minds and souls. You love, forgive, show mercy and extend grace. You are Kingdom come. May Your Kingdom come and reign supremely in us today! And may others see You in us with a desire to seek and follow You, too.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

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AND HE WAS A SAMARITAN!

Posted on September 26, 2017 by randscallawayffm

Luke and The Lost

How grateful to God are we, church? He created everything. He is in all and above all. He protects us. He provides for our needs. He transforms us and give us a new life in Him. He showers us with blessings every day…if we really notice the details of how God works. Yes, He is God and we are not. With this knowledge, do we LIVE gratefully? How does the world see us? Do they see us as whiners about every detail that is challenging or as those who have a praise and thanks for all provisions, large or small?

Jesus gives us another great story about gratitude. What really catches our eyes and thinking this morning is what Jesus throws in at the end of his words about the gratefully healed leper, “AND he was a Samaritan”. Ten were healed but only the one, who was not one of “God’s chosen” children of the Jews, an outsider who knew little about God but had heard of Jesus came back and was eternally grateful AND praised Jesus by kneeling at his feet! THAT, my church friends is sincere gratitude.

How are we doing, church? Are we living gratefully, kneeling before Jesus and thanking Him with all that is in us each day for all He has provided and taught us? Do others know Jesus because of our grateful living? Do others know WE know Jesus because of our attitude of gratitude? He saved us! That alone is worthy of all our praise. Yes, self evaluation is in order.

Luke 17, The Message
11-13 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14-16 Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

17-19 Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.”

Luke 17 grateful heart.jpg

Think about it…
–Jesus is “on the border” between Samaria (the despised people of the Jews who wanted no part of them and thought they were heathens and unclean in all ways) and Galilee (the “better”, more accepatable side of town.)
–When leprosy hits a family, Jew or Samaritan, the afflicted person is sent away to live outside the clan so as not to inflict someone else.
–Leprosy (or any sickness) is an equalizer.
–ALL call out to Jesus whom they have heard heals every disease and affliction.
–100% mercy; 10% gratitude.
–ONE, a Samaritan, come back to thank Jesus, giving glory to God. Only one out of ten.
–Are we THE ONE who will continually come back from blessings and provisions to give God glory and praise at the feet of our Lord? I pray so.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for transforming our thinking, for providing for our needs, for blessing us beyond our wildest dreams, for protecting us from the enemy, for defeating death and rising again so that we might come to you freely. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen

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