WHO ARE WE?

Posted on November 7, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

What counts to God is not what we do but who we are while doing or reacting to whatever lies before us. Who are we when no one is around to be impressed? Who are we when people betray us? How will be react? What are we thinking about when no one is around?Who are we is the huge question for meditation today as we read these poignant, direct words from Jesus to all of us who love Him and strive to love like God loves us. Even when you may have to swallow hard and be gracious to someone who hurts you. Be alert, try to avoid those who are not who they say they are, for they will trip you up. Follow Jesus. Follow Jesus. Live these words…graciously…with His help.

WATCH OUT!
“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers ARE is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.” –Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

BEST IMPRESSION?
“Knowing the correct password–saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance–isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience–DOING what my Father wills. I can see it now–at the Final Judgement thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message; we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.'[ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.'”–Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

“THE RAINS CAME DOWN AND THE FLOODS CAME UP”…
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit–but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.” -Jesus

“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” –Jesus

THE BEST TEACHING EVER!
“When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying–quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.”
–Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You came down to earth in human form, not only to save us, but to teach us in ways that are like none other by anyone else. For you are God and we are not. Thank you for this message on the mount that is more than relevant for today. I know You were thinking of us then and now as you taught. Thank you. Now, help us live what we have just understood as rightous living by your Holy Spirit’s power in us. Thank you, dear Lord. Thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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SHORTCUTS AND EASY FIXES

Posted on November 6, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

How many of us spend a lot of time looking for easier ways to find a location for our destination? How many of us look for the quick, easy fix for a current problematic situation? We all do! We have all heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder”. But what we are actually looking for is easy with little to no work at all! It takes too much time to focus and think through a solution that lasts. We would rather focus on no thinking at all, slapping a quick “band aid” on it or worse yet running from it in complete denial that we even have a problem! Yikes!

Jesus warns us…
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life–to God!–is vigorous and requires total attention.”
–Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

I want to be fit and healthy after years of shortcut eating of unhealthy foods. So, as a quick fix, I will starve myself today and hope for a slim, energetic healthy body that will fit into clothes I had twenty years ago tomorrow. Right? What? You mean that doesn’t work? You mean I have to focus on healthy eating and exercise EVERY day? Yes! No shortcuts. (Get it?)

ATTENTION!
No “how to” book is going to help you reach God’s best for you. God’s Word will. Yes, only God, focus on God, going down His winding, less traveled road with total attention and quick obedience to God will get you where you want to be…where God is. Final destination. HIS Word is not a quick “how to” book, but a way to abundant holy living, thinking, growing and maturing. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and takes us to higher ground thinking and behaving. When we figure this out, turn to Him with love in our hearts and a desire to want what He wants, sweet peace floods our souls and problems suddenly have solutions.

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Dear Heavenly Father, We love you back! We trust you with our very lives…that You created, with purpose and peace, through all of life’s stuff. Thank you! Our total attention is on You, like a servant in the King’s court with their eyes on the One who summons and sends. We wait for You. We do not want to run ahead or lag behind. We will go when you say go and stay when you say stay. We will speak when you say speak and be silent when you say be quiet for now and just be a difference in the world for Me. Thank you for loving us so much to want the best for us. Continue to be “God with us”, Emmanuel, this day. In Jesus Name, Amen

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MORE TO LIFE THAN SLOGANS

Posted on November 5, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

As all great preachers should do, Jesus begins wrapping up his “message on the mount” with follow through about HOW to do what He has asked us to be. Yes, he is giving us the “so what” at the end of the sermon by telling us how to behave. He has given us the why, now he delivers the simple guide to better behavior that pricks our souls and cause us to evaluate our own lives. If we really want what He wants for us, then we will listen and sharpen our skills for living in ways that make God smile. This is called abundant living full of peace and unconditional love.

Jesus also reminds us no more slogans. Our facebook newsfeeds are full of slogans…some encouraging, some not so much. I am guilty of posting quite a few myself. Most of the time my heart is full of good intent, to use phrases to encourage our walk. Sometimes they are just ways to make us smile. Let’s avoid those that are just plain mean, Let’s be careful, because although some sound nice, they are not scriptural. Now on to what Jesus says…

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults–unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomerangingIT’s easy to see a smudge on yoru neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”
–Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

DON’T REDUCE YOUR LIFE TO SLOGANS…ouch
“Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” — Jesus

NO BARGAINING WITH GOD!
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If you child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the god who conceived you in love will be even better?” — Jesus

SIMPLY JESUS…
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for THEM. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. –Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, There is nothing in Your Word today that we do not understand, we just have to be more careful and alert to live it! Help us to live what You say in ways that please You. We love You with all that is within us, help us to really love each other in the same way You love us. In Jesus Name, Amen

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LIVING WORSHIP

Posted on November 4, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

It stands to reason that the One who would know best about how to think, behave, generally live 24/7 with an attitude of worship, always ready to praise God with every breath in some form or action would be Jesus Christ, himself who came from the throne of God to earth. He is God and man, wrapped in glory and walked right into our neighborhood of earth. Our world. His glory.

Imagine Jesus sitting at your kitchen table telling you about authentic worship of our Living God! Read slowly, let the words soak in as you listen to His teaching about worship of Our Creator and Our Father in Heaven…you will be blessed!

DON’T WORSHIP OUR STUFF!
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or–worse!–stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” –Jesus, Matthew 6, Msg

TRUE WORSHIP BRINGS HIS LIGHT TO OUR EYES!
“Your eyes are windows into your body. If yo open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up wit light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

WE WORSHIP THE ONLY ONE!
“You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.” –Jesus, Matthew 6, Msg

LIVE WORSHIP, CARELESS IN THE CARE OF GOD!
“If you decide for god, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” –Jesus

DRESS FOR WORSHIP!
“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion–do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.” -Jesus

I imagine walking with Jesus, into those fields on the mountain side as He walks and talks with me…how about you?

WORSHIP THE GOD WHO CARES AND WANTS HIS BEST FOR US!
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of the wildflowers–most of which are never even seen–don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?”

“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with GETTING, so you can respond to God’s GIVING.”

“People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns met.”

This is still Jesus talking straight into the heart of men and women…into you, into me.

FOCUSED WORSHIP, 24/7
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” –Jesus, Matthew 6

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Dear Heavenly Father, We may have to read this EVERY DAY until this way of thinking and behaving becomes habitual. We love you with all our heart, mind and soul. We worship You, alone. All our trust is in You. I care less for what the world cares about and more what You think about me. Thank you for your word that speaks challenge, comfort, encouragement, care and absolute, unconditional love for us. I love you back! In Jesus Name, Amen!

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NO ONE BUT JESUS CAN TEACH US ABOUT PRAYER

Posted on November 3, 2014 by randscallawayffm

PART THREE

(The Story of Jesus)

I loved connect the dots picture books as a kid. I loved making a complete picture then coloring it to make something beautiful…at least in my mind. I didn’t like them too easy, where you see the picture before you even begin jumping from number to number, I loved a challenge. As you can guess where I am going, I believe God is still connecting the dots in my life. I try on my own, but I don’t see the full picture. God does. I get to join Him however, in prayer as my connection to Him while He does His best work in me. Someday, my “picture” will be complete, colors and all, and He will say, well done, my good and faithful servant. At least, that is my goal.

To connect the dots we must have the connection. That comes in prayer conversation with God. It comes in listening closely to what He has to say back to us. We have to stop everything we’re doing for this time to focus, give in and give up, and just listen. Prayer is a two way conversation as well as a confession to the Almighty. He has wonderful things to say to us to encourage us. Don’t get up from you knees until you listen to Him! What a highly personal, Holy Connection we have!

Jesus clarifies for us one more time…
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness form God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” –Jesus, Matthew 6, Msg

And about fasting…Jesus says…
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normally outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.” Matthew 6, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, I adore our connection and rely on it each day, all through the day. Thank you, Jesus, for your work on the cross that completes our connection to our Father in Heaven. Continue to be with us, encouraging us to be all you intended for us to be and do. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul.
In Jesus Name, and by His power within us, Amen!

And now I listen…

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JESUS…ON PRAYER

Posted on November 2, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

PART TWO:
Prayer is vital to our relationship with the God we say we believe, love, worship and trust with our very lives! In this reverent conversation with God we are reminding ourselves of who God is, not just in our own lives, but for everyone! He is Creator, the One who is in charge over all and in all because He began it all! We tell God who He is at the beginning, not so He is reminded, (how foolish), and not so we address him properly (good manners as a salutation for a letter), but so WE KNOW and remember WHO we are talking to when we pray! That in itself bring us to our knees in awe and reference…”Our Father in Heaven”…YOU are God and we are not!

Jesus teaches a simple prayer that tells us exactly how to begin our life of conversation with God. Jesus prefaces this prayer with telling us to be honest before God. (Yesterday’s part one.) He reminds again today, that our attitude is even more important than our words. God hears our hearts anyway. The words we say put into perspective who God is, what we are asking, and why we are asking or telling God so that we will know and understand ourselves along with our hearts.

I think out loud as I try to understand arising situations of life. My husband has caught on my need to do this and obliges me. God does that even better. He knows, in our talk (prayer) with Him that we are struggling to make sense of what is going on around us. Sometimes we don’t even come up with a question to ask God, but we still pray. Guess what? That is completely acceptable to God! He desires, most of all, our honesty. The Holy Spirit will say the words for us. Jesus, our Advocate, will translate what is most needed for us to Our Heavenly Father! Yes, my Jesus knows just what I need…and I’m singing that old hymn that comes to mind.

With that being said…let’s read what Jesus says:

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best–as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.’

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” –Jesus…Matthew 6, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You have revealed Yourself through Your Word this morning in the words of Jesus. Thank you for helping us to understand ourselves (what we need to lose) in connection to You more and more (what we gain in knowing You more). Yes, You are in charge. You are God! And we are not. Why would we not trust in You and be honest with You? You know everything. You know what’s best for each of us and you know just what we need at the right time. Thank you for knowing, loving, and showing us your grace and mercy through forgiveness as we forgive others.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

And I’m singing…My Jesus knows just what I need, yes He knows just what I need…He satisfies, every need supplies, yes He knows just what I need…

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NO ONE BUT JESUS CAN TEACH US ABOUT PRAYER…

Posted on November 1, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

PART ONE:
Prayer is such an important act of worship for us (for me!) that we need to read, meditate, chew on and memorize it! Then apply deeply, simply and personally what Jesus is teaching us about how to approach our Father in Heaven. It’s important to lose what we must to gain what is eternal for our living here then there. Let’s take in this lesson one small piece at a time. Seriously.

JESUS, ON PRAYER
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?” Matthew 6, Msg

Can you imagine God trying to listen to our prayers and saying, “Oh, he/she is praying longer and louder, with a sermon thrown in for good measure for everyone to hear! Yes, I will listen to that one for sure.” NOT…

ACCORDING TO JESUS…WHAT GOD LISTENS TO…
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, We were alone together in my quiet place before even attempting to write this with You this morning. I love our time together that gives me focus, motivation and clarity for this day. Thank you for the “manna” of this day, our daily bread. Thank you for salvation, protection, provision, and blessings galore and so undeserved…yet You keep giving. Thank you. Just thank you. Forgive us when we go awry with our speaking to you, especially when placed in a public situation or when someone asks us to pray for them. We want what You want. Help us, dear Lord.
In Jesus Name, Our Advocate, Amen

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ENJOY LIVING AS A CHILD OF THE KING!

Posted on October 31, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

We left off yesterday with words from Jesus that essentially said, “Grow up!” What does that look like? What does it mean to be grow up and mature? And why must we even ask that question? Because we work so hard, every day at our jobs, trying to be the best mother, father, parent, employee, or volunteer, that sometimes we forget what it means to mature and get stuck in neutral without much thought of being a better person today than yesterday. I found something that might help as we seek a deeper understanding of what Jesus is telling us to be and do in our walk with Him and our relationship with others.

How Maturity Is Expressed – We see evidence of maturity emerging in our lives when:

Our concern for others outweighs our concern for ourselves.
The presence of evil or danger is detected before it is obvious.
We have more than high ideals; we have discipline to carry them out.
Emotions are tempered by responsibility and thoroughness. Awareness of needs are matched by compassion and involvement.
There is not only an understanding of a task, but also the fortitude to stay at it until it is done.
There is a willingness to change.
There is the ability to grow spiritually.
AND…Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, finish a job once it’s started, and carry money without spending it. And last, but not least, it’s the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

Jesus says…

“You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Matthew 5, Msg

However…Jesus reminds us…

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you wan’t be applauding.” Matthew 6, Msg

Jesus further explains maturity…

“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure–‘playactors’ I call them–treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it–quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.” Matthew 6, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to grow up and mature to the point that we are who you want us to be and do the right thing without even thinking about it so there is no thinking about ourselves. We remember what Paul said about You, dear Lord, in Philippians 2…”Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.” Help us to live more and more like Your subjects of Your Kingdom…even as children of the King. May we come to you with child-like faith, but not continue to be CHILDISH in our walk. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit who guides and helps us in this journey of maturity. In Jesus Name, Amen

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IT ALL BEGAN WHEN HE HIT ME BACK!

Posted on October 30, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Yes, this is what I heard on the playground often. After that came, “he/she started it!” My first question to the issue of the war at hand was, “So, how can we end it?” Followed by, “Who is going to end this first?” (Leaning into their competitive spirits.) That always made them stop and think. Ending it was the last thing on their minds. But we “grown ups” don’t have this issues, do we?

Jesus has something to say about this…

“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
Matthew 5, Msg

AND…

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best–the sun to warm and the rain to nourish–to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”
Matthew 5, Msg

“In a word, what I’m saying is, ‘GROW UP’.” –Jesus
Matthew 5, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Ouch, this is a lesson for the playground we call life. We all need to grow up and keep growing up, never stop learning this commandment to love our enemies and pray for them with Your love that you give to us. Help us Lord, to be more alert in this area of our lives. Help us to not hit back but to think of ways to bless instead. In Jesus Name and By His Power working in and through us, Amen

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PROMISES, PROMISES…

Posted on October 29, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

“Never promise anything you cannot keep” was the advise given to young teachers while still in college. Duh, as a parent of three little ones, I had already figured that one out. Our kids hated it when Randy and I would say “We will see…” when asked if they could do something later. They thought is was a put off, delay in action or worse still, a deathnail to their request…a delayed “no”. We just learned as adults in the situation, that we don’t know the future so we have no right to promise! And isn’t amazing how kids remember EVERY word you promise…”YOU SAID…” but can’t remember to brush their teeth?

It was also a greater moment to surprise them with their request later..when they thought it wouldn’t happen! Jesus thinks this issue is important enough to include it in HIS teaching as well…

“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you’, and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no’. When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” Matthew 5, Msg

SO, don’t promise anything you cannot or don’t intend to keep! This includes ALL areas of life! When someone asks me to pray I have learned to stop and pray with them right then…because I am human and I forget sometimes. When someone asks for prayer on facebook…I stop and pray for them at the moment I read it. That has trained me not to promise or be pious…just pray when asked.

Don’t promise to show up at a project and not be there. If you never intended to go but just wanted, at the time, to look better by saying you would in a circle of friends, you go wrong. I think Jesus is telling us it hurts worse (them and you) if you promise but can’t or won’t keep your promise. Have the courage to just say no…or yes. If yes, then follow through.

We are a society that could use some honesty in our responses. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

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Dear Heavenly Father, We get caught up in wanting to be accepted to the point of promising what sometimes is impossible to keep. May we always evaluate our motives and actions and be ready to answer honestly to others and ultimately to You. In Jesus Name, Amen!

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