“You’re more than happy when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that following Him may not be a “bed of roses”. He tells us about it in advance. We may get persecuted. We may even be martyred. It happens every day. Will you “sign up” to follow Jesus if you know that tomorrow someone may kill you for believing Him?

Of course, living in America makes if feel like this isn’t an issue; that it can’t happen to us. Because of that we are lulled into thinking it doesn’t happen to anyone any longer.

Now here is the rub. Jesus also knows the benefit of being persecuted. Persecution drives (the deeply committed) deeper into His Father’s world.

“You’re blessed (more than happy) when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:10 The Message)

“Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can proclaim the good news there also. This is why I’ve come.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows why He is here. He is on a mission. He has good news to tell everyone. He is urgent about His focus. Knowing the “why” is huge. God gives us that confidence. We know “why”.

Jesus wants us to be the same way. He wants us to get moving. No need to linger.

“Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can proclaim the good news there also. This is why I’ve come.” ~~Jesus (Mark 1:38-39 The Message)

“It’s urgent that you get this right.” ~~Jesus

Jesus expects us to have a sense of urgency. His passion for doing God’s will right now is overwhelming. He knows what God’s “mission for this moment” is.

He demands that we follow God’s new plan. It is an urgency to do the right thing now which is God’s thing.

But it is not do just anything. God has something in mind. He will reveal it to us. Our job is to do it and not ignore it.

“It’s urgent that you get this right.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:25-27 The Message)

“When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.'” ~~Jesus

When Jesus sent the 72 on a mission he was very direct in how they should act. One item was when they went into a home to great the family in peace.

Jesus brings us peace. He wants us to extend it to those we come in contact with, even strangers. Our mission, from Him, is to bring peace to all we meet.

“When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.'” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

“You can be glad when people put you down for me. All heaven applauds.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that if we are radically committed to Him, we are going to get in trouble. We will get put down, people will lie about us, we may get kicked out of places or we may even get killed. We should count the cost of following Jesus. Yes, there is a cost but Jesus is also clear on the benefit.

We will be pleasing Him.  Everyone in Heaven will cheer and we will be in good company!! What is better than know we have pleased Jesus?

“You can be glad when people put you down for me—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like what you are doing, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12 The Message)

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works.” ~~Jesus

God has a kingdom where he rules. It doesn’t work like any government we know in this world. He is in complete control. He is the eternal King. He is light. He is love.

He cares about us so much that He has given us insight into how His government works. Our mission is to bring to bring to earth His kingdom.

May I have insight into how God’s kingdom works.

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:10)

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to change our minds about how to pray. We are steeped in the religious way to do it. That is not the God way.

Here’s what He wants 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.

May I accept the Jesus prayer challenge.

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6 The Message) 

“What you’re called does not matter and where you go to worship does not matter.” ~~Jesus

It is not about what religious group you are born into. It doesn’t matter what church you go to.

Jesus is challenging us. He is clear.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God..Our worship must engage our spirit in the pursuit of truth.That’s the kind of people that Jesus is out looking for. Those who are simply and honestly themselves before God in their worship.

Jesus challenges us to know that God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. It is not what religious group you were born into. It is not what church you go to.

“But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.” ~~Jesus (John 4:23 The Message)

“Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan?” ~~Jesus

It is hard to imaging this actually happened but then again sometimes we have a “fantasy image” of Jesus that is not anchored in reality. When religious people don’t understand what is happening, it is easy to blame things on evil. And so,the religion scholars from Jerusalem came down spreading rumors that Jesus was working black magic, using devil tricks to impress them with spiritual power.

Jesus doesn’t ignore it. Jesus confronted their slander. He still does that today. We must face who Jesus is and not slander Him. This is very important. Jesus demands it.

If someone is doing good, in the name of God, can that be the devil?

“Does it make sense to send a devil to catch a devil, to use Satan to get rid of Satan?” ~~Jesus (Mark 3 23 The Message)

“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.” ~~Jesus

Jesus was about to ascend into heaven. The disciples were very concerned and wanted to know if Jesus was going to reign as King on earth. Jesus not so politely let them know that they didn’t get to know that timing. That was God’s business and not theirs.

But … and this is a big one, what they do get is the Holy Spirit. And that changed everything. For them and for us. All the power of God was about to be released on them and in them. God is in a great mood and He has given us the Holy Spirit. Not that is good news.

“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.” ~~Jesus (Acts 1:7 The Message)

“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~~Jesus

We are mistaken to think that suffering is something to be avoided. Jesus challenges us to embrace it. That is what He did. That is how He lived. He can show us how. He is our model for how to do it.

This is stunning as it requires that we change our minds about what is good for us and what isn’t. It challenges us to depend on God completely for everything.

“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~~Jesus (The Message John 9:25)

“Don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed with someone who is not your wife.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows something and he wants religious people to understand it. Who we are is a result of what we think. If we think about committing adultery, we have done it. What makes us “UN-virtuous” is what we think, not what we do.

This is a huge thing to grasp. Jesus knows, for religious people, it is way to easy to “get around” moral rules and still violate the principle God has in mind every day. We need to change how we think (repent) about God’s word.

“Don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed with someone who is not your wife.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day.”~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to worship in a clear way. Sometimes we are just guessing. That is not the way of God’s chosen people.

God is light. He is so clear there is nothing but truth in Him. No guessing; just clarity.

Our worship needs to be the same way.

“You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day.”~~Jesus (John 4:22 The Message)

“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus

One day Jesus went church where he found a man with a crippled hand. The religious leaders had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him go against the tradition of the church. As with most churches, they didn’t pray for people to be healed. Not in public and not in the church.

Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.” You can see it coming now. Jesus is going to openly challenge them all. He is going to do it publicly and clearly.

Jesus wants to know something. So He asked everyone in the church: “What kind of action suits Sunday the best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”

What kind of answer did He get? No one said a word. Complete and utter silence. They didn’t have the capacity to advocate for doing good. They are uncomfortable to their core. We don’t have healing services in church. Not in this church and not during the Sunday service. Can’t we get the band to start playing again? Where is the praise leader? Isn’t the minister going to do something?

I don’t think I want to see this look. When Jesus looked them in the eye, one after another, angry, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” I’m not sure he said this in the most loving way. A point was about to be made.

Here it is. Jesus was angry. He was furious. What happened to our kind and loving “Mr. Rogers like” savior?

So the man held out his hand—it was as good as new! The minister and deacons understood what was going on. They got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with the President’s followers and ruin him. That was their plan on how to deal with Jesus. They could have accepted him but being the religious hypocrites that they were, they opposed and plotted against him. But the congregation didn’t do anything either.

And how does our religious leadership deal with Jesus today? Build a bigger building? Add more instruments to the band? Expand the children’s program?

“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus (Mark 3:5)

“You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.”~~Jesus

We always want to know when. Jesus followers wanted to know if Jesus was going to restore the Kingdom now. Would it be now? Will we get to reign now? Will we?

Jesus is always direct. There are things we don’t get to know. God is God. Timing is His business not ours.

That is all there is to it. We need to focus on what God wants us to do right not. That is all.

“You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.”~~Jesus (Acts 1:7 The Message)

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows how to ask the right question. He also knows the answer.

So …. am I listening to Jesus?

May I be able to say, with all my heart, that I am listening to Jesus. May it be so.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:8)

“Don’t loiter and make small talk with everyone you meet along the way.” ~~Jesus

Jesus sends us on a mission. He has things He wants us to do for Him. We need to understand His urgency. In His new plan for us, He has places He wants us to go for Him. Taking time to stop along the way gets us out of synch with His mission for us.

Jesus demands we get moving and get to where He wants us to go. Nothing else is acceptable to Him.

 “Don’t loiter and make small talk with everyone you meet along the way.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:4 The Message)

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that we get our life in order before we can see God in a real way. He knows it is not about what we look like or what we own. It is all about changing our mind about who is in charge and loving God in every way we can. We must love each other. That is what matters.

May my mind and heart be right.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:8 The Message)

“Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” ~~Jesus

Jesus turns our world upside down. That is the way He is. When we follow Him, He makes us a new person. The way we have always done things gets left behind. If we find that isn’t true, we aren’t following Him.

The critical aspect of this is that Jesus teaches us. Being a new person isn’t natural.

 “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” ~~Jesus (Mark 1:17)

“Quiet! Get out of him!” ~~Jesus to the demons in a man

Jesus has authority over everything. To the demons He says “Get out” and they do. They know who Jesus is. They obey Him.

“Quiet! Get out of him!” ~~Jesus to the demons in a man (Mark 1:25-26 The Message)

“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.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to do things differently than the way people of this world do things. He is not subtle at all. He knows our friends and acquaintances, even our families, will give us a hard time. Following Jesus guarantees that for sure. What should we do? We devote our whole energy to praying for them. That is the way of Jesus. When God is in us, that is second nature to us.

Jesus challenges us to be like God, to love like God. He gives us the power.

“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.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to know that worship is going to church or any specific location. It isn’t where you worship; Baptist Church, Catholic Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Muslim Mosque. What is important is do you worship the one true God? Do you reach him through Jesus?

Jesus challenges us to one of those who are simply and honestly themselves before God in their worship. That is all.

May I worship God simply and honestly today.

“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem.” ~~Jesus (John 4:21 The Message)

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“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that we care. He insists on it if we want to live in His world. Being full of care is His way. When we care, God our Father cares. That is the way of His world.

We all want to be cared for. The path is to care for others. That makes us more than happy.

May I care deeply the way my heavenly Father cares. May I show His love today.

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:7 The Message)

“What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”~~Jesus

It was the Sabbath. The religious leaders of the day are watching Jesus. Will he heal the man with the crippled hand? They just knew he would and then they could condemn him for breaking the Law. They were excited for the wrong reason.

Jesus knows how to handle this. He won’t be trapped. He stops, looks them in the eye and asks “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” It is silent. Perhaps for a long time because Jesus is waiting on an answer. He didn’t ask it rhetorically.He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. Jesus got angry. Very angry. Furious.

He wanted someone to speak up. No one did.

Getting no answer, He did the right thing. He healed the man. The religious leaders got out of there fast. No after service meet and greet today.

“What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”~~Jesus (Mark 3:4 The Message)

“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this.”~~Jesus (3 Radical things to do)

We all want to live. Before Jesus, we were in the world of the dead. We knew it then and we fully understand that now.

Jesus shows us how to live in the world of the living. He puts it to us simply. These are all radical and demand our full devotion.

1. Believe what Jesus says.
2. Align ourselves with the Father.
3. Put Jesus in charge.

“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.”” ~~Jesus (John 5:24 The Message)

“What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that we not worry about anything but having enough people to bring everyone we meet to Him. He came for the world. That is a big mission. He will settle for nothing less in terms of His plan to bring us into His world and His goal for our life.

He wants us to focus on the right things. Do we see the opportunity for Him?

May I focus on building up others to help with the harvest.

 “What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:1-2 The Message)

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” ~~Jesus

Do we have enough time? Jesus demands that we understand that time is up. Now is the time. We can’t delay understanding who is in charge. We need to change our mind. We must believe.

God’s world (Kingdom) is one where He is in total control. This requires that we change how we think and how we live.

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” ~~Jesus (Mark 1:15)

“Take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that I take His way seriously. My job, my mission, is to show others His way. Later on He would say, as He rose to Heaven, to make disciples of all nations. That is how we find honor in His world (Kingdom).

May I take it seriously. May I do so today, right now.

“Take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:19-20 The Message)

“Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.” ~~Jesus

Jesus loved to tell stories. This one was about the farmer who planted seeds for his crop. But not all seeds produced the same crop. Some did however.

The seed that was planted in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. Now they produced a bumper crop.

May we seize the word. May we hold onto it now matter what. May we stick with it until there is a harvest.

“Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:8 The Message)

“The Father handed all authority to judge over to the Son so that the Son will be honored equally with the Father.” ~~Jesus

Jesus demands that we understand who He is in relation to God. Jesus says this. He really wants us to get who He is. Jesus said, “Don’t judge.” Yet, Jesus tells us He will judge. He has that authority and He has been given it by God.

His Father is pleased to do this for His son Jesus.

So … we should pay attention to what Jesus says. He will be the judge.

“The Father handed all authority to judge over to the Son so that the Son will be honored equally with the Father.” ~~Jesus (John 5:20-23 The Message)

“The one who listens to you, listens to me.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is very clear. If someone listens to me, they are listening to Jesus. He grants us His authority. His words are our words. His love is our love. When we align with Him, He is aligned with His Father and miracles happen.

The other side of this is, we have to speak His words. Will we? Will we today? Will we right now?

May it be so.

“The one who listens to you, listens to me.” ~~Jesus Luke 10:16 (The Message)

“Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us and gives some good advice. Focus on today’s needs and not long term plans. It runs counter to many things we hear. The whole culture of planning and success theology are at odds with what Jesus demands.

God is in control. Our plans don’t matter much at all. Not to God anyway.

Jesus demands we follow a different path. Travel light!!

 “Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:4 The Message)

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“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” ~~Jesus

Am I starving for God? Do I have a good appetite for Him?

Is all I think of my next meal or what I am going to wear today? Will any of these concerns really make me happy?

Jesus knows a lot about happiness. It isn’t about this world. It isn’t about our next meal.

It is all about God and His world. He is in absolute control. We need to be hungry for God. It will open up a world of happiness beyond anything we know now.

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:6 The Message)

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“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.” ~~Jesus

We live in a culture of competition. It’s a fact. It’s not pretty.

And, worse, we seem to thrive on it.

Jesus demands something different of us. If we want to be more than happy, we have to live a life of cooperation and show others to live the same way. He give us His Spirit to empower us to live this way in His new agreement with God.

“You’re more than happy (blessed) when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:9 The Message)

“But you haven’t seen the half of it yet, for in the same way that the Father raises the dead and creates life, so does the Son.” ~~Jesus

Some days we think we have seen it all. Of course we know it isn’t true but it sure does feel that way.

Jesus challenges us to not think that way. Jesus is fully aligned with His Father’s purpose. He has every ounce of power that resides in the Holy Spirit. He raises the dead. He creates life.

He does it all, just like the Father.

“But you haven’t seen the half of it yet, for in the same way that the Father raises the dead and creates life, so does the Son.” ~~Jesus (John 5:20)

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“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to be radical in our love for God. Do I want to be embraced by our Father? Is He the most dear thing in my life? How can I get to that place every day?

I will be more than happy (blessed) when I have lost everything that I think is important to me in this world for Jesus. Jesus doesn’t exclude anything on the list. Not family, possessions, not anything. That is our Messiah’s challenge to us. Give it up for Him. Seriously.

That is what He requires. That brings us true happiness. His happiness.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:4 The Message)

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“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.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows us. He challenges us to not “be religious”. If we say we will pray, we must do it earnestly. We must do it often. We must go after the victory with our brother and sister. Jesus demands it. It is the way in His new agreement with God, our Father.

Jesus challenges us to be genuine in Him. Being pious and phoney makes things worse not better. We don’t make our words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making our speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.

“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.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:33-37 The Message)

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“I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. ” ~~Jesus

Jesus is direct with us. He can do nothing but say what He hears His Father say. He knows God’s agenda. His only desire is to do exactly what God wants Him to. He is  speaking to us this way so that we will be saved.

He challenges us is to love. Completely and with our whole heart. This quote is actually from  a very long rant that Jesus gave to the religious (Jews) in church (The Temple) one day. To get it in context read all of John 5.

We need to be careful. Going to church may make us feel good but it won’t “save us”. May Jesus never say this of us as he said to the religious people of His day.

“I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. ” ~~Jesus (John 5:41-44 The Message)

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“Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men instead of perch and bass.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to think about our jobs differently. To fishermen, he challenged them to not think of their jobs as catching fish. Their job is to catch men for God. A completely different way of seeing our work. It is seeing it God’s way.

How does God see our job? Do we see it the same way?

“Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men instead of perch and bass.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20 The Message)

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“On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack.” ~~Jesus

Jesus sends us out into the world to do God’s work. He knows it isn’t easy. In fact, it is hazardous. We are pure in Him, like lambs. Where God sends us is full of wolves.

No matter though. He has equipped us with His Holy Spirit. We are victorious in Him. But we need to be careful none the less.

We need to be knowledgeable about what can happen. We need to protect ourselves in the word of God. We need to be full of God’s Holy Spirit. We should not pretend Satan isn’t evil and wants to destroy us.

 “On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:3 The Message)

“The Son gives life to anyone He chooses to.” ~~Jesus

Jesus makes it clear he has authority, even to give life. He demands that we understand this. It is core to the new agreement we have with God through Him.

No one is making Him do it. He does it because He wants to.

Jesus doesn’t shut anyone out. God handed all authority to judge over to Jesus. Anyone who dishonors Jesus, dishonors God, for it was God’s decision to put Jesus in the place of honor.

Jesus chooses to give us life. That is the good news we have today and forever.

“The Son gives life to anyone He chooses to.” ~~Jesus (John 5:20-23 The Message)

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“Keep open house; be generous with your lives.” ~~Jesus

Jesus wants us to radically open. He links this to being generous. Everything we are belongs to our Father. Jesus knows that by opening up to others, we’ll prompt people to open up with God. They will see this generous Father we have in heaven. They will see, through our openness about God how wonderfully generous he is. What a loving Father He is.

This is core to the new agreement with God. Nothing is be hidden. Nothing is to be closed. Transparency is required. Jesus demands it.

“Keep open house; be generous with your lives.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16 The Message)

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“Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.” ~~Jesus

Satan comes to us and subtly makes suggestions. Or, maybe they are not so subtle. Satan may even quote scripture to us. He did with Jesus.

The essence of the suggestion is not trusting in God and testing Him. “If you are God, then …”

What does Jesus have to say about this. What does He say to Satan. He is clear. We are not to test God.

“Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 4:7 The Message)

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“I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to be public, to tell all about His Father’s love, to be radical in our devotion to Him. He will accept nothing less.

He makes us shine. We don’t do it. He puts us out front to bring God the glory. Our job, in His new plan, is to be obedient.

“I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16The Message)

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“The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” ~~Jesus

As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of billions and that is the love that our heavenly Father has for His son Jesus. And that is the kind of love He also has for us.

Jesus is included in everything God has in mind for us. When Jesus speaks, he knows what He is saying. His Father has told Him everything. We can trust it.

“The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing.” ~~Jesus (John 5:19-20 The Message)

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“Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” ~~Jesus

Jesus has the authority to heal. And He does. When He says something, you can take it to the bank.

For this man, who was crippled and couldn’t walk, it was a simple get up and start walking. The man took action on what Jesus said. His belief and action did it. He was healed.

“Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” ~~Jesus (John 5:8-9 The Message)

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“I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide to act.” ~~Jesus

Jesus only does what he hears the Father say to do. That is His standard for us as well. We are living in His new government if we do what God asks us to do. Jesus knows the source of his power and life. The life of a disciple of Jesus is one all about listening to God and deciding to act on what He wants us to do. That is the source of power in His world.

Notice the sequence.

• Listen
• Decide
• Act

“I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide to act.” ~~Jesus (John 5:30-33 The Message)

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“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself.” ~~Jesus

Jesus calls us to a higher standard than the way of this world. He is in charge of the new plan. This is a plan of humility.

The call from Jesus is to just help and love people. Don’t worry if anyone knows. Our Father knows. That is enough. Pleasing our Father is the only thing this is all about.

“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:2-4 The Message)

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“God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” ~~Jesus

We often worry about what might happen. Conventional wisdom says “plan for the worst”. And so we do.

Jesus is direct and challenges us to change our minds (repent) about thinking that way. His way is to not worry and trust that God, our loving Father, will helps us the time we need it. Jesus challenges us to give our entire attention to God right now. God is our God now.

“God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:34 The Message)

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“Beat it, Satan!” ~~Jesus

Jesus understands Satan’s approach. Three times Satan tempts him. 

Jesus quotes God’s word and then uses his authority to send Satan on his way. Jesus has given us the same authority. We are in the new plan with God. Jesus brokered the agreement.

May I use the authority of Jesus.

“Beat it, Satan!” ~~Jesus (Matthew 4:10 The Message)

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“You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders.” ~~Jesus

Jesus can be trusted. He doesn’t have a self serving bone in His body. He only does what He sees the Father doing. That is it. He is all about loving God. He always realizes God’s goal. He is the perfect Son.

He challenges us to live the same way with the same power of God’s Holy Spirit. We can trust Jesus. He is looking out for our best interests.

Obedience becomes the central issue. Will we carry out orders? Will we obey God?

“You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders.” ~~Jesus (John 5:30-33 The Message)

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“But my purpose is not to get your vote. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved.” ~~Jesus

Jesus has a focus. He isn’t trying to be popular. He wants us to be saved from a life of not meeting God’s goal for our life. That is his focus. He is direct to challenge us come to God.  He shows us with supernatural miracles what God wants to do.

Do we hear what He is saying? Will we be saved?

“But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved.” ~~Jesus (John 5:34-38 The Message)

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“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do.” ~~Jesus

God wants us to act on what He is talking with us about. Jesus gets that. Jesus knows what the Father is doing and He does that. He acts on His Father’s words. He knows the vital connection between knowing and doing.

Jesus challenges us to listen to our Father and act on what we hear. There is a vital connection between what God is doing and what I should be doing. Is God forgiving me? I must forgive myself and everyone else. Is God healing me? I must bring others to God’s healing hand.

What is God doing? Am I doing it as well?

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:14 The Message)

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“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less.” ~~Jesus

We are always looking for more. We want to be better. We want to develop.

The reality of who we are is that we are God’s precious children. Jesus challenges us to accept that and be content. When we do, we have everything we need. There are things that can’t be bought. Who we are, i.e., children of God, is one of them. Being content with that makes us more than happy. It makes us blessed.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:5 The Message)

If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it. ~~Jesus

Where does discontent and depression come from? Is it possible we understand that God wants us to do something and yet have not acted on what He has said?

Happiness comes from doing what we know God wants us to do. We will be more than happy when we act on His desire and purpose for our lives. Peace comes from knowing in our heart what God wants us to do, understanding that in our mind, saying it with our lips and then doing it.

If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed (more than happy) life. ~Jesus (John 13:17 The Message)

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“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” ~~Jesus

When there is less of what we want and more of what God wants, that is a good thing. It isn’t about us. That is hard for us to wrap our brains around some days. We have lots of resources at our fingertips. Who needs God when you have a credit card?

Getting to the end of our rope and seeing it isn’t about us makes us more than happy. We are blessed.

It is a pretty good rule of thumb that we need more of God. When we allow Him to rule we are more than happy. We are blessed.

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:3 The Message)

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“What the Father does, the Son does.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is perfectly aligned with His Father, God. That is the source of His power. That is His challenge to us. Become aligned with God our Father. Pray, “On earth as it is in Heaven.”

How is it in Heaven? What is God doing? Answer that and do that is what Jesus demands.

Pray, “Your will be done.”  What does God want to happen right now? Answer that and pray for that. Do that.

Jesus challenges us “to do” what God is doing. That is His way.

“What the Father does, the Son does.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:19-20 The Message)

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“All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference?” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows how to ask questions. He forces us to get clear. What is important? Perhaps the question is rhetorical but it is worth an answer. So ask yourself. Do you think it makes much of a difference (in God’s world)?

Jesus knows, directly from God, what is important. It isn’t our fashion sense. It isn’t the kind of car we drive. It isn’t how well our house is decorated. It isn’t how well we eat.

Jesus challenges us to get our priorities in line with God and His government. Does our burn with love for God? Do we love everyone? Do we have a heart for God?

Everything that isn’t focused on Him, what He wants and loving others is a waste of time and money. Period.

“All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference?” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:27-29 The Message)

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“My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into trouble.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to be radically different from most Christians and religious types of people. It will get us in trouble. In fact, it is a promise.

That is nothing new. You can go back and read almost any account of men and women of God. Being on God’s side will get you in trouble with people of this world. Just look at Jesus.

Getting in trouble for Jesus puts us in good company.

“My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into trouble.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12 The Message)

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“I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama.” ~~Jesus

Jesus has it all together. All the complexity we see. All we don’t understand. He sees it simply. He understands it all. He is putting it all together.

If we want understanding, let us go to Him. Jesus is the author of our life in God and He is the one who is going to finish it all out. We have nothing to worry about. He has it all figured out. Our job is to trust Him.

“I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18 The Message)

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“Don’t be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” ~~Jesus

God is in an amazing mood. He has so much He wants to give us.

Jesus challenges us because He knows what we are focused on. He demands that we don’t focus on getting things. He knows when that is our focus, we don’t see what God wants to give us. This is radical because His focus on the Father is radical.

To receive our Father’s gifts we have to respond to Him. If we are looking to get more in this world, we have the wrong focus.

“Don’t be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:29-31 The Message)

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“Do you want to get well?” ~~Jesus

Jesus can ask us direct and stunning questions. Imagine you have been an invalid and crippled for 38 years. Now it is not like you don’t believe in miracles because every day you go to place where miracles occur. You believe for sure.

Jesus comes up to you but He doesn’t ask “Can I drive you to the Doctor?”, or “Can I get you some crutches?” or “Can I pray for you?”. There were lots of questions that Jesus could have asked. What he did ask is “Do you want to get well?”

It was a pretty direct question. It seems almost harsh but I don’t think He asked it harshly. The man didn’t answer yes or no. Many times when Jesus asks us a question, we don’t answer directly either.  The man simply explained that he had a problem. Jesus knew that.

Jesus isn’t about the problem. Jesus is the solution.  So, no offer of going to the Doctor or crutches or prayer. Just a command to get up and walk. The man, acting in faith, did just that. The man believed Jesus and acted.  Jesus healed him. It all started with a stunning question.

“Do you want to get well?” ~~Jesus (John 5:6 The Message)

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“Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ ” ~~Jesus

Jesus lives in a clear world. He is light. There is no darkness in Him at all.

His Father is all about clarity. He demands the same from us. His radical world and plan for us is that we be clear as well. No ambiguity. No waffling. No wavering.

In Jesus’ world, he challenges us to no “ifs, ands or buts”. It is all yes and no. Jesus challenges us to not be manipulative, trying to get our own way with our answers.

“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 5:33-37The Message)

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“You know both God and how he works.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to not worry and live for what God wants to accomplish today. God takes care of the flowers and the birds. We see that and know that. And yet we get focused on the wrong things.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—Jesus wants us to know that God will attend to us, take pride in us, do his best for us? God is the loving Father who has our best in mind all the time.

Do we know God is in a good mood? If so, we know how he works. We need to understand in our heart the very nature of God. Once we get that, we will always know how He works.

“You know both God and how he works.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:33 The Message)

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“These fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows things we don’t. He challenges us to wake up. He looks out and doesn’t just see people. He sees a field that is ready to be harvested. He sees people who are ready for God’s world (Kingdom).

Jesus challenges us to see the same things. We can’t be complacent. We must not think someone else will do what God wants us to do right now.

We must rise to the challenge Jesus has for us. It is harvest time.

“These fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!” ~~Jesus (John 4:35 The Message)

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“Stand here where we can see you.”~~Jesus

Jesus is in church. He found a man with a crippled hand.

The Deacons (Pharisees) had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him in breaking a church rule. Jesus knows this. And so He is deliberate. He says to the man, “Stand here where we can see you.”

Then he spoke to the people: “What kind of action suits Sunday best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” No one said a word. Imagine, they were completely silent. This is stunning that they can’t answer this question.

He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! The Deacons (Pharisees) got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with Herod’s followers and ruin him.

Jesus is deliberate. His challenge to us is clear. He wants everyone to know the rules aren’t helpful if they don’t focus on doing what God wants.

“Stand here where we can see you.”~~Jesus (Mark 3:3 The Message)

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“Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.” ~~Jesus

So we have heard God. But something happens. It isn’t immediate but in fact subtly slow over time.

Life happens is what. We go about our lives. We worry about how we will take care of things. Tomorrow is more important than what God is saying today. We worry. We get consumed with making money. Our focus is on having fun.

What we heard God say gets lost in all this other noise. The weeds of life choke and strangle the Word of Jesus.

May we seize God’s Word. May we hold on no matter what. May we stick with it until there’s a harvest.

“Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:6)

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“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” ~~Jesus

Jesus warns us to be careful about what we say to others. Our mandate is to love. Anything other than that is not acceptable. Our words to others is a reflection of life or death. This is stark but He gives a whole new way to live through His Holy Spirit.

In His world (Kingdom) there is no loving your friends and hating your enemies. It is only love. What we say to others should reflect that. He demands it.

“The simple moral fact is that words kill.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:22 The Message)

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“I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!” ~~Jesus

No who hides a light? It seems like a silly question. No one does. Well, children do when they are supposed to be asleep and they read under the covers.

We are God’s light to the world. Jesus demands that we shine.

Jesus challenges us to shine. He has redeemed us for a reason.

“I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14 The Message)

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“If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal?” ~~Jesus

Sometimes we get so proud of ourselves for doing what anyone can do. Jesus challenges us not to see things that way. That isn’t the way it is in God’s world (Kingdom).

Jesus challenges us to love like He does. He was ridiculed, humiliated, killed and yet did it all for love. He empowers us to do it. He gives us the Holy Spirit and a completely new heart.

“If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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“You spoke the truth there, sure enough.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows us. Jesus knows us to our core. We can try to evade the truth but Jesus knows the truth. So there is no point in even trying.

The kind of people our Father is out looking for are those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. He wants that kind of relationship with us.

“That’s nicely put: ‘I have no husband.’ You’ve had five husbands, and the man you’re living with now isn’t even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough.” ~~Jesus (John 4:18 The Message) 

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“The children get fed first. ” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to understand certain realities. The wise person doesn’t argue with him. The wise person has insight.

A woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where Jesus was. She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek, Syro-Phoenician by birth. She asked him to cure her daughter. Jesus didn’t respond the way we thought he would. She knows he is right. She knows her place in this world. She knows children get fed first. She also knows if there is anything left from the meal, the dogs will get fed as well. That is how she responds.

Jesus is impressed. He heals her daughter. God is in a good mood and that extends to all, not just the children. No matter what our place in this world, we have a place of honor in His world.

“The children get fed first. ” ~~Jesus Mark 7:27 (The Message)

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“Anyone who dishonors the Son, dishonors the Father, for it was the Father’s decision to put the Son in the place of honor.” ~~Jesus

God the Father and Jesus the Son are the same. Dishonor one and you dishonor the other. Jesus said this to religious people and challenged them to believe Him. We love to speak of God. Do we love to say the name of Jesus the same way?

Does Jesus have the same place of honor in our lives as God does?

“Anyone who dishonors the Son, dishonors the Father, for it was the Father’s decision to put the Son in the place of honor.” ~~Jesus (John 5:23 The Message)

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“It takes more than a great meal to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” ~~Jesus

We think there are so many things we need. And need, is how we frame it. We can’t imagine not having that nice new car. We must have it. The new flat screen HD TV. Got to have it. The nice meal out. Must do it soon.

Jesus challenges us to see our life in God’s world as the essense of what God is saying to us right now. That is the only thing that is important. Nothing else is. All else is an idol compared to our living God.

We must see our life as Jesus challenges us. We must change our minds about what is important. We can live a life that is focused on that steady stream of God’s words that He gives us every moment of every day.

“It takes more than a great meal to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 4:4 The Message)

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What is Jesus focused on?

Jesus is perfectly aligned with God. He knows He can’t doing anything without God. Jesus is determined to follow God’s plan all the way and everyday for eternity. And that is a very long time.

How does he operate? He looks to see what God is doing and He does it. He has no desire to do his own thing. He doesn’t know what that means. He only knows that he must do what he sees his Father doing. That is all. That is it. That is the main thing about the main thing.

He challenges us to do the same. We must take on God’s own nature. We must do what we see God doing. That is all. That is it.

“I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing.” ~~Jesus (John 5:19 The Message)

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“If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.” ~~Jesus

We live in a world where there is conventional wisdom. We have a culture of success and infatuation with the beautiful. Look at our celebrity worship. Jesus challenges that. He says, that is no big deal. Why are you impressed with that? Anyone can do that.

What is Jesus standard? Love everyone. Love the “unlovely”. That is God’s world and what Jesus demands of us.

“If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:44 The Message)

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“Don’t act so surprised at all this.” ~~Jesus

Jesus tells us everything we need to know. We know God’s plan. We know what He wants. If nothing else, find someone to love right now. He makes everything clear. There are no surprises with Him.

God gave the plan to men of God way in advance. He made it know. There shouldn’t be any surprises at all.

“Don’t act so surprised at all this.” ~~Jesus (John 5:28-29 The Message)

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“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.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to focus on what God is doing today, right now. That is all that Jesus did. He focused like no one else on that one thing. He gave it His entire attention. Nothing else matters. This is not easy at all. It is not the way of this world. It is the way of God’s world (Kingdom).

In our culture, we are big on planning. It is an obsession. It is big business. We all want to be strategic. We miss today’s opportunities as a result.

Jesus knew that if we did today what God wants us to, tomorrow will take care of itself.

“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.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:34 The Message)

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“He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.” ~~Jesus

God’s generosity extends to everyone. He includes the evil, the bad and the nasty in His plans to redeem and restore. He is not like us, good to those who are good to us but vindictive to those who hurt us.

He gives his best to everyone. Think about that. In our world, we dole things out in a hierarchical way. Average things to most people and the best for a few. Not our Father. He gives his best to everyone. No distinctions.

“He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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“Ephphatha!—Open up!” ~~Jesus

Jesus was on a roll. A mighty move of God with healing everywhere. So, He left the region of Tyre, went through Sidon back to Galilee Lake and over to the district of the Ten Towns. Some people brought a man who could neither hear nor speak and asked Jesus to lay a healing hand on him. Such faith in Jesus. They knew he could heal anyone and that nothing is impossible with him. He is plugged into what God wants to do. God is in a good mood and wants to heal us.

So what does Jesus do? He took the man off by himself, put his fingers in the man’s ears and some spit on the man’s tongue. Really? That is how he did it? Yes it is. I can see why he took him off by himself. 🙂

Then Jesus looked up in prayer, groaned mightily, and commanded:

“Ephphatha!—Open up!” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:35 The Message)

And it happened. The man’s hearing was clear and his speech plain—just like that.

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“My Father is working straight through, even on the Sabbath. So am I.” ~~Jesus

Jesus rattles the religious leaders. He does it all the time. It is intentional. No, I didn’t mean to do that kind of world with our Master.

One day, a Sunday, He healed someone. The religious leaders criticized Him. “The Law” didn’t allow for that. No work. Period!! It didn’t stop Him. All Jesus does is what He sees the Father do. He sees God working 24/7. He does the same. His mission is be obedient to what God wants Him to do. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Jesus challenges us to see what God is doing and do it. We are His ambassadors. That may get us in trouble with the religious leaders.

“My Father is working straight through, even on the Sabbath. So am I.”  ~~Jesus (John 5:17 The Message)

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“And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to live life urgently. He doesn’t have a “plan B” for us. We are His plan. We must deliver the message of how it works in God’s world (Kingdom). We must be “all in” for Jesus. He will accept nothing less. He is clear about that.

It is way too easy to let the concerns of this world outweigh the urgency of His world. Jesus knows that is a danger.

So let’s put this in context. A man wanted to be a disciple. Jesus said to him, “Come follow me.” The man said, “Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father’s funeral.” Seems reasonable to all of us I’m sure. Not to Jesus. He refused and challenged him to decide what was more important, a funeral or following Jesus.

Jesus challenges us to go all in for Him.

“And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!” ~~Jesus (Luke 9:60 The Message) 

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“Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is.” ~~Jesus

Sometimes we are very good at pretending. We want it to look easy. We don’t want anyone to know that living the life God wants us to isn’t as easy as it looks. Jesus challenges us to live a moral life of a whole different way that we normally think. Jesus challenges us live differently. God’s will demands that we love Him first and everyone else all the time. Jesus challenges us to not live in “pretend city”.

Admit that doing God’s will isn’t easy for us naturally. Admit that we need His Holy Spirit to give us supernatural courage. Admit it. That confession frees us up to live a life that meets His goals for us.

“Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:29 The Message)

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“Don’t say anything you don’t mean.” ~~Jesus

We say something we regret. We excuse it by saying, “I didn’t mean it”. That doesn’t cut it in God’s world. We need to control what we say and only say things that we mean.

We also need to keep our promises. If we say we are going to do something, we should do it. If we can’t, we shouldn’t say it.

If we love someone, we should only speak words of love and caring. And, Jesus challenges us to love everyone.

“Don’t say anything you don’t mean.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:33 The Message)

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“Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to worship God in a way we have never known before. Do we think worship is sitting in church singing the hymn and raising our hands?

Worship is at the core of who we are in pursuit of who God is. Are we pursuing God in our worship? Are we heads over heals going after Him? Are we engaged with Him like never before? Jesus wants us to know that God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.

 “Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.” ~~Jesus (John 4:24 The Message)

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“Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire.” ~~Jesus

Jesus sets standards for us based on a whole different world. It is His Father’s world. It is a world of consequences and accountability. Sometimes it is convenient for us to think that it is not that way. Jesus is direct and forces us to deal with that. No free passes at all.

With the help of God’s Spirit, we can control what we say. We are accountable for the hate that comes out of our mouth. It may be thoughtless but it is real. It is not love.

What is it that God demands of us? Jesus knew it. It is simple. It is love. Live a life of love, he challenges us. All the time. That is God’s goal for us. He has given us His Spirit to give us the power to do it. Every day.

“Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:24 The Message)

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“Please, no more pretending. ” ~~Jesus

We know we all do it. We “pretend” nothing is wrong. We pretend we are something we are not. We pretend we don’t know Jesus. Peter did that 3 times.

Jesus challenges us to stop. We are God’s children. We shouldn’t pretend we are not. We pretend we don’t know He is in a good mood. We know he is.

Are we pretending to be righteous just because we are legal? Jesus knows that be right with rules and regulations doesn’t make us right with God. Only He can do that.

“Please, no more pretending. ” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:31 The Message)

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“Let your enemies bring out the best in you, not the worst.” ~~Jesus

There are people in our lives that simple challenge us. Many times that challenge clearly brings out the worst in us. The boss at work who takes credit for things we have done. The obnoxious uncle who is a bore and dominates the Thanksgiving celebration every year with the same old stories. They are the enemies of what is best in us.

Jesus turns things upside down. He challenges us to think and act differently. His challenge is to love not hate. Easy to say but not easy to do. We can through the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Let your enemies bring out the best in you, not the worst.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:44 The Message)

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“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.” ~~Jesus

We all have the same amount of time every day. Jesus challenges us to use it to focus on it on a few (three) very important issues.

• God-reality – God is first and most importantly God. He has a reality that He gives us when we live in His world. His reality is not the reality of this world. We need to focus on what is the reality in Heaven (God’s world). He wants that reality here on earth. He teaches us to pray “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. What is God’s reality. That should be our focus.
• God-initiative – Everything starts with God. He has created everything. Nothing exists without Him.  Do I see everything that way? Everything in my life, my world, starts with Him. There is not success without Him.
• God-provisions – God gives us every good thing. He is in a good mood. In fact, He is in a great mood. He wants us to have every good thing. We need to focus on what He has for us and not what we want. Do we see the good He is doing or do we see what He is not doing?

Jesus challenges us to focus. With the help of His Holy Spirit, we can do it.

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:31 The Message)

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“God is not a secret to be kept.” ~~Jesus

How often do I act like God is a secret. I take credit when people compliment me for things He has done. I don’t tell others how has healed me. I don’t mention that I am a new being in Him. I don’t credit Him for the wonderful and amazing world He has given us.

Jesus is direct. Don’t act like God is a secret. May it be so as He said.

“God is not a secret to be kept.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14 The Message)

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“Your daughter is no longer disturbed.” ~~Jesus

Does our faith impress Jesus? Jesus challenges us to have that kind of faith.

This woman came to Jesus and her faith was “over the top”. Jesus sent her home with the promise her daughter was well.

She didn’t argue with Jesus. She went home and found her daughter relaxed on the bed, the torment gone for good.

 

We serve an amazing God!!

Your daughter is no longer disturbed.” ~~Jesus Mark 7:29

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“Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots.” ~~Jesus

We know there can be a problem. There is the early enthusiasm of hear Jesus and knowing him. But the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It is all emotion and superficial. Nothing really changes much other than a commitment to go to a church building that is very entertaining. It is all a fad.

And when the first bit of trouble comes, puff, the commitment is gone.

Jesus challenges us not to be this way. We need to seize the Word we hear from Him. We need to hold on to what we hear no matter what. We need to persist and stick with it. That is the challenge from Jesus. We need to have good roots.

“Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:6 The Message)

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“Go call your husband and then come back.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows everything. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. He knew the “Woman at the Well” had been married 5 times and the person she was living with right now wasn’t her husband. He knew she would answer “I have no husband” when he would ask her to go get her husband.  He also knew that operating with the Spirit of Wisdom would get her attention to listen to God’s word for her.

When she left the encounter, she would say to others, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” A word of Wisdom can make a huge difference.

May I operate with the Spirit of Wisdom that God gives me to help others encounter Jesus.

“Go call your husband and then come back.” ~~Jesus (John 4:16 The Message)

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“When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong..” ~~Jesus

We miss God’s goal when our goal is to get our own way. Jesus stops us dead in our track by saying it like it is. That approach is wrong. We are wrong when we do it. Manipulation is a huge problem. It is core to the culture in this world. We are steeped in it. It is “dead dog” wrong.

Jesus has a better way. In everything we do, we must strive to hear God and do what He wants. No manipulating people to get our own way. Only knowing what God wants and that is to love.

“When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong..” ~~Jesus

Thank you Jesus for making it clear.

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“If you enter your place of worship and you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to live a real life, versus a fake spiritual one. God commands us to love one another. How can we pretend to worship God (love Him) if things aren’t right with a friend.

Jesus challenges us to make things right. That is the first order of business. Then we can worship. Right relationships with others leads to a right relationship with God, our Father.

“If you enter your place of worship and you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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“Stand in line and take your turn.” ~~Jesus

Jesus had been pretty busy. He took a trip to a new area thinking he could get away for a while. He entered a house there where he didn’t think he would be found, but he couldn’t escape notice.

He was barely inside when a woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where he was. She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek, Syro-Phoenician by birth. She wasn’t a part of the Jewish faith so not a member of the favored religious groups.

She asked Jesus to cure her daughter. While not a part of the in crowd, she believed in Jesus completely.

So imagine her surprise at Jesus answer. “Stand in line” He says. Really?

He says a few more things intended, on the surface, to discourage her.

She said, “Of course, Master. But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?”

This impressed Jesus. He told her to go home and that her daughter was healed.

Imagine impressing Jesus. What is the key? Don’t get discouraged. Keep asking. Believe that He really wants to help. Really believe that. Know that your turn is coming.

“Stand in line and take your turn.” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:27 The Message)

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“I am the Messiah. You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to know who He is. He is clear. He is straightforward. He is the Messiah.

The woman he was talking with casually mentioned she was waiting for the Messiah to be revealed. She couldn’t have been expecting this response from the man who wanted some water.

The conversation got interrupted. She had heard enough. She went and spread the word.

Jesus has revealed himself to us. What are we waiting for? Why do we act like we are continuing to look for Him?

“I am the Messiah. You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” ~~Jesus (John 4:26 The Message)

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“Some of the seed fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.” ~~Jesus

Jesus knows that God’s word isn’t always received well.   The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word of God, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved. It is hard to understand all of this. The Disciples struggled as well.

We don’t have to understand how or even why the Devil snatches up God’s Word but we know, from Jesus, it happens. We have to be careful. This message is for us not someone else. Jesus said this to His disciples. He said it to give us insight. We need to take care with God’s word.

We are challenged by Jesus to have good-hearts. He wants us to seize the Word. We need to hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. That is how it is in God’s world (Kingdom).

“Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.” ~~Jesus (Luke 8:5 The Message)

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“Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt.” ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to see how corrupt our heart can be and it is about our heart. Jesus says don’t feel good because you don’t commit adultery but do look at pornography. What about all those TV shows and the fact they aren’t so innocent in what they are suggesting? Why is it you like to watch them, Jesus asks.

What about …? The list of these questions in this day and age could go on forever. Sexuality is “in our face” and not subtle at all. Jesus is clear that what can be in our heart is corrupt. No mincing of words here but then again Jesus is always clear.

So … Jesus challenges us to be pure. He gives us the power to be pure in His Holy Spirit. But we do have a choice. Will we make it?

“Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5, The Message)

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“Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Jesus is tough on religious leaders. He doesn’t cut them any slack.

He challenges us that we can do better than how religious leaders approach God’s world (Kingdom). He wants us to start from the knowledge that this is God’s world. He is in charge. It is not a democracy.

He wants us to love God more than anyone or anything. He wants us to love everyone we come in contact in a very real and concrete way.

Jesus knows we can do better and it doesn’t start by emulating religious leaders.

“Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering God’s world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

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