But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw ⌊the man⌋, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ (Luke 10:33-35 HCSB)
During a parable Jesus was talking about a good neighbor. This neighbor did not even know who this injured man was. Yet, he cared for the man and even payed his medical bills. If you found me on the road hurt would you care for me? You probably know me so it might cross your mind. Lets go a step farther. If you found a foreigner on the side of the road would you pay his medical bills?
Who did you leave on the road lately?
Monday, February 18, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” The temple was full of men and women; all the leaders of the Philistines were there, and about 3,000 men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain ⌊them⌋. He called out to the Lord : “Lord God , please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson took hold of the two middle pillars supporting the temple and leaned against them, one on his right hand and the other on his left. Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And the dead he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life. (Judges 16:26-30 HCSB)
We often describe God as a loving and kind God. He is. However, we often forget about the vengeful God. Don't forget about the vengeful God. If you mess with Him or His chosen you will pay the ultimate price. Take Samson for instance. He was chosen and blessed by God for a purpose. He then was captured and mocked by enemies of God. But, who laughed last? Do you know someone that is chosen by God that you don't mesh with? I know you do. Watch out. Make sure you don't get caught in the vengeance.
We often describe God as a loving and kind God. He is. However, we often forget about the vengeful God. Don't forget about the vengeful God. If you mess with Him or His chosen you will pay the ultimate price. Take Samson for instance. He was chosen and blessed by God for a purpose. He then was captured and mocked by enemies of God. But, who laughed last? Do you know someone that is chosen by God that you don't mesh with? I know you do. Watch out. Make sure you don't get caught in the vengeance.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Language barrier
When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. (Acts 2:1-4 HCSB)
It's really hard to break a language barrier. Having been on a trip out of the u.s. I can tell you this first hand. A translator is usually the best tool to get through to a different people group.
The other person doesn't even have to speak a different language to be difficult to minister to. For example: a senior adult trying to minister to a teenager. Same language but very different.
In the passage above the Gentiles were able to minister to several different people groups because the Spirit filled them. When you are filled with the Spirit you can minister to those you wouldn't normally communicate with. Who should you be ministering to that you are not?
It's really hard to break a language barrier. Having been on a trip out of the u.s. I can tell you this first hand. A translator is usually the best tool to get through to a different people group.
The other person doesn't even have to speak a different language to be difficult to minister to. For example: a senior adult trying to minister to a teenager. Same language but very different.
In the passage above the Gentiles were able to minister to several different people groups because the Spirit filled them. When you are filled with the Spirit you can minister to those you wouldn't normally communicate with. Who should you be ministering to that you are not?
Monday, February 4, 2013
I'm high
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Matthew 17:1-3 HCSB)
I'm on a spiritual high right now. Just finished Dnow 2013 this weekend and witnessed transfiguration. In the verse. above Jesus was so close to the father that he was transfigured. The "light" of God shone on Him so that even His face shone like the sun." This is what happens to you when you are close to God. He is so infinitely holy that His glory will reflect off you and you will become like a beacon of light that will draw the masses. When is the last time you were transfigured?
I'm on a spiritual high right now. Just finished Dnow 2013 this weekend and witnessed transfiguration. In the verse. above Jesus was so close to the father that he was transfigured. The "light" of God shone on Him so that even His face shone like the sun." This is what happens to you when you are close to God. He is so infinitely holy that His glory will reflect off you and you will become like a beacon of light that will draw the masses. When is the last time you were transfigured?
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