Googoo Gaga!

1 Corinthians 3:1-11

The more I study and meditate on the Word of God, the more obvious it becomes to see how many churches today are mirror images of the early churches in Scripture. For example, the church at Corinth, would typically find themselves falling into sin, by way of being controlled by their carnal desires. For this reason, the apostle Paul had labeled the Corinthians “babes in Christ”. This fact was proven by their spiritual immaturity and childlike quarrels, through envying, strife, and divisions.

The Corinthian church had split into two halves; one side claimed to be of Paul, and the other of Apollos. Making claims of being rooted from a man is carnality, and the apostle Paul took great displeasure in the church for doing so. The only solid foundation men are to build upon and grow from is, the Son of God. Verse 11 of chapter 3 reads, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the true foundation of the church, and all those who believe. The apostle Paul, like all ministers are commanded to do, laid the foundation with Word of God, and Apollos continued in the Word, to help the church grow and mature.

The work of God’s ministry involves many different people, with diverse gifts and abilities, but it’s vital to acknowledge, there are no superstars in God’s kingdom, only team players. While we are to give honor to those who are deserving of it, we are not to place any man above the Son of God, because all praise belongs to God, not a man.

Many churches today suffer from the “babes in Christ” syndrome, but if the people replace their carnal desires with those of the Father, only then can the focus of the church be shifted back into the right perspective, and the people can begin to grow from babes, to mature sons and daughters of God.

Separated From Society

Luke 17:11-19

During the days when Jesus walked the earth, many people suffered from various illnesses and diseases, most of which kept them bedridden or unable to carry out daily duties. The worst of those diseases (in my opinion) had to be leprosy, because this illness kept men and women separated from society. Those who were leprous, were required to stand afar off from people considered clean. Aside from facing bitter social rejection, and being treated as outcasts, lepers were required to leave their homes and families, and join with others infected with leprosy, on the outskirts of town. In addition, They were forbidden from having contact with people who did not have the disease, and they had to ring a bell and shout “unclean” if anyone approached them. They couldn’t even go to the market place, and were also forbidden from taking part in worship. The worst fact concerning leprosy was, there was no cure for the diseases back then, so all who suffered from it, could only look forward to a slow, painful, and shameful death.

Living with the horrible condition of leprosy, could not have been a pleasant experience, but our lesson’s text reveals ten who were lepers, and had a life-changing experience, after an encounter with Jesus. While passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee, Jesus entered a certain village, and was met by ten men, suffering from leprosy. Isn’t it interesting, how Jesus often found Himself among those who were sick or ill? I’m totally convinced, the Son of God knew to place Himself among the sick, so that the glory of the Father could be revealed to the suffering, and onlookers.

In a joint effort, the ten lepers cried with a loud voice and said, “Master, have mercy on us.” Rather than say, “Be healed”, or something of that nature, Jesus gave the men a simple command, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” If you’ve studied a little on the history of leprosy, you’ll know that the priests were ordained by God to consider someone to be clean or unclean, based on specifications mentioned in Leviticus chapter 13. But, Jesus told the men to show themselves to the priest, while they were yet leprous… an interesting command. Fortunately, as the men went, they were immediately cleansed. Although only one turned back to thank Jesus for his healing, all ten men, would no longer be labeled an outcast to society, but a welcomed citizen instead.

Unclean!

Leviticus 13:1-8

Leprosy, a name applied to several different diseases, was greatly feared in Bible times. Some of these diseases, unlike the disease we call leprosy or Hansen’s disease today, were highly contagious. The worst of them slowly ruined the body, and in most cases, were fatal. Lepers were separated from family and friends, and confined outside the camp. Since priests were responsible for the health of the camp, it was their duty to expel and readmit lepers. If someone’s leprosy appeared to go away, only the priest could decide if he was truly cured. Leprosy is often used in Bible times as an illustration of sin, because sin is contagious and destructive, and leads to separation.

(Life Application Study Bible pg. 198)

Walking Through The Impossible

Matthew 14:22-33

If you had the opportunity to switch places with the apostle Peter, on the night he walked on the water to meet Jesus, would you accept? Imagine being the only person in history to do the impossible, and live to tell others about it!

When the men on the ship saw a figure walking on the sea, they became terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But, Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” The men undoubtedly knew the voice of Jesus, as they had been following Him for quite some time, but of all who were on the ship, Peter alone acted on faith, and asked to join Jesus on the water. After accepting Jesus’ invitation, Peter stepped down out of the ship, and began walking on the water. As I sit and write this lesson, I’m looking at the water as boats sail by, and wonder what thoughts ran through Peter’s mind as he took his first steps on water. Well, the Bible mentions, Peter gave more attention to the boisterous winds rather than Jesus, and he began to sink because of fear. Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand and caught Peter, to save him from drowning.

While focusing on Jesus, Peter was able to do the impossible, but the moment he placed his focus on his problems, his faith wavered, and he began to sink. Although we may not walk on water, we will face tough situations in life, but if we keep our focus on Jesus, we’ll walk through all that we face, and come out on the other side. On the other hand, if we focus on the wind and waves, we’ll sink in all our problems and difficult situations. Don’t allow your inadequacies to take precedence over the awesome power of Christ.

Just A Touch 2

Matthew 14:34-36

Throughout His ministry, Jesus was constantly on the move, traveling from place to place, doing the works of His Father. His purpose was to reach and teach as many as He could, during the time He would spend on the earth.

After revealing another dimension of His power by way of walking on water, and being acknowledged a second time as the Son of God, Jesus and those who followed Him, went to a land called Gennesaret. This fertile land was north of the shore of Galilee, and was known for producing both temperate and tropical fruits. This particular area was also brimming with people who suffered sickness and disease. So, when the men of the land recognized the man among them was Jesus, they quickly spread word to all the country, to bring all who were diseased to Jesus.

The most interesting point in this story seems to relate to the woman who had the issue of blood. I’m not 100 percent certain there’s a relation with the woman and the people of Gennesaret, but all who came to Jesus, sought only to touch the hem of His garment for their healing, so word of the woman’s story may have spread to this land as well. These sick folk had enough faith to believe, only a touch of Jesus’ clothes, would bring their healing. Mercifully, their faith was in the right place, for all who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment were made perfectly whole. Jesus didn’t perform half healings, but His manifestations were total and permanent.

Jesus healed according to the faith of those who came to Him, so all who desired healing, sought total deliverance and restoration. When you come to God, do you seek partial deliverance, or do you want God to give you a total and complete manifestation of those things your heart desires? Reach out in faith, and touch Jesus, so He can make you whole again.

Solitude On Hold

Matthew 14:1-21

Losing someone you love, is never an easy thing to handle. In fact, many who’ve lost loved ones have given in to sadness and depression, so much to the point they’ve allowed idleness and stagnation to dominate their days. While there are numerous ways people cope with death, nothing is ever certain to bring joy to a heavy heart. Personally, when dealing with losing someone close, I often try to keep myself busy with work, or other things that occupy the time. This is because, the longer I sit idle, the more my thoughts will run rampant over things I wish I had said or done differently, while my loved one still lived.

After reading the lesson text, I was brought to tears while recognizing how Jesus dealt with losing someone, just as many of us do today. When the disciples brought word to Jesus, that his cousin John the Baptist had been killed, He sought the quickest way to get away from everyone. Jesus, the Son of the true and living God, sought solitude after the news of John. Being all powerful, and the creator of all things, how was Jesus subject to like passions as we are? This is proof, our Savior understands our hurts, pains, and struggles. He feels what we feel, and copes in ways we seek as well.

Unfortunately, when trying to distance Himself from people, many heard where He had fled, then followed Him on foot, out of many cities. Jesus was hurting, and needed time to heal, but after seeing the great multitude that followed, He was moved with compassion toward them. Have you ever been in a situation, when your heart was beyond heavy, yet you had compassion on someone else? Jesus was truly God in the flesh, and didn’t allow His present suffering, to forfeit blessing those who diligently sought Him.

As the story continues, Jesus fed over 5,000 people from two fish, and five loaves of bread. When we go through seasons of hurt, pain, and shame, we must be strong, and keep our focus, because God may decide to use us, to help someone else get through their hard season. Jesus is a loving and caring person, so remember, when you’re suffering, He’s moved with compassion for you too.

Eternal Dividends

Isaiah 38:16-20

How much wealth can a man accumulate in a lifetime? According to modern standards of measure, wealth can be calculated more or less objectively via inflation adjustment. For example, comparing the nominal GDP of the United States of the respective periods, and then converting it into contemporary United States dollars. Unfortunately, for ancient wealth measures, comparison of wealth becomes more problematic, on one hand due to the inaccuracy or unreliability of records, on the other due to the difficulty of comparing a pre-industrial economy to a modern one (especially in the presence of absolute monarchy, where an entire kingdom or empire is considered the ruler’s personal property). Some scholars have even estimated the total worth of king Solomon’s wealth to be near 3 billion dollars (according to modern measures of calculation), and this was during the early years of his reign. Regardless the amount of wealth men accumulate in the earth, they cannot take a single, shiny penny into the next life. I’ve mentioned in a previous lesson, how money has its purpose, and necessary uses, but rather than making money your sole purpose in life, why not calculate how much praise, honor, glory, and reverence you can give to God, while you yet live? Honoring the God of all creation is by no means a competition, but if service to God is guaranteed to net eternal rewards in the life to come, wouldn’t it be wise to make doing so top priority?

When’s The Last Time…?

Psalm 106-107

When was the last time, you told God you love Him? When was the last time, you expressed gratefulness, simply for being alive? When was the last time, you hugged yourself? When was the last time, you considered how short life is? When was the last time, you treated yourself to something nice? When was the last time, you ignored your haters, and prayed for them instead? When was the last time, you stood your ground, in the midst of persecution and shame? When was the last time, you spoke highly of someone, other than yourself? When was the last time, you sat with an elderly person, and gleaned from their years of wisdom? When was the last time, you shared your wisdom with a child? When was the last time, you thought about men and women who are incarcerated, and felt a sense of sorrow? When was the last time, you visited someone who was sick, and in pain? When was the last time, you didn’t hesitate to give food, clothes, or money to the poor? When was the last time, you took a walk at night, gazed into the starlit sky, breathed in slowly, exhaled, then told God “thank you”? When was the last time, you looked around, and appreciated God’s creation? When was the last time, you brought comfort, to an uncomfortable situation? When was the last time, you actually meditated on the Word of God? When was the last time, your smile made someone’s day? When was the last time, you held your peace, even when you knew you were right? When was the last time, you helped someone grow closer to God? When was the last time, you held on to your faith, even when it seemed God had forgotten about you? When was the last time, you went on a fast (not a diet)? When was the last time, you shunned pride, for humility? When was the last time, your soft answer turned away someone’s wrath? When was the last time, your grievous words stirred up someone’s anger? When was the last time, you considered eternity? When was the last time, you made preparations for your eternal destination?

Too Good To Keep!

Matthew 9:27-31

Is there ever a time when it’s okay to “not” obey the words of the Lord? For many, this question would be answered with an absolute “NO”, because the Bible teaches us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. We also learn from the Scriptures, those who hear the word and keep it, are blessed. Now that the foundation has been established, that men ought to always obey the words of the Lord, how could it be possible for anyone to get a pass for not doing as the Lord commanded?

Our text reveals a time, when Jesus was beginning to make known His power and authority amongst those who gathered in His presence. While the Son of God chose to keep a low profile, and shun popularity, His profound teachings and miraculous works caused many to seek Him for various reasons. After casting demons from a man, healing a woman with an issue of blood, and raising a ruler’s daughter from her death bed, Jesus was approached by two men suffering from blindness. The men obviously heard about Jesus and His reputation, so they both cried to Him, asking for mercy. Unlike the previous miracles performed by the hands of Jesus, these men were handled a bit differently. After crying out for help, Jesus continued walking toward His destination (many suggest Matthew’s house). Why would Jesus continue walking away from the men, rather than turn toward them, and heal them? Interesting, isn’t it? The two blind men followed Jesus into the house (obviously being led by some from the crowd), then stood before Him. Jesus asked, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” In other words, “do you guys really believe I can heal you?” The men responded with a confident, yes Lord! So, Jesus touched their eyes, and healed them, according to their faith.

Rather than respond immediately to the blind men’s plea, Jesus waited to see if they had faith. There will be times when it seems as if God is taking His sweet time to answer our prayers, but He’s oftentimes monitoring us, to see if we’ll keep our faith in Him, or give in to our issues. The blind men were persistent, and would not allow anything to stop them from claiming their healing.

This is such a beautiful Bible story, but how does it relate to my initial question? After receiving their sight, Jesus told the men to keep this news to themselves, and not spread word of their healing to others. This word from Jesus seemed almost unfair. How could anyone who received a miraculous healing from Jesus, not share their message of deliverance with others? It’s possible, Jesus was seeking to keep His identity unknown to His enemies as long as possible, so He didn’t want the fame men attempted to attach to His name to spread. Another possible reason for keeping this act quiet could be, because Jesus didn’t want to only be known as a worker of miracles. Whatever the reason, the men left and spread word of their healing throughout all their country, doing the opposite of what Jesus told them to. So, were they wrong for sharing their good news with others?

Just A Touch

Luke 8:42-48

Have you ever struggled, dealing with a physical or mental condition for about a week or two? I can only imagine, whatever it was you dealt with brought only misery and headaches, while you prayed fervently for God to relieve you of your condition, and bring healing to your body, and peace to your mind. The moment your issue was fully removed, I’m apt to believe you felt a sense of joy, the likes of which you haven’t felt in a long time. Now, take a moment to revisit that temporary condition, and imagine suffering with it for 12 years! Yeah, 12 looooooong years. This was the case with the woman in our text.

For 12 years, the Bible mentions this woman had an issue of blood, that could not be resolved by conventional means. After spending all her money on medical treatments with multiple physicians, the woman’s condition only grew worse! I can’t even begin to fathom how this woman felt, while going through a seemingly endless season of suffering. After placing all her trust in those who were trained to study and understand the human body, the woman’s faith in physicians had no doubt run out.

One day, the woman who had a suffered a physical ailment for over 4,000 days, heard about Jesus. The Scriptures aren’t descriptive on what she heard, or who she heard it from, but whatever she was told, was enough to move her to seek this Jesus.

Jesus had just returned from casting a legion of devils from a man on the other side of the sea, and was greeted by a great crowd of people, who were awaiting His return. As the crowd continued to swell around Jesus, the woman with the issue of blood arrived, then pressed her way through to get to Jesus. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” That’s what you call faith in action. The woman had no other options to turn to, because everyone and everything she tried failed. But, the instant she touched the border of Jesus’ garment, the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

Twelve dreadful years of excruciating pain and suffering, was gone in an instant! Not only was the woman astonished, but the Son of God literally felt virtue leave His body, after the woman’s touch. It was the woman’s faith that made her whole, and Jesus was pleased to see another body and soul healed by the power of God.

While we may not have a similar condition as the woman in our lesson, we too struggle with other things that seem to weigh us down. The power of God is still relevant today, as it was during the time when Jesus walked the earth, but the key to overcoming our struggles is, placing all our faith, trust, and confidence in the power of God, knowing that He alone can deliver us, and free us from all that we may experience in our earthly bodies.