DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WHO IS IN CONTROL?

WHO IS IN CONTROL?

Matthew 26:17-19

"Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?' And He said, 'Go into the city to a certain man, and say to Him, "The Teacher says, 'My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.' " ' So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover."

The disciples were oblivious to the significance of this Passover. They thought it was just like any other Passover. But Jesus knew what this particular Passover was going to hold for Him – that on this Passover He would be be sacrificed for the sins of the world. It is amazing that Jesus faced this event with such calmness. He is not in a dizzy because He is in control. He knows that this is the eternal plan of the God-head. I, too, can face the future without fear because of the calm assurance that God is in control. He will work His plan and I can rest in that.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: We can face the future because of the assurance that God is in control.

[end]

Have a calm day. Love you.

Parking Lot Sale

Hi. Encore'ees.

I finally was able to get with Pastor to get his approval.   (He has been involved with a jury trial so his time is limited.)  He had some questions which I think I answered.  But he does have several suggestions.

1.  He would like us to have at least 15=20 spaces committed to being a part of the parking lot sale.  This would mean that we need to have a sign-up sheet available for people to enlist.  It also means that we need several Sundays to promote and prepare.  That might mean we will need to delay the date for a week or two (or whatever is needed).  We can talk about this on Sunday at Encore meeting.

2.  He thinks it would be wise to have our intended ministry identified so that people will know where the money is going to be used.  So we need to be praying for God's guidance in this area of who we would be blessing.

Marilyn (church office secretary) is excited about this and wants to be a part of the promotional effort (flyers, newspaper articles, etc.).

I checked with the Rec Centers calendar, and I don't see anything that would be a hindrance to our project.

Also, I think we need someone from our group who would be the coordinator of this effort, perhaps someone who has had prior experience.  Any volunteers?

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday afternoon.

John

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD AND STATE

GOD AND STATE

Matthew 22:17, 21b

" 'Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?' …. And He said to them, 'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' "

It's a tricky business, this separation of God and state. I live in two worlds and each one makes its demands. I must recognize that God instituted government to maintain order in society, and I have an obligation to respects its authority because it is God-ordained. But the greater obligation belongs to the God who gave authority to the state. My allegiance to Him supersedes allegiance to the state. So I am called to give to Caesar what it due it, but at the same time remember that God is my source, and my primary loyalty and obedience is to Him.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A Christian is called to respect the authority of the state, but recognize that God is the greater authority and is due the greater allegiance.

[end]

Have an "allegiance to God" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A SNARE TO AVOID

A SNARE TO BE AVOIDED

Matthew 22:15-16

"Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth, nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.' "

Lies! Lies! Lies! The Pharisees did not believe that He was true or spoke God's way. If they had believed Him, they would have become His disciples. The only thing they said that was true was that He did not try to curry their favor by stroking their egos in order to get their approval. The lesson: Beware of flattery, especially from enemies whose goal is to trap and entangle in order to promote their own agenda.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Flattery is a hidden snare to be avoided.

[end]

Have an unflattering day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WEDDING CLOTHES

WEDDING CLOTHES

Matthew 22:11-14

" 'But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, "Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?" And he was speechless. Then the king said to his servants, "Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." For many are called, but few are chosen.' "

The parable of the wedding feast; scene two. Again, Jesus took direct aim at the chief priests and Pharisees, who thought all their religious piety would get them into heaven. Somewhere, I heard that the bridegroom's family supplied the wedding garments for the wedding guests. I don't know if that is true or not. But I do know that when I stand before God, I can only be acceptable if I wear the garment that He has provided – the garment of Salvation (Isaiah 61:10). I must be dressed in His righteousness (Philippians 3:9). All of my own righteousness is a filthy rags in the sight of a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). As the hymn says it: "Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne" [The Solid Rock]. When I stand before His throne, and God says, "How did you get in here?",  I will be speechless unless I am clothed in His righteousness. Thank You, Jesus, for providing a covering for my sin.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The only garment that is acceptable to God is the clothing of His righteousness.

[end]

Have a "clothed" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- COME TO THE WEDDING

COME TO THE WEDDING

Matthew 22:1-2

"And Jesus answered as spoke to them again by parables, and said: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son…...' "

In this parable, the king sent his servant to invite neighboring people to come to his son's wedding. Some of these people made light of the invitation, and some ignored it because they were too involved in their own business to attend. Some were so antagonistic that they abused and killed the messengers. So the king sent his servants to other people who were in the byways. They came and the wedding hall was filled. As in other parables, the picture Jesus painted was that God sent messengers to the nation of Israel, calling for them to "Come." But they rejected the invitation and even killed the messengers. No wonder John wrote, "He came to His own and His own did not receive Him" (John 1:11). So God went outside of the "in" group to those who were outside – the Gentiles – so that heaven would be filled for the marriage of His Son. In a broader sense, this parable pictures all humanity. The invitation is for everyone to come. Sadly, many people make fun of the invitation, some ignore it, while others are antagonistic to the call. But there are those in the highways and byways who will come, and heaven will be filled with people who, even though unworthy, heard and answered the call to "Come to the wedding." "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' " (Revelation 22:17).

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God calls everyone to come to the wedding of His Son.

[end]

Have a "yes" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FEARLESS PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUTH

FEARLESS PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUTH

Matthew 21:45-46

"Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parable, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because the took Him for a prophet."

Jesus spoke the truth without fear, knowing that some people would not accept it. It takes a strong man to tell people what they don't want to hear. There will be back-lash by people who reject the truth. Jesus was not deterred from His message just because people did not like it. By and large, people do not want to hear the truth, especially when it applies to them. When it hits close to home, they will attack the messenger and try to destroy him. May I not be afraid to speak the truth, even though I know it will be rejected. Many will be offended when their sin is exposed, but since Jesus died to save sinners, people need to hear the truth that they are sinners in order to receive His salvation. This message needs to be proclaimed whether people accept it or not.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God's truth needs to be proclaimed regardless of whether people receive it or not.

[end]

Have a fearless day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CHOICE

THE CHOICE

Matthew 21:42, 44

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes” …. And whoever falls on the stone will be broken; but on whoever it falls, it will grind him to powder.’ ”

Jesus is the chief cornerstone – the foundation stone for the Church, His sanctuary or holy abode (Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14a). But He is also a stumbling stone, a rock of offense (Isaiah 8:14b). The Jews were faced with a choice. Either they would accept Jesus as the Messiah, or they would reject Him. They ended up stumbling over Him and their nation was crushed. It is my choice also – either to fall on Jesus in brokenness, or to be crushed by Him. I choose to come in humility to Jesus and have my pride broken. I admit my need for Him, and cry for His mercy, lest I be crushed under His judgment.  When Peter cited these references to Jesus as the chief cornerstone, He said that to those who believe, He is precious (I Peter 2:7-8).  The Lord Jesus, my Savior, is precious to me.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus is either the foundation for faith or a stumbling block.

[end]

Have a “choice” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE VINEYARD

THE VINEYARD

Matthew 21:33-35, 37, 39

“ ‘Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country. Now when the vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another …. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” .,,. So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.’ ”

This parable of Jesus took direct aim at the Jewish religious leaders. God had planted the nation of Israel, and from time to time sent His servants (prophets) to the nation, but they were rejected and abused. Finally, God sent His Son they rejected and killed Him also. The end result was this verdict: “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it” (vs. 43). So when the Jews rejected Jesus, God raised up another nation – the Church – to bear God’s fruit. Although this parable was directed to the Jews, but it also has application today. If I don’t receive God’s word and His Son, He will still have a people who will bear kingdom fruit. I am a part of that kingdom. I want to hear His word and bear His fruit.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: God will have a vineyard that will bear His fruit – if not me, then someone else.

[end]

Have a fruitful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TWO SONS

TWO SONS

Matthew 21:28-29

“ ‘What do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, “Son, go, work today in my vineyard.” He answered and said, “I will not,” but afterward he regretted and went. Then he came to the second son and he answered and said, “I go, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of the father?’ ”

This is a parable about two sons that illustrates the difference between the religious priests and the sinners, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes. The priests were like the second son. They had made commitment to be righteous, but they were far from being what they professed and did not believe Jesus. The sinners were like the first son, who at first rejected God’s call to righteousness, but then later had a change of heart, and followed Jesus. The Bible has many illustrations of two sons who had different responses to godliness, like Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Absolom and Solomon. It is not the first commitment and promises I make. It is how I finish the day that counts.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Commitments to follow Jesus are important, but they mean nothing if there is no follow-through.

[end]

Have a “follow-through” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

Matthew 21:23, 27

“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You authority?’ …. So they answered Jesus and said, ‘We do not know.’ And He said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’ ”

I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Question authority.” I think this was an indication of rebellious hearts that wanted to reject authority so that they could do their own thing. Questioning authority is not necessarily bad if it is based in a sincere desire to understand the basis for demands. There are lots of impostors and scammers who want to take advantage of me. If am stopped by the policeman, I want to see a badge that identifies his authority. But rejecting authority out of rebellion is not a good thing. The Jewish leaders’ question was not sincere. They questioned Jesus authority out of jealousy and fear that they would lose their own positions of authority. Jesus had abundantly demonstrated where His authority came from – from God – but they refused to accept it, so He would not play their games. God has authority in my life. He is Lord, and may I never question or reject His authority to order my life just because I want to do my own thing. I relinquish myself to His authority. He can do with me what He wants.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Rejecting God’s authority springs from the desire to protect one’s own authority.

[end]

Have a “submitted” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN ENIGMA

AN ENIGMA

Matthew 21:18-21a

“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither away so soon?’ And Jesus answered, and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt …..’ ”

What a strange, enigmatic, event! I must confess that it makes no sense to me that Jesus would curse a fig tee and kill it simply because He was hungry and it had no fruit. Mark’s account says that it was not even the season for fruit (Mark 11:13). And Jesus’ explanation – “Just have faith” – does not seem to have any relationship to the fig tree. After all, couldn’t Jesus have, by faith, just spoke to the fig tree and made it produce fruit? Surely Jesus had a purpose in cursing the fig tree, but it remains a mystery to me. I think some things will remain enigmatic until I get to heaven. Perhaps then I will understand. I don’t understand everything that Jesus does in my life. Until then, I will live by faith and keep on trusting that everything that He does is right and good, even when I don’t understand.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Some things will remain a mystery until heaven, but faith in God endures the unknown.

[end]

Have a “trusting” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE POWER OF PRAISE

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Matthew 21:16

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, “Out of the moth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise”?’ ”

In response to the high and mighty priests and scribes, who thought they were so religious, Jesus quoted Psalm 18:2. But He expanded it. In Psalm 8:2, the word Jesus translated as “praise” is the Hebrew word for “strength, power, majesty.” The New Living Translation of the Psalm is, “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You.” In their pride, the Jewish leaders could not praise God for the miracles that Jesus did because that would recognize Jesus’ power and majesty. It is simple childlike faith that recognizes the power of God and results in praise. Almost 40 years ago, Merlin Carothers wrote a book entitled, “Power In Praise.” Praise to the Almighty God defeats the adversaries who come against the Lord Jesus. As a child in simple faith and trust, I give Jesus praise and exalt His power and majesty.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Simple faith results in praise to God for His almighty power, and silences the His enemies.

[end]

Have a praising day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- INDIGNANT

INDIGNANT

Matthew 21:14-15

“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.”

To be indignant is to be vexed and aroused to anger. The KJV translates it, “sore displeased.” These were not happy campers! So what would make these religious leaders so angry? Was it jealousy that Jesus could do miracles and they couldn’t? Was it envy because Jesus was being praised instead of them? Lord, help me to be indignant – angry and sore displeased – by things like sin, injustice, and mistreatment of others, rather than by envy and jealousy. Help me to be genuinely happy for other peoples’ successes and praise.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Envy and jealousy is a common cause of anger.

[end]

Have a happy day.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HONORING GOD'S TEMPLE

HONORING GOD'S TEMPLE

Matthew 21:12-13

“Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of he moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer,” but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”

Jesus cleansed the temple of God -- again -- as He had early in His ministry (see John 2:14). The purpose of the temple was to be a place to meet God in praise, worship, and prayer. But it was being used for things for which it was never intended. Merchants were dishonoring God and profaning His temple by their sacrilege. The temple needed to be hallowed once again. Now, I am the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16-17) to be used for His glory and honor (I Corinthians 6:19-20). How often do I dishonor God by using my body and my life for things for which I was never intended. Lord Jesus, forgive me and cleanse me. Drive out everything that dishonors You. Make my life a place of worship and praise and prayer to You.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: God’s temple is a place to honor Him in praise, worship, and prayer.

[end]

Have an honoring day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MOVED

MOVED

Matthew 21:10-11

“And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying ‘Who is this?’ So the multitudes said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee,’ ”

When the people of Jerusalem saw the exuberant praise of the crowds around Jesus, they were moved to ask, “Who is this that causes such excitement?” When Jesus comes into a life and other people see the exuberant praise and devotion of that person to Jesus, it may prompt them to ask, “What is this that causes such joyous praise?” It give opportunity to answer, “Jesus came into my life!” Lord Jesus, may my life show such excitement and devotion to You that people will see and ask “Why?”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: When Jesus comes, the response is praise and devotion.

[end]

Have an exuberant day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOSANNA TO THE KING

HOSANNA TO THE KING

Matthew 21:7-9

“They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitude who went out before and those who followed cried out, saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!’ ”

One can almost feel the electricity in the air as the crowd gathered around Jesus with the thought of making Him king. There was a time earlier in Jesus’ ministry when people wanted to make Him king (John 6:15), but He would not allow it because the time was not right. Now His earthly ministry was coming to a close, and He permitted them to chant from the Song of Assent, “Save now, I pray, O LORD … Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD (Yahweh)” (Psalm 118:25-26). He was indeed king, with a sign on the cross that proclaimed, “Jesus, King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). But He was not the king that the Jewish crowd supposed, for they looked for a king to save them from Roman oppression. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). His kingdom is in the hearts of people. I receive Him as my King, My Savior, My Lord! He has saved me and delivered me from Satan’s oppression, and He rules in my heart. Hosanna!!!

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus is King of the eternal kingdom, and rules in the hearts of people.

[end]

Have a “Hosanna” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A QUICK RESPONSE

QUICK RESPONSE

Matthew 21:1-3,6

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say “The Lord has need of them,” and immediately he will send them.’ ”

Jesus was preparing to enter Jerusalem this last week of his life, knowing that he was facing death. But to fulfill prophecy that said, “Behold, your king is coming to you, lowly, and sitting, a donkey” (vs. 5), he needed to procure a donkey. So he sent two disciples to get one. The disciples did what Jesus said, even though they may not have understood the reason. It may not have made sense to them at the time. It is even more amazing that the owner of the donkey would relinquish his animals to strangers simply on the statement, “The Lord needs them.” I don’t always understand the reasons behind what God says to do, but He knows what He is doing. Oh, that I was as quick to respond to what God says as were the disciples and the owner of the donkey. The key word is “immediate.”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: God’s commands may not always make sense at the time, but He knows what He is doing, and they deserve a quick response.

[end]

Have a “quick response” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- "WHAT DO YOU WANT"

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

Matthew 20:32-34

“So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said, to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

“What do you want from Me?” These men lived in darkness and wanted physical sight so they could see in order to live normal lives. Jesus touched their eyes, and they saw and followed Him. Their eyes not only saw the world around them, but they saw Jesus and believed enough to dedicate their lives to Him. “What do I want from Jesus?” I have physical sight. What I need and want most is spiritual sight. “Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.” “Open my eyes that I may see visions of truth Thou hast for me …. Open my eyes, illumine me, Savior divine.” Touch my eyes, Lord Jesus.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Spiritual sight comes from the touch of Jesus.

[end]

Have a “seeing” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

Matthew 20:29-31

“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.’ ”

These two blind men were desperate. Jesus was passing by and He was their one hope of deliverance from their affliction. They did not care what the crowd thought and were not inhibited from crying out loudly to Jesus, “Have mercy!” In my own times to need, I can cry out to Jesus. He is here and He hears the cry of my heart, “O Lord, I need You. Have mercy on me!”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus hears the cry of the desperate.

[end]

Have a “crying out loud” day. Love You.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BONDSERVANTS

BONDSERVANTS

Matthew 20:27-28

“ ‘Whoever is first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’ ”

Before His incarnation, Jesus was the second Person of the Trinity, King of Heaven, Lord of Hosts, with millions upon millions of angels waiting to do His bidding. His position as Lord of Heaven and Lord of Creation entitled Him to the worship and service of His subjects. Yet He gave it all up in order to be a servant so that He could ransom this lost soul from hell. He is now again exalted as the supreme Lord of Heaven. It is no wonder that one of the favorite appellations of the Apostles was “bondservant” of Jesus (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1, James 1:1; II Peter 1:1; Jude 1). He is entitled to all the worship and service I can give Him. A bondservant has no rights or entitlements. I am entitled to nothing but to be a bondservant of the Lord Jesus.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Just as the Lord Jesus relinquished all His rights and entitlements to become a servant, so should His followers.

[end]

Have a “bondservant” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MARK OF GREATNESS

THE MARK OF GREATNESS

Matthew 2:25-27

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.’ ”

The world’s concept of greatness is how many people I control and have authority over. This is the cause of conflicts and wars, whether in a family, a business, a nation, or the world: Who has control? But in God’s kingdom, greatness is identified by serving. A person can be in a position of authority and still have a servant spirit. He does not need to “lord it over them.” The servant attitude is, “How can I benefit other people?”, rather than “How does this benefit me?” This attitude of service is the mark of greatness.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: The mark of greatness is service.

[end]

Have a “great” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A JOB DESCRIPTION

A JOB DESCRIPTION

Matthew 20:24

“And when the ten head it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.”

The narrative does not explain the reason for the displeasure of the ten disciples, but it was probably because they didn’t like the idea of James and John being promoted above themselves. The flesh rises up when I think that someone else is being treated better than myself. But Jesus said that that is not the way of the kingdom. He said that our desire should be to serve and not to be served, and He gave Himself as an example: “ ‘Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ ” (vs. 28). This is God’s way: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). I can only do this if I know who I am in Christ, just as Jesus knew who He was. That is the only way I can truly be a servant.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: The job description of the Christian is to be a servant.

[end]

Have a serving day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BAPTISM OF SUFFERING

BAPTISM OF SUFFERING

Matthew 20:23

“So He said to them, ’You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’ ”

It is called the Baptism of Suffering. All of the disciples except Judas would indeed eventually experience this baptism, either by torture or by death. I know nothing of this kind of baptism. I have had such an easy life. But there are many Christians around the world who know what true suffering for the name of Jesus is. Lord, be their shield and comfort.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus promised the Baptism of Suffering to His disciples, and there are still disciples going through that Baptism today.

[end]

Have a thankful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FACING THE FUTURE

FACING THE FUTURE

Matthew 20:22

“But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ ”

The disciples had no clue what Jesus was talking about when they said, “We are able.” He was facing His torture and death, and when crunch time came, they all deserted Him. They were not able in their own strength to drink the cup. Following Jesus to the cross takes more than my own strength and ability. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I cannot do it myself. I need God’s strength. Only with His power can I face the challenges ahead. But, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Following Jesus into the future requires His strength and power; I cannot do it in my own strength.

[end]

Have a “strengthened” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PRAYER OF A MOTHER

THE PRAYER OF A MOTHER

Matthew 20:20-21

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons [James and John (Matthew 4:21) came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something of Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ ”

Thank God for praying mothers who intercede for their children. She wanted the best for her sons. Her desire was for them to great in Christ’s kingdom. What a prayer and desire! I’m so thankful for my mother who prayed for me.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Caring mothers pray for their children to be great in spiritual things.

[end]

Have a praying day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS

PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS

Matthew 20:17-19

“Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.’ ”

Jesus took His disciples aside and told them what was going to happen in Jerusalem regarding His coming passion and resurrection. This information was not for the crowds that followed Him, but only for those closest to Him. The crowds were not ready to hear this. In my personal walk with Jesus, He sometimes speaks things to my heart that are for me and me alone. They are confidential and not meant to be shared with other people; they are private conversations between Jesus and me. I need to be sensitive to this and not blab everything to other people who are not ready to receive.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Not everything that Jesus speaks to those who are close to Him are meant to be shared with the crowds.

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Have a discerning day.  Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SALVATION

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SALVATION

Matthew 20:1, 16

Jesus said, “ ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers …. So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called but few are chosen.’ ”

This parable is an illustration of Jesus’ saying, “Many who are first will be last; and the last, first” (Matthew 19:31). In the parable, a farmer went out to hire day-laborers to help him with his harvest. He hired the first workers at 6:00 a.m. He went out again to the market-place at 9:00 and hired more men, and again at noon. Finally, he found some workers at 5:00 in the afternoon and hired them, perhaps because he felt sorry for those who had not secured work through the day. At the end of the day when he came to settle the wages for the workers, he paid those who had worked only part of the day the same amount as those who had labored in the field from early morning. Those who had worked all day did not think this was fair, and complained against him. The farmer responded, “Is is it not lawful [or just] for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (vs. 15). When it comes to salvation, everyone is saved the same. There are no “half-saved” Christians. The thief on the cross was just as saved as the disciples. It is the same for everyone. This is not to discount that there are different rewards for service for the Master. But salvation is “equal-opportunity.” It may not seem “fair,” but God is always just and His goodness and judgment is always right. I’m just thankful that He called me and I responded to receive His salvation.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: There are no degrees of salvation; it is equal for everyone who responds to His call.

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Have a thankful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

Matthew 19:27-30

“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones judging Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or other or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’”

Peter still didn’t get it. Do I sense some pride in Peter’s voice – “Look how much we have sacrificed. Surely the fact that we have give up everything to follow You must be worth something!” Jesus assured him that there will be rewards for sacrifice, but that salvation is not earned, because it is a gift that is not dependent on my sacrifice. As I look at Christians who have sacrificed a lot, I think that surely when they will get to heaven they will have great prestige and position. Then I look at my puny offerings and am humbled. In heaven, those who are great will be last because it is all of grace. It is not what I am, what I have, and what I do. It is what Jesus has done – His great sacrifice. Salvation is truly “amazing grace.”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Status in this life is not an indicator of status in heaven.

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Have another “amazing” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

Matthew 19:25-26

“When His disciples heard it they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ ”

The disciples were astonished. If it is hard for rich people to be saved, what hope do us poor people have? To the human mind, it would be impossible. How amazing it is that God would love a sinner such as I – that such a great and holy God would come to save me! It seems out of the realm of possibility. But God Himself made it possible. No amount of money nor good works on my part could buy my salvation. Only His sacrifice and shed blood could purchase it. “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:18-19). How great is my salvation! My salvation does not depend on my financial or social status, but entirely on the great mercy of God – the price of The Lamb. Hallelujah!!!

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Salvation cannot be purchased by human resources, but only by the sacrifice of Jesus, The Lamb.

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Have an “amazing grace” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOW HARD IT IS!

HOW HARD IT IS!

Matthew 19:23-24

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ ”

Why is it so difficult for wealthy people to be saved? I think it is because they trust their riches and feel that they don’t need God. Poor people are more likely to understand that they need God for their very existence. Paul exhorted, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (I Timothy 6:17). Whether rich or poor, the wise person knows that everything he has comes from God’s gracious hand. So I pray, “Give me neither poverty nor riches – lest I be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: It is hard for wealthy people to be saved because they put their trust in their riches instead of God.

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Have a “trusting God” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT

WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT?

Matthew 19:18a, 21-22

“He [the young man] said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ …. Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

This young man, like so many of us, wanted to pick and choose which commandments he was willing to obey. Jesus listed some of them – not to murder, steal, commit adultery, and to honor his parents, and he said he had kept them all (vs. 20).  He thought just living a "good" life was all that was necessary to please God.  But Jesus then pinpointed the most important commandment – the first one – which said, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). His earthly treasure – his wealth and his possessions – was his god, and he was not willing to give them up to make God first, so he went away sorrowful. Life can only be “perfect” (whole and complete) when God is first in my life. It is indeed a sad thing when I worship the “stuff” of this world instead of the true God. That is the most important commandment to keep.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Living a “good” life does not take the place of devotion to God.

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Have a worshiping day. Love you.