Have you ever noticed a reed, a tall slender blade of grass, blowing in the wind? It blows whichever way the wind is blowing. It is weak in that it is easily swayed.
Jesus asks those in the crowd, who have been following Him, and who had followed John the Baptist, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” John the Baptist, obviously was not a man easily swayed by public opinion. He did not sugar coat his message to the people. He was a true prophet of God. (Luke 7:26-28)
Are you a reed shaken by the wind? I need to ask myself the same question, am I a reed shaken by the wind of this world that prevents me from speaking the truth? The truth about the sinful condition of mankind, the wrath of God, and the judgment to come. One cannot read the entire Holy Scriptures, The Bible, and not see it. The truth is those without Christ will die in their sins into eternal damnation. But the truth is also that Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin and those who put their faith and trust in Him will escape the eternal punishment and received eternal life in Heaven with Him.
Are you proclaiming the whole truth of God’s Word, the Bible, or is your reed (your message) being shaken by the wind?
“Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ ‘But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.’ At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Matthew 26:31, 56 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
The best of intentions falls short at some point. Some are due to circumstances beyond our control and others caused by our human frailty. We may mean well and be totally committed to a cause, but when the pressure becomes too intense, we back away. To escalate the problem, we are now forced to eat the boastful words of our commitment, assuring that we will always be there until the end.
Jesus’ disciples ate their words after stating they would never deny or abandon Him. On the way to the Mount of Olives with His disciples after sharing the Passover meal Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Mt.26:31 nlt) Peter declared if he were the only one left, he would not abandon Jesus. Jesus then told Peter he would not only desert Him but would deny even knowing Him. They all assured Jesus; they would not abandon Him with Peter giving a resounding response he would die first before denying Jesus.
Scripture accurately predicted the events of that night. Peter denied the Lord and he and all the disciples fled when Jesus was arrested. It is easy for us to look back two thousand years and criticize how they could do such a thing. They followed Jesus for three years, seen His miracles, knew who He was and still abandoned Him. The disciples like us had good intentions but they often fell short. Let us be careful in our walk with the Lord, avoid boastful words and criticizing others, may we prayerfully consider our commitments to follow through, and allow the Lord to work in our lives to provide good intentions that will never fall short.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 ESV
Jesus’ seventh “I am” statement in John’s gospel is “I am the vine,” meaning He is the life. He proceeds to tell us we “are the branches,” meaning no life; for “the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine.” A branch off the vine dries up and dies, whatever fruit may have been on it will eventually rot. Jesus tells us that if we abide in Him we will bear fruit, in fact He says, “much fruit.” But take note what He says next, “for apart from me you can do nothing.”
The word “abide” appears ten times in the first eleven verses of John 15. The idea is to “remain” in Christ. If your Christian life is just there going through the motions having no recognizable changes in your life, there is a separation with the vine. It is utterly amazing what Christ can do for us as we remain in Him through daily Bible reading and prayer. Do not let worldly distractions keep you from what is profoundly important, abiding in Christ and bearing fruit.
So, are you bearing fruit? Are you growing in your spiritual walk with Jesus? Is your Christian life evident to those around you? Jesus said, ‘I am the (life) vine; you are the (dead) branches when you do not abide in Me.’ Jesus says remember, “apart from me you can do nothing.” Are you abiding in Him?
‘Social media influencing has become a cornerstone of digital culture, with millions of creators shaping trends and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways. This ever-evolving landscape fosters limitless opportunities for personal expression, brand collaboration, and innovative storytelling. For those ready to embrace the power of creativity and connection, the potential to leave a lasting impact has never been greater.’ (1)
Social Media is part of everyday life in the 21st century and continues to grow whether we like it or not. We can make a concentrated effort to avoid it by not engaging in it, but the effects of social media is seen and felt in many ways as we go through our day. This is not a ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ piece, but an analysis of the current facts of ‘influencers’ on social media.
According to recent statistics, there are 58 million influencers on social media. The 58 million represent 1.1% of all social media users. Total social media users worldwide is now over 5 billion people. PEW research found that 40% of adults in America follow influencers. Social media influencers can make a living by sharing their expertise in a certain field catering to their followers needs, which 30% of them have done. These media platforms are a powerful tool, and if used the right way will better society as a whole.
What is the best news to influence others to better their lives here on earth but also provide a secure future in eternity? Every Christian should be an influencer whether on social media or not. You do not need to be on social media to persuade others by presenting the gospel. Social media is a great tool to use if you are so inclined to participate. We all know there is enough bad influence going viral, let us share some positive influence and be one of the 1.1% to make a difference.
“Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.’” Matthew 9: 2 NLT
Due to security concerns in the aftermath of the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, the United States congress enacted the “The REAL ID Act of 2005.” “The law sets forth requirements for state drivers’ licenses and ID cards to be accepted by the federal government for ‘official purposes,’ as defined by the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The Secretary of Homeland Security has defined ‘official purposes’ as boarding commercially operated airline flights, and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants, although the law gives the Secretary unlimited authority to require a ‘federal identification’ for any other purposes.” (1) Documentation required for a Real ID are the following: photo ID with full legal name and birthdate, proof of birthdate, legal status, social security number, and a form showing your name and principal residence. The information is vital to ensure you are the real you, a Real ID.
In Jesus’s day the process was similar minus the photos and a social security number. Records were kept of birthplace and one’s heritage as in Joseph’s case, Jesus’ earthly father. There were means for one to identify himself as far as what records were available at the time. The citizens of Capernaum knew who Jesus was. He was a carpenter, the son Mary and Joseph, and himself a carpenter. They knew His brothers and sisters, and the neighborhood He grew up in. They knew of Jesus, the man, but they were not familiar with His true identity, His Real ID.
The people of the city brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. They had reason to believe that Jesus could heal him. They had witnessed Jesus heal others and identified Him as one who could heal. Jesus recognized their faith in Him but added further documentation to confirm His real identity. Mathew 9:2 tells us, “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.’” (nlt) The religious leaders were the first to respond, but to themselves. “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” (Mt.9:3 nlt) They knew Jesus was claiming to be God. Proving that He is indeed God, for Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up and went home!” (Mt.9:5-7 nlt)
The twenty-seven books of the New Testament in the Bible are documents proving Jesus’ identity. In fact, the entire Bible speaks of Jesus and the plan of salvation. He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of Man, the Son of God, God the Son. His Real ID.
“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” Matthew 14:30-31
FreeBibleimages.org
‘Just have faith’ is an expression we have all heard and spoken at one time or another. Although meant well, it does not carry the true sentiment of having true faith most of the time. The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Heb.11:1 nlt) True faith does not waver if we believe it. If faith is proof of the reality of the evidence we cannot see how can we deny the evidence? The evidence can be translated as ‘divine assurance.’
We have this gift of divine assurance from the Lord, yet all of us have wavered in our faith. Claiming faith in God to help us in a dire situation sees us through dark times, but before we know it we begin to have doubts and our faith wavers. We had the courage to step out in faith through the Lord’s leading but didn’t rest on that faith as troubling times continued. One major reason is we let our eyes wonder around our circumstances by not remaining focused on God and our faith wavers.
The Lord gives us the perfect example of this in His Word with the apostle Peter. Just think of the courage and faith it took Peter to step out of that boat in the middle a dark stormy night with the billowing waves around them. We sometimes forget about the great faith it took. Peter had divine assurance Jesus was leading him and watching over him. But then it happened, Peter’s faith wavered. Yes, because of the billowing waves around him.
The waves in the storms of life will have the same effect on us today. We will see the trouble around us in the corner of our eye but if remain focused on God our faith will not waver. If you had faith to get out of the boat then that same faith will not waver as the Lord sees you through it. Remain focused on God’s ‘divine assurance.’
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT
With the summer winding down, so are the many festivals, fairs, and church picnics that are a part of the summer season as mosquitos and iced tea. There are still plenty of festivals and fairs in southeastern Pennsylvania to attend, but the traditional church picnic has been dwindling for a number of years. A significant reason would be the shrinking of the church roles in many churches. Church attendance has been steadily dropping over the years and those remaining are getting older. There are simply not enough able bodies or those who care enough to be part bringing the church together in the love of Christ.
Church picnics come in all shapes and sizes. Not all churches have a church picnic, nor is it required that a church have a picnic, at least I do not see it in Scripture. But what I do see are references to love one another, as Jesus told His disciples before He was about to go to the cross. Jesus’s main concern was for those who followed Him to genuinely love each other as He has loved them and their love would show others they were true followers of Him.
A big part of loving one another is having fun together, formally we call it fellowshipping with one another. We show our love for each other by being together, eating together, playing together, and just having a fun time and enjoying each other’s company. As you have your church picnic do all of the above proving that you are Christ’s disciples and fellowship together, and don’t forget the mosquitos and iced tea.
Finding comfort through mourning sounds like an oxymoron. They fit perfectly together as Jesus spoke in the second beatitude, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” How can mourning bring me comfort, you ask? It all depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ.
The late John R. W. Stott, theologian and evangelical Anglican preacher had written; “The truth is that there are such things as Christian tears, and too few of us ever weep them.” Weeping tears over the sins and conditions of the world, including our own before a Holy God brings about true mourning. It also brings about the reality of who God is and who we are before Him. It brings about true repentance as we see ourselves before God. Confessing our sins, turning away from them, and living a life pleasing to Him result in immense joy and comfort.
The question becomes how often have you been comforted by our Lord through mourning? I need to ask myself the same the question. Do we truly mourn and weep as the Old Testament prophets, the apostle Paul and even Jesus did over the sins of people? Do we shed tears over our own sins? Do we come clean before God, admitting our sin before Him through mourning? Confessing our sins by shedding tears will open the door to true comfort of forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn (those who shed Christian Tears) for they shall be comforted.”
I am sure we have all heard the expression, ‘life is a journey.’ Indeed, it is. Curiously though no two people are on the exact same path in life. There may be similarities, but just as everyone is unique in their own way, their journey in life follows the course planned out for them. And for the Christian, the Lord had your life journey drawn up before you were even conceived in your mother’s womb. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt)
Throughout our journey in life, we need subsistence to sustain us. We need a daily intake of food to nourish us to survive our physical life, and we need a daily intake of spiritual food to survive in our spiritual life while on this earth. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He had two occasions where He provided food for thousands of people as they were coming to Him for healing and to hear His teaching. Jesus had compassion for the people giving them both physical and spiritual food. He did not want to send the crowds away hungry because they might faint along the way.
Our Lord Jesus has the same compassion for us in our spiritual walk with Him. He does not want us to faint along the way in our life journey. He provides us with food to sustain our spiritual growth through His Word. As we have our quite time with Him, through our devotions, prayer, and Bible reading we can rest assured that we will not go away hungry. Make sure you put in the effort to get your daily spiritual nourishment for the journey. Jesus does not want to send you away hungry.
Starting out on a journey, whether a local excursion or an extended trip across the miles requires a knowledge of the way to get to your destination. Whether using your smart phone, a GPS system, or downloaded directions from a maps web site, all will show several ways to get there. That is fine when traveling from here to there in our world. At times more than one option is sometimes desirable and even recommended. Today’s GPS systems will even redirect you if you make a wrong turn. If you see your life here on earth as a journey, which it is, where is your destination at the end of your life and where are you getting your directions? Will your world religions and earthly maps warn you if you made a wrong turn and are going in the wrong direction?
Ultimately if your destination is heaven; there is only one road, only one way to eternal life in heaven with God the Father. In Jesus’ sixth “I am” statement in John’s gospel, Jesus said very clearly the He is the only way to the Father. Of the seven “I am” statements, this one is the most controversial in our day. Why, because Jesus declares there are no other roads or religions, no short cuts, no long way around, no alternative route to heaven except through Him.
If what Jesus said is not true, then He would be a liar, and if He is a liar, He could not be God the Son, and if he is not God the Son, then He could not save us from our sins. All roads do not lead to heaven, only one does, Jesus! If there are other ways to eternal life except through Jesus, then Jesus’ death on the cross was in vain. No, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (Jn.14:6 esv)
Word for the Soul 