“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.” Matthew 20:34 NASB
The story is told in the gospel of Matthew of two blind men sitting along the road crying out to Jesus as He was passing by, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Mt. 20:31) Jesus stopped and asked what they wanted Him to do for them; their response “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”
These men had a physical need to see. Jesus, ‘Moved with compassion,’ touched their eyes and immediately were able to see.
What about spiritual blindness? For those outside of Christ there is a spiritual need to see, to see the light as the saying goes, and to see our need for a Savior. Jesus has the same compassion today. If we doubt His compassion all we need to do is to look at the cross. When we acknowledge our need for salvation and call out to Him, Jesus will be ‘Moved with compassion’ and open our eyes and touch our hearts.
“……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 NLT
Labor Day is here once again. Like most holidays in the United States, the significance of the day is often overshadowed by festive celebrations of picnics, recreational activities, sporting events, and the like. That is not to say we shouldn’t celebrate, but at times we tend to look for any excuse to celebrate and we forget the purpose. Labor Day is no different. Labor Day is a National holiday both in the United States and in Canada celebrated on the first Monday in September. It recognizes American and Canadian workers for their contribution and achievements to a working society in the development of both countries. A labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, economically and for the advancement of all people is worthy of recognition on Labor Day.
But there is also another labor force that is steady working towards building a better society, the building of the Kingdom of God. And it is also for the advancement of all people. There is a problem though within this work force, it is extremely short handed. This job market is huge and there are plenty of opportunities. But as so often happens in the U. S. job market, some people would rather stay home rather than apply for the job. Our Lord Jesus makes reference to this in Luke’s gospel, “……The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (10:2)
There is certainly plenty of work to do. It is steady work we call job security, and you will never be laid off. And yes, if you know the Lord Jesus as your Savoir you are more than qualified. You were called for this purpose to serve and work for Him in the field He has placed you. The Lord has placed a light within you and me to share with others who are struggling in this dark world.
Country singer-song-writer Paul Overstreet in his song ‘Steady Working’ wrote the following;
“So many hearts are hurting, Lives broken into, So many souls are searching, For someone to tell them the truth, Now you and I have been given, The light inside our hearts, I have made my decision, I’m gonna go and shine a light in the dark….You know I’m steady working for my Jesus, Steady working for my Lord.”
Sometimes in working for the Lord Jesus we are not recognized as those in today’s Labor force are not recognized. But we should never do it for our own recognition, but to bring glory to God by adding to His Kingdom. Besides we will receive the ultimate recognition when we hear our Lord Jesus say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant for Steady Working.’
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 NASB
The company I worked for before my retirement designated certain individuals in each department as a “mentor.” A “mentor” by definition is a wise advisor, a teacher or coach. Their name tag reflects one who is knowledgeable and is in a position to train those within the department. Training is leading by example. Mentors demonstrate and explain the proper procedures for the department to be successful, but more importantly that the associate is successful in the future.
Just as we need mentors in our work places, we need mentors within the church. We need those who are spiritual and knowledgeable in the things of God and His Word to train those who are the future of the church. Individual believers need mentors who lead by example, who walk the talk as the saying goes (although none of us are perfect.) Believers need mentors to help them grow to spiritual maturity.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Remember those who led you……..imitate their faith.” Perhaps there is one that you remember who has influence you in your walk with Lord, I have such a one. One to whom I am eternally grateful for the time he invested in me many years ago.
As we remember those who led us, let us be leading those who will follow behind us. Let our lives be the name tag that tells others that we are mentors.
“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.” Luke 3:8 NLT
One’s ancestors can have a positive or negative effect on them. Positively speaking, one born into a family of great wealth and high standing in the community usually fare well. One born into the other end of the spectrum have an uphill battle from the start. But the outcome of both is not based on one’s ancestors’ wealth or status in life, but what they have accomplished with the opportunities afforded to them. Opportunities to follow one’s dreams and passions along with their God given skill set gives them the responsibility to choose the direction of their future.
Our lot in life is not based on who our ancestors are. My father was a machine assembler, that didn’t make me one; he was also a talented musician, not me either; and he was an excellent cook, certainly not me. Some people believe that because their parents were Christians they are also Christians. Many believe that being baptized and belonging to the church their family has traditionally attended for years also makes them a Christian and assured of heaven.
The problem is some attribute salvation and becoming a Christian to a family inheritance. Salvation is to choose to follow Jesus Christ, accepting Him as your personal Savior. There is no such thing as a Christian Ancestry guaranteeing salvation. Those who came to John the Baptist thought the same thing. They were Jews who were descendants of Abraham. It was their rite of passage. Their ancestry made it all right. John made it clear it was not so. They needed to repent of their sins and turn to God. (Luke 3:8)
So true today, one needs to acknowledge and repent of their sins, trusting Jesus’s work on the cross for salvation. It’s a personal choice, it’s your choice, why not make it today!
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 ESV
Legendary singer, musician, and entertainer Neil Diamond wrote most of his recordings including ‘Beautiful Noise’ in 1976. Diamond’s career is such a success that his popularity has earned him the biggest tribute, a Broadway musical based on his life and music entitled ‘Beautiful Noise.’ I can testify, he being one of my of my favorite musical artists, Neil Diamond’s music and live performances are nothing short of a ‘Beautiful Noise.’ Diamond wrote, “It’s a beautiful noise, Made of joy and of strife, Like a symphony played, By the passing parade, It’s the music of life.”
The music of life is indeed a beautiful noise for God is the creator of life. All our joys and our sufferings are known to Him. In His providence our lives are mapped out for us under God’s direction. We have free will, but God is directing and is aware of every step and misstep we take. He is there when we mess up forgiving us of our sin as we confess and repent. It’s a beautiful noise.
The Psalmist writes in Psalm 100, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (100:1-2) Gathering together for worship each Sunday is a time for rejoicing and singing to the Lord. But notice, the Psalmist says ‘all the earth’ is to make a joyful noise. All the earth is to be glad and serve the Lord. Everyone is encouraged to come at anytime and anyplace with singing, making a joyful noise to the Lord. Now that’s a ‘beautiful noise!’
“…. and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name” 1 Chronicles 22:9b-10a NASB
How well do you utilize your “downtime”, the time set aside from your normal daily grind and activities? God has given us an example in the story of creation in the book of Genesis. God rested on the seventh day from all His work (Genesis 2:2-3). A day of rest is established for us because we need it. No matter the urgency or importance of our jobs or responsibilities, we cannot continue to function 24/7 without breaking down. God in His ultimate wisdom and love for us knew that, therefore the example for us to rest.
That being said, after we have rested and refocused, do we use the time God has given us in pursuit of a work He has for us to do? There are some projects we simply cannot do during our normal work days. When given the opportunity from God, do we work the work He has for us, or do we spend the extra time on ourselves?
King Solomon had such an opportunity from God. During his reign as king, Israel had peace from the wars his father King David had all of his life. It was in David’s heart to build the Temple for the Lord, but the Lord said it was not to be. David’s son, Solomon, would build it. Solomon obeyed and followed the Lord’s instructions in building the Temple. Solomon wisely used the “downtime” for the work of the Lord. He did not put it on the back burner or use the time for himself.
Whether it is only our day off or a relatively quiet time in our lives, let us look to what God wants to accomplish through us during the opportunities He has given us in our downtime.
“He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?” Psalm 94:9 ESV
A most entertaining aspect of any sporting event is to hear firsthand sounds of the game from the players themselves. The NFL has captured and perfected this better than any other sport as their experience with it spans over fifty years. That is not to say other major sports have not made inroads in their own unique style. Major League Baseball, for example, has dugout interviews with mangers and players, and on occasion has conversed with players on the field during a game. And what is more exciting than hearing and seeing the competitiveness on a NBA court.
Although entertaining, a drawback to this feature is the vulnerability of some to express a thought or opinion, either intentional or unintentional, in which they would like to have back. For the most part, those who participate in this venture are well aware of the hot mic in their presence. But at times words are expressed as if no one is listening, as if no one is around to hear their voice.
All of us can relate to have misspoken at one time or another. We regret what had been said and the consequences it caused with the harm it had done. The psalmist reminds us it is not only those around us who here our words, but there is one who always hears. There is one who is always listening. The Lord God not only hears all we say, but He sees all we do, even when there is no one around. God has the ultimate “hot mic” along with His “all seeing surveillance camera.”
This should not only serve as a warning to us, but also a comfort. May our conduct bring glory to God through our speech and actions encouraging others and leading them to Jesus Christ.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
The number one reason to attend church this Sunday or any Sunday is to worship God. Right alongside that reason is to hear a message from His Word. The writer of the book of Hebrews gives us another reason; “to stir up one another to love and good works.” All Christians need to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus. You may have heard the saying, “Nothing’s ever easy”, and that is particularly true of the Christian life.
Dear friend, think of the obstacles and struggles that come your way during the week. Our Christian friends are going through similar difficulties as well. We all need encouragement. We need to be there for each other; to listen, to share a word and to pray with each other. The simple fact is, if we are not attending church together, this will not happen and there will be a lot of discouraged Christians.
We are “to stir up one another to love and good works” especially in light of the difficult days that we are in. Our lives are to reflect the love of Christ and represent Him by our love for each other and our good works done in His name. Jesus says in John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let us be in the habit of encouraging each other and not neglecting to meet to “stir up one another!”
“O LORD, You have searched me and known me, You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.” Psalm 139: 1-2 NASB
What a comfort it is to know that God, the God of the universe, knows us intimately. He knows of our struggles, our fears and our limitations. He also knows of our joy and all our successes. But let us also look at the other side of coin; yes it is a comfort to know that God knows all about us, and He does know ALL about us. Look again at the end of verse 2, “You understand my thought from afar.” He even knows the thoughts of our minds, yes, good thoughts pleasing to Him and evil thoughts that fly in the face of His Holiness.
King David wrote Psalm 139 as a prayer of devotion to the Lord to examine his heart and to get rid of anything displeasing in His sight. King David wanted to be true to the Lord and be led in His righteousness. (Psalm 139:23-24) And how is it with you? The comfort of knowing that God sees all and knows all about us is a great comfort, but it should also serve as a great wakeup call as He does see ALL and knows ALL about us, good and bad.
May we be as King David desiring to be true to God and be led in His righteousness. For He Knows You and He Knows Me!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 ESV
John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.
Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?
People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b)
The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.
Word for the Soul 